Runhe forty-three years, a hot summer.
Jiang Shining was lying on the couch, reading quietly, while the hot wind occasionally blew through the window, lifting the hair on her forehead.
At this time, a person hurried in. It was Su Ye, Jiang Shining's most trusted court lady.
"Your Majesty, have you heard? Concubine Gu is having trouble again."
Jiang Shining didn't look up, she said lazily, "Why, she finally found the bracelet she lost three days ago?"
"It is said that a shadow guard stole it, and it is being beaten now."
Jiang Shining sneered.
"She won't even look for a dead ghost. How good it is to rely on eunuchs and maids, how can the shadow guards steal holy things."
"It seems that Concubine Gu is also in a hurry. I didn't put away the items rewarded by the emperor. It's hard to explain if I lost it now. The maid and eunuch can steal it casually, which only shows that she doesn't keep it strictly and doesn't take it to heart." Su Ye He also smiled lightly, "It can only depend on the identity of the shadow guard. The shadow guard is powerful and can be justified."
Jiang Shining didn't bother, everyone knew it was just a cover, regardless of whether Pin Gu's bracelet was lost by herself or was framed, her brother and father were leading the army at the front, the emperor couldn't touch her, and Pin Gu needed it It was to find a step for the emperor to forgive her.
This 'step' is to push all of this onto the servants. At that time, once the person is killed, everything will be fine.
It's just a pity that the innocent shadow guard had to die unjustly for the benefit of others.
Now we all know that Concubine Xiao and Concubine Gu are in conflict. Although Concubine Gu is a lower concubine, but with the support of her family, she will be promoted to the fourth concubine sooner or later, so no one dares to provoke her.
Gu Bin despises Jiang Shining the most. In her eyes, this Concubine Xiao has no family background, no roots, and she has come to this day only because she is charming with her beauty. In her heart, she feels that it is nothing great to offend a Jiang Shining.
"Ma'am, what are you going to do?" Su Ye asked.
Jiang Shining really didn't want to do anything at first. The matter of Concubine Gu's loss of the sacred object can only be let go this time, she has nothing to do with it.
Two days later, Jiang Shining was idling in the room practicing calligraphy, when suddenly, a figure appeared from a dark corner, came straight to Jiang Shining and knelt down.
"Mother... Mother!"
Jiang Shining raised her head and saw the female shadow guard in her room, Yinghong. Generally speaking, shadow guards never show up, and unless there is an emergency, talking to the young master of the palace without authorization is considered a violation of the rules. So Yinghong, who was kneeling, looked extremely fearful and nervous, but very firm.
Jiang Shining put down his pen and asked strangely, "Yinghong, what's wrong?"
Generally speaking, it is enough for the shadow guard to make fists with both hands when speaking, but Ying Hong, who was dressed in black and strong, bent her back and touched her forehead to the ground.
"Your Majesty, I beg you to save Senior Brother!"
Jiang Shining frowned slightly, not knowing what she was talking about, Yinghong had already opened her mouth tremblingly.
"Your Majesty, this subordinate knows that it is a serious crime to contact you without permission. This subordinate... this subordinate will receive punishment. I just beg you to save Senior Brother. He is the best shadow guard at our level. He shouldn't die like this." ah!"
"Which one are you talking about?" Jiang Shining frowned.
Yinghong raised her head slowly, her eyes flushed red.
"The shadow guard who wants to take the blame for Concubine Gu is him!"
Jiang Shining was taken aback.
Today is already the third day, is that shadow guard still alive
Yinghong seemed to understand what she was thinking, tremblingly said, "Concubine Gu wants to torture and make Mu Chi confess his crime, but senior brother is bloody and refuses to admit to death. It's been the third day of torture. I'm afraid... I'm afraid he won't be able to hold on any longer."
After speaking, Yinghong bowed deeply.
"I beg you to save him, we brothers and sisters are willing to put our hearts and minds to pieces for you, going through fire and water..."
"Yinghong, you are messing around!" At this moment, Su Ye said coldly, "Do you know that if the empress wants to save the shadow guard, she will be against Concubine Gu. Now that she is in full swing, we have to think twice about everything, how is it possible? Going to save people casually, have you ever thought that after this, the empress will bear all the targeting and anger of Concubine Gu? How can the two of you help? With your performance, I can directly report to the Shadow Guard Pavilion !"
"I..." Yinghong's face turned pale.
Female shadow guards are generally tougher than normal women, but Yinghong fell to the ground, her face pale.
Jiang Shining leaned back in her chair slowly, thinking about it.
"Actually, it's not impossible to save."
"Your Majesty!" Su Ye was taken aback.
Jiang Shining was thinking that sooner or later she would have to tear herself apart with Concubine Gu, not to mention what happened in the future, the three forces in the harem now are the Queen, Concubine Wang Guifei, and Concubine Xiao. Maybe she needs a chance to assert her authority so that she can win more concubines into her camp.
Without a family backer behind them, they need contacts and resources even more. Instead of waiting for Gu Bin to gain power and target himself, it is better to strike first.
Jiang Shining made up her mind, she stood up and said, "Lead the way to the Shadow Guard Pavilion."
