"Your servant pays his respects to Master Rong!" Hearing the palace maid's scolding, the eunuch leading the way immediately bent down and stepped forward to pay his respects to the woman in yellow!
When Yun Qianmeng heard him address the woman as "Master Rong" and saw that she looked very young in her attire, she knew that she must be Rong Yunhe's sister. She immediately brought Mu Chun forward to greet her, "Yun Xiangfu Qianmeng greets Master Rong..."
After hearing Yun Qianmeng's greeting, the woman slowly turned around. Her indifferent eyes calmly regarded Yun Qianmeng, who bowed her head in greeting. She was wearing a floor-length blue dress, the hem of which was embroidered with hundreds of butterflies in colorful silk thread. As Yun Qianmeng half-crouched, the hem of the dress swayed, and the hundreds of butterflies on it seemed to be alive and dancing around it. For a moment, a hint of surprise flashed in the woman's indifferent eyes, and then she said coldly, "Everyone, get up! Eunuch Cao, where are you going?"
Eunuch Cao was originally the personal eunuch of Concubine Rong Xian. When he saw the eldest daughter of the Rong family, who was sent to the palace and was about to be appointed as a noble concubine, he naturally greeted her with a smile and immediately said, "In reply to Master Rong, the Concubine invites Miss Yun to the palace for a conversation!"
Miss Rong glanced at Eunuch Cao calmly, then spoke slowly, "It just so happens that I'm going to my aunt's palace soon. Eunuch, please go and report to my aunt first! Miss Yun and I will go together!"
Hearing this, a flash of surprise appeared in Yun Qianmeng's half-lowered eyes. Although she was a little puzzled by the actions of the eldest lady of the Rong family, she did not speak immediately. After all, compared to the unclear meaning of Concubine Rong Xian calling her here, Yun Qianmeng would rather be with the eldest lady of the Rong family. Perhaps she could get the information she wanted to know from her words!
However, upon hearing Miss Rong's instructions, Eunuch Cao suddenly raised his head, looking at her with an embarrassed expression. He said in a negotiating tone, "Master Rong, the Concubine Dowager has been waiting in the palace for quite some time. How can we let her wait any longer? Do you think it would be wise for me to take Miss Yun over first?"
After she finished speaking, everyone only saw Miss Rong's faint and indifferent smile, which passed through everyone's heart like a wisp of smoke. Then they heard Miss Rong's increasingly cold voice, "You go first. I will explain to Auntie. All the blame will be borne by me!"
Eunuch Cao was also a perceptive person. Seeing that the future noble lady's tone had turned cold, and thinking that she was the Dowager Consort's niece after all, the Dowager Consort would not blame him too much, he lowered his head and agreed. Then he turned to Yun Qianmeng and said politely, "Miss Yun, I will go to the Dowager Consort's palace first!"
When Yun Qianmeng saw him letting her go, she immediately knelt down and said meekly, "Thank you, eunuch!"
Several people watched Eunuch Cao leave, but the eldest daughter of the Rong family turned around and continued to look at the blooming flowers in the imperial garden. For a moment, the world suddenly became quiet!
Mu Chun bravely raised his head slightly, looking at the eldest daughter of the Rong family with some curiosity, but was surprised to find that this eldest daughter who was born to the same mother as Rong Yunhe actually had black hair. Although he could not see her front at this time, just looking at her from the side, he knew that this Miss Rong must have a stunning appearance. Her thick and thin eyebrows flew into her hair, and her small nose was unusually straight. Her rosy lips were slightly pursed, and her skin was as white as snow with a milky white luster. However, this Miss Rong was too cold all over, as if everything in the palace had nothing to do with her. She didn't even look at her own daughter who was left behind by her, as if there was no one else around her, and she was just immersed in her own world!
Yun Qianmeng was neither angry nor annoyed by such treatment. She stood respectfully behind Miss Rong and accompanied her to appreciate everything in the imperial garden. Her peerless beauty and calm aura also attracted the attention of the young palace maids around Miss Rong!
"Miss Yun, please follow me to the palace where I am staying temporarily to get samples of the things to give to the Concubine Dowager!" Miss Rong turned around at this time, her eyes still cold, and her voice remained as cold as ever!
But Yun Qianmeng did not have the attitude to refuse. She immediately bowed and whispered, "Yes!"
