Wen Di smiled subtly, his refined demeanor revealed in his humble bow. "Your Highness, thank you for letting me win. I did my best to narrowly defeat you. Your highness's style of play is truly admirable!"
Wen Qiu looked at the black pieces arranged in a rigorous manner on the chessboard, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Only a famous general like the King of Chu, who had been on the battlefield for many years, could have such a clever mind and cautious attitude. Although he had narrowly won this time, the King of Chu's black pieces were also a famous game. The wisdom contained in it was probably something he would never be able to learn in his entire life!
Chu Nanshan was also looking at the white pieces on the chessboard. Although Wen Qiu's layout seemed ordinary, looking at the whole game together, Wen Qiu's style of play was calm yet strategic. There was neither cunning nor murderous aura, but with the righteousness of a master, the great formation of the Broxian Immortal, a deadly aura hidden in the invisible and awe-inspiring. No wonder this kid was able to defeat him by a single blow despite his relentless pursuit and combined offensive and defensive tactics. This descendant of the Wen family was truly not to be underestimated!
But what impressed the King of Chu even more was that Wen Qiu gave his all on the chessboard and did not give in just because he was the King of Chu. This attitude of treating everything equally made the King of Chu have a very good impression of Wen Qiu, and he felt that Wen Qiu was an upright and trustworthy person!
The King of Chu raised the teacup beside him, gestured slightly towards Wen Di, then took a sip of the tea and said cheerfully, "You have a similar temperament to your grandfather. You refuse to bow to the powerful. No matter who you face or what you face, you will always give it your all! This is what I admire about you!"
If what was widely circulated in Western Chu in the past was the King of Chu's clever use of troops, then today's chess game with the King of Chu allowed Wen Qiu to see another side of Chu Nanshan beyond his military tactics. No wonder the King of Chu could teach a man as great as the Prime Minister of Chu. Wen Qiu was truly impressed and immediately picked up the teacup at hand and drank a sip of tea together with Chu Nanshan. The two then enthusiastically discussed the chess game just now!
"Grandpa, I think if the black piece had been used across just now, maybe you would have won!" Looking at the two people's excited discussion, Chu Qingyang, who had been watching the game silently, spoke slowly. He picked up a black piece on the chessboard with his slender fingers and then placed it between the other two white pieces!
King Chu and Wen Qiu patiently watched the place where the black piece was placed, and then looked at the overall situation. They felt that it really had the effect of turning the tide. They couldn't help but look at Chu Qingyang with admiration!
“I never thought that after Prime Minister Chu, there is such a learned and talented second son hidden in the prince’s family!
"The move Chu Qingyang had just shown immediately made Wen Qiu look at him with a smile in his eyes. He felt that the Chu King's family was really full of talented people. Chu Feiyang was already a brilliant man, and it seemed that Chu Qingyang at this moment was no less talented than his brother!
Chu Nanshan listened to Wen Qiu's praise with a faint smile. His eyes could not help but glance at Chu Qingyang standing beside him. Seeing that his attention seemed to be always on the chessboard, he said modestly, "My dear nephew, you are too kind. This kid still needs more experience! However, although it is said that bystanders see more clearly, it is fortunate that this kid was able to discover this crucial move! I am really old and missed this step!"
Seeing the King of Chu speak like this, Chu Qingyang smiled modestly and said, "Grandpa is still strong and vigorous in his old age. How can this grandson surpass him? I just happened to find this step by chance!"
After hearing Chu Qingyang's words, Chu Nanshan shook his head in disapproval. "A man should have confidence. You were just watching the chess game intently. How could you have discovered this move by chance?"
"My dear nephew, I also think that Mr. Chu's chess skills must be extraordinary!" Wen Qiu was still immersed in Chu Qingyang's wonderful moves, and could not help but nod and agree with what King Chu said!
At this moment, Chu Qingyang raised his head, looked at Chu Nanshan sincerely, and slowly said, "Grandson has something I would like to ask Grandpa and Uncle Wen for their approval!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Nanshan and Wen Qiu looked at Chu Qingyang, who had already stood up from his seat, in confusion. Seeing his solemn expression and serious eyes, Chu Nanshan's pupils narrowed slightly. He couldn't help but stroke his white beard with his right hand and slowly said, "What's the matter?"
