Chapter 92 Nothing beats being the client! ...

"I was just a maiden in my boudoir, Your Majesty, please look at the mark on my earring..."

Consort Gao, dressed in a loose-fitting red men's robe, her long black hair tied up in a jade crown, with a melodious voice and clear singing style, circled around Emperor Qingxi, then casually flicked her sleeve at him and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, do you like the new opera I've learned?"

Emperor Qingxi was naturally happy to support his beloved concubine and did not hold back his applause, saying, "The Noble Consort is naturally intelligent and can learn anything very quickly."

Consort Gao's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the praise, and the beauty, shy and bashful, became even more alluring.

She removed her hair crown, letting her long black hair cascade down, and sat down next to Emperor Qingxi, taking his arm and saying sweetly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for avenging me."

Consort Gao has lived in the deep palace for a long time. Although outsiders see her as enjoying the emperor's favor, Emperor Qingxi has too many state affairs to deal with every day, and he only has a little time for her. If she doesn't find some fun for herself, she will go crazy sooner or later.

Previously, her hobby was dabbling in fortune telling and astrology, and she was keen on matchmaking.

But there are only so many eligible young men and women in the capital, and not everyone has the honor of being granted a marriage by the royal family; otherwise, this honor would be worthless.

Consort Gao could only send her trusted confidants out of the palace secretly to search for interesting stories and travelogues from the streets.

To be honest, she only learned to read and write after entering the palace and being selected as a palace maid. Over the years, she has been by Emperor Qingxi's side, so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she was his personally taught disciple.

Emperor Qingxi loved Consort Gao not only because of her unparalleled beauty, but also because she was intelligent, sensible, and knew how to ask for what she wanted and work hard to learn what she wanted to learn.

She transformed from a beautiful but illiterate palace maid into the dignified and radiant Imperial Concubine she is today, thanks in no small part to Emperor Qingxi's personal guidance and training.

It was this unique companionship and sense of nurturing that made Consort Gao's position in the harem unshakeable.

As a devoted reader of "The Story of Qi Lan", Consort Gao was furious when she learned the true nature of Xiao Xiang Gongzi. So much so that when Emperor Qingxi went to her palace to rest after dinner, he didn't see Consort Gao at all.

Only the palace maid who served her came out tremblingly to report: "Her Majesty said she is not feeling well tonight and cannot serve His Majesty."

When his beloved concubine fell ill, Emperor Qingxi naturally couldn't ignore it, and once he did, he understood everything.

...

Hearing Consort Gao's heartfelt thanks, Emperor Qingxi was unimpressed and even had the mind to laugh at her: "It's just a folk tale, is it really worth your concern?"

"Your Majesty, have you forgotten? I am also the eldest daughter in my family." Consort Gao lowered her eyelashes, looking even more pitiful. "Whenever I think of what happened to that Xiao woman, I feel a deep sense of sorrow."

She nestled softly against Emperor Qingxi's lap, her small face, no bigger than a palm, as flawless as white jade, gazing at him with tender affection: "If it weren't for my great fortune to have received Your Majesty's favor and tender care, I'm afraid my fate wouldn't have been much better..."

"Why are you saying such sentimental things out of the blue? You are my beloved concubine, and I will naturally protect you well."

Emperor Qingxi pulled her into his arms and patted her gently to comfort her. Consort Gao quickly stopped crying and started laughing. She then became so engrossed in her performance that she insisted on singing the newly arranged version of "Yu Tang Chai" for Emperor Qingxi.

Previously, Consort Gao had invited an opera troupe to perform in the palace. Emperor Qingxi came to watch after court, but he had never been interested in such melodious singing. Now he realized that it was actually a story about a woman disguised as a man taking the imperial examination.

Emperor Qingxi clapped his hands and laughed, pointing at Consort Gao and teasingly saying, "If that Miss Xie were as beautiful as Consort Gao, would the emperors in those stories be fools who couldn't even tell the difference between men and women?"

Anyway, he was very confident in his judgment; such a thing would never happen in Da Ye!

"It's just a story; as long as it's entertaining, that's enough. Your Majesty is wise and insightful; why bother with such trivial details?"

