Chapter 93 Using a borrowed knife to kill: I think Qiqi, you are somewhat similar to Brother Huan...
Although he didn't turn around and didn't know who the important person behind him was, just hearing that tone of voice made him feel like a spider was crawling all over him, which was very uncomfortable.
There's an urge to cover his mouth.
The other person called out her name and banned her account, so she turned around to look.
They were a group of scions of prominent families she had never met before.
She had absolutely no recollection of this group of people.
From the crowd, a man with a refined appearance but a slick demeanor led a group of people forward and gave Yu Nie a rather incongruous bow.
Yu Nie frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over them, but he maintained the proper courtesy on his face: "What brings you all here?"
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, although the group did not do anything too outrageous, they wore frivolous smiles and stared at her intently.
One of the men, dressed in a brocade robe and looking rather thin, spoke first: "Greetings, Princess. I am Feng Fu."
Feng Qu said insincerely, "We only caught a fleeting glimpse of the princess outside the city gate that day and never had the chance to see her face again. It is truly our good fortune to be able to witness her beauty today."
As soon as she finished speaking, someone nearby chimed in, "That's right, Princess Shunhe! We've heard that you've dissolved your engagement with the Great Khanate. Our brother Feng Que is still unmarried. I wonder if the princess has such feelings for him?"
After he finished speaking, the group burst into laughter without any restraint, their disdain undisguised.
Yu Nie sneered, about to retort to these people who, despite their prestigious family backgrounds, were worse than stray dogs on the street.
Xiao Chengyan stepped in front of her, glaring angrily at the people.
He rarely has such a cold expression.
"Do any of you have your bronze mirrors? If not, take a good look at yourselves while you piss. You're like toads trying to eat swan meat, not even knowing your own worth."
"You!" Feng Qu was so angry that his face turned red. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, saying, "Your Highness, you'd better watch your words. This is Beiye, not Nanyin. It's not your place to boss people around."
Yu Nie snorted, stepped forward, and stood directly in front of Feng Qu.
She spoke slowly and deliberately: "This is the royal palace, not your private residences."
"Could it be that in your eyes..." Her tone suddenly turned sharp, "the palace is a place where you can do whatever you want and disregard the rules?"
With just one sentence, she pushed the other party's frivolous behavior to the dangerous position of defying imperial authority.
Even the most lawless aristocratic families would not dare to disregard the opinions of the people and openly trample on imperial power.
Unless, they are plotting a rebellion.
This group of people clearly hadn't learned a single lesson from what happened outside the city gates. They still thought that a princess like her, who had no power or influence and was only given a title because of a marriage alliance, could be bullied by them at will.
Hua Ruo and Hua Shu also spoke up in unison, sternly reprimanding the group of people.
Hua Ruo was especially quick-witted:
"Feng Qu, don't be so arrogant just because your sister-in-law is your aunt. In terms of status, Sister Shunhe is a princess personally appointed by His Majesty. What are you? You're nothing but a parasite living in this mansion!"
"Without the backing of a family, you are nothing!"
His words came out like a barrage of bullets, leaving Feng Qu speechless and so angry that his ears turned as red as fire.
He glared fiercely at the people around Yu Nie, knowing he had lost face in front of everyone, but he couldn't do anything about Yu Nie and the others. In the end, he could only suppress his anger and leave in a huff with his followers.
This incident cast a shadow over everyone's originally cheerful mood, adding a touch of unhappiness.
Ah Hui stared at Yu Nie's profile, her brows furrowed tightly, filled with worry.
If Song Ai hadn't held him back so tightly, given his special status, his rash actions might have brought her even more trouble.
He couldn't hold back any longer and stepped forward, determined to argue with Feng Qu and his group.
Hua Ruo and the others gathered together, gently comforting Yu Nie.
In her opinion, encountering such scum was just a trivial incident and not enough to spoil her good mood.
She smiled and said, "I'm fine. I'm actually grateful to you all for standing up for me. I offended someone for no reason."
Xiao Chengyan waved his hand: "Qiqi, don't be polite with us. Feng Qu and his ilk are always like this. When they meet someone stronger than them, they act all high and mighty, but when they actually meet someone who dares to go head-to-head, they immediately show their cowardice."
