Chapter 065
No one expected that Chu Xiuming, who was reported missing by Lord Liang, was drinking with Lord Liang at his residence. Lord Liang said, "The Earl of Yongning is noble and righteous."
"Since you have agreed to cooperate with me, I will not let you suffer any loss." Chu Xiuming showed a rare smile on his face.
Lord Liang sneered, "I just don't know who Your Majesty believes more between my words and the words of that spy."
Chu Xiuming said, "Of course I will believe the one I am willing to believe. Sir Liang should find out who the spies are as soon as possible."
Lord Liang said, "Don't worry, Earl Yongning, I already have an idea in mind."
Chu Xiuming didn't say anything else, but raised his glass. Lord Liang also raised his glass and drank the wine in one gulp.
Lord Liang asked tentatively, "But the people here are all familiar faces. I wonder if Earl Yongning can lend me some people?"
Chu Xiuming looked at Lord Liang calmly, and Lord Liang quickly said, "I crossed the line."
Lord Liang did not feel disappointed. If Chu Xiuming had agreed immediately, he would have been suspicious. After all, Chu Xiuming was taking risks by cooperating secretly with him. Neither of them trusted each other, but they just had the same interests now.
Chu Xiuming cooperated with Lord Liang and "disappeared" so that Lord Liang could report to Emperor Cheng, thereby gaining Emperor Cheng's trust and finding out the spies around him. After this incident, Chu Xiuming appeared again and eliminated several officials, thus explaining the "disappearance", and he was able to maintain his reputation and complete the tasks assigned by Emperor Cheng.
Lord Liang was just testing Chu Xiuming's bottom line. Chu Xiuming said, "I'm going to leave for a while tomorrow."
"Does Earl Yongning have anything to do?" asked Lord Liang.
Chu Xiuming put down his wine glass and stood up. He did not feel like a guest in someone else's home at all. Instead, he was more like a host than Lord Liang. He said, "Lord Liang, have I asked you about your next plans?"
Lord Liang said, "Lord Yongning misunderstood. That's not what I meant."
Chu Xiuming looked at Lord Liang and said in a deep voice, "There is no best. We are just cooperating temporarily. From now on, I will go back to my northwest and you will go to your southeast."
Lord Liang also stood up and said, "What Earl Yongning said is true, but in Minzhong, I'm afraid it may not be convenient for Earl Yongning to be here sometimes. It would be better to let Yi'er stay with Earl Yongning and act as an errand boy."
"Whatever." Chu Xiuming didn't care. The Yi'er that Mr. Liang mentioned was his eldest son Liang Yi.
After hearing Chu Xiuming's answer, Lord Liang was completely relieved. As long as Chu Xiuming was not targeting him, it was enough. "I will make Yier obey the orders of Earl Yongning."
Chu Xiuming didn't say anything else. Lord Liang personally escorted Chu Xiuming out of the hospital and then asked someone to call Liang Yi over.
Chu Xiuming returned to the room and saw that there was one more person in the room. He did not feel strange. It was the man he met in the bathroom that time. The man asked, "Is it agreed?"
"Yeah." Chu Xiuming said.
The man was Chu Xiuming's good friend Xi Yunjing. He asked, "Did you make a request?"
Chu Xiuming nodded, and Xi Yunjing asked, "With his son?"
"Yeah." Chu Xiuming took off his coat, poured a glass of water and drank it.
Xi Yunjing said, "Is there anything else you can't calculate?"
Chu Xiuming lowered his eyes slightly and said, "Did you come here just to say this nonsense?"
Xi Yunjing sat up, shrugged and said, "Okay, you really don't want to tell your sister-in-law? She's pregnant."
"I promised to go back and pick her up." Chu Xiuming sat on the chair and said, "I'm afraid Emperor Cheng has summoned Marquis Zhongyi to the capital."
Xi Yunjing looked at Chu Xiuming's expression and sighed, "Looking at you, I also want to get married." But he just sighed and stopped talking. Instead, he talked about business, "According to Emperor Cheng's personality, there are only a few people he can use."
Chu Xiuming tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the chair and said, "According to the plan."
Xi Yunjing said, "Okay, I got it."
The two men discussed for a few more sentences, and then Xi Yunjing climbed out of the window and left. Chu Xiuming was the only one left in the room. It was not known whether Lord Liang was too confident or too stupid. Not only did he arrange a separate courtyard for Chu Xiuming, but to show his sincerity, he did not even send anyone else to serve in the courtyard. He just thought that it was impossible for someone to sneak into the Liang Mansion without telling him.
