Chapter 31 [31] A den of snakes and scorpions, a den of tigers and wolves

【31】/First release on Jinjiang Literature City

Queen Mother Zhao was indeed overjoyed.

When she learned that Prince Jing and his wife were entering the palace together, she immediately ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare a sumptuous banquet, half of which was Sima Jing's favorite food, and the other half was Huaiyang cuisine.

In addition, even the incense, scented tea and cakes in her palace were replaced with those that Sima Jing liked.

When the young couple entered the palace, they followed the rules and first went to Shoukang Palace to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.

After not seeing her for many days, Queen Mother Zhao still looked graceful and elegant, but her clothes and jewelry showed that she had been dressed up deliberately.

Yun Ran couldn't help but glance at Queen Mother Zhao several times.

Queen Mother Zhao noticed this and asked in a gentle tone, "Ran Ran, do you have something to report?"

Yun Ran was caught red-handed and blushed instantly: "No, your son has nothing to report."

Queen Mother Zhao: "Then why do you keep looking at me?"

Yun Ran quietly clenched his fingers and said shyly, "I just think that the Queen Mother looks particularly beautiful today..."

Queen Mother Zhao was slightly startled, then smiled: "Really?"

"Yes, mother, you have fair skin, and crimson looks good on you. And your hair is done so well today, it makes your neck look long and slender, and you look so refreshed. And your eyebrows and rouge complement each other perfectly."

Every word Yun Ran said was the truth. Although the beauty was old, she was still elegant and charming.

Moreover, she carefully examined Queen Mother Zhao's facial features and felt more and more that Sima Jing's appearance was like that of the Queen Mother.

Sima Jing, as a man, was so handsome.

"I cannot imagine how stunningly beautiful my mother must have been when she was young."

Queen Mother Zhao was so impressed by Yun Ran's praise that wrinkles appeared in the corners of her eyes. "Is your little mouth smeared with honey? I'm already this old, what's the point of looking good or not? But you guys are still young and youthful, you don't need makeup, you can tell at a glance that you are fresh and beautiful."

Even so, she also looked down at her crimson palace dress: "On ordinary days, I rarely wear such bright colors. I only wear them during festivals to suit the occasion."

But she remembered clearly that when Ajing was a child, he liked to see her wearing red the most.

He also likes red.

In the past, whenever she got some red fabric, she would keep it to make new clothes for him, dressing the fair-skinned little boy like a girl.

But after returning from the Rongdi, Sima Jing never wore a red robe again.

Except for the last wedding.

That bright red wedding gown was truly unique and there was no other like it in the world.

Yun Ran seemed to have thought of this as well, and glanced to the side.

But I saw a man in a dark blue brocade robe holding a jade cup and drinking tea with an expressionless face, as if everything in the hall had nothing to do with him.

Yun Ran: “…”

What's wrong with this guy? The person sitting above him is his mother.

Dowager Zhao sat upstairs and took in the completely different attitudes of her son and daughter-in-law.

Although I felt disappointed, I thought that A Jing was willing to enter the palace, which was a good start.

As expected, after he got married and started a family, he became much more sensible.

After some greetings, the queen sent someone to invite Yun Ran.

Yun Ran stood up and said goodbye to Queen Mother Zhao: "My sister is waiting for me to appreciate the plum blossoms. Would you like to come with me, mother?"

This is just a courtesy.

Queen Mother Zhao smiled gently and said, "No, I'm afraid of the cold. You young people can go and have fun. I won't delay your enjoyment."

Yun Ran smiled and said "OK", but saw Sima Jing put down his teacup and stood up.

Yun Ran was stunned.

He won't want to go with us, will he?

Sima Jing saw through her little thoughts and said with a dark expression, "I'll take you out."

Yun Ran secretly breathed a sigh of relief. When she met the man's unfriendly gaze, she smiled awkwardly, "It's better not to trouble Your Highness..."

Sima Jing was too lazy to say anything more and walked straight out.

Yun Ran: “…”

She muttered "weirdo" to the man's back, then quickly put on a smile and saluted the Queen Mother: "Mother, I will take my leave first."

Queen Mother Zhao smiled and nodded: "Go."

The hall soon became quiet, with only the wisps of green smoke from the gilded bronze crane incense burner curling around the carved dome like gossamer.

Queen Mother Zhao tapped the throne armrests with her long fingers, her smile fading slightly. "It's because Miss Yun has a good temper. Otherwise, which young lady could tolerate his awkward temper?"

Nanny Lan Gui, standing by, agreed deeply: "Even this old servant sometimes cannot help but admire you. The princess has such a magnanimous spirit at such a young age. She is truly a true person who never reveals her true colors."

