Chapter 96 Jealousy
As soon as Xiao Shenjing appeared, a suffocating silence spread rapidly from the doorway like a plague.
The original hustle and bustle was instantly frozen.
Yunxi looked displeased.
Why is this person here again?
Is being an emperor anything but busy?
A foolish ruler.
When their eyes met, the coldness in Xiao Shenjing's eyes had been suppressed. Judging from Yun Xi's expression, he guessed that she was probably cursing him at the moment.
He raised an eyebrow, strode inside, and his gaze did not linger on the two pots of orchids.
Even though he knew very well that Jianlan could not possibly have been bought by Yunxi herself.
Two pots of Cymbidium ensifolium of this quality would cost at least several tens of taels of silver. Yunxi had already spent a lot of money renting shops and houses, so it was impossible for her to spend such a large sum of money on flowers that were beautiful but useless.
Lu Xiuran was penniless and donated all his salary to the school.
Therefore, only Fan Zishi.
But Xiao Shenjing felt that the two pots of orchids were insignificant and he didn't mind.
How could he, the emperor, care about such a trivial matter?
It's not worth dwelling on.
Laiwang didn't know why, but he felt that this distinguished guest was even more difficult to serve than yesterday.
So much so that when he served tea, he subconsciously glanced up at it.
They happened to meet Xiao Shenjing's gaze.
His phoenix eyes were expressionless, but Laiwang felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over his head in the dead of winter, making his heart shiver.
With a hasty sweep of his arm, the cups that had just been placed were swept onto Xiao Shenjing.
"How dare you!" Fu Shun shouted.
Laiwang was so frightened that his legs went weak and he knelt down with a thud.
Now, everyone who was drinking looked over.
When her gaze swept over Xiao Shenjing, she immediately looked away, not daring to look any longer.
Yunxi frowned, about to speak.
Seeing Yunxi frown, Xiao Shenjing condescended to reach out and help Laiwang up, saying, "It's alright, get up."
Laiwang smelled a very delicate and lingering fragrance. This fragrance was by no means the strong and pungent smell of cheap perfume powder. It was a faint, indescribable woody scent.
It smelled pleasant yet made people afraid to approach, quite different from the other drinkers around it.
I recalled the clean-shaven, beardless attendant beside the distinguished guest earlier, and his shrill, high-pitched shout of "How dare you!"
Laiwang trembled uncontrollably and dared not raise his head again.
Seeing that Laiwang was unable to do anything, Fushun was about to serve him when Xiao Shenjing gave him a cold glance.
He understood immediately.
As expected, Yunxi soon came over and replaced Laiwang.
He poured tea and wine in one fluid motion, without even glancing at Xiao Shenjing.
As she turned to leave, Xiao Shenjing called out again, "Shopkeeper!"
Yunxi turned around and glared at him fiercely.
Xiao Shenjing changed his tone, saying, "I meant a plate of braised beef."
Seeing that he was speaking with such seriousness, Yunxi put one hand on the table and pressed him, "Can you please stop loitering around my little shop if you have nothing to do?"
"Who said I'm fine?" Xiao Shenjing asked.
"Heh." Yun Xi sneered. "None of my business."
She turned and left.
"I have observed that Yuanxiao is diligent and inquisitive, and I intend to find two tutors to enlighten her. Do you have any recommendations?"
"No." She didn't know anything about the officials in the imperial court.
Xiao Shenjing has no other children, so she believes he will choose carefully for Yuanxiao.
After all, she wasn't particularly good at academics.
"You trust me that much?" Xiao Shenjing's lips curled up slightly involuntarily, and he nodded. "That's only right."
Yunxi realized that the more she said, the more mistakes she would make.
So I just shut up and got busy.
The new store opening, coupled with promotional activities, attracted many people.
So Yunxi was very busy. Whenever she was behind the counter, she could smell a faint fragrance and couldn't help but glance at the flowers.
Xiao Shenjing noticed that when Yunxi looked at Jianlan for the fifth time, the sound of her putting down her teacup was slightly louder than usual.
Others didn't notice the subtle difference, but Fu Shun, who had been serving him all along, did.
