Chapter 063

Emperor Zhanghe's words were already very disrespectful to Concubine Zhuang. Concubine Zhuang had been with the emperor since she was young, and it had been more than ten years now. She believed that she still won the emperor's heart.

If the Pei family had not interfered, the throne of Empress Yu Zhuang would have been almost certain to be hers.

Hearing what Emperor Zhang He said, Concubine Zhuang smiled awkwardly and could only reply, "Yes."

In the end, she still wanted to give Shuxian some space, so Concubine Zhuang explained, "When I was pregnant with her and Cheng'er, I suffered a lot during the pregnancy. Cheng'er is a boy, so he should be strictly disciplined. Shuxian is a girl, so I can't help but be a little pampered to her."

"I didn't expect that this habit of pampering would make her a bit domineering." Concubine Zhuang sighed, "I understand. I will teach her well."

Emperor Zhanghe raised his eyes and gazed at Concubine Zhuang slowly and steadily.

Since the death of the Queen, Concubine Zhuang has become the most important person in the harem. She has taken very good care of herself. Now, Concubine Zhuang is over 30 years old, but there are only slight wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. The back of her hands and neck seem to be as smooth and soft as they were in those days.

Emperor Zhanghe's eyes swept over Concubine Zhuang's facial features one by one, and he said calmly, "It's more than just domineering."

"It would be fine if you're just being domineering." Emperor Zhang He slowly raised his eyelids, pursed his thin lips into a line, and his eyes suddenly shot straight into Concubine Zhuang's pupils.

He said: "My daughter has been pampered since she was young, so it is understandable that she has an outgoing personality."

"Shuxian is no longer a domineering and arrogant person." Emperor Zhanghe's words were calm, but his eyes were sharp and intimidating, as if they pierced Concubine Zhuang's heart.

Hearing this, Concubine Zhuang didn't show it on her face, but she secretly gritted her teeth and said, twisting her handkerchief, "Yes."

"I am concerned about your reputation. There are some things I don't want to say directly." Emperor Zhanghe glanced at Concubine Zhuang and frowned slightly. "The Duke of Zhongyi's mansion has been in existence for a hundred years. It would not be unfair to her to marry him. Don't let her become a laughing stock."

Concubine Zhuang nodded, not daring to say anything more. She only said, "Yes, I have already asked her to reflect on her mistakes behind closed doors this afternoon."

"Send two more nannies," Zhang Hedi said, his eyes half narrowed, "Shuxian must be taught the rules from the beginning. Don't let her out until she learns well."

Concubine Zhuang smiled dryly and nodded: "Yes."

After giving Concubine Zhuang and Shuxian a good beating, Emperor Zhanghe's expression gradually softened. There was a faint blue under his eyes, which was obviously because he was busy with government affairs these days and had not slept well at night.

Emperor Zhang He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead with his hand. He said slowly, "In two months, it will be the anniversary of my mother's death. You have been in charge of my mother's death anniversary in recent years. You should be the one to do it again this year."

The birth mother of Emperor Zhanghe, Empress Xiaoming'an, was not of high birth among the concubines of the previous emperor. She gave birth to a son and a daughter in her early years, but was only given the title of Shunpin. Later, when her youngest son, the current Prince of Qin, was born, Shunpin was promoted to Shunfei.

Afterwards, when something happened to Crown Prince Xiaohuai, there was bound to be a palace infighting. In order to allow Emperor Zhanghe, who was still the King of Han at the time, to have a legitimate reason to attack, the previous emperor appointed Concubine Shun as the empress.

Because of her family background, the Empress Dowager had suffered a lot in the harem. After Emperor Zhanghe ascended the throne, he planned to be filial to her, but he didn't expect that the Empress Dowager was a person with little luck.

The year Zhao Youze was born, the empress dowager was seriously ill and passed away before she had the chance to see her eldest grandson.

More than ten years later, every time the Empress Dowager's death anniversary came, Emperor Zhanghe would inevitably think of the past.

Concubine Zhuang also knew that the emperor was a filial son. Seeing that he was willing to hand over the matter of the Queen Mother's death anniversary to her, Concubine Zhuang felt relieved. She lowered her head and replied softly, "Yes, I will not let Your Majesty worry about it."

Zhang Hedi said "hmm", and the slight anger on his face disappeared slightly.

Concubine Zhuang reached out and gently massaged his slightly stiff shoulders and neck.

The lights in Chengqian Palace gradually went out.

Jiashan and Zhanyue stayed in Fengyang Pavilion until nearly twilight in the afternoon. They came out when it was almost time for dinner. Jiashan was mainly talking to Zhao Youze.

There was just light in Zhao Youze's world, and he found everything strange. He had a hundred questions to ask Jiashan, and Jiashan let him do what he wanted.

However, Zhan Yue saw that it was getting late and was afraid that the palace gates would be locked, so he had to remind them.

