Liu Zhao secretly held Gu Jiu's hand, as if to give her courage.
Gu Jiu really wanted to say that she was fine and she was not that fragile.
Liu Zhao released Gu Jiu's hand and said to Concubine Shu, "Grandmother, if you have any dissatisfaction, just come to me directly. Why are you making things difficult for Xiao Jiu?"
Concubine Shu narrowed her eyes slightly and stared at Liu Zhao: "Are you blaming me?"
Liu Zhao said in a deep voice: "Grandson dare not."
"Since you don't dare, then don't talk nonsense."
Concubine Shu scolded sternly.
Gu Jiu couldn't hold it in any longer and wanted to stand up and make a few explanations.
Liu Zhao noticed her intention and decisively held her down.
Liu Zhao said in a cold tone, "It seems that Grandmother does not welcome the arrival of my grandson and Xiaojiu. In that case, my grandson and Xiaojiu will take their leave."
Concubine Shu snorted coldly, "Did I ask you to leave? I see you are clearly dissatisfied with me. For a woman, you dare to talk back to me. You are really getting more and more presumptuous."
Liu Zhao said in a resounding voice: "Xiao Jiu is not an ordinary woman, she is my wife."
"How outrageous!"
"I learned my impertinence from my father. If you, grandmother, want to find someone to punish me, go find my father. Ask him why the top beam is crooked and the bottom beam is crooked."
"You, you actually dared to make up stories about your father. You are unfilial."
"Grandson, whether I am filial or not, please listen to my father's opinion. Farewell!"
This time, Liu Zhao stood up and walked straight out of the hall.
Gu Jiu immediately stood up, bowed to Concubine Shu, and then left with Liu Zhao.
Concubine Shu was so angry that she smashed the tea set.
The palace maid advised: "Your Majesty, please calm down."
Concubine Shu's expression twisted. "How can I calm down? This brat has been disliked since childhood and is so infuriating. What's so good about Gu Jiu that Liu Zhao actually defends her so much?"
The palace maid whispered, "Young Master and Madam Zhao are newlyweds and deeply in love. It's understandable that Young Master would protect Madam Zhao."
However, even the best of relationships will eventually fade. When that happens, Her Majesty will only need to give Madam Zhao a push from behind to easily push her into an abyss of no return.
If she dwells on herself, she will eventually become a disgusting and resentful woman."
Concubine Shu's anger turned into joy, and she nodded secretly, "You are right, I was too anxious today. Let's wait a little longer, until they have their wedding day, and then I will teach Gu Jiu a lesson."
"Your Majesty is wise."
Liu Zhao was furious and kept looking stern even after leaving Changchun Palace.
Gu Jiu followed his footsteps and said softly, "Thank you!"
"No need to thank me. You and I are husband and wife, and I should protect you."
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled, then advised: "Don't be angry. I don't care about what the queen said."
Liu Zhao stared at her. "Why don't you care? You are my wife, but you don't get the respect you deserve. Instead, you are looked down upon. Why don't you care? Could it be that you don't care about your status at all, and don't care about being looked down upon? Do you know that when others look down on you, it is equivalent to not giving face to me?"
Gu Jiu frowned slightly and looked at Liu Zhao with a strange expression.
Why is he so angry?
Gu Jiu didn't hesitate and said bluntly: "When I said I don't care, it doesn't mean I don't care about my own status. Is the Queen's anger today really directed at me?
The Queen is obviously dissatisfied with you and is taking the opportunity to find fault with my family background in an attempt to embarrass me.
And it is obvious that the Queen's dissatisfaction with you has not happened overnight.
She used this excuse to criticize you and me. Today is not the first time, and it will certainly not be the last.
If you care about everything, you will never have a peaceful life throughout the year.
Or does it mean that if the Empress criticizes me, I have to cry bitterly and threaten to die before I am considered to care?
If you need this kind of superficial attention, I can show you right now."
"Shut up!"
Liu Zhao scolded Gu Jiu softly.
Gu Jiu said with a cold face, "Don't forget, this is in the palace, the second day of our wedding. If you want to get angry with me, I will give you a chance to make things clear once we return to the palace."
Liu Zhao took a deep breath. "You knew we were in the palace, yet you dared to lecture me. Aren't you afraid of being seen and rumors spreading?"
