The story of the Beloved Concubine's Ascension

Chapter 141-150

Chapter 141

On the day after the third prince's birthday, Concubine Yu Gui submitted the prepared list to the Longevity Palace. The Queen Mother read it and found no problems, so the decree was passed on.

Because of her meritorious service in the family, Rao Guibin was promoted to Rao Zhaoyuan, Rong Wanyi was promoted to Rong Bi, Chang Guiren was promoted to Chang Shunyi, Liu Cairen was promoted to Liu Meiren, and Zhao Cairen, who was injured on the Holy Shou Festival, was promoted to Zhao Meiren.

The special thing among them is that Ji Baolin surpassed Chang Zai and was promoted to Cai Ren, while Yi Baolin surpassed Chang Zai and Cai Ren and was promoted to Yi Meiren.

The remaining low-ranking concubines have also been promoted to one level each.

Except for the two of them, everyone else was promoted to the first level step by step. Only Ji Cai and Yi Meiren were promoted to the next level.

Yi Mei and Yu Gui's concubine have a good relationship, which shows how much Yu Gui's concubine attaches great importance to her, but Ji Cairen--

In fact, she and Yu Guifei had never interacted with each other. The only intersection was that they were fellow townsmen in Lingzhou before entering the palace.

I think there was a period of prosperity when Jicai was first favored, but gradually it became quiet.

If it hadn't been for the sudden promotion of Concubine Yu, not many people in the palace would have remembered her.

-

After the Queen Mother's decree was conveyed to various palaces, in Bixiao Palace, Concubine Yide frowned as she looked at the list sent by Wen Shu.

Her expression was cold and filled with cold resentment. Wen Shu shrank slightly and lowered his head.

Most of the people on the list were those who attended the Third Prince's birthday party yesterday, or were people who were close to Concubine Yu.

It was enough for her to blatantly praise her own people, but Zhao Mei and Rong Bin made her have to think more.

At the Queen Mother's Holy Birthday Festival, she knew that Meiren Zhao was going to perform the Feitian Dance, so she specially sent someone to do some tricks on the beam, hoping to take this opportunity to make the Queen Mother and Her Majesty think that Shen Ji was not talented enough and dissatisfied with her.

But she did not succeed in this matter, and Zhao Meiren never said much after that, but only recuperated in the palace.

Concubine Yu Gui suddenly promoted Zhao Meiren. Could it be that she already knew that it was her own doing, so she instigated Zhao Meiren to deal with her?

And so does Concubine Rong!

She has always lived in seclusion and has a quiet temperament. She is not often seen walking around Chenyou Palace. Why does the noble concubine not forget to take her with her when she does good deeds?

Just because Rong Bin lives in the same palace as herself, shouldn't she want to attract an eyeliner for herself?

Thinking about His Majesty's attitude towards their mother and son yesterday and the concubine Yu's words, the more Concubine Yi De thought about it, the more uneasy she felt in her heart. Even the list in her hand was deeply wrinkled, and she almost scratched it to death.

But the more this happened, the more she couldn't do anything.

After so many years in the palace, this was the first time she felt such a powerless feeling.

Concubine Yi De stared at an open space and murmured: "Send someone to keep an eye on Concubine Rong. They will tell me where she goes every day and every move she makes! And so does Meiren Zhao!"

Wen Shu trembled slightly, not daring to raise his head to look at Concubine Yide, and responded quickly: "Yes, I understand."

-

It is said that time in the palace is long, but when the weather is calm, talking and laughing can go by quickly.

In the blink of an eye, spring passes and autumn comes, and the winter moon has arrived.

It seems that the summer heat has faded and winter is approaching soon. When I get up early and open the window, the morning breeze pours into the hall to dispel the stale air overnight. When I breathe hard, it seems that even my lungs are filled with a bone-chilling chill.

winter months

,

The more respectable concubines in the palace were offered charcoal fire early. After Zizhao learned to walk, he always liked to sneak out of bed and stagger a few steps.

His Majesty's favor caused Chenyou Palace to burn up the earth dragon.

It was very dry in the house, so I had to open the windows every day for ventilation. When I got up hazy, the slightest bit of sleepiness was instantly blown away by the wind.

Palace affairs are complicated, and she is also a busy person now.

The Queen's body has never been able to fully recover. Even after drinking bowls of soup and medicine, she can only maintain the status quo. Concubine Yide was dormant and behaved again intentionally or unintentionally, and many affairs in the palace fell on Shen Ji.

Half a year later, Shen Ji became more and more adept at handling affairs in the palace.

Not only for herself, but also to share the burden with the Queen.

The imperial doctor said that the empress' body had been weak for a long time and she was overworked, so it would be difficult to restore her health. In addition, the empress was not in a high mood and it was not appropriate to think too much, so she never got better.

Although he was not too sick to get up, Shen Ji was always worried.

A person is depressed all the time, has a gloomy mood, and has a body that is not very strong. Even if it looks okay on the outside, the inside is being hollowed out little by little.

But no matter how hard she tried to make the Empress happy, it was of no avail, because she also knew that the Empress was depressed and the crux was not there.

The palace cannot give the queen what she wants.

After putting on the last beaded hairpin, Shen Ji was about to turn around. Unexpectedly, before he could take a step forward, the maid on duty outside the palace gate hurried in and said in a hurry: "Your Majesty, your majesty from Fengyi Palace has sent an order for you to go immediately. One trip."

"Feng Yi Palace?" Shen Ji frowned.

Yesterday was the first day of winter, and His Majesty rested in Fengyi Palace as usual. He was fine all night yesterday. Could there be any accident this early in the morning?

The matter involved Fengyi Palace, Shuangying hurriedly took care of the palace people in the courtyard.

As Shen Ji walked quickly outside, he asked the person in the messenger palace what news he had said. He found out that His Majesty saw that the Queen was in poor condition before going to court today. He went to visit after going to court. He saw that the Queen was unwell and called out The imperial physician is here.

But the summons did not refer to Shen Ji alone and Concubine Yide.

Hearing that Fengyi Palace called the imperial doctor, Shen Ji's heart skipped a beat. The queen had been feeling unwell for a long time, so the imperial doctor suddenly called her and specially called her there, which must be no small matter.

It was too late to pass the chariot at this moment, Shen Ji quickly walked out of the palace gate and hurried towards Fengyi Palace.

The cold wind was blowing coldly, and Shen Ji was worried about the Queen, and couldn't care less about her manners. When the maid in front of Fengyi Palace saw the person, she hurriedly welcomed her in. As soon as she entered the palace, Shen Jizheng saw His Majesty sitting on the throne outside the bedroom, with a gloomy expression, unable to distinguish between sadness and joy.

This was the first time she had seen His Majesty like this, and she couldn't help but feel alarm bells ringing in her heart. She hurriedly stepped forward and said, "I, my concubine, send your regards to Your Majesty."

"Did something happen to the Queen?"

Qin Yuan raised his eyes and looked at her with a complicated expression.

He stood up and took the lead to walk out of the palace gate and went to the corridor in the courtyard of Fengyi Palace.

Shen Ji understood and knew that His Majesty didn't want the Queen on the bed to hear their conversation again, so he moved farther away and immediately followed him.

"The Queen is not seriously ill, but is pregnant."

Shen Ji was shocked and raised his eyes to look at His Majesty.

Qin Yuan's voice was light and somewhat

He couldn't explain the unexplained sadness: "The imperial doctor said that it has been nearly three months since the emperor's heir was born.

It's just that the Queen has been feeling unwell for a long time.

And the sunflower water is not accurate, so I never noticed it. "

The middle palace has been childless for many years, and was secretly criticized by the people below. Even the Lin family in the past was very domineering towards the queen for this reason.

Now that we finally have the news, it should be a great thing. The Queen also likes children very much.

Now that I can get what I wanted, His Majesty doesn't seem happy.

Shen Ji frowned slightly and said worriedly: "Isn't it bad that...it's the Queen's dragon fetus?"

Qin Yuan paused and was silent for a moment, obviously he got the point.

"The queen's body has been weak all year round and she cannot bear the cold. In the past year, she has had problems intermittently. She has been recovering for a long time and has become more and more weak. Several imperial doctors believe that with the queen's current condition, it is possible that the fetus can be saved. The sex is very small, so you need to be extremely careful to have the possibility of successfully giving birth."

"But there are a few things."

Shen Ji was silent.