However, there happened to be such a capable person who did not play by the rules, which made it easier for Chu Xiuming and Xi Yunjing to exchange information and arrange things.
Chu Xiuming lowered his eyes slightly, reached out and took out the jade pendant he had been wearing inside his clothes, and stroked it carefully with his fingers, "It's almost there."
In the Rui Palace, many people could not sleep because of Chu Xiuming's matter. In the study room in the main courtyard, Rui's wife looked at her son and said, "Xuan'er, pack your things tomorrow and leave for Minzhong the day after tomorrow."
King Rui said, "Princess, this arrangement is not appropriate."
"Your Highness, Earl Yongning is your son-in-law after all. It would be inappropriate if we don't respond at all." Princess Rui spoke slowly and calmly, having already thought it through. "It's just that Xuan'er is asked to make this trip. If he finds the right person, that would be great. If he doesn't, it's also a gesture of kindness. Since that day, the reputation of the palace has been bad. This is also an opportunity."
King Rui frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "But your Majesty..."
"Your Highness, what is coming will eventually come. The palace was informed only when the Earl of Yongning is alive, which provides an extra layer of protection." Princess Rui said, "Ever since Jin girl married the Earl of Yongning, the palace can no longer stay out of it."
Prince Rui sighed and said, "That's fine. Going there will also be an explanation to Jin girl, but Xuan'er doesn't have to go in person."
"Xuan'er is going there on behalf of his father." Princess Rui had her own plans. She looked at Prince Rui and said, "Your Highness cannot leave the capital at will. So, apart from Xuan'er, the Crown Prince, who else is more suitable?"
Prince Rui did not speak. He comforted him, "After all, we are going to make this trip. Why do we have to hold back and make it seem less sincere? Besides, Your Majesty, do you think that Earl Yongning is really in trouble?"
"You mean..." Prince Rui looked at Princess Rui.
Princess Rui smiled and said, "Do you think Jin is panicking? And the people serving her are all arranged by Earl Yongning. If something really happened, would they still be so calm?"
Prince Rui also reacted immediately and said, "The princess is really thoughtful. The same goes for Jin girl. Why didn't you tell me?"
"What do you want Jin to say?" Princess Rui raised her eyebrows and asked, "I'm afraid she is not 100% sure in her heart."
“Didn’t the princess say…” Prince Rui looked at Princess Rui.
Princess Rui said, "As long as there is a 60% chance of success, it is worth a try. Your Majesty, His Majesty has not appointed a crown prince yet. Why do you think that is?"
Prince Rui was startled.
Princess Rui said slowly, "Your Majesty can still hold it in for now, how about waiting a little longer?"
Prince Rui looked at Princess Rui, and Princess Rui held Prince Rui's hand and said, "We naturally believe that the prince has no other thoughts, but... do we believe it? Do you think that the prince also wants to be the oriole?"
The word "also" said it all. King Rui said, "I am short-sighted."
"Your Highness is just too sentimental." Princess Rui wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, as if wiping away tears. "I just hope I'm just worrying too much."
Prince Rui held Princess Rui's hand, looked at Shen Xuan and said, "Xuan'er, take all the guards in the palace with you. Be sure to pay attention to your safety. If you really find your brother-in-law, listen to him more, okay?"
"Yes, son, I understand." Shen Xuan is not a very smart person, but he is sensible and willing to listen to advice.
Shen Xi was confused, but he also said, "In fact, my son also thinks that nothing will happen to my third brother-in-law. No matter how powerful the pirates are, can they be more powerful than those barbarians?"
King Rui shook his head and said nothing more. He was afraid that the powerful one was not the pirates, but the knife behind Earl Yongning.
In Shen Qi's courtyard, she looked at her husband and said, "Do you think something really happened to your brother-in-law?"
Yongle Houzi thought for a long time before saying, "Actually, I think this matter is very strange."
"Hmm?" Shen Qi looked at her husband.
The Prince of Yongle explained, "Don't you think the whole thing is a bit vague? My brother-in-law is missing, but what about the people around him? Are they all missing? My brother-in-law is the Earl of Yongning. How could those officials not report everything clearly for such a big event, but instead make it so simple? And your Majesty's attitude... I always feel that he is too impatient."
Shen Qi said, "Then what should I do if Princess Ruyang embarrasses my sister?"
