104 Palace Banquet
◎I already have someone I like◎
Shu Yao lived in a bigger house, and Ji Shijing was promoted to the seventh rank official and appointed as an editor in the Hanlin Academy. His career was bright in the future.
On the day they moved into the new house, Shu Yao had the illusion of returning to Ji Mansion. The pavilions, waterside terraces, rockery gardens, and especially the layout of the courtyard were 80% similar to those in Ji Mansion.
Later she found out that the mansions in the capital were all built using a square diagram, meaning wealth gathers from all directions, so it was inevitable that there would be similarities.
The mansion has been meticulously renovated, with every flower and grass trimmed to perfection, making it a delight to the eyes.
As soon as they came in, they saw the servants and maids kneeling on the ground.
Shu Yao counted them and found there were thirty-two people in total.
Mrs. Liu whispered in her ear, "Miss, would you mind if I could pick two more smart maids to serve you?"
Shu Yao shook her head.
Ji Shijing, who was standing next to her, took her hand and said, "Yaoyao, the wind is strong outside. Let's go in."
After they walked away, a little maid looked at their backs and muttered, "Master and Madam have such a good relationship."
The older maidservant next to her signaled her to shut up and warned her in a low voice, "Don't discuss the master's affairs."
The little maidservant then shut up awkwardly.
…
Ji Shijing took Shu Yao's hand and walked through the long corridor, passed by green trees and vines, and walked into a unique courtyard. Surrounded by flowers and trees, it looked extremely comfortable, not to mention living here.
Shu Yao liked it very much.
Ji Shijing gently stroked her hair: "Yaoyao, I will be very busy these days." As he said this, a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes. He probably wouldn't be able to accompany her these days.
Shu Yao shook his hand and said with a smile, "Being busy is a good thing. The more capable you are, the more work you should do."
Ji Shijing looked at her and said, "Would you like to come with me to the palace banquet in half a month?"
After the imperial examination, the emperor specially held a palace banquet, and the top three candidates were able to bring their families with them.
Shu Yao pursed her lips and said nothing. She and Shen Jing'an had met the emperor together. What if they were recognized? But then she thought again, she was wearing a veil at the time, and she was so far away from the emperor. The emperor should have forgotten about her.
Facing Ji Shijing's hopeful gaze, she nodded.
…
In the past few days, Ji Shijing always went out before dawn and sometimes did not come back until late at night. Shu Yao had not seen him for three days.
But she also understood that after all, a new official would always be busy for a while.
The mansion was very big, and there was a piece of wasteland in the backyard. Shu Yao bought some fruit tree seedlings and planted them there, so that she could eat delicious and juicy fruits next spring.
She also asked the servant to make a swing next to her. When she was bored, she would sit on it and read storybooks. Her life was quite comfortable.
Late one night, Ji Shijing came in the darkness, feeling cold. He took off his cloak and handed it to the servant next to him. He stood outside for a long time until all the coldness in his body dissipated before he pushed the door and entered the house.
Shu Yao had already fallen asleep. Zizhu was on duty outside the house. She was nodding her head like a chicken pecking at rice, but she was suddenly awakened by the sound of footsteps. Seeing that it was Ji Shijing, she quickly bowed and said, "Sir, Miss Shu has already fallen asleep."
Ji Shijing made a "hush" gesture to tell her not to speak, and then he stepped quietly into the house.
There was only a small lamp on in the room. Shu Yao was sleeping soundly. Ji Shijing was sitting on the bed, staring at her face in a daze. There were faint dark circles under his eyes. He had been busy with things in the past few days and had not had a good rest. Today, he came back early, so he couldn't wait to go to Shu Yao's room. She had already fallen asleep, and he didn't dare to wake her up. He just sat quietly beside the bed.
Zizhu tactfully closed the door. The small light in the room flickered, and in a blink of an eye it was daybreak.
Shu Yao stretched and suddenly found that her arm could not move. She was startled and turned her head to see Ji Shijing sleeping on the edge of the bed, holding her hand tightly.
Shu Yao moved and tried to pull her hand out, but he held it very tightly. She tried several times but failed. However, she felt a little strange. In the past, Ji Shijing would wake up immediately if she made a little noise. Why was he sleeping so soundly this time?
She pushed him gently, Ji Shijing frowned slightly, and then gradually woke up.
Shu Yao noticed the dark circles under his eyes at a glance. She held up his face and looked at it carefully, and saw a few traces of blood in his eyes.
I haven't slept for a few days.