When the young palace maid saw that her master was about to go back, she stepped forward swiftly and supported Miss Rong. The two of them walked in front, leading Yun Qianmeng and Mu Chun through the nine-turn corridor and headed towards a secluded palace!
Yun Qianmeng looked at the magnificent palace in front of her and knew that although the young lady of the Rong family had not yet been officially canonized as a noble concubine, her treatment in the palace was already on par with that of a noble concubine. It seemed that Emperor Yu Gan had done a very good job on the surface and did not treat the young lady of the Rong family harshly just because he was using her!
"Miss Yun, please have a cup of tea here. I'll be right back!" Leading Yun Qianmeng into the main hall, Miss Rong spoke politely. Immediately, a palace maid served hot tea, as if she had anticipated someone's arrival...
After Miss Rong said this, she left the palace maid beside her and walked towards the side hall alone!
"Sister!" In the side hall, Rong Yunhe, who had been waiting for a while, saw that his sister had finally returned, so he immediately stood up from his seat and went to greet her!
Unlike his usual aloof and calm demeanor, Rong Rong saw anxiety in Rong Yunhe's eyes, especially when he stood up unconsciously, which made Rong Rong realize that her brother was not careless, but that no one could stay in his heart!
The appearance of such a person at this moment brought endless difficulties, which made Rong Rong feel a little worried, fearing that her brother would do something shocking!
"Sister, how is it? Have you brought the person here?" Rong Yunhe saw that his sister looked dull and his heart couldn't help but rise. He couldn't help but ask anxiously!
Rong Rong saw Rong Yunhe was so worried and couldn't bear to see him anxious, so she told him the truth, "Luckily you came in time, otherwise that eunuch Cao would have brought her to my aunt and killed her!"
When Rong Yunhe heard his most trusted sister say this, the worry that had originally appeared in his mind gradually subsided, and his eyes couldn't help but relax!
Seeing Rong Yunhe so worried today, Rong Rong's originally emotionless face suddenly raised a gentle smile. She reached out and pulled her brother over, saying with a hint of feigned anger, "You are so grown up, but you still act like a child! Even though this is my palace, you can't show your joy so much!"
Rong Yunhe listened carefully to Miss Rong's teachings, and then whispered: "Thank you, sister!" But I don't know if this thank you refers to Miss Rong's reminder just now or something else!
Rong Rong had already regained her previous indifference. Seeing Rong Yunhe was so sensible, she stopped discussing etiquette and asked the most important question directly, "I have intercepted the person for you. What do you want to do?"
When asking this question, Miss Rong's tone was unusually serious, but Rong Yunhe was not afraid at all. He took a deep breath and then spoke slowly but firmly: "It depends on what my aunt thinks!"
Hearing this, Rong Rong couldn't help but frowned slightly, and looked at Rong Yunhe with some disapproval, then glanced in the direction of the hall, remembering that she had deliberately stood quietly in the imperial garden just now. Normally, Miss Gan Jin would have been unable to bear the silent opportunity, but Yun Qianmeng stood aside with a faint smile on her face. She couldn't help but look at her calmness and composure with some admiration. No wonder Yunhe was so attentive and even sent two well-trained maids to the Prime Minister's Mansion!
However, my aunt found out about this, and I don’t know whether it will be a blessing or a disaster for Miss Yun!
Seeing Yun He's expression and attitude at this moment, if his aunt wanted to do anything to Miss Yun, he would definitely not allow it!
For Rong Rong, Concubine Rong Xian and Rong Yunhe are both her relatives. They are her flesh and blood. If there is a disagreement between these two people, she will be the one who has the hardest time!
Especially Concubine Rongxian has valued her since she was a child. Apart from Old Lady Chen and her mother, Concubine Rongxian is like a second mother to Rong Rong!
As for her younger brother Yun He, Rong Rong was only one year older than him, but she loved him like her own son! Since Yun He was a child, he was not liked by his father because of his white hair. Rong Rong was afraid that Yun He would be psychologically unbalanced, so she treated him with extra care!
These two are the people she respects and loves in her heart. If she were asked to choose one of them, she herself would probably not know how to choose!