When Consort Gao got tired of singing, she sat back down next to Emperor Qingxi. With her slender fingers, she peeled a green grape, brought it to Emperor Qingxi's lips, then pretended to put it in her own mouth before quickly tossing it in, giving him a sly smile.

Emperor Qingxi was not annoyed by the teasing. He picked up the new volume of "The Story of Qilan" that Consort Gao had read halfway through and flipped through it. He couldn't help but frown: "This woman dares to wander alone and associate with all sorts of people. This is very inappropriate."

Why do women these days love reading these unconventional stories? This is not a good sign.

Seeing Emperor Qingxi's thoughtful expression and apparent displeasure, Consort Gao's heart skipped a beat. She quickly tried to smooth things over for Xiao Suzhen, "Your Majesty is overthinking it. It's just a story. Look at the latest chapter, Miss Qilan even encountered an immortal who flew on a sword and, by chance, obtained a cultivation manual."

She feigned displeasure and snorted, "Those men outside still enjoy watching stories of fox spirits repaying kindness by transforming into beautiful women to bear children for them. Why don't you say that love between humans and demons goes against the natural order?"

Emperor Qingxi had only said it casually, but seeing that Consort Gao seemed to be taking it seriously, he quickly smiled and begged for forgiveness, "Alright, alright, I didn't mean anything by it, Consort, please don't take it to heart."

Consort Gao rolled her eyes and then made a small request.

"It is truly remarkable that Lady Xiao possesses such talent. Your Majesty, could you grant her the privilege of establishing a separate household for women? This would allow her to focus on her writing, and I would also be able to read more wonderful stories. Would that be alright?"

Emperor Qingxi, in order to win a smile from his beloved, even banished the insignificant Xiao Lang from the capital. Naturally, he wouldn't care whether there was another female household in the capital. He waved his hand and sent his attendant eunuch out of the palace to deliver the imperial edict.

...

The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict did not know where Xiao Su Zhenren was, so he went directly to Shuntian Prefecture with the emperor's edict.

Lu Chong happened to be off duty today, and upon receiving the news, he immediately rushed to the household registration office. He pulled his colleague aside and whispered, "Since we've already set up a separate household for Xiao Shi, why don't we also transfer Xiao Lang's house in Xingzi Lane to her name? After all, the money for the house was earned by her."

The official in charge of the household affairs knew that Xiao Suzhen was already on the emperor's side, so he naturally didn't mind currying favor. After all, it was just a matter of formalities; Xiao Lang had been expelled from the capital, and the house should rightfully be inherited by Xiao Suzhen.

Lü Chong personally oversaw the completion of all the formalities and then volunteered to go to the Marquis's residence to deliver the message.

Given his enthusiastic response, perhaps he can get a few more signed copies of his book for his wife.

...

When Xiao Suzhen saw Lü Chong in the front yard, she was almost overwhelmed by the good news.

The household registration and property issues that had been troubling her and her child could be resolved so easily.

Lu Chong, wanting to impress, revealed a little inside information: "I heard from the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict that this was all thanks to the Imperial Concubine speaking highly of you to His Majesty. She only hopes that you can write more and better stories in the future."

He paused, then lowered his voice and quickly added, "His Majesty seems a little dissatisfied, feeling that 'The Story of Qilan' encourages women to deviate from the norm. You should pay more attention to this aspect in the future."

Xiao Suzhen was initially grateful to the Imperial Concubine for speaking up for justice, but upon hearing Lü Chong's words, she felt a chill and couldn't help but look at Yan Yi standing to the side.

Fortunately, she had previously adopted Zhou's suggestion and added a little bit of fantasy and supernatural elements beyond reality to the latest volume of "The Legend of Qilan".

This way, she wouldn't be used by those with ulterior motives to make a fuss, claiming that she was alluding to the current dynasty and encouraging women to rebel against their parents' orders.

Xiao Suzhen composed herself, curtsied, and bowed respectfully to Lü Chong. "This matter concerns the privacy of the palace, and Lord Lü was still able to offer his frank advice. I will never forget your great kindness and virtue."

