Chapter 26 "Continuing to investigate the truth + Concubine Feng..."
==Chapter Twenty-Six: A Prophecy Fulfilled==
Meanwhile, Zhou Heng's carriage was slowly making its way to the post station. Seeing him engrossed in his chess game, clearly distracted, his subordinate tentatively asked, "Sir, what did Miss Qin'er just say?"
“She said…” Zhou Heng glanced at him indifferently, recalling the words Qin’er had just spoken to him.
When he asked why the original plan was for Princess Weiyang to marry Prince Cheng of Beili, but in the end this person actually became their princess, Qin'er said, "Lord Zhou, you don't know, our princess was forced to marry into Beili, it was not intentional."
Zhou Heng understood. Because he understood, his eyes were thicker than ink, and his voice was hoarse, "What happened?"
At that time, Zhou Heng had already made a judgment in his mind: the problem must lie with Princess Weiyang. Princess Weiyang had been pampered by His Majesty and Empress since childhood, and was quite willful and capricious. When she was studying in the Imperial Study, whenever something happened, she would ask her cousin Su Wanyue and Prince Xiang to take her place. Because of this, the Crown Prince had wanted to reprimand Princess Weiyang several times.
Prince Xiang doted on his younger sister. Whenever the Crown Prince wanted to reprimand Princess Weiyang, Prince Xiang would rush to the front to protect her. Until one day, the Crown Prince glanced at Prince Xiang indifferently and said, "If you protect your sister like this, Weiyang will cause a big disaster sooner or later."
The Prince of Xiang was still very unconvinced. In his opinion, his sister was still a young girl, so what kind of trouble could she possibly cause?
But ironically, his words came true.
Qin'er lowered her voice, "Princess Weiyang ran away from the wedding the day before it was to take place."
Zhou Heng's pupils suddenly contracted; he understood.
Because Princess Weiyang eloped the day before her wedding, the Emperor and Empress of Nanqiong couldn't find her for a while. They were also worried that if the marriage didn't go through, it would damage the harmony between the two countries. So they wanted to resolve the matter in the simplest way possible, which was to find someone to marry in place of Princess Weiyang. Coincidentally, the girl was about the same age as Princess Weiyang and came from a good family, so the Emperor and Empress of Nanqiong set their sights on her. Of course, Zhou Heng felt there was another point, which was that the girl and Princess Weiyang had a resemblance in their eyes and eyebrows.
It seems that he was right to send a message to the Crown Prince. Presumably, the Prince of the South, the Crown Prince, and Lu Qingchen all know about the girl's marriage in place of Princess Weiyang.
On the day she got married, it was Lu Qingchen who presented her with the flower petals. Zhou Heng sneered. His Majesty and the Empress were really ruthless, not caring at all about the face of the Prince of Nan and the deceased Princess Nan.
Zhou Heng gave Qin'er a token, saying that Su Wanyue could come to him for help with anything in the future, and he would help her if he could.
***
Upon returning to Zixia Palace, Qin'er handed the token that Zhou Heng had given her to Su Wanyue, saying, "Lord Zhou left this token for me, saying that if the Princess ever needs anything in the future, he will definitely do his best to help."
It seems that the people around His Highness the Crown Prince are quite reliable; this Lord Zhou is a good man.
Su Wanyue looked at the token in her hand. She still trusted the people around her brother, the Crown Prince.
Su Wanyue has no older brothers, and she has always respected her cousin Qin Jue. Qin Jue also treats his cousin Su Wanyue with great affection.
Su Wanyue pondered for a moment, then gave the token to Qin'er and told her to put it away.
In the study, Qingyi respectfully reported to Xiao Yu, "According to Moyu's inquiries, the Princess Consort has been pampered in the palace since childhood and has an excellent relationship with Princess Zilu of the Nanwang Mansion of the Nanqiong royal family. The two are close friends. As for Lord Zhou, when he was the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review in Nanqiong, he was a member of the Eastern Palace faction and only got very close to His Highness the Crown Prince of Nanqiong. As for the Princess Consort, Lord Zhou should not have had any contact with her. However, since the Princess Consort and His Highness the Crown Prince of Nanqiong are siblings, the Princess Consort should have met Lord Zhou before."