"Perhaps he was raised in the Dao sect since childhood, so his character is not ordinary."

Queen Dowager Zhao pondered, "It seems her master is also a virtuous and capable person. Although he lives in a humble mountain retreat, he was able to raise such a brilliant and insightful disciple... I will talk to the Emperor later and ask him to bestow upon her an honorific title as a token of his appreciation."

Nanny Lan Gui was both surprised and delighted: "Such an honor, the princess will surely be delighted when she knows about it."

Queen Mother Zhao slowly stroked the pattern on her crimson sleeves and said, "Since she has fulfilled my wishes, I will not treat her badly."

Looking at the figure outside who had not returned for a long time, she was not in a hurry. She just called Nanny Lan Gui over and asked about the latest situation of Prince Jing's Mansion.

Outside the Shoukang Palace, the snow reflects the warm sun, and the walls are as white as jade.

Yun Ran turned and looked at Sima Jing: "Your Highness, just send it here."

Although she didn't understand, there was nothing good to give as a gift in the palace.

Sima Jing said nothing and simply sent his attendants away.

After the palace servants had left, he said in a deep voice, "Don't eat anything you want in the palace."

Yun Ran didn't expect that he was going to explain this in such a mysterious way: "I'm not a child anymore, why would I eat anything I want?"

Sima Jing said, "If it is unavoidable, others should try it first before eating it."

Now, Yun Ran also realized the deep meaning of his words.

Her dark eyes moved slightly as she looked at him, "Isn't Your Highness being too cautious? The Empress is my cousin, and I have no grudge against her. Could she possibly harm me?"

Although she had heard storytellers talk about some palace struggles before, such as concubines poisoning and framing each other in order to win favor, and the intrigues and deceptions were very scary.

But storytelling is storytelling, she is not a concubine and has no conflicts of interest with the queen.

Moreover, during the first two meetings, everyone was very friendly and amiable.

Sima Jing: "Just remember what I said."

Yun Ran frowned, "But what you said is so illogical. How can I assume ill will towards others based on your one-sided statement?"

Sima Jing: "... whatever you want."

He turned and left, his back swollen with wind.

Yun Ran was immediately even more confused. What was wrong with this person? Couldn't he just speak properly?

What a waste of such a beautiful mouth.

Although she was complaining in her heart, she couldn't help but think about Sima Jing's instructions as she followed the palace maid to Fengyi Palace.

Although this man had a strange temper, perhaps because she had gradually become familiar with him over the past few days, she also developed some trust in him.

If it was his special instruction, then...

Well, you shouldn't have the intention to harm others, but you must be on guard against others. It's always better to be more careful than to be cheated.

**

Soon, Yun Ran arrived at Fengyi Palace.

This was her first time visiting the Queen's palace. Compared with Queen Dowager Zhao's Shoukang Palace, Fengyi Palace was more magnificent and gorgeous.

There is a silver mouse felt curtain hanging in the corridor of the main hall, and when it is lifted, a warm fragrance will hit your face. The floor of the hall is paved with golden bricks, which are so shiny that you can reflect your reflection. On both sides stand cloisonné crane stoves, emitting sinking water incense.

In the warm room on the right, there is a meter-high mother-of-pearl screen facing you, painted with a picture of birds paying homage to the phoenix. The mother-of-pearl screen glows with rainbow colors under the early winter morning sunlight, showing its luxury.

"Your Majesty, Princess Jing has arrived." The palace maid in green skirt bowed and reported.

When Yun Ran walked forward, he saw Queen Zheng sitting on a long couch in the warm room. She was wearing a lilac-colored palace dress with a peony pattern. Her hair was piled high like clouds, and the pearl necklaces of red gold and kingfisher phoenix hairpins hung on her shoulders, complementing the peacock feathers inserted diagonally in the blue-glazed porcelain vase behind her.

"Your Majesty, may your Majesty live forever."

Even though she was her cousin, Yun Ran did not forget the etiquette.

Empress Zheng raised her hand and said with a kind smile, "Sister, please get up quickly."

Then he asked Yun Ran to sit on the warm couch: "It's cold outside, drink a cup of hot tea and warm yourself up."

Yun Ran smiled and said, "It's okay. I've been feeling hot all the way here."

She gestured for the maid to bring the food box. "I tried this Longjing Green Tea Pastry at my third sister-in-law's shop. It tastes really good. So, I took the opportunity to bring some for my sister to try while I'm in the palace."

Queen Zheng was surprised and said, "I'm surprised you still remember me."