Gu Jiu lowered his head, "I don't know what's wrong with you today. But I want to remind you that it's getting late, and you still have to go and pay your respects to the Imperial Concubine and the Virtuous Concubine.
After that, I have to go to the Shaofu. After leaving the palace, I have to pay my respects to the princes and princesses.
Today's schedule is very tight, and Mother reminded us to hurry back for dinner. If we continue wasting time here, I'm afraid we won't be able to visit all these relatives before dark."
Liu Zhao looked up at the sky, his mood gloomy and his eyes cold.
The eunuch Lin Shuping quietly reminded him, "Sir, Madam is right. Time is tight. If you have anything to say, let's talk about it after we return to the palace."
Liu Zhao looked at Gu Jiu and said meaningfully, "I was too anxious. Let's go and see the Imperial Concubine."
Gu Jiu followed behind in silence.
Qingmei was very worried. Having a quarrel on the second day of their wedding was not a good sign.
Nanny Fang reminded her quietly, "Don't let your imagination run wild. Some things are the result of years of accumulation. Just serve the Madam well and don't ask about other things."
Qingmei nodded.
Arrive at Ganlu Palace and wait for notification from the palace servants.
Gu Jiu stood under the eaves, two steps away from Liu Zhao.
She looked at the garden.
In winter, the garden is desolate.
A gust of wind blew and the fallen leaves floated down.
The maids clean up the fallen leaves on the ground in time to ensure that the ground is clean at all times.
When the maid stood up, Gu Jiu widened his eyes in disbelief.
Jiang Yan glanced at Gu Jiu secretly.
When she learned that Prince Zhao and Madam Zhao were coming to pay a visit to the Imperial Concubine, she switched shifts with others and waited.
God helps those who work hard, and she finally got to see it.
Qingmei also recognized Jiang Yan and quickly covered her mouth, fearing that she would scream out loud.
Nanny Fang had never met Jiang Yan and was very confused.
The handkerchief in Gu Jiu's hand fluttered to the ground. The wind blew it away and it landed in the yard.
"Madam's handkerchief."
Qingmei whispered.
Jiang Yan was quick to pick up the handkerchief and hand it to Gu Jiu.
"This is my lady's handkerchief."
Gu Jiu took the handkerchief and said, "Thank you. Please leave now."
The moment their hands touched, there was something extra in Jiang Yan's hand.
Jiang Yan quickly put her hands behind her back and bowed as she retreated.
Gu Jiu watched her leave.
Liu Zhao followed Gu Jiu's gaze and stared at Jiang Yan's back.
He took the initiative to approach Gu Jiu and asked quietly, "Do you know her?"
Gu Jiu felt guilty at first, but then admitted it frankly.
Liu Zhao narrowed his eyes, looking thoughtful.
Gu Jiu suddenly grabbed Liu Zhao's hand and shook his head slightly.
Jiang Yan was just a maid who cleaned the house and was of no use to her.
Gu Jiu didn't want Jiang Yan to die because of her.
When she gave Jiang Yan the opportunity to climb up the social ladder, she didn't mean to let Jiang Yan die.
Liu Zhao held Gu Jiu's hand with his backhand, his eyes deep.
There was a lot of strength in his hands, as if he was doubtful.
What are you doubting?
Gu Jiu was stunned for a moment, and then he suddenly realized.
Is Liu Zhao suspecting that she is secretly planting people in the palace?
Gu Jiu wanted to break free.
However, Liu Zhao held her hand tightly and refused to let go.
He whispered in my ear, "Let's talk about it when we get back."
Gu Jiu immediately relaxed.
At this moment, a palace maid came to invite, "The Imperial Concubine invites you and your wife to the main hall."
"Please lead the way."
Jiang Yan returned to the room as usual, locked the door, and then spread out her palms.
Two silver notes, two silver notes of one hundred taels each.
Jiang Yan covered her face and burst into tears.
She slid to the ground, biting her arm hard.
You can't cry out loud, you absolutely can't cry out loud.
But why did I feel so sad and heartbroken? Tears kept falling.
The two hundred taels of silver note were like a bright light in the dark night, making Jiang Yan cry bitterly, but also feeling very lucky.
Jiang Yan cried heartily, then washed her face and rekindled her fighting spirit.
Concubine Xue was polite to both Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu and did not make things difficult for them at all.
"Liu Zhao, you have good taste. You chose Xiao Jiu right away. I like Xiao Jiu the moment I see her. She's so lovable."
