Chapter 28
Three years have passed in the blink of an eye, more than a thousand days and nights. I have imagined your face countless times, wondering when we meet again, whether you will be happy, indifferent, uncaring, or treat me like a stranger.
No matter what, I will open my arms and wait for you to joyfully rush into my embrace, so that I can once again take you under my wings.
But I never expected... that the orphan girl who kept saying she was an orphan with no one to rely on actually had a background that was... something to be avoided at all costs...
From the moment Yuwenting and the others knelt down to the moment Yuan Qiong called out, the short fifteen minutes felt incredibly long to Lin Qiang.
The bird on my shoulder chirped, turned its head with its round, dark eyes, stared at its owner for a while, and then spread its wings and flew down.
At this point, what else did Lin Qiang not understand?
The only person in the world besides the current Empress who could be willingly addressed as "Imperial Sister-in-law" by Yuwen Ting is...
"Yuan Qiong..."
Not an orphan, not Wang Yao, but Yuan Qiong, a ruthless and manipulative female politician from the book...
"Your Majesty, shall we still go to Chang'an Temple?"
"No, let's go back to the palace."
As soon as she finished speaking, a small yellow bird fell from the sky and fluttered into Yuan Qiong's arms.
"Protect the Emperor!" Xiaozhi shouted. She looked up and instantly saw a tall figure standing on the branch. Her pupils contracted: "An assassin!"
Yuan Qiong followed her gaze and met the man's bewildered eyes. After a brief moment of panic, she quickly regained her composure.
He... knows...
Actually, this is for the best.
Lin Qiang stood on a branch, a mere few dozen meters away from the people on guard below. In an instant, a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind, but ultimately all returned to calm.
"Now that I've made up my mind, I won't give up!"
I don't need explanations, I don't need answers, I just need you!
Yuwen Ting looked up in astonishment. Before he could speak, he saw the man on the tree branch suddenly disappear. A blur flashed by, and Yuan Qiong, who was surrounded by the crowd, was suddenly grabbed by the waist.
She looked up and met his dark eyes.
"Come with me."
"You audacious thief!" Xiao Zhi immediately drew the soft sword from her waist and slashed down, leaving only a blur.
Right under the noses of numerous palace maids, this elusive man, with his arm around their Empress, vanished in a few leaps.
Amidst the chaotic chase by palace servants, Yuwen Ting's expression shifted rapidly. At that moment, he finally remembered: the woman the Wind and Cloud Ruins Master had been holding in his arms wore clothes and had the same eye color as Yuan Qiong!
“Fengyunxu…” Gazing at the vanished afterimage, he first frowned slightly, then smiled broadly: “As expected of the leader of Fengyunxu, daring to even lay a hand on the current empress, well done!”
There are no eternal enemies or eternal allies in the world. This time, it was a cooperation he negotiated with Yuan Qiong; she would help him return to the capital, and he would help her contain Yuwen Zhe.
But now... what does betraying allies matter if we can seize the opportunity to gain even greater benefits?!
Moreover, apart from his foolish elder brother, no one with the surname Yuwen does not hate the Yuan family!
**
"Tick-tock!"
"Tick-tock!"
"Tick-tock!"
......
It's raining...
The drizzle gradually intensified, and soon a layer of rain curtain appeared in front of the eaves.
Yuan Liuniang sat at the entrance of the unopened restaurant, her chin resting on her hand, her beautiful face, as delicate as a lotus blossom, filled with unhappiness.
"The boss said he would come to visit the restaurant after finishing his business today, so why is it raining?"
She reached out to catch the raindrops from the eaves, and soon her embroidered cuffs were wet. Lost in thought, she stared at her cuffs when suddenly a paper umbrella shielded her from the wind and rain.
"Young lady, the spring rain has soaked your clothes; be careful not to catch a cold."
She turned her head, and exquisite black boots with dark patterns came into view. Her gaze moved upward, and a refined man, as elegant as a bamboo stalk, was standing beside her. His long fingers held the umbrella handle, and his considerate smile shielded her from the wind and rain.
"It's you..."
She squatted on the steps, gazing up at him against the light, her eyes momentarily unfocused. When she came to her senses, she looked away, slightly flustered, and blurted out something inappropriate.
"I'm very strong, I definitely won't catch a cold!"
After saying that, she was filled with remorse, burying her head low and pretending to be an ostrich. Did that sound rude? Would he think she was very ill-mannered?