Ji Shijing held her hand, seeing her distress in his eyes: "Why did you wake up so early? Did you not sleep well?"
Shu Yao shook her head, threw back the quilt and got out of bed.
Ji Shijing took out a brocade dress made of natural silk from the side and said, "There is a banquet in the palace today, let's go there early."
Shu Yao looked at the clothes in his hand and asked in confusion: "What is this?"
Ji Shijing helped her put on the clothes: "I had them specially sewn for her. Yaoyao, take a look and see if it fits you."
He had asked the embroiderer to start making the clothes half a month ago. The patterns on the clothes were painted by him personally. After finishing his official duties every day, he would go to the embroidery workshop to see if there was anything he could do on the clothes. If he could complete it, he would never use other people's hands to do it.
The clothes fit her well. Shu Yao put them on and looked at herself in the mirror for a few times. The more she looked at them, the more she liked them.
After they finished their breakfast, Shu Yao began to put on makeup. Ji Shijing stood behind her and picked up the stone ink: "I will draw Yaoyao's eyebrows."
It was already noon after they had tidied up. Ji Shijing took out a cloak and put it on her. It was late spring, the weather was cold outside, and the cold wind was raging in the city. She had to wear more clothes and must not catch a cold.
They got on the carriage, drove through the long street, and stopped at the Chenggan Gate. There were no less than ten carriages parked here. Looking at the tall and magnificent palace gate in front of them, Shu Yao took a deep breath and couldn't help feeling a little nervous.
Ji Shijing held her hand tightly to reassure her.
There were palace servants leading the way in front. When they reached the imperial garden, a sharp female voice suddenly rang out from behind Shu Yao: "Stop."
Shu Yao stopped and turned around to see a familiar face. The woman in front of her was dressed in red and had a domineering look on her face. She was the one who bought her snow cream but didn't pay for it that day.
The woman took two steps forward and said, "You're stepping on my kite."
Shu Yao looked down and quickly moved her feet away from the kite. She really didn't see it just now.
She had obviously forgotten Shu Yao. She looked her up and down and frowned fiercely: "Whose family are you from? How come I've never seen you before?"
Ji Shijing pulled Shu Yao behind him.
The woman then noticed him, and she was stunned at the first sight. The young man in front of her had narrow eyebrows and eyes, and a face as beautiful as jade. It was the first time she had seen such a handsome man, even more handsome than the young master Shen who frequented brothels.
She was momentarily distracted, and when Qi An beside her tugged at the corner of her clothes, she finally came to her senses, and her voice softened unconsciously: "Whose family are you from?"
She took a step toward him.
Ji Shijing took a step back, looking unhappy: "Please respect yourself."
The woman didn't expect him to say that. She sneered, "Do you know who I am? I am the Princess Changxiang of the Beilin Palace. The current emperor is my cousin."
She had thought that the two would be scared when she said these words.
But Ji Shijing's expression did not change, and Shu Yao behind him was only surprised for a moment, and nothing else.
Chen Jing stamped her feet in anger and pointed at Ji Shijing: "What's your name?"
Ji Shijing spat out a few words coldly, then left with Shu Yao.
Chen Jing looked at the slender figure and murmured, "Ji, Shi, Jing."
She remembered it.
Qi An saw the admiration in her eyes and felt heavy-hearted: "Princess, the banquet is about to begin, please come to your seat early."
Chen Jing snorted coldly. This Ji Shijing looked really good, but she didn't know what his family background was like. If his family background was good, she would ask her cousin to arrange a marriage for him.
The banquet was held in the Jinyu Hall, where the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air. Ji Shijing took Shu Yao to their seats. Some ministers nearby spotted the newly crowned third place winner at a glance, and they raised their glasses to congratulate him.
Ji Shijing dealt with it indifferently.
Shen Jing sat opposite him and knew his identity from other people's words and actions.
It turns out that he is the third place winner in this year's imperial examination. I have heard that the third place winner is both talented and beautiful. When I see him today, it is indeed true.
After looking at Shu Yao next to him, Shen Jing drank a glass of fruit wine and called Qi An next to him: "Go and check the woman next to him for me."
Qi'an left.
A few bells rang outside, and the people in the hall took their seats. The eunuch's voice came: "The emperor has arrived, and the noble concubine has arrived."
A flash of bright yellow came into view. Jing Xuan was serious and radiated an imperial aura that made it impossible for people to approach him. Next to him was the low-key-dressed Concubine Chen.
Concubine Chen had a cold expression, and a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes.
