Emperor Yugan pulled out the hem of his own clothes with one hand, and looked at the queen crying with tears in her eyes, but he had no sympathy in his heart. He felt that the queen had really betrayed his trust. He didn't expect that this seemingly gentle and virtuous queen was actually a vicious and jealous woman. Not only could she not be a mother of the country, but she even used such a young child as a bargaining chip to compete for favor. She was really a woman who would do anything to achieve her goals!
Her hands missed, and the Queen stumbled to the ground. Her delicate palms were slightly bruised from rubbing against the blue brick floor, and beads of blood quickly covered them. But at this moment, the Queen had no time to care about these things. Without the support of her personal maid, she could only get up and continue to kneel before Emperor Yugan, crying, "Your Majesty, I have been in the palace for so many years, and I have always been of the same mind as Your Majesty! How could I do what I did today, knowing that it would anger Your Majesty? The princess is also my child, born after ten months of pregnancy. How could I not love her? How could I do such a heartless thing? Your Majesty, think about it carefully. You are the only support for me and the princess. How could I destroy the city wall?"
Hearing the Queen constantly talking about the unity of husband and wife, Concubine Rong knew that after her initial panic, the Queen had slowly regained her composure!
How could a woman who did not have a strong family background and who had been able to survive for so long between the Queen Mother and Emperor Yugan be an ordinary person?
Although the Queen was flustered by the sudden incident just now, when she spoke in an orderly manner, Concubine Rong knew that the Queen had calmed down!
However, her goal has been achieved. Whether Emperor Yugan believes in the queen or punishes her, it has nothing to do with her!
Listening to the Queen's endless explanations and constant expressions of loyalty, the fury in Emperor Yugan's eyes faded slightly, and his gaze could not help but fall on the Queen again. Seeing her crying so touchingly at this moment, with a look of pity between her brows, he could not help but think of the Queen's virtue and magnanimity in the past. In addition, what happened today was indeed strange. He was furious because Bi'er shouted out the matter of Qin'er and Prince Rui, but he neglected some other coincidences. He was afraid that he had really wronged the Queen!
"Everyone, get up!" Looking at the people kneeling on the ground, Emperor Yugan spoke in a cold voice!
Hearing that Emperor Yugan had given in, the Queen couldn't help but feel happy. The fact that the Emperor was able to speak meant that he had listened to her pleading just now. Otherwise, no matter how she kowtowed and begged for mercy, Emperor Yugan would probably not even bother to look at her!
Emperor Yugan's gaze had already shifted from the empress's gentle face to the extraordinary face of Concubine Rong. After a moment's silence, he spoke in a deep voice, "Empress, regardless of whether this matter has a direct connection with you, Yao'er is in danger this time, and you, as a mother, are naturally not supervising her properly! And Bi'er knew that burning paper money in private was strictly prohibited in the palace, yet she still did it. It shows that you did not discipline her strictly. As for her shouting and talking nonsense in public, she has violated the palace rules. Not only will I punish her, but you too will not be exempted. From today on, you will stay in your own palace and reflect on your actions for a month! As for Yao'er, let Concubine Rong take care of her for the time being!"
Hearing such a punishment, the queen staggered slightly, her body tilted involuntarily, and she looked at Emperor Yugan with disbelief. Only then did she realize that her husband's eyes had already been on another woman. A bitterness instantly spread in her heart, but now in such a situation, the emperor was able to slowly speak of the punishment for her, which was a great favor!
But, she still felt unwilling in her heart. Why should she take her child away?
With a thud, the queen knelt down again, pleading with a forlorn look on her face, "Your Majesty, I will take good care of the princess in the future. Please don't..."
"I have made up my mind! You go to the Queen's palace and take the princess to Ronghua Palace!" But before the Queen could finish her words, Emperor Yugan interrupted her and walked out of Yaoyu Palace without looking back!
Concubine Rong looked at Emperor Yugan's receding figure, bowed coldly to the empress, and then led the palace servants out of Yaoyu Palace!
Tears flowed down her eyes unrestrainedly. The queen looked at the two people who left one after another, but her eyes were fixed on the back of Concubine Rong. A hint of hatred was reflected in the glimmer of tears!
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you!" Unexpectedly, Emperor Yugan did not return to his own Yangxin Palace, but came to Ronghua Palace first!
