The fierce cold wind rustled the trees, the doors and windows made muffled sounds, and the gloomy sky seemed like it would rain at any time, making the scene depressing and dull.
When she woke up, her eyes were still heavy. Xia Tong felt as if her body weighed a thousand pounds and every part of her body was aching. However, the quilt was extremely warm, so warm that she didn't want to go out.
But a big hand on her waist reminded her of what had happened. She squinted her eyes and looked up secretly, but suddenly met a pair of deep and unfathomable eyes.
"I've read so many filthy books, but it turns out I can only talk about it on paper."
A deep, magnetic voice sounded beside her ear. Xia Tong blushed, and she buried her head in the quilt in shame and annoyance, and said in a muffled voice, "The prince is not much better."
He was so rude. He said he wouldn't move, but he forgot everything in the blink of an eye. It turns out that nothing a man says can be trusted in bed.
The big hand pulled her into his arms again, and pulled the blanket off her head. The man leaned over her ear with a serious look on his face, and said in a deep voice, "Why don't I spar with you again?"
The big hand on her waist started to get naughty again. Xia Tong admitted defeat and started to push away in panic and powerlessness, "I...I...I...surrender."
This should be Gu Qin's room. The clothes on his body are still there. He must have put them on him. However, Xia Tong has no recollection of it because she fainted in the end. She underestimated her own physical condition and also underestimated the other party's physical strength.
With a low laugh, the man lowered his head and buried his head in her neck covered with red marks. He took a deep breath and said with a look of satisfaction, "You have no ambition."
"It's obviously you who broke your promise." Xia Tong also became anxious, staring at the other person with wide eyes full of accusation.
Those big watery eyes seemed to be seducing him. Gu Qin's eyes darkened and he just stared at her steadily. If he hadn't been concerned about her body, how could he let her be so energetic now? But this woman was actually blaming him.
Feeling the change in the other person, Xia Tong immediately became listless, and blushed as she quickly started talking about other topics, "Yesterday...last night I seemed to hear Xifeng say that the emperor was critically ill, you...why haven't you entered the palace to check on him yet?"
Looking at the little loach, the man did not do anything to her. He just pretended to get out of bed and said calmly, "It's not too late to go now."
After saying that, he turned back and looked at her, "You will live here from now on."
Although she didn't know what time it was, it was definitely late. With such a big thing happening, this man was still sleeping. Xia Tong was sure that if he was the emperor, he would be an absolute tyrant.
"It's obviously you who is greedy for beauty, but don't make excuses. Besides, I don't want to live here. It was the prince who personally ordered me to move out. If I move back, wouldn't it seem like you are not trustworthy?"
Xia Tong rolled her eyes twice and glanced at the man's well-muscled body. It was dark yesterday and she couldn't see anything clearly, but the man had a good body, but he was too rude, so she gave him a bad review.
While putting on his clothes, the man glanced down at the woman on the bed and said calmly, "When did I say this? Who has heard it?"
Xia Tong: “…”
She frowned, and just as she turned over, she couldn't help but hold her waist and gasp for air, but her fair face was full of dissatisfaction, "How can you be such a rogue? The prince even said he would throw me into the snake cave. Even Xifeng knows all this."
With a raised eyebrow, Gu Qin straightened his sleeves and glanced, "I have never said this before. I will let Xifeng testify later."
With eyes wide open, Xia Tong stared at the beast in human clothing. She had never seen such a shameless person in her life. Wasn't he afraid of being punished by God?
"If you don't want to move, then there is no need to slander me like this." He looked solemn, as if he was being wronged.
The next moment, a maid brought the toiletries, but she didn't dare to look any further and retreated. Only Xia Tong was left there with a face ashen with anger.
"The king is going to enter the palace, so don't wander around."
He gave some instructions and went out in neatly dressed, leaving Xia Tong alone there sulking. After all, all men are bad.
After he left, the bed gradually became colder. Xia Tong didn't want to sleep anymore, so she struggled to sit up.
When they returned to their own courtyard, Fangyu and Qing'er were in high spirits with smiles in their eyes and brows. The stone that was weighing on their hearts suddenly fell, and they knew that the prince liked his master.
While eating breakfast, Xia Tong suddenly asked, "I heard that the emperor is critically ill. Is there any news from outside?"
At this point, Fang Yu shook her head slightly, looking puzzled, "Master, why do you say that? I haven't heard the news. I just found that there are many martial laws in the city today, and I don't know what it is about."
Hearing this, Xia Tong paused, thinking that such news that the emperor was critically ill would not be spread randomly, otherwise it would cause panic among the people and destabilize the government.
"Nothing, just pay attention to what's going on around you." She continued eating in silence.
Today, the famous doctor that Gu Qin invited finally came, but he only said a few words, saying that her constitution was cold and asked her to take various tonics. Xia Tong didn't want to take any more medicine.
However, the other party said that if she didn't take good care of her body, it would affect her fertility in the future. Even Fang Yu said so. Being threatened like this, Xia Tong could only grit her teeth and ask the other party to prescribe medicine. She felt that life was really difficult.
