Chapter 18 Chapter 18 Preparing for a Marriage

At the same time, "Li Daoxuan! Take care of your snake! I wasn't trapped by this strange formation, but I was about to be killed by your black snake first!"

A familiar voice was heard, and Gu Yun emerged from the woods, his clothes disheveled, his hair tangled. Behind him was Qiu Ren, who was relentlessly pursuing him. It was obvious that Qiu Ren had received orders from his master and was diligently chasing Gu Yun.

Li Daoxuan raised his eyes, and Qiu Ren immediately gave up chasing Gu Yun and instead swayed around Li Daoxuan's waist.

.

When Shen Qing woke up again, the dust had settled.

In front of her was A Niang's worried face. Cui Ya's eyes were red from crying. Seeing Chen Qing waking up, Mrs. Chen took the first step.

She hurriedly held Chen Qing's hands and asked with concern: "Are you feeling unwell anywhere else?"

Chen Qing shook his head, still a little dazed, not knowing what day it was.

Madam Shen waved her hand, and Cui Ya immediately took the order and went to get the medicine.

Her thoughts gradually came back to her, and she vaguely remembered that before she fainted, Li Daoxuan had already directly exposed her dirty little thoughts.

That's right, how could a man as smart and intelligent as him not see through her little trick that was full of loopholes?

Unfortunately, before I could make any request, I fainted.

Chen Qing slowly stood up and threw herself into her mother's arms. The soft and thin snow-white nightgown stuck to her skin, like the touch of water. Her long hair like a waterfall was casually scattered on her shoulders, adding a bit of cuteness, laziness and leisure to her.

Since Shen Ling came to the Shen family, she hadn't slept so comfortably for a long time.

Thinking of this, Chen Qing, who had been nestling in A Niang's arms like a kitten, suddenly looked up, her fluffy hair sticking to the corners of her lips. However, she didn't bother to brush the hair away from her face. Instead, she asked A Niang, "A Niang, how long have I slept?"

Madam Chen gently brushed the hair from her cheek and replied, "Five days." She said slowly, "Don't worry, the demon has been captured by Mr. You Daozi from Dongshan Temple and placed in the Nine-Revolution Samsara Bowl. Once he recites the Shurangama Mantra for 49 days, Xiang Yao will soon be reduced to a pool of blood."

Chen Qing knew that Mr. You Daozi had a method to refine the great demon, so this was not what she was worried about. She asked, "Has anyone come to the house these days?"

Mrs. Shen: "Yes, you and King Cang have made great contributions in eliminating the demon. The saint has ordered a lot of things to be rewarded to you. They are now piled up in the warehouse. When you have time, you can go and have a look. You can play with whatever you like." There was a hint of worry on her brow.

What she didn't say was that on the way back, King Cang carried her daughter for a while.

The great demon Xiang Yao had just been killed, but the demons in Mount Li had not yet completely retreated, and ordinary people were not allowed to enter the mountain. Therefore, apart from Prince Cang Li Daoxuan and Mr. You Daozi, the only ones present at the time were the acting prince Gu Yun, who had escaped from somewhere, and the unconscious Lady Zhao from the Jingzhao Yin family in Chunjing Terrace.

Prince Gu at least took the difference between men and women into consideration, and stood guard at Chunjingtai a few courtyards away, waiting for someone to come up and take Madam Zhao away before he left with peace of mind.

King Cang, who was always arrogant and domineering, didn't care about that and directly carried Chen Qing from the mountainside to the Duke of Han's Mansion.

Although he did his best to conceal his whereabouts along the way, so that no one heard about his relationship with Shen Qing in Chang'an City in the following days, when he flew to the courtyard of the Duke of Han's Mansion that day, covered in blood and holding Shen Qing, the servants in the Shen Mansion definitely saw it.

Mrs. Shen and General Shen spent most of their energy, using both threats and inducements, and only then did they manage to silence the crowd.

If Shen Qing heard about this, she would definitely understand what this guy was thinking.

She was the owner of the Glazed Heart. If anything happened to her, the Glazed Heart would lose its effect. Li Daoxuan valued the Glazed Heart so much that he naturally loved her as well. He was afraid that something might happen to her, so he hurriedly sent her back to the Shen Mansion so that she could recover as soon as possible to avoid any problems.

Hearing A Niang's words, Shen Qing was about to breathe a sigh of relief, but then he heard Madam Shen say, "A few days ago, a lady came to the mansion to claim her relationship with you. She looked about your age and claimed to be your cousin, Shen Ling."

Chen Qing's face darkened. Did he really come after all?

In the previous life, Shen Ling's purpose of attending the Qunzhang Banquet was to recognize her relatives.

Chen Qing grew up in Xuanji Pavilion since childhood, and it became common for him to go in and out of the palace with his senior brother. As a result, he also got to know Princess Wanyi, who was extremely favored by the saint.

Chen Ling thought that given their deep friendship, she would definitely attend Li Yu's banquet, but Chen Qing found it too troublesome and didn't go, so she was disappointed.

After the banquet ended and she returned to Chang'an City, Shen Ling went to the Shen Mansion without stopping to recognize her relatives.