If they knew each other, why was Zhou Heng so shocked when he first met her?
Xiao Yu remained silent, and Qing Yi, unable to fathom his meaning, continued, "As for the Second Young Master Lu, he is indeed handsome and talented. He and the Princess Consort have known each other since childhood. However, the Second Young Master Lu and Princess Zilu of the Southern Prince's Mansion, who is also the Princess Consort's cousin, are in love. The two families have long since exchanged tokens of their love, but for some reason, the marriage has been delayed."
As of now, nothing has been found.
Because everything seemed normal, but the more normal it seemed, the more suspicious and strange it appeared. Qingyi asked Xiaoyu if they should continue to investigate.
If there's no need to continue the investigation, then Mo Yu can definitely return to Bei Li.
Xiao Yufeng's eyes were narrow and long. After pondering for a long time, he slowly said, "Have him investigate why the marriage between the Prince of Nan's Mansion and the Prime Minister Lu's Mansion has not been finalized yet. After the investigation, return to the capital immediately."
Unexpectedly, this investigation uncovered the secrets behind the Nanqiong royal family, but that's another story.
"Yes, Your Highness." Although Qingyi didn't understand why his master would give such an instruction, he still lowered his eyes and cupped his hands in greeting.
"There is another matter. Today, the young lady Qin'er who was by the Princess's side did not go to fetch something for the Princess, but went to see Lord Zhou, the envoy from Nanqiong. The maid who bumped into the Princess at the Xie State Duke's mansion was not a maid of the Xie State Duke's mansion, but a female secret guard who sneaked in during the chaos."
Xiao Yu showed no surprise and waved for Qingyi to leave.
===
The marriage between the Xie family and the General Dingguo has caused quite a stir in the neighborhood.
But the Empress in the palace was not happy at all. She said bitterly, "The Xie family has formed a marriage alliance with General Dingguo. Now the Xie family will be even more powerful."
"This old servant has heard that the Imperial Concubine is determined to match Miss Xie with the young general of the General of Dingguo's mansion. His Majesty must have heard the Imperial Concubine's words in bed before he agreed to the marriage."
"Consort Qin is always good at playing the good guy. The Xie family only spread a rumor, and she asked the Emperor to grant her a marriage. On the surface, she appears gentle and weak, but in reality, she just wants her son to become emperor. Otherwise, why would she be so eager to curry favor with the Xie family?"
However, the Xie family is the most prominent family in the capital. If the Xie family chooses to support Prince Cheng, it will undoubtedly be detrimental to the Crown Prince, and the Empress does not want to see this situation.
The Empress could openly criticize the Imperial Concubine, but Granny Gui couldn't very well gossip about the Imperial Concubine in public. Granny Gui gritted her teeth and came up with a brilliant idea: "The Third Miss Xie's marriage is settled, but isn't Lord Xie also a direct descendant of the Duke Xie's family?"
The Empress shook her head and scoffed, "Granny, you still don't understand His Majesty. The Xie family has already formed a marriage alliance with the Dingguo General's family. How could His Majesty possibly tolerate Xie Cheng marrying a princess, or a daughter from the Imperial Father-in-law's family?"
To put it bluntly, if His Majesty truly wanted Xie Cheng to marry a noblewoman, he wouldn't have agreed to the Crown Prince marrying Lin Ruohan as his Crown Princess in the first place. It was precisely because the Empress saw through His Majesty's cold-heartedness that she was particularly afraid that His Majesty would pass the throne to Prince Cheng because of his outstanding qualities in all aspects.
As long as the Crown Prince has not ascended the throne, the Empress will remain uneasy, especially now that Consort Qin enjoys continued favor and Prince Cheng is becoming increasingly ambitious. A resolute glint flashed in her eyes as she asked, "Didn't Zhao Ning say before that she wanted to marry Prince Cheng?"
It was no secret in the capital that Princess Zhaoning was in love with Prince Cheng. Granny Gui replied almost without hesitation, "The princess is indeed fond of Prince Cheng."