At this time, he was seen sitting in the side hall of Ronghua Palace, stroking Princess Yao's face on the bed with one hand. Concubine Rong, who had just stepped into the side hall, was slightly surprised, but she also quickly saluted!
"Get up!" Emperor Yugan's eyes were always on the sleeping little princess, but he raised one hand and made a gesture to stand up, asking Concubine Rong to get up!
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" As taciturn as ever, apart from the necessary etiquette, Concubine Rong was as cold and plain as a bowl of water!
But even though she is like this, she has a face that makes the world obsessed. Even Emperor Yugan, who has seen all the beauties in the world, can't help but look at her differently because of this ultimate beauty!
However, what made Emperor Yu Gan curious at this moment was what kind of personality was hidden under Rong Rong's cold face. The chance encounter today completely aroused Emperor Yu Gan's curiosity about her!
Retracting his hand that was caressing Princess Yao's cheek, Emperor Yugan stood up from the bedside and ordered the palace wet nurse to take good care of the little princess. He then walked steadily to Concubine Rong. Seeing that her face was slightly flushed, her eyes were clear and cold, and her face under the swaying candlelight was full of fatal attraction, Emperor Yugan couldn't help but stretch out his hand, wanting to touch the woman in front of him who originally belonged to him!
But unexpectedly, Concubine Rong took a small step back, then knelt down again and whispered, "I am late, please forgive me, Your Majesty!"
Looking at the empty hand, Emperor Yugan noticed Concubine Rong's movement to avoid him. His smiling eyes darkened slightly. He bent down again and personally helped the woman up. He smiled and said, "It was I who didn't inform anyone. How can I blame you? This is my first time in Ronghua Palace. I wonder if my beloved concubine is having a good time."
Concubine Rong looked at the hand supporting her arm, concealed her displeasure, and whispered back, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am doing fine!"
While Concubine Rong was answering his questions, Emperor Yugan was also observing the woman in front of him!
Seeing that her face always had a cold and indifferent expression, as if what happened around her had nothing to do with her, even though he sent the queen's legitimate princess to her palace, Rong Rong still didn't even frown. Is such a woman really cold-hearted or has no interest in him? This instantly aroused the sense of conquest in Emperor Yu Gan's heart!
After all, apart from not allowing Rong Rong to give birth to his royal heir, Rong Rong's appearance and the wealth of her family are both very tempting bargaining chips!
Besides, he had appointed her as a noble concubine, such an honor. If she didn't give something in exchange, she would be letting down the imperial grace he had bestowed on her!
With this thought, Emperor Yugan stretched out his long arms and instantly embraced Concubine Rong's slender and soft waist. Before she could resist, he pulled her into his arms, lowered his head and kissed her tempting red lips...
"Empress..." But at this moment, Rong Rong fainted in Emperor Yugan's arms with a flushed face. Seeing this, Yuanyang, who was standing beside her, immediately cried out in worry!
"Call the imperial physician!" Emperor Yugan frowned for no reason as he looked at Rongrong who fainted in his arms. He then carried her into the bedroom and asked Yuan'er to help her lie flat on the bed. He observed Rongrong's sleeping face and saw that her face was abnormally flushed. He reached out his hand to touch her forehead and found it was really hot!
"I asked you to take care of someone, and this is how you do it? Now your master is running hot, but no one noticed. How do you do your job?" Surprised at the temperature of Rong Rong's forehead, Emperor Yugan's sharp eyes instantly swept over the servants kneeling on the ground and growled!
"Your Majesty, the imperial physician is here!" At this time, Eunuch Yu carefully walked into the bedroom and reported in a low voice!
"Now that you're here, why don't you hurry in? Do you want me to invite you in?" His anger was still spreading. Thinking about the things that happened tonight, Emperor Yugan originally thought that Rongrong's place was relatively quiet and comfortable, but he didn't expect Rongrong to be so worrying. No wonder when he held her hands in the Imperial Garden just now, he felt her hands were cold!
"Your humble servant pays his respects..." The head of the Imperial Hospital hurried into the bedroom. Seeing that Emperor Yugan was indeed sitting in front of Concubine Rong's bed, he immediately knelt down to pay his respects!