…
In a dark dungeon, his vision was blurred by blood.
At this moment, the man with sword-browed, star-eyed and resolute spirit was tied to the wood on the verge of death, his whole body was covered with hideous scars, and the wounds were bloody.
A bucket of water was poured down his head, and Mu Chi coughed from choking, and regained consciousness in a daze.
A hand pinches his chin.
"Admit it, Mu Chi."
Mu Chi blinked his eyelashes slowly, and finally raised his eyes to look at his immediate boss. The man's face was covered with blood, but his eyes were clean and deep, making it hard to look directly at.
"... Why do you have to admit what you haven't done." His voice was hoarse.
"Don't you understand?" Ying Yi, the current head of the Shadow Guard Pavilion, said coldly, "There is no need to investigate who committed this incident. What is needed now is for you to obey the order and admit this incident." , to end the dispute! Do you know that if this incident continues, the entire harem will be restless?"
The corner of Mu Chi's mouth moved, it seemed to be a mocking smile.
"What does that have to do with me?"
"You—you are a shadow guard!" Yingyi said angrily, "You belong to the master, so naturally you must obey your mother's words!"
Mu Chi's head was as heavy as a thousand catties, he barely raised his head, and murmured, "I can die, but not like this."
Life is meaningless, he wants to at least protect his dignity.
Come clean, leave clean.
Can't even this tiny wish come true
Enraged by him, the supervisor flicked his whip and whipped it towards Mu Chi's scarred chest.
"You will die sooner or later. Even if you don't admit it, you will be forced to confess these crimes after death. What are you still insisting on?" Yingyi said, "If you admit it now, at least it won't be so painful."
Mu Chi let out a muffled snort. He was so badly wounded that he was whipped again, and he had no strength to speak.
However, he still shook his head firmly.
Yingyi was dizzy from his anger. Although Yingyi is the highest position among the shadow guards, the entire shadow guard system is suppressed at the bottom. If this matter is not handled smoothly, a single charge of neglect of duty is enough to make his head fall with Mu Chi.
At this moment, a shadow guard came in from the door.
"grown ups… "
"Let Concubine Gu wait a little longer!" Yingyi said irritably.
The shadow guard who came in hesitated to speak.
"Your Excellency, it's not Gu Concubine." He said, "Concubine Xiao is waiting for you in the main hall, and she said..."
"What else?"
The shadow guard raised his eyes and glanced at Mu Chi who was chained to the cross.
"She said she wanted Mu Chi."
Yingyi's head grew dizzy in an instant, he couldn't afford to offend any of these concubines. Concubine Gu has family support behind her. Concubine Xiao has been the most favored concubine for more than ten years since she entered the palace, and she is not easy to provoke.
The gods fight, and Xiami suffers.
He hurriedly threw down the whip, and while wiping the blood on his hands, he rushed towards the front hall.
Entering through the side door, I saw a young and beautiful concubine half leaning on a chair, and the maid next to her was making tea for her. To say that Concubine Xiao's peach blossom eyes are captivating and extremely charming. However, her temperament is indifferent and elegant, and the two distinctive temperaments are perfectly integrated in her body, which is too beautiful to behold. No wonder she has been standing all these years, and the emperor likes her so much.
Yingyi didn't dare to look, and knelt down in front of her.
"Concubine Xiao, why did you come here today? The Shadow Guard Pavilion is heavily stained with blood. If you have anything to do, just give me an order. Why..."
Jiang Shining interrupted him directly.
"Where is the shadow guard I want?"
"This..." Yingyi sweated on his forehead, and smiled apologetically, "Mother, now Mu Chi is the criminal of Concubine Xiao, I am not very good at giving him to you. If you think the shadow guards in your palace are not good, I can give them to you." You have a list of backup shadow guards, you can choose at will."
"I want him because he is Concubine Gu's criminal." Jiang Shining said flatly, "Concubine Gu insisted that it was the Shadow Guard who stole the things, but there is no evidence to prove it, and he must be convicted if he doesn't even have the stolen goods? If the shadow guard refuses to admit it, will you still beat him to death?"
"No, that's not the case," Yingyi said stammeringly, "The lady's words naturally make sense, the villain is just following orders, it's really..."
Jiang Shining sneered.
She was obviously as beautiful as a city, but when she sneered, it made people shiver.
"Yingyi, I know you want to be an exquisite person, but it's a pity that it's not so easy to please both sides." She said lightly, "Everyone knows what the truth of this matter is. But you are the only one who is easily implicated. Just one person. Think about it, if Mu Chi is convicted, you cannot escape the blame. When the emperor wants to kill you, can Concubine Gu say a word for you? She lost the sacred object and made a mistake, how could she intercede for you? .”
"This..." Yingyi's pupils rolled continuously.
"I'm different." Jiang Shining stared at him steadfastly, "I want to get Mu Chi off the hook and trouble Concubine Gu. This matter has nothing to do with your shadow guards, so naturally you don't have to be implicated. What do you think?" ?”
"Subordinates..." Yingyi was a little confused.
Jiang Shining smiled coldly, "Yingyi, you have to think carefully, it's very important to be with the right person. After all, me and Concubine Gu, who can be considerate to you?"