His father is Aye's cousin, and when that uncle was in the master's house in the early years, he was one of the few who watched Aye's difficult situation and did not add insult to injury. Sometimes he also helped Aye when he was in trouble.

Because of this favor, Shen Ling's father was secretly supported by General Shen. Although he had done nothing and had no achievements in Huaixi County, he was promoted to be the county magistrate of Wannian County in Chang'an City.

You know, the position of Wannian County Magistrate is not big, but it is not small either. At least it is a position that can make a living in Chang'an City, where there are many powerful and wealthy people.

However, Shen Ling was still not satisfied and insisted on clinging to the Shen family and her mother like moss on a wall.

Chen Qing's face immediately darkened, "Mother brought the person in?"

Mrs. Shen saw her daughter's expression change, and blinked in bewilderment. "I saw her father-in-law took care of your father-in-law a few times when he was in the master's house. She is about your age. You have been in poor health since childhood and have met few women. So, I thought of keeping her here to keep you company..."

Chen Qing was so angry that her eyes turned red. She said, "I don't like her. Mother, kick her out! Don't let her stay in our house!"

Mrs. Shen hurriedly hugged her irritable daughter into her arms and gently stroked her hair to soothe her. She noticed that something was wrong with her daughter and asked tentatively, "Have you ever met her? Why do you dislike her?"

Chen Qing poked her head out from A Niang's arms with grievance, "I just don't like her. I didn't like her when I saw her at the banquet. I hate her."

Because of the prohibition of heaven, she could not tell the fact that she was reborn, nor could she tell A Niang what Shen Ling had done. Shen Qing could only repeat over and over again that she did not like the fact that Shen Ling.

Madam Shen also comforted her daughter in her arms again and again. She no longer asked why Shen Qing disliked Shen Ling, but said: "Since You'an doesn't like it, then there must be something wrong with her. Mother, please ask her to leave now."

This is by no means a lie, it is also based on evidence.

She knew her daughter's temperament very well: she was spoiled, stubborn, and naughty, but she was also very loyal and sensible, and would never get together with someone with a bad character.

Besides, this was the first time that Shen Qing hated someone so much. If that was the case, she must have her own reasons for hating him. If she continued to ask, it would only deepen her inner irritability. Mrs. Shen didn't want her daughter to be unhappy anymore, so she stopped the topic in time.

Chen Qing got his wish and was finally fulfilled.

Once the mood improved, even the medicine that he had been avoiding was no longer so annoying. Chen Qing endured the bitterness and swallowed the medicine in a few sips, then hurriedly stuffed several rock honeys into his mouth.

Madam Shen said softly, “Look at you, you eat like a greedy cat.”

A'niang was so gentle and doting on her that Chen Qing almost forgot that Chen Ling was the daughter of Aye's cousin, not to mention the cousin who helped him in times of need.

If Madam Shen drove her out for the sake of her daughter, it would not take a few days for rumors to spread throughout Chang'an City that General Shen and Madam Shen were ungrateful and had turned their backs on them after they became successful.

Her eyes turned red, and she pulled Madam Shen back, "Forget it."

Mrs. Shen was unable to respond for a moment. She was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening. She asked in surprise, "Why?"

Chen Qing angrily hid back in the quilt, covering her face. "Her father-in-law helped my father-in-law before, so you can't chase her away like this. At least we have to find out her faults, and then it won't be too late to chase her away."

Mrs. Shen did not refute her daughter's words, but smiled with relief. In an instant, spring light flashed in her eyes. She gently pulled the quilt away from Shen Qing's face and touched her forehead, "Okay, listen to Youan." Mrs. Shen was very relieved in her heart. Her Youan had grown up.

Chen Qing said again: "Mother, I will take some time tomorrow to go back to Xuanji Pavilion to get something."

Madam Shen was a little worried. "You are already weak, and you suffered so many injuries in Mount Li a few days ago. Now that you have just woken up, it won't be too late to go after some time, or you can ask Cui Ya to bring it back for you."

Chen Qing shook his head, "I'm fine. That thing is very important and no one else can touch it. I have to hurry and get it."

The Winged Twins Formation was truly bizarre, and her body seemed to have undergone tremendous changes because of it. It could even lure out Xiang Yao, who had been dormant for years, not to mention its attraction to other evil spirits.

She had to look through ancient books as soon as possible to find a way to deal with the situation. It was not a good idea to keep following Li Daoxuan all day long.

Mrs. Shen sighed, “Okay, remember to bring a few more people, don’t get tired.”

Shen Qing nodded, “Yeah.”

Madam Shen: "It's still early, you can sleep a little longer, and then I won't disturb you."

Chen Qing sat on the bed and waved, "Take care, mother."

.

Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.

The middle-aged man standing tall at the head of the seat turned around slowly, and the beads hanging from the Tongtian Crown swung wildly with his movements, and the subtle sound of gold and jade striking echoed back and forth in the empty hall.

The man's eyes were as cold and deep as a pool, and he was surrounded by the pressure of the royal family that had accumulated over the years. His face was no longer young, but one could vaguely see the glory of his youth. At this moment, he was like a jar of aged wine, a jar of aged wine that exuded a mellow and subtle fragrance.