“Haha…” Zhao Shixian was amused by her straightforward words. After thinking for a moment, he put away his umbrella, lifted his robe and sat down next to her: “Then I’ll accompany you through the wind and rain, I’m quite strong too.”
His words made Yuan Liu Niang a little embarrassed. She secretly took a deep breath before pretending to be natural and said, "Young master, may I ask your surname? How should I address you?"
“My name is Zhao Shixian. Shi means the world, and Xian means virtue. My father hoped that I would live a virtuous life, so he gave me this name.” Zhao Shixian’s gaze was focused and gentle. Yuan Liuniang did not dare to look up and meet his eyes, so she turned her face away.
For some reason, she seemed to have absolutely no resistance to this refined man...
Zhao Shixian, Yuan Liuniang rolled the name on her tongue before uttering it, and said sincerely, "Uncle, you have such a good literary talent."
"Thank you for your kind words, Miss." Zhao Shixian, who always paid attention to his image, sat under the eaves for the first time, his boots dampened by the gentle rain, but he didn't find it unpleasant at all. "May I ask your name, Miss?"
"My name is Yuan Luo, and I'm the sixth child in my family. You can also call me Yuan Liu."
"Then from now on, can I call you Sixth Miss?"
“Okay.” Yuan Liu Niang’s cheeks flushed slightly, exuding youthful vitality and shyness, making her look even more beautiful. Zhao Shixian was momentarily stunned.
A man's life is only truly fulfilling if he has both great achievements and a beautiful woman by his side.
This Yuan Liu Niang is truly a peerless beauty...
"Sixth Miss, is this your restaurant?"
"Yes, but it's not open yet. When it opens in a few days, you must come and support us, Mr. Zhao."
"Yes, definitely."
The rain hadn't stopped, and the two chatted and laughed, watching the people coming and going on the roadside, their atmosphere growing increasingly harmonious. Yuan Liu Niang was also developing a growing liking for Zhao Shi Xian. This man was witty, humorous, and handsome, and with the group of rough and unkempt bandits around him as a contrast, her affection for him skyrocketed.
As for Lin Qiang, Yuan Liu Niang never compared him to others because there was no comparison.
To her, the leader was no longer just an ordinary person like the others around her, but an idol, a god-like figure. She longed for his attention, his affirmation and praise, but never dared to have any other improper thoughts.
Because there was a line clearly drawn across Lin Qiang's path. Despite his usual cheerful smile and approachable demeanor, everyone was actually kept outside that line, unable to get close. And the only one who could approach the line was Wang Yao, who had disappeared for a long time…
It's undeniable that she was jealous of that woman...
Meanwhile, Yuwen Zhe, who was keeping a close eye on Yuan Liu Niang's news, immediately received the news that Liu Niang had met with Zhao Shixian again.
He dropped what he was doing and rushed over immediately. From afar, he saw the handsome man and beautiful woman under the eaves, a scene as beautiful as a painting, separated by the slanting wind and drizzle. He was so angry that his face turned pale.
What are you doing?
Yuan Liu Niang looked up.
Oh, so it's that fake disabled prince in the wheelchair.
"Ignore him, that guy isn't very reliable here."
Yuan Liu Niang pointed to her forehead and said to Zhao Shixian, who smiled.
Jia Er, holding an umbrella, watched as his master pushed a wheelchair and aggressively confronted the two of them: "What kind of behavior is it for a lone man and woman to be pulling and tugging in the street? Don't you know it's indecent? The world is going to the dogs, and people's hearts are no longer what they used to be!"
Is it indecent? Yuan Liu Niang looked at him as if he were a fool.
Is this guy out of his mind? They're just sitting peacefully in front of their own restaurant, what's it to him?
Does this prince really think he's some kind of local deity? Why is he meddling in everything?
Yuan Liuniang said with a fake smile, "Your Highness, it's raining, and instead of staying in the palace, you've come out to inspect the morals of the citizens. You must be working very hard!"
Upon hearing her call him "Your Highness," Zhao Shixian immediately realized why the man looked so familiar. It turned out to be the legendary Prince Cheng, who was said to be ill but deeply favored by His Majesty! Zhao Shixian had not seen Prince Cheng since the Qionglin Banquet and had not recognized him at first.
He rose, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Grand Master Zhao Shixian greets Your Highness Prince Cheng."
