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Cai Ning picked him up and walked towards the bed...
"Your Highness, although Cai Ning is a child of Xixia and is not bound by etiquette, if you and I..." Cai Ning's cheeks were rosy, and she glanced at her slightly opened collar, panting and said, "We still need to get married."
"Jinghao will definitely attend the princess's grand ceremony, but he won't be here... in the near future."
"oh?"
"The news of our meeting will surely spread soon, but today, the princess still rejected Jinghao."
Is the storm in Dongling coming? Cai Ning was startled, but the light in her pupils gradually became deeper. "Good, Your Highness. Haha, does that mean Cai Ning is still in love with the Iron-faced King?"
Qiaochu remembered asking Shangguan Jinghong a question before going to bed last night, why do so many women like you, you are obviously not good enough. Shangguan Jinghong's answer is interesting, he said, because being with me means sharing hardships, and I seem to have some ability, the feelings after hardships can be exchanged for things.
She asked, what can I change
Shangguan Jinghong smiled evilly and said, "This king."
As he said this, he suddenly pounced on her. One of them was ecstatic, the other was fearful and worried. They both wanted each other very much and almost had sex. Later, Shangguan Jinghong took a shower several times in resentment.
…
She smiled and was about to close her eyes to rest when the beauty outside the sedan said, "Master, we're here."
She got off the sedan chair and looked towards the palace in front.
I entered the palace today. This is Concubine Zhuang’s palace.
She was still feeling a little unwell today, and Shangguan Jinghong originally wanted her to stay in the mansion to rest, but since it was Concubine Zhuang's invitation, she did not refuse.
After all, Concubine Zhuang had raised Shangguan Jinghong, and was the mother of Shangguan Jingcong and Xiao Jiuer. Shangguan Jinghong and Shangguan Jingcong should come after the court session. According to the time, the court session should be over by now.
Today, Concubine Zhuang is congratulating her new daughter-in-law and holding a banquet in the palace to entertain the princesses of various kings. She said that she hopes all the princesses and Yinping will visit her more often and take care of the new concubine in the future.
"Sister Qiao, you're here."
After an affectionate call, two women came over and held her arms, one on the left and one on the right.
Qiaochu looked at the beauty helplessly, stopping her from beating him up, and replied, "Seventh sister-in-law, Tenth sister."
Ever since the incident at the Ministry of Justice, the two princesses' attitudes towards her suddenly changed. Sometimes they even invited her to go to the temple to worship gods and to have tea at their mansions. However, she was indifferent by nature and did not like to socialize, and Shangguan Jinghong was absolutely unwilling for her to associate with them. So Fang declined one by one and did not go for the social invitations.
At this time, several princesses came over and greeted her warmly. Some were the principal wives, while others were concubines. But even the principal wives were very polite to her.
Thanks to the current King Rui.
She shook her head and smiled, then, led by the female official, entered the palace with the other concubines.
When they got in, they saw Qiaomei had already arrived. She had a handkerchief wrapped around her face, saying that she had caught a cold and was afraid of infecting the sisters. Yinping was holding Concubine Zhuang's arm and talking to her. She looked cute and innocent. It seemed that the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law got along well.
Xiao Jiuer was also there. When he saw her, he was so excited that he immediately jumped into her arms. She then picked him up and talked to him. Concubine Zhuang scolded Xiao Jiuer a few words, but Xiao Jiuer just refused to leave. Concubine Zhuang had no choice but to smile at her apologetically. She just said it was okay, and then Concubine Zhuang started chatting with everyone.
Many concubines intentionally or unintentionally brought the topic to her and Qiaomei. Qiaochu laughed. She was finally the protagonist. She was not a talkative person and would rather play with the innocent Xiaojiuer. Qiaomei was a little strange today and spoke very little. I don't know if she was really sick. A gauze scarf covered her face tightly and she kept her eyes lowered, so Qiaochu couldn't see clearly.
Suddenly, Qiaochu smelled a fragrance, and she was startled. This fragrance... seemed familiar...
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"Qiao Fei?"
Qiaochu was a little stunned, looking at Concubine Zhuang standing in front of her, who was holding a box of pastry and handing it to her. She was far away just now, but now, a faint fragrance came.
The Tenth Princess beside him said, "That's impossible. How can we let Her Majesty distribute the food in person?"
"Look at what this girl said. We are all family. Why should we be polite? Besides, it is a rare opportunity for you to come here today. I am happy."
…
Qiaochu thought to herself that she was being too suspicious. With so many modern perfumes, it's not uncommon for people to use the same one. Not to mention the ancient times when perfume extraction was not well developed. Every woman's perfume was similar, so why did she suddenly remember the scent on Shangguan Jinghong's clothes that day? Besides, this was Concubine Zhuang, so what was she thinking of
"The incense your majesty is wearing smells really good. Is it new from the Xiang Tao Zhai in Jingli?"
The one asking the question was the Sixth Princess. The fragrance from Xiang Tao Zhai was the most famous and was used by the palace. It was also very expensive to buy outside.
