Chapter 111 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (35 chapters)
Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengze looked up at Xiao Chengxu with a hint of provocation on his face.
“It’s alright. From today onwards, I will live in the Moon Embracing Palace. I think it won’t be long before I surpass you.”
After saying that, he lowered his head again and focused on serving Shen Yunzhen.
Xiao Chengxu's face immediately darkened.
Xiao Chengze could stay in Lanyue Palace indefinitely, but he couldn't.
As the crown prince of a country, he has too many things to do, not to mention that he also needs to work hard to develop the country in order to counter Xiao Yuheng.
Therefore, there was even less time available, making it impossible to visit the Moon Palace every day.
A moment later, Shen Yunzhen gently withdrew her foot. "Okay, no need to wash anymore."
Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Xiao Chengze's eyes, but he still obediently took out a handkerchief and wiped the water stains off her feet one by one.
After wiping the water stains dry, Xiao Chengze helped her put on her slippers, then stood up, picked up the basin of water, and said, "Then you should get some rest."
There was no deliberate delay.
Xiao Chengze knew that if he made a scene now, it would definitely upset Yun Zhen.
Before leaving, he glanced at Xiao Chengxu, his eyes filled with resentment.
No sooner had Xiao Chengze left than Xiao Chengxu impatiently closed the door, then bent down and scooped Shen Yunzhen up in his arms, his voice low and husky: "Yunzhen, we should rest now."
Shen Yunzhen smiled, raised her fingertip and gently traced his Adam's apple, causing a shiver to run through her.
Xiao Chengxu gently placed her on the bed, then leaned down and pressed himself against her, eagerly kissing her delicate lips.
His kiss was gentle and lingering, yet also carried a touch of domineering authority that left no room for refusal.
Shen Yunzhen returned the kiss, while her two soft hands caused a ruckus everywhere.
After asking the question, Xiao Chengxu slightly raised his head, looking at her intently, and said in a tender voice, "Yunzhen, I miss you so much."
The last time he came to Lanyue Palace was three days ago.
If he could, he would love to be with Yunzhen every moment, never to be separated from her.
Shen Yunzhen hummed in agreement, placed her hand on his chest, and said in a slightly languid tone, "I know."
Xiao Chengxu's eyes darkened, and he lowered his head to kiss her again. This time, his kiss was even more passionate, as if he wanted to pour all his love and desire into it.
The candlelight flickered inside, illuminating the intertwined figures of the two, and an ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.
Moonlight streamed over the figure huddled under the eaves. Xiao Chengze stared intently at the bedroom, his jaw clenched, the salty, metallic taste seeping into his throat…
...
...
When Shen Yunzhen woke up the next day, Xiao Chengxu had already left, and even Xiao Chengze was not at Lanyue Palace.
Bihe noticed her confusion and quickly said, "The Third Prince was taken to the martial arts arena by His Majesty's men. His Majesty's men said that the Third Prince's body is too thin, his temperament is effeminate, and he has no masculine spirit. He needs to be properly trained."
Clearly, Xiao Yuheng did not severely punish Xiao Chengze out of respect for Shen Yunzhen, but he also did not intend to let him off easily.
At the very least, he's definitely going to the martial arts training hall.
Shen Yunzhen didn't care, as long as Xiao Chengze behaved himself and didn't have any other ideas.
However, going to the martial arts academy was very effective. Under the training of the martial arts instructors, Xiao Chengze's body became visibly stronger, his muscles became firm, his waist became lean and strong, and even his height increased.
Of course, he was also tanned a lot, his skin tone was several shades darker than before, and he no longer had the dashing and handsome young man appearance he once had.
Xiao Chengze saw this and was anxious, but he was powerless to resist.
That old man did it on purpose. He knew Yunzhen liked people who were gentle and refined, like a clear and bright moon, yet he still molded him into this state.
He looks exactly like a military general!
Clearly, they had all noticed Shen Yunzhen's preferences, but they didn't know that Shen Yunzhen didn't actually have a particular fondness for this type of person. It was just that in her previous life, Yao Jin and the others were all the rugged and muscular type, and she was getting a little tired of them. Now she wanted to try something different.
But that doesn't mean she only likes this type of thing.
A single flower does not make a spring; only when all flowers bloom can spring fill the garden.
Therefore, Shen Yunzhen was happy to see Xiao Chengze's change.
Amidst the fierce rivalry between Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengze, time slipped away unnoticed, and before they knew it, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived.
On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the festive atmosphere was everywhere.
Xiao Yuheng estimated the time and came to pick up Shen Yunzhen himself.
At this time, Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengze were not in Lanyue Palace.
