Gu Jiu, along with other girls, was arranged to live in a side hall not far from the Weiyang Palace.
As I walked into the wing room, Qingmei came to greet me hurriedly.
"Miss, you are finally here. I was almost scared to death."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "I'm fine, what are you afraid of?"
Qingmei smiled, tears glistening in her eyes, "I haven't been able to see you for a long time, and I can't go out. I am worried."
Gu Jiu went straight to the bed.
She had entered the palace early in the morning, and who knew what she had been through. Only then could she relax, close her eyes, and go over everything in her mind.
"Girl, are you okay?"
Gu Jiu waved his hand and said, "Guard the door and don't disturb me."
Qingmei obeyed the order and retreated to the door to guard in case someone suddenly broke in.
Gu Jiu felt a little confused.
It was obvious that the Queen Mother was suspicious of Liu Zhao. She must have received some news, or she might have seen something from the emperor's grandson's choice of a wife.
In short, the Queen Mother suspected Liu Zhao, and she was implicated as well, becoming a target for attacking Liu Zhao.
And it was obvious that the Queen did not believe what she said. Today, she was just passing through temporarily.
I'm afraid there will be even bigger storms waiting for her in the future.
Gu Jiu was extremely upset.
She had to meet with Liu Zhao to discuss a countermeasure.
Her knowledge of the Empress was limited, and her movements were restricted. At this moment, Gu Jiu had no other options but to improvise.
Gu Jiu laughed at herself. She had entered a tiger's den. Could she escape successfully this time?
"Miss, I saw Miss Wei San through the crack in the door."
Qingmei's words brought Gu Jiu back to his senses.
Gu Jiu sat up from the bed, walked a few steps to the door, and opened the door of the wing room. Sure enough, Miss Wei San was outside.
"Third Sister Wei!"
Gu Jiu smiled sweetly.
Miss Wei San also laughed, "Sister Xiaojiu, please let me come in and sit down."
"It's my honor."
Gu Jiu invited Wei San in.
Qingmei went to find hot water to make tea.
Living in this palace is inconvenient and full of rules. Even to get a drink of hot water, you have to ask someone for help.
There were only two chairs in the room, one for Gu Jiu and one for Wei San.
As soon as Wei San sat down, he sighed.
"Why is Third Sister Wei sighing?"
Wei San laughed at himself, "I was just wondering what sins I had committed in my past life that I have to suffer so much in this life."
Gu Jiu hurriedly reminded: "Third sister Wei, be careful with your words, be careful there are ears behind the walls."
Miss Wei nodded. "I know, I was just complaining casually."
Qingmei didn't find any hot water, but only a pot of warm boiled water.
"Girl, is it okay if I only have boiled water?"
"Just water to drink."
I hadn't even had a drink of water this morning, and now I feel my mouth is dry.
Gu Jiu and Wei San drank two or three cups in a row, and the smoke in their throats finally stopped.
"Miss Cui, what do you think of Xiaojiu?"
Wei San will be Miss Cui's sister-in-law in the future, and she wants to hear Gu Jiu's opinion.
Gu Jiu thought for a moment and said, "She is a very proud girl."
Wei San nodded, "He is indeed very proud, so proud that he looks down on others."
Gu Jiu added, "She is a little afraid of Third Sister Wei."
"Afraid of me?"
Wei San was a little surprised.
Gu Jiu whispered, "Sister Wei San married the Third Young Master of the Eastern Palace, and she married the Second Young Master of the Eastern Palace. However, I heard that these two young masters seem to be a little different."
Gu Jiu didn't finish his words, but Wei San already understood.
The second son of the Eastern Palace was born to the Crown Princess, and the third son was born to the Crown Princess.
Logically speaking, the second young master is more noble than the third young master.
However, I heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Queen both prefer the third son born to the concubine.
In addition, the Crown Princess's health is said to be not very good. If anything happens to her, the Crown Princess will most likely be promoted to the Crown Princess.
Wei San frowned, "Do you think Miss Cui will do something bad to me these days?"
"I don't know. But it's better to be on guard."
Wei San nodded, "Sister Xiaojiu is right. We should not have the intention to harm others, but we must be on guard against others."