"If the pregnancy does not go well in the later stages, the child is likely to be stillborn, and the queen will not be able to save it. If it goes well, the queen may not be able to bear the pain of childbirth and pass away, leaving only the child. It is almost impossible to think of the safety of mother and child. Possible things."

"But if you want to keep the queen, you can prescribe medicine to induce labor now."

It was obviously such a good thing that the palace was happy, but the legitimate son and the queen had to make a choice between their two lives.

Shen Ji immediately understood why His Majesty looked like this today.

For women, childbirth is a painful experience, and there are many women who have difficulty giving birth among the people.

But when faced with such a choice, the person often chooses not his wife, but his children.

Because in the eyes of some men, their wives can remarry after they die, but their children are their own flesh and blood, how can they be compared.

Although Shen Ji always felt that these men were so callous, she had to admit that in the world in front of her, women were born passive.

So what choice will His Majesty make when faced with this situation?

When the life of this emperor's heir is far greater than that of a woman, what will your Majesty choose?

Of course, Shen Ji hoped that the Empress could protect herself and give up on the child for the time being, and wait until she gets better in health before making any plans.

But she also knew that with the queen's body, it was almost impossible to have another child after induction of labor.

Therefore, if Your Majesty wants to have a legitimate son, now is the only chance.

Faced with such a choice, even if Shen Ji wanted to plead for mercy and ask Your Majesty to consider the Queen, she didn't know how to speak.

Do you want to ask Your Majesty to stop focusing on your legitimate son and save the life of the Queen?

In such a situation, she did not dare to speak nonsense for fear of making His Majesty even more displeased. She could only suppress the fear and uneasiness in her heart and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, please...please have mercy on the Queen..."

The wind in the winter moon was bitingly cold. Shen Ji felt that her limbs were soaked by the cold wind. It was so cold and heavy that she couldn't help but tremble.

Qin Yuan turned to look at her expression, raised his fingers to wipe away the tears rolling down the corners of Shen Ji's eyes, and sighed softly: "It's a dilemma."

"I wandered over and over again, but couldn't speak."

Sensing His Majesty's intolerance and difficulty in making a decision, Shen Ji hurriedly said.

"His Majesty."

She clutched His Majesty's fingers tightly and burst into tears: "Your Majesty, the Queen has been gentle and virtuous throughout her life. She has been both virtuous and virtuous. She has worked hard day and night to manage the harem and has never said a word "no"."

"Since you can't make a choice, why not ask the Queen about her wishes, okay? This child has always been in the Queen's belly. Even if the father can't make a decision, let the biological mother make the decision!"!

Chapter 142

The fingertips were wet with hot tears. Qin Yuan looked down at her and felt her whole body trembling.

He had always known that the Queen and Shen Ji had a good relationship, but he only realized today that the Queen's safety was so important to Shen Ji.

He did not pull his fingers away, but followed her movements and stroked her a few times, sighing: "I am not indecisive between my legitimate son and the queen, but I am indecisive between two lives."

"Especially, both of them are my relatives."

Qin Yuan closed his eyes and took a breath, then pulled his hand away and said softly: "But you are right. This is the queen's life and the child in her belly. The one with the most right to make the decision is not me, but is her."

"Let's go, let the Queen decide."

Shen Ji raised his head, his beautiful eyes suddenly filled with tears: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

On the bed, the queen was lying with her eyes closed tightly, her face was pale, and there was cold sweat on her forehead. At first glance, she could tell that she was not in good condition.

Fu Shen, the imperial doctor who was accompanying her, said: "The Queen is suffering from sweating and coldness, and her condition will be even worse after she becomes pregnant. We ministers and others have discussed it, and if we protect the fetus, I am afraid that I will have moxa fever starting today."

Shen Ji squatted beside the queen's bed, took out a handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat on her forehead, and said worriedly: "My queen hasn't woken up yet, and I don't know how long it will take. Your Majesty, why don't you let me wait here? Let's go back and deal with government affairs."

Qin Yuan had not yet decided, and Concubine Yide, who lived a little further away, arrived late.

She hurriedly entered the palace and saw that His Majesty and the noble concubines were there. The Queen was still unconscious on the bed. Her heart tightened and she dared not speak nonsense.

"My concubine, please give your regards to Your Majesty," Concubine Yi De saluted very carefully, and then asked softly, "What's wrong with the Queen? But is she even more unwell?"

Qin Yuan glanced at her and said quietly: "The queen is pregnant, but the fetus is dangerous, and the imperial doctor is treating her."

Seeing Concubine Yide's hypocritical appearance, Qin Yuan immediately remembered what Lin had said to him, and now he became increasingly displeased with her.

Even if she has stayed calm for the past six months, if people's hearts are like snakes and scorpions, no matter how long she stays, she will just hibernate.

Qin Yuan's mood was already very depressed, and he could control it at first, but when he saw Concubine Yide, he felt even more unhappy for some reason, and even regretted why he called her to worry about it.

He was feeling indescribably irritated and said impatiently: "Okay, it's just me and the noble concubine. The queen is unwell and too many people will disturb her recuperation."

The gentle and virtuous look on Concubine Yide's face suddenly froze.

She had only entered Fengyi Palace for a few words, and had not even gone in to take a look at the Queen. His Majesty was so unwilling to see her and wanted her to leave early?

Not to mention that she has been extremely peaceful in the past six months, but His Majesty is really still dissatisfied with her. He would have just asked her to come, why bother sending her away after just a few words.

If the servants below saw her, what would they think of her?

In His Majesty's heart, is she just a pug with no dignity at all, who comes and goes when called upon?

Concubine Yide looked at Your Majesty with confusion, her eyes gradually turning red: "I have only been in Fengyi Palace for a few moments, and have not yet been able to visit the Queen. I am certain of Your Majesty's permission to stay in Fengyi Palace to serve the Queen. , I, my concubine, will be careful and will never disturb my queen's purity."

Qin Yuan frowned:

"If you stay, the noble concubines will also stay. What will it look like to have a room full of people?"

"Just take care of me, Concubine Yu. If you are really worried, come back another day."

Shen Ji felt sad in his heart and was not in the mood to do any more superficial things with her. He turned his head and glanced at Concubine Yide, with a cold voice: "Concubine Yide, you'd better go back first. The queen has my concubine to take care of her. The empress is not feeling well. Not suitable for crowds."

"It's just that the recent affairs in the palace may require Concubine Yide to pay more attention to."

His Majesty has made up his mind and does not consider her at all. Concubine Yide can only force herself to smile and say to His Majesty: "Please don't worry too much. I will retire now."

After that, she took one last deep look at Shen Ji and the Queen, and left bitterly.

When the hall became quiet, Qin Yuan suppressed his emotions and said softly: "If you have any questions, report them to me in time. If you need anything, just go and get it."

"Yes, I respectfully send you off to Your Majesty."

After His Majesty left, Shen Ji left only a few necessary people around the Queen and sent out all the extra maids.

If there are many people in the hall, it will be crowded. People who are unwell like to rest and relax. The noise of people is not good for the body and mind.

Yun Lan moved a round stool for Shen Ji. She sat on the stool and washed the handkerchief with warm water, and patiently wiped the queen's sweat bit by bit.

He meticulously took in every inch of the queen's face and traced it over and over again, as if he was afraid of forgetting it and wanted to carve it into his mind.

She always felt that the Queen was like a dandelion on a cliff. If there was a slight gust of wind, she would scatter without a trace.

Shen Ji was afraid that the Queen would really be gone one day.

Then a large piece of the warmth she had left in the palace had to be cut away.

Yuya is like a sister, and Zizhao is a child. They both need her to take care of them and make plans for them.

Only the queen--

Like a sister.

Tolerant, comforting, understanding, caring.

It has been almost three years since she entered the palace, and the queen is good enough.

Even if something like this happens between her and His Majesty, even if she tells her her inner thoughts that are not easy to share with outsiders, as a legitimate wife, she will never complain about her in the slightest. Half jealous.

He has always been gentle and enlightening, showing compassion to everyone who is struggling with their destiny.

She is such a good person, so good that Shen Ji sometimes has selfish motives, hoping that she can be a little selfish and think about herself, so that she doesn't have to live so hard.

She really secretly regarded the queen as her own sister.

So when His Majesty told her that the Queen was pregnant, she didn't even have time to feel the slightest bit of sourness or sadness in her heart, only distress and worry.

She was tempted by His Majesty, but with her sober restraint, His Majesty would not belong to just anyone, so she was limited to being tempted.

