Chapter 13 Flower Festival 2
Su Jingyao, wearing a veil, walked slowly on the busy and lively street.
She has a graceful figure and walks lightly. This time, Miaoyun and Miaoxue followed closely beside her, while in front of her were Jun Zechen and Ling Yue. The two of them were in an intimate posture, and they were a close couple shopping leisurely.
It's just that Jun Zechen would always look back at Su Jingyao from time to time while walking around, but the streets were crowded with people.
At a certain corner, Su Jingyao took advantage of the crowd and quietly disappeared into the crowd.
Although Jun Zechen brought a lot of secret guards with him when he went out, the main responsibility of these secret guards was to protect the safety of the prince, so how could they keep a close eye on Su Jingyao all the time?
After she left quietly, she deftly made several turns and finally came to a remote corner.
There was a carriage parked there that looked ordinary on the outside but was actually extremely luxurious on the inside.
The carriage was covered with gorgeous and expensive carpets, and the table was laid with fresh seasonal fruits, exuding an alluring aroma.
Li Jing saw her come in, slowly stood up, and then sat aside.
Su Jingyao glanced at Li Jing indifferently, and then lazily half-lay on the soft couch in the middle. Her posture was relaxed and casual, yet revealed an indescribable elegance.
"Master, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess will probably be strolling around for a while. It will take some time for them to find you and send someone to look for you. I will send someone to keep a close eye on their movements. Master, why don't you go to Mofeng Tower and have a rest first?" Li Jing said softly.
"Um."
Su Jingyao nodded slightly, and then said calmly: "Send someone to closely monitor the movements of the Marquis of Wu'an."
"Yes, master." Li Jing replied.
Li Jing's gaze fell on Su Jingyao, filled with complicated emotions.
He really didn't understand. His mistress was obviously the daughter of the noble Su family. If she didn't want to be the prince's concubine, there must be a way to solve it.
However, the master took the initiative to step into the turbulent harem and became the prince's concubine.
Obviously, the master could choose to be the legitimate wife of a noble family. Even if he is the crown prince, so what? The master is qualified enough to be the crown princess, or even the queen of the monarchy.
But according to the information he had received, ever since his master married into the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince had not shown much affection for her, but was deeply in love with the Crown Princess.
Even on such an important day as the Flower Festival, the Crown Prince accompanied the Crown Princess throughout the entire process.
Now the master is probably missing and the prince may not have noticed it yet.
Li Jing was once an orphan with a tragic fate. Su Jingyao saved him by chance.
At that time, Li Jing was taken in by someone with bad intentions, and his body was covered with scars. Those who took him in wanted to win the sympathy of some wealthy families in the capital, so they let him be covered with wounds in exchange for some meager rewards.
However, all the pitiful reward money was ruthlessly taken away by the people who took him in.
It was purely an accident that Su Jingyao saved him. Since she saved him, she couldn't save him in vain. She had to make him useful to her.
Therefore, Su Jingyao spent some money to hire a special teacher to teach Li Jing.
Li Jing showed a strong interest in business and medicine, and Su Jingyao later spared no effort to buy him many books on these subjects.
These books are not easily purchased in the monarchy with money. Fortunately, her father is the head of the civil officials in the monarchy. With her father's power and status, she naturally found various precious books for Li Jing easily.
He even secretly invited many knowledgeable teachers to teach him knowledge.
Li Jing was indeed extremely intelligent. He showed extraordinary talent in business, and studying medicine was his passion. He was also diligent and hardworking, and did quite well in both.
Su Jingyao trusted him enough to employ him without any scruples.
When they arrived at Mo Feng Tower, Li Jing took Su Jingyao through a path he had secretly opened, which led directly to the third floor of Mo Feng Tower.
Su Jingyao stepped into her exclusive box in Mofenglou. The room was exquisitely decorated and luxuriously, and every detail was extraordinary.