Liu Zhao first glanced at Gu Jiu, then said: "Your Majesty is right, I am lucky to have married Xiao Jiu."
Concubine Xue laughed heartily. "I just like your honesty. Xiaojiu, live a good life with Liu Zhao and ignore the gossip outside."
Gu Jiu bowed and responded, "I will follow your Majesty's instructions."
Concubine Xue served tea and sent the guests away. "You are pressed for time, so I will not keep you."
Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu stood up and said goodbye.
Gu Jiu received a set of head ornaments and jewelry as a gift from Concubine Xue.
Liu Zhao stared at the head jewelry in Qingmei's hand with a grim expression.
Qingmei was so frightened that she almost threw away the head ornaments given by Concubine Xue. The look in the young master's eyes was too scary.
Liu Zhao said nothing and continued on his journey.
After meeting all the ladies in the palace, he went to the Shaofu.
The Shaofu household official waited for a long time.
After clapping his hands, the official brought a tray.
"Please have a look, Madam."
On the tray were a seal, a jade butterfly, and a golden book.
With these three things, it means that Gu Jiu's name is included in the royal family tree and she truly becomes the wife of the emperor's grandson.
Jade Butterfly Golden Book, a symbol of identity.
The seal is kept on file and used daily. The seal represents Gu Jiu's wishes and words and deeds.
"Thank you for your hard work, Master. You have prepared everything so quickly." Liu Zhao said politely.
The Shaofu steward stroked his beard and smiled subtly, "You are too polite, sir. Madam, would you like to try out the seal?"
Gu Jiu walked forward with a smile, picked up the seal, dipped it in ink, and then left a signature on the blank paper.
The four big characters "Madam Zhao's Seal" made Gu Jiu very satisfied.
She smiled and said, "Thank you, Master Jialing. I am very satisfied."
"That's good."
Qingmei wrapped the seal in a lotus leaf so that Gu Jiu could carry it with him.
The jade butterfly and the golden book were kept by the eunuch Lin Shuping.
After bidding farewell to the Shaofu's household official, the two continued to visit their relatives without stopping.
Other relatives can choose not to go, but the princes and dukes’ residences must be visited. They are all Liu Zhao’s uncles.
Going from house to house, Gu Jiu gave out many welcome gifts and gave out many purses. At the same time, he also received a lot of welcome gifts.
When it was dark, Gu Jiu took a carriage and returned to the palace tiredly.
As soon as I got off the carriage, the maid from the second gate came to report.
"My Lord and Madam, the banquet is ready. The princess has instructed that upon their return, they should go directly to Jinxiu Pavilion."
Liu Zhao nodded and said to Gu Jiu, "Let's go to Jinxiu Pavilion."
Gu Jiu was not familiar with the palace yet, and he had no idea where Jinxiu Pavilion was. He could only follow Liu Zhao and walk all the way there.
When we arrived at Jinxiu Pavilion, we heard bursts of laughter coming from inside.
The princess was very happy.
Everyone in the palace gathered for the dinner tonight. The two concubines, as well as the beauties of high rank and talented people were all present.
Around Prince Ning, apart from Princess Ning and two concubines, there are a lot of stunning women, each of them is extremely charming.
"Finally back."
Prince Ning laughed heartily and called Liu Zhao and Gu Jiu to the table quickly.
Gu Jiu stepped forward and bowed, then sat down with his sisters-in-law.
Liu Zhao and his brothers sat at the same table.
Princess Pei of Prince Ning coughed lightly, and everyone fell silent.
She said to Liu Zhao, "The Concubine Shu has sent someone to deliver the gift. It's with me. Send someone to take it away later."
Prince Ning was surprised. "Why did my mother send the gift to the palace? Zhao'er, didn't you go to pay your respects to your grandmother?"
Liu Zhao bowed slightly and said, "Xiao Jiu and I entered the palace and first paid our respects to the Emperor's grandfather, and then went to pay our respects to the grandmother. Perhaps the grandmother understood that it was inconvenient for us, so she sent the greeting gift to the palace."
Prince Ning said "oh" and did not delve into the matter further.
Pei's eyes swept across Gu Jiu's face and asked, "But you said something inappropriate and angered the Concubine Shu?"
"My daughter-in-law doesn't dare."
Pei smiled and said, "Logically, since it's a meeting gift, it should have been delivered to you. But instead, the Concubine Shu sent someone to deliver the meeting gift to the palace. If you say you didn't anger the Concubine Shu, I don't believe it."
