Zhao Qinglin heard a gentle smile curled up at the corner of her mouth, she saw light in her eyes, and her whole body became more active.
"Mother, don't worry, your daughter understands everything."
Mrs. Zhao was relieved now, she was in a much happier mood, and after a few more careful instructions, she suddenly said, "Your aunt is soft-hearted, and you have to wear plain clothes when you enter the palace tomorrow, so that your aunt can feel sorry for you. How much weight has been lost every day."
"Mother, don't worry. My daughter is fine. Maybe I haven't slept well in the past few days, and I'm a little mentally ill. I'll be fine after two days of recuperation."
As for the other things, Zhao Qinglin acquiesced. Mrs. Zhao was extremely pleased to see her daughter so well-behaved and sensible, "It's a pity that Your Highness was confused for a while, and didn't know how to cherish you, so she wanted to pamper such a savage person."
Mrs. Zhao felt unfair for Zhao Qinglin even thinking about it, if not, that position should belong to the Zhao family.
"Mother, the future will be long." Zhao Qinglin said with a smile while holding Mrs. Zhao's wrist tightly.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhao soothed her eyebrows, "That's right, the future is long, and there are some things that cannot be rushed."
In the early morning of the next day, Zhao Qinglin changed into simple and elegant clothes, with only a slanted step in her hair for embellishment, her whole person was elegant and refined, with a special charm.
Zhao Qinglin first went to greet Queen Zhao, and Queen Zhao held Zhao Qinglin tightly, and the corners of her eyes couldn't help but feel sour.
"Good boy, I have wronged you."
Zhao Qinglin shook her head and said with a smile, "Auntie, Qinglin doesn't feel wronged, maybe it's because Qinglin and her cousin haven't met their fate yet."
Zhao Qinglin's generosity and conversation made Queen Zhao very satisfied, but it's a pity that she is a child with a hard life.
Queen Zhao picked up the topic and did not continue.
At this time, Nanny Li said, "Your Majesty, Concubine Yun is here."
After the words fell, Concubine Yuncai walked in with a slim bead skirt and a gorgeous face, "My concubine pays her respects to the empress."
Empress Zhao raised her hand in the air, "There's no need to be polite, get up quickly."
"Grandmother heard that the empress is going to visit Lingshan Temple tomorrow, so she specially asked the concubine to bring the Diamond Sutra, and wanted the empress to worship it in front of the Buddha."
Concubine Yun Fang spoke clearly, her manner was elegant and generous, and she was very personable. She quickly raised her eyes to look at Zhao Qinglin while she was speaking.
Zhao Qinglin saw it clearly, and pursed her lips. These two people were supposed to be fighting for life and death, but now they were suffering from the same disease, and being suppressed by a woman, they actually felt sympathetic to each other.
"Okay, let's leave it alone, just send a maid to go over this kind of thing, why come here in person."
Empress Zhao was also out of sympathy for Concubine Yun, with a gentle attitude, and did not make things difficult for Concubine Yun, Concubine Yun smiled, "The concubine also came by to pay her respects, it's all right."
The three talked for a while, and Concubine Yun stepped back. Empress Zhao was in a state of lethargy, and she squinted after a while.
"Mother Li, I'm going out for a walk." Zhao Qinglin whispered.
"Hey, this old slave asked Caiyun to accompany you."
Zhao Qinglin waved her hand, "No need, I want to sit alone, it's not the first time I've come to my aunt's palace, don't worry."
Nanny Li nodded and watched Zhao Qinglin go out.
Zhao Qinglin went out, walked a few more steps, and indeed saw Concubine Yun in the pavilion outside Fengqi Palace.
Concubine Yun was not surprised to see Zhao Qinglin approaching, "Miss Zhao."
"I don't know why the side concubine is looking for Qinglin?" Zhao Qinglin said indifferently, she found a stool and sat down, surrounded by water, and the location was relatively remote, no one came and went.
Consort Yun smiled, "Originally we could be a pair of sisters. It doesn't matter who wins or loses between you and me, at least it's fair. Now Miss Zhao has to wait for fifteen years, and I..."
Concubine Yun Chou sneered, clenched her hands unconsciously, and a cold light flashed in her eyes.
Zhao Qinglin lowered her eyebrows and smiled, "What am I supposed to do? The side concubine is already His Highness's woman, so why worry? If you do something that you shouldn't do, it will only make His Highness even more angry. It's better to wait and see." It changes."