Nowadays, the illusory love between men and women is nothing compared to the Queen and the Empress.

If the Queen and her mother could have a good relationship with each other in exchange for a little bit of true love between her and His Majesty, then she would be willing to do it.

There are many, many important people and things in a woman's life. Love is just the icing on the cake and should not be the most important choice.

The queen was afraid of the cold, and the earth dragon in Fengyi Palace burned more intensely than Chenyou Palace. However, the cold sweat on the queen's forehead couldn't stop flowing, and her hands were still cold, as if

No matter how warm it is, it won't get warm.

Shen Ji stayed with Fengyi Palace for a long time, and the imperial doctor did not dare to leave even half a step. I have been waiting in Fengyi Palace.

I don't know how long it took, but the cold hand in my palm suddenly moved. Shen Ji hurriedly looked at the queen and saw her slowly opening her eyes.

"Mother, how are you feeling now? Are you feeling better?"

The queen's lips turned white. Seeing Shen Ji taking care of her, she forced herself to sit up: "What's wrong with me?"

Shen Ji paused for a moment, then quickly took out the soft pillow from the side to cushion it, and said softly: "You are not sick, you are pregnant."

The queen was slightly startled, and her gentle eyes gradually lit up.

"only......"

Seeing her expression, the queen also noticed something. Her pale lips opened slightly and she said slowly: "It doesn't matter, just tell me."

Shen Ji hesitated for a moment and spoke with difficulty: "His Majesty has also been here just now. The imperial doctor said... that you are weak and the dragon fetus is not good. I'm afraid... between the mother and the child, you can only choose one of the two."

pick one of two?

The faint light that shone in the Queen's eyes gradually dimmed, and she asked softly: "What did your Majesty say?"

Shen Ji couldn't help but shed tears again: "Your Majesty couldn't make a choice, so he said that he would leave the choice in your hands."

"Mother, if you insist on giving birth to this child, you will most likely die in childbirth. But if you save yourself, we can induce labor for you soon. When you are healthy, you will have a chance to have another child of your own. "

The queen looked at Shen Ji quietly and smiled weakly: "I know my body very well. If the labor is induced, no matter how long it takes, I'm afraid there won't be any children."

Does the empress want to choose the emperor's heir? !

Shen Ji suddenly became anxious and hurriedly grabbed her hand and persuaded: "My dear, if you insist on conceiving an heir, it will cause great damage to your body and you will probably die!"

"If you really like children, Zizhao can often go to Fengyi Palace to accompany you and treat him as our child, okay?"

Tears fell down as she spoke: "Your Majesty has three princes and a princess, so you don't need you to work hard to give birth to a child for him. No matter how precious your legitimate son is, he is just a name, so your life is not important!"

The queen gently held Shen Ji's hand back, with a faint smile on her pale face: "I know you are worried about me and don't want me to bury myself for the sake of my child."

"But it doesn't necessarily mean that only one will live, right?"

"If you take care of me, my child and I might be able to turn danger into good fortune."

Shen Ji's eyes were red from crying, and he held the queen's hand and sobbed: "But...!"

"Aji."

The queen gently called her name, looking up at the golden-red curtains on the bed, tears slowly flowing into her wet hair.

"I am so tired."

"I want to rest."

"But I have too many burdens on my shoulders, and it's a luxury to even have a moment of respite."

"If I can really leave naturally...I feel very happy."

"If the child can be born, he will recognize you at your knees, okay?"

"If it's a boy, don't let him fight for the throne... let him be free and do whatever he wants. If it's a girl, don't think about marrying a good family for the rest of her life, and let her do whatever she wants..."

Shen Ji cried more and more violently: "Mother, you will be fine, you will be fine. The child will call you "Mother" in the future, and is waiting for you to give her a name..."

She cried so sadly that before she knew it, the queen fell asleep quietly again.

Shen Ji gently wiped her tears and sweat, but couldn't hold back his emotions for a moment. He stood up and asked Yun Lan to come and take care of her first.

The biting cold wind blew against the skin, causing a knife-like pain.

Shen Ji stared up at the square sky, looking at the gorgeous red walls and golden tiles that remained unchanged day and night, like a huge cage.

After a long time, he wiped away his tears and walked into the dormitory again.

"Tell the imperial doctor to start burning moxa today."!

Chapter 143

Such a happy event as the pregnancy in the middle palace quickly spread throughout the palaces.

Queen benevolence,

He has a high reputation in the palace.

Many people wanted to send congratulatory gifts to the queen. However, Concubine Yu Gui said that the queen was unwell and needed to rest, and ordered that no one be allowed to visit Fengyi Palace. If there is really something urgent that you want to see, you have to see Yu Gui's concubine first.

As soon as this tough order came out, although both Shen Ji and the Queen knew that it was to avoid risks for the Queen, some people interpreted it as something else.

The concubine Yu Gui was already in power, but the Queen was just pregnant and not too sick to get up. Why did she rush to evade the Queen in such a hurry?

What they know is that Concubine Yu is good for the empress, but those who don't know think that the entire harem is listening to Concubine Yu. Even if the queen is pregnant, she must obey her arrangements.

But since she dared to blatantly show that His Majesty agreed. Those who failed to follow Shen Ji to heaven were already dissatisfied with her. Now they complained even more, and many people secretly slandered her in private.

But the internal slander is the internal slander. Now all the power in the palace is in the hands of Concubine Yu Gui and Concubine Yide. Everyone knows that Concubine Yide does not like to fight for her temperament and always gives in. The power in her hands is far inferior to that of Concubine Yu Gui.

Therefore, even if he wanted to complain to Concubine Yide secretly, he hesitated and did not dare to take any action for fear of offending Concubine Yu.

Although many people were dissatisfied with Shen Ji's decision to go his own way this time, the one who was the most angry about this matter was Concubine Yide.

-

Bixiao Palace.

The second prince was sitting in the study practicing calligraphy. The little man sat upright, holding the wolf hair in a very decent posture, and was seriously writing the word "和" on the grass-gold rice paper.

He had just gone to the Imperial Academy not long ago and was still in the stage of learning and practicing calligraphy. Concubine Yi De attached great importance to his homework and would personally watch him practice calligraphy and study every day, and today was no exception.

Concubine Yi De frowned slightly and looked at the words on the paper. Although she didn't say anything on the surface, she was a little dissatisfied in her heart.

She had seen the eldest prince's handwriting before. Although he was only eight years old, his handwriting already had the charm of His Majesty, which showed that he had practiced hard. If Rong'er doesn't work harder to catch up with the eldest prince in the future, how can His Majesty pay attention to Rong'er, and how can he surpass the status of the eldest son of the emperor?

Just thinking about it made Concubine Yide feel sad, anxious and angry.

She took a few deep breaths, suppressed the anxiety and dissatisfaction in her heart, and raised her hand to pick up a cup of tea next to her to drink.

Wen Shu, who came in from outside the door, saw that the empress was about to drink tea, so he hurriedly came in and said: "Empress, the tea is already cold. Be careful, Dongyue's strength has been damaged by the cold, so I'd better ask my slave to get a cup of it."

Concubine Yide is a person who pays attention to maintaining her health. She immediately put it aside and said coldly: "Go ahead."

Wen Shu lowered his head and stepped towards the threshold, took the porcelain cup away and went to the side room to get a cup.

There was a little palace maid in the side room preparing snacks for the empress and the second prince. Wen Shu's eyes flashed and he said softly: "I don't need you to serve me here anymore. Come on down."

As the maid in charge of Bixiao Palace, Wen Shu naturally obeyed everything she said. The little maid Fufu withdrew from the back hall, leaving Wen Shu alone in the wing.

She touched her slightly aching heart, her face paled for a moment, but she didn't dare to waste time. She brewed some warm black tea for the empress again. When she picked up the porcelain cup, she inadvertently shook her nails.

A bit of white powder fell from between the fingers, and it quickly blended with the tea until it was invisible.

In the study, the empress was still watching the second prince practice calligraphy, but her face became increasingly ugly.

Wen Shu carefully looked at it, put the tea and snacks on the tray and sent it over: "My Lady, new tea and snacks are here."

She held up the cup with both hands and put it next to the empress: "The temperature is just right. Moisten your throat."

Concubine Yide was very angry, so she picked it up and drank half of it. She said with a cold face: "Take these snacks away, and you will not be allowed to eat them until the second prince has finished practicing his calligraphy."