"Dr. Zhao, you're newly married, yet instead of staying home with your wife, you're out flirting with other women. I wonder if the third daughter of the Yuan family knows about your philandering?"
As soon as Prince Cheng spoke, Yuan Liuniang stood up abruptly and looked at Zhao Shixian: "Young Master, you're married?"
“Yes.” Zhao Shixian remained composed, showing no embarrassment at being exposed.
Yuwen Zhe snorted lightly, "This heartless man, let's see if Wenluo will still pay attention to you!"
**
A light drizzle was falling, and people hurried by.
Yuan Qiong knew perfectly well how indulgent the bearded man was towards her. Although he often threatened her fiercely, saying he would acupuncture her pressure points, he had never actually done so. And this time was no exception. If Yuan Qiong wanted to struggle, she could have simply screamed. But she didn't.
Clutching tightly to the front of his shirt, she breathed in the familiar scent of fresh grass she remembered. Reluctantly, she closed her eyes, oblivious to the approaching storm.
She thought it was better to make some things clear.
Lin Qiang braved the drizzle, protecting the person in his arms tightly. As soon as they entered the mansion, servants immediately came to greet them.
"Prepare water."
"Here you go."
Upon entering his main courtyard, Lin Qiang put her down, saying, "Spring rain is cold and damp, go take a bath first."
She wanted to sound aloof, so she adopted an icy tone: "I didn't get wet, so it's alright."
Lin Qiang glanced at her with his dark eyes, but didn't force her. The servants carried the water to the side room, and he turned and left the main room, heading towards the side room.
This is a good time for both of us to calm down.
His broad back disappeared, and Yuan Qiong's feigned indifference instantly crumbled. She frowned and paced back and forth in the room, pondering how to speak to him.
For over three years and more than 1,000 days and nights, he had imagined countless ways for them to meet again, but she, on the contrary, had never thought they would meet again. So, from the moment she saw the bearded man that morning until now, she was still in a daze.
The sound of water coming from the side room made her feel uneasy, her mind racing with all sorts of thoughts. When he appeared before her, still damp with sweat, Yuan Qiong's mind went blank for a moment, and she had no other thoughts at all.
A thirteen-year-old girl is ultimately different from a seventeen-year-old teenager. Perhaps the biggest difference lies in whether they've grasped or not, whether they understand appreciation or not.
Never before had she felt so deeply that the bearded bandit was such a charismatic man.
He strode into the room, his striking features dazzling, his physique slender and well-proportioned, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long, straight legs. His coarse linen clothes hung loosely on his body, yet couldn't conceal the composure and nobility emanating from him. His exposed collarbone and Adam's apple possessed a fatal attraction, drawing all eyes.
His charm lies not in his appearance, but in the soul beneath it, which is as mellow and enduring as fine wine—something that physical beauty cannot match.
After taking a shower, her long hair, still dripping wet, was still past her shoulders when Yuan Qiong realized for the first time that the phrase "a feast for the eyes" could also be used to describe a man.
"Big black beard..."
"Um?"
The man sat down to one side and picked up a white towel from the shelf to dry his hair. Half of his body was shrouded in shadow against the backlight, while the other half was in the light. Yuan Qiong unconsciously swallowed, her gaze moving upwards from his well-defined hands, past his beautifully shaped collarbone and Adam's apple, finally settling on his face.
"Where did your beard go?"
Lin Qiang paused in wiping his hair, wanting to smile at her, but remembering her identity and everything she had done, he couldn't bring himself to smile. He turned and sat down in a chair, saying calmly.
"Shave it."
"........"
How can she still call him "Big Beard" from now on?
Yuan Qiong composed herself, trying to appear less lecherous, and sat down on the other side, looking at him as she said, "Are you angry? Angry that I lied to you?"
"right."
Lin Qiang tossed the white cloth accurately onto the shelf before turning to meet her gaze, his eyes deep and intense. Yuan Qiong felt her face flush.
Seduction, that's a foul!
"Shouldn't I be angry?"
"should!"
Especially considering that she had once thought of taking his life, Yuan Qiong felt that he really had reason to be angry.
With a slight upturn of her lips, she said, "It's my fault. I not only lied to you, but I also left without saying goodbye. But don't forget, you wronged me first, so I don't owe you anything."
That's just sophistry!
Her shameless attitude actually improved Lin Qiang's mood. He looked up, both amused and annoyed, and asked, "Did I wrong you?"