Seeing that her attitude was neither soft nor hard, Consort Yun could not help but sneer, "Miss Zhao, don't bet on the wrong bet, His Highness won't listen to what your uncle and grandmother say, let alone your empress. Miss Zhao must have never met Princess Yihe, right?"
Zhao Qinglin squinted her eyes, not knowing why, she had indeed never seen Concubine Xiao, but she heard that she was arrogant and domineering, with a bit of beauty, but so what
Concubine Yun Zhe sighed, and looked at Zhao Qinglin before leaving, "Personal grievances aside, if one day Miss Zhao figured it out, feel free to come to me."
Zhao Qinglin squinted her eyes to see Concubine Yuncai meandering away with her maid, the phoenix hairpin on her head was a bit dazzling under the sunlight.
It took a long time before Zhao Qinglin returned to the mansion.
"Your Majesty, will Miss Zhao agree?" Nurse Cen was a little uncertain, but felt that Miss Zhao was also a transparent person, with a very good level of speech, and she was not easy to deal with at first sight.
Concubine Yun Zhe sneered when she heard the words, "It's out of her hands, since she promised to guard His Highness's body, she is doomed to be unable to get away."
Nurse Cen nodded, and Concubine Yun said again, "What does mother say?"
"Return to your mother, everything is going well. The princess said that she has some undecided ideas in the future. Even if you send someone to tell her, the princess will make up your mind for your mother."
Concubine Yun Chou heard the words, and the smile on her face became three points thicker, "Then wait and see the good show."
Empress Zhao wanted to go out of the palace, and Emperor Xiyue asked all the guards to protect her if she was worried. Empress Zhao didn't want to make such a big show, so she begged Emperor Xiyue, and Emperor Xiyue cut half of the people and sent three more accompanying imperial guards. The doctor followed.
After leaving the palace gate in eight sedan chairs, she changed into a luxurious carriage. Worried that the queen would feel unwell, Madam Li spread a thick blanket in the carriage and prepared a lot of tea and candied fruit.
Zhao Qinglin was naturally also in the carriage, chatting with Queen Zhao to relieve boredom.
"Ma'am, the princess is here." Nanny Li approached the carriage and whispered.
Queen Zhao hummed lightly when she heard the words, "Let the princess come in."
Nanny Li was a little embarrassed. Looking at the tall and handsome prince on the horseback, she couldn't help feeling frightened between her legs, and she was stunned for a while before saying, "Your Majesty, Your Highness is also here."
Queen Zhao stretched out her hand to lift the curtain, and sure enough, she saw Zhao Shou was by the side.
"My son greets my mother. I heard that my mother is going to offer incense. It just so happens that my son cannot sleep well at night these days. I want to ask my master to take a look."
Empress Zhao couldn't help frowning, she glanced at Zhao Qinglin in the carriage, saw her lower her head, her eyes moved slightly, "Since we've caught up, let's go together."
Empress Zhao didn't believe it was a coincidence, when she met Xiao Concubine a year ago, Zhao Zun always defended Xiao Concubine, and it was like this again today, Empress Zhao sighed helplessly.
Zhao Qinglin unconsciously followed her line of sight, a wry smile appeared from the corner of her mouth, and her heart felt as if she had been pricked by a needle.
The curtain was raised, and a beautiful figure came in, making the whole carriage brighter.
Zhao Qinglin was stunned. She had heard that Concubine Xiao had an outstanding appearance, but she did not expect to be such a stunning beauty. Her skin was as creamy and as white as porcelain. Her delicate face and facial features were outstanding, especially those shining eyes. , like two stars shining.
"Yihe has met the empress." Xiao Yu's soft and crisp voice was as sweet as a lark, and one couldn't help stretching his brows.
Empress Zhao nodded slightly, "You don't need to be too polite, just sit down."
Xiao Yu was not polite, she found a seat and sat down, and smiled at Zhao Qinglin who was opposite, as a greeting.
"Princess." Zhao Qinglin smiled friendly.
"This is the eldest daughter of the Zhao family, the most beloved niece of the palace, Yihe, you are new to Shengjing, and you are not very familiar with Xiyue. If you feel bored, just find a companion, and you are young girls of the same age. Girl, it's easier to talk to."