Lu Chong waved his hands repeatedly, saying there was no need for that. He scratched his head and said embarrassedly, "It's just... could you send me a revised edition of 'The Story of Qi Lan'? My wife thinks the original copy at home is unlucky because it has the name of the Young Master Xiao Xiang. She said she wants to tear it up and burn it as firewood."

The first five volumes of "The Story of Qilan" published by Xuelangzhai are now completely unsellable. Readers who know the inside story have come to Langhuan Pavilion, hoping to print a new version signed by Xiao Suzhen as soon as possible.

If Xiao Lang hadn't already been expelled from the capital by order of Emperor Qingxi and disappeared without a trace, the owner of Xuelangzhai would have even considered hiring someone to kill him.

After Lü Chong left, Xiao Suzhen held the newly issued house deed, her expression complicated.

After going through many twists and turns, the house ended up back in her hands.

Since the mother and daughter had been bothering the Marquis's residence for many days, Xiao Suzhen decided to take Xiaonan back tomorrow.

Dong Lanyi was very reluctant to part with Xiao Suzhen. Although she was more than ten years younger than Xiao Suzhen, they were of the same generation and shared common interests and ideals. She wished she could sleep side by side with her every night.

But she also knew in her heart that staying at the Marquis's mansion was only a temporary measure, and Xiao Suzhen would have to move out sooner or later.

So she copied down many rare and ancient books she had read before and gave them to Xiao Suzhen as a housewarming gift.

As she was leaving, she held Xiao Suzhen's hand and gave her some reluctant words of advice:

"Langhuan Pavilion has recently received many submissions from sisters who are inspired and interested in creating. Sister Xiao, please remember to come back and visit often when you have time. Let's pick out stories with potential and originality together and make more wonderful storybooks."

...

After Xiao Suzhen and her daughter left, Dong Lanyi was sad for two days, but she had not yet finished writing her new volume of "Yutang Chai". She quickly threw herself into the task of rushing to finish the manuscript.

In contrast, the most disappointed person was Ah-Zhi, who had finally found a little sister to play with and hadn't had enough yet.

She had always been obedient and sensible since childhood, and she was unwilling to talk about her worries or bother others. So she kept them bottled up inside and ended up getting a minor illness, with a fever that lasted for several days before it subsided.

After recovering from her illness, Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi went to visit her together. They saw Azhi sitting listlessly on the bed, looking like she had no energy for anything, and they couldn't help but worry about her.

Shen Lingyue had a sudden inspiration, "Azhi, do you want to go to school?"

What kind of school should you attend?

Pei Yuzhen entered the room just in time to hear this, and immediately said nervously, "Azhi has been weak since she was a child, and she gets sick every few days. You still dare to let her go to school? What if she ruins her health?"

"It's precisely because Ah-Zhi's health is not good that she needs to interact with the outside world more and exercise more."

The more Shen Lingyue talked, the more she felt that this reason was valid. In the past, Pei Yuzhen had kept too close a liking to Azhi, as if she were living in a vacuum chamber, which made her overly sensible at a young age and afraid to express her own needs.

If Pei Yuzhen is allowed to continue like this, there's no guarantee she won't raise a second Dong Lanyi in the future.

Yan Yi also chimed in, "Azhi is all alone in the mansion, without any brothers or sisters of the same age. She must be so lonely. Think back to when Xiaonan was still here. How happy Azhi was every day."

Pei Yuzhen was still somewhat skeptical, so she turned to her youngest daughter, who was lying on her sickbed, and asked, "Do you want to go to school?"

Azhi's eyes lit up immediately. "Is it the Yunshao Girls' School run by the Tong'an Duke? I... I want to go there."

Actually, Azhi wanted to go when Yunshao Girls' School was recruiting students last year, but Pei Yuzhen shut her down as soon as she brought it up, saying that the school was a mixed bag, with both rich and powerful daughters and ordinary people. Azhi, with her awkward status in the middle and poor health, might be bullied if she went there.

At that time, Pei Yuzhen was also troubled by Dong Lanyi's marriage. Azhi did not dare to disobey her and could only put aside her idea of ​​going to school for the time being.

Now that she has her two cousins-in-law backing her up, Azhi mustered up her courage and said, "Mom, I'm thirteen years old this year. My second cousin's niece can go to school at four and a half years old. I'm almost ten years older than her. Can't I take care of myself?"