Yuan Qiong nodded, her crescent-shaped fox eyes sparkling with intelligence, completely different from her usual aloof and noble demeanor: "You touched my body but refused to marry me. Does that count as starting something and then abandoning it?"
"......."
It seems impossible to refute.
This girl's ability to turn the tables on others is getting better and better; he could almost see the fox's tail swaying behind her back.
"Now, I'm married too. I'm married to the most noble man in the world, and I've become the most noble woman in the world. I love my husband very much, and we are a match made in heaven. You must never come looking for me again. I'll pretend I didn't hear you say you wanted to marry me. From now on, we'll go our separate ways and never have anything to do with each other again."
Yuan Qiong smiled happily, her tone sincere and natural.
Lin Qiang's mood, which had just started to improve, plummeted again in an instant.
Inside the main room, Yuan Qiong stood up and straightened her clothes: "Now that things have been cleared up and we owe each other nothing, I'll take my leave. Black Beard, thank you for taking care of me that year, goodbye."
"......Oh."
Lin Qiang let out a cold laugh, the tone sarcastic yet carrying a hint of ambiguity.
"Neither of us owes the other anything?"
He just watched her back as she prepared to leave, neither getting up nor stopping her.
"Then I'll make this clear today: whether you're Yuan Qiong or Wang Yao, whether you're married or not, who you married, or how you treat that person, you belong to me. I won't interfere in your affairs, nor will I care how much truth or falsehood you speak. But there's one thing you must understand..."
You are mine!
He emphasized twice, "You are mine!" His voice was firm and resolute. The calm, low tone wasn't emphasizing anything, but rather stating a fact.
Yuan Qiong stopped in her tracks, restraining her wildly beating heart. She turned around, her previous ease gone, her pretty face now icy cold.
"Am I yours?"
"Big Black Beard, what you're saying is absolutely ridiculous!"
The light spring rain fell silently in the courtyard, and the atmosphere inside the house began to become tense.
"What right do you, a bandit, have to say such things?" The mockery in Yuan Qiong's eyes was clear: "You are just a lowly commoner, while I am the noble eldest daughter of the Yuan family, destined to marry the most noble man in the world. How could you be worthy of me?"
"Big Beard, a man should know his place and not covet things he shouldn't have!"
Lin Qiang simply looked at her without saying a word, his dark eyes filled with emotions that Yuan Qiong couldn't decipher.
In the end, she softened.
He sighed and softened his tone: "Let's pretend we never met. Find a girl you like and live a good life together."
After saying this, Yuan Qiong stepped out of the house and disappeared into the drizzle.
Lin Qiang sat there, and after a while, he actually laughed.
"Girl, you still don't understand me..."
If he could be easily dismissed with a few words, then he wouldn't be himself.
"The Wind".
"My lord."
"Go and follow that girl and escort her safely to the palace."
"promise."
He walked to the eaves, put his hands behind his back, looked up, and smiled. "Girl, the spring rain isn't heavy, but it'll wet your clothes. Let it get wet if you want. Only through getting wet will you truly grow."
Since I've said you're mine, you'll never get rid of me for the rest of your life, unless I die.
Suddenly, he thought of his short-lived emperor.
Well, it's really hard to say who will die first...
**
Meanwhile, after Yuan Qiong was kidnapped, Xiao Zhi immediately interrogated Yuwen Ting about the identity of the person who had just been kidnapped. Yuwen Ting naturally wouldn't tell the truth, lying that they had met by chance and were having tea together, and that he didn't know the person.
Xiao Zhi dared not delay and immediately led her people back to the city. Under these circumstances, she dared not alarm the emperor, but instead went to the Yuan residence to seek help from the prime minister.
Yuwen Ting had the exact opposite idea of hers.
He felt that he had to let his cowardly and incompetent elder brother know that the empress he loved so dearly had actually cheated on him.
I imagine my brother's expression must be quite something; it would be best if he were so furious that he died on the spot!
"Brother, something terrible has happened! A terrible thing has occurred!"
Yuwen Ting's panicked appearance was particularly convincing, and his shouts alerted half of the palace.
"Your Majesty, Your ... you've been kidnapped by a lecherous thief!"
"What did you say?!"
The young emperor, who was dozing off in the Shengchen Palace, suddenly woke up, his face turning deathly pale, devoid of any color.
"Your Majesty, what's wrong with Your Majesty?!"
"They've been kidnapped by a womanizer!"