Seeing her drink it, Wen Shu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, said yes obediently, and then took away all the snacks.

The second prince watched helplessly as the snacks were being taken away, and swallowed quietly. But he raised his head and glanced at his mother-in-law, but he didn't dare to say anything, so he could only lower his head and continue writing.

Wen Shu put the snacks away again and then came back and said: "Your Majesty, the maid of honor has just sent word that the Queen is inconvenienced during pregnancy. She should have avoided having to worry about it in the morning and dusk. It's terrible that the harem is undisciplined and causes trouble. What if? Something happened that disturbed the queen's pregnancy. So from now on, I have to go to Chenyou Palace once a month."

"If anyone in the palace has any dissatisfaction or urgent matters, they can discuss and resolve them together. Your Majesty and the Queen Mother agreed."

Concubine Yide's eyes widened and she raised her voice and said, "What?!"

"Is she, Shen Ji, going to take over the responsibilities of the queen?"

The anger in her heart surged uncontrollably for a moment. Concubine Yi De slapped the table hard, feeling that her face was so painful.

She also has the power to co-manage the Sixth Palace, and she is one of the four concubines from the first rank! The Yugui concubine is younger than her in terms of age, seniority and status. She had just been dormant for the past six months, and she had allowed some concubines to avoid the limelight. Now that the queen is pregnant, she has climbed onto her head by virtue of being favored!

A third-level official takes over the duties of a queen. Let her look at the behavior of a first-level concubine under Shen Ji. How should the concubines in the palace treat her?

Who would take her seriously?

His Majesty is displeased, the Queen Mother is dissatisfied, the Queen is partial, and the power is taken away by others. Shen Ji is behind all this.

She finally got rid of the Lin family and got to this glorious position now, and got the life she wanted, but Concubine Yu wanted to go against her!

You know, there is no enmity between the two of them, and the previous quarrels were just because of Lin's mischief. She had never directly made a move against Shen Ji, but she only added fuel to the flames. The real person who made the move was Lin, so why did Shen Ji hate her so deeply.

The daughter of a mere commoner, who didn't know how to let things go when things got better, actually pushed her hard like this and didn't take her seriously at all.

Even though she had endured her anger for so long, His Majesty was still dissatisfied with her, so what was the point of her patience.

How could His Majesty remember so clearly such a trivial matter as a mere rumor? It must be that Shen Ji was dissatisfied with Lin's early execution by her and had a grudge, so he had been deliberately seeking revenge.

I endure it again and again, until I can't bear it anymore.

If she continues to be bullied like this, I am afraid that her right to co-manage the harem will be taken back before long, and the entire harem will have to listen to the words of Yu Guifei.

Concubine Yu Gui hated herself and thought deeply about how she and Rong'er would be able to survive if everything but herself was taken away in the future!

We must think of a way...

Killing her is too high-risk and too conspicuous. If it can make her less favored, His Majesty will no longer favor her so much. Let's see how she can still care about him.

Concubine Yide looked hatefully in the direction outside the palace and said sternly: "Wen Shu."

"My slave is here."

Wen Shu quickly lowered his eyebrows and stood in front of Concubine Yide, not daring to raise his head to look at her, and asked cautiously: "What are your orders?"

Concubine Yide raised her fingers, motioning Wen Shu to come closer and whispered in a low voice.

"But if the matter is exposed, I'm afraid the traces will be lost. If the empress is implicated..." Wen Shu's pupils shrank, a little shocked.

Concubine Yide stroked her forehead impatiently and said anxiously: "How will you still care about this at that time? I'm afraid you will be filled with anger and want to kill someone. If a person dies, it will be even more unexplained. I have nothing to be afraid of. You just care Just pick one with a strict tone and do it."

Wen Shu wanted to say something, but when she thought of what happened that night, she stopped talking. Just as she was about to say that the slave had to resign, Concubine Yide frowned and interrupted her: "Go down." , one incident after another has disturbed me."

-

The day to go to Chenyou Palace to determine the provinces in the morning and dusk is set on the 15th of each month.

During these days, apart from being busy with palace affairs, Shen Ji spent the rest of his time accompanying the queen and checking on her condition. Even His Majesty rarely saw her.

It's not that he was negligent, but His Majesty is also very busy these days. Although Shen Ji didn't ask, he knew a little bit. It seemed that there was going to be a big change in the government. Another point is that His Majesty canceled next year's general election, saying that the harem is full and there is no need to waste people and money.

In this way, one manages the harem and the other presides over the front court. Except for the occasional meeting or visiting the Queen together, the two of them were mostly busy with their own affairs during the past half month.

On the fifteenth day of the winter lunar month, it started to snow lightly in the early morning.

In the thin night, the morning light could not penetrate the thick clouds, and only dyed the sky into a misty gray. The palace servants held the palace lanterns in their hands and hurriedly walked on the snow. The falling snow was flying, leaving a series of footprints.

Chenyou Palace's first morning and dusk check-in was a great honor for the empress. So when it was just dawn, a few personal palace maids directed the people below to move.

Scrubbing and decorating, complete refreshments, everything is thoughtfully prepared.

Not only to show the nobility of Chenyou Palace, but also to make everyone admire his wife and not think that Yu Guifei is young and reckless, and can't even do such a small thing well.

Everything was taken care of, and before it was time, people began to come in one after another from outside.

Shen Ji specially wore a reddish embroidered palace dress today, which made her look particularly calm and noble, and her beauty was striking.

In fact, she rarely wears such solemn colors. She is already young, so wearing too dark colors makes her look dull and lively, and she always feels a bit old-fashioned. But today's occasion is different, so even the clothes are carefully thought out.

Several concubines who came in smiled and came forward to salute Shen Ji. They were very respectful and praised the beauty of the noble concubines. Shen Ji smiled lightly and said a few polite words, and everyone watched them one by one and served tea.

They came very diligently indeed.

It snowed suddenly today, so even if they couldn't arrive at Chenyou Palace on time, it was understandable, but so many people arrived early despite the snow, which was enough to show their fear and fear of her.

It's just that these people can come, but I don't know what some people's attitudes are.

Rao Zhaoyuan has always been arrogant and hard to get close to, and he doesn't have much contact with her. Ke Meiren is also an arrogant and distant person, and then there is Concubine Yide--

Shen Ji lowered his long eyelashes, raised his cup and took a leisurely sip of tea.

She knew that Concubine Yide must be unhappy, and could even be said to be extremely uncomfortable, but in fact, she could not have asked herself to take care of the queen in the morning and dusk.

The reason why he did this was because Shen Ji was worried that the queen would be pregnant and she would have evil intentions. Then he felt that the time was almost up and it was time to stimulate her.

If the queen was not pregnant, she could wait a little longer, but at this juncture, she didn't want anything to go wrong again.

The fact that Concubine Yide has survived to this point is already a stolen destiny. No matter how greedy she is, it is outrageous. !

Chapter 144

Before the scheduled time arrived, the concubines arrived one after another.

Even Rao Zhaoyuan, Ke Mei and Concubine Yide all came over, and they did not show her any excuses for not coming when she was sleeping on behalf of the empress for the first time.

Although they arrive sooner or later, Shen Ji doesn't care so much, as long as people come.

The snow outside was getting heavier and heavier, but it was as warm as spring inside Chenyou Palace. After sitting for a long time, even after taking off the warm cloak, it felt a little warm.

Compared to most concubines, the charcoal fire had to be calculated carefully, which can be called a luxury.

Shen Ji was acting on behalf of her, and there were other concubines above her, so there was no need for everyone to bow to her. When everyone was seated, Fang put on a smile and said, "It's snowing today, so I shouldn't bother the palace." The middle sisters made a special trip to Chenyou Palace, but the rules were already set and there was no time to change them one by one, so we had to feel wronged."

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Meiren, who had just recovered from her injury, said gratefully: "Where did your Majesty say it? How can we easily predict the unpredictable weather? I have always heard that Chenyou Palace is as beautiful as a fairy palace. Today, it is snowing in the first fall." It's really a blessing to come and watch it from time to time."

This beautiful lady Zhao only received a few benefits from the noble concubine Yu, but she openly flattered the concubine Yu and rushed to curry favor with the noble concubine Yu.

With such a beginning, even if the people below wanted to be fooled today, they would not be able to fool them. The expressions of many people in the hall changed slightly.