Zhao Youze held a cup of tea in his hand, and he smiled and said sensibly, "Sister, please go with your husband first. When my eyes are better, I will go to the princess's mansion to play with you."

His face was white with a rosy glow, which was really pleasing to the eye.

Jiashan smiled and touched Zhao Youze's head, then personally sent him back to Concubine Jing in Changle Palace, and then left the palace with Zhan Yue.

It was getting late, and before leaving, he did not ask the servants to stay for dinner. Zhan Yue glanced at the sky and said, "I'll take you to the building outside for dinner."

Louwailou is a well-known restaurant in Beijing and is always full of people.

Jiashan had heard of the palace for a long time, and Zhan Shaoying had wanted to take her there in her previous life. Later, after Yuankang left the palace and built his own mansion, Yuankang took her there once.

At this moment, Zhan Yue probably thinks that he is a country bumpkin who has never seen anything.

Jiashan smiled and said, "Okay, you arrange it."

Since Jiashan had agreed, Zhan Yue ordered the driver not to go back to the Anguo Mansion, but to go straight to the building outside.

The space in the carriage is closed, which makes people feel a little sleepy.

Jiashan got up early today and was now exhausted after a whole day. She lazily leaned her waist on a large pillow and rested her head on Zhan Yue's shoulder.

Zhan Yue held her with one hand.

It was not until the carriage had been out of the palace for a long time and Jiashan was almost falling asleep that Zhan Yue's voice rang faintly in Jiashan's ears. He asked, "When do you plan to move to the princess's mansion?"

Jiashan slowly opened her eyes, looked at him, and then looked away.

Viewed from the side, Zhan Yue's nose looked even taller, and his scarlet robe seemed somewhat out of place with his cool temperament.

Jiashan, who had been drowsy just now, suddenly became alert again.

After a moment of silence, Jiashan opened her thin lips and said quietly, "Probably, in these few days."

Although Zhan Yue's courtyard is a small courtyard with three entrances, Jia Shan can't stay in the Anguogong Mansion forever. After returning to Ning, she will definitely be more active in socializing than now.

The Anguo Mansion is led by Old Lady Wen and headed by Zhang. In March, Zhan Shaoying will also marry. Just think about it and you will know that the Anguo Mansion will be in chaos soon.

Jiashan had no intention of making peace.

Besides, if the eldest princess or other noble princesses came to visit her in the future, Jiashan would not be able to entertain them in a small courtyard with three entrances.

After all, she is a princess, and others would think she was wronged.

Jiashan can think of these principles, and Zhan Yue can also understand them.

He lowered his eyes slightly, nodded and said, "Okay."

Hearing his answer, Jiashan could not help but curl his hands slightly, and his face changed slightly. A certain sentence rolled in his throat for a few times, but in the end, he swallowed it back word for word.

Jiashan frowned, she silently rested her head on Zhan Yue's shoulder, without saying a word, but only half-circled his waist with one hand.

Zhan Yue covered the back of her hand with one hand. He lowered his head, placed her soft hand in the palm of his hand, and played with it gently.

All in silence.

When they got to the outer floor of the building, Zhan Yue asked for a private room. He would occasionally come here with his colleagues from the Jinwu Guards, and he was very familiar with the store owner.

When the shopkeeper saw the commander bringing in a woman dressed as a woman, he knew what was going on. He dared not look at her any further and quickly sent someone to take them to the private room.

The building occupies a prime location in the center of Beijing. There are no fireworks venues with bright lights and wine nearby, but it has taken a different approach and built a quiet place in the hustle and bustle. Opposite it is the Wansong Old Man Tower. Looking down from the corner of the window, you can also see the picturesque West Mountain in the distance.

The private rooms in the building outside the building are named according to the 24 solar terms. The private room that Zhan Yue wants is called Guyu, which is the last solar term in spring.

Jiashan opened the window halfway and saw the rain outside, which seemed appropriate. She turned around and said to Zhan Yue, "It's raining again. It won't stop any time soon."

"No hurry, just eat slowly." Zhan Yue saw Jia Shan enjoying the view from the window, so he walked up to her and explained, "It's dark now and you can't see clearly. If it were daytime, you could see all the five towers in the west city."

After he finished speaking, Zhan Yue seemed to be afraid that Jiashan would regret it, so he added calmly: "I will take you out next time I take a day off."

Jiashan nodded, curled his lips and said, "Okay."

The two of them sat back at the round table hand in hand, and soon a skillful waiter came to serve the dishes.

Before driving, Jiashan couldn't help but think of something. While refilling tea for Zhan Yue, he asked, "Has your uncle's matter been settled? Come to think of it, I haven't formally met your uncle and aunt yet."

Zhan Yue smiled and said, "It's settled. When Marquis Anding returns to the northwest, my uncle will go with him. The marquis was once a deputy general under my grandfather in his early years, and many of his men are old friends of the Fu family. I can rest assured that my uncle will follow him."

"Since you are interested, I will take you to meet my uncle in two days." Zhan Yue said in a low voice.

