Chapter 141 Chapter 141
【Chapter 141】
Liu Jin knelt in front of Lady Zhang, tears in her eyes, but her mind was still clear for a moment, "My lady, please think about your master outside the palace. Your actions are too risky. If your master knew, he would be worried about you. Your master's old illness might relapse. As long as you are gentle and obedient now, the emperor will still look at you more."
Lady Zhang's smile was uglier than crying, "Ruan Jun must have known about what happened in the past!"
Even though she wanted to deny it in her heart, she had to admit that over the years, although the emperor had no feelings for the old woman, the empress, he still gave her due respect. And she, who once was favored by the emperor, now lost his favor and everyone in the palace could bully her!
Lady Zhang gritted her teeth and said, "I will not let anything happen to me. I definitely won't. The little princess was originally my child. Now I am just returning her to me. I want my child back. What's wrong with that?"
After saying this, Lady Zhang grabbed Liu Jin's hand tightly and said, "On the day of the New Year's Palace Banquet, I will use Shen Chongyi to put on a good show!"
Liu Jin didn't dare to resist, not even to refute Lady Zhang at this moment. Seeing that Lady Zhang's mind was becoming increasingly disturbed, Liu Jin shuddered.
When Liu Yu entered with the copper basin, Lady Zhang wearily propped up her head and pulled the makeup box, "It will take money to prepare, you take all these."
Liu Yu had already known from Liu Jin what Lady Zhang wanted to do, and now Liu Yu could only bow and agree.
The hands full of pearls and jade hairpins made Liu Yu feel unusually cold.
…
New Year Palace Banquet
Yingning stood behind Ruan Yun and helped her with her makeup. Ruan Yun slowly hung the earrings on the earrings.
The earlobe has returned to its former white and round color, without any trace of the redness and swelling.
Chun Qing stood behind Ruan Yun and leaned very low, "Your Majesty, Lady Zhang's maids have been going to Yuechun Palace frequently recently, but there has been no movement from Concubine De."
Hearing this news, Ruan Yun was a little surprised, "Yuechun Palace? Did she talk to Shen Chongyi?"
Chun Qing shook his head and said darkly, "It was the nanny who was guarding Shen Chongyi."
Ruan Yun wore a pair of crabapple earrings to match the ruby crabapple hairpin on her head, which was also specially sent to Linxuan Palace by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Seeing that the empress did not say anything, Chunqing continued, "After Lady Zhang's people left, Shen Chongyi's situation... became even worse."
Ruan Yun took a look through the bronze mirror and chuckled in confusion, "She doesn't care about Madam's affairs, but now she thinks of Shen Chongyi? Is she taking out her anger on Shen Chongyi?"
If Concubine Zhang had not had her family background and the emperor's favor in the past, she would have never been able to sit on the position of Concubine Shu. Shen Chongyi had been planning for Concubine Zhang behind the scenes for so long, she must have known a lot of things, but Shen Chongyi didn't say anything because those things would also involve herself.
Ruan Yun chuckled nonchalantly, "Keep a close eye on Yuechun Palace and Nanny. If there's anything wrong, come and tell me immediately."
Chunqing agreed to Ruan Yun's words and walked out of the inner hall with brisk steps.
After waiting for Chunqing to leave, Yingning asked in a low voice, "Are you going to see Master Ji tonight?"
Ruan Yun recalled the dirty words written on the note and a sarcastic smile appeared on her lips.
What about missing her so much that he became sick, couldn't sleep because of missing her, and wanted to see her again? These were all just Ji Lubai's fantasies, which were extremely disgusting.
"I'm sure Concubine De knows about the incident that happened to Nanny. We can't let her get evidence of that now."
After the Empress said this, Yingning immediately understood what the Empress meant and concentrated on tying Ruan Yun's hair.
…
Tilt Palace
Concubine Zhang sat in front of the table, but the delicious delicacies on it did not interest her at all. Her lips were tightly pursed, her beautiful eyes were calm, and she looked towards the outer hall from time to time.
Liu Jin carefully served Lady Zhang and advised her, "My lady, you should use some of it. You will be at the banquet later. You may get hurt if you eat too much."
Lady Zhang looked around her palace with her long eyelashes drooping. "What's the use? The emperor hasn't been here for a long time. I'm sick. Has the emperor ever come to see me? I'm afraid the emperor has forgotten what I look like."
