Chapter 132: My mind is completely dull◇
◎Jinjiang exclusive◎
With the Grand Princess protecting her, Zhou Yu instantly felt much more relaxed. All she had to do was sit beside the Grand Princess and be a well-behaved nephew-in-law...
His gaze was focused solely on the Grand Princess, not even glancing at the people around him...
The wife of the Minister of Rites, Mrs. Lu, who was standing a meter away, tried to bring up Zhou Han's matter with her several times but never found the chance to speak...
After a while, a singing voice was heard.
"Girls are coming!!"
A group of about twenty girls, ranging from ten to seventeen or eighteen years old, appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall like a flock of colorful butterflies...
These girls were all young ladies from various mansions who had come with their elders to attend the birthday banquet for the old Princess Kang. They had just been invited by the young ladies from the Kang Palace to play in the garden, but because the banquet was about to begin, they returned...
Zhou Han, who was sitting there, immediately spotted Zhou Yu sitting there. His eyes lit up, and he hurried over to say hello, then call her "sister" at the right moment... so he could take the opportunity to get close to Zhou Yu...
Although her family returned to Kyoto and moved back into their former residence, her great-uncle had not been rehabilitated. Although her eldest cousin was now favored by the current emperor, it would probably take another 10 or 20 years for him to reach his great-uncle's position...
But she couldn't wait for another ten or twenty years. She was already eighteen years old and would soon be nineteen. If she didn't find a husband, she would probably be someone else's second wife in the future!
But now, the ones who came to propose marriage, or those that his eldest cousin found for her, were all poor candidates, or the sons of fifth or sixth rank officials... How could they be worthy of her!?
Zhou Han felt that even if her fate was not as good as Zhou Yu's, she was able to save Prince Rui with just a little effort, and suddenly became the prince's consort!
But it should be about the same, right?!
Unfortunately, no one in her family had any plans for her! Even her mother thought the couples her cousin Zhou Po had found were pretty good, and advised her to accept her fate and get married quickly! Don't let it drag on like an old maid!
Zhou Han didn't want to accept her fate! She also wanted to be like Zhou Yu, surrounded by people and looking majestic when she went out...
Moreover, she felt that her talent and appearance were no worse than Zhou Yu's. She just lacked an opportunity, an opportunity to be noticed by the mistresses of those wealthy families!
However, Zhou Yu, who could give her this opportunity, had always been at odds with her and was unwilling to help her!
In the past few years, she had very few opportunities to meet Zhou Yu, and every time she got close to him, Zhou Yu was indifferent to her!
Therefore, Zhou Han was holding his breath, thinking that if he got up one day, he would definitely teach Zhou Yu a lesson!
So, a few days ago, when the granddaughter of the Minister of Rites, whom she had only met once before, sent her an invitation to come over for a gathering, she immediately agreed!
When she heard that Madam Lu was interested in promoting her, she was even more ecstatic, even though she knew their purpose was to get her to deal with Zhou Yu! Even though she knew that even if she became Zhu Xi's concubine, Zhu Xi might not like her!
You know, there's a scissors feud between her and Zhu Xi...
But she also felt that what Madam Lu said was right. As the saying goes, enemies often come together. Zhou Yu was not very good to Zhu Xi. He either beat her or scolded her. But didn't Zhu Xi still like her?!
Back in Liaodong, she had seen the two quarreling countless times, and had seen Zhou Yu beating Zhu Xi, but didn't they always make up in the end?
Maybe it's true as Mrs. Lu said, Zhu Xi likes her bold type!
Moreover, even if Zhu Xi didn't like her at first, he shouldn't make things difficult for her for the sake of her eldest cousin Zhou Pu!
As for whether she will be favored in the future, it all depends on her ability!
Moreover, Zhou Han felt that if he became Zhu Xi's concubine, he would not be doing anything unfair to Zhou Yu. Instead, he would feel that he was helping her!
According to regulations, all princes must marry at least two concubines in addition to their principal wife, and usually four.
Since he was going to marry her anyway, what harm would it do to Zhou Yu if his cousin took up the position?!
Zhou Han didn't expect to listen to Madam Lu and Concubine Han in the future. If they used her, she could also use them! ?