The Prince of Yongle was full of hesitation, and after a long while he said, "After all, I have a better relationship with my sister and brother-in-law, but I can't just pretend I don't care. However... I can't offend Princess Ruyang and Marquis Zhongyi either. After all, His Majesty seems to want to use Marquis Zhongyi."
Shen Qi nodded and said, "I understand."
The Prince of Yongle sighed and said nothing more.
In Moyun Courtyard, it was Concubine Chen who couldn't sleep either. After Shen Jin had her midnight snack and scalded her feet with hot water, she lay on the bed and fell asleep quickly. Concubine Chen didn't know what to say to her daughter. Was she too trusting of Earl Yongning or was she heartless? She was also afraid that Aunt Zhao and the others would misunderstand her, and it would be bad if Earl Yongning came back to tell her, so she whispered, "Jin girl must be tired."
Instead, Nanny Zhao comforted Concubine Chen and said, "Concubine, don't worry. The most important thing for Madam now is to protect yourself. I think there will be news about Earl Yongning soon."
Anping also said, "Yes, as long as Earl Yongning agrees, there is nothing he can't do."
An Ning poured a cup of tea for Concubine Chen, "Your Highness, please go to bed early."
Seeing this, Concubine Chen felt much more at ease and nodded, saying, "Okay."
After Nanny Zhao saw Concubine Chen off, she said, "An Ning, please stay awake at night."
"Yes." An Ning responded respectfully.
Only then did Nanny Zhao nod and left the room with Anping.
The next day, before Nanny Zhao called her, Shen Jin had already gotten up. An Ning helped Shen Jin change her clothes and said, "I'll go get some water right away."
"Yeah." Shen Jin responded.
Zhao Mama and An Ping were already up, and the kitchen had prepared hot water. Zhao Mama saw An Ning and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Madam is awake." An Ning said.
Nanny Zhao felt something in her heart and realized that although Shen Jin didn't show it, he was probably still affected. But she didn't say anything. She just asked Anping and Anning to bring hot water and help Shen Jin wash up. She stayed in the kitchen and made breakfast herself.
Seeing her daughter getting up so early, Concubine Chen was a little uncomfortable. She sighed and asked, "Why don't you sleep a little longer?"
"I've slept well." Shen Jin smiled when he heard that.
After Nanny Zhao prepared breakfast, Concubine Chen took her daughter's hand and went to eat together. Because Shen Jin woke up early, some things were too late to make, but Shen Jin was not picky about food. She had breakfast as usual, went to the yard to play with the little one for a while, then sat by the window and said, "Anping, bring me the dress I didn't finish."
"Yes." Anping responded respectfully.
The clothes were made by Shen Jin for Chu Xiuming, but they were never finished. This time, she asked An Ping to bring them over. Concubine Chen did not stop her, but just said, "Don't get tired."
"No." Shen Jin said, "Don't worry, mother."
Madam Zhao went out for a while and came back to say, "Madam, Manager Zhao wants to see you."
"Oh?" Shen Jin was looking at a half-finished piece of clothing. She hadn't made anything for a long time and had forgotten where she was. "Where is Manager Zhao now?"
"He is still at the Yongning Marquis's Mansion. I have sent guards to pass on the message. If Madam agrees, he will come over now." Nanny Zhao said respectfully.
Shen Jin thought for a moment and said, "Then let him in. Anping, go say hello to my mother."
"Yes." After hearing this, Anping and Nanny Zhao both agreed and went to make the arrangements.
Princess Rui naturally had no objection. She asked Cui Xi to tell the doorman and said, "Serve her attentively and tell Jin to relax. Xuan'er will go to Minzhong tomorrow. If there is a letter, ask her to deliver it to Xuan'er. If Xuan'er finds Earl Yongning, she will give it to Earl Yongning."
An Ping said with gratitude on her face, "Yes, I will go and tell Madam right away."
Princess Rui nodded, and Anping left when he saw that she had no other instructions.
When they returned to Moyun Courtyard, they told Shen Jin what Princess Rui had said. Concubine Chen felt relieved and said, "That's great. I never thought the princess would let the prince go."
Shen Jin said, "Then I'll go write a letter."
Concubine Chen looked at her daughter and said, "Go quickly."
