Princess Sui De's words were not kind, but they were consistent with Princess Sui De's usual behavior. She had been harsh with Concubine Liao and Prince Heng during the previous emperor's time, not to mention the current Concubine Hong and Prince Chen.
Wang Yuanshuang and Mu Wantong were both watching the joke, and they both felt that they were being laughed at, so of course they would not help. Usually in the palace, Prince Chen was the most favored, and Yao Niang followed suit, but this was not feasible with Princess Sui De.
As for Princess Zhenyang, she regretted asking Yao Niang just now. She wanted to help out, but it was not convenient for her to answer for Yao Niang.
Furthermore, people like Prince Fenyang's wife and Lu Shi would not dare to butt in. Although they were on the eldest prince's side, they were still subjects in terms of status. Anyone who dared to get involved in these matters would be killed.
Everyone was waiting to see Yao Niang's response. If she acted weakly and tried to hide her inability, it would only be embarrassing. But if she acted tough, everyone might really want to see her skills, and it would be even more embarrassing if she did not live up to her reputation.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "Aunt, you really flatter me. Although I know some riding and archery skills, how can I compare with our prince? Speaking of this trip to Chengde, I also want to relax a little. Of course, it would be good to be able to ride a horse. I started learning it in the palace when I was eight years old. After returning home, I haven't touched it for two years. I wonder if it has become rusty?"
Yes, she entered the palace as a study companion when she was very young. The reason why Princess Zhenyang had a good relationship with her was because she had taught in the palace. The princesses in the palace learned the same as the princes, there was no difference.
When Princess Sui De heard her say this, she thought she was deliberately saying that she was ignorant and didn't even know that she was a study partner.
Therefore, Princess Sui De said with a fake smile: "How can the things I have learned be unfamiliar? Princess Chen is too modest."
…
When he returned to Maochunxuan, Gao Xuance had already returned. He was always reading a book, and at this moment he was reading a book. When he saw Yao Niang coming back, he immediately put down the book and asked her, "How was your visit to Aunt Sui De? Did anyone give you any trouble?"
So that's what they were asking. Yao Niang shook her head and said, "No one is making things difficult for me. It's just that they are all trying to please this aunt, but I'm not."
"Well, that's good. If you marry me, you will enjoy life, not suffer. You don't need to please anyone." Gao Xuance thought to himself that he worked so hard not to make his wife bow down to him.
Yao Niang seemed to have something to hide: "It's nothing. This aunt said that we can go riding together in a few days, and she specifically mentioned my name to let me go. I..."
Gao Xuance looked at her and said, "Why? You don't know how to do it? Do you want me to find someone to teach you?"
This matter is hard to accept. Yao Niang looked at the people around and came over. Gao Xuance twitched his ears.
"My breasts are too big, and they look weird when I bounce. I don't want others to see this. Also, I can't breathe if I move too much. So, I used to be good at riding, but I just don't look good. So I haven't ridden a horse in the past two years." Yao Niang was very distressed.
She told Gao Xuance about this because he was resourceful. Although they had been married for only a short time, Yao Niang still believed in his wisdom. Little did she know that Gao Xuance was just staring at her blankly with his ears red, and was actually in a daze.
Yao Niang pushed him and said, "I told you, why didn't you say anything?"
Gao Xuance had never expected that this silly girl would tell him everything. There were very few people like him in the palace. Most of them were very reserved, and there were very few like Yao Niang.
"Hehe, how about I not go and pretend to be sick, okay?" Gao Xuance knew that it was best to wrap the cloth strips around the body, but if he did that, what if he got sick?
Yao Niang was disappointed: "I thought you would have a good idea. Forget it, I brought a lot of beautiful riding clothes with me this time, and I have to wear them. I will just tie up my chest. I have already said that I want to go. If I can't go when the time comes, I will be laughed at. What's more, my riding and archery skills have always been good."
Seeing her like this, Gao Xuance had no choice but to say, "Then you should be careful."
"Okay, I understand." Yao Niang was already a little absent-minded.
Gao Xuance was adept at other things, but when it came to Yao Niang's affairs, he felt that he was simply overwhelmed. For example, ever since he heard Yao Niang say something crazy today, he had been distracted. At night, before it got dark, he had been circling around Yao Niang.