Jiashan nodded.

The couple started the night happily.

The rain outside was getting heavier. Just as Jiashan said, it would not stop in a short time. Fortunately, before leaving the house in the morning, Suyu prepared a few oil-paper umbrellas, so she was not in a hurry.

After finishing the meal, several people went out of the building. Su Yu stood beside Jia Shan and held an umbrella for her.

The rain was pouring down, and the water drops on the corners of the eaves slid down with the wind, and Jiashan's clothes were soaked. Liu Qi went to the carriage in the rain first, and he took a few raincoats and put them on Zhan Yue and Jiashan.

Seeing the water stains on the ground, Su Yu said in annoyance, "I wanted to bring a pair of clogs, but the rain was not heavy this morning. I was careless. The road is slippery now, so please be careful, Princess."

Jiashan smiled and said, "I'm not that timid, but I just walked a short distance. If my shoes and socks are wet, I can change them when I get home."

Su Yu said yes sheepishly, feeling a little ashamed.

At this moment, a pair of bony hands passed through Su Yu's hands and directly took the umbrella, and his strong arms directly grasped Jiashan's shoulders.

"I'll do it." Zhan Yue said.

He whispered to Jiashan, "If you move closer to me, you will get less wet."

Zhan Yue was tall, and half of his shoulder holding the umbrella was wet from the raindrops. But Jia Shan's body was clean and fresh except for a wet corner of his clothes when he just came out of the building.

He was using himself to protect her from the wind and rain.

Jiashan's body paused for a moment, then she leaned inward slightly. She buried her face in Zhan Yue's thick chest and rubbed it carefully.

The two walked all the way to the carriage, where the footstools were already placed.

Jiashan got on the carriage first and saw raindrops flying on Zhan Yue's face. Jiashan hesitated for a moment, then turned around and said to him, "I'll pull you."

Zhan Yue paused, nodded and said, "Okay."

After all, he was an eight-foot-tall man, and his stature was there. When Jiashan was pulling him up from the edge of the car, he was almost dragged down by Zhan Yue.

It was Zhan Yue who steadied himself and rescued Jiashan who was in his arms.

Zhan Yue smiled and said, "You have to show off your ability."

Jiashan glared at him unconvincedly. This glance was so far-sighted that she was stunned again.

There was a group of people standing in front of the door of the building outside.

There were two girls who were obviously dressed as maids, each holding an oil-paper umbrella in their hands, and in the middle of them was a girl from an aristocratic family.

The girl was wearing a pomegranate red tattered skirt, and was dressed elegantly. She also had a plain cape over her clothes. She looked to be no more than sixteen or seventeen years old.

I don't know how long I stood there watching them.

Seeing Jiashan looking at her, the girl didn't seem to notice. She narrowed her eyes slightly, still staring at Jiashan and Zhan Yue without blinking.

Jiashan pursed her lips, and she was the first to look away, her lips trembling slightly without making a sound.

Zhan Yue saw Jia Shan suddenly silent, so he looked in the direction she was looking. He didn't find anything strange, so he asked calmly, "What's wrong?"

Jiashan hid the surprise that flashed across his eyes, shook his head and smiled, "It's okay."

"Go in quickly, or you'll get wet in the rain again," Jiashan urged him.

Zhan Yue then took her hand and they both got into the carriage.

After sitting in the carriage, Jiashan took out a handkerchief from his arms and wiped the water droplets off Zhan Yue's face.

Seeing that Zhan Yue's brocade robe was mostly wet, Jiashan was afraid that he would get sick, so she said slowly, "After you go back, you should make a bowl of ginger soup. The weather is so hot and cold, it's easy to catch a cold."

"Take off your wet clothes first." Jiashan wanted to take off Zhan Yue's coat.

Zhan Yue didn't respond, but just gently held her hand.

His eyebrows were clear and his eyes were sharp. He asked calmly, "Who was that just now? Why was he staring at you?"

Jiashan smiled and replied, "I don't know, I've never seen it before."

She raised her eyes and said casually, "How do you know they are staring at me? Maybe they are staring at you because they like you."

"Yeah," Zhan Yue nodded, "some are watching me too."

"But I haven't seen it either," he said in a relaxed and natural tone.

As he was talking, Zhan Yue yawned a little. His voice was low and pleasant, with a hint of a smile: "Next time a girl stares at me, Princess, tell her that I am yours."

Jiashan glanced at him with a smile and said with a slight frown, "Stop talking nonsense."

Zhan Yue pecked her on the face unwillingly, then took off his wet robe.

Jiashan calmly took the clothes he had changed. When Zhan Yue wasn't looking, the smile on Jiashan's lips gradually became a little stiff.

As for the girl just now, Zhan Yue said he had never seen her, but Jiashan had seen her.

To be precise, I have seen it in my previous life.

That was Feng, the daughter of the governor of Huguang. Her maiden name was Feng Wanhua. In her previous life, she had been the wife of Zhan Yue.