Shen Jin nodded, put the clothes that had just been sewn a few times aside, stood up with the help of An Ning's hand, and walked towards the small study. She felt that she had a lot to say to Chu Xiuming, but she didn't know if she could get them to Chu Xiuming. An Ping flattened the paper and pressed it with a weight, while An Ning ground it. Shen Jin chose a pen, but hesitated at this moment. She thought for a long time before writing a line of words.
An Ping and An Ning were surprised to see Shen Jin finish writing so quickly, but no one looked at it. Shen Jin saw that the whole paper was almost empty, so he thought about it and changed his pen. He drew a fat and round dog, which was exactly the right size. The paper was covered with it in an instant. He was satisfied with it and let it dry. Then he put it in an envelope and asked An Ning to seal the envelope. He said, "Please send it to my mother for me."
"Yes." Anping took the letter and left.
Manager Zhao came in the afternoon, and Shen Jin met him in the courtyard. This time, Manager Zhao did not bring his apprentice with him. When Shen Jin saw Manager Zhao, he asked, "What do you want to talk to me about?"
"I was having some problems, but after seeing Madam's appearance, I felt that everything was fine now." Manager Zhao said.
Shen Jin looked at Manager Zhao with some doubts, thinking that his words were sometimes confusing. However, when he said that it was okay, Shen Jin did not want to ask any more questions, but just said, "It just so happens that I have something to tell the manager."
Manager Zhao said, "Madam, just give your orders."
Shen Jin did not keep the secret, "Please go back to the border town and talk to my brother."
Manager Zhao looked at Shen Jin, and Shen Jin said, "Just tell your brother that no matter who goes, just take good care of them. The general's mansion doesn't need a few mouths to feed."
"I understand." Manager Zhao said.
Shen Jin nodded, "Mother has asked my brother, the prince, to leave for Minzhong tomorrow."
Steward Zhao showed a hint of contemplation on his face, but Shen Jin didn't say anything else, as if she was just telling Steward Zhao about this matter. She felt that Princess Rui and Steward Zhao were both thoughtful people, and she thought they could guess what the other meant.
"Madam, please be careful." Manager Zhao looked at Shen Jin and said, "Otherwise, when the general comes back, I'm afraid he will blame me."
Shen Jin heard this and said, "You can't live in the palace, so you have no power even if you want to."
This was the truth, but it made Manager Zhao's eyes twitch. "Madam is right, but you have to be careful with Princess Ruyang."
"Yeah, it's okay." Shen Jin stroked his belly, "She doesn't dare to hit me."
Upon hearing this, Manager Zhao was stunned for a moment and looked at Shen Jin. He then thought about what Shen Jin had done in the past and felt that the person he should be worried about was Princess Ruyang, not Shen Jin.
After a few more words, Manager Zhao took his leave.
When Princess Ruyang and her husband returned to Beijing, although Emperor Cheng did not go to meet them in person, he asked two princes to go out of the city to welcome them, which showed how much he valued them.
It was already winter, and Shen Jin was afraid of the cold. A charcoal basin was prepared in the room early on, but even so, he had to wear thick clothes. Concubine Chen wanted to take out all the leathers in her collection to decorate the room for Shen Jin, but she stopped her, "How can I let my mother spend money on what my husband promised?"
These words made Concubine Chen's eyes red. There had been no news from Chu Xiuming for more than a month, and although Shen Jin didn't say anything, they could all see that Shen Jin was not as relaxed as she appeared. It's not that Shen Jin couldn't eat, but Shen Jin's daily life was extremely regular. In the morning, he was not like before. He had to be coaxed to get up, and he had to drink hot goat's milk to wake up. He ate and slept on time every day, and went for a slow walk outside without being urged. He was so sensible that it made people feel distressed.
Because the weather was getting colder, Shen Jin and Shen Qi went out less often, but they kept in touch with each other. They would ask the maid to deliver some things or write a few words to pass on. Today, Shen Qi came directly. Shen Jin quickly let Shen Qi in and said, "Why did my sister come in person?"
Shen Qi took off his cloak and covered his hands, then said, "There are some things that I'm afraid the maid can't explain clearly."
Shen Jin asked Shen Qi to sit down, and An Ning brought hot red date soup. Shen Qi drank some and then said, "Princess Ruyang sent an invitation. I happened to be at my mother's place, so I brought it to you."
Shuang Qiao held a small gold-stamped note in her hands. Nanny Zhao took the note and handed it to Shen Jin. Shen Jin said, "It smells pretty good."
"Princess Ruyang is the most elegant." Shen Qi said.