Seeing Lady Zhang's expression, Liu Jin couldn't help but say, "My young lady entered the palace to gain the emperor's favor, but now the Meng family is ruined. The old master has done a lot for you. Why don't you think more about the old master?"
Lady Zhang looked at Liu Jin coldly, causing Liu Jin to lower his head in panic.
Walking slowly to Liu Jin, Concubine Zhang squatted down and said, "Without the emperor's favor, how can I survive in this harem? Everyone is laughing at me, but what I want most is the emperor's heart."
Standing up, Lady Zhang closed her eyes, anger filling her beautiful eyes, "Slap!"
She had never treated Liu Jin like this before. This was the first time. Liu Jin knew she had said too much, and soon the sound of crisp slaps was heard in the inner hall.
When Liu Yu came in, he stopped Liu Jin's movements.
Lady Zhang wiped away the tears from her eyes and looked at Liu Yu, causing Liu Yu to quicken his pace. "It has been arranged. Tonight, the people in Yuechun Palace will do as the queen said."
After hearing this, Miss Zhang finally breathed a sigh of relief, but her hands couldn't help but tremble, still revealing her emotions.
Liu Yu knelt beside Lady Zhang and said softly, "My lady, your seat is next to Ji Zhaoyi. It will be very convenient when the time comes."
Miss Zhang's eyes closed slightly and then quickly opened again. This was her only chance now!
If Concubine De wants to marry her, she has to see if she has the ability to do so!
…
Ruan Yun touched the moving little face and saw the snow falling outside. Her voice was not as gentle as usual. "Be careful tonight and stay by the side of the Third Prince."
The nurses responded to the queen's words, saying, "Yes, queen, don't worry."
Ruan Yun then sat on the ceremonial staff, her lively eyes slightly raised, adding a touch of brightness to the snowy day, "Have you told Ji Zhaoyi about this?"
Ying Ning moved closer to the ceremonial staff and said in a calm voice, "Yes, I went there myself. I think Ji Zhaoyi knows what to do."
The seats at the New Year's banquet were arranged according to the ranks of the concubines. Concubine Zhang happened to be sitting next to Ji Zhaoyi. Her people frequently went in and out of Yuechun Palace, which really forced Ruan Jun to be more cautious, fearing that the matter was related to the little princess.
Ruan Yun arrived late today, and before she had even sat down the Emperor and the Empress arrived.
The Queen Mother claimed to be ill and did not attend the annual banquet, so Concubine Xian also came to ask for permission, saying that she should take care of the Queen Mother.
Ruan Yunte told the emperor about this matter, and after getting the emperor's approval, he also approved Concubine Xian's plan. He also realized that the emperor's departure from Chaoxi Palace in the snow that day might not be that simple.
At this moment, Ruan Yun's eyes fell softly on the emperor, and she deliberately avoided looking at the official's burning gaze.
"I offer a toast to His Majesty."
She would never do this before, but she suddenly did this today, causing Yan Shiyu's dark eyes to tinge with a hint of smile. His eyes inadvertently glanced at Ji Lubai, and a slight curve appeared on Yan Shiyu's lips, but there was no sign of joy.
The soft light in Ruan Yun's almond-shaped eyes did not fade. Before she could say anything, Yan Shiyu raised the wine cup and clinked it with Ruan Yun's.
The queen listened to the voice beside her, and her eyes showed some tenderness, "It's cold, is the third prince okay? Sister should also pay more attention to her own health."
Ruan Yun's face was flushed with red, and she said in a sweet voice, "Thanks to your majesty, the Third Prince is doing well. I hope your majesty will get better soon."
The Queen smiled and said, "Sister, you have done a great job in managing the six palaces. I am now free."
These words sounded meaningless. Under normal circumstances, Concubine De would definitely not say anything.
But today, when the Queen's words suddenly came to her ears, Concubine De found them extremely irritating.
She clenched the wine cup tightly in her hand, and two drops of wine fell out of it. Concubine De didn't know how much effort she had to use to steady herself. She said, "I haven't seen you for a long time. It would be a pity if I didn't offer you a glass of wine on such a good day."
Ruan Jun's face changed after hearing this. It was well known to everyone that the Empress was in poor health. Now Concubine De even wanted to toast the Empress with wine. Did she really think that others could not see what she was thinking?
Or...
His eyes inadvertently fell on Wen Baolin, who was staring at Concubine De and did not notice Ruan Jun's gaze.