Chu Qingyang, however, smiled elegantly, his gaze shifting from Chu Nanshan to Wen Qiu, and he spoke firmly. "My grandson has discovered many of my shortcomings from today's chess game. Furthermore, my father often mentions the Wen family of Western Chu as a family of scholars. Therefore, I wish to become Wen Shibo's disciple. I hope Grandpa will agree, and I also hope that Wen Shibo will accept Qingyang as his apprentice!"
After he finished speaking, Chu Qingyang stood in front of the two of them, waiting for their responses!
After hearing his remarks, Chu Nanshan and Wen Qiu exchanged glances quickly, but there was a look of suspicion in Chu Nanshan's eyes, while there was hesitation in Wen Qiu's eyes!
For Chu Nanshan, although Chu Qingyang is his grandson, he is not as close to him as Chu Feiyang. In addition to Chu Pei's relationship, the two of them are only related by blood. When it comes to real feelings, there is really none!
Wen Qiu was puzzled. A man of King Chu's talent was fully capable of being Chu Qingyang's old man, so why did he choose him? What's more, although the Wen family had disciples, they rarely accepted children from big clans. After all, these children were of noble status and were not easy to discipline, and the Wen family always avoided interacting with people in the court!
However, after seeing what Chu Qingyang had shown just now, Wen Di couldn't help but feel a sense of cherishing talent in his heart. Wen Qiu has always cherished talented people!
"Please grant my permission, Grandpa!" Chu Qingyang saw the admiration in Wen Qiu's eyes, and he knelt down straight in front of Chu Nanshan!
"Are you really interested in learning from your uncle Wen?" Chu Nanshan's question was very obscure. If one was not familiar with the Chu family's affairs, one would definitely not be able to hear the hidden meaning!
Upon hearing this, Chu Qingyang raised his handsome face, looked at Chu Nanshan with firm eyes, and said with great certainty.
"yes!"
Chu Nanshan observed his expression and listened to his tone, and suddenly smiled. His eyes held the wisdom cultivated by years of experience. His all-seeing tiger eyes took in everything, yet he didn't point it out. Instead, he turned to Wen Qiukai. "I can't make the decision for you, nephew. If you like this boy, then take him in! If not, there's no need to begrudging to accept him just to save my face!"
After he finished speaking, Chu Nanshan fell silent and stopped interfering in the matter!
When Wen Qiu heard Chu Nanshan speak like this, he knew that Chu Nanshan must be very clear about the unwritten rule of the Wen family, which gave him the opportunity to choose!
Wen Di slowly swallowed back the words he was about to refuse as he looked at the chessboard. Looking at Chu Qingyang, whose expression was clear and bright, Wen Qiu spoke cautiously. "In that case, starting tomorrow at 11:00 AM, you will enter the Wen family to study!"
Seeing Wen Qiu's agreement, Chu Qingyang immediately kowtowed three times respectfully to Wen Qiu and solemnly called out, "Master!" After Yun Qianmeng left the Xie family's courtyard, she heard the maids outside discussing the second young master becoming a disciple of the Wen family. She couldn't help but feel a little surprised. In the blink of an eye, Chu Qingyang had become Wen Di's apprentice. This was beyond anyone's expectations!
Originally, Xie would propose a marriage alliance with the Wen family because of saving people, but unexpectedly, Chu Qingyang became a disciple of the Wen family!
The Wen family has produced an imperial tutor, and now Wen Xie is the prince's young master. If nothing unexpected happens, the current prince will also become the future emperor. A family has produced two imperial tutors. Not everyone can have such an honor!
This not only shows that the Wen family is knowledgeable, but also that the Wen family is very experienced in teaching the prince to become an emperor. Nine out of ten disciples trained by them are useful talents. So, is Chu Qingyang interested in the reputation of the Wen family, or does he hope that through the teachings of the Wen family he can become a useful talent, or does he want to become a generation... Thinking of the last result, Yun Qianmeng's heart suddenly tightened, and her brows instantly became solemn. She immediately led a few maids out of the palace!
At this time, Chu Feiyang had not yet left the court. Looking at the empty inner room, Yun Qianmeng's mood had already calmed down in the galloping of the carriage. She asked Mu Chun to find a piece of silver brocade printed with taro flowers. After imitating Yingxia's gestures and matching the colors of the silk thread, she inserted the embroidery needle into the brocade and drew the pattern on it!
"What is this? Why is it so strange?" Little did he know that he was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice Chu Feiyang coming in!