Shen Jin responded. This post not only had a faint floral scent, but also had a plum blossom in the upper right corner after opening it. "Huh." Shen Jin was curious and smiled, "How exquisite."
Shen Qi said, "I was also surprised at the time, so I asked my mother, and she told me that this paper might have been specially made by Princess Ruyang."
Shen Jin nodded and understood, and said, "The princess is really multi-talented."
Shen Qi didn't say anything. Shen Jin looked at the content of the post and thought it was written by the princess herself. She had a beautiful plum blossom seal script. Although Shen Jin's handwriting was not ugly, it was definitely not as good as Princess Ruyang's. Chu Xiuming's handwriting was also very beautiful. Shen Jin unconsciously thought of her husband again. She didn't know if her husband was willing to see Shen Xuan? If not, he might not receive her letter.
As time went on, Shen Jin felt more and more that the so-called disappearance was caused by her husband himself. It was not entirely because of trust, but because Emperor Cheng had not made any move for such a long time. When they first learned that Chu Xiuming was missing, it didn't take long for the news to spread throughout the capital that Earl Yongning was defeated by pirates and his life or death was unknown. But now it was still the same news. If Chu Xiuming really had an accident, Emperor Cheng would not have been able to remain calm, and Princess Ruyang and her husband would not have been able to come to the capital so quickly.
Princess Ruyang's post didn't say much, just inviting Shen Jin to go and enjoy the flowers. Shen Jin asked, "Sister, are you going too?"
"I've also accepted the invitation." Shen Qi said, "We'll go together when the time comes."
Shen Jin smiled and agreed, "Then I'll go reply."
Shen Qi nodded, "When you're done, leave it to me and just have the servants run a trip."
Shen Jin agreed. Anping and An Ning brought the things over and spread them on the table. Shen Jin quickly wrote the reply and handed it to Shuang Qiao.
Shen Qi said, "On that day, we will all be with our mother. Don't leave alone."
"I know." Shen Jin understood what Shen Qi meant and said with a smile, "Don't worry, sister."
Shen Qi nodded, but didn't give any instructions. He asked Shuang Qiao to deliver the reply to Princess Rui, and talked to Shen Jin about other things. They were still talking about the baby in her belly. After all, Shen Qi had experience, even though that baby was gone.
Princess Ruyang set the date for the flower-viewing party three days later. On that day, she not only invited many people, but also invited her two younger sisters, Zhaoyang and Chenyang, to stay with her.
Concubine Chen and Nanny Zhao were not going with them, so they packed up Shen Jin's things early and checked them several times before they felt relieved.
When Shen Jin and her maid arrived at the main courtyard, they saw Princess Rui and Shen Qi. The two of them were also ready. Princess Rui saw that Shen Jin was almost wrapped up like a ball, and she smiled and said, "When you get to the princess's mansion, don't walk around alone."
"Yes." Both Shen Qi and Shen Jin responded obediently.
Princess Rui then asked the maid to put a cloak on her and said, "I'm afraid the second girl will also go this time. Jin girl must not let her get close to you."
"My daughter knows." Shen Jin agreed.
Princess Rui didn't give any other instructions. In her opinion, Shen Zi should be more careful than Princess Ruyang. Princess Ruyang cares most about her reputation, while Shen Zi hates Shen Jin so much that he has lost his mind. This is dangerous.
Shen Xi was leading the horse when he saw Princess Rui and the others coming out and smiled, "Mother, I'll take you there."
"Okay." Princess Rui smiled when she saw her son. Her eldest son did send back news after going to Minzhong, but it was sent back on the way, so she didn't know what the situation was like in Minzhong. Although Princess Rui felt that her son would be fine, she was afraid of encountering an accident.
When Shen Qi saw his brother, he also said with a smile, "Why don't you wear earmuffs?"
"Yes, I'll wear it when I get on the horse." Shen Xi said.
Shen Qi nodded. Because she was pregnant, she did not ride in the same carriage with Princess Rui. Shen Jin also smiled at Shen Xi before being helped by the maid to get on the carriage of the Yongning Marquis's Mansion. Anping and Anning also got on the carriage afterwards. Shen Jin asked, "Why does the driver look familiar to me? But he is not the same one as before?"
An Ning said, "To answer Madam's question, it was Yue Wen. He changed his clothes, so Madam didn't notice it for a while."