"Okay, come over here and take Concubine Rong's pulse!" But Emperor Yugan waved his hand irritably and asked the half-kneeling imperial physician to quickly diagnose Concubine Rong!
"Yes!" The imperial physician immediately bent down and walked to the bedside. He skillfully opened the medicine box on his shoulder. After Yuan'er covered Concubine Rong's jade hand with a handkerchief, he stretched out his hand to check Concubine Rong's pulse!
"How is it?" Emperor Yugan asked, looking at the imperial physician with a frown on his face!
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine is weak and caught a cold, resulting in a high fever that won't go away. I'm afraid she'll need to rest for more than a month! Especially now, although it's spring, the climate is so unpredictable. She must pay attention to keeping warm and not catch a cold again, otherwise it will leave a root of the disease!" The imperial physician withdrew his hand and respectfully told Emperor Yu Gan the results of his diagnosis word for word!
After hearing the conclusion of the imperial physician, Emperor Yugan's brows furrowed again. Thinking of the warmth of his hand that had penetrated through the palace dress when he had just embraced her, Emperor Yugan could only instruct the imperial physician in front of him, "From now on, you will follow up on Concubine Rong's condition. If anything goes wrong, you don't need to come to see me!"
"Yes, I will do my best!" Unexpectedly, Emperor Yugan, who had always been indifferent to Concubine Rong, would suddenly change his mind. The imperial physician immediately kowtowed and promised!
Rong Rong, who was lying on the bed with her face covered by a curtain, opened her eyes at this moment, sighed almost inaudibly, and her heart gradually settled down!
In Fengxiang Palace!
"Empress Dowager, aren't we going to visit the little princess and Concubine Rong?" Someone came early in the morning to report what happened in Yaoyu Palace and Ronghua Palace. Eunuch Qu looked at the Empress Dowager who was sitting at the table reading a book and asked in confusion!
The Empress Dowager turned the page and glanced at Eunuch Qu with a cold gaze. She then said coldly, "Since the Emperor wants to be alone with Concubine Rong, why should I cause trouble? Besides, it's late at night and I've already gone to bed. How can I rush to visit them?"
Eunuch Qu listened to the Empress Dowager's teachings and immediately realized that it was already late at night. If the Empress Dowager appeared in Yaoyu Palace or Ronghua Palace fully dressed, there was no guarantee that the Emperor would not become suspicious! Since the events of tonight were not directed by the Empress Dowager, why should Fengxiang Palace take the blame for others?
"However, after what happened tonight, my grievances have been redressed!" Closing the scroll in her hand, the empress dowager sighed slightly, and the big stone in her heart finally fell to the ground!
However, as the matter of Qu Feiqing was settled, other problems emerged. With the Queen Mother's experience of living in the palace for so many years, she would never believe that what happened tonight was purely a coincidence!
Besides, would Bi'er be so foolish as to burn Qin'er's clothes while carrying them? Rong Rong hadn't visited Concubine Rong Xian for a long time, yet she had to leave Ronghua Palace today. The Emperor even asked Concubine Rong Gui to temporarily care for Princess Yao. I'm afraid Rong Rong's appearance must have caught the Emperor's attention, and she was able to enter and exit Ronghua Palace openly under the guise of visiting the princess! But Rong Rong fell ill at this time. I wonder if this is all due to the Rong family's bad luck or someone is behind the scenes!
"Your Majesty, there is no need to worry. Miss Qu is blessed by heaven, and God will not let her suffer any injustice!" Eunuch Qu saw that the Queen Mother looked worried, and knew that she must be thinking over and over about what happened tonight. However, it was a great joy for them that Concubine Qu's reputation was preserved at this time!
Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother smiled coldly, the light in her eyes gleaming like a sword. Whether or not the concubine was a lucky person was determined by fate; she had no idea! However, considering the Duke of Fuguo's Mansion and Yun Qianmeng's constant protection of the concubine, they must have had something to do with what happened tonight!
I never thought that the timid girl back then would now have such scheming and means. It’s such a pity that she didn’t marry Prince Chen!
Watching Lan'er remove the gorgeous and dazzling hairdo for her, the Queen Mother softly ordered, "Send someone to take good care of Concubine Rong. Since she is ill, don't meet with guests casually!"
"Yes!" Aunt Lan frowned and carefully took out the priceless hairpins from the empress dowager's hair, then replied in a low voice!
