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… Let’s go tomorrow.
Just at this time, several senior palace maids who were sent to guard outside the palace, led by the female official, asked for a meeting.
What could be going on at this time? Qiaochu felt a little strange and let her in.
The female official presented a letter and said, "Madam, this is from Concubine Shen's maid, A Xiu."
Qiaochu was startled and slowly opened the letter. The four beauties were furious when they saw it and cursed in a low voice. The beauties sneered and said, "The emperor must have ordered that no one is allowed to come to disturb us. Even Miss Dong Ning is not allowed to come. The soup and food sent by the queen were returned by the female officials. What does she mean by this? She can't come herself, but she wants you to go..."
Qiaochu said, "Come with me."
"Master, are we really going there?" The four were shocked, and the beauty also frowned and looked at her, "Master..."
Qiaochu stroked their hair, thought for a moment, and said, "Before that, let's go for a walk in the Imperial Garden."
The four great men and the beautiful lady were startled. The emperor's banquet tonight would be held in the Imperial Garden.
The two exchanged glances and saw that Qiaochu had a solemn face, as if thinking about something. Although they didn't understand why and hated Shangguan Jinghong very much, they thought it was a good thing for Qiaochu to go out for a walk instead of being bored in the palace, so they helped Qiaochu to put on makeup and change into a dress.
After everything was arranged, the four said happily, "Master, you are so beautiful... If you go there, you will outshine the whole place, leaving that bad emperor with nothing to look at but nothing to eat."
The beauty said, "What are you talking about? What do you mean there is nothing to eat?"
She thought for a moment and then added, "But I agree."
Qiaochu burst out laughing. What are these two kids saying
*
Imperial Garden.
Tonight, Prime Minister Lang also entered the palace to celebrate the festival under the Emperor's order. Although he was dismissed from his post, General Lang was promoted, and Lang Linling was a descendant of a country, which was still an honor for the family.
When the ministers saw Lang Xiang and Shangguan Jinghong saluting and toasting, Lang Xiang was full of shame and said that the old minister was guilty. He thought that Lang Xiang had been disrespectful to the new emperor in the past, and now Shangguan Jinghong was in power, so although the Lang family had made contributions, he would definitely make some sarcastic remarks. But Shangguan Jinghong just nodded slightly, drank the wine in his hand, and said nothing more.
Shangguan Jinghong was in a bad mood. Everyone could see it.
After toasting with his ministers and telling everyone to eat and drink to their heart's content, he looked sullen and asked Fang Ming to pour the wine, which he drank one glass after another.
With the emperor like this, who would dare to drink happily
Shangguan Jinghong and Emperor Rongrui were already estranged, and Emperor Rongrui could not persuade them. Someone quietly looked at Prince Ning, the Princess, the Queen, and others, but no one said anything. Only Concubine Shen suddenly held the new emperor's hand.
449
This was not the first time Shen Qingling had done such a thing. She had done it in the Prince Rui's Mansion. However, each time was sadder than the last. Shangguan Jinghong was not persuaded. He shook her off with a flick of his wrist. He showed no mercy in such an occasion. Everyone knew that Shangguan Jinghong was usually very cold to Concubine Shen. He would occasionally visit the Queen's Palace, but never to Concubine Shen's place. It was not known whether he was resentful of the Emperor Rongrui's marriage granting him that day, or whether he had another lover. But there was also news that Shangguan Jinghong had loved Concubine Shen, Shangguan Jinghong's cousin, since childhood. He loved Concubine Qiao and this woman, and he loved this woman first. Because he felt guilty about Concubine Qiao's death - on the day Concubine Qiao died, Shangguan Jinghong stayed with Shen Qingling. Although he was cold now, he still missed her in his heart. If he didn't love her, why would he confer a title of concubine after ascending the throne? Therefore, many people believed this statement. Shen Qingling was also determined. For so many days, she had been living like a cold palace. Although the palace servants were very respectful, they never came to see her. She came here despite her illness. Today, she must ask for clarification. As she was thinking, a eunuch's voice came sharply, "The Concubine Qiao is here." She felt cold in her heart. Seeing Shangguan Jinghong stood up immediately, she didn't even notice that she had knocked over the wine glass. Lang Linling glanced at her with a smile on her face. She felt an itch in her throat and smelled a fishy and sweet smell again.
