"Success!" Zhao Xian'er was desperate, and there was no better way at the moment, so she could only take one step at a time.
"Thank you, sister Xiao, for your reminder. Today, sister Xiao saved the entire Zhao family. The Zhao family will be grateful for the rest of their lives."
Zhao Xian'er was so excited that she didn't know what to say, and she held Xiao Concubine's arm tightly.
"Sister Zhao is unfamiliar with saying that. I met Sister Zhao once, so how can we die without saving him." Xiao Yan smiled lightly.
Zhao Xianer had something on her mind, so she thanked Miss Xiao a few more times, "Sister Xiao, let's meet again some other day."
Concubine Xiao nodded, and Zhao Xian'er left in a hurry, leaving only Concubine Xiao in the room.
Xiao Yu sighed, "Let's pass on the meal."
A large table of dishes was placed on the table, and the aroma stimulated the appetite.
As soon as Xiao Concubine picked up the chopsticks, it would be too wasteful for her to eat a large table of dishes by herself, so she called softly for the shopkeeper.
"Where's your master?"
The shopkeeper said in a low voice, "Master Hou is busy with the account books, do you want to tell me?"
Concubine Xiao thought for a while, "Take me to have a look."
"yes!"
Xiao Concubine went out and followed the shopkeeper's turn a few turns all the way. Lanjiuxiang has been open for three months, and the business is extremely hot. Every day, there will be no empty seats, and the private rooms are even more tense.
Lanjiuxiang wine is full of fragrance and taste, and the dishes are impeccable. Since the opening of other restaurants, the business has dropped significantly. From the high-ranking officials to the wives of various families, Lanjiuxiang's dishes are popular. I don't know how many restaurants are vying to imitate them. New dishes are introduced regularly, and even imitations are outdated.
This is also one of the reasons why Lanjiuxiang is enduring. Secondly, Lanjiuxiang is the shop of Lord Zhao. An eldest prince does not count. Now that there is an extra right-hand son-in-law, those who come to pick things up have to weigh .
Concubine Xiao knew that it was not just the wine business that was booming, all the shops under Zhao's shop were well received, and Master Zhao's business was in the limelight at the moment.
Zhao Zun used to be a businessman and was discriminated against by many people. Now he has become a Marquis. His status, appearance, background are all good, and his means are amazing, which is admirable.
Just as she was thinking, Xiao Concubine came to a room, and the shopkeeper withdrew, leaving only Xiao Concubine in front of the door.
As soon as Xiao Concubine put her hands on it, she heard Zhao Qi's angry voice.
"Master, the eldest prince is too much. He took away a million taels of silver last month, and now he wants it again. It's a bottomless pit!"
Zhao Zun rubbed his brows, "I have my own discretion in this matter."
With a creak, Miss Xiao gently pushed the door open.
Zhao Zun frowned and looked, displeased, when he saw Concubine Xiao's face softened a little, he winked at Zhao Qi, Zhao Qi retreated.
"Why are you here?" Zhao Zun stood up and greeted him.
Concubine Xiao glanced at a table full of account books, then saw Zhao Zun's slightly sad face, and frowned, "It's too much for the eldest prince to ask you for money every month, and the combined income of these shops may not be enough for him to take." If you don’t make money, you will lose money instead.”
Zhao Zun laughed when he heard the words, "Don't worry, I can still support you. I will let you wear gold, silver, brocade, clothes, jade and food every day. You can spend as much as you like. If you don't have this ability, how can I support you?"
Xiao Concubine sat on the stool angrily, blushing, "I didn't mean that, but when did he become a leader?"
Zhao Zun held Xiao Concubine's hand, "Let's chat while eating."
The two returned to the Tianzihao room again, and Xiao Concubine lost her appetite, and the thought of the eldest prince taking away so much money gave her a terrible pain.
Zhao Zun smiled, "Don't worry, the money is not in vain. If I make any mistakes, he won't be able to run away. It's also a guarantee."
The eldest prince took so much money, if the emperor knew about it, he would definitely be suspicious, and even be impeached by foreign ministers.
This is also the reason why the eldest prince doubted Zhao Zun but did not tear his face apart, at least because no one except Zhao Zun could provide him in this way.