She flatters Concubine Yu so much, Concubine Yu of course likes her more. With so many concubines today, she definitely can't let her take all the glory. But whoever shows up will stand on the Yugui concubine's team, and Yugui concubine is not the only one present!

Concubine Zhuang, Concubine Yide, and Concubine Rao Zhaoyuan were all there, especially Concubine Yide. Showing too much face in front of so many principals is tantamount to making Concubine Yide look bad in public.

Seeing everyone like this, the smile on Shen Ji's lips deepened: "Mrs. Zhao has a sweet mouth, and she really praises me. But you, you are so well injured at Chuchu, you should have a good rest. You are afraid of the cold when you are recovering from your injury, if you are in the palace If the charcoal fire is not enough, you can send someone here, and I will send you some."

Zhao Meiren was grateful and hurriedly stood up to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Madam!"

Concubine Yu Gui actually rewarded Zhao Meiren in person and showed her attitude. Those who were still hesitant at first became even more hesitant.

Everyone in the palace knows that Concubine Yu is proud and the benefits of flattery are at hand. But even though she is proud now, who is willing to offend one person for another? It is better to protect oneself wisely.

But Zhao Meiren...

With interests at the forefront, many people hesitate and fall into a dilemma.

After a moment, someone else raised his voice and said, "Yes, your Majesty's Chenyou Palace is even more beautiful in the snow. It shows how much your Majesty loves your Majesty. Besides, even if nothing happens, the concubines can It's also good to come and talk to the empress."

"Yes, your Majesty will take care of the Queen's affairs in the morning and dusk. All my concubines have no objections, but it is up to the Empress to make arrangements."

"The Queen is pregnant, but it's a pity that we can't visit, but as long as I have my concubine, I feel very stable physically and mentally..."

Someone started, and for a while there was endless praise.

It seemed that everyone was trying to curry favor with Shen Ji, who was now proud of herself, and no one thought of her, Concubine Yide.

No one even remembers the injustice she is suffering now as they are both concubines who are co-managers of the harem.

Concubine Yi De looked at Shen Ji with a smile as bright as a flower, and her fingers pinched the sapphire cup harder and harder.

The decent and calm mask she had spent the whole morning putting together was cracked inch by inch, and the false smile in her eyes grew colder, almost shattered by humiliation and anger.

Shen Ji chatted with the concubines below for a while, then he held a silver-painted begonia hand burner and said with a smile: "In the final analysis, we are all sisters in the palace who work together and trust each other."

"If we really talk about my qualifications, I am absolutely incomparable to Sister De Concubine. It's just that His Majesty was worried about Sister De Concubine's hard work, so he gave me all the hard work. He thought that I was young and should just be used as an experience."

"Fortunately, Sister De Fei has always been gentle and virtuous, so she shouldn't care about this with her sister. Sister De Fei, what do you think?"

She put on a gentle and innocent look and looked steadily at Concubine Yide.

Asking this question seems a bit tense.

Everyone in the palace knew that Concubine Yu Gui had almost monopolized the power and was about to sideline Concubine Yide. She acted on behalf of the queen, so naturally she did not really consider Concubine Yide's situation.

It's just that you know it secretly. There is no need to show it openly and make others look bad. Therefore, there can only be one reason for Concubine Yu to do this, and that is to deliberately humiliate her.

The queen is definitely not feeling well during her pregnancy. In the next few months or even years, it may be the concubine who has the final say.

Concubine Yu Gui and Concubine Yide are not getting along, and she chooses today's situation to force her to take sides today!

Ban Yuya, who had been silent underneath, slowly filled her mouth with a piece of chestnut cake, raised her eyes and looked at Sister Yu and Concubine Yide with a thoughtful look on her face.

Sister Yu is not such an aggressive person, nor does she like to be superior to others, so she cannot do such a publicly humiliating act.

That sister did this...

Ban Yuya suddenly realized something, winked at Qiu Fei behind him, and whispered a few words.

The eyes of everyone in the palace fell on her. Concubine Yide gritted her teeth and pinched the handle of the cup for a long time before she adjusted her emotions and said calmly: "My sister is deeply favored by the emperor, and your majesty attaches great importance to her. Besides, my sister is also related to the queen. Closely. Your Majesty and the Queen will feel at ease if you do this, and I will be happy and at ease. How can I blame my sister?"

"I knew that Sister De Fei was the most talkative. No wonder Lin relied on her so much." Shen Ji laughed, as if he just mentioned it casually, "Since my sister thinks this is a good move, then the guilt in my sister's heart is also It's gone, everyone is really happy."

She glanced at Concubine Yide lightly again, then returned to her calm demeanor at the beginning, and said: "Although I haven't said it clearly, I believe everyone can guess it. Although the Empress is pregnant, she is pregnant." Pregnancy is difficult and requires rest. In order to ensure nothing goes wrong, His Majesty has decided to let the Queen raise the fetus in peace and not allow anyone to disturb her. Therefore, the most important thing in the palace right now is the Queen's fetal health."

"We are both sisters in the palace and concubines, and we should be by your side at this time. But the current situation does not allow it, so we will just stay safe and spend this dangerous time well, which can be regarded as fulfilling our duty. "

After saying that, Shen Ji suppressed the smile on his face and said in a deep voice: "If nothing happens in the palace, we will naturally have a deep love for each other as sisters. But if I let this palace know who is restless, deliberately causes trouble, and collides with the queen, or It was a violation of palace rules that made the queen worried and damaged the dragon's fetus. Sisters, don't blame me for turning against you."

Her voice is resounding and majestic, and she has the ability to combine both strength and softness, kindness and power. After saying this, all the concubines below stood up except for a few of the main ones, and said in unison: "I will obey the teachings of the empress."

Shen Ji's position was not as good as the other chiefs, so naturally he would not take issue with Qiao on this matter, so he softened his tone and said: "Sisters, please sit down, there is no need to be polite."

At this time, Rao Zhaoyuan, who was sitting at the bottom, glanced at Shen Ji with a complicated expression, and then looked at Ke Meiren who had just sat down, feeling rather resentful that iron cannot become steel.

She knew the temperament of this cousin best. If she was really unconvinced, she would not even come today, let alone take the initiative to salute the concubine.

Although her face was expressionless just now and she had no intention of flattery, her actions made it clear that she had no intention of competing for favor.

Since meeting His Majesty half a year ago, His Majesty has not visited her again for such a long time, but she is not in a hurry at all, not even seeing herself, and just living her little life all day long.

Rao Zhaoyuan didn't know what His Majesty said to her, or whether she was the one who got into trouble on her own, but if Ke Meiren didn't even have the heart to compete with others, she wouldn't be able to count on her at all.

Shen Ji's eyes fell on Rao Zhaoyuan, followed her gaze to Ke Meiren, and smiled lightly.

As a concubine in the past, she could only sit down and look at the scenery above. She could only see the few people around her and the queen, but could not get a full view.

But now that I'm sitting at the top and looking down, every move of the people below is right in front of me, so I know what it's like to have an unobstructed view.

Shen Ji has always known that Rao Zhaoyuan is restless, but unlike Concubine Yide and the former Lin who only seek favor by any means, Shen Ji has never been able to guess what she has in mind.

But Ke Meiren is different.

His Majesty had told her about meeting Ke Meiren in the Royal Garden, which shows that Ke Meiren is a smart person and made the right decision.

Before the morning and evening preparations were over, Shen Ji spoke to Ke Meiren: "The new year is approaching, and it has been almost a year since you entered the palace. His Majesty said a few days ago that it was time to mention your status. It is estimated that it will be before the year. The decree will come down."

Ke Meiren was slightly startled, and suddenly remembered His Majesty's admonition to her, and finally a hint of emotion appeared on her cold expression.

She entered the palace hoping to gain status and preserve her family's honor, and if she continued to live peacefully like this, she got it...

"I thank my concubine Yu."

Shen Ji smiled lightly and nodded, telling everyone to be careful of the slippery road, and let the concubines disperse back to the palace.

Not long after, everyone left Chenyou Palace one after another, but there was still one person who never left.

Shen Ji was quite surprised. He put the teacup in his hand on the table and asked, "Why don't you go back, Mr. Ji? But do you want to wait until the snow subsides? If it's inconvenient, I can have someone take you back."

Ji Cairen then stood up, walked to Shen Ji, bowed, and said in a cold voice: "I'm not leaving because I want to tell you something."