"Of course. I promised my sister last time that I would bring you anything delicious and fun, and I won't break my promise."

Yun Ran opened the lunch box and took out the plate of exquisitely presented pastries: "This is perfect with tea."

Seeing that she treated others with sincerity and her smile was much more genuine, Empress Zheng immediately ordered the palace servants to brew another pot of Longjing tea.

Soon, the aroma of tea wafted into the air, quiet and pleasant.

Seeing the queen sipping tea and eating cakes, Yun Ran looked expectant: "How does it taste?"

Empress Zheng smiled. "It's crispy and delicious, with a sweet aftertaste of tea. It's really good."

Yun Ran curved her eyes and said, "As long as you like it, I'll bring it back to you next time I enter the palace."

As she spoke, she also picked up the tea and took two sips, then looked around and asked, "Why is the little prince not here?"

Empress Zheng said, "Yu'er is in the upper study and will not be dismissed until 3 p.m."

Yun Ran was surprised: "The little prince is only three years old and he's already going to school?"

Queen Zheng: "The children of the royal family all start their education at the age of three."

Yun Ran was shocked: "When I was five, I was still playing in the mud."

She also asked the little prince what time he went to school every day, what he learned, and whether he had to go to school even in such a cold day.

After hearing Queen Zheng's answer, Yun Ran deeply felt the difficulties faced by the royal children. "Children at this age should be enjoying themselves, but they have to stay in the upper study every day to learn to read and write. It's too hard. I originally thought that the little prince would join us to appreciate the plum blossoms today."

When mentioning this, Empress Zheng's face also showed a trace of regret: "I originally wanted to take him with me, but...but last night, His Majesty asked him to recite a Chinese character, and he made a mistake. So His Majesty punished him to copy it a hundred times today, and he was not allowed to come back until he finished."

"If you make a mistake in reciting, you'll be punished by copying it a hundred times?"

Yun Ran said angrily: "Isn't this... too strict?"

After all, the little prince is only three years old.

Empress Zheng pursed her red lips and said, "Yu'er is the only child between Your Majesty and me. Your Majesty will inevitably place great hopes on her."

Yun Ran thought about it and it made sense. After all, the little prince was the future crown prince of the country, so he naturally couldn't be treated by the standards of an ordinary child.

But this did not prevent her from sympathizing with the little prince. He was so young, but he had to bear so much pressure. Poor kid.

"Let's not talk about Yu'er anymore. I heard that Brother Jing accompanied you into the palace today?"

Empress Zheng tilted her beautiful eyes, with a hint of curiosity: "It seems that you and Brother Jing get along very well."

Yun Ran said angrily, "It's okay."

Empress Zheng covered her lips and chuckled softly, "Sister, you are too modest. It is already remarkable that you can make Brother Jing accompany you into the palace."

"I didn't ask him to accompany me into the palace. He wanted to go there on his own."

Yun Ran said truthfully, "Maybe he wanted to see the Queen Mother, so he came along."

When Queen Zheng heard this, her eyes moved.

Looking at the young lady in front of her, her eyes were clear and didn't seem fake, which made her unsure for a moment.

The two sisters drank another half cup of tea and learned that Yun Ran had to return to Shoukang Palace for lunch. Empress Zheng did not delay and ordered people to set up the imperial garden.

The Imperial Garden is more exquisite and beautiful than the garden of Prince Jing's Mansion, and there are many green plants and flowers growing there even in winter.

Yun Ran liked it very much, especially the early blooming green-calyx plum trees, which made him even more envious.

"We have planted a few plum trees in our mansion, but they won't bloom for another half a month."

Yun Ran said, "Also, this is the first time I've seen green plum blossoms. I've only seen red, white, and yellow plum blossoms before."

Empress Zheng smiled softly and said, "These green-calyx plum trees were transplanted from the Hot Spring Palace in Mount Li. The climate there is warmer, and the plum blossoms bloom earlier."

This was the second time Yun Ran heard of the Lishan Hot Spring Palace, and he couldn't help but ask about the Queen's Hot Spring Palace.

Empress Zheng spoke to her patiently, and at the end, she added, "If you are interested, you can accompany me to the Hot Spring Palace at the beginning of next month. I'm afraid you won't be able to leave Brother Jing."

"Are you going to the Hot Spring Palace next month?" Yun Ran was surprised.

Empress Zheng smiled sweetly, "Every December, His Majesty would go to the Hot Spring Palace for a short stay of half a month, returning before New Year's Eve. But Brother Jing doesn't like to go out, so every time I invite him, he refuses."