"Your Majesty, you can't say such things!" Yuwen Jing staggered out of the imperial desk with the help of a eunuch.
Yuwen Ting looked anxious: "This matter concerns the reputation of the royal family, how could my brother dare to speak carelessly! The Prime Minister has already sent people to look for them, but, but the thieves are treacherous, and my sister-in-law is probably... probably... probably in grave danger!"
His lingering words made one unable to help but think the worst. If this were true, even if the Empress wasn't dead, her innocence... would likely be lost...
Yuwen Jing felt a sudden tightness in his throat, bent over, covered his mouth, and coughed: "Cough cough cough! Cough cough! Cough cough cough cough!" It was as if he was coughing up his internal organs. He felt a metallic taste in his throat, and blood stained his hand.
"Your Majesty!" The eunuchs were startled, then hurriedly helped him up, exclaiming, "Your health is of utmost importance!"
"I'm fine..." Barely suppressing the dizziness in his head, his vision blurred in waves: "Quick, prepare the carriage, go to the Prime Minister's residence!"
"Here you go."
A group of eunuchs hurriedly prepared a carriage and carried the frail emperor to the prime minister's residence. Yuwen Ting watched this scene with a triumphant smile on his lips.
When the young emperor arrived at the prime minister's residence, he indeed did not see his empress. Overwhelmed with worry and anger, he fainted.
On the other side, Yuan Qiong, after returning to the palace in the rain, encountered Xiao Jin in a hurry before even entering Zhaoyang Palace.
"Your Majesty?!" Xiao Jin quickly stepped forward and bowed, "Why are you so soaked?"
Yuan Qiong waved her hand: "I'm fine. Has Xiaozhi returned?"
"No. It's just..." Xiao Jin said, her eyes red, "It's just that everyone in the palace is saying that Your Majesty has been kidnapped by bandits... and His Majesty... His Majesty just went to the Prime Minister's residence to look for you..."
"What?!"
Yuan Qiong's heart skipped a beat. How could the news have spread so quickly?! Who betrayed her?!
"Go back to the palace to change your clothes first. Send someone to clear out the guards at the west gate of the Great Court and make sure they keep quiet! Then summon all the high-ranking female officials and concubines in the palace to Zhaoyang Palace!"
"Here you go."
Yuan Qiong quickly changed into her palace attire, calmed herself down, and headed towards the front hall.
She had been using her lightness skill to evade the palace servants all the way back, and the only ones who saw her disheveled state were the guards at the palace gates. Once those guards were dealt with, the rumors would be silenced; everything else was just gossip, without evidence, and easily handled.
"Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live a thousand years!"
"Get up, everyone."
Yuan Qiong sat on the phoenix throne, looking down at the female officials and concubines below, a half-smile on her face.
"I went to Chang'an Temple to pay my respects to Buddha. When I returned to the palace, I heard rumors spreading everywhere, making trouble for my reputation..." She glanced at the people below: "Among these, none of you sisters were involved, were you?"
"No, no!" The concubines below shook their heads like waves. Only one young girl, though she bowed her head obediently along with the other concubines, had a look of pleasure in her eyes.
Yuan Qiong nodded in satisfaction: "Of course I believe in my sisters. As the saying goes, rumors are more ferocious than tigers. My sisters are all well-read and would never spread rumors. From this moment on, I do not wish for any more false rumors in the palace. Do you understand?"
"Your concubine obeys the decree."
The former concubines were well aware of the Empress's authority and dared not challenge her. The newcomers, however, were unimpressed.
However, Yuan Qiong didn't have time to waste with them right now. She just needed to give them a warning and prove that she was safe and sound. She had more important things to do.
"Then you may all leave."
"This concubine takes her leave."
After everyone had left, Yuan Qiong immediately ordered Xiao Jin to prepare a carriage and head out of the palace to the Prime Minister's residence. Yuwen Jing was always frail and valued her highly. If he were to be angered by this news and suffer any serious injury, the harem would be without a single prince, making things even more difficult for her in the future! Therefore, the most urgent task was to quickly appease the Emperor!
By the time Yuan Qiong arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, the rain had stopped. She didn't go through the jade steps of the main gate, but instead discreetly entered through a side gate.
As soon as she entered the main hall, before she could even speak, Yuan Su stepped forward and slapped her hard across the face with a crisp, loud sound that stunned her.
"grandfather?"