It was not until Chu Feiyang's slightly teasing voice rang in her ears that Yun Qianmeng woke up with a start. She raised her aching neck and looked at Chu Feiyang who was bending over beside her. Yun Qianmeng found that the maids who had originally stayed in the inner room had disappeared, and Chu Feiyang's smiling eyes were fixed on the brocade in her hand. Following his gaze, Yun Qianmeng saw that there was a green leaf embroidered on the fine brocade, but the stitches were of different thicknesses and the shape was a bit weird. No wonder Chu Feiyang laughed at her!
Seeing that she had wasted another piece of brocade, Yun Qianmeng coughed lightly and placed the brocade in her hand into the bamboo basket. Then she sat up straight and looked at Chu Feiyang, pouring him a cup of hot tea and smiling softly. "Father, now that he's gone, I don't know when he'll be back!"
Chu Feiyang took the teacup, drank it comfortably, and then said, "I'm afraid I'll have to stay for a while! It's a good move for my second brother to take Wen Qiu as his master today!"
Yun Qianmeng was not surprised to hear Chu Feiyang mention this matter. With Chu Feiyang's ability, how could he not know what happened in the Prince Chu's Mansion? Moreover, the person Wen Di accepted this time was the Prince Chu's grandson. Such news would probably have spread throughout Kyoto by now!
Just hearing Chu Feiyang mention "good tricks", Yun Qianmeng carefully observed his expression, only to see a gentle smile between Chu Feiyang's brows, and said with a slight frown, "You seem to be enjoying yourself!"
Upon hearing this, Chu Feiyang shrugged and said helplessly, "Wen Qiuxin is not interested in officialdom. For many years, he has been immersed in books and chess games. His students are all indifferent to both body and mind!"
"But his reputation is the most famous among the descendants of the Wen family today. Even if his heart is not in officialdom, his reputation is a very good weapon!" Yun Ganmeng said deliberately, glaring at Chu Feiyang's indifferent look!
Chu Feiyang nodded seriously and replied with two words seriously, "Indeed!"
Seeing him so calm, Yun Qianmeng shook her head slightly, then took out the brocade and scissors, removed the unsightly green leaves on it, and carefully embroidered other patterns on it!
Chu Feiyang, on the other hand, hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, quietly watching the embroidery needle shuttle between her hands, and said softly, "I will go with you to the banquet at the Han Mansion!"
The movement of his hands paused slightly. Yun Ganmeng turned to look at Chu Feiyang in confusion. He saw that Chu Feiyang's eyes were slightly lowered, and he was concentrating on the brocade in his hands. He asked in confusion, "Why?"
Han Shaomian is only a third-rank minister, so it seems that Chu Feiyang is not yet at the stage where he needs to personally take action! Even if Han Shaomian has the Prince Duan's Mansion behind him, it is only a marriage relationship after all. Moreover, the previous Princess Duan has been dead for more than ten years. Why does Chu Feiyang attach so much importance to him?
However, Chu Feiyang grabbed Yun Ganmeng's hand holding the needle, and together with her, they inserted the needle tip into the brocade, and slowly explained, "Father will take care of Youzhou's affairs, and grandfather will take care of the palace's affairs. I will naturally just accompany my wife." Looking at Chu Feiyang's leisurely look, Yun Ganmeng shook his head and said nothing, but his heart was at peace!
February 2nd is the day when the dragon raises its head, and the Han Mansion’s banquet is on this day!
This was the first banquet held among the various prefectures in Kyoto after the New Year, especially in the Prince Duan's Mansion, which seldom held banquets. The ladies of each mansion attached great importance to it. Although it was a dinner party, after noon, the gate of the Prince Duan's Mansion was already filled with carriages from various mansions!
Chu Feiyang asked Xi Lin to escort Yun Qianmeng to Prince Duan's Mansion first, while he himself returned to the mansion with Prince Duan from the palace!
Today, Yun Ganmeng changed to an extremely spacious carriage, and together with Xiahou An'er, he picked up Chu Jie and the other two. Then he went to Yun Xiangfu to pick up Yun Yan, and then rushed to Prince Duan's Mansion!
"Yan'er is so dazzling today!" Seeing Yun Yan wearing the long double-sided hairpin with jade edges and flowers that she had chosen for her, and seeing that Yun Yan was wearing the most popular dress in Kyoto during the New Year, the colors were bright, and the embroidery on the hem was exquisite and delicate, Yun Qianmeng praised with a smile!