The Empress slowly smiled and said, "Granny, go to the East Palace yourself and tell her that I want to see Zhao Ning."
It can't always be the crown prince who makes mistakes, while the king acts with propriety and moderation.
==Second Update==
In late autumn, the weather in the capital gradually turned cool. In the morning, the flowers and plants in front of the courtyard were still covered with crystal-clear dew. Su Wanyue stayed in the Zixia Palace for several days without going out. During the middle of the month, she embroidered the sachet that Xiao Yu wanted. Then Su Wanyue took out the sachet that he had praised that day, compared it carefully, and asked Qin'er if it looked similar.
Qin'er examined it carefully, then nodded with a smile, "Moreover, this servant thinks that the patterns embroidered by the Princess are even more exquisite."
There are very few things in this world that even princesses don't know.
"Then you should take this sachet to His Highness."
Chunzhi smiled and said, "This servant thinks His Highness would be even happier if the Princess Consort went there in person."
Since returning from the Duke of Xie's mansion, the relationship between His Highness and the Princess Consort has finally become less awkward. They are still as loving and harmonious as before.
Qin'er also thought that made sense.
Encouraged by them, Su Wanyue sighed helplessly, asked them to pack a few more plates of pastries, and took Qin'er to the study.
The sun was shining brightly today. Qingyi and another guard were standing guard outside the study. When they saw Su Wanyue coming, Qingyi's eyes lit up. He didn't even go in to announce her arrival and let Su Wanyue in directly.
The study was dimly lit, filled with the rich scent of ambergris. The man's handsome face was hidden in the gloom. He tapped the desk slowly with his left hand, while holding a vermilion brush in his right, as if he were drawing something.
Su Wanyue spoke softly, "Your Highness."
Xiao Yu pushed the portrait aside, stood up with his hands behind his back, and asked, "Why has the Princess Consort come here?"
Su Wanyue walked over gracefully, placed the pastries on the tray in front of him, and then handed him the sachet, her voice gentle and soft, "Your Highness, I have made the sachet you requested."
Xiao Yu looked at the sachet in her white hand, then at her gentle, watery eyes, and asked with a smile, "Whatever this king desires, can the princess give it to me?"
Su Wanyue was taken aback, meeting his deep and suggestive gaze. Thinking he wanted it, she lowered her eyelashes. It was possible, but daytime intimacy wasn't appropriate. She frowned slightly, trying to think of a reason to refuse him, when the man chuckled, "What is the Princess Consort thinking?"
His voice is deep and has a unique magnetism, making it extremely pleasant to listen to.
Su Wanyue then realized she had overthought things, and her cheeks flushed instantly. She looked annoyed and wished she could disappear into the ground, but she still explained seriously, "I didn't think anything."
Knowing that the woman was shy, Xiao Yu did not expose her. He simply tugged at her wrist, and Su Wanyue fell into his arms. Xiao Yu supported her slender waist with one hand and fed her pastries with the other.
This posture made Su Wanyue extremely uncomfortable. She stiffly bit off a piece of pastry. Compared to her stiffness, Xiao Yu's body was exceptionally relaxed. He leaned lazily against the armchair. After finishing one piece of pastry, Xiao Yu fed her a second one. The atmosphere in the study gradually became tender and romantic.
Just as Xiao Yu was about to feed him the third piece, Su Wanyue pressed down on his strong, hard arm and shook her head at him, "I have finished eating, Your Highness, please try one."
Xiao Yu put the pastries back in his hand and slowly asked, "Would the Princess Consort be willing to let me have a taste?"
Su Wanyue didn't quite understand Xiao Yu's implied meaning, and a hint of confusion appeared in her almond-shaped eyes. The next moment, Xiao Yu ran his fingertips through her smooth black hair, lowered his head to kiss her lips, and then slowly deepened his kiss.
Su Wanyue's almond-shaped eyes widened as she fiercely grabbed his collar, her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms. The man kissed her lightly and gently, and Su Wanyue involuntarily hugged his waist. Xiao Yu's eyes darkened, and his hands began to wander.
Just then, the voice of the guard Qingyi rang out at the door of the study, "Your Highness, the steward has something to discuss with you."