"A while ago, Concubine Yi De had many interactions with me intentionally or unintentionally. Her words hinted that my favor was gradually declining. It was more than that. It was because of you that I was not favored. I had no intention of listening to her instigation and clearly refused. Concubine Yide, but seeing you and her fighting openly and secretly today, I'm afraid she has something different in mind, so I came here to remind you to be careful."

"I have a cold temperament and have no intention of getting involved in the palace. I just want to live a stable life. Fortunately, my empress kindly took care of me half a year ago and I got better. Today's reminder can be regarded as repaying your kindness."

Shen Ji was a little surprised, nodded and smiled: "Thank you very much for reminding me."

-

It was getting late at night, and in a remote corner outside Roufu Palace, Banyuyati stood with a palace lantern and an umbrella.

Not far away, two figures sneaked up to her, avoiding pedestrians, and said in a trembling voice: "Little Master..."!

Chapter 145

It got thicker at night and the snow fell heavier.

In the severe cold weather, everyone in the palace rubbed their hands and went inside to keep warm and drink tea. No one wanted to go out in this snowy day to freeze their ears.

The green pine trees in the rockery are all covered with snow, and a layer of soft, soft cotton cloud-like snow quilt falls on the road. When you walk up, you will hear the rustling sound of stepping on the snow.

In a remote corner, Ban Yuya lowered her eyes and looked at the two people kneeling in front of her. She chuckled and said, "It's so hard for you to let you come here in such a cold weather."

The dim halo of the palace lantern shone on the faces of the two people kneeling on the ground. One of them slowly raised his head. It was Wen Shu, the maid in charge of Concubine Yide's palace.

"My little master... I won't forget what you have to do for a day. Why... you still have to bring this slave here?" Wen Shu raised his head tremblingly and looked at Ban Yuya carefully, with a deep look in his eyes. fear.

Ever since Qiu Fei covered her mouth and nose and took her away one evening half a year ago, she has been living in fear every day.

She never imagined that Yi Meiren, who was weak and bullying in everyone's eyes and as quiet as if she didn't exist, would actually have such a face in private.

Cruel, ruthless, and extremely deep.

Even his own master, Concubine Yide, may not be able to have such decisive methods as her.

She didn't care whether she would report her or not, and she didn't care whether she would die with her, and she openly poisoned herself.

She even... took the lead and unknowingly sent people to poison her family members outside the palace.

There is a chronic and strange poison in southern Xinjiang. If you want your whole family to survive, you must be obedient.

Wen Shu had been with Concubine Yide since she was a child, so she was naturally loyal to Concubine Yide. Although the current empress was a bit strange to people and she was a little afraid, she never thought of betraying her master.

But she didn't want to die, and she didn't want her whole family to die with her... Although it was difficult to choose between the master and her family, family was more important.

Fortunately, Yi Meiren never asked her to do anything harmful. She just gave her a little powder and asked her to add a little to Concubine Yide's diet every day. She also said that the powder was not poisonous, but some would cause headaches. Just stupid stuff.

Wen Shu had no choice but to agree.

They met secretly once a month, and when they met they would give them the antidote and the powder for the next month, and this lasted for half a year. Although Wen Shu was anxious all day long, worried about being discovered by his empress, he felt somewhat comforted knowing that these powders were non-toxic.

I thought it would stop soon, but who knew that calling her here suddenly would be up to no good.

She was already suffering enough, but what if she didn't agree?

Wen Shu subconsciously touched her heart, but the burning sensation and slight pain in her abdomen made her dare not take it lightly.

Ban Yuya raised her hand to support her affectionately, and said warmly: "I just want to say a few words to you. You don't need to be so afraid. Get up and talk."

Qiu Fei and Wen Shu stood up from the ground at the same time. Qiu Fei moved his eyes away, consciously took the umbrella and stood to one side to help the little master watch the wind.

The winter night was extremely cold, and Wen Shu was so panicked that his teeth were trembling.

Ban Yuya caught her sight and said softly: "Has Concubine Yide said anything to you recently?"

"For example - about the noble concubine."

Wen Shu's eyes widened immediately, remembering what the empress had told her in her ear before, and shivered and refused to speak.

As expected, he was a slave he had followed since childhood, and he was more loyal than others even after being poisoned.

Ban Yuya was not surprised. She took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve and said with a slight smile: "Of course I will not let you do your work in vain."

"You tell me everything, and I will give you the antidote and let you go free."

"Of course, your family outside the palace will also be safe and sound."

She lifted Wen Shu's chin, forcing her to look at her: "I believe you understand this transaction clearly."

With the antidote on one side and the trust and plan of the empress on the other, Wen Shu's whole body trembled violently, and his eyes looking at the antidote became more and more eager.

If I could no longer be coerced by others, then...

The desire to live finally defeated his loyalty to Concubine Yide. Wen Shu stretched out his hand eagerly to take the bottle of antidote: "The slave said it, the slave said it!"

Unexpectedly, Ban Yuya folded her wrist lightly, took the porcelain bottle back, and said calmly: "When you finish speaking, I will give it to you."

Wen Shu swallowed his saliva and said hurriedly: "The empress has become more and more erratic recently. She loses her temper at every turn, and she often criticizes the second prince. After learning that the concubine Yu Gui, the empress, is responsible for the morning and dusk inspections, she even Furious, the empress believed that Yugui's concubine had gone too far and decided to..."

Ban Yuya looked at her steadily: "What are you determined to do?"

Wen Shu lowered his head, closed his eyes and said, "Determined to send someone to humiliate Yu Gui's innocence and make her completely fall out of favor!"

"What?..." Ban Yuya's eyes suddenly became dangerous, staring coldly at Wen Shu's face, as if she was going to be cut into pieces in the next moment, "Is this really what Concubine Yi De planned?"

Wen Shu didn't dare to panic and said hurriedly: "The empress had done something in Chenyou Palace earlier. It is a very volatile but adhesive fragrance. It is very strong at first smell, but as long as it comes into contact with the air, it will evaporate overnight. It is clean and then adheres to the surface of things, lingering for a long time. Unless you smell it carefully, you can smell a very light smell."

"This incense was brought in from the palace by the empress's brother. It is very rare. It is not poisonous and harmless, but the fragrance is long-lasting. However, the empress unexpectedly discovered that this fragrance will stimulate the development of vaginal discharge when exposed to warm wine, and the stronger the wine, the stronger the medicine will be. The effect becomes stronger. Then I gave it to Yugui's concubine to keep as a backup."

Ban Yuya's expression became colder and colder: "So when does Concubine Yide plan to take action?"

Wen Shu was frightened and did not dare to look into her eyes: "The empress said that she would check where the concubines like to go in the near future, and then make arrangements after a good date is determined. The best... best thing is to allow His Majesty to see the concubines in person. Being pestered by a man..."

After being quiet for a while, Ban Yuya looked at Wen Shu coldly and gave Wen Shu the bottle in his hand.

"Take one pill every half a month, three pills will detoxify you. There are two pills inside, and the last one will be given to you by the master after the noble concubine Yu gets through this incident safely and soundly."

Wen Shu did not doubt that he was there, and did not dare to question or complain. He hurriedly said: "Thank you so much, my master! Thank you so much, my master!"

The wind and rain got worse, and Ban Yuya said calmly: "It's getting late. Be careful when you go back so that you don't get discovered."

...

Wen Shu's figure hurriedly disappeared into the night. Ban Yuya looked at the direction she left. After careful consideration, she said coldly: "Qiu Fei, tell Sister Yu this news and go now. Sister will think of a way to deal with it." ."

-

Inside Fengyi Palace.

Shen Ji personally helped the queen to feed her a bowl of medicine for pregnancy and health, and took out a handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth.

The Queen was half leaning on the soft pillow, her slightly pale eyebrows were slightly annoyed: "You, I'm just weak. How can I need someone to give me medicine?"

"You have been coming to Fengyi Palace almost every day these days. Are you running too frequently?"

Shen Ji smiled: "Sister, are you annoyed with me now? I really want to see my sister every day, but my sister is disgusted with me first."

"Sister is in poor health. It's better to take more rest. It doesn't matter if I do such trivial things as taking medicine, it doesn't matter."

The queen looked at Shen Ji's eyebrows carefully, and the more she looked at her, the more she liked him: "With you by my side, I always feel that we are really as harmonious as sisters."

"Aji, is it snowing outside? I've been sleeping for a long time, and I feel so confused."

It's getting dark now, and it must be snowing heavily.