Back at the palace, Xiao Shenjing asked Fushun, "Do you think I should send some congratulatory gifts to express my feelings about the opening of Yunxi's new store?"
“Your Majesty, that is certainly true.” Fu Shun immediately nodded in response.
What's the point of the faint fragrance of orchids?
He had to make sure she smelled the fragrance he gave her day and night.
The next day, Xiao Shenjing did not appear, but Yunxi received a pair of cloisonné enamel crane incense burners personally delivered by Chief Steward Fushun.
The cloisonné enamelware craftsmanship is exquisite, with the crane design being elegant and luxurious, and the inlaid gemstones making it even more dazzling.
The moment it was taken out, it immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.
When "Miss Yun" was outside, Fu Shun addressed her in the same way as Xiao Bei. "Young Master didn't know your preferences, so he sent you different kinds of spices. Take a look and see which scent you like, and I'll send you more."
Before Yunxi could finish speaking, Fushunren had already strode to the shop door.
How could Yunxi possibly accept them? With lightning speed, she picked them up and stuffed them into Fushun's sedan chair. "I don't want these things, take them back with me."
Finally, he threatened, "Tell him to stop sending me these."
"Stop sending them?" Xiao Shenjing sneered. "She can accept orchids, but she can't accept my things? Keep sending them to me."
The next day, Yunxi saw a Pixiu carved from a single piece of jade prominently displayed next to her counter, so precious that it seemed completely out of place in her small shop.
Its flamboyant appearance easily overshadowed the two pots of orchids.
Upon seeing this, Yunxi could perfectly imagine what Xiao Shenjing looked like.
The more Yunxi looked at it, the more displeased she became. She said, "Xiaobei, move out."
The patrons whispered among themselves, "Such a large jade Pixiu, this is simply unprecedented."
"It's no exaggeration to say it's priceless. Just who is this shopkeeper?"
Hearing these speculations, Yunxi's forehead veins throbbed.
As a result, Xiao Bei and Lai Wang barely managed to move to the doorway.
When Yunxi arrived at the tavern the next day, she found that the eye-catching jade Pixiu was still displayed at the entrance, attracting three layers of people from inside and outside to point and stop and watch.
Xiao Shenjing!
Yunxi's desire to hit him had reached its peak at this moment.
As more and more people gathered, Yunxi, covered in dust and grime, was carried inside again.
"She was carried in?" Xiao Shenjing sat behind his desk, trying to suppress his anger, but when he thought of Yunxi's expression at the time, his vivid look of being both angry and helpless, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
He couldn't help but curl the corners of his lips into a smile.
"Your Majesty, are we going to see Empress Yun again today?" Fu Shun asked casually, seeing that he was in a good mood.
"What do you want me to do?" Xiao Shenjing glanced at him.
Will I get beaten up?
Fu Shun pursed his lips and immediately lowered his head to barely suppress his laughter.
Empress Yun's temper was like a firecracker; she would explode at the slightest provocation.
Going there at this time would definitely be like walking into a knife's edge.
As he thought this, he couldn't help but glance at Xiao Shenjing again. He saw that the emperor was still sitting behind that tall imperial desk, but he was no longer as cold and lonely as he had been when he lost Empress Yun.
It's like sitting in a grave.
Not a single ray of light or warmth can be seen.
Everything seemed to have hope again.
I really hope that these days can continue without any more setbacks.
Fu Shun thought to himself.
By the time Xiao Shenjing had almost finished reviewing the memorials, it was already getting dark.
Fu Shun brought over dinner.
Xiao Shenjing watched as the eunuchs and palace maids remained completely silent, not even making a sound as they clattered their bowls and chopsticks.
I find dining alone to be incredibly boring.
He recalled that in that dilapidated tavern, the food wasn't exactly refined, but with Yunxi around, it made the place feel lively.
Suddenly, I found it hard to bear the solemn silence that I had become so accustomed to.
But Yunxi would never enter the palace now, so...
He put down his ivory chopsticks and suddenly said, "Tomorrow, go and bring Yuanxiao into the palace."
After Yuanxiao entered the palace, Xiao Shenjing specially set aside an hour to play with him.
From the moment the accompanying wet nurse was carried into the palace, she felt as if she were in a dream, until she saw the emperor in his dragon robe.