The landscape paintings hanging on the walls are lifelike, and the three-dimensional pictures made with top-grade embroidery techniques are even more ingenious, adding a touch of elegance to this private room.
Su Jingyao walked to the side of the box and picked up a collection of poems.
This collection of poems contains all the poems related to flowers in the country, thanks to her father, the Minister of the Court.
She had carefully copied the book from her father's study.
In the kingdom, unless one came from a family with a deep foundation, it would be extremely difficult to read and study. Some precious books were even worth as much as gold.
The reason why Su Jingyao took out this poetry collection to kill time was naturally because she was going to participate in the traditional program of the Flower Festival, the Flower Order, later.
After all, this was part of her plan.
Su Jingyao lazily lay on the beauty couch, holding a collection of poems in her hands and reading them carefully.
Although it was dark at night, the room was brightly lit with candles, and every corner was brightly illuminated, so it didn't feel dark at all.
Li Jing sat quietly aside, with a thousand words in his mind, but hesitant and hesitant.
Ever since his master married the prince, he has always had doubts in his heart, but he has never had the right opportunity to ask for clarification.
Today, the master was finally able to leave the palace, and there was no one else around him.
Li Jing thought for a moment, then slowly stood up and walked towards Su Jingyao.
Su Jingyao was immersed in the world of the book, without even raising her eyes, she said: "You are blocking my light."
In front of people who don't need to pretend, she acts completely free and easy.
Li Jing was slightly stunned when he heard it, and then he knelt directly in front of her, moved his body to let the light through, and no longer blocked her from reading.
Su Jingyao seemed accustomed to his actions. She didn't even lift her eyelids and continued to read the book in her hands.
"Why did the master want to marry the prince?"
Li Jing finally plucked up the courage to ask the question that had been on his mind for a long time.
Su Jingyao paused for a moment when she heard this. She flipped the pages of the paper lightly and asked nonchalantly, "Who do you think I should marry?"
"As a mistress, even if you don't marry the prince, you can still be the wife legitimate of a king, a prince, a general or a minister. Why would you marry the prince and be his concubine?"
There was a subtle urgency in Li Jing's voice. In his heart, Su Jingyao was the most important person.
She married the prince as a concubine, but the prince did not cherish her! Because of this reason, Li Jing's hatred for the prince became stronger.
If his master is willing, he would be willing to kill the prince even at the cost of his own life in exchange for his master's freedom.
Su Jingyao slowly closed the book, sat up, and looked at Li Jing with indifferent eyes.
Su Jingyao raised her slender hand and gently stroked Li Jing's handsome face with the back of her hand, her movements were gentle and intimate.
Li Jing's body trembled slightly, and an indescribable throbbing surged in his heart.
"Li Jing, put away your unrealistic fantasies."
When Li Jing heard his master's merciless words, he felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar, and all the blood in his body seemed to have solidified.
It turns out that the master knew everything, knew the desire deep in his heart that he never dared to express.
Li Jing lowered his eyes slightly to hide the loss and pain in his eyes, "Master, Li Jing doesn't dare to have any illusions about you. Li Jing just wants you to live a smooth, peaceful and happy life."
Even if he wasn't the one by her side, that didn't matter.
He only wanted her to be happy, even if this happiness had nothing to do with him.
"Li Jing, what I want is not an ordinary life. What I want is to reach the top, to become an empress, or a queen mother."
"I don't care whether Jun Zechen has a lover or not. I only care whether he is the crown prince or the future emperor."
Su Jingyao's voice was as calm as a pool of autumn water, without any ripples, but her eyes revealed determination and persistence.
People always have to have a goal in life. A simple and happy life may be the dream of many people, but it is not what Su Jingyao yearns for. She is ambitious and just wants to reach out to grab the bright moon and hold the nebula.
Li Jing slowly raised his head and his eyes fell on Su Jingyao's face.
Su Jingyao looked at him and smiled, "Will Li Jing help me?"