"Yunhe, do you know that my aunt has been in the palace for so many years just to protect the safety of the Rong family for the rest of their lives!" Rong Rong withdrew her gaze towards the main hall, pulled Rong Yunhe to stand side by side with her, and whispered to comfort her!
However, as soon as she said this, she felt Rong Yunhe's hand suddenly tighten, and then slowly loosened. Then she heard her brother's very low reply in her ears, "Sister, sacrificing aunt is not enough, why did you send you in? The Rong family has men, why do we need women to protect the family's safety? If sister wants to persuade brother to give up with this, then forget it!"
Rong Rong could naturally hear the determination in his tone and couldn't help but sigh in her heart. This brother seemed to be indifferent to everything on weekdays, but he was inexplicably persistent towards the people he cared about!
Never mind, never mind. I've spoiled him for so many years, so this won't be one more time. However, there are some things I still need to make clear to Yunhe. "Yunhe, Auntie has loved and spoiled us for so many years, and she would never deliberately target us for her own sake! When you get to Auntie later, you must not act on impulse and hurt her feelings!"
Rong Yunhe saw that he had won his sister's consent, so he nodded and said, "I know what to do, please rest assured, sister!"
Seeing that the two had almost finished their conversation, Rong Rong calculated that her grandmother was probably almost at the gate of Concubine Rong Xian's palace, so she said, "I'll have Little Li take you through the small path. Remember to enter Aunt's palace with Grandmother, so as not to arouse Aunt's suspicion!"
Hearing Rong Rong's sincere help, Rong Yunhe's eyes flashed with emotion and gratitude, but time was running out, so he couldn't say anything more. He followed the eunuch who came in and left Rong Rong's palace through the back door of the side hall!
"Sorry to have kept Miss Yun waiting for a long time!" Rong Rong came back, and the palace maid behind her was holding an object covered by red silk in her hand. She must be giving it to Concubine Rong Xian!
"Master Rong, you are too polite!" Yun Qianmeng immediately stood up and replied respectfully!
Rong Rong said no more and took her directly to the palace of Concubine Rong Xian!
At this time, Rong Xian Taifei's palace welcomed Chen Lao Taijun and Rong Yunhe. Rong Xian Taifei was reciting Buddhist scriptures. When she heard the palace maid announce that her mother and nephew had arrived, she put down the Buddhist scriptures in her hand and was helped out of the Buddhist hall set up in the palace by the palace maid to the main hall. She smiled and said, "Why are mother and He'er here together today?"
Just now, her personal eunuch, Eunuch Cao, came to report that Rong Rong had taken Yun Qianmeng away. Concubine Rong Xian also expected that her mother and nephew would show up, but she didn't expect them to come so early, and she hadn't even seen Yun Qianmeng yet!
"Your Highness and your grandson are here to pay their respects to the Dowager Concubine!" When Old Lady Chen saw Dowager Concubine Rongxian coming out, she immediately led Rong Yunhe to stand up and kneel before Dowager Concubine Rongxian!
How could Concubine Rongxian let her mother kneel down to worship her? She immediately stepped forward, stretched out her hands to hold the arms of Old Lady Chen and helped her up. "Mother, please get up quickly. Don't frustrate your daughter!"
Old Lady Chen was helped to her feet, while Rong Yunhe knelt down on both knees and kowtowed three times respectfully to Concubine Rong Xian. A clear voice slowly rang out in the hall, "Nephew pays his respects to Concubine Rong Xian!"
Seeing Rong Yunhe's seriousness today, Concubine Rongxian exchanged a smile with Old Lady Chen, then said, "Get up! Be careful not to hurt your legs by kneeling, or we'll be the ones feeling the pain!"
Rong Yunhe was also touched by Concubine Rong Xian's care, but his expression remained the same as usual, making it impossible to tell whether his emotions were good or bad!
Fortunately, Concubine Rongxian knew his personality very well. Not only did she not blame him, but she felt even more distressed for this nephew who had been sensible and intelligent since childhood!
The three of them sat down in order of seniority. Halfway through their tea, Concubine Rongxian spoke, "I wonder what brings mother and He'er here today?"