Trembling, he knelt down and finally understood the true identity of the child he was serving.
Two days later.
"You mean, Yunxi put that jade Pixiu in the backyard?" Xiao Shenjing asked with dissatisfaction, recalling the image of Yunxi smelling orchids whenever she had nothing to do.
Fu Shun nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Alright, alright, I'll give her another prized possession, one that's impossible to move."
So the next day, the large bronze wine vat with engraved designs was carried in by five guards and placed against the wall right in front of the main entrance, in a place that anyone entering the tavern could see immediately, making it extremely conspicuous.
"Miss Yun, Young Master said that if you don't like it, he will send you a large screen with a hundred treasures and a plaque with his own inscription next time."
"Fine!" Yunxi's brow twitched. "I'll take this huge vat of wine. Just tell him not to send me anything else!"
The last few words were almost spoken through gritted teeth.
In the afternoon, when Princess Chong'an saw the large vat of wine, she covered her mouth and laughed, clearly having heard about Xiao Shenjing's gifts these past few days.
When she went to the kitchen with Yunxi to braise beef, she said, "You know Fifth Brother's personality; he won't give up until he achieves his goal."
Yunxi agreed with these words.
She really didn't have the energy to waste on someone who dared to fight for the throne.
Princess Chong'an clearly said, "If you take this huge wine vat away, he will definitely send you something even more extravagant next time."
She nodded in deep agreement.
Princess Chong'an was in a good mood and said, "I haven't given you a gift yet since you opened this tavern. Yesterday I opened a 'tavern owner' card for you and bought some official liquor. You must accept it."
Yunxi stopped washing the beef, shook her head and said, "Princess, you don't need to do this. I won't accept anything."
Even if she does need it.
After all, the law stipulates that it is not allowed to brew wine for sale without authorization. Yunxi does need to obtain these things, but the price of official wine is high and the tax is heavy, so she plans to save up some more money before doing so.
“These are just worthless items, Yunxi, please accept them,” Princess Chong’an couldn’t help but step forward and say.
Yunxi stared at her in silence for a while, then suddenly asked, "Is there something you need my help with?"
Beneath her sleeves, Princess Chong'an suddenly clenched her hands, but her expression remained unchanged. She said, "What's wrong? You know, if my new shop opens, Yunxi, you'll definitely send me something, won't you?"
Yunxi did not look away, and said to herself, "Princess Chong'an, I am just a lowly wine seller, I can't help you with anything."
These words made Princess Chong'an's heart ache, and she remained stunned for a long time.
In the past, Yunxi would do everything he could to stand up for her with just a word.
Now that he's no longer her friend, she's reluctant to do even the smallest favor.
She clearly knew all along, didn't she?
Yunxi is a person who loves and hates intensely. Once she considers you one of her own, she will be willing to go to any lengths, even die for you.
If she treats you like a stranger, then even saying a few more words is a waste of her time.
Inside the sedan chair, Princess Chong'an pursed her lips.
His expression gradually faded into the shadows.
When Xiao Shenjing reappeared in Peach Blossom Village, he immediately noticed the striking large pure copper wine vat, which was much more eye-catching than the two pots of orchids.
He smiled slightly and stepped into the store.
As soon as he saw his tall figure looming over him, Laiwang's legs went weak.
She looked at Xiao Bei for help.
Xiao Bei had no choice but to step forward.
Xiao Shenjing ordered one of each dish, lifted his thick eyelashes to look at Xiao Bei, and asked, "Where is Yunxi?"
"Miss is in the kitchen," Xiao Bei replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Yunxi recently hired a cook who is very skilled at making pickled vegetables and braised meat jerky; the taste of her dishes is unforgettable.
Moreover, he is quick and efficient, observant, and has a cheerful personality.
This greatly reduced the burden on her, and Yunxi was very satisfied.
The cook was talking to Yunxi when she saw Xiao Shenjing lift the curtain and come in. Her expression panicked for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.
Yunxi didn't even notice that they were almost there.
Xiao Shenjing, however, seemed not to notice and looked directly at Yun Xi.
"What are you doing here again!" Yunxi was carrying a chicken and rubbing it with salt when she looked up and saw Xiao Shenjing.