Yingyi thought about it, and finally made up his mind.
"Bring Mu Chi up here!" On the other side, he laughed and said, "Madam, that villain depends entirely on you to take care of it."
"It's easy to say." Jiang Shining said lazily.
Here, Mu Chi was dragged up by two people. As soon as he came in, the whole room was filled with the smell of blood. The man was beaten all over his body, his whole body was bloody and bloody, even Su Ye, who had always been calm, let out a soft cry and turned his eyes away.
Only Jiang Shining's expression remained unchanged.
Mu Chi was placed on the open space in front of her. Only his slightly undulating shoulders showed that he was still alive.
"Mu Chi." Jiang Shining said, "Did you steal it?"
Mu Chi Chiguo's shoulders moved, he barely raised his head, his eyes blurred with blood and sweat could no longer see clearly, only a blurry outline could be seen.
"...I didn't." He said hoarsely.
"You were beaten like this, why didn't you plead guilty?"
"If you want to add a crime, why do you have to admit it?"
Looking at this man, Jiang Shining's mouth curled slightly.
"Death is also innocent?"
Mu Chi's forehead was on the ground, and he didn't even have the strength to lift it up.
"... well-ashamed!" he said hoarsely.
Jiang Shining smiled lightly. She raised her eyes to look at Ying Yi who was sitting on the other side and smiled apologetically, her smile became colder.
"Wouldn't it be a pity to break his life like this for such a man of strong bones?"
"Yes, he is the best shadow guard in his batch." Ying Yi said quickly.
Jiang Shining was too lazy to talk nonsense, and took the people back to her palace.
…
Mu Chi woke up in a trance, as if he had a long nightmare. When I woke up, my whole body was in pain, but I was out of hell.
This is an ordinary servant's residence.
The shadow guard was more tolerant of pain than ordinary people. He was tortured for three days and was almost beaten to death. Mu Chi woke up after only a few days of coma.
His brain was in a trance, not knowing why he was saved.
"Brother!" At this moment, a voice sounded at the door, Mu Chi raised his head, and saw Yinghong walking in with a face full of surprise, and sat down beside him.
"Yinghong?" Mu Chi frowned slightly, "Why are you here?"
"I was sent to Empress Concubine Xiao, she was the one who saved you!" Yinghong sighed, "We will have a backer from now on. It's good that Empress is favored, at least you won't be bullied by your colleagues again."
Mu Chi's skill is one of the best among the shadow guards, and he could have sent it directly to the emperor and prince, but unfortunately, it is said that his background is not good, so he can only go down and become a temporary shadow guard that rotates in each palace. I didn't expect such a big thing to happen in the first rotation.
Mu Chi's head was dizzy, as if he remembered that he had indeed talked to this lady before he fell into a coma, but he couldn't see what she looked like clearly.
Ying Hong couldn't help but Mu Chi frowned slightly.
"Why did Concubine Xiao save me? Now that Concubine Gu is in full swing, she won't be punished if she loses the sacred object." Mu Chi pondered, "Everyone is waiting for me to take the place of the dead ghost and end this matter. Concubine Xiao saves me. What good is it? It can only offend Concubine Gu in vain."
Hearing this, Yinghong lowered her head.
"...I begged my mother to save you."
Mu Chi was taken aback.
"Nonsense!" Immediately, he frowned and said, "Since you have a master, why do you still do this? If you let Concubine Xiao suffer because of your personal affair, your death is not enough to apologize."
Yinghong was used to Mu Chi's indifference and alienation, but she begged her mother for help, but she put her own life aside, but Mu Chi didn't appreciate it at all. In addition, she felt that she was ashamed of her mother, so her eyes turned red like this.
Mu Chi's heart was complicated, and he felt that Yinghong's behavior was really sorry for Concubine Xiao who had been so kind to her, and worried that she would be implicated and punished for it.
After inquiring again, I found out that Concubine Xiao didn't ask Yinghong to report this matter to Yingwei Pavilion, which means she saved her.
In fact, Mu Chi is not afraid of death, and he doesn't want other people to be implicated because of him. He stayed in bed for another month, and the injury gradually recovered.
The servant has his own network, and he soon heard about the ups and downs during this period.
When Concubine Gu learned that Concubine Xiao had taken him away, she immediately lost her temper, and pointed all the suspicions at Concubine Xiao, making trouble in front of the emperor several times, hoping that the emperor would punish Concubine Xiao.
However, I don't know how Concubine Xiao was dealing with this. In the end, the emperor neither pursued Concubine Gu nor punished Concubine Xiao, and just regarded this matter as over.
But the matter passed, and the beams between the two ended.
Mu Chi didn't know why Concubine Xiao wanted to go into the muddy water. Could it be that she was just kind enough to save an unrelated servant after hearing Yinghong's words
No, this kind-hearted person has no family background, so it is impossible for him to be a concubine.
But Mu Chi couldn't think of any other reason.
He thought, Concubine Xiao saved him by tearing her face with Concubine Gu, so why would she call him once
As a result, Mu Chi came to Concubine Xiao's palace for two months, but no one came to him. Everyone seemed to have forgotten him. They didn't let him resume his work as a shadow guard, but they also remembered to bring him food. No one restrained him.