After Chu Feiyang received Xi Lin's report, he returned to Mengxin Cottage from the study. At this time, the courtyard was already dark, leaving only the cold moonlight pouring down to illuminate the road under his feet. Just standing at the gate of the courtyard, Chu Feiyang saw a faint candlelight flickering in the inner room, which made Chu Feiyang's mood suddenly improve. The warmth of being waited for made him feel comforted. He finally knew that there was always someone in this world who was willing to leave a light on for him no matter how late it was!
He walked into the main room with very light steps. Yuan Dong, who had accidentally dozed off during the night watch, was immediately awakened and stood up. He was about to salute but was stopped by Chu Feiyang. He then gestured for Yuan Dong to sit down, and he quietly lifted the door curtain and stepped into the inner room!
Yun Qianmeng hadn't fallen asleep. She was just lying on the couch, resting her eyes and waiting for Chu Feiyang to come back. Although she had her eyes closed, she could clearly feel Chu Feiyang approaching. Her red lips curved into a beautiful arc, outlining a charming smile that made the eyes of those who were watching her dim. She took two steps at a time and came to the couch. Before Yun Qianmeng opened her eyes, he leaned over and gently kissed her forehead, saying with a hint of reproach, "Why don't you go to bed?"
As he said that, he took the blanket dyed with elegant orchids and covered Yun Qianmeng with it!
"Wait for you to come back!" Yun Qianmeng slowly opened her eyes. Under the dim light of the flickering candlelight, she saw Chu Feiyang's handsome face with a hint of reproach, and then spoke in a low voice!
Little did she know that her words hit Chu Feiyang's heart like a hammer, and he couldn't recover for a long time. A simple word of concern was much more precious than the extravagant flattery in officialdom!
How could he, fighting on the battlefield, ever imagine that he would one day marry? How could ordinary people understand the emotion felt by those who lived with the uncertainty of death every day when they heard these simple words?
His right hand couldn't help but touch the dimple on Yun Qianmeng's left cheek, slowly weaving it into her hair at the back of her head, then gently hooking it around her slender neck, lifting her delicate face slightly. At the same time, he quickly lowered his head, letting the smiling red lips be stained with his breath, and then he spoke softly, "It's done!"
Yun Qianmeng half-closed her eyes, regaining consciousness slightly at the scent of him. Then her expression turned serious, and she whispered, "Is Concubine Rong safe?"
Although Rong Rong is smart and perceptive, Emperor Yugan is the emperor after all, and Rong Rong is the imperial concubine of Emperor Yugan at this time, so she cannot openly refuse to disobey Emperor Yugan!
"It's okay for now! Even if today's incident hadn't happened, the emperor wouldn't have ignored her for too long! After all, the Rong family's wealth and wealth is a great temptation. Plus, there's the example of the late emperor favoring Concubine Rong Xian. Even if Concubine Rong is favored, the emperor has a way out!" Chu Feiyang easily picked up Yun Qianmeng and walked towards the bed. Then he carefully put her down, lifted the quilt that had been laid out long ago and covered her. He took off his coat and boots and lay sideways beside her!
Listening to Chu Feiyang's analysis, Yun Qianmeng nodded. Emperors have always been ruthless! The women in the harem are all his pawns to win over the powerful and restrain various forces. Moreover, Concubine Rong is so beautiful, it is impossible for Emperor Yugan to ignore her for too long!
However, thinking about what she had discovered, Yun Qianmeng sighed for Concubine Rong. No matter whether she had that man in her heart or not, once she entered the palace, it was like entering a deep sea. The two of them were probably not destined to be together in this life!
"Why are you sighing for no reason? Are you feeling sorry for Concubine Rong?" Chu Feiyang saw through Yun Qianmeng's thoughts, and then pulled her into his arms. He put his thin lips close to Yun Qianmeng's ear and told her the secret that had been hidden in his heart for a long time as if it were a private whisper!
Hearing this, Yun Qianmeng's eyes widened. She didn't expect things to be like this. However, Rong Rong's current identity was a tricky problem!
Just as Yun Qianmeng was concentrating on thinking, she suddenly felt a warm hand reaching into her clothes and touching her skin. A dark shadow immediately covered her eyes, and before she could speak, her lips were swallowed by the person next to her...