Wei San didn't stay for long and left quickly.
At noon, palace servants brought food.
It was still the first month of the lunar year, and spring had already arrived in the south, but the capital was still as cold as a block of ice.
The food brought by the palace maids was obviously not kept warm, so it was cold.
Qingmei murmured quietly, "How can anyone eat such food? What if the girl gets diarrhea after eating it? It's better to be at home, where we can eat hot meals at any time."
Gu Jiu picked up a piece of food with chopsticks and tasted it. "Eat it. Now is not the time to be picky. Although the food is a little cold, it tastes okay."
"It doesn't matter what kind of food I eat. I just feel sorry for the young lady."
Gu Jiu laughed and pinched Qingmei's cheek, "I know you feel sorry for me. Stop complaining. There's no point complaining in the palace. Just eat what you have."
The master and servant ate the cold food slowly and attentively.
While eating, Gu Jiu pricked up his ears and asked, "Listen, is there someone crying next door?"
Qingmei put down her bowl and chopsticks and whispered, "I'll go out and take a look."
After a while, Qingmei came running back from outside, "Miss, you heard right. There is indeed someone crying in the next room. It seems that she can't stand the atmosphere in the palace and can't get used to the palace food. She is so scared that she started crying."
Gu Jiu nodded. They were all teenage girls, so it was normal for some of them to have weaker endurance.
He didn't cry in front of the Queen, but cried secretly in hiding, which was already extremely restrained.
Gu Jiu ate half a bowl and put down his chopsticks.
"Girl, is this all you're going to eat?" Qingmei worried.
Gu Jiu nodded, "Try to eat and drink less in the palace, and reduce the number of times you go to the toilet."
When Qingmei heard this, she quickly put down her bowl and chopsticks.
She cleaned up the dishes and put them all in the lunch box, and someone would come to clean them up later.
Gu Jiu opened the bag and took out two books.
Fortunately, she brought books into the palace, otherwise she would not know how to pass the long time.
After lunch and a nap, some people were asked to leave. It was said that they were asked to leave by other ladies.
Qingmei whispered in Gu Jiu's ear, "Miss, will the Concubine Shu send someone to invite you?"
"Maybe."
Gu Jiu's heart moved. If Concubine Shu sent someone to invite her, would she have the chance to meet Liu Zhao?
"I will be guarding the door. If someone comes, I will be the first to know."
Miss Wei San was also asked to leave, and was asked to leave by a concubine in the palace. It was said that the concubine was a relative of the Zhuguogong Mansion.
Seeing everyone being asked to leave, Gu Jiu felt anxious. If she couldn't see Concubine Shu, then she wouldn't have the chance to meet Liu Zhao at all.
Gu Jiu forced himself to calm down, took a deep breath, turned the pages, and tried to immerse himself in the world of the book.
"Miss, someone is coming! It looks like he's here to invite you."
Qingmei came in from outside, looking excited.
Gu Jiu calmed himself down, put away his books and luggage, and took the money with him.
"Is it Miss Gu Jiu?"
Gu Jiu stood up and looked at the palace maid coming towards him, "I am."
The palace maid was about twenty years old and was accompanied by four younger palace maids.
She looked Gu Jiu up and down, then said with a smile: "I am the lady historian of Changchun Palace, my last name is Mei."
Gu Jiu bowed and said softly, "Greetings, Ms. Mei."
"I am here on the orders of Consort Shu to invite Miss Gu Jiu to Changchun Palace. Please come in, Miss Gu Jiu."
"Thank you, Ms. Mei."
Gu Jiu followed Ms. Mei and her group, successfully left the side hall and headed to Changchun Palace.
Changchun Palace is very different from Weiyang Palace.
The Weiyang Palace is grand and simple, exuding a sense of historical weight everywhere.
Changchun Palace is smaller than Weiyang Palace, but it is decorated very delicately and has a touch of everyday life.
Gu Jiu and Qingmei stood under the eaves.
Ms. Mei has entered the hall and reported to her.
Faintly, I heard a few laughs coming from the hall. The laughter was very crisp, and it should be from young girls.