With such a serious injury, it is normal for a normal person to lie in bed for several months. However, the shadow guard endured the pain, and Mu Chi couldn't bear it in the second month.
On this day, Su Ye was busy instructing the maid in the small kitchen to make snacks for Jiang Shining. After working for a long time, she came back with a food basket. In the blink of an eye, a black figure suddenly appeared in front of her, grabbing Su Ye Ye took two steps back in fright.
"Bold! You, you—" As the eldest maid in power in Concubine Xiao's mansion, Su Ye just wanted to reprimand, but recognized Mu Chi, and immediately suppressed her anger, "So it's you, can you go down now?"
She couldn't say anything serious about the people Jiang Shining rescued.
Mu Chi nodded.
"When will Concubine Xiao summon me?"
Hearing this, Su Ye's anger gradually subsided, and she looked him up and down.
"Your Majesty is very busy on weekdays, how can you have time to summon you?" Su Ye smiled, "Why, you can't stay here just because you narrowly escaped death?"
Mu Chi slandered in his heart that all the concubines in the harem were sewing except for embroidery, waiting for the emperor's blessing, and they were so busy every day, why didn't they have time to see him
But on the surface, he didn't say anything.
"I just think that I should thank you in person for saving my life," he said in a low voice.
Hearing this, Su Ye sneered, "You really should be thankful. The empress almost dragged herself into this mess in order to save you. Fortunately, the emperor is famous, otherwise your few lives would not be enough to change."
Mu Chi didn't have any objection to her coldness. As far as he is concerned, people like Su Ye are right, each is his master. Like Yinghong begging Concubine Xiao to save him, it seems a bit unprofessional.
Seeing that the person in front of him didn't speak, and his attitude was not bad, Su Ye calmed down a little.
"Okay, I'll go ask the empress later, you go back and wait."
"Thank you, aunt."
On this side, Su Ye put all the snacks made in the small kitchen on the table, while Jiang Shining read a book.
"Your Majesty, come and taste the dessert just made in the small kitchen."
Jiang Shining turned a page.
"no appetite."
In ancient times, food was blown to the sky, and it was not comparable to modern food. Jiang Shining was dissatisfied, and he was used to everything for so many years, except for a stubborn stomach that could not admit defeat. As a result, she has eaten very little over the years.
Su Ye sighed softly, and said, "Madam, that shadow guard... do you want to summon me?"
"What's wrong?" Jiang Shining put down the book and asked, looking up.
She was very interested in this Mu Chi, especially because of his noble character, he would rather give up than give up. This kind of quality is rare in shadow guards—maybe they will clench their teeth in the face of the enemy, but they will carry out the master's orders 100%, for example, take the blame.
A shadow guard who is not willing to compromise. Interesting.
After Su Ye told what happened just now, Jiang Shining smiled.
"I thought he'd be lying in bed for months with such a bad injury," she said. "Now that he's down, let him come to see me."
"yes."
Su Ye went out.
After a while, Su Ye came back and said, "Ma'am, someone brought it here."
Jiang Shining raised her head, and saw a man in a black shadow guard uniform walking in behind Su Ye. Before she could see what he looked like, Mu Chi had already knelt down.
"My subordinates thank you for saving your life." He said in a low voice.
Jiang Shining put the book on the table and stared at the man's back, how many scars were covered by the black clothes.
"Head up," she said.
Hearing this, Mu Chi raised his head slowly.
After washing away the blood stains, he turned out to be a man with stern features and a straight nose.
Jiang Shining smiled lightly.
Although Mu Chi raised his head, his eyelashes kept drooping. As a result, hearing this chuckle, it was like being scratched by a cat at the apex of the heart, itching badly. He couldn't help but look up.
With just one glance, the man froze in place.
The concubine Xiao in front of her has a pair of peach blossom eyes, which are charming. Originally, she had a disastrous appearance, but she had a cold and distant look between her eyebrows and eyes, like a snow-capped lotus, with a pure temperament.
"Bold, Mu Chi!" Su Ye frowned suddenly.
Mu Chi met her gaze and was just so dumbfounded that he didn't move. He didn't bow his head in panic until Su Ye scolded him angrily. I didn't see the laziness and carelessness when I guessed this matter before.
"It's okay, Su Ye." Then, he heard Concubine Xiao say, "I'm beautiful, I know it."
"Your Majesty." Su Ye was suddenly helpless.
Jiang Shining pressed the back of his hand against his temple. Her fingers were slender, her wrists were slender, and the dropped sleeves revealed a little bit of her white wrists, which made Mu Chi feel at a loss, and didn't dare to look up again.
"Su Ye said you want to see me, what's the matter?" Jiang Shining asked.
Mu Chi lowered his head, opened and closed his lips many times, but he had long forgotten what he was going to say.
"This subordinate... this subordinate just wants to know if the empress has any arrangements." He whispered.
"I don't have any plans." Jiang Shining thought he was interesting, smiled, and said, "You can rest at ease and recover from your injuries. After you're done, you can stay with me or go back to the Shadow Guard Pavilion if you want."