She covered her face, her fox-like eyes filled with disbelief. From childhood to adulthood, who had ever dared to hit her?!
"You worthless wretch, look at the stupid thing you've done!"
Yuan Su raised his hand again, wanting to hit him again, but this time Yuan Qiong grabbed his arm directly.
Being hit once was an accident, but such an accident will never happen a second time!
Her beautiful face was so cold it could freeze shards: "Yes, I will handle the stupid things I did myself, no need for the Prime Minister to worry!"
She shook off his hand, left the hall, and headed towards Yuwen Jing's room.
Yuan Su was taken aback for a moment, not expecting her to dare to talk back like that. He then frowned and followed behind her, leaning on his cane. As she approached, the eunuchs and guards standing outside the door immediately bowed to her. She stepped inside, and Yuwen Jing was still asleep.
Kneel down!
Yuan Su's voice returned to its usual deep tone. Yuan Qiong said nothing more, and directly knelt down in front of Yuwen Jing's bed, her pomegranate red earrings drawing an elegant arc.
"You will remain kneeling here until His Majesty wakes up. You are not permitted to rise without His Majesty's permission!"
Since her return three years ago, she has become increasingly disobedient. And this time, without his permission, Yuan Qiong actually dared to meet Yuwen Ting in private?
Does she think that once she becomes empress, she'll have more power and he won't be able to control her anymore?
Yuan Qiong pursed her pale pink lips into a straight line, offering no reply, and quietly gazed at the unconscious young man on the bed.
This time, she hadn't thought things through and had acted too rashly; she deserved the slap. As intelligent as she was, she quickly realized that it must have been that treacherous Yuwen Ting who stabbed her in the back.
She remembered this grudge!
Yuwen Jing was unconscious for three and a half hours, and Yuan Qiong knelt for three and a half hours. She didn't eat or drink a drop of water or a grain of rice. Xiao Jin, Xiao Zhi, and the others behind her were anxiously pacing back and forth.
When the emperor woke up, Yuan Qiong's face was as pale as his own.
"Your Majesty, you're awake?"
She tried to go forward, but because she had been kneeling for too long, she couldn't get up and ended up lying on the edge of the bed.
"Sister Qiong?"
Yuwen Jing was dazed for a while before he remembered what had happened before he fainted. He looked at her anxiously and asked, "Are you alright? Why are you so pale? Are you injured?"
"Her Majesty has been kneeling for almost four hours!" Xiao Jin's voice rang out, trembling with tears. "Your Majesty, if you don't wake up soon, Her Majesty's knees will be ruined..."
"how?"
Yuwen Jing then noticed the swollen handprint on her cheek and her strange posture, and immediately became angry.
"Is that the bandit? I will have him skinned alive! His bones ground to ashes! His entire family wiped out! Cough cough cough... cough cough cough... cough cough..."
Overwhelmed with emotion, he coughed again. Yuan Qiong immediately patted his back, her face pale and silent.
Xiao Jin immediately replied, "There were no robbers, it was our Prime Minister..."
"Xiao Jin, shut up!"
Yuan Qiong scolded him, and Xiao Jin reluctantly shut his mouth and stood aside.
"Prime Minister..." Yuwen Jing wanted to say something, but Yuan Qiong interrupted him: "Your Majesty, we've been outside all day, we should return to the palace."
"Sister Qiong..." The emperor wanted to ask more, but seeing her pale face, he swallowed his words and agreed, "Alright."
Too many things happened that day. The intense emotional ups and downs, coupled with being forced to kneel in the rain as punishment, caused Yuan Qiong to fall into a coma after returning to the palace that day.
Yuwen Jing stood guard by her bedside, but his complexion was not much better than that of the unconscious woman on the bed.
"Your Majesty, please go and rest. I will take care of Her Majesty..."
The flickering lamplight illuminated the exquisite phoenix-embroidered tent. He shook his head and tightly grasped Yuan Qiong's hand: "You may all leave. I will stay with Sister Qiong."
"This..." Xiao Jin hesitated, the Empress didn't like to be disturbed when she was sleeping...
So she advised, "Your Majesty, when the Empress wakes up, she will be heartbroken to know that you have ruined your health for her sake."
Yes, the Empress will feel sorry for her...
Yuwen Jing reluctantly rubbed her palm, and just as he was about to get up, he heard the person on the bed softly murmur, "Big Beard..."
"Sister Qiong?"