*
When Qiaochu was led over by the eunuch, she was slightly startled when she saw all the royal family members and court officials standing up and kneeling to salute. She was just a concubine, and this was already the courtesy of the queen. She looked the same as before, but she was no longer Xiaoman. Shangguan Jinghong had his own set of rhetoric, and it was impossible for her to overlap with Xiaoman's identity. Xiaoman had followed Shangguan Jingcong, which would damage her reputation. So people thought that Concubine Qiao was reborn with the help of the immortal cultivator Lu Song, and Lin Xiaoman had died of the epidemic. Except for a very small number of people who knew that Qiaochu was Xiaoman, everyone thought that Xiaoman was just a substitute chosen by the emperor. Since Concubine Qiao was reborn, a substitute was no longer needed. Many people even speculated that Xiaoman was killed by the emperor because he was afraid that Concubine Qiao would be unhappy. However, this made Shangguan Jingcong suffer. Behind the scenes, many people talked about this prince who was forcibly taken away by his brother as a concubine. Shangguan Jingcong was once imprisoned and later released. He also came tonight and was staring at Qiaochu with dark eyes. No one knew what he was thinking. But perhaps to him, Lin Xiaoman was just a substitute for his sister-in-law.
He did not turn against the emperor, and the emperor was still close to him. Many people have speculated on this question, but the affairs of the royal family are the most unpredictable, so who knows. Although no one knows the inside story, it is a fact that Qiaochu and the emperor had an unhappy relationship, and the news has spread throughout the palace—Qiaochu returned to the palace for more than a month, but the palace door was closed. The emperor did not deliberately conceal it, and he did not care about prestige. So everyone knew that it was not that the emperor did not want to favor this woman. The emperor wanted to, but she did not want to. She had the capital. The emperor loved her deeply, starting from when she was still a concubine. Since she woke up, the emperor ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to send the beautiful girls in the palace back to their hometowns, and also announced that when seeing her, they should perform the same etiquette as the queen. Of course, everyone was delighted to see her coming. Prince Ning and others were there for Shangguan Jinghong; the court officials were not only attracted by her beautiful face and clothes, but also secretly relieved that the emperor finally saw Qing's face. Although Shangguan Jinghong had been as strict as usual in the court these days, his temper had also come out. Several officials made small mistakes and almost lost their lives. Qiaochu thought in her heart that she had to talk to Shangguan Jinghong about this matter. This kneeling ceremony belonged to Lang Linling, even though Shangguan Jinghong had given Lang Linling and the Lang family the greatest honor. She also noticed Shangguan Jingcong's smiling and mocking gaze, and she felt uncomfortable. Shangguan Jinghong had already walked down from the table and waved his hand to let everyone stand up. He glanced at the eyes that met between the two, pursed his lips, but did not say anything, and only came to help her personally.
Her waist was gently embraced by the man. Qiaochu saw that his eyes were shining and his lips were covered with delicate lines. His big hand took the opportunity to hold her hand. In front of everyone, she couldn't break free, and she couldn't bear to do it. They were not far from the platform, but they didn't see him after walking for a long time. He held her and walked very slowly. It was quiet all around, but everyone's eyes were strange. Qiaochu couldn't help but say softly: "How can I be so delicate? Walk faster. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at by others if you move like this?" "Who dares to laugh! I just think it's too fast... Chu'er, you are so beautiful tonight... This bright red phoenix robe looks so good on you." His low voice murmured in her ears. Qiaochu's body trembled slightly, and the words "I still wear the blue bird brocade robe" were about to blurt out. The hands of the two people holding each other were wet at this time. The sweat was not known whether it was his or hers. The feeling of sweat was uncomfortable, but Qiaochu suddenly didn't want to break free anymore.