Concubine Zhuang smiled, and Yin Ping replied first: "Sixth sister-in-law, the clothes and spices used by mother are all sent to the palace by mother's family. Mother's family has the best silk shop and perfume shop. The clothes and spices are made only for mother. How can they be sold outside?"
"Sister, it's Sixth Sister-in-law who asked the question poorly. Your Majesty's maternal family is extremely wealthy, and most of the products in their shops are specially designated for the royal family. It turns out that these clothes and perfumes are even more special, and are only for Your Majesty."
Concubine Zhuang smiled and said, “I have more in the palace. If you like, you can take them as you like.”
The concubines laughed and thanked Geng again and again.
"Sister Qiao, are you feeling unwell?"
Peilan's voice was slightly worried. Because her situation had changed, now that she was outside, Peilan was as warm to her as everyone else, which was natural, but the worry was real. Qiaochu knew that it was his excessive silence that made Peilan worried, so he quickly smiled and shook his head, silently breaking off some cakes to feed Xiaojiuer.
Xiao Jiuer was eating happily. Seeing Qiaochu was in a daze, he automatically put his head into her hand and took a bite. He was not a child who ate alone. He pushed the cake he had nibbled to Qiaochu's mouth and said in a baby voice, "Eighth sister-in-law, you eat too."
Qiaochu finally laughed. She didn't mind Xiaojiuer's saliva. Just as she put her lips close to hers, her wrist was suddenly grabbed by a strong force.
"Eighth Master..."
Following the polite greetings, Qiaochu looked up at the man in brocade robe who was holding her wrist. There was obvious displeasure in Shangguan Jinghong's eyes. He snatched the pastry from her hand and stuffed it into Xiaojiuer's mouth. Xiaojiuer screamed "Wow" and ran back to Concubine Zhuang's arms in fear.
Concubine Zhuang sneered, and everyone was stunned for a moment, and dared not speak. Concubine Zhuang could not be offended, and Prince Rui could not be offended even more. Also, Prince Rui doted on Concubine Qiao so much, and he would not give in to Concubine Zhuang. Qiao Chu was about to say something to smooth things over, but someone smiled and said, "The Queen is inviting all the princesses to the banquet. Do you mind if we come and have a meal?"
Qiaochu was startled, but saw that it was Prince Ning who spoke. There were seven or eight princes following him, all of whom came together after the court session. Shangguan Jingcong also arrived. However, for some reason, the newlywed Shangguan Jingcong had a hint of green between his brows that shouldn't be there.
Among the princes, there is no Shangguan Jinghao.
Shangguan Jinghao and Shangguan Jinghong are now at loggerheads. Concubine Zhuang had educated Shangguan Jinghong, so he would not come today when Shangguan Jinghong came to congratulate him. But the prince was the prince after all, and he had the bearing of a prince, so he did not stop Qiaomei from coming.
Concubine Zhuang smiled and replied to Prince Ning, saying that she was afraid she could not invite distinguished guests like you.
At this moment, Lao Tie suddenly rushed in from the door and whispered something in Shangguan Jinghong's ear. Shangguan Jinghong apologized to Concubine Zhuang and said that he had something to do and would be back soon.
Seeing Shangguan Jinghong's humble appearance, everyone thought that he was still considering Concubine Zhuang's face. It was indeed his taboo to get rid of Concubine Qiao.
After Shangguan Jinghong left, everyone talked for a while. Concubine Zhuang frowned and looked at Qiaomei, saying, "Why don't you come to my room to rest for a while? I'll have someone call you after dinner. If I had known that the Crown Princess was ill, I would never have let her go, so that she wouldn't have to come here sick."
Qiaomei said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, you are too serious. Qiaomei is just suffering from a minor illness. It won't cause any trouble."
Concubine Zhuang was still worried, so she apologized to everyone, said she would be leaving for a while, and personally helped Qiaomei in.
Qiaochu was confused, so he said something to Shangguan Jingcong and Yinping, and took the beauty for a walk outside the palace.
After walking for a while, they arrived at a secluded place. The beauty suddenly embraced her and whispered, "Who is behind you? How dare you follow Princess Rui?"
A young man dressed as a servant soon came out from the woods behind.
"Girl, you have good hearing."
He said, looking at Qiao Chu respectfully again, "Queen Qiao, my master wants to see you."
…
Thinking of the man's complexion in the palace, Qiaochu finally did not refuse and followed the young man into an abandoned garden. The beauty retreated into a field of withered flowers.
"How are you these days?"
Qiaochu could see more clearly now that Shangguan Jingcong's handsome face had become much thinner and he certainly did not look good.
"How about you? How are you?"
Shangguan Jingcong asked back calmly, but his eyes were full of deep ripples.
Qiaochu smiled bitterly. Before today, she was fine. Now, she didn't know. The incense from Xiangtaozhai was hard to buy, not to mention the homemade ones. She was suddenly a little afraid of Shangguan Jingcong and didn't know how to face him. She thought to herself that her thoughts were too crazy. It was all a misunderstanding. She should go back and ask that person clearly.