"This subordinate is willing to serve your mother." Mu Chi said immediately.
"good."
…
After Mu Chi went back, he couldn't sleep at night.
He originally wanted to ask Jiang Shining why he saved her, but when he saw her, he suddenly panicked and his mind went blank. After reacting, he had already returned.
After recovering from the injury for another month, Mu Chi was in a daze more often. He always thinks of Concubine Xiao at every turn, and the passage of time did not erase all of this, but it made him want to meet her even more.
Only three months later, Mu Chi resumed his work as a shadow guard. He was brought back by the owner of the palace himself, so Mu Chi, who had been marginalized outside, was inexplicably placed in a very respectful position by everyone in the palace.
Normal shadow guards can only guard in the outer courtyard, but because the person who manages all the shadow guards in Concubine Xiao's Palace is his junior sister Yinghong, and she was brought back by Concubine Xiao herself, so except at night, Mu Chi can stay in the courtyard. Jiang Shining's daily activities are on rotation.
He watched Jiang Shining read books, practice calligraphy, draw pictures, play the piano every day, and occasionally sit by the pool in the courtyard for a while. Recently the emperor favored Concubine Gu more, and Concubine Gu confronted her again, so naturally he stopped the emperor to let him come.
But it seems that Jiang Shining is different from those dissatisfied wives in the palace. She enjoys her peaceful time alone.
When Mu Chi thought that Jiang Shining had such a cold personality, her two sons came to visit her.
It was the first time Mu Chi saw Jiang Shining smiling so sincerely, as if she had a mask with everyone else, and only when she was with Jingyuan Jingxuan, Jiang Shining was herself.
Mu Chi had no other thoughts in his mind, he just felt that compared with the past, the current life was like a difference between heaven and earth. No wonder the other shadow guards and servants like to work in Concubine Xiao's Palace, because Jiang Shining is a very nice person and never treats his servants harshly. Being by her side sometimes forgets that this is a turbulent dynasty, and it only makes people feel calm and meet.
Mu Chi is actually very easy to be satisfied, he doesn't feel much about death, and he doesn't have any expectations for life. The present life has satisfied him. At that time, he still didn't understand what his feelings for Jiang Shining were. Maybe he was grateful for being saved, and he also had a side of amazement.
It's just that, he thought, it would be nice if his career as a shadow guard could always be with her.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to seek stability in the harem.
A few months later, someone 'accidentally' found Gu Pin's lost bracelet while cleaning Mu Chi's former residence in the Yingwei Pavilion. This matter was known to Gu Bin and Jiang Shining at the same time, one side was overjoyed, and the other side began to try hard to find a way to reverse the situation.
"I really didn't steal anything from her!" In Concubine Xiao's palace, Mu Chi knelt on one side with a pale face.
"I know." Jiang Shining said in a deep voice.
At first, she really thought that Pin Gu had lost the things, but now it seems that someone did it on purpose.
"Your Majesty, you tried your best to protect Mu Chi before, but now if the matter of his stealing is found out, I'm afraid we will all be implicated." Su Ye said anxiously.
Before Jiang Shining could make a sound, Mu Chi's face turned pale again when he heard Su Ye's words.
"The subordinate is willing to commit suicide to prove his innocence!" He said every word.
At this time of anxiety, Jiang Shining smiled.
"If you're dead, you've done something wrong." Jiang Shining said.
"Do you want to inform His Royal Highness Jing Yuan about this?" Su Ye asked.
Jiang Shining shook his head.
"What's the use of telling him about the concubine in the harem?"
As soon as she lowered her head, she saw Mu Chi who was pale and bloodless. She thought he was afraid, so she comforted her, "Don't worry, since you didn't do this, I won't let them take you away."
Mu Chi didn't make a sound.
When Su Ye went out to inquire about the news again, Jiang Shining saw that he was still kneeling, and said, "Get up."
She lowered her head to drink water, but heard an awkward, low voice.
"... I'm not afraid that something will happen to me."
Jiang Shining raised his head and looked at Mu Chi.
"What?"
Mu Chi tilted his head slightly, refusing to look at her, and just defended in a low voice, "I'm not afraid of them. I just... don't want to trouble you."
Jiang Shining was taken aback for a moment, then smiled softly.
"I know." She said in a gentle voice, "You are a proud person, not afraid of death, but afraid of implicating others, right?"
Mu Chi lowered his head and nodded indiscriminately.
He felt Jiang Shining stand up and come to him. Then, a light-white hand reached out.
Mu Chi was taken aback, he raised his head, and caught Jiang Shining's smiling gaze unexpectedly.
This was the first time she smiled at him like this.
Mu Chi stretched out his hand blankly, and was pulled up by Jiang Shining.
"You have backbone, so do I." Jiang Shining smiled softly, "I won't let anyone touch me, you don't have to worry about this matter, I'll settle it."
Afterwards, Jiang Shining really did as she promised, going around and using contacts to find clues. Passed the conspiracy without any risk.
It turned out that the person who stole the jade bracelet turned out to be the Queen's. At first, she just wanted to use her hair to embarrass Concubine Gu, but because she underestimated the importance of the support of Concubine Gu's family, she couldn't move her.