Su Wanyue's face flushed red, and as her reason returned, she hurriedly pushed Xiao Yu away, saying, "Then I'll take my leave."
Xiao Yu's Adam's apple bobbed. He pressed down on her struggling body, pinched her chin, and planted a fierce kiss on her lips, his breathing heavy. "I will dine with you tonight."
Su Wanyue could already feel the heat in his area, and nodded gently.
She took a deep breath and walked out gracefully. Outside, Qingyi and Qin'er were still guarding the door. The two pretended not to know anything. One stepped forward to help Su Wanyue, and the other bowed.
Inside the study, the man restrainedly pinched the bridge of his nose, then unfolded a painting that had been pushed aside. It was a painting without an inscription, depicting a woman with bright eyes and a smile on her lips—truly a picture of captivating beauty and graceful charm.
When Su Wanyue brought Qin'er to the main hall, she saw the steward looking troubled, Princess Zhaoning looking smug, and Granny Gui from the Empress's side. When Su Wanyue saw Princess Zhaoning, she roughly guessed what was going on.
The steward went to greet Su Wanyue, saying, "This servant greets Your Highness."
Granny Gui: "This servant greets Your Highness."
Su Wanyue recognized Granny Gui and asked politely, "Granny Gui, does Her Majesty the Empress have any instructions?"
With a beaming smile, Granny Gui conveyed the Empress's message to Su Wanyue, implying that Princess Zhaoning should stay at Prince Cheng's residence for a while.
Princess Cheng was the prince's principal wife, and the Empress was the mother of the nation and an elder. Granny Gui was not worried that Princess Cheng would refuse, and Princess Zhaoning also arrogantly raised her chin.
Su Wanyue's face was gentle, and she was not particularly unhappy. She glanced at Princess Zhaoning and carefully said, "I understand the Empress's good intentions, but Princess Zhaoning is still unmarried. If she were to move into Prince Cheng's residence so abruptly, it might damage her reputation."
Granny Gui forced a smile onto her wrinkled face. "Your Highness, what are you saying? Her Majesty the Empress felt that Prince Cheng's residence was too deserted, so she sent Princess Zhaoning to keep you company. How could that cause any gossip? Besides, Princess Zhaoning is the Crown Princess's younger sister and was also granted the title of Princess by His Majesty. In a way, she is also Prince Cheng's half-sister. Didn't the Seventh Princess also stay at Prince Cheng's residence before?"
Qin'er frowned. Granny Gui and Princess Zhaoning were no longer hiding their intentions. They even said they were worried that the Prince Cheng's mansion was too deserted. They were just trying to fool their princess.
“Previously at the East Palace, Zhao Ning spoke without thinking and upset Sister Wei Yang. It was Zhao Ning’s fault, and I hope Sister Wei Yang won’t hold it against me.” Seeing that Su Wan Yue didn’t speak, Granny Gui felt a little flustered. After she came to her senses, she straightened her back. She was carrying the Empress’s message. Even if Princess Cheng’s status was high, she couldn’t ignore the Empress’s message. But to be on the safe side, Granny Gui gave Princess Zhao Ning a wink. Princess Zhao Ning pouted and immediately stepped forward to take Su Wan Yue’s wrist.
Su Wanyue felt uncomfortable being so close to Princess Zhaoning, so she quietly pulled her wrist back. She looked at Granny Gui and asked, "How long does Her Majesty the Empress want Princess Zhaoning to stay at the Prince's residence?"
Princess Zhaoning's expression twisted slightly. She was indeed jealous that she liked His Highness, which was why she didn't want her to live in Prince Cheng's residence. She hadn't even moved in yet, and she was already trying to get rid of her.
Granny Gui's expression was also somewhat unpleasant. Could it be that the women of Beili were more "bold" than the women of Nanqiong? Didn't Princess Cheng mean that she didn't like Princess Zhaoning living in the Prince Cheng's residence? She only allowed Princess Zhaoning to live in the Prince Cheng's residence because of the Empress's face.
Granny Gui had no choice but to bite the bullet and say, "Her Majesty the Empress means to stay for about half a month."