Zhao Zun stretched out his arm to pick up a chopsticks of herring, removed the fishbone and put it in the Xiao Concubine's bowl, "In the future, if you plot against the eldest prince, and don't look at the monk's face to look at the Buddha's face, he will not care about you either."
Xiao Yu's eyes lit up when she heard the words, "It's true, but if you let him take the money for nothing, I will always feel uncomfortable."
Zhao Zun smiled, "You just know it. If you get bullied later, I'm still here."
Concubine Xiao turned her eyes, "Then don't you think women are too barbaric?"
"How could it be? If you retreat three points, others will gain an inch. Only by biting hard can people feel the pain. Next time, if you don't dare to reach out, it will be the most troublesome thing."
As he spoke, Zhao Zun took a piece of jade lotus root and put it in Xiao Concubine's bowl. It was crisp and delicious, and Xiao Concubine took a bite and it made a crunchy sound.
Xiao Yu could not deny that what Zhao Zun said was right, "Although I don't know what you are planning, my father said that businessmen value profits and will never do useless work. It is a good thing for you to be so confident, and the money will be recovered in the future." , and it has to be paid with interest.”
Zhao Zunwei put on a serious face, "No, no, although businessmen value profits, not everyone does black-hearted business like this. Sometimes they have no choice but to do it. Besides, they don't plan on everyone."
Concubine Xiao thought for a while, then nodded, "You are right, but you still have to be careful, and get out of the dragon's pool and tiger's den as soon as possible, so as not to be tricked by others."
Zhao Zun pursed his lips, "In the past, I was a loner, and the whole family was not hungry when one person was full. Now Zhao is lucky enough to have a family. How dare he be careless."
Concubine Xiao chuckled, her little face flushed slightly, "I can't keep your mouth shut after eating!"
The atmosphere between the two was just right, and they ate happily.
next day
The Zhao Mansion held a small party and invited three or five friends to enjoy flowers and fish.
Zhao Chanling was dressed in a luxurious brocade and had a graceful figure, with a grip around her waist, her brows were lightly swept away, her eyes were bright and her teeth were bright, her cheeks were flushed, and her complexion was very good.
"Sister Zhao, this silk dress is really beautiful, and it makes Sister Zhao's face look even prettier."
"That's right, sister Zhao is born beautiful, the eldest prince is very lucky."
Zhao Chanling sat aside and smiled without saying a word, her waist was straightened, her chin was slightly raised, and there was a hint of arrogance and complacency in the depths of her eyes.
"It's a pity that the second cousin didn't come today, otherwise we could still get together and talk." He Yan seemed to have no intention of saying, "The second cousin has made friends with the princess and Miss Xiao Jiu, and I will definitely not be able to find out in the future."
Zhao Chanling frowned slightly in displeasure, she hosted a banquet for all the ladies today, but Zhao Xianer hid in the room and did not come out, people who didn't know it thought she didn't want to see Zhao Xianer.
"Bring the second sister here." Zhao Chanling raised her chin and said to the servant girl.
"yes!"
A gloating flash of joy flashed in He Yan's eyes. Zhao Xian'er was frightened that day, and it's time to vent her anger today.
"The eldest cousin is as beautiful as a peony, so she should be the most beautiful woman in Kyoto."
He Yanru looked at Zhao Chanling with admiration, and Zhao Chanling became more and more proud.
The number one beauty in the capital used to belong to Xiao Ying, but it was gradually spread to become Xiao Concubine. Zhao Chanling also heard that Xiao Concubine and Xiao Ying were inextricably related to the eldest prince, but Zhao Xianer and Xiao Concubine To be friends, isn't it against oneself
Someone mentioned, "Xiao Ying has already been expelled from the Right Prime Minister's House. The Eldest Prince is really kind enough to take her into the house as an aunt."
"Who can blame her for being depraved. Now she is a restless person in the manor. She used to be aloof and no one would look down on her. She is picky and picky. Now, a concubine is still trying to climb high."
Everyone covered their mouths and laughed lightly, their voices were full of contempt. Many of these noble ladies had some sort of feud with Xiao Ying. Now that Xiao Ying was in trouble, they naturally laughed.