Xie's body recovered quickly under careful conditioning. Seeing that she looked so good, Yun Qianmeng led Chu Jie and the Xie sisters to Fugui Hall!
"We're here!" The carriage arrived at the gate of Fugui Hall smoothly. Yun Qianmeng lowered the curtain and reminded everyone in the carriage with a smile. She was the first to get off the carriage with the help of the maid!
In front of Fugui Hall, Manager Meng had already come out to greet them personally!
Last year, when Yun Qianmeng was still the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Yun's Mansion, Shopkeeper Meng noticed that she was different!
Now Yun Qianmeng has become the wife of Prime Minister Chu, who is envied by everyone in the capital. Her status is even more noble, so Manager Meng dare not neglect her even more!
He came forward with a smile and said respectfully, "I greet Madam Chu!"
"Manager Meng, you are too polite!" Yun Qianmeng saw that there was still a shrewd light in Manager Meng's eyes, so she smiled politely. Seeing that Chu Jie and the other two had gotten off the carriage, she followed Manager Meng into Fugui Hall and went up to the private room on the third floor!
"I wonder what kind of jewelry Madam and the young ladies would like to choose today?" Shopkeeper Meng asked with a smile after ordering the maids to serve good tea to the distinguished guests!
Yun Qianmeng didn't answer immediately. Instead, she raised the teacup in front of her and gestured to the people around her. She then took a sip. Her eyes fell on Xie Wanwan and Xie Yuanyuan, who were showing their bracelets when they raised their glasses. Then she looked at Shopkeeper Meng and slowly asked, "Business at Fuguitang is still so brisk! Could you clean our jade and gold jewelry for us?"
Hearing Yun Qianmeng say this, Xie Wanwan and Xie Yuanyuan were startled. They both put down their teacups, lowered their arms and sat upright in their seats, blocking the gazes of outsiders!
However, when Yun Qianmeng's gaze swept over Xie Wanwan, Shopkeeper Meng also saw the gold bracelet on her wrist, and he carefully memorized the shape and pattern of the bracelet!
Hearing Yun Qianmeng's question, Shopkeeper Meng smiled and said, "Of course! I wonder if it's the jade or gold artifact that Madam needs cleaning and polishing?"
Seeing that Fuguitang really did offer this service, Yun Qianmeng smiled faintly and pointed at Xie Wanwan and Xie Yuanyuan beside her and said, "I just saw that my two cousins' bracelets are a bit worn, so I hope that Shopkeeper Meng can re-polish them for them!"
Upon hearing this, Xie Wanwan immediately spoke meekly, "Thank you for your concern, cousin! This is what our late mother left for us sisters. We only miss her when we see it, and we never thought of destroying her relics!"
Hearing her say this, Yun Qianmeng calmly put down the teacup in her hand and nodded slightly, but a look of disapproval flashed in her eyes. "That being said, my two cousins should wear some brightly colored and novel jewelry in their prime. The jewelry from Fuguitang is unique in Kyoto. My three sisters, please take a good look and it will help you calm down!"
As she spoke, Yun Qianmeng picked out a long double-sided hairpin with jade edges and flowers from the hairpins presented by the maids. She pinched the end of the hairpin with both hands and admired it carefully. She nodded slightly to the shopkeeper Meng, and saw a little maid coming forward with a tray that had not yet been filled with jewelry. She asked Yun Qianmeng to put the hairpin in her hand on it so that the customer could choose again later!
Seeing that Yun Qianmeng only mentioned her bracelet briefly and then nothing else, Xie Wanwan and Xie Yuanyuan stopped talking and followed Chu Jie to choose from the dazzling array of pearl hairpins and jewelry in front of them!
Seeing that the three had finished their selections, Yun Qianmeng finally chose a hairpin that said "Everything Goes Well" and handed it to Shopkeeper Meng, and told Mu Chun behind her to go with Shopkeeper Meng to pay the bill!
"Thank you so much for today, sister-in-law!" There was a trace of fatigue on Chu Jie's face. It must have been hard to take care of Xie these days. Even the smile on her face seemed a little tired!
Yun Qianmeng saw her being so polite and smiled elegantly. The refreshed look on her face immediately formed a sharp contrast with Chu Jie. "After returning to the palace, have a good rest. Only then can it complement the hairpin just now!"
