Since the little princess's one-month-old birthday, Jiang Meiyu has been living in the Weiyang Palace. The Queen Mother visits the little princess every day and chats with her. Today, the Queen Mother came to the Weiyang Palace to visit the little princess again and told Jiang Meiyu a piece of news: "The palace has decided to hold a grand banquet for the little princess's hundred-day anniversary. All the royal relatives, princes and ministers will be in attendance."
Jiang Meiyu asked in surprise, "A hundred-day banquet? Why did you suddenly decide to hold such a big one?"
The Queen Mother replied, "This is a decision made after consultation between the Emperor and I. I hope the little princess can receive the blessings of many people."
Jiang Meiyu nodded to show that she understood, but she felt a little uneasy.
The Queen Mother continued, "The Queen will be in charge of organizing this hundred-day banquet. I believe she will do a good job."
Jiang Meiyu couldn't help but frown when she heard this. She didn't like the queen and felt that she wouldn't treat the little princess sincerely. But there was no point in worrying now. She could only wait for the Hundred Days Banquet to arrive.
Jiang Meiyu thought to herself, "Maybe this is just an ordinary banquet and I shouldn't think too much about it." However, deep down in her heart, she always had an ominous premonition, as if something was about to happen.
She took a deep breath and told herself, "No matter what, I will protect the little princess. If someone really wants to hurt us, I won't let them go easily!"
In the following days, Jiang Meiyu quietly prepared to deal with any problems that might arise. She secretly made up her mind that if anyone dared to harm the little princess, she would definitely stand up and defend the safety of her and her daughter.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day of the Hundred Days Banquet. The entire palace was decorated with vibrant festivities, a vibrant atmosphere permeated with joy. Many dignitaries arrived to offer their congratulations, naturally including Prime Minister Jiang and his wife. At this moment, Mrs. Jiang was chatting and laughing with Minister Liu's wife.
Meanwhile, Duke Qin and Qin Huaian arrived at the banquet. Qin Huaian looked around absentmindedly, but when he saw Gu Xiangling, his eyes lit up and he winked playfully. Gu Xiangling understood, pretending to accidentally spill tea on herself and quietly leaving, using the excuse of changing into clean clothes. Not long after, Qin Huaian also found an excuse to leave the banquet hall.
In a quiet corner of the Imperial Garden, Qin Huaian couldn't wait to hug Gu Xiangling and said excitedly: "Xiangling, I miss you so much! Come here and let your brother love you well." As he spoke, his lips kissed Gu Xiangling passionately, and his hands wandered and groped her body restlessly.
Gu Xiangling tried her best to push Qin Huaian away, but she was unable to break free from his restraints due to the huge disparity in strength. Feeling ashamed and annoyed, she shouted angrily, "Brother Huaian, please let me go!"
"Xiang Ling, what's wrong with you? We haven't seen each other for so long, don't you miss me?" Qin Huaian frowned and looked at her with suspicion. His eyes revealed a hint of uneasiness and anxiety, as if he was confused and disappointed by Gu Xiangling's attitude.
"Have you been favored by the emperor and no longer like me?" Qin Huaian questioned, with a hint of sourness and dissatisfaction. He stared at Gu Xiangling, trying to find the answer from her expression.
Gu Xiangling's heart tightened, but she quickly regained her composure, took a deep breath, and said slowly: "Brother Huaian, how can you say that? Others may not know why I entered the palace, but don't you know? This is the imperial palace. If we are not careful, we will die without a burial place." A trace of sadness flashed in her eyes, as if she was recalling the past.
Qin Huaian was silent for a moment, a trace of guilt and helplessness flashing in his eyes. He sighed softly and whispered, "Yes, I know... I just didn't expect it would turn out like this after entering the palace. And Xiang Ling, do you know? It wasn't until you entered the palace that I realized how much I loved you. I couldn't lose you. I've always regretted why I agreed to let you enter the palace, and I hate myself too!" His voice was filled with bitterness and helplessness.
Gu Xiangling lowered her head slightly, tears welling up in her eyes. She whispered, "It's a pity I only saw the emperor once since entering the palace. It's like he's forgotten me and only favors Jiang Meiyu. Now that Jiang Meiyu has given birth to a princess, maybe the next step will be to appoint a crown prince, and I can only waste my time here..." Her voice gradually faded, filled with helplessness and sadness.
"Are you planning to give up just like that, Brother Huaian?" Gu Xiangling raised her head and looked at Qin Huaian with a firm gaze, a hint of determination in her tone.
Qin Huaian was stunned, a look of hesitation on his face. He was silent for a moment before he slowly said, "What else can I do? The current situation is beyond my control, and there's nothing I can do." His voice was filled with frustration and despair.
Gu Xiangling smiled slightly, a sly glint in her eyes. She leaned closer to Qin Huaian and whispered, "Brother Huaian, have you ever thought of another path?" There was a hint of mystery and temptation in her words.
"It's not that I don't want to, but the emperor has suppressed some of the old ministers. He is becoming increasingly powerful, and he has secretly cultivated many forces. Besides, that old man Jiang Jianquan has helped the emperor train a large number of civil officials. Now almost everyone in the court is the emperor's people!" Qin Huaian said with a frown.
His tone revealed deep worry and helplessness.
Then, Gu Xiangling carefully whispered in Qin Huaian's ear: "Brother Huaian, if Jiang Meiyu can give birth, I can too, but the emperor doesn't favor me, and I have..."
Her voice was barely audible, but her eyes were full of expectation and hope.
"This is something I got from someone else with great difficulty. I just entered the palace not long ago and I don't have any close friends around me. I only have Brother Huai'an to help me. As long as the emperor takes this, I will definitely be favored." Gu Xiangling's eyes were firm and resolute, as if she had placed all her hopes on Qin Huai'an.
As she spoke, Gu Xiangling put the thing in her palm into Qin Huaian's palm and said softly: "Brother Huaian, I'll wait for your good news."
Qin Huaian frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then took the thing.
He looked at the object in his hand, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.
He knew the danger of this matter, but he also understood Gu Xiangling's situation and desire.
Finally, he nodded and said solemnly to Gu Xiangling: "Don't worry, I will do my best."
A hint of joy flashed in Gu Xiangling's eyes, and she held Qin Huaian's hand gratefully.
The two looked at each other and seemed to understand each other's intentions.
However, they didn't know that this conspiracy was about to cause an uproar.
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