After all, she and Zhou Yu are both from the Zhou family. If Zhou Yu is willing to join forces with her in the future, she doesn't mind helping her deal with Concubine Han!
Therefore, Zhou Han felt that what she needed to do now was to restore her relationship with Zhou Yu, and then find an opportunity to tell her her plans, so that she would understand that being Zhu Xi's concubine would only benefit her and not harm her...
Therefore, when she saw Zhou Yu, Zhou Han tried to greet him with a smile. However, before she could open her mouth, a girl of about eleven or twelve years old behind her screamed and called out to Zhou Yu:
“My benefactor!!”
Everyone...
Zhou Han...
Zhou Yu...
Looking at the tearful little girl in front of him, Zhou Yu felt that she looked familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen her before...
"Qing'er, do you recognize Princess Rui?!"
Madam Su, who was standing by, asked the little girl in confusion.
"Yes!" The little girl nodded affirmatively, took two steps forward, and said to Zhou Yu with a wink:
"My benefactor, do you still remember the little girl you saved at Tongji Medical Clinic in Liaodong who was stuck in a candied haws fruit?! That was me!!"
Zhou Yu...
"Oh! I remember now! You are the little girl your brother took to Tongji Medical Clinic for help!"
As soon as Su Qing said that, Zhou Yu remembered that the little girl in front of her was the little girl she had saved with the Heimlich maneuver!
"Yeah, yes, it's me!" Su Qing smiled immediately when she saw Zhou Yu finally remembered her.
"After my brother and I returned home, we received news that my grandmother was seriously ill. My brother and I hurriedly accompanied my mother to my grandmother's home in Suzhou...
Later, my father was transferred to Fujian, and we followed my mother back to Kyoto. We never had the chance to repay your kindness...
I didn’t expect to see you here again!”
Su Qing said excitedly, and wanted to kneel down and kowtow to Zhou Yu, but Zhou Yu hugged her and helped her up...
Unexpectedly, just as she helped this person up, Madam Su Ge was supported by someone and began to bow to her...
"So Princess Rui is the one who saved my granddaughter! Mo'er said that if it weren't for you, my granddaughter would have died. Benefactor, please accept my respects!"
"Oh, old lady, you are trying to embarrass me. As a junior, how can I accept your courtesy..."
Zhou Yu hurriedly let go of the little girl and went to help the old man. By the time he had helped both grandfather and grandson to their feet, sweat had broken out on his forehead.
As a result, Su, who had just come back from welcoming guests, heard that Zhou Yu was the benefactor who saved her niece, and with tears in her eyes, she wanted to pay her respects to Zhou Yu...
Zhou Yu...
…
Because of Su Qing's family's interference, Zhou Han's plan to greet Zhou Yu in front of everyone was disrupted again. Then the birthday banquet began. Her seat was a million miles away from Zhou Yu's, and Zhou Yu was always waiting on the eldest princess, which made her have no chance...
Because the Grand Princess was always protecting Zhou Yu, Concubine Han didn't dare praise Zhou Han in front of her, fearing that it would backfire. So until the end of the banquet, Zhou Han didn't say a word to Zhou Yu...
But that doesn't mean they gave up...
A month later, when Zhou Yu had almost forgotten about this matter, Concubine Han suddenly called her over, handed her a list of concubines to be selected, and said bluntly:
"You and Chi'er's wife have been married for more than a year. Chi'er's wife at least gave birth to a daughter, but your belly has not moved.
Chi'er and Xi'er are already grown up. As women marrying into the royal family, we must not be jealous. We must prioritize the royal heirs.
So, I asked my father for permission, and he picked four girls from good families to be concubines for the two of them...
Father has already looked over the list. To prevent you from thinking that I, your stepmother-in-law, am targeting you, I have specially chosen one of your sisters from the same clan as a concubine for Xi'er. You can also choose the other one first, and the rest will be given to Chi'er later!"
Zhou Yu...
Damn it! Concubine Han is going to kill her first and ask for permission later! Has she even asked Emperor Chengqian for permission?