The queen was itching with hatred, but she didn't expect Jiang Shining to save the shadow guard, so she immediately sent someone to put the bracelet in Mu Chi's original room, thinking that even if she didn't deal with Concubine Gu, it would be good to get rid of Jiang Shining.
But what she didn't expect was that Jiang Shining had a very wide network of contacts, and even many servants who were not hers offered to help because they had been taken care of by her.
Jiang Shining told Gu Bin about this matter. Although the two could no longer see each other, the queen was even more difficult to deal with. She couldn't let her reap the benefits of the fisherman, so she let the matter go.
Because of this incident, Jiang Shining and Mu Chi seemed to have a sense of comrade-in-arms.
Mu Chi felt that Jiang Shining was very special, not because of her appearance, but because of her personality.
In the harem, there are really too few people who are not surprised by favor or humiliation. As for Jiang Shining, no matter what situation she faced, she was so indifferent and gave people a sense of security. Mu Chi was protected by her, and he was even more convinced by her in his heart.
However, this was also the reason why Jiang Shining looked at Mu Chi with admiration. She felt that Mu Chi's personality was too rare among shadow guards and servants. Especially the shadow guards, who have been brainwashed since childhood, it is really surprising that Mu Chi still has his own personality and bottom line.
Jiang Shining knew that for the sake of mission safety, she should distance herself from Mu Chi.
But she didn't know why, she couldn't help it.
Sometimes Jiang Shining knew that he was guarding, so he would call out to chat occasionally. Some of his insights and ideas far surpassed those of the princes in the palace.
They had also talked about Mu Chi's injustice.
Mu Chi trusted her with all his heart, and even blurted out three words—
Why
He worked hard to grow up and survive the inhuman training. The Shadow Guard Pavilion wiped away his yearning for life, and made him not afraid of life and death, and the awareness that it is best to sacrifice for the guardian at any time.
It was as if he lived to die for others. Mu Chi admitted that he wanted to be a qualified shadow guard.
However, they not only wanted his life, but also his only dignity and innocence.
Why
During the three days when Mu Chi was beaten, he kept asking himself this question.
He who had never thought of rebelling, couldn't help but began to wonder why he gave his life for these people. But he couldn't get rid of it.
On this day, Mu Chi also asked Jiang Shining this question - why
Jiang Shining was silent, she couldn't answer. This is the iron order of this world. People can only judge their lives by birth. Some people are born rich and noble, and they can trample on others at will. But some people can only struggle hard, and they have tried their best to survive, but everything will be ruined because of a word from the other party.
Jiang Shining couldn't tell, the truth was too powerless and unfair.
Mu Chi gave her a fresh feeling, he has a very precious soul, which is so different in this era.
Sometimes, Jiang Shining even felt that Mu Chi was like her other side. Because of all the questions Mu Chi asked, she also questioned them. Like Mu Chi, her life was as insignificant as dust, turbulent and helpless in the huge world.
Occasionally talking with Mu Chi made Jiang Shining feel a little comforted - it turns out that in this world, she is not the only one struggling to get rid of the shackles and live, but also him.
Although the two communicated very little, the relationship between them became inexplicably and quickly familiar.
Even if he didn't speak, Jiang Shining knew that Mu Chi was also in the courtyard, so he would curl his lips.
However, Mu Chi was not as at ease as Jiang Shining. He was a little restless. Many shadow guards who have been with concubines or princes for a long time will be given seals to determine their masters, and they will not be changed in the future. The shadow guards without seals belonged to the palace and the emperor. But he has been here for half a year, and he is also on duty like the close guard, but Jiang Shining never mentions this matter.
He hoped that Jiang Shining would mention this matter every day, but there was no movement for a long time.
On this day, Mu Chi couldn't bear it anymore, so he went to Yinghong and asked about it.
"Master doesn't grant seals." Yinghong said to him, "The shadow guards in the entire Concubine Xiao Palace didn't grant seals. Master doesn't seem to like it very much."
Ordinary shadow guards don't show their faces in public, and if Jiang Shining doesn't grant a seal, others don't care.
Hearing what Yinghong said, Mu Chi was both relieved and a little depressed. He nodded, turned and left, but Yinghong kept looking at his back.
"Brother, I have something to ask you."
At night, Yinghong finds Mu Chi before her shift.
"What's the matter?" Mu Chi was taking off the black shadow guard robe in the room. Shadow guards train men and women together, regardless of gender, so he doesn't shy away from it at all.
Yinghong hesitated to speak. She held her breath to make sure no one was eavesdropping, and then whispered, "You... Do you have a crush on Master?"
Mu Chi was shocked, glared at Yinghong, and said sharply, "You are crazy to say such rebellious words, be careful that you will set us all on fire!"
Yinghong pursed her lips, and just said, "I just want to remind you that you are too obvious. If you go on like this, you will set the master on fire. The woman in the harem chatting with you, a male shadow guard, in private, if someone sees you what to do?"
Mu Chi was speechless, but Yinghong had already left.
He sat decadently on the bed, only feeling that his anger just now turned into anger as if someone had revealed a secret.