Yan Shiyu glanced at Concubine De coldly, raised his arm slightly and patted the back of the empress's hand, "The empress has been ill, so please don't give me this glass of wine."
The smile on Concubine De's face almost slipped away, and the emperor gave her a cold shoulder. She raised her head and drank the wine in the cup in one gulp.
The movements are stiff and the emotions fluctuate greatly.
Concubine De covered her chest and searched around the table. Her beautiful eyes fell on the incense burner, but the more she smelled, the more annoyed she became.
Wang Yi saw that something was wrong with the Empress, and bent down to support Concubine De, but Concubine De shook off Wang Yi's hand and stumbled out.
Seeing such a disrespectful look, only the queen had a good heart and could still say, "The inner palace is stuffy and hot. I heard that Defei sister has invited the imperial physician several times recently. I think she is not feeling well."
Ruan Yun then looked at the empress carefully. The hall was brightly lit with candles. Behind the empress was a tall candlestand with all the candles burning.
But it was precisely because of this that when Ruan Yun looked at the Empress, she suddenly realized that the Empress was different from before. There was a sarcastic smile on her lips, but the emotion was so slight that even Ruan Yun thought she was dazzled. When she looked again, the Empress had already returned to her previous appearance.
Ruan Yun held the handkerchief in her hand, her heart suddenly tensing.
Maybe the Empress knows something but doesn't say it clearly.
Your Majesty...why are you doing this?
…
Concubine Zhang looked towards the emperor with sorrow in her eyes, but she could not discern a single expression from the emperor.
Beside her was the little princess's childish voice and Ji Zhaoyi's gentle voice coaxing the little princess, which sounded extremely harsh to Lady Zhang's ears.
Perhaps it was because his eyes were on the little princess for too long that the little princess noticed something.
Seeing that the person sitting next to A Niang was Concubine Zhang, the little princess couldn't help but shrink a little into Ji Zhaoyi's arms.
Ji Zhaoyi looked at Lady Zhang unceremoniously and spoke softly, "What's the matter, Lady Zhang?"
Ji Zhaoyi gently touched the little princess's face with her hand, and said in a soft voice, "What did mother tell Xin'er before? What should we do when we meet the ladies in the palace?"
With encouragement in her eyes, the little princess turned around and saluted Lady Zhang when she met Ji Zhaoyi's gaze, "Lady Zhang, how are you?"
Lady Zhang bit her lip, smiled and waved at the little princess, "How about coming to Aunt Zhang's place?"
When the little princess heard what Concubine Zhang said, she was so scared that she hid in Ji Zhaoyi's arms.
Seeing this, Ji Zhaoyi did not force the little princess to get close to Lady Zhang. Instead, she said, "The little princess is shy and young. I think she has forgotten the days when she was raised in the palace by Sister Zhang. Sister Zhang, please don't blame her."
When Concubine Zhang heard this, she did not feel relieved. Instead, she glared at Ji Zhaoyi fiercely. How could she care about the little princess? It was Ji Zhaoyi who instigated her behind her back. If the little princess had grown up under her lap, how could she become so cowardly.
"Xin'er, don't you remember Zhang A Niang?" Lady Zhang gave all her tenderness to the little princess at this moment, "Last year in the temporary palace, Xin'er was in Zhang A Niang's palace and lived there for a while."
But after hearing this, the little princess became even more frightened and hid in Ji Zhaoyi's arms, "No, no, Xin'er only has one mother."
After saying this, the little princess hugged Ji Zhaoyi's neck, and Ji Zhaoyi hugged the little princess back and patted her back.
"If Sister Zhang scares the little princess, I'm afraid the emperor will blame you."
Ji Zhaoyi said something that only she and Concubine Zhang could understand. After these words came out, Concubine Zhang's face turned unhappy, and her fingertips dug into her palms, as if Ji Zhaoyi knew something and said so deliberately.
Liu Jin whispered behind him, "My dear, please don't be angry."
After being reminded by Liu Jin, Lady Zhang finally remembered what she was originally going to do.
His eyes fell on the timid little princess in Ji Zhaoyi's arms. She was really useless, just as useless as her mother, so cowardly and disgusting. If she had been raised in her palace since birth, how could she have become like this today!
Miss Zhang was so angry that she picked up the wine cup and took a sip. The wine in the cup choked her and a line of tears fell for no reason.
Ruan Jun also noticed what was happening with Ji Zhaoyi, so she specially sent Ying Ning to check on her. Ying Ning told the empress everything that had just happened. Seeing that Ji Zhaoyi was fine, Ruan Jun was relieved.