His temperament and appearance were somewhat similar to those of the people in the hall, except that one was experienced and the other was a little green.

Li Daoxuan wore a scarlet round-necked robe, his usual silver belt and silver elbows, black leather gloves, and black leather boots.

The only difference from usual was that his ponytail, which was usually tied with a red rope, was now loose, and his black hair was half tied up and half hanging behind him. He wore a silk gauze bun on his head, which made his lips and teeth look even more rosy and white, and he looked very energetic.

Emperor Jingren looked at his youngest son with a headache. Because of his youngest son's experiences in childhood and his early death of his biological mother, whether out of guilt or remembrance of his late wife, Emperor Jingren loved this son very much.

He wanted to go to Dongshan Temple, and Emperor Jingren agreed; he wanted to travel with You Daozi, and Emperor Jingren also agreed; on his fifteenth birthday, Emperor Jingren gave him a mansion in Chang'an City as the Prince Cang Palace, and made him a king, with the name Cang.

Everyone knows how important the word "Cang" is.

Cang means the sky and heaven, implying that one is close to heaven and is blessed by heaven.

If the Fourth Prince's mother, Concubine Gao, had not passed away ten years ago, Prince Cang would have traveled with his master You Daozi early on, away from the center of the power vortex, and would have returned to Chang'an only after the ministers in the court had stabilized their positions and the Crown Prince had established a firm foothold in the court. I'm afraid that Prince Cang's momentum in the court would have been close to that of the Crown Prince.

Some even claim that Prince Cang will replace the Crown Prince and take that position in the future.

However, all of this is just a bubble and nonsense.

The originator of the rumor was standing in the hall at this moment, looking impatient.

Emperor Jingren asked him, "I heard that you and the daughter of the Duke of Han conquered Jiutou Xiangyao together?"

Li Daoxuan: "You know everything and you still ask me?"

Emperor Jingren was obviously used to his youngest son's retorts, and continued calmly, "You even personally carried the unconscious Madam Shen back to the Duke of Han's Mansion."

Li Daoxuan acknowledged it without hesitation, "Yes."

Emperor Jingren: "Nonsense! Rumors can melt gold. You know how important a daughter's reputation is, yet you still insist on doing this. Can't you learn from Gu Zicheng and bring her to Chunjing Terrace to watch over her?"

If Emperor Jingren had not noticed this matter and sent people to clean up the mess for him, who knows what would have been spread about the two of them in Chang'an City by now.

Li Daoxuan: "Madam Zhao fainted from shock, and Madam Shen fainted from injury. If we throw them to Chunjing Terrace, the doctor will have to wait until the Monkey and Horse hours to arrive. What if they die on the way?"

Emperor Jingren was speechless for a moment, with sobs choking in his throat.

Li Daoxuan asked as if he was bothered: "You called me here just to ask these questions?"

Emperor Jingren's throat choked even more, and he said, "What else?"

Li Daoxuan: "In that case, I'll leave if nothing else."

Emperor Jingren was so angry that his cheeks hurt. He had a headache and waved his hands, "Go, go, go—"

He had originally wanted to see his son whom he hadn't seen for a long time. Now that he had seen him, he felt relieved as he wished. He immediately waved goodbye and stopped trying to keep him.

Li Daoxuan walked out with a stern face.

A figure passed by him, and the Third Prince's calm and polite voice came, "Fourth brother, are you leaving?"

Li Daoxuan glanced at him, simply said "hmm", and walked out without stopping.

Li Jinxiu was used to his cold attitude, so he smiled faintly and continued walking into the hall.

Soon, the sound of father and son talking could be heard.

"Your Highness, I have seen you."

"No need to be polite. How are you doing with the lessons that Elder Li has been teaching you lately?"

"Father, I have just finished studying the Mencius, and I have only just read through the History of the Han Dynasty. I am not yet fully proficient in it."

"Hmm..." Emperor Jingren said calmly, "Your brother, the Crown Prince, has mastered the Six Arts and read the Five Classics at the age of seventeen. Xiu'er, you still need to work harder."

Li Jinxiu humbly accepted the instruction: "I am a dull and ignorant son, but I will follow your instructions."

The father and son finished their conversation about homework in a strange yet familiar way. Seeing that there was really nothing more to talk about, Li Jinxiu tactfully excused himself.

Before leaving, he heard Emperor Jingren calling the nearby eunuch.

Emperor Jingren said with a rather gratified tone, "That boy has finally come to his senses. Go and draft a secret decree to summon Duke Han and Madam Jingyi to an audience."

The eunuch raised his voice sharply and said with a hint of joy, "Does everyone intend to arrange a marriage between Prince Cang and the Shen family's lady?"

Emperor Jingren didn't answer directly, but said, "This guy has rarely been willing to get close to a young lady in all these years. Since she is the daughter of a close minister, I must discuss this matter with General Shen."

He knew very well what kind of bad character his son had. General Shen and his wife loved their daughter as much as their life. It would probably not be easy to get them to agree to marry their daughter off.