Her face was harmless, pure and flawless, as if it was a perfect work of art carefully carved by God. However, Li Jing knew that beneath this beautiful appearance, there was a heart full of calculations and ambitions.
But even so, as long as she wanted it and asked, he would help her without hesitation.
"Master, whatever you want, Li Jing will help you with."
Li Jing's voice was as firm as iron, and his eyes were full of loyalty and protection.
From the moment he was picked up by five-year-old Su Jingyao, Li Jing had already decided that his whole life would belong only to Su Jingyao.
Hearing Li Jing's answer, Su Jingyao's lips curled up into a wanton smile, like a poppy blooming in the dark night, beautiful yet dangerous.
"Li Jing is so nice."
Her voice was as gentle as a breeze, but it made Li Jing's heart skip a beat.
Su Jingyao lazily lay back on the beauty couch and continued to read the book.
"Go out and come back after you get news about the son of Marquis Wu'an." Her tone returned to normal.
"yes."
Li Jing responded softly, then turned and left the room.
Just after the middle of the night, Li Jing hurried in and said, "Master, Wu'an Marquis's son Si Nanyu is now on Linlang Street."
Su Jingyao put down the book in her hand, Miaoyun hurried forward to help her up, and then tidied her dress.
"Let's go to Linlang Street."
There was a subtle hint of expectation in Su Jingyao's voice. She was really looking forward to Jun Zechen seeing her with another man.
Men are just mean. If someone steals something, even if it's a pile of shit, it will smell good.
At this time, Si Nanyu was strolling aimlessly on Linlang Street with a few young men and women. The soft light of lanterns sprinkled on the street, reflecting a prosperous scene.
The separation between men and women in the monarchy was not that strict, and on the Flower Festival, men and women could fall in love with each other.
The reason why Si Nanyu came out today was because these young men and young ladies were brought together by their family elders, who hoped that they would like each other.
After all, they are all aristocratic families, so it doesn't matter who they marry.
However, Si Nanyu was always in a depressed mood, without a trace of joy.
Ever since Su Jingyao was betrothed to the Crown Prince by His Majesty, his heart seemed to be torn apart and he could never let it go. Obviously, Su Jingyao was the woman he had long admired and the daughter-in-law he had long considered.
If it weren't for the fact that Lady Wu'an Marquis, his mother, had not proposed marriage in time, how could Su Jingyao have married the prince as a concubine?
She should have been the Crown Prince's Consort that he married in a formal ceremony!
Memories flooded into his mind like a tide. It was also during the Flower Festival that he fell in love with Su Jingyao at first sight. That stunning glance made his heart fall for her from then on.
After that, he tried every possible means to see Su Jingyao, even if it was only once.
However, the Su family has strict rules, and Su Jingyao never meets other men alone.
Therefore, he could only wait eagerly for the Flower Festival every year, hoping to meet her by chance.
Even though Su Jingyao was always with her brother Su Jingxuan, he shamelessly stayed just to be closer to her.
Originally, he was looking forward to proposing marriage to Su Jingyao as soon as she had her coming-of-age ceremony this year.
But now, everything has come to nothing, and his heart is filled with bitterness and helplessness.
Si Nanyu raised his eyes in disappointment, and looked inadvertently in a certain direction, when a beautiful figure suddenly appeared in his sight.
The back figure was graceful, as if carrying a mysterious attraction. He rubbed his eyes, unable to believe his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things.
However, when the woman suddenly raised her head, he saw her profile clearly. Although she was wearing a veil, he could clearly recognize that it was Su Jingyao, whom he had been thinking about.
A young man beside Si Nanyu noticed his abnormality and asked with concern, "Prince, what's wrong with you?"
Si Nanyu woke up from a dream and came to his senses. "Nothing, I have something to do today, so I won't accompany you. You guys go shopping."
After saying that, he didn't care about the reactions of the gentlemen and ladies around him and chased straight in the direction of Su Jingyao.