"Of course I came to see you," the emperor said matter-of-factly.
Yunxi slowly pinched the chicken's neck, raising an eyebrow. "Now that you've finished watching, can you go back?"
"Sure."
Yunxi was surprised that Xiao Shenjing would agree so readily and glanced at him with some disbelief.
"The day after tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Shall we go release lake lanterns, admire them, and solve riddles?" He leaned against the door frame, his tall figure blocking most of the light. Half of his face was bathed in the warm yellow autumn sun, as if coated with a thin layer of glaze, making him appear even more handsome.
Yunxi remained unmoved and refused outright, saying "I won't go."
"I'll pick you up the day after tomorrow evening." Xiao Shenjing nodded, making his decision on his own.
Seeing his reaction, Yunxi emphasized again, "I said I'm not going!"
After being rejected time and time again, the emperor's patience was clearly running out, but seeing Yunxi's furrowed brows, he remained silent for a few moments, then took a step back, which was rare for him. "Then I'll take Yuanxiao to see her."
"what ever."
With a 'snap', Yunxi chopped off the chicken's head with a knife.
Xiao Shenjing did indeed leave very quickly.
However, the sedan chair turned a corner and arrived at the residence where Yunxi lived.
As the saying goes, "A mother is someone who has food to eat," and as soon as she saw him, she called out "Father Emperor" and rushed over.
Xiao Shenjing hugged the soft, chubby little boy tightly with satisfaction.
His unfathomable eyes were filled with laughter. "What are you doing on Yuanxiao? Have you missed your father?"
Yuanxiao shook her head and said in a childish voice, "I miss my mother."
"You have no conscience." Xiao Shenjing pinched his chubby cheeks and ordered Fushun to open the food box that had been prepared beforehand.
Various beautiful pastries, candies, and dried meats have appeared, immediately attracting Yuanxiao's attention.
Xiao Shenjing personally washed his chubby little hands before handing him a piece of milk cake.
Seeing him eating with relish, his chin was plump with soft flesh.
This involuntarily reminded the emperor of the way Yunxi ate.
Her heart couldn't help but soften and itch, so she leaned over and kissed Yunxiao's chubby cheeks.
He knew that an emperor should not show his emotions so openly, but this was his and Yunxi's child.
Thinking about it that way, I couldn't help but give him a kiss.
Fu Shun watched with a pleased smile.
Seeing that the little guy had almost finished eating, Xiao Shenjing took out a brocade handkerchief, wiped his little face, and said, "Yuanxiao, did you like the food your father brought you?"
"It's delicious." Yuanxiao nodded honestly.
"There will be a beautiful dragon lantern show tomorrow, and lots of delicious food to eat during the Lantern Festival. Would you like to go with your father to see it?"
"Go, go." Yunxiao nodded hurriedly.
Xiao Shenjing weighed the glutinous rice ball in his hand, adjusted it to a more comfortable position, and then said, "How about we ask Mother to go with you to see it tomorrow?"
Seeing Yuanxiao nod emphatically, Xiao Shenjing kissed him with satisfaction and emphasized, "Our family should be together in harmony, so Yuanxiao must have his mother come along."
So, as soon as Yunxi got home and picked up Yuanxiao, he put his arms around her neck and said, "Mother, let's go see the lanterns tomorrow."
As if afraid he hadn't explained himself clearly, he emphasized, "It's fun."
Yunxi was speechless for a moment.
Xiao Shenjing is a bastard who hasn't changed his ways.
Not getting her promise, Yuanxiao sweetly pleaded, "Mommy, let's go together, let's go together!"
If it were someone else, they probably wouldn't have the heart to refuse.
But Yunxi disagreed.
Because she knew that once she went there, it would be like opening the floodgates.
She was unwilling to get any closer to Xiao Shenjing.
She even deliberately stayed in the store.
Everyone went to the streets to join in the fun, leaving the shops quite deserted.
Equally desolate was the Forbidden City, which should have been filled with magnificent palaces and revelry all night long.
The Qianqing Palace was deserted. The Emperor did not hold a banquet for his officials as in previous years to enjoy the moonlight together. The news spread silently like ink dripping into a cold pool, yet it left everyone in the harem with their own doubts and surprises.
