The voice had a chilling quality, a stark contrast to the woman's previous allure, sending shivers down one's spine just by listening to it.
In the past, when reading novels, Shen Xingmian would sometimes use the term "evil spirit" to describe certain characters, which she found somewhat exaggerated.
Humans are humans, how can they be like demons?
But this person gave her the feeling that he was no different from a demon. Just listening to him speak made her feel extremely sinister. It was a pity that she had mistaken the man inside for the emperor.
Even the emperor seemed much more radiant than this man.
The two dared not utter a sound, continuing to listen cautiously to this crucial corner of the wall.
"Brother, you mean..." The woman's last words seemed to be swallowed back down her throat, abruptly ending.
She seemed to be greatly frightened and took two steps back.
"Look at your spineless face. Changes in dynasties are nothing new. If someone surnamed Xiao can sit on the dragon throne, why can't someone surnamed Gao?"
"And another thing, sister, you've learned quite a bit in this inner quarters, so why are you still so timid? You've never been lenient when you're giving abortions to other women, so why are you so scared just because you heard this news? I should have told you not to listen to Father."
The man's voice gradually became impatient, as if he was extremely disappointed in his younger sister.
The woman's voice trembled with fright as she exclaimed urgently, "How can they be the same?!"
Giving abortions to those sluts, even if you get caught, you'll just get a few scoldings and be locked up for a couple of days. But you're rebelling! One wrong move and you'll lose your head!
"Brother, have you and Father had enough of the good life? Are you tired of living?"
"Smack!"
A loud slap rang out, startling Shen Xingmian. This woman was, after all, a Noble Consort, yet her brother dared to slap her?
Does she have any sense of hierarchy? Her audacity has frightened even a modern person like her.
hateful!
"Brother, you actually hit me! Waaaaaah... This is the first time you've ever hit me in my life, waaaaah..."
Whether from pain, anger, or grievance, the Imperial Concubine began to sob.
Her brother seemed to realize that he had acted impulsively and quickly went over to comfort her, saying, "Rong'er, it was my fault. I shouldn't have acted so impulsively, and I shouldn't have hit you. But you should understand my intentions. I did this all for the two of us!"
Ever since the emperor ascended the throne, you've been trapped in this deep palace. It's so difficult for us to see each other again. Your brother is really worried...
Do you understand?
Whether Consort Gao understood or not, Shen Xingmian didn't know; she only knew that she greatly didn't understand and was deeply shocked.
What did that scoundrel mean by that?
What does "brother's intentions" mean? What does "it's all for the two of us" mean?
Aren't you two related—you know?
Could it be that she misunderstood? Even if they share the same father, they can still not be biologically related?
Could it be that one of these two children is adopted?
Shen Xingmian could only look at her mother, hoping to get an answer, but she saw that her mother was also dumbfounded, completely stunned.
Okay, case solved, it really is... the same...
Art truly does originate from life.
That was brilliant, absolutely brilliant!
Even though he didn't get anything from this trip to the capital, just catching this hot and fresh gossip is enough to keep Shen Xingmian digesting for a long time.
The two of them silently processed the situation for a while, and then realized that no one was talking inside anymore, and something was gradually getting strange.
A rustling sound of fabric came, followed by the sound of water and a woman's soft, passionate breaths...
It's getting increasingly explosive.
No wonder they hadn't heard a sound from the servants while they were lurking in the room for so long. They had been wondering what the servants were plotting, but now they finally understood.
Shen Xingmian was a little excited and was about to peek out to see what was going on when her mother's ruthless iron hand pressed her back down.
She was a little annoyed. Next time she came to the capital, she definitely wouldn't bring her mother. Humph!
Honestly, it's rare to encounter such a grand occasion, and they won't even let her watch the excitement.
well.
As the sounds inside grew louder, Shen Xingmian sensed that her mother was becoming increasingly uneasy and restless. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she leaned closer and whispered, "Forget it, let's leave."
Shen Xingmian replied in a low voice, "No, we can do without everything else, but we absolutely have to get the iron ore mine, otherwise this country will be in chaos."
If circumstances allowed, she would have jumped up and shouted: It's all mine, and nobody can take it away!
But for now, she could only obediently huddle in the corner, listening to the discordant sounds inside grow louder and louder.
...
Five minutes later, the conversation resumed, and Shen Xingmian immediately listened carefully.
"Brother, is the iron mine far away? Is the location hidden enough? You have to be very careful, don't let anyone find out. I'm really worried."
"You must discuss this with your father. Please don't make decisions on your own, okay?"
The concubine's delicate voice inevitably carried a hint of anxiety, along with some slightly labored breathing.
Few men could resist such coquettishness.
Sure enough, what followed was the man's gentle coaxing.
"Don't be afraid, little sister. I'm always cautious. Otherwise, how could my feelings for you have gone unnoticed all these years? You can rest assured."
"Ha, you've gotten so arrogant," Shen Xingmian sneered inwardly.
If she hadn't wanted to wait and see if she could find out the exact location of the iron mine, she would have already brought over the people from the Imperial Hospital and the Imperial Kitchen, eager to stir up trouble.
At that time, no matter how much trouble she causes elsewhere, the emperor will have to rush here immediately.
Just thinking about it makes me excited.
She loves lively atmospheres, hehe.
Shen Xingmian's legs were almost numb from squatting, but the two people inside were still chatting intimately.
She was a little puzzled. Wasn't this imperial concubine very favored? Why wasn't she afraid that the emperor would suddenly come looking for her?
Just then, I heard someone rushing over, knocking on the door, and pushing it open before waiting for a response.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Hospital and the Imperial Kitchen have been burglarized. The report has been sent to His Majesty, and the Imperial Guards are searching everywhere. They'll be here soon!"
The little girl sounded anxious; she must have run quite fast.
A flurry of activity immediately came from inside, and the two quickly tidied themselves up and emerged. The Imperial Concubine's tone remained gentle and calm:
"What's the panic? The thief isn't here. It's just my brother from my mother's family who came over to give me some small gifts during his break."
Brother, please sit down and have a cup of tea, then we can chat for a while longer.
"Alright, Peach, go open the window."
This imperial concubine seems to have indeed weathered many storms; she has a rather stable mindset.
Wait... a window?!
Isn't the window right next to them?
not good!
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