6 False accusations
◎Tell me, how did I lose my self-respect?◎
"Princess, this dress is so beautiful." Yuan Qing said with a smile.
"Yes," Rong Pan praised as he helped Rong Qianyu tidy up her clothes, "Light-colored clothes suit the princess best."
"Has the prince returned today?" Rong Qianyu asked.
Rong Pan replied, "Today is the day to welcome His Highness, and it's also a family dinner. The Crown Prince will be there."
"I hope so."
She felt a little lonely. She had been on the road to marriage for several months. She had not seen the prince on the first day and had no idea what he looked like.
If we really can't get along, I really don't know what to do in the future.
She was wearing a lotus pink dress with rose flowers and a plain cloak. The beginning of winter was approaching, and she had never experienced such cold weather in the north. In addition, as she had just arrived, she was always feeling a little unwell.
"Your Highness, the sedan chair is already waiting outside the door. Let's set off quickly and don't miss the auspicious time." Yuan Qing said outside the sedan chair.
"Let's go."
Rong Qianyu was feeling nervous as she was about to meet her husband, and she became nervous unconsciously.
What Xue Ji said that night was not groundless. He was unable to extricate himself from the matter even on such an important day. This shows how important this lowly woman he was talking about was to Fu Hua.
I clearly can't win, but I have to compete anyway.
"Princess, please eat something. The banquet will last a long time and there are many rules. Don't starve yourself." Rong Pan was worried that she was cold and hungry, so he handed her cakes outside the sedan chair.
Rong Qianyu opened the curtain and found her silly look adorable. She said, "How could I be starving? It's okay. Let's go."
This is her first time attending a banquet, so she must not be impolite.
He turned to ask Yuanqing who was standing beside him, "Yuanqing, who are all attending this banquet?"
Yuan Qing had been in the palace for a long time and understood the pomp and ceremony better than the young palace maids around her. "Your Majesty is too busy with official duties to come, so this time it's the Empress who has been in charge. In addition to the concubines, princes and princesses, some ladies of high rank have also come, but they are all relatives of the family, no one else."
"Will Lord Xue come?" Rong Qianyu asked for some unknown reason.
Although she didn't understand why she had to care about Xue Ji, she answered in detail: "The Imperial Household Department is responsible for all ceremonial affairs of the imperial palace. Lord Xue will be here, and several female officials from the Imperial Ceremonial Bureau will also be present."
"I see."
For some reason, she always hoped to see Xue Ji. Even if she only saw him from afar, she would feel at ease.
Yujie was still young and only thought her master's question was amusing. "Master Xue is in charge of picking up the princess, so he will definitely come!"
Because he was the person Rong Qianyu knew best in the palace, he took the opportunity to ask a lot of questions about Xue Ji.
I once heard in Rong State that Xue Jiming, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department of the Great Zhou Dynasty, was notorious and also served as the supervisor of the East Factory. However, when I met him in person, I found that he was gentle and elegant.
People say he is ruthless, but when you get to know him, you won't find him overbearing. Instead, he seems more like a scholar.
If he hadn't been protecting the emperor with a knife that day, with the long blade shining coldly and covered in blood, and his handsome face like jade carved with bloodstains, you really wouldn't have been able to see this side of him.
But the queen didn't like him, so she had to ask in a different way if she wanted to.
"How does Lord Xue treat the palace maids? I've never seen him smile on the whole journey. The young palace maids are all terrified."
Several people looked at each other, unwilling to speak, but it was Yujie who took the lead in telling the story. "Lady Xue is the most beautiful woman in the palace, but she doesn't look like her." Her voice gradually became quieter.
"What do you mean?"
Yu Xie glanced around, afraid someone might have overheard. "I heard that Master Xue was once out fighting corruption. If that corrupt official had cooperated, his life wouldn't have been in jeopardy. But he turned out to be such a clueless fool. For some reason, he cursed Master to his face, and his words were rather harsh. Master got angry and killed him without asking for permission. His wife was so scared that she went into premature labor!"
Rong Qianyu pretended to be shocked, brushing her cheek with a handkerchief, revealing a pale expression.
Seeing his master was frightened, Yuan Qing immediately tried to smooth things over, explaining, "Don't be frightened, Your Highness. Master Xue is usually very elegant and polite. He is also courteous to his servants. He would not kill people indiscriminately."
Rong Qianyu could never have imagined what a tragic scene it would be if such a person really went crazy and started killing people.
That day, bandits attacked the convoy, and she and her servants hid. Xue Ji protected them with a bloody long sword. At that moment, perhaps this was his other side that was little known to the public.
The more you endure in front of others, the crazier you become behind others.
"Greetings to Her Royal Highness the Princess. Her dress today is truly beautiful." Several ladies of honor surrounded her and greeted her.
"Lord Xue!" Rong Qianyu always sees Xue Ji first in the crowd.
He put on his official uniform and still wore the sachet around his waist.