At this time, Lang Linling came down from the stage. Qiaochu hesitated for a moment, but still wanted to break free and greet the queen. However, Shangguan Jinghong refused to let go. His expression was extremely gentle, but his hands were strong. Lang Linling saw it, and felt bitter in her heart, but she still smiled and said, "Sister Qiao, do you still need to be so formal with your sister? Your Majesty, I have drunk a few more glasses of wine and I am a little drunk. I will take my leave first." The people present observed the words and expressions. Prince Ning and Dong Ning took the lead in taking their leave, and the ministers followed suit and asked Shangguan Jinghong to leave. It was rare for this lady to come. Under the queen's advice, everyone was sensible and left time for these two. Shangguan Jinghong was indeed very happy. His eyes were soft and warm when he looked at Qiaochu, but sharp as a sword when he looked at everyone. At this time, there was a hint of satisfaction in his sword-like eyes. Everyone left as soon as he said that. Prime Minister Lang and General Lang looked at each other. Although they felt sad, they could only sigh. Shangguan Jinghong was a powerful monarch, and he favored the most powerful person, and no one could change his mind. Although the Lang family had military power, Shangguan Jinghong issued an order, General Lang led the army, and King Ning supervised the army. He personally held most of the military power. Later, he gave General Lang the title of Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness, and announced it to the world, stating that he was loyal and brave. On the one hand, it was a commendation, and on the other hand, it was a restriction. Prime Minister Lang had done something against the will of heaven. If the Lang family made any more mistakes, they would lose the trust of the people of the world and be considered disloyal and unjust, bringing disgrace to the family.
So, at this moment, what else can they say? Moreover, although Shangguan Jinghong did not love Lang Linling, he gave her and the Lang family enough respect. Before the banquet, he picked out the best tributes sent by local officials and gave them to Lang Linling. Only reward this queen. Emperor Rongrui also sighed, and looked at Qiaochu with deep apology. Qiaochu saw that he was alone with Concubine Li, and shook her head, indicating that the past was the past. She saw Shangguan Jinghong's thin lips slightly opened, and was about to leave first - the discussion was not urgent tonight. She came here, first to see him, to see if Shangguan Jingcong was okay, and second for Shen Qingling, to wait and see the purpose of her sending the letter. She was in the palace, and she was still very confident in Shangguan Jinghong's "security" work. Shangguan Jingcong would never take her away now, but she had to pay attention to Shen Qingling here, and she could not ignore every link that might be affected.
Just as she was thinking of Shen Qingling, she heard a dull sound. It was Shen Qingling, who was standing next to Shangguan Jinghong on the high platform, who suddenly stood up and seemed to want to come down, but suddenly fell on the platform. Shangguan Jinghong frowned, and Qiaochu felt that her sweaty hands were suddenly empty. She smiled and glanced at the two maids standing far behind her. Although the four girls and the beauty were shocked and surprised, they quickly followed her signal and quietly retreated into the crowd. People were shocked and followed Shangguan Jinghong to stride towards Shen Qingling and also stepped forward. "Sister Qiao..." In the slight chaos, when Qiaochu left quickly, she heard the anxious voices of Dong Ning Peilan and others. She did not answer, but disappeared into the flowers and trees under the queen's thoughtful eyes. …
In front of the stage, Ah Xiu supported the half-conscious Shen Qingling, and said in panic and sobbing: "Your Majesty, please save my mistress. She caught a cold a month ago. Because she missed Your Majesty, her condition has not improved, but worsened. She also didn't let me report to Your Majesty, saying that even if I reported it to Your Majesty... Your Majesty would never come to see her... My mother insisted on coming here tonight to see Your Majesty, but who knew..." Shangguan Jinghong stared at Shen Qingling's pale face with a deep gaze. He glanced at several doctors in the Imperial Hospital. They knelt down in fear. The hospital director said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, it was your mother who did not report it. It was not our ministers who intentionally deceived..." It would be fine if it was a contagious serious illness, but if it was an injury, which concubine in the palace would not report it to the emperor? It was indeed not their responsibility. Unexpectedly, Shangguan Jinghong got angry at this time and said coldly: "If anything happens to Concubine Shen, I will definitely hold you accountable." Dong Ningfang whispered, "Brother, sister-in-law Qiao is gone." He raised his eyes slightly around and finally picked up the unconscious Shen Qingling. It seemed that he was going to go to Shen Qingling's palace to treat her in person. ———————
450
Qiaochu was about to disappear, but light and sound were already coming from the gap.