"In Yan'er's eyes, sister is always the most beautiful!" Yun Yan's cheeks couldn't help but blush slightly when she was praised like this by Yun Qianmeng. However, seeing the sincerity in Yun Qianmeng's eyes, she knew that her elder sister was really praising herself, which made Yun Yan's heart slightly happy!
However, in Yun Yan's eyes, Yun Qianmeng's beauty is unique. She is wise in her confidence and sincere in her frankness. Even when facing the provocation and insults of the enemy, Yun Qianmeng remains calm. This unique beauty has left a deep impression on Yun Yan's heart. Recalling Yun Qianmeng's care for her for such a long time, Yun Yan's gratitude to her cannot be expressed in words!
"I never thought that there is such a beauty hidden in my sister-in-law's family!" At this time, Chu Jie, who was sitting opposite Yun Yan, spoke with a smile, but her eyes flickered slightly when she saw the long double-sided jade-edged hairpin in Yun Yan's hair!
"Yan'er is quiet and rarely goes out. She is not as lively as Jie'er and Wanwanyuan!
"Yun Qianmeng is avoiding the important issues!
Chu Jie's words just now sounded like words of praise, but they contained a deep sarcasm!
As a concubine's daughter, Yun Yan naturally did not attend some important banquets!
Chu Jie seemed to be praising Yun Yan for her beauty and being hidden in the boudoir, but in fact she was mocking her status which was not presentable. Even though she was as beautiful as a fairy, her status as a concubine's daughter probably reduced her beauty!
Although Xie Wanwan and Xie Yuanyuan did not say anything, they kept a distance from Yun Yan from the moment they saw her. Although the rejection was not obvious, it was not difficult to detect!
However, Yun Qianmeng did not mention Yun Yan's identity as Chu Jie wished, but only spoke lightly about her character. Then, she compared it with the behavior of Chu Jie and the other two who couldn't wait to attend various banquets after returning to Beijing, and refuted it in an extremely ironic way!
Xiahou An'er sat beside Yun Qianmeng, watching her cousin-in-law defeat Chu Jie's trap with just a few words. She looked at Chu Jie with amusement, who smiled but concealed dissatisfaction in her eyes, and said lightly, "Luckily I didn't listen to Grandpa. Otherwise, it would have been boring to ride in the princess's carriage to the Prince Duan's mansion alone!"
After saying that, Xiahou An'er glanced at Chu Jie and the other two out of the corner of her eye. Seeing that they immediately shut up, she smiled faintly and looked at Yun Qianmeng!
Seeing Xiahou An'er Yihua standing up for herself and Yun Yan, Yun Qianmeng secretly laughed in her heart. Xiahou An'er, although she looks beautiful, she also has a hot temper. If anyone offends the people she cares about, she will immediately get back at them!
Chu Jie has not yet been given the title of princess, so her status is naturally lower than Xiahou An'er. It is obviously an honor for Chu Jie and others that a princess is willing to ride in the same car with her!
Since the princess doesn't mind sitting with Yun Yan, the illegitimate daughter, Chu Jie obviously has no right to complain, not to mention the sisters Xie Wanwan and Xie Yuanyuan who are now just living under someone else's roof!
Yun Qianmeng turned to look at Xiahou An'er and said with a smile, "Today's banquet will surely be very lively. Plus, it's not as structured as a palace banquet, so you don't have to worry about being lonely!"
Hearing Yun Qianmeng say this, Xiahou An'er stuck out his tongue in a direction that only Yun Qianmeng could see, then sat in the carriage with a straight face and back, waiting to arrive at Prince Duan's Mansion!
Yun Qianmeng lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked out. She saw that the Prince Duan's Mansion was indeed very powerful. Half of the street in front of the Mansion was already filled with carriages of various colors. Everyone must be very curious about why the Prince Duan was so nice to Han Shaomian!
Seeing the carriage slowly stop, Yun Qianmeng asked Mu Chun to get off first and handed her invitation to the servants waiting in front of Prince Duan's Mansion!
A servant glanced at the name on the invitation and immediately ran into the palace. A moment later, an old man came out quickly and personally came to the carriage, saying respectfully, "This old servant greets Madam Chu, Princess Xiahou, Miss Chu, and Miss Yun!"