Of course, Yao Niang also had her own things to do. She set up a chessboard with an unfinished game and was thinking about which move to make. She had been thinking about it for a long time.
"Aren't you going to take a rest yet, Yao Niang?" Gao Xuance called her.
Yao Niang looked at the sky and said, "It's still early. I need to think about how to break this chess game."
Gao Xuance looked at the chessboard, picked up a black piece and put it somewhere casually, "Isn't this it? Come to the bed quickly, let's talk, okay? It feels like we haven't talked to each other for a long time."
As expected, he solved the chess game so quickly that Yao Niang was angry: "I have to think about it myself, I don't need you to teach me here. I am clearly thinking about it, but you acted so quickly. We talk every day, how can we not talk to each other?"
She was really angry because she was not very good at chess, so she often had to think on her own. She didn't ask him for help, and she really hated this behavior.
It was rare for someone to speak to him like this. Gao Xuance had previously found Yao Niang to be gentle and well-behaved. She didn't care about anything on weekdays and didn't even put on airs with servants. But now he vaguely discovered that Yao Niang actually had a bad temper. She didn't regard her husband as her God at all, but only treated him as her husband.
But Gao Xuance was not angry. Instead, he said awkwardly, "I am afraid that you are thinking too much about gray hair, really."
"Hmph, I think you are planning to do something bad. But I have to go riding tomorrow, so I won't mess around with you." Yao Niang knew exactly what Gao Xuance was thinking.
Seeing that she was slightly angry, Gao Xuance was not angry at all. Instead, he felt very relieved. No woman or man dared to talk to him like that. Moreover, she was very cute when she was angry.
He hugged her waist and put his head on her shoulder: "Don't be angry, okay? I was thinking about it wrongly. I know you have something important to do tomorrow, so why don't I teach you a few chess moves, okay?"
Yao Niang's heart had already softened when she heard him acting coquettishly, and seeing how understanding he was, she couldn't help but nod.
Therefore, the two of them actually learned chess for half the night.
Of course, she was not overwhelmed by the waves. When she woke up the next morning, she felt refreshed.
It was just a little uncomfortable to bind her breasts so early in the morning. She originally wanted to let her personal servants Bai Ying and Bai Zhi do it, but Gao Xuance got crazy and did it himself.
"Is this okay? I hope it won't strangle me." Gao Xuance was afraid of hurting her.
Yao Niang didn't care: "No, just hold it tighter, don't be soft-hearted, hurry up, people are about to go out." Her husband was too slow, and he couldn't go out like this. The servants outside thought they were doing something bad.
Gao Xuance liked her figure the most. Her skin was as smooth as white jade, her legs were very long, her neck was slender, and although her breasts were big, her waist was very slim. When Yao Niang urged him, he said in a good-tempered manner, "I know. I'll hurry up now."
This is what Yao Niang likes about Gao Xuance. He never talks back to her, and she hates it most when others talk back to her.
This is the joy of a concubine's room, and certainly should not be told to outsiders.
When she appeared in front of the female relatives again, Yao Niang had already shocked everyone. She was wearing a set of narrow-sleeved short top with clustered roses in bright red, and a short skirt with goose yellow embroidered white magnolias, which made her figure look even hotter. Her appearance was already stunning, and she stood out from the crowd.
Wang Yuanshuang and Mu Wantong were much shorter than her. Wang Yuanshuang had always been simple and dignified. Today she wore red, which was rare for her. However, she looked much inferior to Yao Niang when standing next to her. Mu Wantong was also a famous beauty, but she considered her beauty to be cute. When she saw Yao Niang, she felt more splendid, that is, more noble.
Even in front of Princess Sui De, she did not show any fawning attitude, which surprised Lu.
No wonder outsiders say that Prince Chen is favored. Just look at the way Princess Chen treats Princess Sui De, and you will know that she does not take Princess Sui De seriously at all.
Yao Niang got up today and put on full makeup. She certainly couldn't act like a bullied little wife. She was the prince's consort and her status was not lower than that of the eldest princess. Why should she be afraid of her?