Mu Chi seemed to have calmed down now. He had lived so happily in the past that he was so complacent. Yinghong was right, if someone saw her, those who stared at Jiang Shining would definitely take the opportunity to drag her into the abyss.
He suddenly thought of retreating.
On the second day, Mu Chi didn't go to the shift, so he asked other shadow guards to make up for it, and he went back to the Shadow Guard Pavilion.
If he wasn't in Jiang Shining's palace, he would have to take shifts in other concubines' palaces. But at least the contact could be severed, and Jiang Shining's 1/10,000 possibility of being caught would be preserved. If he stayed in Concubine Xiao's palace, he couldn't help it.
When Jiang Shining called his name with that chuckle, Mu Chi couldn't help but listen to her.
He couldn't refuse her, so he could only stay away.
Mu Chi went to meet the director Yingyi, and expressed that he wanted to go to other palaces for rotation.
"Why?" Ying Yi asked.
Mu Chi was silent. After a while, he asked, "Is it okay?"
"You were rescued by Concubine Xiao, you are Concubine Xiao's person, which palace would dare to want you?" Yingyi sneered, "Concubine Gu will definitely want it, are you going?"
Impossible to go, if you go, you will die.
Mu Chi came out of the Shadow Guard Pavilion in a dull manner, his mind was in a daze. Just then, a sharp voice sounded.
"It's you, Mu Chi?"
Mu Chi raised his head, and unexpectedly saw Gu Pin's eldest court lady Qiuyue looking at him in disbelief.
Mu Chi didn't bother to pay attention to her, and walked away when Qiuyue said angrily, "Stop, according to our current identities, I'm still two levels higher than you, don't you dare not listen to me, be careful that I report to the Shadow Guard Pavilion!"
Mu Chi was not afraid of her suing, at best he would be beaten up. But he remembered Ying Yi's words just now, and now everyone sees him as Concubine Xiao's man, so he can't cause trouble for Jiang Shining.
So he stopped. Looking at Qiuyue coldly, "What do you want to do?"
"I would like to ask you, what are you doing in the Shadow Guard Pavilion?" Qiuyue said, "The Yin Yin Guards cannot leave the palace at will. Are you violating the regulations by doing so?"
Mu Chi frowned impatiently. Seeing her appearance, Qiuyue suddenly thought of something, and she couldn't believe it.
"You haven't been sealed yet, have you?" Qiuyue murmured, "It's been six months..."
"What do you want to say?" Mu Chi frowned.
Qiuyue smiled coldly, "It's a good time not to give a seal, our empress still wants to talk to you."
Mu Chi turned around and left, but Qiuyue didn't stop him, and ran directly to the Shadow Guard Pavilion, saying that Mu Chi committed the crime, and asked the Shadow Guard Pavilion to quickly control him.
"This..." the deputy director frowned, "but he belongs to Concubine Xiao, and we have no right to detain him."
"He hasn't been sealed by Concubine Xiao, so what kind of her is he?" Qiuyue said disdainfully, "Our empress said she wanted him before, but now he has no seal to represent Wuzhu, why are you still fighting with empress Gu?"
The people in the Shadow Guard Pavilion looked at each other, they had no choice but to send two people to press Mu Chi back first.
There was a commotion here, someone had already informed Gu Bin over there, and Gu Bin was immediately overjoyed, and came over with someone.
She was so angry that she hadn't vented yet, and she had hit a hard nail on the most obedient shadow guard, and she had long disliked Mu Chi. Now that Jiang Shining saved him just to anger her, and didn't even give him a seal, it showed that he didn't trust Mu Chi at all.
Even if he is already an abandoned son, then don't blame her for being ruthless.
Mu Chi was escorted to kneel in the courtyard of the Shadow Guard Pavilion, and the flamboyant Concubine Gu was carried in a soft sedan chair, stood up with the support of others, and came to Mu Chi.
"Have you seen it?" Gu Bin said coldly, shaking her fan.
The eunuch under her immediately bowed and nodded.
"I've seen it, empress, there is no mark on him."
Concubine Gu sneered, "If there is no seal, there is no owner."
At this time, Yingyi rushed over, seeing this scene, his temples twitched immediately. He had just said before that he wanted to submit to Concubine Xiao, but now that Concubine Gu is eyeing Mu Chi again, he really can't explain it to both sides.
Yingyi sent someone to inform Concubine Xiao, and this side came out to smooth things over again.
Concubine Gu didn't like to listen, and said coldly, "Your words are wrong. He doesn't have a seal on his body, so what if he came out from Concubine Xiao? If that's the case, he still came out of my palace first. It is my own business to beat him to death, you gave him casually, have you ever asked my opinion?"
Yingyi can only apologize. Gu Bin glanced at the shadow guard who was kneeling down again.
"look up."
Mu Chi didn't move.
The eunuch next to him immediately rushed over and forced Mu Chi's head up. Mu Chi was as cold as ice, and refused to even look at her. Concubine Gu took a closer look. She was flustered and didn't look carefully before, but now that she has done so, the shadow guard looks pretty good. It made Gu Bin feel better.
"I'll give you a chance to ask Ben Gong carefully." Gu Bin said lazily, "If you do well, I will save your dog's life."