Hearing the presence of Lao Jiji, Yuan Dong lifted the curtain of the car and carefully helped Yun Qianmeng walk down!
"Thank you, Jingjing, for leading the way!" Yun Qianmeng looked at the old man, Jingjing, who was about fifty years old, in front of him, and spoke in a friendly manner with a smile!
"Madam, you are too polite! Please come in!" The old man who was jealous of marriage was neither humble nor arrogant, but carefully led the few people into Prince Duan's Mansion!
The Prince Duan's Mansion was not much different from the other palaces. It was just as magnificent and dazzling. Duoyun Qianmeng had seen too many official residences in the past year. Now, looking at this cookie-cutter Prince Duan's Mansion, it lacked some novelty. However, the further he walked in, the stronger the fragrance of books in the inner courtyard became, and the more elegant the surrounding scenery became. It seemed that the aloof Princess Duan must be a woman of great taste, who could transform the tacky palace into something so unique!
Several people followed the old Wu Jian into the garden of Prince Duan's Mansion. They suddenly felt that the flowers in full bloom were in full bloom. The beauties from various mansions had already gathered together to chat and talk, and they were having a very happy time!
Looking around, all the young ladies who came today were wearing new clothes. What they wore on their heads and on their bodies were all the most popular styles in Kyoto at that time, showing off their family background and status!
At this time, everyone also noticed the few people who entered the garden, especially Xiahou An'er, who was wearing foreign clothes and had outstanding looks, which made the young ladies who were originally chatting and laughing stop laughing. Seeing Yun Qianmeng, who was married to Chu Feiyang after being broken off by Prince Chen, everyone stared at them with more or less envy and jealousy, "Mrs. Chu!" But apart from them, there were still people who came forward to greet them enthusiastically!
Unexpectedly, the Wen family was also invited this time. The two ladies of the Wen family walked down from the pavilion and walked towards Yun Qianmeng and others with a smile on their faces!
"Hello, ladies!" Yun Ganmeng and his sisters bowed to them!
"Is Second Madam's injury better?" Second Madam Wen walked towards Yun Qianmeng and Chu Jie and asked with concern!
"In reply to Second Madam, mother is able to sit up today! Thank you for your concern!" Chu Jie took a step forward and answered Second Madam Wen's words with a smile in her beautiful eyes. Her voice was as clear as the song of a yellow oriole, very beautiful!
"There are too many things going on in the mansion recently and I can't get away. My sister-in-law and I will go to visit the Second Madam another day!" Seeing that Chu Jie acted appropriately, the Second Madam Wen felt a little sorry!
"Mother also misses the two ladies very much. She often says that she gets along very well with them! However, she has been a little worried about brother these past few days, fearing that he would make the teacher angry!" Chu Jie responded appropriately and instantly found a topic to chat with the two Madams Wen. She even unnoticedly took the Xie sisters to the pavilion and sat down to chat with the two Madams Wen!
"Hmph!" Xiahou An'er looked at them leaving with disdain in his eyes, and muttered in a low voice with some discontent.
"Sister-in-law, what do they mean by abandoning us?"
"If you're still unwilling, you can go over there!" Yun Qianmeng looked at Xiahou An'er who was so angry, shook her head and said with a smile!
"Forget it, let's go find Sister Feiqing!" But Xiahou An'er immediately shook her head, and her beautiful eyes were looking for Qu Feiqing's shadow in the huge garden!
"I'm afraid my cousin hasn't come yet!" If she had arrived earlier, Qu Feiqing would have come immediately. Why would she wait for them to find her?
As the three were talking, they saw Tan and Qu Jingqing approaching with ill intentions!
"I didn't expect to meet Madam Chu here again!" Whenever Qu Jingqing thought of the day when Qu Changqing threw him out of the side door of the Fuguo Mansion, the anger in his heart rushed to his head uncontrollably, and his eyes were full of ferocity when he looked at Yun Qianmeng!
"Qing'er, Madam Chu is the best at climbing up the social ladder. When Prince Chen died, she climbed up to Prime Minister Chu. Now that Prince Duan's Mansion is hosting a banquet, how could she not attend? I wonder which prince and noble Madam Chu is planning to hook up with today!" Tan was furious when she thought of how her elder had lost face in front of Yun Qianmeng. Now that Yun Qianmeng had neither Chu Feiyang nor Qu Changqing by her side, she boldly threw dirty water on Yun Qianmeng without considering the consequences of saying such words!
