Although she was the legitimate daughter of Pingliang Marquis Mansion, the Mansion itself was not optimistic about Prince Jing and naturally unwilling to lend full support, which made her life in the Prince Mansion very difficult. Furthermore, Prince Jing doted solely on that despicable Mo Xiang. If she offended Prince Jing further, the consequences were imaginable.
The news quickly reached the ears of Yang Mengchen, who mentioned it to Long Xuanmo. Long Xuanmo did not take it seriously, and neither did Yang Mengchen.
"Momo, Jiujiu," Grand Prince was on his way to Cining Palace when he suddenly saw the two approaching figures and walked up to them with a warmly affectionate smile.
Releasing her hand from Long Xuanmo’s, Yang Mengchen smiled and curtsied, "Greetings to Imperial Uncle."
"Good child, rise quickly," Grand Prince lifted his hand, "It just so happens that Uncle is heading to Cining Palace. Let us go together."
The group arrived at Cining Palace, where the Emperor and the Empress Dowager were seated at the main seats, with the Empress sitting to the left of the Empress Dowager, followed by the Princesses and the royal female family members, as well as several concubines from the rear palace, given away by their attire, who were of at least concubine rank. The seat to the right of the Emperor, which should have been Grand Prince’s seat, was empty, and beyond that sat Prince Ning and a few Princes, as well as the royal males.
As Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen, walking hand in hand, entered, the beauty of the duo—him handsome and noble, her elegant and graceful, as if a celestial couple—elicited benevolent smiles from all but a few. Long Yingtong, Min Ruochen, and Min Ruomeng, in particular, had especially brilliant expressions.
Long Xuanmo led Yang Mengchen to kneel on the cushions placed in front of them, first offering tea to the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress, then in turn to Grand Prince and the other elders. As for the concubines from the back palace, his peers, and the younger generation, Long Xuanmo introduced each to Yang Mengchen one by one (in truth the Empress Dowager and Sister Jin had already informed Yang Mengchen in detail), naturally receiving many valuable gifts in the process.
Yang Mengchen had sewn a set of casual clothes and socks for the Emperor and other close elders, as well as a pair of cotton flat slippers.
The Grand Prince received his seasonal clothing from the hands of Yang Mengchen, and the Emperor and others had also received clothing and accessories like scarves and gloves from her before the New Year. They appeared very happy, though not surprised.
Those seeing them for the first time were envious, knowing that these items were not only finely crafted and fashionably designed but also featured double-sided embroidery, items that were impossible to find on the market for ten thousand gold, not to mention the cotton slippers that looked undoubtedly comfortable to wear.
A pity that they could only envy, daring not to even hope for them.
The beaded hairpins that Yang Mengchen presented to the ladies were all exquisitely unique, each carved with the special trademark of the Yang Family Shops, "Golden Jade Match," of the yet-to-be-released new designs, whereas the men received various types of scholarly Four Treasures.
The gifts for each person were suited to their tastes and pricey, causing everyone to hold them dear while secretly admiring Yang Mengchen’s generosity.
On the surface, Prince Jing expressed gratitude, but inside he regretted and resented.
This woman was not only exceptionally intelligent and skillful at making money but also possessed extraordinary medical skills and tremendous good fortune. If she had married him, what would there be to worry about?
It’s a pity that his father the Emperor was too biased, and Prince Chen shamelessly stole his brother’s wife. He would settle this account with his father the Emperor and Prince Chen sooner or later.
After having lunch, Long Xuanmo and Yang Mengchen chatted with the Empress Dowager and the others for a while before taking their leave to return to their mansion.
When the carriage reached the main street, Yang Mengchen lifted the carriage curtain to observe the bustling scene outside and inadvertently saw a young man stepping out of a teahouse.
He looked to be about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, tall and sturdily built, dressed in a treasure-blue brocade robe, his waist adorned with a string of flowing cloud white blessing beads, clasped with a sea-green jade pendant with spread wings, his jet-black hair secured with a peachwood stick, lips red, teeth white, and a striking appearance. However, a hint of ferocity lingered in his brows.
"Minister of Justice Lin Zheqi." Long Xuanmo also saw the man, his low voice clearly brimming with jealousy.
This was the person Yang Mengchen had advised Long Xuanmo to be wary of. Aware of his jealousy, Yang Mengchen let down the carriage curtain and took the initiative to kiss his lips.
Long Xuanmo enjoyed Yang Mengchen’s initiative. However, he was not content with her fleeting kiss and turned passive into active, holding her tightly and deepening the kiss. He invaded her mouth, claiming the sweetness that belonged only to her.
It took a while before he reluctantly let go of his beloved wife, holding her tightly—a love that pierced deep into the bones. Long Xuanmo’s voice was hoarse, "Ah Jiu, promise me you’ll never leave me. Otherwise, I don’t know what I will become."
"Hand in hand with you, I pledge to grow old together!" Yang Mengchen raised their intertwined hands to her heart.
Long Xuanmo, smiling like the warm sun, said, "In life and death, never to part!" The emptiness in his heart for more than twenty years was finally filled with warmth and deep love.
Yang Mengchen tilted her head slightly and whispered a few words into Long Xuanmo’s ear, causing his eyes to light up immediately, "Really?"
"That’s what the birds told me, but we still need further confirmation," she replied.
"Then I will send someone to investigate secretly."
"No need," Yang Mengchen shook her head, "It is best if he uncovers and confirms the truth himself. Don’t worry, I have already arranged for someone to be by his side and gain his trust. I believe the truth will come to light before long."
Holding his beloved wife tightly, Long Xuanmo said nothing. With such a wife, what more could a man ask for?
The next day after breakfast, Long Xuanmo accompanied Yang Mengchen back to the Princess Mansion.
Old Master Yang and the others were waiting at the gate early. Seeing Long Xuanmo, who helped Yang Mengchen out of the carriage first, walk hand in hand towards them, and noting the blush on Yang Mengchen’s face and a hint of spring in her eyes and brows, everyone felt both relieved and comforted.
Hearing from Madam Yang Zhou that the Yang family planned to return to Yangliu Village, Yang Mengchen gently advised, "Eighth Brother’s examination is in a few days. You might as well go home after a few days."
"No need," Old Master Yang waved his hand, "There is too much to worry about at home, and we simply cannot be at ease. As for Bin’er, he has you and the Prince for support, and with Youyou and Honghong here, we have nothing to worry about. We will go home now."
"When will you leave?" Understanding the elders’ determination, Yang Mengchen did not try to persuade them further.
Old Master Yang answered, "The day after tomorrow, early in the morning."
"I will arrange for guards to escort you back to the village the day after tomorrow," Long Xuanmo said from the side.
The Yang family members did not refuse, firstly because Prince Chen favored Yang Mengchen, and secondly because Yang Chengyou had mentioned the assassination attempt before the new year. Although they were insignificant, they were now part of Prince Chen’s family. To prevent others from using them to coerce Prince Chen, it was better to be cautious.
After the meal, Madam Yang Zhou and the other women went to Yang Mengchen’s room and handed her over a dozen scrolls, "Jiujiu, these are the portraits your Aunty Luo and Aunty Xiao have sent. They are for discussing your brothers’ marriages. Take a look."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