"Did you hear that, Mu Chi!" Ying Yi urged in a low voice, "Why don't you beg your mother quickly?"
Mu Chi sneered and raised his eyebrows mockingly.
"The life of a villain is not worth the concern of Mrs. Gu." He said coldly, "If you want to kill, you will kill, where are there so many words."
"You!" Gu Bin was furious immediately, "Come here, let me beat him hard!"
The two eunuchs stepped forward, they had already prepared whips in their hands, and whipped fiercely at Mu Chi, tearing through his black clothes in an instant.
After smoking for five or six minutes, Mu Chi's shoulders, arms and chest were covered with wounds, but his expression remained calm. On the contrary, the two eunuchs couldn't move anymore, and couldn't even lift their arms.
"A bunch of trash!" Gu Bin immediately pointed at Ying Yi, "Come and beat him!"
Yingyi didn't want to offend anyone, he nodded and bowed, and then knelt down to persuade Muchi.
"Mu Chi, is it that difficult for you to say a soft word?" He whispered, "I beg Mrs. Gu, you will survive!"
Mu Chi slowly opened his eyelashes, looked at Yingyi, and said softly, "What are you going to do if you survive? Do you bow your knees like you?"
Yingyi suddenly lost his good face, waved his hands, and let the two shadow guards step forward to slap him.
The shadow guards were much stronger than the eunuchs, and they knew how to beat the most pain. After a few times, Mu Chi, who was originally calm, was already in a cold sweat, and his clothes were gradually soaked in blood.
Gu Bin watched from the side, only feeling angrier the more she watched. Apart from the occasional grunt and panting of pain, this hard-boned face is as cold as a dead man's face. It's really uncomfortable for a mere stinky shadow guard to be so arrogant.
"Don't you have any instruments of torture in the Shadow Guard Pavilion?" Concubine Gu frowned, "I have barbed whips and the like in my house, you should go and get one!"
The shadow guards were all under her coercion, and they were about to go back to get their things. At this moment, a voice resounded throughout the courtyard of the Shadow Guard Pavilion.
"—I see who dares?"
As soon as everyone turned their heads, they saw Jiang Shining in a long red coat rushing over. Her beautiful face was full of anger, walking from a distance, like a burning flame.
Gu Bin gritted her teeth and forced a smile.
"Sister Xiaofei." She said, "What are you doing here?"
When Jiang Shining came in front of the crowd, she looked at Gu Bin coldly, and then smiled lightly.
"Concubine Gu, should you salute me when you see me?"
Gu Bin's complexion changed, and she saluted reluctantly and perfunctorily.
"It's my sister's negligence."
Jiang Shining glanced at Mu Chi who was about to be semi-conscious, and suddenly felt angry—this fucking injury had only healed in less than two months before he was beaten up again. Does Mu Chi have the physique of a villain
"... Your Majesty." Mu Chi murmured in a low voice.
Jiang Shining looked at Gu Bin again, and said coldly, "Sister, what do you mean? He is my shadow guard. Isn't it inappropriate for you to go over me and hit someone?"
"My sister misunderstood." Gu Bin smiled softly and said softly, "This shadow guard does not have my sister's mark on her body, which means she is just an ordinary shadow guard. What's wrong with my sister teaching me a lesson? Since you don't want it, my sister will reluctantly accept it." down."
Jiang Shining stared at Pin Gu, who smiled softly.
She was already good-looking, and she was so beautiful when she smiled, but Gu Bin didn't know why she had goosebumps on her back.
"Give the seal." Jiang Shining stared at her and said coldly.
Concubine Gu was taken aback, but still didn't understand what Jiang Shining meant, so she saw two eunuchs under Jiang Shining coming over with an iron bucket, one of them waved away the eunuch next to Concubine Gu, and he stretched out his hand to push Mu Chi away. Chi's front was broken into pieces, revealing the man's firm and powerful chest covered with old and new scars.
Another eunuch picked up a red-hot iron block and burned it directly at Mu Chi's chest.
The man suddenly screamed in pain, and white smoke billowed from his chest. The eunuch behind him had to hold him desperately. The female family members in the courtyard immediately exclaimed, and after twenty seconds, the eunuch took down the iron block, and Mu Chi fell to the ground.
A scalded blood-red character 'Jiang' stands impressively on his chest.
Gu Bin was stunned by Jiang Shining's scratching operation on the spot, she looked at Mu Chi, and then at Jiang Shining.
"You, you—" Gu Pin's panic was gradually covered by anger, Gu Pin took a step forward, and said angrily, "Jiang Shining, do you have to target me like this?"
Jiang Shining also took a step forward, and the two of them were extremely close.
"I just want to persuade you." Jiang Shining said calmly, "People who offend me have never had a good end."
"Are you threatening me?" Gu Bin said in disbelief.
Jiang Shining smiled.
She reached out and patted Gu Bin's cheek lightly.
Take people around and leave.
The author has something to say: I thought I could finish writing the past today, but I thought too much
The next chapter is Muchi Line~
Overhead, please be more tolerant and don’t testify _(:з」∠)_
This update number is cool~~~ hehehehehe