Seeing Yun Qianmeng joking without saying anything offensive, Chu Jie smiled softly!
At this time, Mu Chun walked in respectfully and said, "Madam, Manager Meng has already sent someone to deliver the three young ladies' jewelry to the palace!"
Hearing this, Yun Qianmeng nodded slightly and stood up, saying gently, "We've been out for so long, let's go back and see Second Mother! We won't let her worry!"
After he finished speaking, he led the three of them out of the private room, got on the carriage and rushed back to the Prince of Chu's Palace!
But at this time, Xie had just taken the medicine and fell asleep. Yun Qianmeng sent the three of them to the palace and got on the carriage and left the gate of the Chu Palace!
"Miss, this is the pattern drawn by Manager Meng himself!" Yun Qianmeng and Mu Chun were the only two people left in the car. Mu Chun took out a piece of rice paper with a bracelet drawn on it from his purse and handed it to Yun Qianmeng!
Taking the paper, Yun Qianmeng looked at the pattern and the bracelet on it. Yun Qianmeng asked softly, "Have you asked Shopkeeper Meng if he has seen this kind of gold bracelet?"
"Shopkeeper Meng only said that the pattern on this bracelet is very strange, and it doesn't look like something a woman from Western Chu would wear! However, Western Chu is so big, and there are so many foreign races, he can't guarantee it! Moreover, wealthy families will make gold and silver necklaces and bracelets for their children, and they will also be inlaid with bells, but most of them are worn by children under five years old. I have never seen anything like the two Miss Xies!" When paying the bill just now, Mu Chun had already found out everything clearly!
It’s a pity that Shopkeeper Meng has been running Fuguitang for so long and is a knowledgeable man, but he still has never seen the gold bracelets of the Xie sisters!
"Go to 'Yu Family Pawnshop'!" After hearing Mu Chun's explanation, Yun Qianmeng ordered Xi Lin outside to change lanes and go to the largest pawnshop in Kyoto!
"Yes, ma'am!" Upon hearing Yun Qianmeng's order, Xi Lin immediately tightened the reins, turned the horse's head, and drove towards another more remote road!
However, Yun Qianmeng was instructing Xi Lin through the car curtain at this time, but she did not see the hint of surprise on Xi Lin's face when he heard the word "Yu Family Pawn Shop"!
"Miss, what are you doing?" Mu Chun was puzzled. Why did she go to the pawnshop for no reason?
Yun Qianmeng just smiled and said nothing. The pawnshop was the most knowledgeable place, and many strange and weird things could be found in the pawnshop!
Moreover, the 'Yujia Pawnshop' is the most famous pawnshop in Kyoto. Anyone who can be the shopkeeper there must have a good vision and may be able to help me find clues!
However, this time when Yun Qianmeng stepped out of the carriage, she saw King Chu standing at the door of the pawnshop with a smile on his face, rubbing his hands as he watched her get off the carriage!
"Meng'er greets Grandpa!" Yun Qianmeng didn't understand why the King of Chu was here. There was a little surprise in her eyes, but she was still polite!
"Meng'er, why did you think of coming to see grandpa? Come in and sit with grandpa, don't catch a cold!" The King of Chu was obviously very happy, but when he saw him leading her into the pawnshop with ease, through the bustling lobby, and into the quiet backyard, Yun Qianmeng couldn't help but feel a little confused!
"Girl, sit down. How come you have time to come here today? Do you want to take over grandpa's pawnshop? Grandpa is worried about having no successor. If you like it, you can take it!" The King of Chu spoke very generously. With a wave of his hand, he placed a thick stack of land deeds and house deeds in front of Yun Qianmeng, without any look of heartache!
Yun Qianmeng was stunned. She had never dreamed that this 'Yu Family Pawnshop' would actually be a property under the name of King Chu!
Although the King of Chu always gives people an unexpected feeling, now even this pawnshop belongs to him, which is really unbelievable!
"Girl, are you scared silly?" King Chu stretched out his hand in front of Yun Qianmeng and shook his calloused right hand, laughing in his heart. It was not easy to surprise Yun Qianmeng once. This little girl was always overly calm. Now the surprise mixed in her calm eyes made the look in her eyes lively and even more amusing!