Su Wanyue then calmly instructed, "Qin'er, go and prepare a guest room for the princess."
Upon hearing that she would have to stay in a guest room, Princess Zhaoning immediately became unhappy, but not wanting to argue with Su Wanyue, she didn't show it too obviously. "Is there no other place to stay besides the guest room?"
As a servant of the Empress, Granny Gui naturally spoke up for Princess Zhaoning. She smiled and said, "Princess, you previously lived with the Crown Princess in the Eastern Palace, so you may not be used to living in such a simple place."
Princess Zhaoning lives with the Crown Princess in the East Palace because they are sisters. Their princess has no blood relation to Princess Zhaoning. Qin'er never expected this to happen today. These two are deliberately trying to make their princess uncomfortable. Qin'er retorted unhappily, "The guest rooms in Prince Cheng's residence are separate courtyards with separate entrances and exits. How can they be considered simple? I wonder where Granny Gui would like Princess Zhaoning to stay? Perhaps in the Princess and His Highness's Zixia Palace?"
Granny Gui was embarrassed by what she said, but considering that she was a maid brought by Su Wanyue from Nanqiong, she did not dare to scold her openly and remained silent.
Princess Zhaoning, having been subtly mocked by her, glared at Qin'er with eyes that seemed to spit fire.
Su Wanyue: "Since Princess Zhaoning doesn't want to stay in the guest room, Chunzhi, why don't you go and ask His Highness what he thinks?"
Chunzhi had already disliked Princess Zhaoning and Granny Gui, and upon hearing this, she immediately replied, "Yes, Your Highness."
Upon hearing that they were going to find Xiao Yu, Princess Zhaoning immediately objected and hurriedly stopped Chunzhi, saying, "Sister Weiyang, I'll just sleep in the guest room."
Su Wanyue then instructed Chunzhi and Xiatang to escort Princess Zhaoning to her guest room.
Seeing that the matter was settled, Granny Gui immediately smiled and said, "Then this servant will return to the palace to report to Her Majesty the Empress."
==Third Watch==
"Your Highness, the Empress has arranged for Princess Zhaoning to stay at Prince Cheng's residence. Isn't that deliberately trying to annoy people?" Qin'er helped Su Wanyue sit down, her brows furrowed tightly.
Everyone in Beili knows that Princess Zhaoning is in love with Prince Cheng. The Empress arranged for Princess Zhaoning to stay at Prince Cheng's residence, clearly wanting her to be close to the Prince and cultivate their relationship. Yet, she deliberately used the excuse of keeping the Princess company to stay at Prince Cheng's residence.
If it were just a temporary stay, that would be fine, but given Princess Zhaoning's personality, Qin'er always felt that she would cause trouble.
Su Wanyue lowered her eyes and said softly, "Isn't this exactly what Her Majesty the Empress wanted to see?"
"What does the princess mean?" Qin'er asked, puzzled.
Su Wanyue countered by asking her who would benefit most from the marriage alliance between the Xie State Duke's Mansion and the Dingguo General's Mansion, and who would benefit the least.
Qin'er thought about it carefully. It was an immense honor for the Emperor to bestow a marriage upon the families of his subjects. Since the marriage was proposed by the Imperial Concubine, the Imperial Concubine would definitely benefit, along with His Highness. The one who would benefit the least would definitely be His Highness the Crown Prince.
Because of this, the Empress wanted to cause trouble for the Prince Cheng's residence. The Empress of the country showed no tolerance whatsoever.
The Crown Prince of this dynasty is far inferior to the Crown Prince of Nanqiong. Qin'er already disliked the Crown Prince of this dynasty, and now she also dislikes the Empress in the palace.
"However, this servant feels that His Highness does not like Princess Zhaoning, and the Empress's feelings are likely to be in vain."
Su Wanyue pursed her lips gently, preparing to ask him what he meant that evening.
News of Princess Zhaoning moving into Prince Cheng's residence quickly reached Consort Qin's palace. Consort Qin, lying on her couch, suddenly opened her eyes, her expression displeased. "What did you say? Zhaoning has moved into Prince Cheng's residence?"