He suddenly remembered something and added, "They were rude to Brother Huan before, but they didn't expect to run into a brick wall. Brother Huan used a little trick and beat them up like pigs. They looked so pathetic."
As he spoke, he looked at Yu Nie, his tone revealing a hint of disbelief: "Speaking of which, I think you, Qiqi, are quite similar to Brother Huan."
Upon hearing this story about Huan Xun, Yu Nie paused slightly, then asked hesitantly, "Which...which point?"
“You both have the courage to face conflict.” Xiao Chengyan replied frankly, “If it were someone else, they might just put up with it and accept their bad luck. But neither of you are the type to swallow your pride.”
"Although we should not tolerate these people, I have seen too many people who can tolerate them and too few who dare to stand up for themselves."
After hearing this, Yu Nie remained silent for a moment.
In the past, she might have thought that enduring powerless situations was cowardly and not brave enough.
But the experiences she had personally gone through in this life gave her different insights.
She slowly began, "Perhaps it's not because they 'can endure,' but rather that most of the time they are forced to endure it out of desperation."
"Power above all else can crush you." She ultimately didn't say those words aloud.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengyan nodded thoughtfully: "I hadn't thought of that before. Now that Qiqi has mentioned it, it seems I was overthinking it."
Yu Nie quickly waved his hand, anxiously explaining as if afraid of being misunderstood: "No, no, no... I just said it casually, I had no intention of criticizing my cousin."
"Why would Qiqi accuse me?" Xiao Chengyan laughed a few times, completely unconcerned.
"Alright, alright."
Hua Shu stepped forward and said, "Let's not stand here and talk. We agreed to show Hua Yan around the palace first. If we keep chatting like this, we'll waste all our time."
“By the way,” she turned to Xiao Chengyan beside her and reminded him, “Didn’t you say that the Empress Dowager wanted to see Qiqi? Judging from the time, we should go to Changxin Palace as soon as possible.”
"Look at me, I actually forgot about this." Xiao Chengyan slapped his forehead and then turned to Yu Nie: "Grandmother mentioned to me a few days ago that she wanted to see you."
"It's just that she hasn't been feeling well these past two days and won't be attending the star-gazing banquet tonight. We can enjoy the scenery of the palace along the way and keep her company for a while."
Yu Nie listened and did not refuse.
Song Ai went to great lengths to dress her up, all for the purpose of meeting the Empress Dowager and the others.
"Since I'm already here, I should at least try to build some connections," she thought to herself.
Little did she know that this meeting was secretly arranged by Xiao Chengyan.
He feared she would be mistreated in the palace and wanted her to move into Xianyang Palace. But Xianyang Palace was not a place that could be easily occupied. Without the Empress Dowager's approval, even the Emperor could not grant it to her rashly.
Changxin Palace was some distance from Danhe Gate, so Hua Ruo instructed her palace servants to summon several palanquins for everyone to ride in.
Before boarding the palanquin, Yu Nie's gaze swept over the ministers who were arriving one after another for the star-gazing banquet.
She subconsciously looked around carefully, a faint sense of anticipation rising in her heart, but she still couldn't see that familiar figure.
A barely audible sigh escaped her lips. She withdrew her gaze, stepped onto the palanquin, and headed towards Changxin Palace with Xiao Chengyan and the others.
After they left, Li Yunsheng, whose hand was bandaged, witnessed everything that had just happened.
His attendant, Tie'er, leaned closer and said, "Prince Consort, everyone's gone. Feng Qu must have gone to the Third Prince's place. Let's go there right away."
Li Yunsheng, as the second son of Li Xing, became the only heir in the Li family because his elder brother died young. Three or four years ago, he was even granted a marriage by the late emperor and married Princess Minjia, enjoying unparalleled prestige for a time.
Unexpectedly, a year after their marriage, the princess died in childbirth. From then on, Li Yunsheng was left unchecked and had no more scruples. For a time, he ignored the words of his father, Li Xing, completely disregarding them.
But ever since his father’s concubine gave birth to a son, fearing that he would be stripped of his position as heir, even if he was unwilling, he always had to put on a submissive appearance and dared not act recklessly anymore.
The reason he didn't dare to make a big fuss with Yu Nie and the others a few days ago is because of this.
But at this moment...