The two of them were naturally going to attend the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, so they both returned to their residences, completely unaware that Xiao Yuheng had also invited Shen Yunzhen to attend.
If possible, they would naturally like to bring Shen Yunzhen to such an occasion openly, but considering her current position, in order to avoid causing more controversy and attracting more rumors, they had no choice but to give up.
When Xiao Yuheng approached Lanyue Palace, Shen Yunzhen was still in her bedroom. He waited for a while, but when she still hadn't come out, he felt a little uneasy, afraid that she might have changed her mind and wasn't going to go.
He couldn't help but stand up and gently knock on the door.
"Yunzhen, are you ready?"
"Wait a moment," Shen Yunzhen replied.
At this moment, she was sitting upright in front of her dressing table, letting Bihe take an exceptionally luxurious hairpin and insert it into her hair.
She originally planned to dress up a little before attending, but Bihe said that this was her first official appearance and she should dress up properly.
Shen Yunzhen also loves beauty and adores gorgeous jewelry, but she usually dresses simply because she finds it troublesome.
Hearing Bihe's advice, Shen Yunzhen felt it made sense and did not refuse.
Bihe carefully inserted the last hairpin, took a small step and pushed it aside, her eyes filled with amazement.
"Alright, young lady."
Shen Yunzhen looked at herself in the bronze mirror.
Although it had been carefully polished, the image reflected in the bronze mirror was still dim and blurry. However, this blurriness did not diminish Shen Yunzhen's beauty at all.
Dressed up, Shen Yunzhen looked even more radiant and beautiful than usual.
Of course, when it comes to dressing up, Bihe only focuses on the clothes and headdress. As for Shen Yunzhen's beautiful face, Bihe only slightly drew her eyebrows and applied a thin layer of powder. Anything more would be superfluous.
Thus, it is a breathtakingly beautiful and alluring sight, lively and charming.
Her long, jet-black hair was styled into a high bun, adorned with several gold hairpins inlaid with rubies. A white jade phoenix hairpin, decorated with gemstones, was also inserted in her hair. The gemstones sparkled, but at this moment they were completely relegated to the background, becoming an inconspicuous decoration.
A faint smile appeared on Shen Yunzhen's lips, and instantly, it was as if countless wildflowers bloomed, dazzling and beautiful.
"Let's go, let's get out."
The door opened, and Shen Yunzhen walked out gracefully.
Xiao Yuheng was already waiting outside. When he heard the noise, he subconsciously looked up.
In that instant, the whole world fell silent, and everyone was lost in that dense beauty.
Shen Yunzhen wore a long, shimmering dress with gold flecks, the dress embroidered with intricate auspicious clouds and phoenix patterns in silver thread. As the skirt swayed, it resembled ripples on the water's surface, creating a soft, luminous effect.
She wore a gold-embroidered cloak trimmed with snow fox fur, the edges of which were adorned with tiny pearls that shimmered softly in the candlelight, complementing her fair skin.
She wore a pair of white jade drop earrings on her earlobes and a necklace inlaid with white jade around her neck. The color of the jade contrasted sharply with her long dress, yet they were perfectly harmonious.
Dressed in such finery, she exuded a breathtaking beauty, elegant and dazzling.
After a long while, Xiao Yuheng finally regained his senses.
He said with admiration, "Yunzhen, you look beautiful dressed like this."
His expression showed only appreciation, without any lewd intent.
Shen Yunzhen gave Xiao Yuheng a look that seemed to say, "Do you need to tell me?" and walked gracefully toward him.
Today, Xiao Yuheng also showed that he was more careful with his clothes and appearance than usual.
He wore a black robe embroidered with gold dragons, the robe itself embroidered with lifelike five-clawed golden dragons in gold thread. The collar and cuffs of the robe were trimmed with dark red cloud patterns. He wore a dark black mink cloak over it, with a deep red silk lining, which contrasted sharply with the black robe, making him look even more extraordinary and naturally majestic, and also making his face even more handsome and unparalleled.
Shen Yunzhen wondered if it was just her imagination, but Xiao Yuheng's brows appeared paler than usual. However, this did not diminish his imperial aura; instead, it added to his coldness and aloofness.
Xiao Yuheng gazed at Shen Yunzhen, his heart churning with emotions that made him feel as if he were back in his youth, with a certain impulse stirring within him.
At that moment, a gentle breeze blew by, lifting a strand of hair at Shen Yunzhen's temple.
Xiao Yuheng subconsciously reached out, wanting to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.
However, as soon as he raised his hand, Xiao Yuheng suddenly stopped. A struggle flashed across his face, and then he clenched his teeth and bit his tongue hard. The sharp pain instantly spread throughout his body.