Yun Ran could fully imagine Sima Jing saying "no" with a cold face.

Alas, that person is so lonely.

"If my sister can convince Brother Jing, that would be great." Queen Zheng said.

"I persuaded him?"

Yun Ran waved his hands: "How could I have such ability..."

Last time she begged him to come back, it was all in vain as she made three requests, and she still hasn't paid off her debt.

If I ask him to go to the Hot Spring Palace again, I'm afraid I'll be cheated again.

"Why should you underestimate yourselves, my brother and sister?"

A gentle laugh suddenly rang out from behind him: "The fact that A Jing can accompany you into the palace shows how special you are in his heart."

This sound!

Instantly, the people surrounding the green-calyx plum tree turned around and saluted respectfully: "Long live Your Majesty."

Yun Ran also hurriedly followed Empress Zheng in bowing, "Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty."

Emperor Wenxuan was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe with a dragon pattern, a jade crown and a leather belt, and a silver fox cloak. His handsome face was filled with his usual gentle smile. "Everyone, get up! Don't let me disturb your enjoyment of the flowers."

Yun Ran thanked him and stood up. Empress Zheng also walked to the side of Emperor Wenxuan and asked, "Why are you here, Your Majesty?"

Emperor Wenxuan naturally held her hand and said, "I just finished reviewing the memorials. I heard that you and Princess Jing were enjoying the flowers here, so I came to see you."

Yun Ran glanced at the two people holding hands intimately, thinking to herself that the emperor and empress were truly in love. Then she heard Emperor Wenxuan say, "Princess Jing, I have an errand for you. This time, you are to persuade A Jing to go to the Mount Li Hot Spring Palace with you. Can you do it?"

Yun Ran sighed, his face showing embarrassment. "Your Majesty, this...this...you all know my prince's temperament. He never likes to go out."

Emperor Wenxuan saw her at a loss and chuckled, "Don't you want to go to the Hot Spring Palace? If he were to accompany you, he might agree."

"Your Majesty is truly honoring me."

Yun Ran said awkwardly, "Let's not talk about the fact that I don't have that much ability. Your Highness's intentions are still important. Even if... even if he really has that ability, if he doesn't want to go out, I can't force him to do so."

Emperor Wenxuan was unconcerned: "How can you force me to go out for fun?"

Yun Ran was just about to say, "Sima Jing doesn't like to go out," when she suddenly heard a palace maid exclaim in a low voice, "Your Highness Prince Jing!"

Before she could turn around, her arm was grabbed.

The next moment, a tall dark figure appeared in front of him like an iron wall.

"What is Ajing doing?"

Seeing Sima Jing's unceremonious defense, Emperor Wenxuan's smile faded: "I was just chatting with my brother-in-law and his wife, why are you acting like this?"

"Your Majesty, you worry too much."

Sima Jing said, "The wind is strong, I am just blocking the wind for my wife."

Emperor Wenxuan: “…”

Yun Ran: “…”

She gently tugged at Sima Jing's sleeve and stuck half of her head out: "Your Highness, I..."

Before she could finish, Sima Jing untied the black cloak on his body and wrapped her tightly with a "clang".

As he tied her belt with an expressionless face, he said in a deep voice, "It's getting late. Mother is waiting for us to have dinner."

Yun Ran was wrapped in this large cloak that still carried his body temperature, and felt as warm as a quilt. His nostrils were filled with his own camphor, and he felt a little dazed for a moment.

Sima Jing turned around and looked at Emperor Wenxuan and Empress Zheng. "If you have no other instructions, I will take my wife and take my leave."

Emperor Wenxuan's expression stiffened slightly: "A Jing."

Sima Jing raised his eyes calmly: "Your Majesty, do you have any other instructions?"

Emperor Wenxuan frowned and was about to speak when Empress Zheng grabbed his hand and said, "Your Majesty."

Emperor Wenxuan glanced at Empress Zheng, then at his brother who was already half a head taller than him. He sighed deeply and said, "Forget it. You two should go and have dinner with our mother."

Sima Jing raised his sleeves slightly and said, "I'll take my leave."

He turned around and dragged Yun Ran away.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I will take my leave now."

Yun Ran bowed hastily and was dragged away by Sima Jing.

Because of the size difference, from a distance, it looked like Sima Jing was carrying a quilt.

Emperor Wenxuan held Empress Zheng's hand, his expression no longer as calm as usual: "This bastard is really getting more and more rude. If it weren't for the Queen Mother..."

Empress Zheng was pinched so hard that it hurt, but she could only endure it and said softly, "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. Brother Jing has always had this kind of temper. As your brother, why bother to argue with him?"