He was seen standing there in a trance, looking Rong Qianyu up and down, and said carefully: "This dress makes the princess look more... graceful." A gentle smile that didn't belong to him appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Rong Qianyu blushed at his blunt gaze, "Master Xue...you're too kind."
He Zhaoyi brought the Sixth Princess to the palace banquet shortly after. Seeing the two chatting, she wiped her mouth and stopped Xue Ji from speaking. "Master Xue is in a really good mood today. Even the Crown Prince's fiancée wants to tease him. How interesting."
Xue Ji walked up to her respectfully and asked seriously, "Has Zhaoyi He had dinner today?"
"Not yet." She was confused and obviously had no idea what he was talking about.
"It's almost winter in the capital. I heard there's no green grass by the river, so donkeys with lots of talk are not allowed to grow there." He Qian was frustrated and laughed at by the people around her.
"Sir, it's time to take your seat." Qingyun said from the side.
Xue Ji bent down and stretched out his hand to personally help Rong Qianyu into the hall.
But she was uneasy and hesitant, so she didn't say anything. She just smiled and didn't extend her hand. "Master Xue, please."
She walked in front, leaving Xue Ji alone to stay where he was. After a moment, he followed her into the hall.
The two of them were walking one in front and one behind, and Bai Yi, who was far away, had already seen everything. "Why did you two come together?" she said in a cold tone.
"I had just gotten out of the sedan chair," she explained, "and saw him at the door, so I came along."
Bai Yi lowered his guard upon hearing this, "Good boy, come and take your seat."
She pulled him to her side, held Rong Qianyu's hand, and said earnestly, "Why did you come here with him? In the future, try to have less contact with him. He's the most heartless person."
She has always been very wary of Xue Ji and has never looked him in the eye. She believes that her son is not ambitious and is indeed not fit to be a wise ruler. She only hopes that he will be faultless and diligent.
But Fu Hua has such a hypocritical person by his side. If he has any power in the future, he will probably cause endless troubles.
She hated this eunuch the most, but she also really liked Rong Qianyu. Most of the food at today's banquet was Rong Guo's dishes.
"I don't know what you like, but I made all the food from your Rong country."
Looking at the table full of hometown dishes, Rong Qianyu's heart finally settled down after two months of traveling. "I am truly flattered by the Queen's kindness."
Bai Yi's smile was a genuine fondness for her. "I like girls best, they're well-behaved and clever. It's a pity that I'm in poor health, so I only have one daughter, Tao'er. I like you and am willing to pamper you, so why would I bother to flatter you?"
Seeing her showing such kindness, Rong Qianyu felt grateful and was willing to open her heart. "Qianyu doesn't have any biological sisters at home. My stepmother does have a younger sister, but we don't spend much time together."
"Hasn't the Fifth Princess arrived yet?" Bai Yi asked the nanny beside her.
"The princess got up a little late and will be here soon."
Bai Yi could only sigh helplessly, "My daughter hasn't even reached the age of marriage yet. She's quirky and unruly. If you don't mind, you'll be her older sister in the future."
"Mother, mother!"
Just as I mentioned the fifth princess, she came. Rong Qianyu saw that she was about fourteen or fifteen years old. She was in high spirits and her face was flushed with joy. There was still some baby fat on both sides of her cheeks.
"Come here quickly," Bai Yi called her, "You're here just as I said. This is my sweetheart, Tao'er." He introduced her to Rong Qianyu.
Fu Tao is young and very naughty. His quirky personality is also likable. His loving parents probably raised such an innocent child.
This was the first time Rong Qianyu met this young sister-in-law who had not yet reached the age of marriage. She was wearing a brightly colored jacket and skirt, and had a double bun that was typical of an unmarried woman. Two long hairbands hung down from her braids to her waist, making her look very lively and cute.
"Greetings to the Queen Mother, and greetings to Sister Qianyu!"
"Greetings, Princess," Rong Qianyu also bowed politely, "Your Majesty is right, the princess is indeed well-behaved!"
Fu Tao was Bai Yi's youngest daughter, whom she loved very much. Because she usually disliked He Zhaoyi's daughter, she came up to her very warmly when she saw a beautiful sister coming.
"I've heard that Sister Qian is coming. I've been waiting for months and finally we meet. Sister, your hair looks so beautiful, it seems different from ours!"
Her brown curly hair had caused a lot of trouble in Rong State in the past, but she just smiled and didn't explain too much.
"Your Majesty, it's time to start the feast." Aunt Sun beside the Queen reminded.
"Has the prince not arrived yet?" Bai Yi looked around but did not see any trace of Fu Hua. This son always gave her a lot of worry.
"Not yet." Aunt Sun shook her head.
Bai Yi had no choice but to not miss the auspicious time, so he waved his hand and said, "Let's not wait for him, let's start the meal."
The queen sat at the main table. Today's protagonist was Rong Qianyu, so she naturally sat on the left. The seat on the right was originally reserved for Fu Hua, but he had not shown up yet.