Shen Ji glanced out the window, chuckled and said, "Yes, it's snowing."

"When my sister feels better tomorrow, let Yun Lan help her hold a small slit by the window and look at it for a while. The red plums in the Merlin are all blooming, so let the people below pick some budding ones and put them in bottles to keep for three to five days. When it blooms, it becomes red like clouds, which makes it more festive."

The queen nodded slowly: "You are the most ingenious and meticulous. These days, it always reminds me of the days when you came to serve me."

I wonder if people always like to think about the past when they are in the evening. These days, they spend a lot of time half asleep and half awake, and the Queen always thinks of some things over and over again.

I think about the time I spent with my parents in the Wei Mansion, I think about the outings and flying kites with my best friends before I had hair extensions, I think about studying an ancient book with the teacher in the book school, I think about the famine in winter, when I was serving porridge in the porridge shed I saw grateful smiling faces.

I wonder if most of her happiness was in her childhood. The Queen rarely recalled what happened after marrying His Majesty and becoming the Crown Princess.

I have been married to His Majesty for more than ten years. If I think about it carefully, I feel like I have been shackles.

The few memories are also related to Shen Ji.

Shen Ji smiled lowly: "It's been several years, and my sister still remembers it so clearly."

"I still remember that it was around the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I didn't see the moon that night. Today is the fifteenth day, but unfortunately I didn't see the moon either. But that night, I asked my sister a question."

The queen looked at her with a smile and waited quietly for her to ask.

"I asked my sister, if there was a moon tonight, what would she want to wish for? But my sister's voice was too soft at that time, and I really couldn't hear her clearly."

The smile in the queen's eyes suddenly dimmed a little, and she smiled bitterly.

She slowly lay down and looked at the closed carved windows in the bedroom, which revealed some dark blue and ink.

"The sea is clear and the river is clear, and the world is peaceful--"

"The origin is like the wind, all living beings are equal--"

Shen Ji had always known that what the queen wanted was not in the harem, but this was the first time she heard her say it herself.

All living beings are free and equal.

This is the queen, the person she respects and loves the most in her life.

Shen Ji didn't say any more, and after taking care of the queen to fall asleep slowly, he took advantage of the night and ordered the palace attendants to return to Chenyou Palace.

Qiu Fei had been staying in Chenyou Palace for a long time. Seeing that the honor guard finally came back, Qiu Fei hurriedly entered and relayed the young master's instructions one by one.

When Shen Ji heard this, he immediately frowned: "How did your little master get the news?"

Qiu Fei naturally knew that all this was done secretly, and lowered her head guiltily: "My master said that she will explain these things to you personally."

Shen Ji was surprised that Yuya got involved again, and savored the news carefully.

If this news is true, it will indeed be of great use to her. !

Chapter 146

Shortly after Qiu Fei left with the palace lantern, Shen Ji took off his hairpin and planned to wash up and go to bed.

It's already very late now, long past His Majesty's bedtime. He must be still dealing with government affairs at this time and has no time to distract himself from the harem.

Shen Ji didn't think much about it.

During this period of time, she was physically and mentally exhausted, and she rarely saw His Majesty. Although I wasn't used to it at first, I thought about it and it was fine. They are each busy with their own affairs. If they see each other less, their hearts will be more peaceful for a while.

It's better not to see each other than to face each other, but our hearts can't be close.

One is full of enthusiasm, the other is deliberately restrained.

This state lasted for a long time, and Shen Ji also felt tortured.

His Majesty treated her well from beginning to end and responded to all her thoughts. But every time she was upset, the Queen Mother's words would echo in her ears.

Then there was the scene of Lin's body being covered with a white cloth and being carried away from the palace road.

In the past six months, His Majesty set foot in the harem less and less often. In the following months, only Fengyi Palace and Chenyou Palace were the only ones. In the end, even Fengyi Palace rarely stayed overnight. More often, he only visited at night. The only one with bright lights is Chenyou Palace.

It wasn't that she couldn't detect His Majesty's preference and consideration for her, consciously or unconsciously. There were even many moments when she wanted to take a gamble.

Two voices in my heart are at war with each other. One of them tells me that as the emperor, His Majesty has reached this point to prove everything. Maybe if you let go of your guard once, it may not end well, but the other voice will fight to the death to pull her back. Tell her that your Majesty can afford to lose, but you cannot afford to lose.

With no choice to make, Shen Ji would rather not think about it.

The makeup on his face was wiped clean by Shuangying bit by bit, and he carefully wiped his face with plum blossom dew and applied beauty powder. Shen Ji said tiredly: "Okay, you should go and have a rest. There are night watchmen here. Just keep it."

Shuangying stood up and retreated. Unexpectedly, as soon as he opened the door, His Majesty's figure appeared outside the palace door.

"Empress--"

Two shadows were projected on the screen. Shen Ji was a little surprised and stood up in his pajamas.

His Majesty walked alone out of the dark night. The winter wind and snow dyed his hair and eyelashes white, and the falling snow fell on his shoulders, adding even more coldness and alienation to his already noble and beautiful face.

But the eyes he looked at Shen Ji were as hot as fire, as if even the heavy snow flying in the sky couldn't stop him from coming to see her.

With such bad weather, how could His Majesty come at such a time?

Shen Ji was stunned and just stood at the door looking at him. Every time he took a step closer, his features became clearer and his love became stronger.

"Susu, I'm late."

His voice was clear and deep, as if he was talking about today, but also seemed to be more than just talking about today.

Qin Yuan walked to Shen Ji, and the chill on his body made her wake up suddenly.

He leaned down and brought the height difference between the two people to the same line: "Susu, help me untie it."

Everything about tonight caught her off guard.

Shen Ji stared blankly at His Majesty, who was leaning towards him, and suddenly had the illusion that the one who came now was not his wife, but his husband who came home late for some reason.

With a smile in his eyes, he was gentle and considerate. He leaned towards her and said that he couldn't untie the black fox cloak on his body, so he wanted her to untie it.

She let go of the pajamas she was wearing, raised her hand to touch his cool cloak, and then effortlessly pulled the rope to untie it, and the fox fur fell to the ground, no one noticed.

The warmth of Chenyou Palace melted the wind and snow outside. Qin Yuan kissed Shen Ji's forehead, picked her up and got into the bed with her.

The red gauze fell slowly, and the two figures suddenly uttered a sentence.

"It smells so good."

I don't know if I'm talking about the tent or the people.

Shen Ji blushed with embarrassment and subconsciously pinched the collar of his pajamas: "Why is Your Majesty here alone now?"

His Majesty is very different today. He can't explain why, but he always wants to tease her. She hasn't blushed for a long time after getting together less and staying apart these days, and she was really overwhelmed when she came here late at night.

Seeing the pink on her cheeks, so charming, Qin Yuan's throat rolled slightly, he pinched her defensive hand and laughed: "Are you ashamed?"

Shen Ji blushed and said nothing.

He didn't look inside, but instead put his arms around her shoulders and brought her into his arms. When his arms were filled with warm fragrance, he let out a sigh of satisfaction.

It seemed as if he was content to be able to hold her and wanted nothing more.

The beauty in his arms poked him gently, and Qin Yuan closed his eyes lazily and said, "It's snowing so heavily outside, why should I come here all the time?"

"Of course I miss you."

"These government affairs are very busy, and we must not relax for a moment. Finally, everything is fully prepared and the dust has settled. I want to share it with you as soon as possible."

It's been a long time since the two of them had such a good conversation. Shen Ji didn't make a sound and listened quietly.

Qin Yuan didn't care whether these things were related to the government and it was not appropriate for the concubine to know too much. Instead, he opened his eyes and told her in a very solemn tone: "After the death of the late emperor, the succession to the throne was tragic. I ascended the throne at a young age. The foundation is not deep, and the old ministers in the court controlled the government. At first, I had no say. In the seven years since I took the throne, although most of my rights have been taken back, the power of the old ministers centered on the Lin family has a vague tendency to form cliques and threaten, and secretly there are more Many people acted against me, relying on their merits to line their own pockets, and even relied on the fact that they were the late emperor's important ministers to control me. Every time they issued orders, they were always unsatisfactory."

"But this time the Lin family fell, it was a good start. It gave me the reason and opportunity to reorganize the court and arrange all important positions with people who are loyal to me. The old ministers' originally impregnable defense line collapsed. The government has been completely stabilized. When new decrees are issued next year to reform the imperial examination and title selection systems, the government will definitely have a new look. Only then will I truly become a wise king and the lord of the world. Having enough voice."