"Brother..."

Emperor Wenxuan sneered, "Does he ever consider me his brother? Over the years, I've been very tolerant of him, yet he's become even more rude and disrespectful. If I had known this would happen, why would I have gone to the trouble of bringing him back from Rongdi?"

Upon hearing this, Empress Zheng's face paled immediately. She quickly dismissed the palace maids and took Emperor Wenxuan's hand, saying, "Your Majesty, please don't say such angry words. If my mother heard this, I'm afraid she would be heartbroken."

Emperor Wenxuan curled his lips and said, "If I say anything wrong, she'll be heartbroken. Prince Jing has said more than a few hurtful words to her, but she still doesn't seem to be heartbroken."

Queen Zheng choked.

Knowing that His Majesty was distracted again, he did not dare to say anything for a moment. He just held his hand and said, "Your Majesty, it's windy outside. Let's go back."

Emperor Wenxuan said nothing. He turned his head to look at the two figures that had already walked away in the vast snow, his eyes dim.

**

Yun Ran could see that the Queen Mother had prepared the lunch carefully, so he was very enthusiastic and even had two bowls of rice.

But Sima Jing only ate half a bowl and then put down his chopsticks.

Yun Ran saw the disappointment that was hard to conceal in the empress dowager's eyes and felt a little uncomfortable.

After lunch, Sima Jing took Yun Ran away.

Even though Queen Mother Zhao tried to persuade him to stay, he would not stay for a moment longer.

Queen Dowager Zhao had no choice but to have the palace maids bring them a lot of food and rewards and let them go. Looking at the cart filled with rewards and then at Sima Jing's cold and indifferent face, Yun Ran kept choking back his anger. Finally, in the carriage with only the two of them, he said, "Your Highness, don't you think your attitude is too heartless and rude?"

As soon as the words fell, the carriage, which had been "quiet" just now, suddenly became "dead silent".

Yun Ran felt the aura in the car suddenly drop, and a chill ran down his back.

I feel a little regretful, but... I really can't hold it back.

Sima Jing slowly raised his eyelids and looked at her.

His thoughts went back and forth between "Stop the car and kick her out" and "Forget it, there's no need to bother with a fool." He said coldly, "If you don't like it, you can leave."

“……?”

Yun Ran: "Just go, do you think I really want to stay?"

She got angry for a moment, moved her butt and was about to get off the car.

But when the curtain was halfway lifted, she felt the biting cold wind blowing in from outside. She shivered and turned around to sit back down. "Why should I leave? This carriage was originally prepared for me to enter the palace. It was you who insisted on getting in this early in the morning. If anyone is to leave, it should be you."

Sima Jing said nothing and just glanced at her indifferently.

Yun Ran felt uncomfortable when he looked at her like that.

"Your Highness, I have no intention of arguing with you. I am merely reasoning with you."

She clenched her fingers, took a deep breath, and looked at the man across from her with her clear, dark eyes. "I don't know why you're so resistant to the Queen Mother and His Majesty, but as of today, they haven't given you any trouble at all. Instead, they've been tolerant of you in every way. Yet, you've been so cold and indifferent, and your behavior has been disrespectful... If my family treated me this way, I'd be heartbroken and would never associate with them again."

“They don’t have to associate with me.”

Sima Jing said calmly, "I never begged them to take me back."

Yun Ran choked.

Looking at the stern face of the man in front of her, she was even more puzzled.

Isn't it a good thing that the Queen Mother and Your Majesty brought him back so that he no longer suffers from being exiled to a foreign land?

It's a bit ungrateful for him to say such things now.

"Are you scolding me?" the person sitting opposite asked suddenly.

Yun Ran was suddenly startled.

Sima Jing saw her expression and sneered, "Fool."

"I'll only say this once, so remember it."

Sima Jing looked at her intently: "I'm not a good person, but they're not good people either."

The man's calm tone was filled with undisguised mockery: "The Imperial Palace is a den of snakes and scorpions, a den of tigers and wolves. If you don't want to be eaten alive by them, a fool like you, stay away from them."

After a pause, he added in his mind:

If she were wise, she would stay away from him.

Yun Ran frowned, not knowing why Sima Jing would say such a thing.

They say seeing is believing, hearing is not.

She witnessed with her own eyes the Queen Mother's loving care and concern, the Emperor and Empress's tolerance of Sima Jing, and their warm invitation to visit the Hot Spring Palace...

Could it be that Sima Jing was held hostage in Rongdi for ten years and was in a state of alert for a long time, which made him extremely uneasy?