Xiahou An'er looked at the behavior and expressions of the two people in front of her and knew that they were just sour grapes. She pulled Yun Yan, who wanted to step forward to argue with them, aside and waited to see how Yun Qianmeng would deal with them!
"How have you been these days, aunt and cousin? Seeing you two are so lively today, I guess the servants of the Marquis' Mansion showed mercy and didn't hurt you! But, since your brains are not injured, why do you speak as if you are a brainless person? Aren't you afraid that the wind will bite your tongue when you slander like this? Taking the wrong medicine is not a big deal, but speaking carelessly can be fatal! Why can't aunt and cousin remember this? Is it because they are anxious because my cousin is over seventeen but no one cares about her?" Yun Qianmeng spoke in a clear and roundabout way, which was a headache, but as long as you understood it, you couldn't help laughing!
At this time, Xiahou An'er and Yun Yan were standing behind the rockery, laughing secretly, while Tan and Qu Jingqing were glaring at Yun Qianmeng with red faces!
"Mrs. Chu has such a powerful mouth! She can't even say a word to refute people!" At this moment, a very cold voice slowly came from behind!
Yun Qianmeng turned around slightly and saw a woman in palace clothes walking towards her gracefully, surrounded by a group of servants!
The woman was in her twenties, with an extremely elegant face, phoenix eyes, willow-shaped eyebrows, cherry-red thin lips, a straight nose, skin as white as snow, and hair like clouds. The light blue palace dress complemented her perfectly, but her expression was slightly cold, and there was strong hostility in her eyes as she looked at Yun Qianmeng!
But Yun Ganmeng had never seen such a woman before. Not to mention Yun Ganmeng, even Tan who was standing next to him had never seen such a woman before!
Seeing that everyone was looking at the woman without greeting or speaking, the maid beside her immediately shouted, "How dare you not greet the Sea Prince's wife!"
Hearing this, Yun Qianmeng glared at the palace maid who was acting like a bully. Everyone knew that the one in power in the Sea Prince's Palace was the Sea Prince himself, and the prince of the Sea Prince's Palace was a young man who only had the title of prince but no real power. This maidservant had become so powerful and acted proudly in front of them!
"Is Madam Chu dissatisfied with my maid?" Seeing Yun Ganmeng's fierce eyes, the Sea Prince's wife spoke unkindly!
Yun Qianmeng withdrew her gaze from the maidservant, looked back at the prince's wife with a smile, and said calmly.
The Crown Princess is joking! But I am a little confused. Crown Princess Su Wen comes from a family of scholars, and Prince Hai is also a person who likes to play with literature. I believe they both attach great importance to etiquette and formalities. But the girl next to the Crown Princess is very helpless. Seeing that the princess of the Xiahou clan not only did not greet her, but also shouted at her, I don’t know how the Crown Princess should explain it!
Hearing Yun Qianmeng pulling her out, Xiahou An'er looked at Yun Qianmeng with resentment, but she could only slowly walk out from behind the rockery. Her face was slightly gloomy, and there was a hint of coldness in her eyes as she looked at the maid. The princess's majesty was revealed with just one look, and everyone present looked at her with admiration!
Xiahou An'er had just heard the conversation between several people while hiding behind the rockery, but she didn't expect that the Prince of Hai had such a family. She was afraid that the Prince of Hai's Mansion must be a dangerous place where it is difficult to survive, so a man like Hai Chenxi, who is both good and evil, could be raised!
The Princess of the Sea looked at Xiahou An'er who came out, her face slightly startled. She had heard recently that the princess of the Xiahou clan was very beautiful, and even asked the King of Rui to ask for permission to marry her in the palace!
After seeing it today, I realized that Xiahou An'er really has the potential to be a beauty who brings disaster!
However, the Sea Prince's Consort had been raised as a Crown Prince's Consort since she was young, so she was naturally arrogant. Now, seeing such an outstanding Xiahou An'er, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous. "The princess is truly stunning, but why is she hiding behind the rockery? This is not the behavior of a lady from a noble family!"
"You're joking, Princess. I was just standing there where you couldn't see me, enjoying the view. How could I be 'hiding'?" Walking to Yun Qianmeng's side, Xiahou An'er looked at the figure approaching from a distance, his eyes flashing slightly, and asked with a faint smile!