But before he withdrew his eyes from Ji Zhaoyi, he vaguely noticed a burning gaze. He looked over inadvertently and saw Ji Lubai holding a wine cup and drinking one glass after another, looking at him with bloodshot eyes.
Ruan Jun withdrew her gaze indifferently, her fingers curled up unconsciously, and forced herself to focus on the singing and dancing in front of her.
Then he picked up the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.
Yan Shiyu saw all her abnormal behavior.
There was an unconscious coldness in his black eyes, the hand holding the wine cup tightened, his throat moved slightly, and the wine fell into his stomach, which was a rare spicy and stimulating taste.
"What are you looking at again?" Yan Shiyu's voice reached Ruan Yun's ears.
Ruan Jun quickly put on a smile, hiding the uneasiness in her eyes well.
When she looked up at the emperor, she saw that he was looking at her deeply. There was a hint of indifference in his boundless eyes, which made Ruan Yun's heart tremble.
Hiding her hands in her sleeves, Ruan Yun pinched herself gently, her lips shy as she said, "I didn't see anything, but after a quick look, I found that today's wine is exceptionally different."
Yan Shiyu didn't say much, just said: "It's still different from the wine outside the palace."
The smile on Ruan Yun's face froze for a moment, "Your Majesty, why are you suddenly talking about wine outside the palace?"
Yan Shiyu's eyes were bright. "When I left the palace, my favorite thing was a pot of snow-brewed wine from the Shangjing Restaurant. After so many years, I don't know if it's still there."
Ruan Yun silently extended her hand over, hooked her finger around the emperor's, and shook it gently, "I'll accompany you in the future, okay?"
Yan Shiyu simply picked up the wine cup and drank it without saying anything else.
Ruan Jun was still frightened, as she almost couldn't hide it just now.
Then he smiled bitterly in his heart. It turned out that in this world, everything the emperor wanted to know was too easy to know.
Ruan Jun was a little absent-minded at the table in the back, but her hand was always held by Yan Shiyu, forcing her to be alert.
Ji Juebai looked up at Ruan Yun who was sitting at the top of the table, and his heart was filled with longing.
When his colleagues saw Ji Juebai's expression, they couldn't help but joked, "Master Ji, you have a good alcohol tolerance. Every time I see you, you drink so much. Stop drinking. The emperor has urgently summoned you."
Ji Juebai recalled the last time the emperor came to see him. He was very capable and had his own ideas on how to control the Yellow River. How could the emperor offend him?
The emperor is busy with state affairs, and he is not worried about himself now, but only about his Ayun.
Ayun was a person who loved quietness the most. She used to be very obedient and stayed by his side. She had no knowledge of love between men and women, and she couldn't even serve anyone.
At that time, he originally wanted to take her to his room to serve her, but when he saw her clumsy look, he found her interesting. Why did Ayun reject him back then?
At first, he really couldn't give Ayun the status of his legal wife. His mother was very strict with him and she disliked Ayun very much, so he couldn't disobey his mother's orders.
But now it’s different. He is already working in the Ministry of Rites and his future career is limitless. His mother will agree to whatever he wants.
Even though he now has a concubine, the emperor also has other concubines. In his harem, he only has two concubines, which can't compare to the emperor's three palaces and six courtyards.
What's more, what he wanted to give to Ayun was the position of his legal wife.
I'm sure Ayun will be happy listening to this.
Blame him. Blame him for not explaining things clearly last time, which caused Ayun to be upset.
There was a burning heat in his eyes, causing his colleagues to start whispering to each other.
"Master Ji, that person above is the Emperor's Consort Ying Gui, Master Ji, please stop looking at it."
"Yes, it is not easy for Master Ji to pass the imperial examination. You must pay attention to your words and actions."
Ji Juebai listened to their words and couldn't help but wave his hands, "Ridiculous! You are all ridiculous!"
But his colleagues had clearly seen what he looked like, and now seeing how drunk he was, they didn't want to bother with him anymore.
Concubine Ying Guifei is indeed beautiful, but she is the emperor's favorite concubine. They would have to risk their lives to covet the emperor's woman.
Ji Juebai was feeling annoyed. Why didn't his Ayun leave yet but didn't receive the note?
What a bastard, how dare he lie to him!
Ji Juebai picked up the wine glass again, but the wine in the glass was empty.