The maid didn't dare to breathe, her face contorted in distress. "Yes, I heard that Princess Zhaoning was personally sent there by Granny Gui, who is close to the Empress. Granny Gui's meaning is exactly what the Empress meant. The Empress said that the Prince's residence was too quiet, and Princess Zhaoning, being about the same age as the Princess Consort, could keep her company and chat with her at the Prince's residence."
Consort Qin has been in the palace for twenty years and has spent almost every day with the Empress. How could she not understand the Empress's intentions? She clearly wanted Princess Zhaoning to become Prince Cheng's concubine. Princess Zhaoning has been taught by the Emperor and the Crown Prince and his wife to be naive, impulsive, and reckless. If she were to enter Prince Cheng's residence, Prince Cheng's residence would probably never have a peaceful day.
"The Empress has really gone to great lengths for the Crown Prince." Consort Qin sneered, her fox-like eyes twitching upwards.
“Your Highness has only just gotten married this year. It might cause dissatisfaction in the Southern Qiong royal family if you establish a concubine too early,” said Zhang Mama, who had not spoken until now.
Your Highness and the Princess Consort have been married for less than a year, and the Princess Consort has not yet conceived. If Your Highness were to take a concubine at this time, it would only cause dissatisfaction within the Southern Qiong royal family, and might even chill the Princess Consort's heart.
Consort Qin glanced at her and said, "Yu'er has no romantic feelings for Princess Zhaoning, so why make her a concubine?"
Granny Zhang: "What are Her Highness's plans?"
Consort Qin was preparing to go find the Empress. Given Zhao Ning's personality, Consort Qin was worried about her staying at Prince Cheng's residence for even a day longer.
Consort Qin had made up her mind and immediately ordered her sedan chair to be prepared. However, just as she was about to set off, a messenger from outside the palace announced that Prince Cheng had arrived.
Consort Qin guessed that he had come because of Princess Zhaoning, and sat back down in the main seat.
Xiao Yu had a handsome face and a calm expression, but Consort Qin still noticed his displeasure.
Consort Qin covered her mouth and coughed lightly, advising, "I already know about Princess Zhaoning's matter. I will go to see Her Majesty the Empress later, but if that doesn't work, then Weiyang will have to suffer for half a month."
Princess Consort Cheng is the mistress of the Cheng Prince's Mansion. With one more person in the mansion, she is the only one who can manage it. Given Zhao Ning's personality, she'll cause quite a stir.
Xiao Yu’s voice was clear and cold, his expression indifferent. “Please tell Her Majesty the Empress that I have no intention of taking a concubine. Princess Zhaoning and I, as well as my wife, are not siblings, so it is not appropriate for us to live in the Prince Cheng’s residence.”
Consort Qin knew that Princess Zhaoning's matter had crossed his bottom line, and the Empress was also deliberately making things difficult for him. "I will speak with Her Majesty the Empress."
Consort Qin's palanquin soon stopped in front of Kunning Palace. Gui Mama was guarding the entrance of Kunning Palace. Consort Qin's personal maid stepped forward with a forced smile and said, "Granny Gui, our Consort has come to pay her respects to Her Majesty the Empress. Please go in and inform her."
Granny Gui smiled and said, "But Her Majesty the Empress is not feeling well today and cannot see the concubines. If Your Highness the Noble Consort has any urgent matters, you can tell this old servant."
Upon hearing this, the Imperial Concubine's personal maid was furious, for she knew the Empress's actions were intentional. Imperial Concubine Qin, however, was good-natured and didn't get angry. She deliberately drew out her words, "Why is Your Majesty suddenly unwell? Is it because Princess Zhaoning isn't by your side, and you're feeling unhappy?"
The Empress in the inner palace gritted her teeth in hatred. This Consort Qin dared to make veiled insults in Kunning Palace.
"Your Highness is too kind. The imperial physician just said that Her Majesty the Empress is simply unwell and needs to rest," said Granny Gui, her smile somewhat stiff.
Consort Qin had no reason to make things difficult for a mere nanny. She simply told her to come and pay her respects to the Empress again tomorrow. She didn't believe the Empress would remain unwell indefinitely. If she remained unwell, would she still have the power to manage the six palaces?