However, Gu Qin did not return from the palace that day. If she did not know that the villain was cruel, she would have suspected that something had happened to him. However, he did not return home for the next few days, and the atmosphere in the capital gradually became solemn. Every commoner noticed that something was wrong.
Xifeng came back with a report, saying that the palace had been busy with affairs recently and his master was unable to get away for the time being, so he asked her to listen to the famous doctor and take care of her health.
It is not known how long the old emperor can hold on, but in the book, the old emperor died in a summer, not winter. It's just that the plot has become so distorted now, so Xia Tong doesn't know how things will develop later. If the old emperor really can't hold on, then there will be a good show to watch. The third prince will definitely not give up the fight for the throne, and he also knows that if the prince ascends the throne, he will not let him go, so he will definitely fight for it.
And there is the Fifth Prince. This second male lead is extremely scheming and cunning, and is good at forbearance. With the heroine by his side, it is hard to say who will be the emperor in the end. Moreover, this villain does not seem to be someone who can be easily messed with. If the prince ascends the throne, it will definitely weaken Gu Qin's power. With the villain's character, how could he just sit there and wait for death? There is also a Grand Tutor's Mansion, which is simply a melee.
However, Xia Tong did not have the heroine's ambition, and she did not want to care about these things. Gu Qin had not returned home for several days, and she was bored staying in the mansion, so she had to go out for a walk.
Unlike Suzhou where the climate is suitable, the winter in the capital is exceptionally cold. On this day, there was a light snow falling from the sky. In addition, the atmosphere in the capital had been weird in recent days. The number of imperial troops had increased, and there were fewer people walking on the streets. Only some hawkers who wanted to support their families persisted in setting up stalls there without a day off.
Business at the Jinyue Teahouse was a little quiet, and when the owner saw Xia Tong coming, he hurried forward to greet her. However, Xia Tong did not have a good face towards him. It was because he had fanned the flames in front of the villain last time, saying that she was having a tryst with the prince. It was simply nonsense.
"What would you like to order, Princess?" the shopkeeper asked politely, bowing.
Xia Tong lazily leaned there, looking at the storyteller below, "Whatever you want, by the way, what book is he talking about?"
At this point, the shopkeeper suddenly smiled and said, "Princess, that person was talking about a story from the Classic of Mountains and Seas."
Xia Tong said nothing more, and the shopkeeper also retreated. The sound of storytelling filled the entire teahouse, bringing a lively atmosphere to the deserted teahouse.
The snacks were served very quickly. Xia Tong drank the Tianshan Snow Branch tea grown by Gu Qin himself. She had visited the tea garden and found that it was usually taken care of by the servants. He only visited occasionally. She said that a villain would never have the leisure time to grow tea himself.
"Master, do you think that looks like Miss Shen?" Fang Yu suddenly pointed at a fiery red figure downstairs.
Xia Tong looked over and saw a woman in a cherry red cloak and fox fur sitting in a corner somewhere on the first floor. She was drinking tea alone, but there were two cups on the table opposite her, as if she was waiting for someone.
Not knowing who the other party was waiting for, Xia Tong had no choice but to ask Fang Yu to call that person up.
After Fangyu went down, the people below looked up at her and then slowly followed her.
"How dare you travel alone at a time like this?"
As soon as he came in, Chen Xin frowned and looked at her, then walked over and sat down opposite her. She looked rosy at this time, and it seemed that her injuries had healed by themselves.
Xia Tong looked at her curiously, "What does Sister Shen mean by this?"
The old emperor is critically ill. Even if the princes want to fight, it should have nothing to do with a nobody like her, right?
I just think the fragrance of this tea is very unique. Upon hearing this, Shen Xin glanced at Fang Yu who was standing beside her. The latter immediately bowed and left. When there were only two people left in the compartment, she leaned over and said seriously, "The palace has blocked the news of this matter, but the traitor must have known about it. Why didn't he tell you?"
Up to now, Xia Tong has never met Gu Qin, let alone know any inside information.
"The Emperor is already critically ill. I'm afraid he won't last much longer. The imperial physician said he only has half a month to live. You can imagine the current situation in the court. The princes are constantly making moves. In such a chaotic time, the Regent will definitely be the target of public criticism. You should stay indoors in your mansion."
Chen Xin hadn't said anything else. At this moment, no one knew what would happen next. The Regent held the military power of the Shenji Camp outside the city. If anyone wanted to do anything, they would definitely start with Xia Tong.
"Half a month?" Xia Tong was stunned. She didn't expect the old emperor to be so seriously ill. There would definitely be a melee next. She remembered that in the original text, the villain seemed to have supported a teenage prince to ascend the throne, and then still held all the power, but was later used as cannon fodder by the male and female protagonists.
It seems that she must ask the villain what his plan is. They are now in the same boat, and she can't just keep going in the dark, right?
"It seems that the traitor still has some room for your Xiahou Mansion. It shows that he is not completely insincere towards you. But you should plan for yourself as soon as possible. That traitor is ambitious, how could he be inferior to others?" Shen Xin frowned and said.
Hearing this, Xia Tong just drank a sip of tea quietly, her eyes flashed, and then she smiled faintly, "It is said that a woman should obey her husband after marriage. At least in my eyes, the prince is better than most hypocrites. No matter what happens, I will stand with him."