Old Lady Chen was also a straightforward person who disliked ambiguity. Seeing Concubine Rongxian's question, she smiled and said, "The Concubine knows the situation of the Rong family! Since He'er was a child, because of the color of his hair, no daughter of the Rong family has been willing to be engaged to him! Now He'er is a fifteen-year-old boy, and in three years he will have to celebrate his coming-of-age ceremony. I thought that if there is a suitable daughter of the boudoir, it would be better to ask the Concubine to be engaged to her, so that we won't regret it later!"
However, Concubine Rongxian did not answer immediately after hearing this. She only saw her elegantly and calmly pick up the teacup at hand, and lifted the lid of the bowl with her bare hands. She half-closed her eyes and looked at the clear green tea inside. She blew away the heat from it, then took a sip, savoring it for three seconds before putting the teacup down. Zheng Leng's eyes then turned to Old Lady Chen, "It seems that mother has found someone she likes? It just so happens that your daughter would like to invite you to the palace today to discuss something!"
Although Old Lady Chen is the mother of Concubine Rongxian, in the hierarchy of royal etiquette, Concubine Rongxian's status is much more noble than Old Lady Chen. Therefore, since both of them have something to say, Old Lady Chen naturally lets Concubine Rongxian speak first!
Old Lady Chen glanced at the silent Rong Yunhe beside her from the corner of her eye, and then she smiled and said, "I wonder what the concubine wants?"
Concubine Rongxian glanced calmly at Rong Yunhe, then looked at Old Lady Chen and spoke slowly, "Mother, you also know how difficult it is for me in the palace! The Rong family is originally a merchant family with no imperial background, and I have been childless for so many years. Now, the Emperor loves me so much that after the late Emperor passed away, I am allowed to live out my days in the palace! However, I don't need you to explain the reason, mother knows it all too well! I have been so cautious all these years, praying only for the safety of my family, hoping that the Rong family can always enjoy such peace! However, relying on me alone to maintain a pure heart and abstinence in the palace is far from enough. If I want to stay away from the court disputes and eliminate the Emperor's suspicions, I need the full support of my family! Now that Rong'er has entered the palace, she will be canonized as a noble concubine on the ninth day of the ninth month. He'er is the only legitimate child left. His marriage is not just his own business, but also a matter of life and death for the entire Rong family! If the wrong choice is made, the Rong family will be dragged into endless strife, and I am afraid there will be no peace anymore! Have you ever considered this, mother?"
Old Madam Chen originally thought that Concubine Rong Xian would severely reprimand herself and Rong Yunhe, but she didn't expect that she would speak from the bottom of her heart and make it clear what position the Rong family has been in for so many years!
Yes, the reason why the Rong family can now stand firm among the four major families is because the Rong family has always insisted on neutrality, and because Concubine Rong Xian drank the sterilization drug back then!
Otherwise, with the power of the other three families in the court, how could the Rong family be allowed to have a place in Kyoto?
Concubine Rongxian's words also made Old Lady Chen understand Yun Qianmeng's identity and position!
Yun Qianmeng is the niece of the current empress dowager and the granddaughter of the Duke of Fuguo's Mansion. Although she is calm, intelligent and quick-witted and has caught the eye of Rong Yunhe, her identity is destined to make her incompatible with Rong Yunhe. Otherwise, if the Rong family had married Yun Qianmeng, it would have been obvious that they were on the side of the empress dowager, and she would have sooner or later become a victim of the struggle between several major families!
However, Old Lady Chen had other plans in mind. Seeing Concubine Rong Xian, only in her early thirties, already living in old age, and her daughter, who could have had her own children, forced by the late emperor to drink sterilization drugs for the sake of the family, Old Lady Chen's heart was bleeding! She had already sacrificed a daughter, and now she had personally sent the granddaughter she had raised into the family. If the Rong family's honor and safety depended on such nepotism, then she would rather not have it!
Rong Yunhe, who was standing by, also heard the denial of Yun Qianmeng in Concubine Rong Xian's words. He saw his hands, which were placed flat on his knees, clenched into fists slightly. Just as he was about to speak, Old Lady Chen beat him to the punch!
"I know how difficult it has been for your Majesty over the years. That's why I've tried my best to teach He'er, hoping that he will be able to make a name for himself one day! Do you understand my intentions, Your Majesty?" Some words should be said just enough. There are many eyes in the palace, and everyone is smart. Old Lady Chen didn't say it too obviously, but to the ears of Concubine Rongxian, it seemed that Old Lady Chen did not agree with what she had just said!