Seeing that Pei Yuzhen was still undecided, Shen Lingyue pulled her aside and whispered encouragement: "Yun Shao Girls' School was founded by Princess Tong'an. Let Azhi go there to study for a few years and make more friends with talented and high-status people. That will make her more likely to find a husband in the future."

These words hit Pei Yuzhen where it hurt. She couldn't control her eldest daughter anymore, and her youngest daughter couldn't write books or earn money. In the future, she would still have to marry into a good family.

Pei Yuzhen cleared her throat, still trying to maintain her composure, "It's not the time for girls' school admissions now, how can Azhi get in?"

“Our family is related to Princess Tongan, so let’s use some connections to let Azhi get in first to enroll or study for two months.”

Shen Lingyue rubbed her hands together, patted her chest, and promised that she would take care of sending Azhi to school.

Without further ado, after Ah Zhi recovered for two more days, she and Yan Yi took their little cousin out.

In Shen Lingyue's words, it was not appropriate to use Princess Tong'an's connections for such a small matter, so she went directly to Yunshao Girls' School and inquired with the Taoli Female Official in charge.

Even if it's just paying a tuition fee, as long as we can get Azhi in, that's fine.

Dong Lanyi secretly came to see Shen Lingyue last night, saying that if Azhi needed money to go to school, she, as her older sister, would pay for it.

Since earning money through writing books, Dong Lanyi feels that she has become much more assertive in her speech.

This is different from the dowry her family prepared for her; this is money she earned with her own hands, and she can spend it however she wants.

Shen Lingyue remarked to Yan Yi, "My cousin's whole demeanor is completely different now. Money really does give people courage."

Yan Yi smiled and tapped her, "Don't forget that you, the big boss of Langhuan Pavilion, earn even more."

If you really look into it, my cousin has become someone who works for Little Moon, this capitalist.

Shen Lingyue was overjoyed: Nothing beats being the client!

...

Tao Li, the female official, was initially surprised to see the two people she hadn't seen in a long time. She was overjoyed to learn that they were willing to set up a "scholarship" subsidy for impoverished students at Yunshao Girls' School in exchange for her cousin's enrollment spot.

She cleared her throat demurely, "Madams, there's really no need to be so polite. With your relationship with Her Highness the Princess, getting a spot would be easy. Besides, the enrollment season is just a few months away, so you can bring your daughter to take the exam then."

Shen Lingyue smiled and said, "Thank you for reminding me, Sister Tao. It's just that my little cousin missed last year's exam because she was sick. I was thinking of coming to school early so I could make more new friends."

Seeing her insistence, the female official Taoli took them to see Dr. Chen, who was in charge of the primary school, and asked her to prepare a basic exam paper for Azhi on the spot and conduct an on-site interview.

Ah Zhi performed very well, not only answering all the questions on the test paper, but also handling Dr. Chen's questions with composure and confidence.

Dr. Chen nodded in satisfaction and said to the female official, "Student Dong has a very good foundation. I suggest she take the intermediate course exam."

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi were also very happy to hear this. If Azhi could pass the intermediate class exam, her classmates would be peers of similar age, and they would get along better.

On the way to the intermediate class, she whispered to Yan Yi, "Although my aunt spoils the children a bit, she is quite strict in their education."

It's no exaggeration to say that Azhi can recite far more classical Chinese texts than she can QAQ

Yan Yi smiled: "Yes, you can tell by how many books my cousin has in her room. Without strict guidance, she wouldn't be able to write such wonderful stories."

As expected, Azhi passed the intermediate-level assessment, and the female official immediately approved her to come to school with her luggage the next day.

At this moment, an instructor came from outside, bowed to the female official Taoli, and said, "Madam Deyi has arrived outside. Should we take the students to wait at the 'Golden Sound and Jade Resonance Platform'?"

Tao Li, the female official, nodded and told her to make the arrangements. She turned around and smiled at the group, saying, "You've come at just the right time. Why don't you take Dong along to the lecture later?"

Shen Lingyue asked impatiently, "Madam Deyi has also become a Doctor of Women's Studies?"