His eyes followed her closely, afraid of losing her in the crowded crowd.
Su Jingyao knew that the fish had been hooked, so she walked forward slowly with Miaoyun and Miaoxue.
Her graceful figure is particularly eye-catching in the crowd, as if everything around her becomes her backdrop.
At the end of Linlang Street there is a Bodhi tree that has withstood hundreds of years of wind and rain. During every Flower Festival, many people hang colorful paper strips on the tree branches, which is called "appreciating red."
If you want to enjoy the red flowers on the Bodhi tree on Linlang Street, you must play the flower order, and only the winner will be eligible to enjoy the red flowers.
Su Jingyao walked towards her destination at a leisurely pace. Her steps were light and steady. She didn't let Si Nanyu feel that she was deliberately luring him into a trap, and she also cleverly controlled the distance between them to prevent him from losing her.
When she arrived under the Bodhi tree, quite a few people had already gathered there.
There is a platform in the middle under the Bodhi tree. If you want to enjoy the flowers on the Bodhi tree, you need to go on the platform and play the flower order. You will compete against each other in pairs, and only those who win three rounds in a row will be considered successful.
Su Jingyao stood in the crowd, staring at the stage with expectant eyes, her gaze gleaming with a hint of longing and desire.
At this moment, Si Nanyu pushed through the crowd and quietly appeared behind her, "Miss Su, why are you here?"
When Su Jingyao heard the familiar male voice, her heart trembled slightly. She slowly turned her head, and when she saw Si Nanyu, a look of surprise appeared on her face.
There was a flash of panic in her beautiful eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, "Mr. Si?"
"Why was Miss Su able to get out?" Si Nanyu's tone was concerned, but also revealed a hint of doubt.
Su Jingyao naturally understood what he meant. Their identities should not be exposed, so she spoke more cryptically, "My husband and I came out together."
She lowered her head, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, hiding the loss in her heart.
"Then why is Miss Su alone?"
When Si Nanyu saw her disappointment, he felt a dull pain in his heart, and he continued to ask softly.
"My husband was with my sister, and I didn't want to disturb them, so I came out by myself."
Su Jingyao's voice was very soft, with a hint of sadness, as if she had endless grievances in her heart.
But then she raised her head, looked at the stage, and her face returned to her previous expectation.
"Every year my brother would bring me to the Bodhi tree to admire the red flowers. This year I will hang up paper scrolls again to pray for my father, mother and brother."
There was a sincere smile on her face, as if all the troubles and worries had left her far away.
But in Si Nanyu's opinion, she is even more pitiful now.
Marrying into the imperial palace is a cruel place where you are treated cruelly and you won't even be loved by your husband.
On such an important day as the Flower Festival, the Crown Prince actually left her alone and lived together with the Crown Princess.
"Although Miss Su's status is different now, your brother and I are close friends. How about I accompany Miss Su to play the flower order and appreciate the red today?"
Si Nanyu looked at Su Jingyao, his eyes full of expectation and concern.
Su Jingyao's eyes were a little hesitant. She looked at Si Nanyu, then at the stage. She felt a little conflicted, but still refused.
"Master Si, that's not necessary. I can go on stage and issue the flower order by myself. My status is different now, so it's better not to cause trouble for Master Si."
This flower order is a duel between two people, or it can be said to be a duel between two teams, but each side can have a maximum of two people. This rule is set up for some lovers.
Su Jingyao would naturally not go on stage so intimately with a foreign man in public.
As for Jun Zechen, he and Ling Yue were strolling in the bustling flower market.
Ling Yue's eyes sparkled as she looked with great delight at the beautifully cut and packaged bouquets of flowers. An Shun followed closely behind them, occasionally buying some bouquets that Ling Yue liked.
Jun Zechen was bored and looked behind him inadvertently, but did not see Su Jingyao. His brows wrinkled slightly, revealing a trace of worry.
"An Shun, where is the second wife?"
There was a hint of urgency in Jun Zechen's voice.