"Are you all right?"
At this moment, she was more worried about Shangguan Jingcong and asked another question.
Shangguan Jingcong suddenly laughed softly, and Qiaochu saw a hint of dejection in his eyes. His heart tightened and he took a step forward unconsciously.
Shangguan Jingcong stared at the pair of embroidered shoes that were still far away from him, and still smiled: "Qiaochu, I took this opportunity to ask you out today for no other reason, I just want to ask you one question, are you happy now? I heard that Concubine Qiao is very favored, but that's what others said, I want to hear it from your own mouth."
372
Shangguan Jingcong's words hinted at determination. Qiaochu was a little startled and uneasy, but he finally asked slowly: "If I am fine, you..."
"I won't look for you again."
Shangguan Jingcong also answered slowly, his pupils were gray and dim but also bright, two opposite emotions intertwined together, he seemed to be suppressing something, but staring at her, he smiled and said: "When we were young, my starling and I both liked to play in this garden. I don't know why, we didn't like each other since we were young, and we didn't want each other to come. My starling was in poor health when he was young, and we had a fight once, and I broke my starling's head..."
"The winner takes it all, so this garden is yours? How did it become such a dilapidated state now?"
Qiaochu looked at the broken rubble of potted plants all over the garden and asked with a smile. He was feeling sad, and the only thing he could do was to make himself smile so that the other person wouldn't worry.
"No, later my father got angry and closed the garden."
Qiaochu was startled. No wonder this place is so desolate...
"These days, when I go to and from court, I secretly look at Big Brother. There is a smile in his eyes. He was not like this before. I don't like him, but I know that he is also suffering. His change is because of you. I also keep asking about your situation. Everyone says that Concubine Qiao is very favored."
"Then I got sick and started having a dream. Every time I dreamed of this garden. Chuchu, this garden is you. I always wanted to get you, and I did things against my will for this. It's funny. Now I finally understand that what I did will eventually hurt you. My uncle told me that my father has already wanted to kill you."
"I will protect you."
Thinking of the emperor's murderous intention again, Qiaochu shuddered all over. She remembered what Jingping once said, that the man in purple was Shangguan Jingcong's man, and he was probably planning something to seize the throne. A warm feeling slowly flowed through her heart. She was happy that he finally let it go, but she felt sorry for him even more. She had finally let him down with all his affection.
"Jingcong, I still say the same thing. If you want the throne, go and fight for it. If you don't want it, then live the way you like. You are my best friend. Your good life is more important to me than anything else. You don't have to worry about me. Your brother will protect me."
"Your happiness is more important to me than anything else."
The sunlight reflected on his somewhat pale face, outlining his features very deeply, just like the sadness yet determination in his eyes.
Qiaochu reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes.
"Silly woman, don't cry. I have good news for you. Do you still remember the fox cloak I gave you?" Shangguan Jingcong looked at her lovingly and wanted to walk over, but quickly stopped.
"Of course I remember."
"This fox cloak is not simple. It was obtained by a local official of my Xia clan and first came into the hands of my grandfather. My grandfather doted on my grandmother the most. My grandmother's family was small, so my grandfather even let my mother's concubine take her mother's surname."
"I heard that Lord Xia Haibing is your family's adopted son. No wonder his surname is Xia, while your mother's surname is Zhuang. But what does all this have to do with fox cloaks?" Qiao Chu asked doubtfully, her heart suddenly tightening. She had a feeling that this good news might be quite significant.
"The fox cloak comes from a thousand-year-old white fox. It is said that he is the husband of the fox queen. The white fox died to save the fox king in a war between the fox tribe and another tribe. The war took place in the human world. The fox king was seriously injured and was hastily taken away by the tribe members. The body of the white fox was left in the human world and was later picked up by a hunter, who peeled off the skin and took out the inner elixir. Since then, the two things have been wandering in the human world for a thousand years until they fell into the hands of my grandfather."
Qiaochu listened in a daze, his mind on the white fox, and said absentmindedly: "They say foxes are evil, but can they be so affectionate?"
"Who said it can't be done?" Shangguan Jingcong raised his head and smiled, and continued: "The fur of the white fox was made into a fox cloak, and the inner elixir was made into two precious medicines. Grandpa gave me the fox cloak, and one of the medicines was given to my grandmother and one to my mother."
"Later, my mother presented the elixir to my father. My father was very happy and thought that my mother loved him. Unfortunately, my father was seriously injured and on the verge of death..."
"Uncle Tie?"
"Well, my brother went to ask the emperor for medicine. The emperor didn't agree at first, but it was my mother's request that he finally gave the medicine."
Qiaochu was surprised. He didn't expect there was such a part. He smiled bitterly in his heart. He and Concubine Zhuang had a deep friendship indeed - he just didn't know whether it was admiration or something else.
"Not long ago, my grandpa and grandma went to the mountains for a trip. My grandma was bitten by a poisonous animal in the wild and died a few hours after returning home. I remember that the myna said that it was from the inner elixir of the white fox.