"Today is a family dinner to welcome Qianyu. Everyone, please relax and don't be restrained!"
The nobles and their ladies raised their glasses to celebrate. The table was filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, and the aroma of wine was mixed with the fragrance of fruit. This was the first time that Rong Qianyu felt that she was valued.
The sound of drums and music is harmonious, long sleeves are fluttering, the rich melody of the chimes lingers in the air, and the swirling sandalwood blooms in the air.
She looked at Xue Ji in the distance, sitting upright and drinking.
Such a lively scene did not seem to affect him at all. He was like a banished immortal who was not tainted by the mundane world, different from all other living beings.
"Qianyu, this is the wine I brewed myself, you should try it too."
This was the first time Rong Qianyu had seen wine. Rong Country was hot and humid, and grapes were rarely seen. Eating a few was a luxury, let alone making them into wine.
"This lady..." Bai Yi had just poured her a glass when she was suddenly interrupted by a voice outside the hall.
"You're really from a small family. You're too eager to please me. It's so rare. Have you never even seen grapes?"
Fu Hua, wearing a dark blue round-necked robe, strode in, attracting everyone's attention.
"You're talking nonsense even though you haven't drunk any alcohol. What kind of hysteria is this?" Bai Yi immediately stopped him. "Qianyu, this is my disappointing son, Hua'er."
"Greetings, Prince." Rong Qianyu walked forward and bowed deeply to him.
Fu Hua didn't even glance at her, instead picking up the snacks on the table and starting to eat. "Come on, you've already joined the Great Zhou, so stop being so gullible. My mother loves her daughter, but she's not blind and can't tell good from bad."
"You..." With the Queen present, Rong Qianyu endured it silently and did not argue.
The women below were also dumbfounded.
"Are you still asleep today?" Bai Yi shouted angrily.
Fu Tao was also shocked by this sudden incident, "Second brother, what are you talking about? Sister Qian is not that kind of person!"
Fu Hua ignored her and walked up to Rong Qianyu, teasing her meaningfully, "I heard that he encountered a surprise attack from Qian Bei on the way to Beijing, and had to sleep outdoors. I wonder..."
"What do you mean by this, Prince?" Xue Ji suddenly asked from the side.
Fu Hua slowly turned his head and asked, "What do you think, Jiming?"
The atmosphere on both sides was extremely tense, and no one dared to be the first to break the silence. In the eyes of outsiders, the prince had always highly valued the Lord Bingbi, and the situation had never been as tense as it was today.
Xue Ji immediately put down the wine glass in his hand and knelt in the hall. "Your Highness was brought back from the border by me and the ministers of the Ministry of Rites, who traveled day and night and risked their lives. As a minister, I can guarantee that Your Highness is definitely not a sycophant. Please don't wrongly accuse Your Highness!"
"Jiming, how are you going to guarantee it?"
"I guarantee it with my head!"
At this moment, Rong Qianyu suddenly realized that no matter how powerful Xue Ji was, he was just a servant. If his master was unhappy, he had to kneel down and take the blame.
Fu Hua was stunned at first, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Jiming said this because he really wants to pity her?"
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, please respect yourself." Rong Qianyu said in the crowd.
The first meeting was so tense.
"Tell me, how did I lose my self-respect?" Fu Hua approached step by step. Although he was usually a bit conceited, he had never been as rude as today.
He spoke without thinking in front of so many people, and insulted his fiancée, the future queen of the Great Zhou. The ministers understood each other tacitly, and seemed to know the reason.
I'm afraid it was instigated by that woman Cui.
Seeing this, Bai Yi immediately called the servants over, "Hurry up and help the prince go down to sober up. It's time to stop being so drunk!"
Fu Hua didn't care at all. As soon as she left the hall, Rong Qianyu immediately knelt down on the ground and burst into tears.
"Please, Queen, please let me go. Please don't be so kind to me. Qianyu has come from afar and it's only been two days since she entered the palace. Why would Your Highness make such assumptions about her..."
As he spoke, he covered his face and sobbed, looking so aggrieved that everyone present felt a little embarrassed.
Fu Hua really went too far this time.
"Good boy, get up. Hua'er must have drunk too much and it wasn't intentional. Don't worry about it. I will teach him a lesson."
Bai Yi helped her up. If such a family scandal were to be spread out, who knows how it would be portrayed, and they would become the laughing stock of the whole world.
Fu Tao also stepped forward to comfort her, "Sister Qian, don't be sad, my brother must have been talking nonsense."
"Thank you so much for today, Master Xue," Bai Yi gave Xue Ji a friendly look for the first time, and comforted Rong Qianyu, "Let's go home today. Don't worry, I will definitely help you vent your anger!"
Xue Ji looked at Rong Qianyu, who was crying bitterly in the crowd, and was overjoyed as if he was watching a play. He had thought that Rong Qianyu would inevitably suffer injustice, but he didn't expect that she was also a little fox who could manipulate people.
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