She will support whatever decision the villain makes, and she believes her father will do the same.
The woman in front of him had beautiful eyebrows and eyes, and her every frown and smile was extraordinary. Unlike her previous ambiguity, Shen Xin discovered that her attitude towards the traitor seemed different.
Pursing her lips, she whispered, "I still say the same thing. No matter what happens, you are my friend."
When their eyes met, Xia Tong felt warm in her heart. It was worth it that she had saved the other party many times. However, if the other party wanted to harm Gu Qin, she would naturally stop him. She only hoped that the other party could let go of his prejudice against the villain as soon as possible.
With a light chuckle, he poured her a cup of tea and said in a light voice, "This is the Tianshan Snow Branch planted by the prince. It is a new variety specially cultivated by someone."
The faint aroma of tea floated around the compartment. Shen Xin took a sip and found it to be indeed refreshing and fragrant. Even she, who didn't like tea, thought it was very good.
"Sister Shen was waiting for someone just now?" she suddenly asked.
At this point, Shen Xin hummed softly, but did not say much.
Xia Tong also saw the man with extraordinary temperament downstairs. Neither of them spoke. In the end, Chen Xin left. Xia Tong looked at Xiao Ming below quietly. The other party seemed to notice her gaze and immediately looked over.
Xia Tong didn't like this person very much, so she pulled the curtain to block the other person's prying eyes and continued to eat snacks there alone.
She didn't sit for long before returning home. The first snow was getting heavier and heavier, making it inconvenient to walk, and the cold wind made people's faces hurt.
After dinner, Fang Yu told her that Gu Qin had returned. Maybe people are just weird. When he is around, she dislikes him in every way, but when he is gone, she feels weird again, even though she never wins every argument.
It got dark quickly and there was still a heavy snowstorm outside. Xia Tong, wearing a fox fur coat and holding a lantern, walked step by step to the study room in the light snow. The light inside was still on. Xifeng was standing outside the room with a sharp gaze, always alert to the movements around him.
When he saw her coming, he said with some embarrassment: "The master... is discussing matters with several adults."
Although he knew that the prince would definitely accompany the princess after she went in, the current situation was so serious that he could not delay for a moment.
A lot of snow had fallen on the fox fur hat. Hearing this, Xia Tong paused and said calmly, "Then I'll go back first."
Forget it, as a good wife, how could she take up other people’s work time?
Upon seeing this, Xifeng looked at her differently. He had thought that this princess would only occasionally play tricks and do anything to anger the prince, but he did not expect that she also had a sensible side.
When I turned around, a deep voice suddenly came from inside the room, "Come in."
Xia Tong paused and looked blankly at the candlelit study behind her, then looked at Xifeng. She handed the lantern to Qing'er and walked in, lifting her skirt.
At this time, the study had become completely quiet. Several middle-aged men in casual clothes were vaguely glancing at the people who came in. The woman was petite, with a large fox fur hat covering half of her face. But even so, her elegant and refined appearance was still unforgettable. Everyone had heard that the prince was quite fond of his new princess, and thought it was just a rumor, but they didn't expect it to be true.
Seeing that there were indeed several officials discussing matters in the study, and they should all be military generals, Xia Tong did not expect Gu Qin to let her in. Wasn't he afraid that she would disturb their meeting?
"Step back, and do as I say. If there are any emergencies, just react accordingly."
The man in front of the desk had a calm expression. Upon hearing this, the middle-aged men immediately bowed and then looked at Xia Tong again before leaving the study one after another.
When there were only two people left in the room, Xia Tong took off the fox fur coat covered with snow, walked over and asked curiously, "How is the emperor?"
After not seeing each other for a few days, Gu Qin pulled her into his arms and sat down. He buried his head in her neck and took a deep breath, with a trace of fatigue between his brows. "You don't ask about me, but ask another man?"
Xia Tong: “…”
Is this person crazy? He is jealous of an old man who is about to die?
"I think the prince is a good man. There are so many beautiful palace maids in the palace, so he is reluctant to leave, right?" She turned her head and sat in his arms, scribbling on a piece of rice paper with a wolf hair brush.
Embracing that soft body, the man's eyes darkened, with a strange look on his stern features, "Are you jealous?"
After not seeing him for a few days, he did look a little tired, but there was still no smile on his poker face, as if someone owed him money. Xia Tong didn't even turn his head and continued to draw an ugly little turtle on the rice paper.
"I won't be jealous. Even if the prince finds ten or eight more beauties, I will welcome them."
Glancing at that fair little face, Gu Qin frowned slightly, raised his hand and patted her delicate buttocks, and said in a slightly cold tone, "Then why did you come to see me, little spy?"
"You...you are the spy!"
Xia Tong blushed and tried to get out of his arms, but her waist was held tightly by him and she couldn't get away at all.
The man's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he lowered his head to look closely into the pair of clear eyes. His big hands slowly reached into the complicated dress, and his face was serious. "You knew that the king was discussing matters with others, but you came here at this time, and you still say you are not a spy?"
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