He didn't hear clearly, but when he leaned closer, he could clearly see a tear sliding down the corner of the woman's eye, crystal clear.
"sorry......"
His dreamlike words sent a tremor through his heart, like an earthquake.
His empress, the proud eldest daughter of the Yuan family since childhood, the woman whose every action was perfect, the woman who was always elegant and proper, actually... cried.
He reached out and touched the warm teardrop, only to find it burning hot.
Why... do I have to say sorry?
What exactly happened...?
After tricking Yuan Qiong, Yuwen Ting naturally knew she wouldn't let it go. Upon learning that Yuan Qiong had returned to the palace unharmed and then fallen unconscious, he smiled slightly, feeling that even heaven was on his side!
How could he possibly miss such a good opportunity? He'd strike while the iron was hot and kill her!
Early the next morning, Yuwen Jing climbed into the palace and began to flatter his easily swayed elder brother.
"Your Majesty... In truth, there is something I am unsure whether I should say it or not."
The emperor, who had just taken medicine and was still feeling extremely uncomfortable in his stomach, looked over when he heard his words.
"What is it? Is there anything we brothers can't talk about?"
"This concerns the Empress Dowager's sister-in-law... Your humble brother dares not speak recklessly."
Is it related to Sister Qiong? Then you should definitely speak! The emperor waved for the palace maids and eunuchs to leave and said, "There are no outsiders here now, Your Majesty, you may speak."
"Your Majesty, I happened to be at Chang'an Temple yesterday and witnessed firsthand the abduction of Her Majesty the Empress. As you know, Your Majesty's sister-in-law is skilled in martial arts, yet she offered no resistance whatsoever..."
He paused for a moment, his face showing a look of utter condescension as he said, "Your Majesty, I suspect that you and that bandit are old acquaintances, and that your relationship is quite unusual."
"Furthermore, I have heard some rumors that when my sister-in-law went to Shenshou Temple to pray for blessings and left the capital that year, she was not actually at Shenshou Temple at all, but was with that bandit!"
It's true that he speculated Yuan Qiong and the Lord of Fengyunxu were old acquaintances. As for the one about Shenshou Temple, that was just something he made up to increase credibility.
Yuan Su would certainly not allow such a secret to be leaked!
“If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can ask someone in the know. I remember that a young lady from the Yuan family has also entered the palace. Your Majesty can summon her and ask her.”
No man can tolerate being cuckolded, no matter how much he loves his wife! Yuwen Ting believed that with these words as a foundation, regardless of whether the evidence was ultimately proven, a rift would develop between the Emperor and Empress!
In fact, Yuwen Ting's judgment was correct. The Emperor was greatly shaken upon hearing this, and considering the Empress's unusual behavior the previous day, it was difficult for him not to have doubts! However, he couldn't ask in front of his brother, so he could only feign composure and say, "I believe the Empress!"
Yuwen Ting smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I naturally believe in you. Those rumors are definitely nonsense!"
After Prince Jin left, Yuwen Jing felt extremely uneasy. He summoned his personal eunuch and asked, "Has the Empress woken up yet?"
"Your Majesty, the Empress has awakened and is currently having her meal."
"Prepare the carriage for Zhaoyang Palace."
"promise."
Last night, spring rain fell all night again. When the sun came out this morning, the red bricks and green tiles of the palace looked brand new.
When Yuwen Jing arrived at Zhaoyang Palace, Yuan Qiong had already eaten and was staring blankly out the window.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty has arrived," Xiao Jin reminded him.
She immediately rose and gave a proper bow: "Your Majesty, I greet you."
"Get up."
The emperor was a simple-minded person who didn't know how to hide his troubles. When he had worries, they naturally showed on his face. He sat down with a sullen face, picked up some snacks, and stuffed them into his mouth.
Upon seeing this, Yuan Qiong frowned her beautifully shaped eyebrows and stepped forward to ask, "Your Majesty, is something troubling you?"
"Sister Qiong...you yesterday..."
"Yesterday, I got lost in the mountains. I didn't encounter any flower thieves. The rumors in the palace are just that!"
Seeing that the situation was not right, Xiao Jin immediately led the other palace maids out and stood guard outside Chaoyang Palace.
"But... the Prince of Jin said..."
"Prince Yuwen Ting of Jin has fabricated rumors to slander the current Empress! Your Majesty, do you not intend to punish him?"