In the palace, if you try to gain sympathy by being pitiful, this will only make people step on you more.
This is the worst place in the country where the problem of flattering the powerful and bullying the weak is most serious.
However, you have to be polite to others: "Sister-in-law, fourth brother's sister-in-law."
Wang Yuanshuang was always very kind outside, and she had no choice. In fact, she was not so kind before. She was forced into this. The eldest prince wanted to be a virtuous king, and she also wanted to be a virtuous and kind princess.
Therefore, Wang Yuanshuang smiled and said, "I was just mentioning you. I'm glad you're here. My aunt has found a place. Let's go there to play polo."
"Play polo? Doesn't it mean riding a horse to hunt?" Yao Niang also wanted to try out her archery skills.
It turned out that Yao Niang was going to hunt, no wonder the servants beside her were carrying bows and arrows. At this time, Mu Wantong said: "We are women, it would be bad if we saw blood. It would be better for us to play polo."
Yao Niang also readily agreed: "Okay, since Aunt has decided so, let's go."
After some discussion, everyone happily mounted their horses. Yao Niang climbed onto the horse very skillfully. When Princess Sui De saw this, she couldn't help thinking that she had underestimated her.
Princess Zhenyang secretly gave Yao Niang a thumbs up: "Your sword is still sharp."
After hearing this, Yao Niang said angrily: "Princess, I am the same age as you. In this case, how about we have a competition?"
Princess Zhenyang smiled and said, "Let's compete, Yao Niang, I'll go ahead."
And Mu Wantong was definitely not behind. For a moment, everyone was running. Lu usually had a good relationship with Zhuang Lingyi because Zhuang Lingyi was the daughter of the Duke of Xian. The Duke of Xian had always been the target of Shen Liang's pursuit. After all, the Duke of Xian's family was in charge of the border defense army. Moreover, she had a very good relationship with Zhuang Lingyi.
As for why Zhuang Lingyi was not chosen as the prince's consort given her status, it is said that Luo Yaoniang seduced His Royal Highness Prince Chen in advance.
Otherwise, with Zhuang Lingyi's elegant status, she is definitely much higher than Luo Yaoniang.
Princess Sui De was originally in this position and was treated with such privileges, so everyone should have run behind her. However, because Yao Niang and Princess Zhen Yang were having a horse race and Mu Wantong was unwilling to admit defeat, no one paid any attention to Princess Sui De. Even the Crown Prince's wife of Prince Fenyang said to Wang Yuanshuang, "Princess Xian, let's go over there quickly."
It's very simple. You, Princess Sui De, are not the empress dowager. In terms of power, how are you compared to Concubine Hong?
Why should we listen to you?
At first, Yao Niang was a little nervous, but later she got back to her senses. Even Mu Wantong was surprised that Yao Niang's riding skills were so good. You know, this is not something that can be achieved overnight.
At the end, Yao Niang turned over and got off the horse with very beautiful movements.
She was also much happier. Mu Wantong, who came over later, admired her and said, "I didn't expect that your riding skills are so good, it's really unexpected."
"Fourth sister-in-law, your riding skills are also very good." She also thought Mu Wantong was very outstanding.
Mu Wantong said proudly: "When I was in Yunnan, I often went hunting with my father. Unlike here, Yunnan has spring all year round, and now is the time when flowers are in full bloom."
Yao Niang smiled and said, "This is great. When I was at home, my father would make me and my mother some sweet rice cakes and teach me how to play chess and the piano. But now that I'm in the palace, I can't see my family anymore."
The last time I went back to my parents’ home, my mother saw me, but my father didn’t.
Because she had been an orphan since she was a child, Mu Wantong envied the harmony in other families, but she never expected that the Luo family would love her so much.
"Third sister-in-law, your father is so good to you." She was also very jealous because her father doted on her but was not attentive and never cooked for her.
Yao Niang nodded: "Yes, my father and mother love me very much. My sister and I are getting married this year. We can talk about our secrets at home all night long."
Mu Wantong suddenly felt that Yao Niang was very kind and full of love. No wonder the King of Chen, who was so arrogant, was so nice to her.