【154】
"But why didn't the princess show up immediately after learning that this prince's consort was coming? Doesn't the princess even know the most basic etiquette?" The prince's consort of the Sea Palace comes from a family of scholars. Her father, Qian Wenbo, is also the current prince's tutor. She has a profound family background in learning. Before she got married, she was also a famous talented woman in the capital. Her eloquence was outstanding. Even though she was retorted by Yun Qianmeng and Xiahou An'er just now, she reacted in an instant and found Xiahou An'er's flaw in her retort. At this moment, she was staring at Xiahou An'er in front of her with a smile in her eyes, waiting to see how she would answer!
"Someone, go and report to the prince that his wife is next to the rockery!" Unexpectedly, before Xiahou An'er could speak, everyone heard a sinister male voice coming from behind!
When Princess Qian heard the familiar male voice, her delicate eyebrows could not help but frown slightly, but she kept a dignified smile on her face. Then she turned around with her maids and said with a smile, "So it's Fifth Brother. The banquet hasn't even started yet, so why did Fifth Brother come to the backyard without permission?"
As she spoke, Princess Qian couldn't help but look towards Hai Chenxi. After confirming that she didn't see the figure of the Prince of the Sea, she felt relieved for no reason!
Seeing the expression in Prince Qian's wife's eyes, Hai Chenxi smiled sinisterly, a trace of disdain flashed across his eyes, and he said arrogantly, "Do I need to report my whereabouts to the Prince's wife? It seems that the Prince sent someone to look for the Princess because of something. I didn't expect the Princess to be here chatting leisurely with Madam Chu and others. If this delays the Prince's business with the Sea Palace, I'm sure my father will be unhappy!"
Seeing Hai Chenxi still acting like a big brother outside the Sea Prince's Mansion, completely disregarding her, the Sea Prince's Consort, she clenched her delicate hands beneath her sleeves into fists. A flicker of hatred flashed through her heart, yet her smile remained impeccable. However, her eyes were slightly colder as she slowly opened her eyes with the dignity that only a Crown Prince's Consort possessed. "Fifth brother, don't forget. We are all our father's children, and none of us can bring shame upon the Sea Prince's Mansion! I just happened to run into Madam Chu and Princess Xiahou, and seeing that they seemed to get along quite well, we chatted for a while! Since the Crown Prince is busy, I'll go ahead!"
After saying this, Princess Qian smiled faintly, turned to Yun Qianmeng and the others, nodded, and then turned back to the way she had come. However, she paused slightly when she passed Hai Chenxi. Looking at the motionless Hai Chenxi, Princess Qian's eyes flashed with a sneer, and she whispered, "Princess Xiahou is indeed a stunning beauty. It seems that Fifth Brother is also having trouble resisting beauty!"
Hearing this, a hint of sarcasm flashed across Hai Chenxi's sinister eyes. His gaze was directed at Xiahou An'er, who was not far away. Seeing her calm expression, and looking at the jealousy that could not be concealed in the eyes of Princess Qian beside her, he retorted sarcastically, "Princess Qian has lived in the Sea Palace for a long time and rarely attends banquets. I'm sure you are a little unfamiliar with the goings-on in Kyoto. Do you still think you can always monopolize the top spot among the talented and beautiful women in Kyoto? I have seen many beautiful women along the way. If Princess Qian doesn't return to the Prince's side quickly, given his family background, I'm sure those adults will not let go of such a good opportunity!"
Hearing Hai Chenxi's threatening words, Princess Qian immediately raised her beautiful eyes, with anger in her eyes, but she knew in her heart that Hai Yue did have the capital to make other women fall in love with him. What's more, Hai Yue seldom stepped out of the Sea Palace in the past year. Although he took in several beautiful concubines after giving birth, there was no guarantee that he would not fall in love with other women!
However, Hai Chenxi was truly vicious and had no regard for the reputation of the Sea Palace. As long as he wanted to do something, he would insist on doing it even if it meant making the world his enemy. She wanted to see what kind of ending he would have for not giving her face like this!
After glaring at Hai Chenxi fiercely, Princess Qian took heavy steps and led a large group of maids to temporarily leave the garden of Prince Duan's Mansion!
"Aunt and cousin, what else do you want? If you can't control your mouths, then go to the pavilion and have some tea and snacks, so as not to offend people for no reason!" Seeing that Hai Chenxi did not leave with Princess Qian, Yun Qianmeng sent them away in a cold voice to prevent Tan and Qu Jingqing from spreading rumors again!