Empress Zhao was a bit resistant to Concubine Xiao in her heart, but she was not disgusted, with a faint smile on her face.
Concubine Xiao pretended not to understand Empress Zhao's hidden meaning, and said with a light smile, "How can Yihe bother Miss Zhao? Yihe is used to being a loner, I'm afraid it will take some time to get used to it."
Zhao Qinglin couldn't help being surprised when she heard the words, she didn't expect Xiao Concubine to be so direct, whether it was because of her temper, or because she was spoiled.
Empress Zhao was slightly taken aback, looked at Concubine Xiao, and the smile on her face faded a lot, "Does Yihe have no friends in Dongming, do you have sisters at home?"
"There are two concubine sisters in the family, but they are not very close. Princess Qingle has the most contact with her on weekdays. The rest of them have very little contact. Yihe has a weird temper. If they don't have the same temperament, they won't have much affection when they get together. .”
Xiao Concubine's words clearly told Queen Zhao that she and Zhao Qinglin were not on the same page!
Xiao Concubine said with a sweet smile, she didn't know if she said it on purpose, or she was straightforward and had no scruples, no matter what it was, Queen Zhao didn't like it.
"In less than a month, we should get married. According to Xiyue's rules, the two of you are not allowed to meet before the wedding. It is a good omen for the future. Yihe, do you have someone who understands the rules?"
Empress Zhao's voice was very soft, she deliberately lowered the volume, and could only be heard in the carriage, like an elder who was worried about Concubine Xiao.
Xiao Concubine opened her eyes and spoke nonsense, with an innocent face, "My Lady, Dong Ming also follows the rules, but when My Lady invites you, Yihe has to obey. I never thought I would meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Empress Zhao was blocked back by Xiao Concubine neither soft nor hard, her face froze.
"Auntie, it's a good thing that my cousin is destined to be with the princess. The princess has a long life, and my cousin will definitely last forever."
Zhao Qinglin echoed softly from the side, relieving the awkward atmosphere.
Empress Zhao smiled again, nodded, and turned to look at Zhao Qinglin.
Zhao Qinglin pretended to be generous and smiled, the flash of disappointment in her eyes did not escape Queen Zhao's eyes, which made Queen Zhao feel sorry for Zhao Qinglin even more.
Empress Zhao didn't mention anything else along the way, she only talked about ordinary topics, Zhao Qinglin was very friendly to Concubine Xiao, she looked like a pair of sisters who had a good relationship.
Xiao Yu also echoed a few words from time to time.
After more than an hour, the carriage stopped, the maid raised the curtain, the guards brought a small stool, and Nanny Li helped Empress Zhao get off the carriage.
Zhao Qinglin followed closely behind, and Xiao Yu was the last to get off the carriage.
Lingshan Temple is a national temple, and the incense is at its peak. The master Banruo here is a master of the world. Twenty years ago, Empress Zhao came to Lingshan Temple once, and Master Banruo approved the order for Queen Zhao.
Twenty years later, Empress Zhao set foot in Lingshan Temple again, feeling a long-lost familiarity.
Zhao Qinglin glanced sideways at Zhao Zun, and saw that he was in a good mood with a faint smile on his face. The whole person was immersed in the sun, and his Qingjuan figure became more and more eye-catching. Zhao Qinglin's face was flushed, He quickly lowered his head and looked away.
From the beginning to the end, Zhao Zun didn't look at her once, Zhao Qinglin felt very frustrated, was she just so worried about Concubine Xiao, or was she afraid that she would be wronged.
"Let's go!" Empress Zhao supported the maid's hand and climbed up the steps step by step. Zhao Qinglin accompanied her, and Xiao Yu was one step behind.
Zhao Zunze kept parallel with Xiao Yu, with a distance of one foot between them.
After entering the temple, a young monk immediately greeted him and said respectfully, "I have seen the empress."
"Little master, you don't need to be too polite, I'm here to offer incense."
The little monk nodded, clasped his hands together and led the way, halfway through, Empress Zhao glanced at Zhao Zun, "The prince is going to the front to see his master, so there is no need to follow."
Zhao Zun didn't say much, he lifted his foot and left.
Empress Zhao glanced at Concubine Xiao, "Yihe, Mrs. Banruo is an expert, let her take care of you once."