Gu Jiu raised her eyebrows. Why were they all rushing towards her, one by one?
Do you really think the new daughter-in-law is easy to bully?
But today, there is no room for Gu Jiu to perform.
Liu Zhao spoke first, "It was my fault for speaking inappropriately that angered Grandmother."
Pei was angry. She was angry that Liu Zhao defended Gu Jiu, and she was also angry that Liu Zhao didn't know how to behave.
She said with a stern face, "Why did you offend the Concubine Shu?"
"Do I need a reason to anger my grandmother?" Liu Zhao said righteously.
Pei was so angry that she fell backwards.
Prince Ning coughed twice and said, "Boss, how can you say that? You are such a hot-tempered kid. No wonder you are not liked by others."
"Your Majesty is right." Liu Zhao admitted his mistake quickly.
Pei was furious and said to Prince Ning, "You just spoil him."
Prince Ning laughed heartily. "Alright, it's a rare occasion for the whole family to get together for dinner today, so just keep your mouth shut. Let's eat!"
At King Ning's command, servants brought wine and food.
The food and drinks were plentiful and delicious, and the atmosphere in the hall gradually became lively.
Gu Jiu raised his glass and said, "Sisters and brothers-in-law, I want to toast you all."
"Sister-in-law, you are too polite. We should show our respect to you." Ouyang Fu was very supportive.
Gu Jiu chuckled softly and said, "I'm new here, so if there's anything inappropriate, I hope you brothers and sisters will be willing to give me some advice."
Ouyang Fu said, "Don't worry, sister-in-law. If you have any questions, feel free to send someone to ask me."
Xiao Qin'er smiled and said, "Sister-in-law and second sister-in-law really hit it off right away. If someone didn't know you, they would think you were good sisters in the past."
Gu Jiu laughed, "My second sister-in-law and I hit it off right away. Does my fourth sister-in-law envy us?"
Xiao Qin'er pursed her lips and smiled, "Sister-in-law, stop joking. How could I envy you? Didn't sister-in-law say that we should drink? Why don't you drink?"
Gu Jiu's eyebrows moved slightly, he picked up the wine glass and drank it all.
"Sister-in-law has a good alcohol tolerance. Let me toast to you."
Xiao Qin'er was the first to toast.
Gu Jiu held her hand and said, "Fourth sister-in-law, drink this glass of wine first, and don't cheat."
Xiao Qin'er was a little embarrassed, "How could I cheat? My sister-in-law is joking again."
Gu Jiu looked at her with a smile, waiting for her to drink.
Xiao Qin'er twisted her waist and said, "Drink it if you want."
After saying that, he picked up the wine glass and drank it all.
Gu Jiu laughed, "Fourth sister-in-law has a good alcohol tolerance. Come, I will toast to Fourth sister-in-law with another glass."
In this way, Gu Jiu found various reasons to make Xiao Qin'er drink.
If Xiao Qin'er refused to drink, Gu Jiu would provoke her.
Xiao Qin'er was not fighting for the steamed buns but for her dignity. She would never let Gu Jiu see her whole body.
She drank one glass after another and soon became drunk.
Ouyang Fu smiled secretly, "Sister-in-law has a good alcohol tolerance."
Gu Jiu also drank a lot tonight, but she had taken some hangover medicine beforehand, so she was very sober now.
She laughed and said, "Fourth sister-in-law is really stubborn. I didn't let her drink, but she insisted on drinking."
Ouyang Fu complained in her heart: Xiao Qin'er has been provoked by you to that extent, how can you not be strong?
It must be said that Gu Jiu was really good at stirring people's hearts. With just a few words, he forced Xiao Qin'er to drink until she turned into a puddle of mud.
Princess Pei was very dissatisfied when she saw Xiao Qin'er drunk.
He secretly ordered the servants to send Xiao Qin'er back to her room quickly, so that she wouldn't act crazy and make a fool of herself.
When the wine was in full swing, Concubine Wu suddenly covered her abdomen and screamed, "My, my stomach hurts so much. My prince, save me, the child in my belly, save the child."
Everyone's face turned pale, and you could hear a pin drop in the hall.
Is Concubine Wu pregnant?
Princess Pei stared at Concubine Wu intently. How could she not know that Concubine Wu was pregnant?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