Li Yunsheng stared at his arm, which had been broken in a sneak attack. Amidst the excruciating pain, a raging fire of revenge surged within him. A plan to use someone else to do his dirty work was quietly taking shape in his mind.
In Jian'an City, there are very few people who dare to teach him a lesson.
Considering the timing of the incident, it wasn't hard for him to deduce who was secretly sabotaging him.
Who dares to mess with Li Yunsheng?
He'll make them pay the price for messing with the powerful!
Thinking of this, he casually asked his attendant, "Is the Third Prince still playing his wrestling game in his palace today?"
The attendant, unable to fathom his thoughts, simply replied truthfully, "The Third Prince has recently taken a liking to this pastime, but since it's a star-gazing banquet today, he may not be as busy as usual."
"Whether it's organized or not, there will always be people to accompany us."
Li Yunsheng stared maliciously at Sui En and A Hui's retreating figures: "I think those two young eunuchs are quite good. Send a few people to follow them and invite them to sit at Lingyun Terrace."
Lingyun Terrace was the residence of the Third Prince, Zhao Yuanwen.
According to the regulations of Beiye, princes who have not yet reached adulthood do not need to move out of the inner palace and must live with their mothers.
Zhao Yuanwen was nearing the age of coming of age, and was five or six years younger than Li Yunsheng. His mother was Li Yunsheng's cousin, so the two families were related by marriage.
Zhao Yuanwen was a man who indulged in drinking and merrymaking, especially fond of the games of pitch-pot and wrestling. He would set up games and compete almost every day in the palace. He often hung out with his cousin Li Yunsheng and Wang Fengshu, whom he had met at the Imperial Academy. They had long been in cahoots.
“But they are Princess Shunhe’s people. What if we don’t have a chance to ‘invite’ them here?” The attendant was in a dilemma. Having followed someone like Li Yunsheng, he certainly understood what this ‘invite’ meant.
Li Yunsheng was displeased: "I don't believe they can stay inseparable forever. If there's no opportunity, don't you know how to create your own?"
“But Prince Consort, this is the palace. We are not eunuchs. How can we get inside?”
"If you can't go, you can at least bribe a few eunuchs to go. Just say that the Third Prince ordered that those two eunuchs be sent to Lingyun Terrace by any means necessary."
His tone suddenly turned terrifying, startling his attendant who quickly agreed and ran off to find someone.
*
The palace was a riot of colors, dazzling the eye. All kinds of pavilions, towers, and fairy gardens, with willows and flowers in the courtyards, were too much for Ah Hui to handle.
Along the way, Xiao Chengyan and the others introduced the scenery: "The palace ahead is the Empress's bedroom. The kitchen in her palace has the best food. Hua Ruo and I sometimes go there for a meal."
As he passed a lush green lake, he turned back to Yu Nie and said, "This is Qinghui Pond. It is especially beautiful when the lotus flowers are in full bloom. Many literati have written poems and lyrics about it."
Yu Nie couldn't help but recall the poems he had learned, the poems of Li Bai and Du Fu, but none of them matched.
But the beauty of the palace was truly captivating, and Ah Hui was just as mesmerized as she was.
Hua Shu's voice came from the car in front: "Before the banquet, we'll go to the observatory. Hua Yan can have a good feel for what it means to be able to pluck the stars from the sky."
She reminded Xiao Chengyan in a joking tone: "Chengyan, don't just talk about the scenery, also teach Huayan to recognize the roads in the palace, so that she won't get lost later and not be able to find her own palace gate."
Yu Nie smiled and replied, "With you here, I'm sure you won't get lost."
Hua Ruo also chimed in with a few jokes.
Looking back at her, Xiao Chengyan saw the smile in the corner of her eyes, and he couldn't help but smile as well.
They talked as they walked, stopping occasionally to look around.
Before they knew it, the carriage had entered the depths of the palace and arrived at the gate of Changxin Palace.
They dismounted from their palanquins, and the guards outside Changxin Palace saluted them.
Just as they were about to go in, the guards at the door stopped Yu Nie.
He said respectfully, "Princess, please forgive me. According to palace rules, you may only bring one maid with an official rank inside. All other personnel must remain outside."
The Empress Dowager's residence was generally off-limits to low-ranking eunuchs and palace maids. Even someone like Xiao Chengyan, who was raised by the Empress Dowager, was not allowed to break the rules.