When Concubine Rongxian looked up, she saw that her mother and her nephew had the same expression. Concubine Rongxian couldn't help but sigh heavily in her heart, and couldn't help but sigh that Yunhe was worthy of being trained by his mother. He always had a stubborn and unyielding spirit, and was a person who would not bow to the powerful!
However, this deep palace is not a place where everyone can do whatever they want!
At this moment, Concubine Rongxian stood up from her seat. Seeing a palace maid approach, she shook her head and slowly walked over to Old Lady Chen. In a very low voice, she whispered into Old Lady Chen's ear, "Mother, have you ever thought carefully about why the Queen Mother asked the late Emperor to arrange a marriage for Miss Yun when she was born? And in the great country of Western Chu, with so many talented young men, why did she choose the son of Concubine Yuande, who was hostile to the Queen Mother?"
At this point, Concubine Rongxian understood that Old Lady Chen must have figured everything out, so she added, "The Queen Mother's intentions are not for us to speculate! However, if Yun Qianmeng is already abandoned, then the Rong family will be outnumbered! I know He'er is a talented person, but he is still immature and the enemy is too powerful. We can't take the risk! If you really like Miss Yun, why don't you adopt her as your adopted daughter? That way, you won't attract too much attention from the Queen Mother and others! This is your biggest concession. Please think twice!"
When Old Lady Chen heard her say this, she fell silent!
Rong Yunhe, who was standing by, saw that Old Lady Chen was silent, and a hint of anxiety appeared on his face. He immediately stood up from his seat and looked at Concubine Rong Xian and said, "Concubine, my nephew's only wish is to have this companion. Please grant it!"
After he finished speaking, Rong Yunhe knelt down directly in front of Concubine Rong Xian!
However, this time, Concubine Rongxian did not indulge him. She could only see a hint of severity on her face, and immediately shouted in a low voice, "You must understand your status. Don't gamble with the lives of your clan!"
After saying that, Concubine Rongxian didn't look at Rong Yunhe anymore, and went back to sit down in her previous seat. Old Lady Chen was also struggling in her heart because of what Concubine Rongxian had just said, and her face was full of contradictions!
"Your Highness, Master Rong and Miss Yun are waiting outside the hall!" At this time, Eunuch Cao walked in quickly from outside the hall, came to a place three meters away from Concubine Rong Xian and spoke respectfully!
As for Concubine Rongxian, she concealed her true feelings when facing Old Lady Chen when Eunuch Cao entered the palace. At this moment, she returned to her previous indifferent appearance. After hearing Eunuch Cao's report, she just nodded lightly and let him lead the people in!
Eunuch Cao immediately turned around and left the hall. In a moment, he brought Rong Rong and Yun Qianmeng in. Concubine Rong Xian and Old Lady Chen looked at Yun Qianmeng who walked in slowly at the same time. She had a calm face and a peaceful expression, not at all petty. This immediately made Old Lady Chen nod in her heart, but because of Concubine Rong Xian's presence, she could only restrain her satisfaction with Yun Qianmeng!
Concubine Rongxian narrowed her eyes slightly. She admired Yun Qianmeng so much, but remembering Master Jiuxuan's words made her heart even harder. She couldn't let the fate of her entire family be a joke because of a woman, nor could she watch her nephew, whom she had loved like a son since childhood, face difficulties because of a woman! All she could do now was to maintain the current balance. If it was broken, the Rong family, which had no foundation in the court, would be the first to be swallowed up by other families. This was what Concubine Rongxian didn't want to see the most!
However, Rong Yunhe continued to kneel in the center of the hall without turning his head, his straight back telling people of his indomitable spirit and persistence. However, Concubine Rong Xian had already made up her mind at this time and did not even give him a glance!
Rong Rong brought Yun Qianmeng to the main hall, but saw her brother kneeling in front of Concubine Rong Xian. She knew that things must be going wrong. Otherwise, with Concubine Rong Xian's love for Yun He, how could she just watch him kneel and do nothing?
Rong Rong sighed in her heart and looked at her brother's determined expression. She couldn't help but think that things that are too hard are easy to break, but Yun He happened to have a bad temper. She was afraid that this matter could not be handled properly!