Shen Jin responded, untied his cloak and handed it to An Ping. An Ning took a small blanket and covered Shen Jin's legs. An Ping said, "If Madam has anything to do, please tell this servant to do it. Don't let An Ning leave."
Seeing the nervous look of the people around her, Shen Jin smiled instead, "Don't worry, I get it." She touched her belly and said, "When my husband comes back, I will let him reward you well."
"Madam, when do you think the general will come back?" Anping asked.
Shen Jin lowered his eyes slightly, looked at his belly and said, "It's almost there."
Although Princess Ruyang had not returned to Beijing for many years, there had always been someone taking care of the princess's mansion. Before they returned to Beijing, Emperor Cheng had people from the Ministry of Works renovate it to make it look more luxurious and exquisite. Princess Rui and the other three came relatively late, and when they arrived, quite a few people had already arrived. The servants did not dare to neglect them at all, and immediately led Princess Rui, Shen Qi and Shen Jin to the inner hall.
On the way, we also saw many ladies who had already arrived. Most of them brought daughters of marriageable age with them. Princess Ruyang had a son who was not yet marriageable age, so some ladies brought daughters of similar age. It wasn't that all of them were eyeing the prince of Marquis Zhongyi, as other families also had sons of marriageable age, so it could be considered an alternative matchmaking.
However, even if these ladies were invited, they might not necessarily be able to meet Princess Ruyang. Princess Ruyang's mansion was very large and divided into many courtyards. The servants would lead people to different courtyards, and only one or twelve of them would be invited into the courtyard where Princess Ruyang was.
Princess Rui and her companions naturally went to the one where Princess Ruyang was, which was a specially built viewing tower. After entering, Princess Rui took her two daughters to chat with the ladies they were familiar with. The room was very warm and had many flowers placed on display, most of which were not suitable for blooming in winter. Such a scene would be surprising if it were seen outside, but those who were invited into the tower were not those who had never seen the world, so it was enough to just admire it.
The wife of the Yongle Marquis had also arrived. After all, she was Shen Qi's mother-in-law, so Shen Qi took the initiative to greet her. Because Princess Rui was there, no matter how dissatisfied the wife of the Yongle Marquis was in her heart, she did not dare to show it. Instead, she comforted Shen Qi with kind words.
Although everyone knew that Shen Qi stayed in Prince Rui's Mansion after she became pregnant, they would not risk offending Prince Rui's Mansion and Yongle Marquis Mansion by telling it out loud. They just pretended not to know and instead praised the harmonious relationship between the wife of Yongle Marquis and Shen Qi, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
Not long after sitting down, a pretty lady in her thirties in palace dress came over and said with a smile, "Ladies, please move aside. The three princesses have specially prepared tea and snacks in the Qingyi Garden to welcome you ladies."
Everyone agreed without saying anything and followed the woman in palace dress to the Qingyi Garden. The Observation Tower and the Qingyi Garden were not far apart. Everyone seemed to be walking casually, but a closer look revealed that they were walking according to the level of their husband's family titles and official positions. Princess Rui naturally walked in front with her two daughters.
Not only are various flowers placed along the way, but the trees are also decorated with colorful silks, making it a magnificent sight with clusters of flowers.
The servants serving in the yard all had smiles on their faces, but they made no sound whether they were walking or doing anything else. This showed the rules of Princess Ruyang's mansion. Princess Rui naturally saw all this, but did not take it seriously. She did not like it.
Seeing everyone coming, two women in palace dress opened the door and lifted the curtain. There were many charcoal braziers in the room, so people would not feel cold at all. Princess Rui took off her cloak, and Cui Xi took it and handed it to another maid. She followed Princess Rui to the inner hall. Shen Jin did the same and took An Ning in.
After Princess Rui entered the inner hall, she paused. Not only Princess Ruyang was there, but also Princess Zhaoyang and Princess Chenyang.
This was not the reason why Princess Rui was like this, but the three princesses were all kneeling, and there were no tables and chairs in the room, but instead there were warm mats and low tables. Seeing Princess Rui, Princess Ruyang stood up with her two sisters. Although they were princesses, Princess Rui was also an elder. Princess Ruyang smiled and said, "I haven't seen you for a long time, aunt. Today, you are troubled to come to see me. It's Ruyang's fault. I will drink three cups to apologize later."
Princess Rui just smiled, and Princess Ruyang personally led Princess Rui to sit down, "I haven't seen my cousin for a long time. I didn't even come back when my cousin got married."