"Ouch! My stomach suddenly hurts! Mother, please forgive me. I have to take my leave. Madam Wei, please help me go back. I really can't bear it anymore...!"
At this point, Zhou Yu can only escape first!
Concubine Han looked at her flustered figure and laughed inwardly, thinking, "It's already been decided, what's the point of running away? Is there any way to get His Majesty to revoke his decision?"
Zhou Yu did intend to ask Emperor Chengqian to revoke his order, before the matter became public and before Emperor Chengqian issued his decree...
So, after returning to the palace, she immediately had Zhu Xi called back and explained the matter to him. She also said that she would not accept Zhu Xi having a concubine. If he did, she would give up her throne! They should divorce!
Zhu Xi...
He felt that Concubine Han was just looking for trouble, thinking about giving him a good life all day long. But seeing Zhou Yu's eyes red with anger, Zhu Xi couldn't help but wonder, if her A Yu was so angry, did it mean that she had started to care about him in her heart?!
"Don't worry, I'll go find my grandfather right away. If he insists on me marrying a concubine, then I won't be a prince anymore!"
Zhu Xi assured Zhou Yu.
Zhou Yu was immediately satisfied after hearing this!
then……
Emperor Cheng Qian, who was taking a nap, was once again woken up by his grandson, who threatened him by saying that he would no longer be his grandson and asked him not to meddle in their family affairs!
Emperor Chengqian...
"I've already given that girl the position of principal wife! What else does she want?! But marrying two concubines won't affect her status, so why is she making a fuss with you?"
"Who said it was Ayu who was making trouble with me? I've said it countless times. I only want Ayu. Whoever wants those concubines can have them!"
When Zhu Xi heard that Emperor Cheng Qian was also putting all the blame on Zhou Yu like everyone else, he immediately became anxious.
Emperor Cheng Qian thought to himself, "Do I even need to be told this? You were just called away by that girl half an hour ago, and now you're back to mess with me. If that girl hadn't been messing with you, would you be like this?"
"Which prince in Great Yan doesn't have a concubine? Why are you so special?! If that girl doesn't want you to have a concubine, she can give me four or five great-grandchildren if she has the ability...
It's been over a year and there's still no sign of pregnancy, yet they're still trying to stop you from marrying a concubine. If this isn't jealousy, what is it?!"
"I don't want to have children for now. Ayu is only seventeen. When she is older, we will have children naturally!
We're not in a hurry. You don't have grandchildren or great-grandchildren to take care of you, old man! Why are you in such a hurry?!
You have so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren that you can't even count them all. You might not even recognize them all when you see them, so why are you staring at us?!"
How can that be the same?! Emperor Cheng Qian thought to himself, only your branch is his true legitimate son, grandson, and great-grandson!
"Xi'er? Is Zhou Yu that good that you're willing to give up everything for her?!"
Emperor Cheng Qian couldn't help but ask Zhu Xi again.
In the past few years, Emperor Cheng Qian has been considering the candidate for his successor, but has not been able to make a decision. Zhu Xi is not out of his consideration!
Although this child is ordinary in every way, he has a kind heart and the blood of his Zhu family...
The key is that his status is noble enough. As his legitimate son and grandson, he can be considered to have the right to succeed him! It is better than the third brother who indulges in wine and women all day long!
There are many ministers in the court who have mentioned him to him. If he and his wife can give birth to another legitimate son at this time, there may be even more ministers supporting him!
But this kid doesn't love the country, he loves beauty! And he only loves one beauty! Those who supported him started to hesitate...
"Grandfather, this has nothing to do with Ayu. It's just that I have never wanted to live the life you and my father have since I was a child!
I have always wanted to advise you that even if you work hard, you can't predict what will happen in the next hundred or thousand years. It is impossible for our Zhu family to rule the country for thousands of years.
If you ask me, you should take advantage of your good health and give up your seat early, and go out with us. Then we will definitely honor you well!"
Emperor Chengqian...
Looking at the grandson in front of him who dared to curse his own kingdom, he couldn't help but take off the shoes he was holding and threw them at him!
At the same time, he had completely given up on the idea of passing the throne to this kid! He just thought, since this kid wants to live a carefree life, then he should fulfill his wish!
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