"Rong Rong and Yun Qianmeng pay their respects to Concubine Rong Xian and the old lady!" The two stepped forward to pay their respects, and Concubine Rong Xian gently asked them to stand up and allowed them to sit down!
At this time, Yun Qianmeng looked at the kneeling Rong Yunhe. He had his knees touching the ground, his body straight, and his eyes looking straight ahead, but it was hard to guess what he was thinking at the moment. Although he still looked like the young man he used to be, he was more calm and persistent today!
Although she didn't know why Rong Yunhe was kneeling on the ground, Yun Qianmeng vaguely knew that it must be related to her. After all, when she stepped into the hall just now, she had already sensed the unusual atmosphere inside. Although she was shocked, she could only keep calm on the surface to avoid being seen and used by others!
"Miss Yun has been to the palace many times, and I have been chanting Buddhist scriptures for many years, but I have never seen her before! I invited Miss Yun here today only because my mother has mentioned her many times in front of me, which aroused my curiosity. I hope Miss Yun will not mind!" Concubine Rongxian spoke slowly at this time, with a flat tone. It was impossible to tell what she felt about Yun Qianmeng who she met for the first time. However, she withdrew the emerald green Buddhist beads that were originally hanging on her right wrist into her hand, and gently pinched and turned the emerald green and transparent jade beads on it!
Regardless of Concubine Rongxian's motives, now that she had spoken, Yun Qianmeng could not sit idly by. She hurriedly stood up, lowered her brows, and replied, "Your Highness loves me so much, it is my blessing! How dare I say I am offended?"
Seeing that she was modest and cautious and responded appropriately, Concubine Rongxian nodded, raised her hand to signal her to sit down, and did not speak for the time being. Peace returned to the hall!
However, Rong Rong was worried that Rong Yunhe's prolonged kneeling was bad for his health. Seeing that Concubine Rong Xian was still calm, she smiled and said, "I don't know what my brother has done to anger the Concubine! Please forgive her this time for your young age!"
Upon hearing this, Concubine Rongxian glanced at Rong Yunhe. Seeing his unyielding expression, she couldn't help but feel angry. She turned her eyes away and said with a hint of annoyance, "Let him kneel if he wants!"
Rong Rong had never seen Concubine Rong Xian angry since she was a child. Today, not only was she angry, but she was also angry at her most favored Rong Yunhe. She immediately frowned secretly, then smiled faintly and said, "Brother, did you do something that displeased the Concubine? The Concubine is kind-hearted. Brother, just admit your mistake. I believe the Concubine will definitely forgive you. Why bother to tire your knees and make things difficult for the Concubine?"
Rong Rong's words were full of hidden meaning. As expected, Concubine Rongxian's expression improved slightly after hearing them. However, Rong Yunhe kowtowed to Concubine Rongxian and said loudly, "Please take back the plan you just discussed with Grandmother! Yunhe knows that you are not wrong in this matter, but Yunhe also feels the same. Please do not worry too much about your nephew. Your nephew will definitely not put the family in an irretrievable situation for the sake of his children's personal feelings!"
Hearing his words, Concubine Rong Xian paused the turning of the rosary in her hand, then narrowed her eyes and shot at Rong Yunhe. Seeing that although he was only fifteen years old, his expression already had the depth and stability of an adult man, she sighed in her heart but also became angry. She pointed at him and said sternly, "Since you know that you are responsible for the entire Rong family, how can you act so recklessly? I can agree to your request, but you must also obey my arrangements! Does your aunt intend to harm you?"
Hearing this, Rong Yunhe suddenly looked up, only to see that Concubine Rong Xian's sharp gaze had already swept towards Yun Qianmeng. His heart was suddenly shocked. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Eunuch Cao outside the palace shouting that the Queen Mother and the King of Chu had arrived!
"You get up first! Let's put today's matter aside. I will pretend that I have never heard of it, and you should stop having illusions!" Concubine Rong Xian stood up from the first seat and spoke coldly to Rong Yunhe. Then she looked at Yun Qianmeng, but saw that she had already stood up with everyone else, and saluted the Queen Mother and King Chu who entered the hall with a calm expression!
"Sister Rong, it's so lively here. I didn't expect Meng'er to be here too!" The Queen Mother walked past everyone and sat in the seat that had just been occupied by Concubine Rong Xian, and spoke with a faint smile!