"In the end, she's just a concubine. How can she compare to Sister Zhao? When Sister Zhao enters the mansion, don't you want to bow down and set rules for Sister Zhao?"
"That's true, if you don't like it, no one will say anything."
A few people were talking, Zhao Chanling smiled, "Aunt Ying just did something wrong in a moment of confusion, why bother with her, there is no need to lose her value."
Xiao Ying was like a thorn stuck in Zhao Chanling's heart, and she couldn't wait to go to the Prince's Mansion to embarrass her.
In the past, Xiao Ying was the eldest daughter of the high-ranking Xiangfu, but she was only the eldest daughter of Jing Zhaoyin. The status of the two was very different, and they had had feuds before.
Xiao Ying has a good face and great means, if she captures the heart of the eldest prince before she enters the mansion, Zhao Chanling couldn't help but clenched the veil tightly when she thought about it.
Just as she was thinking, Zhao Xian'er walked over.
"Second cousin, you are here. We have been waiting for you for a long time." He Yan seemed not afraid of big things, and smiled innocently.
Zhao Chanling snorted, "Second Younger Sister's temper is getting worse now, and she asks her again and again. I don't know if she has a new backer and looks down on us sisters."
After Zhao Chanling finished speaking, several noble ladies looked at Zhao Xian'er with slightly displeased expressions.
Zhao Xian'er chuckled, "What did Big Sister say? I know that Big Sister invited all the sisters and has been preparing fruit for them."
After Zhao Xian'er finished speaking, Liuzhu held a tray with several plates of fresh fruits on it, which were so bright and mouth-watering.
"There are still lychees in this season?" A noble lady was surprised, "It's really rare."
"The lychees were frozen in the ice cellar last year, and there are some other fruits." Zhao Xian'er said without blushing, and the mouths of several people were gagged with a few plates of fruits.
Zhao Xian'er held a plate and handed it to Zhao Chanling, "What did my sister say, she is now a noble person in the mansion, how dare I neglect my sister."
Zhao Xian'er wished she could strangle Zhao Chanling to death, so she suppressed her anger.
Zhao Xian'er hummed, and the anger in Zhao Chanling's heart seemed to have dissipated.
"My sister is a noble person now, if you don't dislike it, why not let my sister serve for my sister."
As Zhao Xian'er said, she stretched out her sleeves, peeled off the shells of the round and plump lychees, took out a piece of white meat, and put it on a clean plate.
Zhao Chanling didn't want to eat it at first, but seeing those noble girls scrambling to snatch it one by one, she ate it with great relish, so she reached out and picked one up and put it in her mouth, a sweet fragrance poured into her mouth, and she couldn't stop. Then put one in your mouth.
Zhao Xian'er peeled it unhurriedly, and soon Zhao Chanling ate a big plate, peeled off the last one, Zhao Xian'er wiped her hands.
"Let the servant girl bring some more, I haven't eaten such fresh fruit for a long time, it tastes good."
Zhao Chanling raised her chin and said slowly, Zhao Xian'er said in a low voice, "There are only so many in the ice cellar, there is really nothing left, it was just a whim, and I didn't store too much."
Zhao Chanling was a little disappointed, and smacked her lips, "It's a pity, we have to store some on the ground this year, so there won't be any when we want to eat."
"Sister Zhao is right. I'm used to eating light flavors this season, and I can eat lychees by chance. I've never felt so delicious."
One of the noble ladies had a mouth full of fruit pulp, and her speech was slurred, with a satisfied expression on her face.
There were only three plates in total, Zhao Chanling ate one plate by herself, and Liu Zhu felt distressed when the remaining two plates were divided up. These lychees were sent by Miss Xiao, but her lady didn't eat any of them.
Zhao Xian'er glanced at Liuzhu, "Go and get the pastries from the kitchen."
"yes!"
After a while, the servant girl was holding several plates of freshly baked pastries, peach blossom crisps, shrimp balls crispy golden and crispy, covered with a layer of golden yellow, sweet and delicious when put into the mouth, and a plate of drunken shrimps, sour and sweet. It was soaked in plum wine and had a tangy aroma, which quickly attracted Zhao Chanling's attention.
"Second cousin is really good at it. Where did you learn to write this? I'm not used to being served by second cousin like this."