Yuan Qiong's face darkened. She hadn't even gone to cause him any trouble yet, and the Prince of Jin had actually come knocking on her door himself.
Normally, if he saw her angry, Yuwen Jing would immediately try to coax her with a smile. But today, her tears kept flashing through his mind, and he felt a surge of anger in his heart that he wanted to vent.
"I believe that what the Prince of Jin said is not a lie."
"Sister Qiong, tell me, have you fallen in love with another man?"
Yuan Qiong was taken aback by the question, then turned around angrily: "What do you mean by that?"
"Are you doubting me?!"
Having decided to marry him, she never considered having anything to do with anyone else. She was his wife, his queen! But now, this man was actually doubting her?
"I just want to know where Sister Qiong went all day?"
This time, Yuwen Jing didn't evade the question. Instead, he said with a wronged expression, "Since our wedding, you've never let me touch you, nor have you allowed me to stay overnight in Zhaoyang Palace. You say it's to help me recover, but in reality, you just don't like me, do you?"
"......."
That's what he was thinking?
Since their wedding, she has diligently helped him improve his health, treated him well, and tried to accept him. Worried that he was too foolish and would be devoured by his grandfather, she even intervened on his behalf.
As a result, he was easily provoked by the Prince of Jin to interrogate her!
Yes, she had her own plans, but compared to those who wanted to tear him apart, what had she done to wrong him? She asked herself, and apart from not being able to reciprocate his feelings, she had a clear conscience!
Yuwen Jing stepped forward and grabbed her arm: "Sister Qiong, let's consummate our marriage?"
Consummating the marriage?!
"No!" Yuan Qiong coldly shook him off: "You're not fully recovered yet, you can't have sex."
I'm not feeling well, I'm not feeling well, I'm not feeling well again!
"Excuse!"
He clenched his limp fist, hating his own weakness for the first time. His wife rejected him, easily shaking off his grip, and he was powerless to resist...
With a "bang!" he kicked the vase on the ground and shattered it. The young emperor stormed off in anger.
The noise inside startled Xiao Jin and the others at the door. Seeing His Majesty's angry back, they hurriedly went into the hall.
"Your Majesty..."
"Pack your things and get out of here. Let me have some peace and quiet," she said wearily.
"promise."
This was the first argument since the Emperor and Empress's wedding, and the entire harem was filled with unease. The weak Emperor clashed with the powerful Yuan family woman; no one knew whether this was a good thing or a bad thing...
After that day, Yuan Qiong made no further moves, quietly recuperating in Zhaoyang Palace. Even Yuwen Ting was surprised; this wasn't like her at all...
To spite her, Yuwen Jing visited many of the concubines' palaces over the course of half a month, causing a shift in the political climate within the palace. Many assumed the Empress had fallen out of favor, and the newly favored concubines began to swell with arrogance.
Until one day, Yuan Qiong happened to walk into a certain spot in the Imperial Garden and overheard two concubines talking about how the Empress had been kidnapped and lost her virginity, which had caused the Emperor to lose his favor. It was only because of the Prime Minister that the Empress could not be deposed... blah blah blah...
Then a group of people, including the palace maids, burst into laughter.
"Your Majesty?"
Xiao Jin looked at her master, Yuan Qiong, whose cold face showed little emotion.
"That's very well said."
She didn't lower her voice, so the concubine on the other side of the bushes naturally heard it too.
"Who's there?!"
Upon glancing at her from the side, she was immediately terrified.
"This humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress..."
Yuan Qiong didn't even glance at them; her flowing skirt swept past as she walked straight over.
That afternoon, Xiao Jin lowered her head and walked into the Chaoyang Rear Hall.
"Your Majesty, those palace maids who gossiped have had their tongues pulled out and been thrown into the Sinzheku (a place for palace women to eat and drink), while those imperial concubines have been beaten thirty times and banished to the Cold Palace."
After Xiaoyu finished speaking, Yuanqiong didn't react at all, and continued to flip through the pages of her book in a casual manner.
"Send someone to summon Yuwen Ting to the palace; I wish to see him."
She remembered that slap and the three hours of kneeling punishment vividly. This was the first time in her life she'd suffered such a loss. How could she not give him a proper beating after all the effort he'd put into stabbing her in the back?
Author's Note: Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants!
Thank you to the little angel who watered the [nutrient solution]:
Even the top bunkmate who's terrible at naming things gets a name from one bottle;
Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com