Is there anyone else here?
Gu Jiu was filled with doubts when a young palace maid came over and said, "Miss Gu, the Concubine Shu orders you to come in."
"Thank you, sister."
Gu Jiu smiled gently.
Qingmei calmly stuffed a purse into the little palace maid's hand.
The young maid accepted the purse expressionlessly, her movements incredibly fast. She must have practiced countless times.
The little palace maid made a gesture of invitation.
When Gu Jiu passed by her, she heard the little palace maid say in a very low voice: "Miss Xiao is here too. She was talking to the Empress about Miss Gu before. Miss Gu, please be careful when you reply. The Empress likes honest and loyal girls."
"Thank you!"
Gu Jiu took a deep breath, feeling that the money was well spent.
She was led into the main hall by a young palace maid.
She bowed deeply and said, "Your humble servant Gu Jiu pays homage to Her Majesty Shufei. May Your Majesty live a long and healthy life."
"No need to be polite!"
"Thank you, Madam."
Gu Jiu stood up straight.
The Concubine Shu said, "Lift your head and let me see."
Gu Jiu slowly raised his head, his brows lowered, looking steady and reliable.
She looked at Concubine Shu cautiously out of the corner of her eye.
The Concubine Shu did not look young, and was not as well-maintained as the Concubine Xue. Of course, she was still much better than the Empress.
She had a serious face, droopy eyes, and looked difficult to get along with.
Concubine Shu looked at Gu Jiu carefully from head to toe, "Yes, you are very good-looking. No wonder Zhao'er took a fancy to you."
Gu Jiu lowered his head and said nothing.
"Sit down."
Concubine Shu said indifferently.
Gu Jiu said respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
She was led by the little palace maid and sat in the lower right seat.
Opposite her was Miss Xiao. Miss Xiao was the grandniece of Concubine Shu. She was not chosen as a wife for the emperor's grandson this time because she had already been engaged to the second son of the royal family, Liu Zhao's brother from the same mother.
Miss Xiao has picturesque eyebrows and features, and her appearance is extremely eye-catching. At first glance, she is stunning.
She smiled at Gu Jiu and said, "Miss Gu is younger than me, but from now on I will call you sister-in-law. Please take good care of me in the future."
Gu Jiu frowned slightly. What was this? Getting closer, or provoking?
She said dignifiedly and politely: "I don't quite understand what you said, young lady."
Miss Xiao giggled, "It's all my fault. I forgot to introduce myself. My last name is Xiao, and I'm Liu Yi's fiancée."
Gu Jiu immediately made an expression of sudden realization, "It turns out to be Miss Xiao, nice to meet you."
Liu Yi is Liu Zhao's brother from the same mother.
Ever since being betrothed to Liu Zhao, Gu Jiu has been studying hard to learn about the royal family and has learned all about the members of the Ning Wang Mansion.
The Concubine Shu looked around and said, "In the future, you will be sisters-in-law. You should get along well with each other."
"Your Majesty's orders will be followed faithfully by your servant." Gu Jiu bowed in response.
"My lady, your niece wants to stay with you forever."
Miss Xiao was acting coquettishly, and it was obvious that she was very comfortable with Concubine Shu. She must have come to the palace often.
The Concubine Shu was cheerful and said, "You little monkey, you are just coveting the delicious food here in the palace."
Miss Xiao covered her mouth and said playfully, "My niece hid it so well, but I didn't expect that the queen would still see through it."
Concubine Shu pointed at her and said with a smile, "You think you can hide this little trick from me? That's absolutely impossible."
Miss Xiao immediately leaned over to Concubine Shu and said, "Your Majesty, my niece just wants to eat the cakes in the palace. The chef who makes Jiangnan pastries in the imperial kitchen is really good at it. My niece has gained weight in the past two months."
"You're still eating even though you're fat?" Concubine Shu asked with a smile.
"But it's delicious. I really can't help myself." Miss Xiao looked innocent and cute.
Concubine Shu laughed heartily. "Go quickly and bring some snacks to Qin'er. I want to see how much she can eat today."
The maid laughed in agreement and went to get some snacks.