Whether they came to pay their respects or to discuss Princess Zhaoning's matter, everyone knew perfectly well.
Princess Zhaoning was generally satisfied with the furnishings of the guest room. While everyone was tidying up the room, Princess Zhaoning secretly took out a gold ingot and stuffed it into Xia Tang's hand. Xia Tang did not understand why Princess Zhaoning would do such a thing. She refused Princess Zhaoning righteously, "I am just a maid. I have no right to interfere in my master's affairs. Princess, you don't need to do this."
Princess Zhaoning looked embarrassed. She hadn't expected that there would actually be people in this world who would disrespect her like this. She couldn't help but feel a little wronged. However, when she thought about becoming a concubine of the king in the future, Princess Zhaoning didn't feel wronged anymore. After all, once she became a concubine of the king, these people would be at her mercy.
Princess Zhaoning hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is the relationship between His Highness Prince Cheng and Princess Cheng really as good as the rumors suggest?"
Xia Tang replied succinctly, "Yes."
Princess Zhaoning had already witnessed their affection at the East Palace that day, and she felt somewhat uncomfortable. "Where does His Highness sleep every night?"
Princess Zhaoning made no attempt to conceal her intentions, and Xia Tang was already getting impatient. "Your Highness will naturally be resting in the main room."
Princess Zhaoning had made up her mind, and said with a playful expression, "Then I will have dinner with Sister Weiyang tonight."
Xiao Yu arrived at Zixia Palace at 5 PM. Princess Zhaoning was in the outer room talking to Su Wanyue. Of course, only Princess Zhaoning was talking, as Su Wanyue was already lost in thought. Qin'er gently tugged at Su Wanyue's sleeve, "Your Highness, His Highness has arrived."
Su Wanyue came to her senses and was helped to stand up by Qin'er. "This concubine greets Your Highness."
"Zhao Ning greets His Highness Prince Cheng." Princess Zhao Ning looked coy and shy, her eyes practically glued to Xiao Yu. But Xiao Yu didn't even glance at her, and went straight to Su Wanyue, helping her up.
Princess Zhaoning felt neglected and wished she could leave right now, but if she really left, wouldn't all her previous efforts be in vain, and she would also be doing what some people wanted? Princess Zhaoning glared at Su Wanyue with hatred, but when she met Prince Cheng's cold and deep gaze, her heart trembled and she lowered her head.
"Prepare the meal," Su Wanyue instructed gently.
The dinner at Prince Cheng's residence was exquisitely prepared, with more than twenty dishes in total, most of which were Su Wanyue's favorites. Su Wanyue liked roast goose, and just as Qin'er was about to help her pick it up, someone beat her to it.
Su Wanyue looked at the roast goose in front of her and smiled gently, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Princess Zhaoning already had no appetite for dinner, and now she had even less. In her opinion, His Highness was of noble birth and of imperial lineage, so how could he serve a woman a meal? Yet His Highness did it. What did the woman in front of her have besides a better appearance and a better background than her?
Princess Zhaoning's emotions were written all over her face. Su Wanyue felt uncomfortable under her gaze, so she smiled gently and asked, "Is the meal not to Princess Zhaoning's liking tonight?"
With His Highness still by her side, Princess Zhaoning was certainly not foolish enough to say that the food was not to her liking. She picked up a piece of osmanthus cake in front of her and said that it tasted very good.
Princess Zhaoning felt extremely uncomfortable during dinner. After dinner, the servants served her dew tea. Princess Zhaoning originally wanted to stay a little longer, but Xiao Yu had to deal with memorials and asked Su Wanyue to grind ink for him. They had important matters to attend to, so Princess Zhaoning could not stay in the main hall any longer and had to leave with two maids.
After leaving the Zixia Palace and arriving at her guest room, Princess Zhaoning was more unhappy than ever before. Even if Princess Zhaoning didn't want to admit it, she had to admit that His Highness treated her extremely well. Every place in the main hall, even the things placed in the corners, were tributes. Even the pillows on her chaise longue were made of warm jade. Moreover, His Highness Cheng was always cold and indifferent to others, but he was extremely gentle in front of her. She, a living person, was sitting there having a meal, and His Highness Cheng acted as if he didn't see her at all. How could the world be so unfair?
