Shen Jiaojiao slept very soundly that night.
The next morning, after hearing Chu Tianling say that he was going to the palace to ask his father about Peach Blossom Village, he went to the palace with him.
Upon arriving at the palace, the two parted ways.
Despite his reluctance, Chu Tianling took Zhou Tianqi and left to find the Emperor.
Shen Jiaojiao then took Chunhua and Chuncao to find the Empress.
The Emperor's harem consists of only two people: the Empress and the Imperial Concubine. This morning, the Empress and the Imperial Concubine were pretending to chat, with stiff smiles on their faces.
Upon hearing from a servant that the Crown Princess had come to visit, he was overjoyed.
The smile on his face became more genuine.
Looking down at the concubine who didn't even budge, I rolled my eyes. She had guests and wasn't leaving. How shameless!
"Oh dear, sister, look, my daughter-in-law came to see me, so I can't take care of you here. How about we make an appointment for another time?"
You should be able to understand this implication, right?
"Hi! Sister, we're all family. I haven't seen Jiaojiao in ages. Let her in, let's have a good chat. It was my Tianyang who picked up the bride back then!"
"I was so happy to see her!"
The imperial concubine picked up her tea and slowly took a sip.
I'm not leaving, what can you do to me?
The Empress felt a lump in her throat! She was furious!
Damn it!
This was clearly intentional.
There was no other way but to quickly invite her in; it was quite a feat for Jiaojiao to come in.
Let's just pretend she doesn't exist.
As soon as Shen Jiaojiao stepped through the door, a beautiful woman rushed out, grabbed her hand, and launched into a tirade.
"Oh my! Jiaojiao! It's been so long! You've become even more beautiful. You've finally decided to come to the palace to see me!"
Shen Jiaojiao took a closer look, and wow!
Isn't this the Imperial Concubine?
They're so enthusiastic, I feel a little embarrassed!
Shen Jiaojiao quickly prepared to pay her respects, but little did she know that the Imperial Concubine seemed to have a premonition.
The moment her hand moved, the imperial concubine grabbed both of his hands and pulled him inside, talking as they went.
"Why are you two, family? Come in!"
After saying that, she turned to the Empress on the high place and said, "Sister, you think so too, don't you?"
The Empress's face darkened when she saw her holding Shen Jiaojiao's hand.
The imperial concubine led the woman in, and upon reaching her seat, she pressed her down to sit without saying a word.
Her eyes were full of laughter, her face beaming with joy, and she said cheerfully, "Jiaojiao, sit down quickly, let's talk!"
Shen Jiaojiao broke free from the Consort's hand and quickly took a few steps, bowing to the Empress and saying, "Greetings, Mother Empress! May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"
"No need for formalities! We're family, no need to stand on ceremony, please sit down!" The Empress finally smiled as she watched all this.
Fortunately, he is a polite person.
The Imperial Concubine seemed oblivious to Chen Jiaojiao's presence. Once Chen Jiaojiao sat down, she playfully said, "Oh dear! See? I told you long ago, we're family, there's no need for this. Jiaojiao, just relax next time, I'm very easygoing!"
Shen Jiaojiao gave an awkward laugh.
The Empress, looking down from her vantage point, felt a deep displeasure at the fact that the Imperial Concubine and Shen Jiaojiao were sitting so close together.
This is my daughter-in-law!
Why should I talk to you?
It's just that we sit closer!
If you don't come up, I'll come down! Everyone has feet!
The Empress stood up, her yellow phoenix robe making her look exceptionally imposing.
She walked over with graceful steps and sat down on the other side of Shen Jiaojiao.
That's great, now Jiaojiao and I are closer too.
She looked up and gave the imperial concubine a provocative glance.
You think you're the only one who can sit next to her and steal her away? I can too! She's my daughter-in-law! Don't even think about taking her!
The imperial concubine's gaze met hers for a second before she quickly looked away, picked up her teacup, and elegantly took a sip of tea.
If you steep tea for too long, the flavor will become too strong!
She frowned slightly.
"Jiaojiao, did you come in with Tianling today? You'll have lunch here with your mother later. Your mother will prepare a feast for you!" The Empress's smile returned.
"Yes, Mother!" she obediently replied.
"Oh my! There's a feast to be had! But don't forget me! I won't stand for it! Hehehe." The imperial concubine chimed in with a charming laugh.
Want to get rid of me? No way.
The Empress was furious. What are you pretending for? You would have left long ago. You're just trying to annoy me.
Damn it, you bitch!
If Jiaojiao hadn't been sitting next to me, I would have definitely argued with her today!
Stay calm and don't panic.
They chatted for a long time in a dry manner, and it turned out that the two sides were evenly matched.
Somehow, the conversation turned to why Chu Tianling entered the palace.
Shen Jiaojiao thought that since they were all elders, they must have heard about the past, so she could ask them directly.
"Mother, do you still remember what happened in Peach Blossom Village 15 years ago?"
The Queen's face was filled with reminiscence: "15 years ago... let me think!"
The imperial concubine next to her was drinking tea and was in a good mood today; she was very happy.
"Ah!" Tea suddenly spilled onto her legs. The imperial concubine dropped the cup and frantically wiped the water off her legs.
Is this Peach Blossom Village from 15 years ago?
Her eyes were slightly dark.
"Sister, how are you?" Distracted from her thoughts, the Empress asked casually.
Actually, she hoped the other person could take the opportunity to leave quickly.
However, the imperial concubine held back, leaving behind a charming smile: "Sister, it's alright!"
The Empress scoffed inwardly, then suddenly said, "By the way, speaking of Peach Blossom Village, it seems that all the villagers there are surnamed Liu!"
"What a coincidence that the Imperial Concubine's surname is also Liu!"
The imperial concubine stood up angrily and shouted, "What nonsense are you talking about! My ancestors were great scholars from Jiangnan. They weren't some unruly commoners!"
"Hmph! If you want to get rid of me, just say so. There's no need for this veiled insult."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door.
"Oh my! Why is it so lively in the palace? Hahaha."
The Emperor and Chu Tianling strode in.
Consort Liu had originally planned to leave, but seeing the Emperor arrive, she simply sat down again.
He kept his mouth shut, turned his head to one side, and angrily refused to speak.
After calling out "Mother," Chu Tianling immediately went to Shen Jiaojiao's side.
"What are you all talking about? You were all quite loud just now!" the Emperor asked with a smile.
The Empress glanced at Consort Liu out of the corner of her eye and said disdainfully, "Oh, we were just talking about Peach Blossom Village from 15 years ago, where all the villagers were surnamed Liu. I just mentioned that Consort Liu was also surnamed Liu, and she got upset!"
The Emperor looked at the still angry Consort with amusement and comforted her with a smile, "Sisi! The Empress was just joking with you, don't take it too seriously."
Consort Liu then smiled and called out sweetly, "Your Majesty~~~"
The minor key has taken several turns.
Shen Jiaojiao felt the hairs on her body stand on end.
"Tianling, you can go through the files about what happened 15 years ago later. There are many details that I don't remember clearly either."
"It's a rare occasion for us to get together today, so let's enjoy the meal and not discuss the construction projects over the table!" the Emperor declared.
Regardless of what everyone was thinking, they could only chat happily about everyday things now.
Suddenly, another series of hurried footsteps came from outside.
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