"I often hear my mother talk about Miss Yun, so I invited her to the palace to sit for a while out of curiosity. Before I could say a few words, the Queen Mother arrived!" With this simple reply, Concubine Rongxian had already explained everything to Qingjing.
As everyone took their seats, the King of Chu paused slightly as he passed Yun Qianmeng. His eyes, filled with a faint smile, glanced at Yun Qianmeng inadvertently. Seeing that she looked normal, he continued to walk forward a few steps and sat down above Old Lady Chen!
Yun Qianmeng was a little curious about why the King of Chu would appear here, and the dark purple prince's robe he was wearing told her that the man riding a horse at the palace gate just now was the King of Chu. But seeing how anxious he was just now, could it be that he just came to the palace of Concubine Rongxian with the Queen Mother?
Moreover, when the King of Chu appeared in everyone's sight just now, his expression was solemn and carried a rare murderous aura, which made people even more surprised. With the King of Chu's usual way of pretending to be sick and restraining his edge, he shouldn't have been exposed so easily!
After all, if Emperor Yu Gan knew that he was galloping in the palace, all the things King Chu had done before would be in vain!
"It just so happens that the King of Chu and I have nothing to do, so we came to you, my sister! I wonder what you talked about with Meng'er just now?" The Queen Mother's smiling eyes swept over everyone's faces in turn, lingering on the faces of the King of Chu and Old Lady Chen for a moment, and then retracted their eyes. That smile contained a cold glance, and if it were someone else, they would have been frightened to the point of trembling all over and kneeling down to beg for mercy. But at this moment, she was facing the King of Chu and Old Lady Chen, and they both took a sip of the teacup beside them as if no one was around, as if they had never received the Queen Mother's slightly warning gaze!
Concubine Rongxian had long been acting like she was isolated from the world. Faced with the Empress Dowager's incessant questioning about Hidden Ling Feng, she simply twirled her rosary beads in her hand. After a long pause, she slowly spoke, "Your Majesty, you're joking. Miss Yun has only been in the palace for a short while. I haven't had a chance to say a few words to her before the Empress Dowager and the King of Chu arrived! However, I like Miss Yun very much. It's rare to see such a bright and clever child!"
"I didn't expect Miss Yun to be so favored by the Concubine Dowager. Why don't you adopt this girl as your adopted daughter? It will be worth it for the Concubine Dowager to like this child!" At this time, Chu Nanshan, who had been silent since entering, actually spoke with a smile...
In the entire Western Chu, the only person who could speak in front of the Queen Mother was Chu Nanshan. I'm afraid no one else would dare to do that even if they had ten times the courage!
But among all the people present, except for Old Lady Chen who was of the same generation as Chu Nanshan, even the Queen Mother was a whole generation younger than Chu Nanshan. In addition, Chu Nanshan had been deeply respected by three generations of kings since his ancestor. Even though the Queen Mother was now the most honorable mother in the world, she was still quite courteous to Chu Nanshan!
Therefore, even though Chu Nanshan spoke first, the Queen Mother's expression did not show any anger. Instead, she smiled and followed Chu Nanshan's words: "The King of Chu's suggestion is very good! Meng'er lost her mother when she was young, and it must be heartbreaking! It just so happens that the Concubine Dowager has no children, so why not adopt Meng'er as her adopted daughter? Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
As soon as the Queen Mother spoke her words of agreement, Rong Yunhe's expression, which had remained unchanged all year round, finally changed. There was anxiety between his brows. He clenched his hands tightly and wanted to stand up, but was stopped by a look from Old Lady Chen!
Old Lady Chen smiled and said, "The Empress Dowager has good intentions, but Miss Yun is of noble status. She is both the legitimate daughter of Prime Minister Yun and the Empress Dowager's niece. The Concubine Dowager has always been a pure and unselfish person. I'm afraid she is powerless and doesn't know how to dote on Miss Yun properly. Miss Yun will suffer injustice!"
The polite refusal made people feel extremely relieved. It was obvious that Old Lady Chen put Yun Qianmeng's happiness first in everything she said. Even the Queen Mother could not use the power in her hands to suppress others!