He Yan opened her eyes wide, and without moving her expression, she returned Qingle's belittling words that day, as if Zhao Xianer was a slave.
Zhao Xian'er was not annoyed, "As the master, I should take care of the guests. In the future, everyone will visit He's house. Cousin, don't be stingy."
Zhao Xian'er cleverly relieved the embarrassment, and He Yan's face was slightly stiff, which was mocking her as an outsider.
Zhao Chanling didn't know what happened today, as soon as she ate, she couldn't hold it back, as if she couldn't stop her hands.
Seeing that Zhao Chanling didn't make a sound, He Yan curled her lips to make fun of herself, and didn't dare to continue to choke with Zhao Xianer.
About two hours later, it was getting late, and after the party dispersed, Zhao Xian'er helped Zhao Chanling back to the yard together.
"Sister, if you need anything, just ask, I will never refuse to help if I can."
Zhao Chanling's brows tightened, her lower abdomen ached and she gritted her teeth and held on tightly. Zhao Xian'er had no intention of leaving, and continued to talk.
"Ah, it hurts so much." Zhao Chanling's small face was slightly pale, and there was a layer of fine beads of sweat flowing on it.
"Miss, what's the matter with you, I will go to the doctor as soon as I can."
The servant girl was startled, she quickly supported Zhao Chanling to lie down on the bed, and the other went to find the doctor.
"Sister?" Zhao Xian'er pretended to be surprised.
Zhao Chanling looked confused, and then slammed Zhao Xianer's arm away, "You don't need to be hypocritical, did you tamper with today's meal?"
Zhao Xianer was surprised, "Sister, how can you say that?"
Zhao Chanling stared at Zhao Xian'er fiercely, "I'm fine today, and I became like this after eating the fruits and pastries you sent. It's not who you are. No wonder I'm so courteous today. I didn't expect to be so despicable and shameless. Zhao Xian Son, if I make a mistake, I will never forgive you!"
Zhao Xian'er bit her lips aggrieved, "Sister, I really don't have one, my sister wronged me."
"Stop being hypocritical here!" Zhao Chanling yelled, only feeling a heat flow across her body, and the touch of her tentacles turned out to be blood.
Zhao Chanling was shocked immediately, "Zhao Xian'er, you dare to poison me, you are so cruel, come, please come and invite father and grandmother over!"
"yes!"
Zhao Xian'er looked helpless on the side, unable to explain clearly.
Jing Zhaoyin was not in the mansion, and Zhao Chanling was the future concubine, so Mrs. Zhao attached great importance to it, and came in a hurry, asking, "What's going on?"
"Grandmother, she deliberately framed me and poisoned me. Now I have unbearable abdominal pain and bleeding. Grandma must decide for me."
Zhao Chan screamed with aura, pointed at Zhao Xian'er, wishing to swallow her alive.
Mrs. Zhao frowned, and looked at Zhao Xian'er, "Xian'er, what's going on?"
"Grandmother, Xian'er was wronged. Xian'er just presented a plate of lychees and a few plates of pastries to the eldest sister. Many sisters ate them. Only the eldest sister suffered from unbearable abdominal pain. Xian'er was really wronged."
Zhao Xian'er explained in a panic, and Zhao Chanling roared, "They all ate them by themselves, you peeled mine by yourself, maybe you poisoned yourself, mother, you must check the second sister carefully. !"
Mrs. Zhao's face was gloomy, and Zhao Chanling's painful appearance did not seem to be fake, she waited for the doctor in silence for a moment.
Mrs. Zhao thought to herself that if it was really Zhao Xian'er, her family's ugliness should not be publicized, which would bring a bad reputation to the Zhao family, so she dismissed a whole room of maids and women, leaving only a few confidantes.
The doctor came soon, Mrs. Zhao said, "Please doctor, please take a look at my granddaughter."
"The old lady is polite."
Through a silk handkerchief, the doctor stretched out his hand and touched Zhao Chanling's wrist. Seeing this, he almost fell off the stool, and his expression was very embarrassing.
"Doctor..." Mrs. Zhao's eyelids twitched.
"Doctor, am I about to die from poisoning, you must save me." Zhao Chanling looked terrified, she was not yet a concubine, she couldn't die.
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The second watch is around half past nine