You could hear a pin drop in the hall.
After Jing Xuan sat down, he glanced at everyone present, then looked at Jiang Fuwan beside him, his voice a little softer than usual: "Wanwan, today I prepared your favorite osmanthus wine, try it."
Jiang Fuwan's expression remained unchanged: "Your Majesty is thoughtful."
Everyone was used to seeing the emperor trying his best to please the imperial concubine. At first, some ministers would give him some advice, but later they found that it was of no use and they would even be scolded by the emperor, so they just pretended not to see it.
After Jiang Fuwan tasted the osmanthus wine, Jing Xuan looked at everyone and said, "Where are the top three? Let me get to know them."
The hall immediately became noisy.
The first to come out was this year's top scorer. He bowed and stood aside, followed by the second place scorer.
They were not particularly handsome, but they had a unique aura, just as "the knowledge of poetry and books makes one elegant."
Ji Shijing walked to the center of the hall, bowed lightly, and when he raised his head, he could clearly hear the gasps of air around him. Some young ladies waiting to be married could not help but lose their minds when they saw such a handsome man.
Chen Jing even showed an expression of determination to win.
She has decided to marry this third place winner.
Jing Xuan raised his eyebrows and gave each of them a golden belt, and the three of them sat back down.
The banquet was about to begin, but at this moment, Chen Jing stood up. Everyone looked at her, wondering what tricks this princess was going to do.
Chen Jing: "Your Majesty, I would like to seek a marriage partner. I wonder if Your Majesty can grant my wish."
As soon as these words were spoken, some of the noble young men present who had not yet married trembled in fear, fearing that this unruly princess would fall in love with them. For a moment, they all lowered their heads and reduced their presence.
Jing Xuan became interested. His cousin was very picky, and it was rare for her to find someone she liked. He asked, "Tell me, which boy have you set your eyes on?"
Chen Jing turned her head to glance at Ji Shijing with a fiery look in her eyes.
Shu Yao thought to herself that this princess must have become naive after watching the last season.
Chen Jing raised her chin and said, "I have set my sights on this year's third place winner. I beg Your Majesty to consummate this marriage."
As soon as these words were spoken, the noble ladies present were all disappointed. How could she have fallen for this year's stunning third place winner?
Shu Yao sighed and looked at Ji Shijing, only to see that his eyelids didn't even move.
Jingxuan chuckled and let Ji Shijing come out.
Ji Shijing slowly stood up and said in a cold voice, "Thank you for your love, Princess. However, I already have someone I like, and I am afraid that I have let you down."
When Shen Jing heard this, she instantly became furious. This man really didn't give her any face at all: "Is the person you like the woman next to you?"
Shu Yao was shocked.
Jing Xuan also looked at Shu Yao, feeling that she looked familiar.
Chen Jing sneered, pointing at Shu Yao and saying to Ji Shijing, "This is your widowed sister-in-law. What? Do we, the third place winner, still want to get our hands on our brother's wife?"
Qi'an has just found out Shu Yao's identity.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone pricked up their ears. It was strange that the newly crowned third place scholar, who was handsome and had a bright future, actually fell in love with a widow.
Shu Yao wanted to stand up, but Ji Shijing held her shoulders. He stood in front of her, shielding her from the inquiring eyes of those around her. He looked at Jing Xuan, opened his thin lips, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly: "I love Yaoyao, and I will only marry her in this life."
After Shu Yao heard what he said, she looked at the tall and thin figure standing in front of her. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and she couldn't help but feel a strong heartbeat.
Jing Xuan didn't react much to his rebellious remarks, but Chen Jing was so anxious that she jumped up and down. She stood in front of Ji Shijing and looked up at him: "If you don't marry me, I will kill her." She pointed at Shu Yao behind him.
Ji Shijing's eyes darkened.
Shu Yao stood up immediately. She didn't bully others, nor could she let others bully her. But before she could open her mouth to speak, she heard a pleasant voice: "Princess Changxiang, why are you so aggressive?"
Looking up, it turned out to be Concubine Chen.
Shen Jing seemed to dislike Jiang Fuwan. She snorted coldly, "Your Highness, this matter is not your turn to interfere."
Jiang Fuwan didn't care about her unreasonableness: "Master Ji already has someone he likes, why does the princess have to interfere?"
I don’t know if Chen Jing was spoiled since childhood or was born stupid, but she actually revealed all the past stories of Jiang Fuwan and Zhang Zheng in public.
Although everyone present knew these things, stating them so blatantly was undoubtedly a slap in the face of the emperor.