When the palace maid saw what Ji Rebai did, she hurried over to replace the wine bottle in front of Ji Rebai.
Ji Lubai saw double images in front of his eyes and staggered outside.
Looking at the plum blossoms in full bloom in the palace, I couldn't help but whisper, "Ayun, don't be afraid. I will definitely take you out of the palace in a few days."
"Ayun, you have suffered a lot these years."
After picking a red plum blossom, Ji Juebai walked in.
Only a footprint was left in the snow.
…
At the end of the New Year banquet, fireworks will be set off outside the Qingxuan Palace.
Ruan Yun looked at the familiar stone steps and inexplicably recalled the first time she stepped here.
But times have changed, she has already become the Imperial Concubine and is standing next to the Emperor.
The almond-shaped eyes were lit up by the fireworks, and the clear bottom of the eyes were also dyed with a different color.
The cold wind blew the skirt and clothes against the emperor's dark dragon robe, intertwining them together, inseparable.
Yan Shiyu turned his head and asked in a deep voice, "Are you cold?"
Holding Ruan Yun's hand, he frowned, "Why is it so cold?"
Ruan Jun felt embarrassed to behave like the emperor in front of so many people.
She tried to pull her hand away but failed, her blush spread to behind her ears, she bit her lips and said in a coquettish voice: "My hand is like this in winter."
Yan Shiyu hummed lightly, holding Ruan Jun's hand without letting go, and kept it in his palm, wanting to give her some warmth.
All the concubines saw this scene to some extent, and they looked towards the Empress as if they were watching a good show. However, the smile on the Empress's lips did not diminish at all, as if she had not seen anything.
Concubine Zhang was not far away, but she thought it would be better to be farther away so that she would not see the emperor's tender feelings for Ruan Yun.
The emperor had held her hand like this before, but he never did that again.
The handkerchief was clenched tightly, and Lady Zhang's body was shaking.
Liu Jin quickly supported Lady Zhang and whispered, "My lady, it's time to go back."
These words were like a clepsydra that reached a certain point, telling her invisibly what would happen next.
Lady Zhang took a deep breath and tightened her grip on Liu Jin's hand.
The fireworks eventually disappeared into the night sky, and the emperor ordered everyone to disperse. Until now, everything has been peaceful.
Ruan Jun couldn't help but raise her eyebrows and her eyes met Ji Zhaoyi's.
Could it be that Zhang Meiren didn't want to do anything? Was she just worrying too much?
Or maybe what Concubine Zhang wanted to do was just to make Shen Chongyi's life in the palace more difficult?
Ruan Yun was very suspicious, so she bowed and respectfully saw the Emperor and the Empress off.
The concubines were still standing behind her. Ruan Yun's voice was soft but everyone could hear it. "It's getting late. Sisters, please go back to the palace quickly."
The concubines bowed and retreated, but they did not walk fast, their eyes still on the emperor's carriage.
The Queen is not feeling well, so it would be reasonable for the Emperor to summon someone to sleep with him tonight.
But in the end, all they could see was the Emperor's carriage getting farther and farther away, until it was completely out of sight.
Ruan Yun was supported by Ying Ning and Ting Xu as she prepared to board the procession. However, just as she lifted the hem of her skirt, a sharp voice suddenly came from behind her:
"You bastard! It's all your fault! You stole my Xin'er!"
Ruan Yun turned around suddenly and saw Shen Chongyi holding something and rushing towards Ji Zhaoyi.
The object in his hand flashed with light, and Ruan Yun's heart rose to his throat. He shouted sharply: "Stop her!"
However, Shen Chongyi seemed to be provoked. She shook off the people who wanted to grab her and even slashed a eunuch. She aimed the tip of the knife straight at Ji Zhaoyi and wanted to chop him down.
Upon seeing this, Concubine Zhang winked at the eunuch behind her, but for some reason, she was suddenly pushed at the waist and stood directly in front of Ji Zhaoyi, blocking Ji Zhaoyi and the little princess.
The cold tip of the knife gleamed fiercely in the snow. All Lady Zhang could see was the knife about to pierce her chest.
His lips slightly parted, unable to utter a word. He only felt a sharp pain in front of him, and then heard the palace maid beside Concubine Zhang shouting loudly.
Concubine Zhang turned her head and looked at Ji Zhaoyi in disbelief, and her eyes fell on the little princess again.
Shen Chongyi stepped back suddenly, and Concubine Zhang fell to the ground like a piece of catkins.
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