"The princess is so thoughtful." Princess Rui knelt down, and a maid brought some things over and placed them on the low table.
When Shen Jin and Shen Qi came in, they both frowned. They had both learned how to kneel. Although they didn't use it very often, sometimes such etiquette was unavoidable. Now that they were both pregnant, such a posture was the most torturous.
Princess Chenyang raised the corners of her mouth slightly, obviously waiting to see Shen Jin's good show, and a hint of gloating flashed in Princess Zhaoyang's eyes. However, Princess Ruyang looked at Shen Qi and the others with a bit of surprise and embarrassment on her face, and said, "I have been away and just returned to the capital. I didn't even know that my two cousins were pregnant. It's my fault." As she spoke, she slowly bowed.
Shen Qi and Shen Jin naturally did not dare to accept it, but instead returned the greeting and said, "The princess is going to kill us."
Princess Ruyang said, "I just returned to the capital, and this is my first time hosting a banquet. I wanted to make it solemn so I arranged it this way. I am used to kneeling when I am outside. How about this, I will have someone set up tables and chairs for my two cousins."
Princess Chenyang smiled and said, "Big sister, don't worry. It's just kneeling. It's nothing for the two cousins. They won't find it difficult."
If someone else heard this, they would naturally reject Princess Ruyang's proposal. After all, everyone in the room was kneeling, and she was so special that she would feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. However, Shen Jin was not a person who would embarrass herself for the sake of understanding others. She said, "Actually, I am in a dilemma." She said this to Princess Chenyang. Before Princess Chenyang could react, she smiled sweetly at Princess Ruyang and said, "Princess Ruyang means well, so I won't refuse."
If it was only Shen Qi alone, she would have compromised, but now that Shen Jin had spoken, she would not say much. Having already lost a child, Shen Qi attached great importance to the child in her belly, and would accept it even if it offended Princess Ruyang.
Princess Chenyang's expression changed, "Shen Jin, what do you mean?"
"Ah?" Shen Jin looked at Princess Chenyang with a confused look on her face and said, "Didn't Princess Ruyang understand that it's inconvenient for me to kneel and sit because I'm pregnant, so she arranged a table and chair for me?"
Chen Yang didn't know how to refute after hearing this. Who knew Shen Jin looked at Princess Ruyang cautiously and asked, "Could it be...Princess Ruyang is joking? Or is she just saying it?"
Princess Zhaoyang saw this and said, "Sister, your words are of course true. It was Sister Chenyang who misunderstood."
Princess Ruyang narrowed her eyes and carefully looked at Shen Jin's expression. For a moment, she couldn't tell whether he was pretending to be stupid or really stupid, so she said, "Someone, change the table and chairs."
Shen Qi and Shen Jin thanked them, and the people who came in later saw all of this but didn't say anything. One of the Crown Prince's wives, who was also pregnant, bit her lip and glanced at her mother-in-law. She saw her mother-in-law wave her hand slightly, so she didn't dare to say anything. She knelt carefully in her seat, but she was envious of Shen Jin and the others in her heart.
After everyone was seated, Shen Jin and Shen Qi seemed even more special. Princess Ruyang said, "Aunt, why are you so distant with Ruyang? Just call her by her name. The same goes for the two cousins. Why don't you even call her cousin? We are all family."
Shen Qi and Shen Jin did not respond, and Princess Rui said, "Ruyang is overthinking."
Princess Ruyang laughed when she heard this and looked at Shen Qi and Shen Jin. She didn't show that she was just insulted by Shen Jin. Shen Qi called out, "Cousin Ruyang."
"Yes." Princess Ruyang agreed.
After Shen Jin called out, he continued to sit on the chair and eat, very leisurely. Shen Qi felt a little uneasy looking at the people kneeling in the room, but after seeing Shen Jin's expression, he calmed down. Since his mother didn't say anything, he thought she agreed with them.
Princess Ruyang narrowed her eyes, chatted with the ladies for a while, and then said earnestly, "Since Qi'er calls me cousin, I will say a few words."
Shen Qi looked at Princess Ruyang and said, "Cousin Ruyang, just give me your orders."
"It's not an order." Princess Ruyang took a sip of tea gracefully, and then said, "But why did I hear that you, my cousin, are now living in Prince Rui's Mansion? Since you are pregnant, why don't you go back to Yongle Marquis' Mansion? But is there someone in Yongle Marquis' Mansion who neglects you?"
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