"Haha..." At this time, Chu Nanshan laughed heartily. He turned around and looked at Old Lady Chen and said with a smile, "Don't worry about Meng's happiness. She will find a good husband who will love her! Why don't you recognize this good granddaughter now? When Meng gets married in the future, you can show your family's care and give her more dowry!"
However, as soon as these words were spoken, a hint of displeasure flashed in the empress dowager's eyes. It was unclear whether it was because Chu Nanshan had taken the initiative again, or because of the meaning of his words!
Yun Qianmeng kept her head half lowered, but she was very unhappy in her heart!
Even though she didn't understand the reason why Concubine Rong Xian invited her to the palace before, after listening to all of this and considering Rong Yunhe's attitude just now, even if she was slow-witted, she understood it in her heart!
During the days since she came to Xichu, she had been busy fighting with her aunt and all kinds of enemies, but she had never taken the time to think about Yun Qianmeng's marriage!
Judging from the atmosphere at the moment, it seems that her marriage has been put on the agenda. No matter whether the other party likes her or hates her, her status as the daughter of the prime minister and the niece of the empress dowager is enough to attract the attention of those who want to climb up the social ladder!
Fortunately, the previous incident of Prince Chen breaking off the engagement deterred those noble families who also valued family traditions and reputation, otherwise the trouble would be even greater now!
The Queen Mother's words just now were a secret rejection of the marriage with the Rong family. However, Yun Qianmeng was puzzled by her move to let Concubine Rong Xian adopt her as her adopted daughter!
The Queen Mother clearly disapproved of joining forces with the Rong family, so why did she ask the Concubine Dowager to adopt her as her adopted daughter? Wasn't this a disguised alliance with the Rong family? What was the Queen Mother plotting? Why did she always feel wary and defensive of her?
Yun Qianmeng was just thinking about how to reject the Queen Mother's proposal when she saw Concubine Rongxian stand up gracefully, smile faintly and say, "Since it is the Queen Mother and the Prince's good intention, I will naturally comply!"
As soon as these words came out, despair appeared in Rong Yunhe's eyes, his pale lips trembled slightly, and his expression was full of determination. His gaze instantly turned to Yun Qianmeng, but he found that she was also looking at Concubine Rong Xian with a hint of shock in her eyes!
"Since that's the case, I'll go discuss this with the Emperor first! If my sister takes Meng'er in, then Meng'er will naturally have the status of a princess to be worthy of my sister as her mother! Your Highness, why don't we go together to meet the Emperor and choose a title for Meng'er together!" Seeing that the matter was settled, the Queen Mother stood up, but as she walked past Yun Qianmeng, she said lightly: "Meng'er, let's leave too! There will be plenty of opportunities to get close to Concubine Rong in the future, so it doesn't matter at this moment!"
Yun Qianmeng obeyed the order, paid her respects to Concubine Rongxian, Old Lady Chen and others, and then followed the Queen Mother and King Chu out of the hall!
At this moment, there was a dead silence in the hall. Rong Yunhe stood up with a cold look in his eyes, even forgetting the etiquette. He turned around and walked out of the hall with a cold look on his face!
Rong Rong was worried, so she hurriedly bowed to Concubine Rong Xian and chased after her!
"Yunhe!" Catching up with Rong Yunhe in a quiet corner of the Imperial Garden, Rong Rong grabbed her brother, who refused to turn back, and whispered, "You came here today to help because you were worried that Auntie would embarrass Miss Yun. Why are you being so serious?"
But Rong Rong's words of comfort did not make Rong Yunhe turn around. He only heard a very low but firm reply from him, "Sister, how can you tell that I am not serious?"
Hearing this, Rong Rong's body trembled, and the hand that was holding Rong Yunhe's sleeve suddenly loosened, and she watched her brother rush out of the palace!
However, the King of Chu stopped after leaving the Queen Mother's palace and said with a smile, "This old minister suddenly feels heart palpitations and is unable to accompany the Queen Mother to see the Emperor!"
The Queen Mother turned around, looked at Chu Nanshan's rosy face and said coldly, "Your Highness, are you going to destroy the bridge after crossing it?"
Facing the Queen Mother's questioning, Chu Nanshan acted fearless and then asked in return, "Doesn't the Queen Mother also have her own selfish motives?"
As he spoke, Chu Nanshan stopped looking at the Queen Mother and gradually became
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