Miss Xiao said, "My niece can eat at least five pieces."
"Be careful not to lose your appetite at night and get food stagnation."
"It's still the Empress who cares about me the most."
Miss Xiao acted coquettishly and sweetly in front of Concubine Shu, trying to please her in various ways, making Concubine Shu laugh out loud.
Gu Jiu became a background board, sitting upright in the chair, observing everything calmly.
She discovered that while Miss Xiao was talking to Concubine Shu, she was also flirting with her with her eyes.
She was not mistaken, it was really a flirtation.
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled. This Miss Xiao was quite interesting.
The palace maid brought snacks and Miss Xiao invited Gu Jiu to eat with her.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Then I'll try it."
"Miss Gu, don't worry, the snacks made in the imperial kitchen are delicious."
Gu Jiu tasted it and it was sweet, but too sweet for her liking.
She chewed slowly, trying to finish one piece of dessert, and didn't eat the second one.
Miss Xiao probably really likes these snacks. Gu Jiu watched her eat three pieces in a row without feeling sick of them at all.
I guess Miss Xiao really likes sweet taste.
"Miss Gu, aren't you going to eat anymore?"
Gu Jiu smiled and shook his head, "I'm afraid of indigestion at night."
Miss Xiao immediately shouted, "My Lady, you know how to take care of the girl even though she is so young."
Concubine Shu smiled and said, "Who is like you? Once you start eating, you can't stop."
Miss Xiao smiled and said, "Who told you that the snacks in the palace are so delicious?"
"Monkey, eat less. Be careful not to get too fat and then you won't be able to wear your wedding dress."
Miss Xiao stamped her feet and said, "My Lady, you are making fun of your niece again."
"Ha ha……"
Concubine Shu burst into laughter.
The palace maid came in and reported, "Your Majesty, the prince has brought the young master to visit you."
"Let them in quickly."
Concubine Shu looked unusually excited; it seemed she was very happy about Prince Ning's arrival.
Soon, Prince Ning walked into the hall with his two sons.
"Your son pays his respects to Mother. How are you these days?"
"Okay, okay! Sit down now."
Miss Xiao hurriedly stood up, gave up the seat at the lower left, and sat with Gu Jiu.
"Grandson pays his respects to Grandmother, wishing her a long and healthy life."
Liu Zhao and Liu Yi bowed their heads to pay their respects.
Concubine Shu laughed and said, "Come here quickly and let me take a look. Have you lost weight?"
Liu Yi stepped forward, and he was obviously more favored than Liu Zhao.
Liu Yi shook his head and said, "Grandma, I haven't lost weight. I've gained some weight."
Concubine Shu immediately burst into laughter. "You and Qin'er, you two are just trying to act weird in front of me on purpose."
Gu Jiu looked towards Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao walked silently to the side of Prince Ning and sat down, with no intention of going up to Concubine Shu to tease or curry favor with her.
Gu Jiu winked at him. She needed to find an opportunity to speak to Liu Zhao in private. This opportunity had to be created by Liu Zhao.
Liu Zhao had a blank expression on his face, as if he hadn't noticed Gu Jiu. He didn't respond to Gu Jiu's gaze at all.
"Miss Gu is almost fascinated by Cousin Zhao."
Miss Xiao suddenly said.
Gu Jiu quickly withdrew his gaze and looked at Miss Xiao.
Miss Xiao covered her mouth and laughed, "Miss Gu, please don't be embarrassed."
Concubine Shu also said: "It is common for unmarried couples to look at each other for the first time."
Gu Jiu could only smile shyly.
What can she say?
She couldn't say anything in front of Concubine Shu.
Just as Lord Gu advised, talk less and watch more.
Liu Zhao suddenly spoke up, "Miss Gu is dignified and steady, which I think is very good. But Cousin Xiao, you sit with no manners and are extremely unrefined."
Miss Xiao was stunned, and her eyes suddenly turned red.
Gu Jiu lowered her head and gritted her teeth. Was Liu Zhao trying to draw hatred from her? Was he drawing hatred from her?
Ahhh, Gu Jiu was furious again and wanted to commit domestic violence.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