Jingxuan's face became darker and darker.
But Chen Jing was completely oblivious: "Noble Concubine Chen, the whole capital knows that you eloped with Lord Zhang. Fortunately, His Majesty didn't mind and made you a noble concubine. Just be content and stop interfering in my affairs."
Jingxuan's finger bones creaked, but Jiang Fuwan smiled faintly: "It's the past, why bring it up?" After saying that, she gently took Jingxuan's arm and said, "Your Majesty, I think it would be better to fulfill Master Ji's wish. What do you think?"
Seeing her soft and gentle words to him, Jing Xuan's anger disappeared instantly. He looked at Chen Jing and said sternly: "Return to your seat."
Shen Jing stamped her feet.
Jing Xuan ignored her and looked at Ji Shijing and Shu Yao: "Then today I will make you two destined to be together."
Shu Yao only felt the hand holding her getting tighter and tighter. She couldn't hear what Jing Xuan was saying at all. There were only two very strong heartbeats in her ears.
After Jingxuan finished speaking, Ji Shijing bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you."
After Shu Yao realized what was happening, she quickly bowed and met Jiang Fuwan's envious gaze.
She was slightly stunned.
Jiang Fuwan's eyelashes trembled slightly. It was great that two people who shared the same thoughts should be together.
The banquet officially begins.
Ji Shijing whispered in Shu Yao's ear, his tone ambiguous: "Yaoyao, my wife."
Shu Yao's face flushed.
He curled his lips and chuckled.
Seeing the two people's actions, Shen Jing's face became terribly gloomy, and she quietly stood up and left.
Jing Xuan called the top three to speak. Shu Yao supported her chin and watched the dancer in front of her perform the Huainan Dance with great interest.
At this time, a strange little palace maid came up to her and whispered, "Miss, Prince Shen is waiting for you by the moat. You should go and see him."
Shu Yao was stunned. How did Chen Jing'an know she was here?
Seeing that she was somewhat on guard, the young palace maid continued, "The prince said he has something important to tell you, so please come with me."
Shu Yao glanced at Ji Shijing. He was listening to Jing Xuan's speech with his back to her and didn't pay any attention to what was happening here.
Shu Yao stood up hesitantly, with the little palace maid leading the way in front of her. As they walked out of the hall, a cool breeze blew, and Shu Yao couldn't help but shiver.
The palace maid led her to the moat. It was pitch black there, with only a few small lights floating on the river emitting faint light. Looking around, there was no one there, and there was no sign of Chen Jing'an. She began to panic and instinctively wanted to leave.
But as soon as she turned around, she was strangled by a strong force. The man pressed her against the rockery, and the force in his hands became tighter and tighter.
Shu Yao's face turned purple, the whites of her eyes rolled up, and double vision began to appear in her eyes.
Shen Jing walked out from behind the man, with a look of gloating on her face: "You are a widow and you still want to snatch my man away? Why don't you look in the mirror to see how much you weigh? It's really a foolish dream."
Shu Yao felt something slipping away from her body. Her hands dropped weakly, and then she lost consciousness.
Shen Jing looked as if she was looking at some dead cat or dog: "Qian, throw her down."
Qi'an threw Shu Yao into the moat.
The moat is connected to the Guanhe River outside the palace. The water flows very fast. Within an incense stick of time, Shu Yao will float down the river to the outside of the palace.
After doing all this, Shen Jing stayed here for a while before walking back as if nothing had happened.
Here, after Ji Shijing came down, he didn't see Shu Yao anymore. A strong sense of unease surged in his heart. Although Shu Yao was lively and active, this was the imperial palace, and she would never go out and wander around. Could it be that someone...
He breathed rapidly and immediately set out to look outside.
He met Shen Jing who had returned at the door. Shen Jing smiled at him and blocked his way: "Where are you going, Master Ji?"
"Get out of the way." Ji Shijing didn't want to argue with her.
"How do you talk to the princess?" Qi An stepped forward to defend Chen Jing.
Chen Jing didn't care: "I was just taking a walk outside when a disobedient kitten suddenly jumped over. I had it beaten to death. Disgusting things shouldn't be allowed to stay in this world, Master Ji, don't you think so?"
Ji Shijing's eyebrows jumped violently, and he pushed her away and ran outside.
Chen Jing staggered, but fortunately Qi'an caught her in time.
She folded her arms, a cold look flashing in her eyes. By this time, Shu Yao's body must have floated out of the palace and would be difficult to find.
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