Taoli, the female official, smiled and shook her head: "No, it was Her Highness the Princess who invited her to the girls' school to tell the students about the local customs and people she had experienced in the Northwest."

"His Highness said that although the students here cannot read thousands of books and travel thousands of miles like the men, some court ladies who have accompanied their husbands to other places can be invited to give lectures on a regular basis, so that they can learn about the customs and culture of the world even without leaving their homes. If any of them really need to marry far away in the future, it is better to know more about the local situation than to be completely clueless."

Shen Lingyue exclaimed "Wow!" and winked at Yan Yi. "Isn't this a lecture by a famous person?"

Princess Tong'an went to great lengths for these students. In the past, this knowledge of local customs and traditions was mostly confined to the inner quarters and passed down only among local people or mothers and daughters. Now, however, it can be openly taught in girls' schools, benefiting more people.

Since the female officials of Taoli had invited them, they naturally wanted to participate actively and took Azhi with them to the Golden Sound and Jade Resonance Platform that the instructor had mentioned earlier.

In fact, this is the main hall of the former abandoned royal palace. It is exceptionally tall and spacious, and was renovated by Princess Tong'an. It is large enough to accommodate all the students and is a veritable grand auditorium.

"Azhi, go inside with Lady Tao." Yan Yi patted her shoulder encouragingly. "Your future classmates will be there."

Ah Zhi took a deep breath and, filled with trepidation and anticipation for the unknown, bravely stepped inside.

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi waited at the door for a while before they met Fan Qingxi.

She was pleasantly surprised to see the two of them. "Were you also invited by the princess to give lectures?"

Shen Lingyue quickly waved her hand, "We've never even left the capital, what is there to talk about?"

Fan Qingxi teased her, "You can tell us how you turned a small study into the best in the capital."

The book "Jade Hairpin" sold very well recently, and I heard that Langhuan Pavilion has opened two more branches in the east and west of the city.

Fan Qingxi took their hands and said, "Given our friendship, it wouldn't be too much to ask you to send me two copies of your new book when it's released, would it?"

Yan Yi smiled and agreed.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Fan Qingxi was led by the instructor to the front of the main hall, where she began to tell the students about her experiences living in the Northwest for ten years, as well as some local customs that needed to be noted.

The two sat in the last row and listened to the whole thing. It felt like they were back in college, attending lectures, but Fan Qingxi's lecture was much more interesting.

This also reaffirmed their belief that sending Ah-Zhi to school was the right decision.

...

Azhi successfully enrolled in school, Dong Lanyi was busy writing manuscripts all day long, and Pei Yuzhen suddenly became an idle person with nothing to do, and could only come to Songhetang every day to show her filial piety.

After a while, even the old lady got annoyed. "The weather outside is so nice, can't you go out for a walk?"

Pei Yuzhen said matter-of-factly, "Does going out shopping not cost money?"

The old lady shoved two silver notes into her hand with a hint of annoyance. “I heard that a highly accomplished monk has recently arrived at the Jade Buddha Temple outside the city. He is young but has profound Buddhist knowledge. Go and take a look for me. If he is truly effective, ask for some blessed items to bring back.”

He paused, then added, "Go ask Yan Yi and Yue'er if they're free, and ask them to go with you."

Seeing that her two granddaughters-in-law had been married for almost a year and still hadn't conceived, the old lady couldn't help but get a little anxious and thought about having them go to the temple to pray more often.

Pei Yuzhen was initially reluctant, but upon seeing this, the Grand Madam was about to take the silver notes back. "Are you going or not?"

"...Holy crap!"

Pei Yuzhen had no choice but to call the two of them together.

Pei Jinghuai happened to be home today, so he was given the task of guarding the three female relatives, and a large entourage of carriages set off.

The Jade Buddha Temple is about an hour's drive from the capital, which is relatively close. Moreover, it is said that the vegetarian food in the temple is very famous and is loved by many officials' wives and daughters, making it a popular place of worship.

Although Shen Lingyue is not superstitious, she finally had some free time recently, so she took the opportunity to go out and have some fun.

She said to Yan Yi with great interest, "I'm going to draw a fortune stick in a little while to ask where the next shop in Langhuan Pavilion would be more likely to make a fortune!"