Concubine Xiao nodded, everyone is here, can she still refuse
"Your Majesty, Mrs. Tai has been practicing in seclusion two days ago, and no one should disturb her." Nanny Li sighed, could this be fate.
"That's really a pity." Miss Xiao said regretfully.
Empress Zhao frowned, and looked at the young monk, "I won't go in to disturb the mistress, but I just have a few questions I want to ask the mistress, please ask the mistress to clarify."
Hearing the words, the little monk had no choice but to nod his head, "In that case, the lady will write it down."
As soon as the words fell, someone immediately went to get a pen, ink, paper and inkstone. Empress Zhao looked sideways, "Yihe, what is your birthday horoscope, I asked the teacher to combine the horoscope with the prince for you."
Xiao Yan's eyes moved slightly, and she wrote a line of words on the paper. The unruly cursing is amazing. It is really rare for a woman to practice wild cursing.
When the pen fell, Nanny Li happened to bring a cup of tea, but for some reason, she twisted her foot and touched Concubine Xiao.
"Damn this old slave, please forgive me, princess." Nanny Li hurriedly took out a handkerchief and wiped the corners of Concubine Xiao's skirt. The corners of Concubine Xiao's mouth curled up, "It's fine."
"Thank you, Princess, for your kindness." Nanny Li expressed her gratitude.
Xiao Concubine raised her eyes and glanced at Zhao Qinglin, seeing her slightly surprised expression, which disappeared in a flash, and soon disappeared.
Although it was fast, it happened to be caught by Xiao Yan, Xiao Yan just pretended not to know.
After handing the envelope to the little monk, everyone waited in the room. Time passed, and about half an hour later, the little monk returned with the envelope.
Empress Zhao couldn't wait to open the envelope, her complexion changed drastically, her fingertips turned white from being pinched, and Zhao Qinglin, who was standing beside Empress Zhao, also had an embarrassing expression.
Xiao Concubine raised her eyes pretending to be blank, "Your Majesty, what's the matter?"
Empress Zhao rolled up the envelope in her hand, and quickly settled down, "It's nothing, it's getting late, let's go to the front and burn incense."
Empress Zhao has been in a trance all day long, not knowing what was going on in her mind, she lit the incense twice in a row, but failed to insert it into the ash furnace, and even burned her fingertips.
"Your Majesty, be careful!" Mother Li said.
Only then did Empress Zhao feel a dull pain in her fingertips, she glanced at Xiao Concubine and then at Zhao Qinglin with a strange expression, "I feel a little unwell, let's go back to the palace."
After arriving for less than two hours, she went back the same way. Empress Zhao closed her eyes to rest along the way, her mind was always filled with the letter from Master Prajna.
Xiao Concubine and Zhao Zun are good characters, but the Xiao family is a concubine. The only other person, Zhao Qinglin, is Zhao Zun's daughter of destiny. Zhao Qinglin is born with a phoenix fate.
This passage seemed to be imprinted in Queen Zhao's mind, and it was read out time and time again, watching Xiao Concubine's expression getting more and more strange.
How can such a lonely person deserve to be a princess.
Zhao Qinglin was also stunned, surprised and annoyed at the same time, is Xiao Yu her nemesis, is she destined to be suppressed by Xiao Yu
After returning to the palace, Empress Zhao glanced at Concubine Xiao with a complicated expression, and then at Zhao Qinglin, "Qinglin, the sachet I made for me a few days ago has lost its smell, please help me make another one." .”
Zhao Qinglin nodded, "OK."
After returning to the palace, Empress Zhao was restless and pulled Zhao Qinglin all the time, "My good boy, I have wronged you, Madam Li, let someone invite Mrs. Zhao and Mrs. Zhao into the palace immediately, the sooner the better." .”
Half an hour later, the two hurried into the palace, and Empress Zhao told the matter. Mrs. Zhao was surprised, and stood up abruptly, "Master Prajna really said that?"
Empress Zhao nodded, Mrs. Zhao was stunned for a long time, then she glanced at Zhao Qinglin, wondering what she was thinking for a while.
"But in less than half a month, His Highness is about to get married. Is it true that Master Prajna's words are true, and that Qinglin will be suppressed by Princess Yihe?" Zhao Zihan said in a deep voice.
"I will never agree to this marriage. There are still fifteen days left. As long as we plan well, we will definitely make it in time."
Empress Zhao settled down, her eyes were firm.