"emperor?!"
The woman turned around and looked at him in surprise.
Then he quickly saluted, his face full of panic.
"Noble Lady Zhen...why is it you?"
"I just saw the Imperial Concubine dancing so beautifully at the banquet, and I couldn't resist trying out the dance I learned in my boudoir. This place is quiet, and not many people come here. I didn't expect to disturb the Emperor. It's my fault."
A dance learned in the boudoir?
Xie Yanci looked Concubine Zhen up and down: Judging from her age, she should be about the same age as Wei Shuyi, maybe one or two years younger?
One is the legitimate daughter of a duke, and the other is the legitimate daughter of a high-ranking official. Maybe they knew each other before?
He walked forward as if possessed by a ghost and helped her up. "No, you're not wrong. What was that dance you were doing just now? Did it have a name? It looked good to me."
She responded with a faint smile: "In reply to the emperor, this dance is called "Evening Collection"."
"I see."
Tonight, Wei Shuyi had asked one of Xin Xuanshi's maids to dress up Consort Zhen. Adding a few touches to her original face, she added a touch of elegance and charm.
In addition, she also reminded Concubine Zhen to show enthusiasm different from usual so that the emperor would forget the original cloud fairy Bai Yu.
"Your Majesty, I have a few words to say."
"you say."
"I originally thought that the Emperor was forced to take me into the harem out of consideration for my father's reputation. During my years in the boudoir, I followed the rules and was a boring person. In terms of dancing skills, I was far inferior to Concubine Xu in the East Wing Palace. Therefore, every time the Emperor came to Yonghe Palace, he would ignore my presence."
It was also the first time that Xie Yanci heard her talk so much. When they met in the past, she was always taciturn and kept her thoughts hidden, making her even more difficult to deal with than Jia Wanrong who had just entered the palace.
He sighed and shook his head in denial, "That's not the case. Every time I see you, I find you cold and unhappy. I'm afraid you were forced into the palace and harbored resentment towards me. To avoid spoiling your fun, I'm deliberately avoiding you."
"What?!" Concubine Zhen was also extremely surprised when she heard this. "So, can I understand that the emperor and I are misunderstanding each other?"
"Yes, that's the truth."
The flower of Gaoling finally smiled, and the joy penetrated into his heart, causing a slight throbbing.
"Also, Yu'er, you don't have to belittle yourself. In terms of dancing skills, Lady Xu and you both have your own merits. She is closer to a brothel or music hall, while you are different."
She deliberately asked: "Then Your Majesty, what do you think of me?"
“Untouchable, yet captivating.”
Concubine Zhen approached the emperor, reached out her hand, and touched the back of his hand: "I am standing right here, how can it be out of reach? If the emperor wants, it is not an extravagant wish that you can reach me every day."
She almost forced herself to finish the sentence. Even though she tried her best to restrain herself, she couldn't control her body's reaction.
His face was so red that it seemed to bleed, and his voice was trembling.
Xie Yanci took the opportunity to hold Roudi: "Yu'er."
"Um?"
"Do you...know a woman named Wei?"
Finally! He asked!
Jia Wanrong had anticipated one such reaction. If the emperor wasn't being camouflaged, but was instead asking indirectly about the origins of the dance, then she should have been forthright.
"I know him, but I dare not say more."
This brief answer made him even more certain that the person before him was the shadow of an old friend.
——
Yang Mingrui stood outside the gate of Chengqian Palace and wandered around. He looked up at the plaque for a while, but still couldn't help sighing.
For some reason, the emperor always gave him this thankless task. The first two times, he had managed to get his apprentices to handle it.
But this time, it is said to be of great significance, and he has to come in person to offend people.
Just as he was worriedly considering his words, he saw Qian Wei rushing out: "Eunuch Yang?! Why are you here? Where's the Emperor?"
"Well, the Emperor drank too much today and vomited more than once. I'm really worried about his health, so I sent the Imperial Hospital to the Changsheng Palace for treatment and came here specifically to inform the Imperial Concubine."
"Is the Emperor okay now?!"
"When I left the Changsheng Palace, he was already sound asleep." Yang Mingrui made up his mind perfectly. "If the Imperial Concubine is worried, you can ask Jiang Yuanzheng. He was the one who took the Emperor's pulse tonight."
Qian Wei's expression changed slightly, and she quickly apologized with a smile, "Eunuch Yang isn't lying, so how could this servant dare ask the Master to question the truth? However, tonight holds special significance for Her Majesty. I wonder... could Her Majesty go to the Hall of Eternal Life to look after the Emperor?"
Of course not!
There is also Concubine Zhen in there!
Yang Mingrui flicked his whisk and shook his head. "Alas, it's not that I'm unreasonable, but it involves the Emperor's secrets, so I can't say it. This... the Emperor is drunk, so he always has some bloodthirsty impulses. I'm afraid of hurting the Imperial Concubine..."
"Yes, I understand. I will report back immediately!"
Qianwei understood the meaning of the refusal and walked back nervously.
Imperial Concubine Jin had long been impatient: "What did you say?!"
"Your Majesty, Eunuch Yang came in person. He said the Emperor was drunk and unwell. Court Master Jiang even went to see him. He is currently sleeping in the Changsheng Palace."
"I'll go take a look!"
"Eunuch Yang also said that the emperor's current condition should not be disturbed by anyone, no one."
Concubine Jin realized something: "Jia Wanrong is in there?!"
Qian Wei immediately denied it: "No, I have sent people to keep an eye on Sang Yuxuan! After the palace banquet was over, Jia Wanrong took people back to her residence and was not summoned."
"I'm glad it's not her." Concubine Jin looked at the night sky. "Time is running out. I must see the emperor before midnight!"
"But what if there are other concubines inside? Although Eunuch Yang didn't say it explicitly, this is what I'm afraid of! Disturbing the Emperor's interest would be extremely disadvantageous to the Empress!"
Imperial Concubine Jin was extremely annoyed: "So what?! After tonight, I might never give birth to an heir to the throne again! What could be more important than this?!"
When the master and servant were arguing, Noble Lady Wen appeared at the right time.
"Sister, why don't you listen to advice at this critical moment? I think this girl is sincere, and what she said is for your own good..."
"Shut up! It's not your turn to interfere in my affairs!"
"Eldest sister, I'm only calling you that out of respect for the Emperor and my father. Otherwise, why should I respect a mere illegitimate sister?" Noble Lady Wen suppressed her smile. "If you barge into the Hall of Eternal Life now, you'll ruin the Emperor's plans and implicate the entire Qu family! I came here specifically to stop you because I know your temper. Of course, I have the right to intervene in any matter that concerns me!"
After hearing these outrageous words, Imperial Concubine Jin's fingertips trembled with anger: "You! How do you know what the Emperor is doing?!"
"It's simple, because I happened to see it when I passed by the Imperial Garden."
"What did you see?!"
Concubine Wen curled her lips and said, "The Emperor has taken Concubine Zhen to the Palace of Eternal Life."
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