Although Tan and Qu Jingqing disliked Yun Ganmeng and Xiahou An'er, Hai Chenxi's unpredictable personality was well known to them. They would certainly not offend such a plague god just for the sake of a momentary verbal pleasure!
The two of them stole a glance at Hai Chenxi, then quickly bowed to Hai Chenxi, and turned around to leave this dangerous place through another path!
Yun Qianmeng and Xiahou An'er turned to look at Hai Chenxi who was standing there. They bowed to him and prepared to turn around and leave!
"I just spoke out to help Madam Chu and the princess, but I didn't expect your attitude to be so cold!" Looking at the two slender and enchanting figures about to leave, Hai Chenxi stood there motionless, but his slightly narrowed eyes did not let go of the figures in front of him at all, and he spoke with a hint of sarcasm!
After hearing what Hai Chenxi said, the two of them had no choice but to stop and turned to look at the man behind them. They saw that he was wearing a dark blue robe, which made him look tall and slender. His handsome appearance made him look very pleasing to the eye. If it weren't for his extremely sinister look, the ladies who had been peeking at Hai Chenxi from afar would have swarmed over him long ago!
"I wonder what else the Prince wants?" Noticing that more and more people were looking in his direction, Yun Ganmeng spoke politely, but in his heart, he was thinking about how to get rid of Hai Chenxi! The longer he stayed with the people in the Sea Palace, the more disadvantageous it would be for Prime Minister Chu's Mansion. The four words "people's words are scary" were quite terrifying in ancient times! Especially since everyone had already seen that it was the Sea Prince's Consort who took the initiative to come here. If these boring Miss Ganjin used their imagination to make up some rumors that were unfavorable to Prime Minister Chu's Mansion, even if he and Chu Feiyang didn't care, Emperor Yu Gan would probably be suspicious!
"I don't seem to be a wild beast, right? Why is Madam Chu always in a hurry to leave? Or does Madam Chu look down on me?" Looking at Yun Qianmeng's cold look, Hai Chenxi smiled indifferently. His originally sinister eyes were now shining brightly because of the smile, which made Xiahou An'er, who happened to be looking at him, feel amazed. He didn't expect that the usually gloomy Hai Chenxi could have such an expression!
Yun Qianmeng hadn't expected Hai Chenxi to smile so brightly at this moment. Her brows couldn't help but furrow slightly, then she raised her calm eyes and replied politely and unfamiliarly, "Your Highness, you're joking! It's just that we have to go congratulate the master, so we can't stay here for long. Please forgive me, Your Highness!"
After saying that, Yun Qianmeng pulled Yun Yan over and turned to leave with Xiahou An'er!
"Prince, the Crown Prince asks you to go back to the front yard!" At this time, a guard from the Sea King's Mansion came hurriedly and reported to Hai Chenxi with his head down!
"When will it be the turn of the Prince of the Sea to order this prince around? Or maybe he thinks this prince will give him this face for the sake of the reputation of the Sea Palace!" Retracting his gaze, Hai Chenxi hid the smile in his eyes, replaced them with his usual sinister look, shot coldly at the guard who bowed his head, and spoke with a sneer!
"This..." The guard had followed Hai Yue since childhood, so naturally he was loyal to Hai Yue. However, Hai Chenxi was now the Prince of Hai, who was known for his bravery but actually held real power. He was not someone a small guard like him could offend. Moreover, the Prince of Hai favored the Prince of Hai alone, so to offend the Prince of Hai was to offend the prince. In order not to cause trouble for the prince, even in the face of Hai Chenxi's difficulties, the guard still suppressed his anger!
"I guess your Crown Prince's Consort has been whispering in your ear again!" Seeing the guard silent and unable to answer, Hai Chenxi spoke directly, but turned around and walked towards the entrance of the garden!
"Meng'er!" As she walked slowly along the winding path towards the main house, she heard a low cry. Yun Qianmeng looked in the direction of the voice and saw Qu Feiqing standing by the lotus pond in the distance, waving a handkerchief in her hand. Seeing that she noticed her, Qu Feiqing lifted her skirt and walked quickly towards her along the lotus pond. "When did my cousin come?" Seeing that Qu Feiqing had recovered her spirits, Yun Qianmeng smiled with relief.
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