Therefore, when the polo team was divided into two teams, Mu Wantong actually took the initiative to join Yao Niang's team. Yao Niang smiled and said, "It's even better with you. I saw that you are very good at riding just now."
Princess Sui De didn't know why Mu Wantong chose Yao Niang. She didn't know that, firstly, Mu Wantong thought Yao Niang was a good person and she was more willing to be with Yao Niang. Secondly, she thought Princess Sui De was old-fashioned. Before she went to Beijing, she heard that Princess Sui De intended to let the second princess's daughter marry the fourth prince.
Later, the Fourth Prince married her, the daughter of a frontier prince. Although Princess Sui De did not say anything, she seemed to be sizing her up and was not as friendly to her as she was to Yao Niang.
Because Concubine Yan sent the women here, but she treated them as ordinary maids and did not let them serve her personally, Concubine Yan was angry. Therefore, there were some problems between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and Mu Wantong was even more unhappy with Princess Sui De.
She originally wanted to please her, but she had no idea that Princess Sui De was only nice to her eldest sister-in-law. She was also a very proud person and would definitely not continue to please her like this.
Therefore, Wang Yuanshuang put the Crown Prince's Consort of Fenyang and the Seventh Princess of the Lu family in one team, while Yao Niang's team was composed of Princess Zhenyang and Mu Wantong.
Wang Yuanshuang and Yao Niang had been study partners before, so she reminded them, "Princess Chen is very good at riding horses, throwing pots, and archery. When we were in the palace, she was also very good at polo, but she may not have had time to practice in the past two years."
The Seventh Princess also nodded: "Yes, and Zhen Yang is also good and should not be underestimated."
As the most favored Princess Zhaoping by the late emperor, the Seventh Princess lives a very good life in the palace, but she has not yet chosen a husband. She heard that the emperor was going on an autumn hunt, but in fact he was secretly choosing a husband for Princess Zhenyang.
This is just a secret selection, and it must be carefully chosen. Moreover, Princess Zhenyang's two royal brothers are both present, so she will definitely choose the best husband. Choosing a husband for her is just to let the Ministry of Rites put in a list first, which is far inferior to Princess Zhenyang's.
Thinking of this, she lost interest.
Wang Yuanshuang had no idea what the little girl was thinking. This princess who was favored by the previous emperor was no longer of any value and was not even as good as Princess Sui De.
The game was on the verge of breaking out. Lu originally thought that she was a pretty good polo player, but she didn't realize how terrifying Yao Niang was until she got on the court. She was very energetic and was the type who was always very aggressive on the court.
Originally, Lu was best at fake moves, that is, a false move, but he was soon forced into a desperate situation by her and scored a goal.
Yao Niang breathed a sigh of relief. Mu Wantong had never been convinced by anyone before, but now she found that Yao Niang was not inferior to her.
Looking at Princess Sui De again, her face was indifferent. She certainly did not expect Yao Niang to win. She originally thought that Wang Yuanshuang came from a noble family, and her father and grandfather were both military men, so she should be very good at it. How could she have known that she actually lost to Yao Niang.
Fortunately, Yao Niang was not the type to be arrogant after winning against others. Instead, she praised Wang Yuanshuang, saying, "Sister-in-law is still the same as before. You can score even the most difficult ball."
Wang Yuanshuang smiled and said, "You are still the same as before. I remember that you stayed in the palace until the gates were locked because of a painting. It is the same now. Whenever you want to do something, you always take it seriously and try your best."
"It's not possible at this time. I thought that since I have come to Chengde with great difficulty, I should have a good time. I also want to thank Aunt Sui De." After saying this, Yao Niang nodded to Princess Sui De.
This time everyone got to know Prince Chen's wife again. Before, her brilliance was almost overshadowed by Prince Chen. Everyone tacitly believed that she was just a little woman standing behind Prince Chen, but now they discovered that she was also extremely outstanding.
Little did they know that Yao Niang was sweating profusely and wanted to go back to her room to take a bath. After patiently talking to everyone for a few words, she returned to Maochunxuan. Bai Ying and Bai Zhi added a lot of flower petals to Yao Niang's bathtub. They both laughed and said, "Girl, I still remember that when you were in the family, no one could compare to you in jumping the rope."