Consort Xue leaned against the vermilion railing overlooking the lake. Today, she wore a palace gown embroidered with gold-embroidered clouds, a sight that should have been a riot of color, yet reflected in the solitary glass lanterns hanging below, it exuded a melancholic elegance. She held a small, exquisite palace pastry between her fingers; the golden crust was clearly imprinted with the character "御" (Imperial), but she remained silent for a long time. On the gilded plate on the table were piles of tribute purple grapes, plump pomegranate seeds, and snow-white water chestnuts—all top-quality delicacies—yet no one touched them.
The head maidservant hurried along, yet tried her best to lighten her steps. She approached the Consort from behind, leaned down, and whispered, her voice barely audible, yet each word clear: "Your Highness, we have ascertained that His Majesty has left the palace incognito."
Consort Xue's fingers tightened abruptly as she held the palace cake, the crisp outer shell shattering silently, scattering gold dust onto her brocade sleeves. The gentle, dignified veil on her face seemed to be instantly torn apart by this news. She slowly raised her eyes, gazing at the square expanse of dark blue sky cut off by the high walls outside the pavilion. A full moon, like an ice disc, hung in the center, its clear light casting a cold, hard outline on the eaves and brackets of the layered palaces.
"Leaving the palace?" Her voice was unreadable, still carrying her usual languid tone, but the last syllable was like a poisoned needle tip, gently lifting, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions. Where is Your Majesty going for a 'reunion'?" She deliberately emphasized the word "reunion".
The palace maids naturally dared not speak, and prostrated themselves on the ground, trembling.
The lake reflects the moon in the sky, as well as the palace lanterns swaying under the eaves.
Several exquisite water lanterns floated on the water. They were set off by palace servants to pray for peace and good fortune, but at this moment they looked just like rootless duckweed.
Consort Xue gently placed the broken palace cake back onto the plate, slowly wiping away the crumbs from her fingertips with a plain white silk handkerchief. Her movements remained elegant, but the string of perfectly round pearls around her neck swayed slightly.
Who else could make His Majesty abandon the entire palace but her?
"Heh," Consort Xue sneered.
She thought that with Cen Shi dead and Yun Xi dead, the position of Empress would be as easy as taking candy from a baby for her, but she never expected that Yun Xi would actually live and bring back a prince.
With so many concubines in the harem, she never even touched the emperor's bed. Without children to rely on, once this mother and child enter the palace, she will never be able to rise again, so how can she contribute to the family?
Thinking of this, Consort Xue clenched the handkerchief in her hand tightly.
At dusk, Xiao Bei returned from outside carrying a food box.
"What are you doing back here? Aren't you going out to play?" Yunxi asked casually.
Xiao Bei smiled and shook her head.
He opened the package and pushed it over, saying, "Miss, please try it."
"Where did this come from?" she asked instinctively as she reached for a piece.
Xiao Bei looked at her without saying a word.
"Big brother?" Yunxi stared at the exquisite mooncake in her hand, immediately realizing what was going on, and couldn't help but ask, "You went to the Marquis of Jiangyuan's residence?"
"No, no, I didn't go," Xiao Bei stammered.
Yunxi paused, then asked in a low voice, "Is my older brother nearby?"
Xiao Bei nodded, and then hurriedly explained, "The adults told me not to tell you."
The Mid-Autumn Festival, a day of full moon, is a time for family reunions.
But because of Xiao Shenjing, she didn't even dare to see him.
If you think about it carefully, she and Fan Zishi haven't seen each other for more than two years.
I felt angry.
Yunxi pursed her lips, went to the kitchen, chopped two small dishes, prepared a pot of peach blossom wine, put it in a box, and instructed, "Take this to my elder brother."
At this moment, he must be standing alone under the moon.
Yunxi instructed, "Please tell him that I will see him as soon as I have time."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Bei's expression changed drastically as she stared at the door.
Yunxi subconsciously turned her head to look, and then saw Xiao Shenjing appear at the door at some point.
His tall, elegant figure blocked all the light from outside the door, and his phoenix eyes appeared exceptionally deep and unfathomable.
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