When An Shun heard Jun Zechen's question, his heart skipped a beat and he suddenly became nervous.
Wasn't Concubine following me just now? How come she suddenly disappeared?
"Grandpa, I'll send someone to look for it." An Shun's voice trembled a little.
Jun Zechen was about to lose his temper when Ling Yue's expression changed slightly. Then he stepped forward with a smile and said, "Ah Ze, my sister said she was tired and went back to Zui Xiao Lou first. Let's go shopping again."
Ling Yue knew in her heart that Su Jingyao must not want to disturb them, so she left secretly.
She felt somewhat happy in her heart. After all, when Su Jingyao was behind him, Jun Zechen always looked back from time to time, which made her feel a little uncomfortable.
"When did she tell you?" Jun Zechen's voice still contained a hint of doubt.
"It was Miaoyun who reported to me that there were too many people just now. Ah Ze, don't worry too much. Let's continue shopping. I want to try on the flower fairy dress sold in the flower market in front. I have never seen it before."
The overall design of the flower fairy dress is very lively and elegant, and the design of each flower is unique, beautiful and fairy-like.
Jun Zechen looked at these dresses, but he was always thinking about Su Jingyao. He reluctantly believed Ling Yue's words and continued shopping with her.
But after half an hour, Jun Zechen felt a little tired, "Yue'er, go back to Zuixiaolou to rest for a while, and then we will set off back."
Ling Yue actually hasn't shopped enough. The Flower Festival night market will last until the Yin hour, but now it's only halfway through the Xu hour.
But she could also see that Jun Zechen was a little tired, and they had almost finished walking around this busy street.
Let’s go back now, go back to the palace, wash up, and then rest, it’s almost time.
Zuixiaolou.
Jun Zechen's face was terribly gloomy, and the entire Zuixiao Tower seemed to be shrouded in a layer of ice.
"Yue'er, didn't you say that she returned to Zuixiaolou early? Where is she?"
Jun Zechen's voice was so cold that it made people shudder.
It was the first time that Ling Yue saw Jun Zechen with such an ugly expression. She only knew that Su Jingyao asked her to cover for him, but she didn't know where she had gone.
The reason why Su Jingyao returned to Zuixiaolou was simply because Ling Yue felt that when she and the prince returned, Su Jingyao would definitely be there.
Where else could she go?
"Aze, my sister said she didn't want to disturb the two of us, so she left alone, but I didn't know she didn't go back to Zuixiaolou..."
There was a hint of grievance in Ling Yue's voice.
Jun Zechen interrupted her rudely: "So he was a woman, without any guards, and stayed outside for half an hour alone?"
Ling Yue was shocked by Jun Zechen's words. She didn't know why Jun Zechen was so angry and so worried about Su Jingyao. The capital is under the emperor's rule, so what danger could there be?
"Aze, my sister has two maids with her. She said they are quite skilled in martial arts, so I don't think they will be dangerous."
Ling Yue tried to explain.
Jun Zechen's face was gloomy, and a strong sense of oppression came over him, especially An Shun, who felt it most deeply.
The prince's rage was about to explode. If it wasn't the princess who made this mistake today, she would have been punished by the prince long ago.
"Anshun, take people to look for him." Jun Zechen's voice seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.
"yes."
An Shun did not dare to be negligent at all, and hurried out with the secret guards and the guards of the Prince's Mansion to start searching.
Jun Zechen calmed down his anger and said to Ling Yue, "Yue'er, go back to the palace first. I will have someone send you back."
"No, Aze, I'm waiting for your news in Lingxiao Tower. I won't be able to rest easy if my sister doesn't come back safely." Ling Yue said firmly.
Jun Zechen nodded, then walked out without saying a word.
Ling Yue looked at Jun Zechen's back, a little dazed. She had never seen such a terrifying side of Jun Zechen before, as if he wanted to eat people.
Is he so worried about Su Jingyao?
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