Yun Qianmeng coughed lightly, then turned to look at the slightly yellowed pile of property deeds on the table. She hid the surprise in her eyes and said with a faint smile, "Grandpa really scared me!"
I'm afraid that few people in the entire Western Chu would know that the King of Chu, who has always been good at wielding swords and guns, is actually a businessman and the behind-the-scenes boss of the largest pawnshop in Kyoto!
But just as Yun Qianmeng finished speaking, the excitement on King Chu's face instantly disappeared, replaced by a hint of dejection. He said pitifully, "I can't help it. My son is not around all year round, and my grandson is mean to me. Naturally, I can only fend for myself! Jiao Da, don't you agree?"
Finally, he dragged in the loyal Jiao Da, determined to find someone who could prove his pity!
"Your Highness, Madam, I'm going to the lobby to help!" But Jiao Da ran faster than anyone else, and the oil on the soles of his feet was applied very well, and he disappeared in a flash!
"You..." Seeing that his subordinates ignored him like this, the King of Chu glared at him, but still couldn't stop Jiao Da from leaving. He could only sit down again dejectedly, fiddling with the brocade tablecloth on the round table, showing his pitifulness!
Yun Qianmeng drank the tea in her hand and pretended not to see the scene in front of her, so as not to make King Chu feel uncomfortable!
"Girl, how did you know grandpa was here?" But King Chu still couldn't stand the loneliness, and shamelessly raised his head to look at Yun Qianmeng, with joy and happiness in his eyes that his granddaughter-in-law came to see him in person!
Yun Qianmeng sipped the tea in her mouth, put down the teacup, and said, not wanting to offend him, "The carriage was passing by here, and when they saw Grandpa, they came over! But, Meng'er still has something I want to ask Grandpa!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Nanshan immediately perked up, sat up straight, looked at Yun Qianmeng seriously, and said seriously, "What is it? As long as Grandpa can do it, I will definitely help Meng'er!"
Hearing this, Yun Qianmeng smiled gently, took out the piece of rice paper from her sleeve, opened it and handed it to King Chu, and said softly, "Meng'er would like to ask the pawnshop owner to help identify where this bracelet came from!"
Chu Nanshan took the rice paper and looked at the bracelet on it. His silver-white eyebrows wrinkled slightly. A hint of coldness flashed across his eyes, but he returned to normal in an instant. He looked at Yun Qianmeng with a smile, "Where did this come from?"
Yun Qianmeng noticed Chu Nanshan's expression and naturally caught the coldness in his expression. However, she also knew that Chu Nanshan would not harm her and Chu Feiyang, so she replied, "It's the bracelets worn by Xie Wanwan and Xie Yuanyuan! Meng'er just thought it was a little strange, so she wanted to ask around!"
Chu Nanshan listened to Yun Qianmeng's explanation, his face faintly solemn. Chu Pei brought his family back to the capital, but after all, Xie and the others were female relatives, and Chu Nanshan had not spent much time with them. In addition, Xie Wanwan and her sister were even more distantly related, and they rarely saw each other on a daily basis, so naturally he would not notice such details. Chu Nanshan pondered for a while before slowly speaking, "Girl, Grandpa will ask the shopkeeper to identify them. Please wait patiently for a few days!"
Yun Qianmeng heard the King of Chu's answer and understood. She smiled and said, "Grandpa knows what's going on. Meng'er is relieved!"
Seeing that Yun Qianmeng had understood his thoughts, Chu Nanshan put away the rice paper in his hand and put it into his sleeve. In the blink of an eye, he regained his former vitality. He pushed the stack of house deeds and land deeds in front of him towards Yun Qianmeng and said flatteringly, "Girl, take it!"
Looking at the extra wealth, Yun Qianmeng felt a sense of unease. She said with a bit of embarrassment, "This belongs to Grandpa. How can my granddaughter-in-law just accept it for nothing?"
What's more, if this was just an ordinary pawnshop, Chu Nanshan could have left it to Jiao Da to handle. But now he appeared here in person, which only meant that there must be other secrets in this "Yu Family Pawnshop"!
There is no free lunch in this world. Yun Qianmeng didn't believe that she would be so lucky as to be hit by a gold brick, so she declined!
"How can I accept it for nothing? A land deed in exchange for a meal, that should be fine, right?" Chu Nanshan said very considerately, feeling that he had made a big deal!