Princess Zhaoning was so angry that her heart was bleeding. She was a capricious person and would smash things when she was angry. Just as she was about to throw the white jade cup on the table, the maid immediately grabbed her hand and carefully advised, "Princess, this teacup belongs to the Prince Cheng's residence. You can't throw it."
The princess was able to stay at Prince Cheng's residence temporarily because of the Empress's help. Prince Cheng is not the Crown Prince, and Princess Cheng is not the princess's older sister. If the princess really smashes this teacup tonight, she won't be able to stay at Prince Cheng's residence tomorrow.
The maid understood the principle, and so did Princess Zhaoning, but she still felt resentful. From birth until now, this was the first time she had suffered such a great injustice. If this were in the Eastern Palace, who would dare to treat her like this?
"If the princess feels wronged staying at Prince Cheng's residence, why don't we return to the East Palace tomorrow?" The maid glanced at Princess Zhaoning's expression. In any case, she could tell that Prince Cheng had no romantic feelings for the princess. Even if the princess stayed at Prince Cheng's residence for a year, Prince Cheng would not take her as a concubine. It would be better to return to the East Palace sooner.
Princess Zhaoning glared at her fiercely, "How can that be? Her Majesty the Empress has gone to great lengths to let me stay at Prince Cheng's residence, so of course I must seize this opportunity. You will accompany me to pay my respects to Sister Weiyang tomorrow."
She was determined to become the Prince's concubine, and then she would crush all these people under her feet.
***
The hot spring pool was filled with wisps of smoke and steam. The woman's fair cheeks were flushed red from the heat. The man's warm, slender fingertips caressed the flower petals like tiny fish. He gazed intently at the woman and said, word by word, "This king will not take concubines."
It was as nimble as plucking the strings of a musical instrument.
The hot spring was steaming, and Su Wanyue's almond-shaped eyes misted over as she clung tightly to Xiao Yu's shoulder, "If Your Highness..."
Xiao Yu had already guessed she would be so "virtuous," his voice low and husky as he gently touched her small earlobe with his thin lips, "If it is something, hmm?"
Su Wanyue swallowed back all the words she wanted to say, because she didn't even have a chance to speak. After the man kissed her small earlobe, he kissed her eyebrows and eyes, then her lips and collarbone. Su Wanyue was completely overwhelmed and couldn't stand steadily in the flowing hot spring. Xiao Yu smiled when he saw this, and hugged her in his arms face to face, gently rubbing her waist with his wet fingertips.
Su Wanyue nestled in his arms, breathing softly. Her eyes were bright and lively, though her pupils were somewhat unfocused, as if she hadn't quite recovered. Xiao Yu controlled his strength, waiting for her to calm down. "I will not take any concubines. Is the Princess not happy?"
His tone seemed casual, but in reality, he only wanted one answer. His fingertips caressed her fair skin, arousing her desire. Once she was aroused, he stopped moving, just smiling at her, waiting for her answer.
Su Wanyue was uncomfortable from being suspended, so she bit his shoulder hard and replied with a "happy".
Xiao Yu chuckled softly, picked her up from the hot spring pool, and carried her to the canopy bed.
The commotion in the inner palace will subside by midnight.
The next day at dawn, Princess Zhaoning arrived at Zixia Palace early with her maid. She forced a smile and asked, "Is Sister Weiyang inside?"
"The princess is inside getting ready, but His Highness is also there." Qin'er curtsied to her, not intending to stop her.
Princess Zhaoning had already inquired before coming. She tidied her hairpins and ornaments and went inside. As soon as she entered, she saw the scene through the screen depicting beautiful ladies. She saw a beautiful woman sitting in front of a bronze mirror, and a tall and slender man behind her with outstanding demeanor. At this moment, he was bowing his head to draw the woman's eyebrows. The scene was as beautiful as a painting.
Princess Zhaoning's expression froze instantly.
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