Knowing that this was the rule, Yu Nie hesitated for a moment because she was worried about A Hui.
Xiao Chengyan saw through her concerns and gently advised, "This is Changxin Palace, and ordinary people can't even step into it. As long as they stay here, there won't be any problems."
He added, "Besides, Hua Ruo and the others have their maids and eunuchs here with them, so Qi Qi can relax."
Yu Nie's gaze fell back on A Hui, his eyes filled with unwavering worry.
Seeing this, Ah Hui nodded gently to her, his eyes clear and firm, indicating that she could rest assured.
Yu Nie stared at him for a moment, and finally nodded slowly with a hint of reluctance.
She gave Ah Hui a few words of advice, then handed him her token in case of emergency.
After doing all this, she left Sui En, Cui Wei, and A Hui behind, and led Song Ai into the gates of Changxin Palace.
Watching Yu Nie and the others disappear inside the door, A Hui and Sui En waited outside.
The weather has been quite mild these past few days, with a gentle breeze bringing a refreshing coolness that's much more comfortable than the stuffy heat inside.
About fifteen minutes later, two or three eunuchs came running over in a hurry.
They first looked Sui En and A Hui up and down, then glanced at the other eunuchs beside them.
One of the eunuchs, who appeared to be the leader, looked somewhat anxious and called out, "You lot, come with me."
Cuiwei noticed the official robes of the other party and immediately realized that their rank was higher than theirs.
Her heart tightened, remembering Yu Nie's instructions before he left. She stepped forward and asked respectfully and cautiously, "I wonder what instructions the eunuch has for us palace servants?"
The eunuch, with a kind and gentle appearance, replied to Cuiwei in a warm manner: "Aunt, you may not know this, but we are here to deliver ice chests for the Star Gazing Banquet. The cart carrying the ice chests overturned just now, and the ice gold inside is very precious, so we really can't delay."
"I was thinking of asking a few of my younger brothers to lend a hand and help carry the ice chest back to the car so that we could get this over with as quickly as possible."
As he spoke, he turned and pointed to the corner ahead: "It's over there, not far away."
"Please, young men, have mercy. If we go back to call for help, it will delay things. Getting scolded is a minor issue; the ice will almost melt by then, which would be a major problem."
Although Cuiwei could tell that the other party was indeed anxious, she dared not agree to let Ahui leave even a step without permission.
Ah Hui saw that the eunuch was sweating profusely with anxiety, and then looked at the corner he was pointing to, estimating that it was no more than a hundred meters away.
He subtly gave Cuiwei a wink, indicating that he could go and help.
Seeing that it wasn't far, Sui En chimed in, "Don't worry, I'm here, I'll take good care of Ahui."
Cuiwei was unsure and peeked in the direction the eunuch was pointing.
She weighed the matter in her mind for a moment before turning to the eunuch, her tone firm: "At most a quarter of an hour. My princess may come out at any time. If she can't find her, we servants can't bear the responsibility."
"Oh, thank you for your understanding, Auntie."
The eunuch's face immediately lit up with gratitude: "It won't take a quarter of an hour, at most half an hour, I'll bring them back!"
After saying that, he turned around and led Ah Hui, Sui En, and the other eunuchs who had been mentioned to the corner ahead.
Ah Hui and Sui En were caught off guard as they walked in front of the crowd.
When they were led to the place, a path shaded by lush trees.
They didn't see the overturned ice chest, but there was a cart with two wooden barrels on it. Sui En and A Hui realized something was wrong and turned to go back.
Before they could make a move, a stick came from behind and knocked them both to the ground. Several eunuchs came out from behind the tree, put them into sacks, threw them into barrels, and drove away with the cart.
The eunuch, who had just been looking kind and gentle, suddenly transformed into a fierce and menacing figure.
He glanced at the remaining eunuchs who were trembling with fear at the scene before them, and spoke:
“You should know what to say and what not to say. We are all sensible people. To dare to kidnap someone in broad daylight is to gamble with your life. But since you dared to do it, it shows how capable the people above are. You should be able to weigh that.”
The eunuch said soothingly, "When the time comes, you will be allowed to go back. Now, please stay here and enjoy the cool air."
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