Yan Yi: ...Who was it that just said they weren't superstitious?

Shen Lingyue: Except for seeking wealth ^_^

The carriage successfully left the city, and at the foot of the mountain less than ten miles from the Jade Buddha Temple, a faint sound of panic, with shouts of people and neighing of horses, could be heard ahead.

Pei Jinghuai did not ride in the carriage, but rode a horse beside the caravan as a guard. He raised his hand to look into the distance and suddenly said, "Oh no, the horses in front have spooked and are about to overturn the caravan."

Shen Lingyue lifted the carriage curtain and looked out. Seeing that her carriage was still moving at a steady speed and was about to collide with the chaotic caravan in front, she quickly said, "Go and help us quickly."

A runaway horse is no small matter; it could easily cause a rollover and result in fatalities.

"Understood."

Pei Jinghuai raised an eyebrow at her, spurred his horse forward, and as he approached the convoy ahead, he suddenly leaped into the air and jumped onto the frightened left-hand horse. He tightened the reins and quickly untied the ropes connecting the carriage to the carriage body.

As soon as the mad horse broke free of its restraints, it neighed and charged forward. Pei Jinghuai seized the opportunity and jumped down in front of a soft patch of grass. After rolling a few times to dissipate the force, he stood up, dusted off the grass seeds on his body, and was unharmed.

Shen Lingyue gripped the car window tightly, watching the entire process with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. She couldn't help but shout at him, "My husband is so handsome!!!"

Pei Jinghuai was so flattered that he was practically strutting around, grinning like he owned the place. Pei Yuzhen had just peeked out when she was startled back by the cheesy, affectionate gaze between the young couple.

...Are you two ever going to stop? You're so lovey-dovey at home, and you're still lovey-dovey when you go out!

Soon, the Marquis's carriage procession caught up with the carriage in front, but had to stop because it was stuck in traffic.

When Pei Jinghuai walked over, the coachman was already pale with fright and bowed repeatedly to him, saying, "Thank you so much for saving my life, young master!"

Hearing his high-pitched voice, which didn't sound like an ordinary man's, Pei Jinghuai was taken aback before realizing, "You're a palace eunuch?"

The driver nodded tremblingly, but seeing no movement from inside the carriage for a long time, he became even more panicked and pleaded, "Young master, could you please have the women in your household check the situation inside the carriage?"

Since the coachman was a palace attendant, the person inside the carriage must be a member of the royal family. Pei Jinghuai dared not delay and hurriedly went to the back to relay the message.

Soon, Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi arrived together and carefully opened the car door.

When the two men saw the unconscious woman inside the car, they couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

"Princess Lekang?!"

Before the two could be surprised as to why Princess Lekang would quietly leave the palace in ordinary clothes, a line of horses galloped up from the front.

The leader, dressed in a magnificent gold-embroidered brocade robe, was arrogant and domineering, shouting, "Princess, don't be afraid, I'm here to save you—huh???"

Upon seeing that Princess Lekang's carriage, though crookedly parked by the roadside, appeared unharmed, the man reined in his horses, his face displeased: "Who gave you permission to meddle?"

Shen Lingyue leaned out of the car, frowning, and said, "Who are you? Is it wrong for us to save people?"

A follower behind the man immediately said, "How dare you be so disrespectful to the young imperial brother-in-law!"

Young Imperial Brother-in-Law?

Shen Lingyue quickly searched the gossip database, and the location was: the palace banquet on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Could this man be Consort Gao's younger brother, the one who wanted to marry Princess Lekang?

She turned to look at Princess Lekang, who had accidentally bumped her forehead because the horse had been startled.

Hmm... Could this guy have deliberately damaged the princess's carriage to play the hero and save the damsel in distress?

As luck would have it, her dog snatched it away?

-----------------------

Author's Note: [Moon Child: As a successor of socialism, I can't bear to see a child out of school! [Go for it!] Everyone, go to school!]

Lately, so many things have piled up at home. My nine-year-old son has had urinary retention four times in two months [crying][crying]. Thank you so much for understanding my erratic update schedule QAQ

Only one chapter tonight, but there's a small red envelope for every 2-point comment within 24 hours! [Sprinkling flowers][Sprinkling flowers]