…
The lights in the house were turned on.
Shangguan Jinghong did not put Shen Qingling on the bed, but only placed her on the couch to make it more convenient for him to treat her.
The rest of the people at the banquet left. Although Prince Ning, Zong Pu, Pei Lan, Dong Ning and others had long distanced themselves from Qing Ling, Qiao Chu had woken up and no longer hated her as much as before. Thinking of their old friendship, they still came over and waited outside the house.
Inside the room, a group of imperial physicians were standing below, not daring to breathe. Shen Qingling's condition was not serious before, so they hoped that nothing would happen now.
Lao Tie, Fang Ming and others followed Shangguan Jinghong. Lang Linling, as the head of the harem, also waited by the side to show her concern.
Ah Xiu was wiping her tears beside her. Shangguan Jinghong's eyes were always cold, but he was very fast and accurate. After a few injections, Shen Qingling's brows slightly frowned, showing signs of waking up.
Fang Ming personally wiped the sweat off Shen Qingling's forehead. Seeing that she was trembling as if she was afraid of the cold, he ordered the palace maid to bring a thin quilt to cover her.
Several imperial doctors were surprised and envious. The emperor's medical skills were beyond their reach. If this continued, their jobs would be in jeopardy. The director was about to say a few good words for them, but Lang Linling glanced at Shen Qingling and interrupted him before he could say anything. "Your Majesty, I had originally agreed with you to have a few drinks in your palace after the banquet. Tonight, there have been various situations, and now... I'd better go back first."
As she spoke, she leaned over and said to Shen Qingling, "Sister Shen, take good care of yourself and don't let illness ruin your body. The time in the palace is good and the emperor is thinking about you. You need to live a long and healthy life."
If a lifetime is filled with such lonely days, it will drive people crazy. What's the point of living a long life? Shen Qingling sneered in her heart when she heard the thorn in her words. Ever since the day she saw Shangguan Jinghong and Qiaochu being intimate in the side hall, she has been depressed and started to fall ill. She concealed it intentionally to draw out Shangguan Jinghong's true heart. Today, she soaked in ice water for several minutes in advance. Although the illness broke out just now during the intimacy between Qiaochu and Shangguan Jinghong, it was half fake, but also half real.
Although Lang Linling is not as good as Qiaochu, she is also extremely hateful, making people want to get rid of her as soon as possible. Just wait - she has figured out Shangguan Jinghong's feelings, and just now she let Qiaochu go. In the end, he was worried about her. What she needs now is a chance to be with him and talk things out.
At this time, she would not act on impulse and cause trouble. She struggled to sit up with Fang Ming's support and said, "Thank you for your concern, Queen. I will remember your words. I will visit you again after I recover. Ah Xiu, take Queen out."
Lang Linling smiled coldly and said nothing more, but she did not leave immediately. Seeing this, Shen Qingling continued, "Uncle Tie, tell Prince Ning and the others that I am still fine, and let them go back and rest. Steward Fang, tell the imperial kitchen to prepare some light dishes for me. The emperor only drank some wine tonight and did not eat any food."
After hearing this, Lang Linling's expression became even colder, thinking that Shen Qingling really wanted to keep Shangguan Jinghong. She secretly looked at Shangguan Jinghong - after he had finished acupuncture, he asked the eunuch to pass him a jade basin as a doctor's habit, and was washing his hands. His face was very calm, and he did not refute. She couldn't help but feel a little pain in her heart: he was going to stay after all.
Lao Tie and Fang Ming did not respond immediately. Looking at Shangguan Jinghong, he was no longer the same as before. They only listened to Shangguan Jinghong's orders or Shangguan's orders.