He turned around abruptly and turned his gaze toward the outside of Lanyue Palace.
"Let's go, Yunzhen."
The two walked out of Lanyue Palace side by side.
This time, Li Degui was clever. Knowing that Xiao Yuheng was unwilling to wrong Shen Yunzhen, he deliberately prepared two dragon carriages.
Xiao Yuheng first had someone help Shen Yunzhen onto the imperial carriage, and only after she was seated did he turn around and sit down in his own.
The imperial carriage headed towards the Heqing Palace. Along the roadside, lanterns of various colors were hung, painted with exquisite patterns. The light shone through the thin gauze, casting a soft, warm yellow glow.
Soon, the imperial carriage stopped in front of the Heqing Palace.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
"Miss Chen has arrived—"
As the eunuch announced the news loudly, the commotion within the Qing Palace gradually subsided.
All eyes turned toward the palace gate, and many people frowned inwardly.
It's one thing for His Majesty to arrive, but what's the meaning of Miss Shen's arrival?
Many people had a ridiculous thought that crossed their minds.
Is it really worth having that Shen woman reported along with the Emperor?
Furthermore, what does this title even mean? It's utterly inappropriate!
Is it not enough that His Majesty has already shown great favor by bringing him into the palace? Now he must make such a grand show of it and keep him by his side at all times?
The thought that this woman had caused discord between the royal father and his two sons made many people displeased. However, since His Majesty and the Crown Prince were so protective of her, everyone could only keep quiet despite their opinions.
Some people couldn't help but glance at the empress sitting high above, but they couldn't see anything.
The Empress's expression remained unchanged, even bearing a faint smile, exuding an air of grandeur and dignity.
Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengze's hands trembled, spilling the wine in their cups, but they seemed oblivious, staring intently at the outside of the hall.
What does Father mean by this? Why did you bring Yunzhen here today?
Is it planning to assert sovereignty today?
Thinking of this, the two of them became restless and wanted to rush out immediately, but due to the occasion, they had to force themselves to remain calm.
With the help of palace maids, Shen Yunzhen slowly stepped down from the imperial carriage.
Xiao Yuheng dismounted first, waiting for Shen Yunzhen to join him, and the two walked side by side into Heqing Palace.
In an instant, the already quiet Heqing Palace became even quieter.
Her long, gold-flecked dress shimmered under the palace lanterns, the phoenix and luan patterns appearing and disappearing with her every step, as if she were about to take flight at any moment.
The pearls along the edges of her snow fox fur cloak shimmered softly under the light, making her appear like a fairy stepping out of a painting, noble and untouchable.
Shen Yunzhen's appearance was like a bright moon in the sky, instantly stealing everyone's attention, and everything else became a dim backdrop to her.
The candlelight in the hall seemed to dim slightly upon her arrival, and the air was filled with a breathtaking sense of awe and wonder.
All eyes were fixed on Shen Yunzhen, while Xiao Yuheng beside her was completely ignored.
Many people tilted their glasses, spilling wine onto their robes, but they were completely unaware.
Xiao Chengxu's gaze followed Shen Yunzhen intently, his eyes filled with fervor, as if she were the only person left in the world.
He had spent time with Shen Yunzhen day and night, glimpsed another side of her beauty, and was infatuated with her, but this feeling still captivated him.
Xiao Chengze was also stunned, feeling as if everything around him had blurred, and all he could see was Shen Yunzhen's beautiful figure.
His gaze was fixed on her, and he stood frozen in place, his breathing unconsciously slowing down, his eyes filled with infatuation and astonishment.
Clang—
The crisp sound of the wine glass falling to the ground was particularly jarring in the silent Heqing Palace, like a heavy hammer pulling everyone back to reality from their amazed daze.
However, even after regaining her senses, everyone's eyes remained fixed on Shen Yunzhen, for her very presence was an irresistible attraction.
The Empress remained seated on her high throne, her gentle smile unchanged.
She glanced at Xiao Chengxu below her and saw that he was staring intently at the woman who was slowly approaching, his fingers tightening slightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
Your Majesty, what exactly are you trying to do? Do you really intend to ruin my son?
When facing Shen Yunzhen, the Empress's heart was always a tangled mess, difficult to decipher.
Because of her mystery and unique charm, the empress unconsciously developed a fondness for her, a fondness that transcended status and position, stemming purely from an appreciation of a beautiful woman.
But the thought of her son caused that goodwill to be quietly eroded by a hint of resentment.
But she knew that with the other person's looks, everything was just the prince's wishful thinking; he was stubborn and unwilling to let go.
But how could a mother bear to blame her own child?
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