"And this, this is for you too!" As he spoke, a brocade box appeared in Chu Nanshan's hand like magic. He slightly opened the lid of the brocade box, and inside was the South China Sea pearl that Yun Qianmeng had pawned!
Yun Qianmeng had never imagined that the thing she had pawned so long ago would be worn by the King of Chu. She reached out to take the brocade box, and gently stroked the smooth and moist surface of the pearl inside with her fingertips. This precious pearl contained Qu Ruoli's maternal love and Nanny Xia's loyalty. The value of this pearl had long exceeded the price of the pearl itself, making Yun Qianmeng cherish it very much!
Seeing her like this, Chu Nanshan knew he had done something right. He nodded in satisfaction and took the opportunity to push all the things on the table in front of Yun Qianmeng. He said cheerfully, "These are all for you and Feiyang. Take good care of them for Grandpa!"
Hearing Chu Nanshan's words, Yun Qianmeng immediately raised her head. She felt that Chu Nanshan seemed to be deliberately arranging everything. The throne was about to be handed over to Chu Feiyang, and even such a secret pawnshop was handed over to them. For a moment, Yun Qianmeng felt a trace of sadness in her heart, but she could not find any emotion other than calmness on Chu Nanshan's face!
Hiding the sudden feeling in her heart, Yun Qianmeng stood up, placed the various contracts in her hand back on the table, and smiled, holding only the brocade box, "Grandpa, please allow me to go back and discuss this with my husband!" After saying this, without allowing Chu Nanshan to persuade her to stay, she led Mu Chun away...
"No...don't!" Chu Nanshan only had time to say a few words incoherently before he saw his beloved granddaughter-in-law had already walked away. He couldn't help but stare at Jiao Da who was hiding in the dark and said angrily, "Have you seen enough of my joke?"
Jiao Da felt very aggrieved. He could only stand out as cannon fodder, silently standing behind the King of Chu, listening to his master's complaints tirelessly. "Is my stuff so hot to the touch? These two little guys are running away faster than the other! Others want it but don't have it yet? Besides, my request is very simple, just a meal..."
Jiao Da stood silently by, but in his heart he strongly disagreed with his master's mumbling!
The position of King of Chu is indeed a hot potato. Although it seems extremely noble, it actually contains infinite murderous intentions. If you are not careful, the whole family will be executed!
Besides, with the young lady's intelligence and wisdom, how could she accept this pawnshop for no reason? I'm afraid the young lady has already become suspicious, which is why she didn't answer the prince immediately!
"Mu Chun, don't mention what happened today to anyone else!" Yun Qianmeng whispered to Mu Chun while sitting in the carriage!
"Yes, Miss!" Mu Chun put away the brocade box for Yun Qianmeng and answered respectfully!
The carriage was speeding along the official road and soon arrived at the gate of Prime Minister Chu's residence. When Butler Hong saw the hostess coming back, he immediately went to greet her, holding a note in his hand!
"Madam!" Seeing Yun Qianmeng get off the carriage, Butler Hong immediately stepped forward and saluted!
"Butler Hong, what's the matter?" Yun Qianmeng asked, looking at the three large characters "Chu Xiangfu" written in a flamboyant style on the gold-plated red card!
"Madam, this is an invitation from the Han Mansion of Minister Han, the Minister of War!" Seeing Yun Qianmeng asking, Butler Hong immediately handed over the invitation!
Yun Qianmeng took the note and opened it, but she felt suspicious. The Han Mansion held a banquet to celebrate Han Shaomian's promotion to the Minister of War, so why was the venue chosen to be the Prince Duan's Mansion?
"Has the Prime Minister returned?" Yun Qianmeng asked with concern as she handed the note to Mu Chun and walked into the Prime Minister's residence!
"He hasn't returned yet! It's just that the Prime Minister sent someone back to tell Madam that there's something going on at court and I'll be back late tonight. Please have dinner first! However, Madam Liu from Prime Minister Yun's residence and Miss Yun San are waiting for Madam in the front hall right now!"
After hearing what Butler Hong said, Yun Qianmeng paused for a moment, not understanding what had happened that would make Chu Feiyang stay in the palace for such a long time!
"Got it, go back and do your work!" Yun Qianmeng waved to let Butler Hong leave, and then led Mu Chun to the front hall...
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