"Forget it. A good man never brags about his past bravery. This time I went to let Princess Sui De know that I am not afraid of trouble."
After taking a flower petal bath, Yao Niang asked someone to wash her hair. She smelled very good and felt much more relaxed. Because there was a banquet in the evening, Yao Niang also wanted to know how Gao Xuance went in hunting today.
While she was taking a nap, Gao Xuance, who was very clean, came back and took a quick shower. When he saw Yao Niang taking a nap on the couch, he couldn't help but cover her lips.
Yao Niang almost couldn't breathe. She opened her eyes and saw that it was him. She immediately put her hands on his neck and said coquettishly, "I played a game of polo today. I'm so tired."
"There will be barbecue later, so you can enjoy it later." Gao Xuance scratched her nose and looked at her lovingly.
Young people's love always comes quickly. Gao Xuance felt that he had been single for a few days, so he kept looking at her. Yao Niang couldn't help but push him: "This beauty bed can't stand you like this."
"Then you have to help me. I have been trying to quench my thirst these days." Gao Xuance hinted at something.
He felt like he was the reverse of his past life. In his past life, she was the one chasing after him. In this life, he didn't understand why he was so obsessed with her.
Because there are too many temptations around him, but no matter what, he is not interested in anyone else, only her, which really makes her obsessed.
When Yao Niang heard what he said, she suddenly had an idea: "Now I am so slim, but I heard that after giving birth, my body shape will be very different. If I become obese, you will definitely not be nice to me."
In this life, she is very clear-headed and many people treat her well because of her appearance, but in her previous life, she was once very fat and no one even looked at her.
If you act on emotion, will you be hurt by it in the future?
"Of course not." Gao Xuance blurted out.
Even when he held her in his previous life, he felt like he was holding cotton and he didn't really dislike her.
Yao Niang did not continue the topic. Smart people should not test human nature.
When it was time for the dinner, the couple arrived together. They wore clothes of the same color and walked from a distance, looking even more like a perfect couple.
"Father, elder brother, second brother." Gao Xuance bowed quickly.
At this time, Emperor Jianzhang was talking to a Taoist priest. King Zhou and Gao Xuance said, "This is Taoist Priest Songshan. Father learned that he was nearby, so he specially invited him to come and talk."
When Emperor Jianzhang saw that it was Gao Xuance coming over, he said to Taoist Master Songshan, "This is Prince Chen."
Taoist Songshan was about to stand up and salute, Gao Xuance smiled and said, "Master, there is no need to be polite, just accompany father to talk."
However, seeing that Taoist Master Songshan looked at Gao Xuance for a long time, the eldest prince lowered his eyes. This person must have been arranged by him. Humph, Gao Xuance, you just wait for me.
It took a lot of effort to buy off this Taoist priest Songshan!
Emperor Jianzhang frowned and said, "Master, you are good at face reading. Is there something wrong?"
When the late emperor was alive, he often talked to Taoist Master Songshan. He was a man of high moral character and prestige, and Emperor Jianzhang had complete trust in him.
Taoist Master Songshan said with a smile: "Your Highness Prince Chen has a full forehead, a crouching rhinoceros bone on his forehead, and a back like a crouching turtle. At first, he looked ordinary, but now he looks noble. Not only noble, but also distinguished. His future is truly unpredictable and beyond my control."
He was talking and laughing, but the expressions of the people around him changed. Prince Chen was already a prince, with a noble status, how could he be more noble?
Yao Niang was also heartbroken. She knew very well that Prince Chen died young in his previous life, but she never knew why. Now it seemed that this incident had offended the emperor.
You have to know that the matter of appointing a crown prince is something that emperors are generally very cautious about.
King Zhou also felt that what Taoist Songshan said was inappropriate. Wasn't it a blatant praise and criticism of Xuan Ce? He thought to himself that this was not good. Only the eldest prince's family were secretly happy.
Unexpectedly, Emperor Jianzhang did not get furious as expected when he heard this. Instead, he smiled and patted Prince Chen on the shoulder: "Master, you really have a good eye. It seems that I gave the right title of 'Chen'."
Everyone was stunned and didn't know how to react.
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