He took Shen Ji's shoulders and met her forehead, the light in his eyes was extremely bright: "Susu, only now can I truly sit wherever I want."

His Majesty had never told her these things before.

Shen Ji came from a humble background and didn't understand much about government affairs. Even the twists and turns in the palace were something she spent many days and nights pondering after entering the palace.

Although she couldn't understand what these words meant, she could hear the high-spiritedness in His Majesty's calm tone, and the courage in his churning blood.

He is the emperor, the Ninth Five-Year-Old King who controls the country and the world, and he is also her husband.

It was difficult for Shen Ji to describe the shock in her heart.

She took the initiative to kiss His Majesty's lips: "Congratulations, Your Majesty."

It is a blessing to have someone to share your thoughts that cannot be told to outsiders, and someone to understand.

Qin Yuan's eyes were full of love. He looked at her for a long time and kissed her eyes without any explanation: "Besides these, I have something else to tell you."

Shen Ji raised his eyes and looked at him.

It was snowing outside and the cold wind was howling, but the two people hugging each other felt warm.

The bedroom is as warm as spring, and the fragrance of plum blossoms enters the nose faintly. When their eyes meet, lights burst out and red candles flicker, which is indescribably charming.

"I love you."

"I also hope you can love me as much as I love you."

Qin Yuan grabbed her hand and touched his heart. The heartbeat inside was strong and powerful, jumping in Shen Ji's palm through the warm skin.

"I know what the queen mother said to you, I know the worries in your heart, and I also know that our identities are not equal, so asking you to love me without any basis is my wishful thinking."

"I know that even if I don't do anything, we can go on like this in harmony, but I am not willing to do this, and I don't want to be like this. I think you and I are intimate and equal. You don't have to look up to me. , there is no need to chase me, and there is no need to gradually wither in the harem."

"But I didn't understand this at the time. It wasn't until the day Mrs. Lin committed suicide in front of me that I suddenly understood."

"Susu, I know that words are useless, only practical actions count. So these days, one of the motivations and goals that I am busy with in government affairs is because of you."

"I want to resolve everything and tell you slowly after everything is settled."

Qin Yuan's speaking speed was not fast.

He held Shen Ji, looked into her eyes, and in a steady and firm tone, peeled off his complete self to Shen Ji.

Shen Ji never imagined that this day would come.

Something that was impossible to happen in this life happened, and it appeared in front of him.

The lord of the world will do everything to bend down for one person.

He understands her better than she thought, understands her, understands her.

Even for her, he was willing to do this.

"I plan to cancel all the drafts during my reign. No new people will be admitted to the harem. The existing concubines will no longer be lucky. In the future, I will only be promoted based on seniority and merit in the family. But as an emperor, there are no more people who should be visited and rewarded. They will fall behind. The reason why they enter the palace is for the glory of their family, glory and wealth, so that they don't have to fight and can live the rest of their lives in peace and comfort, which is also a kind of compensation. "

"Your Majesty..." Shen Ji's hands even trembled slightly, and he looked at him in disbelief. After a while, he said, "Have you decided?"

Qin Yuan nodded and hugged her tightly: "I thought about it half a year ago, but these things need to be done slowly, and we need to give the former harem and even the mother a time to gradually accept it. I also need to do it during this time. We are purging the imperial court internally, so I am telling you today."

"But the Queen Mother's side--"

Qin Yuan laughed softly and kissed her forehead lovingly: "The queen is my biological mother, and she wishes me better than anyone else."

"If I insist and achieve political achievements, how can she object? At most, she will just let us have more children."

Shen Ji's face turned red: "What child... Your Majesty is not allowed to say anything."

The sound of breathing in her ears was long and powerful, and it was clear that the two of them were hugging each other, but she still felt like she was dreaming.

She never dared to think that such a thing would happen to her.

The harem was in name only to give her peace of mind.

Your Majesty has made so many considerations in order to allow her to accept her with an open heart.

Shen Ji couldn't help but stretched out his hand to trace His Majesty's eyebrows. The uncertainty in his heart turned into a faint joy as he rubbed it inch by inch.

After embracing each other for a long time, Shen Ji finally accepted that this fact was not just a dream.

But even though the estrangement between her and His Majesty has been eliminated, the situation in the palace is not optimistic now.

Concubine Yide is watching with eager eyes, and the queen's pregnancy is also worrying.

Thinking of what Qiu Fei came to tell her today, Shen Ji asked softly: "Your Majesty, Susu has something I want to ask you."

Qin Yuan guessed that her mood would be very complicated now, so he did not disturb her and just played with a strand of her black hair quietly.

Unexpectedly, when he heard her speak, he said casually: "In the future, when there are only two of us, it will be just you and me, without the imperial concubine."

"Don't let me see you like this."

Shen Ji laughed dumbly, gently pulled his collar and said, "Okay, I want to ask you, what do you think of Concubine Yide?"

"Concubine Yide?"

Qin Yuan's lazy and comfortable expression turned slightly colder, and he pointed at the center of her eyebrows: "What did she do again?"

Shen Ji smiled: "As for now, it's nothing. It's just that I heard that she has been dissatisfied with me for a long time and has made some small moves in private."

"Your Majesty, I just hope that no matter what happens in the future, you will believe me, not her."

Qin Yuan chuckled softly and bent his head to catch her lips: "She cannot be compared with you in my heart."

-

Time flies and it's New Year's Eve.

In the past month and a half, in addition to taking care of the queen and handling palace affairs, Shen Ji also liked to take his personal palace maids to go out in the snow to find plum blossoms and fold plum blossoms for the queen, sometimes even when it was already late. I would carry a palace lantern to enjoy the plum blossoms in the snow at night.

The longer you stay in the palace, the more you cherish these simple beauties. The so-called complexity, magnificence, and exalted status become a burden after a long time.

With Yuya, His Majesty, Zizhao, and the Queen around, Shen Ji felt very contented.

This year's New Year's Eve Palace Banquet was not suitable for the Empress to attend while she was pregnant, and Shen Ji was not willing to take on too many things from her, so he discussed with Concubine Yide and left all matters concerning the New Year's Eve Banquet to her.

From the mobilization of guards to the arrangements for banquets, Shen Ji didn't care about anything.

Concubine Yide was silent for a long time, and she had nowhere to vent in her heart. It was rare to have such a live person who could show her face. Naturally, she had no objection, and she agreed.

On the eve of the palace banquet, Shen Ji sat in front of the dowry and looked at herself in the mirror, while the maids behind her helped her put on makeup.

With her eyebrows drawn and her eyes painted, and her lips covered with lipstick, she already had an extraordinarily good appearance, and it was even more astonishing to put on the makeup.

Shen Ji, who had just entered the palace, was charming and pitiful, with charming eyes and brows.

Three years have passed, and her beauty remains the same, but she has become more gentle and calm, and less charming.

The nobility in every move is overwhelming, as noble as a goddess, making people unable to take their eyes away.

Shuangying opened the cotton curtain from outside the palace and came in. He was holding a long brocade box in his hand. He opened the brocade box as he walked and said with a smile: "Mother, this is the jewelry sent by Si Zhensi. It is said that it is Your Majesty ordered that the work must be carried out quickly and it must be perfect, so it has been postponed until today. Fortunately, it is not too late, and you can use it today."

She spread the brocade box onto the dowry in front of Shen Ji, revealing twelve flower hairpins inside.

In December of a year, there are flowers every month.

It is in various shapes and forms, using all the treasures of heaven and earth, and is so exquisite and expensive that it is dazzling.

Of course Shen Ji likes His Majesty's intentions very much, but she has other purposes today and would not waste such a good thing.

She smiled, closed the brocade box, and said warmly: "We don't need these today, just leave them. Just use the beaded hairpins and walking sticks I used to wear."

"yes."

Half an hour later, Shen Ji finally finished dressing up and got on the chariot going to Liangyi Hall.

The lanterns are starting to come on, and the snow is falling a little less now.

Concubine Yide ordered the palace servants to decorate the palace road. Although it was already evening, the palace lanterns were lit all the way and snowflakes were falling. It was really a beautiful scenery.

Xu Shi is already familiar with the scenery in the palace. Many folk entertainments cannot be easily introduced into the palace, and the concubines have long since lost their confidence after not being favored for a long time. This year's palace banquet was not particularly attractive.

Average, neither good nor bad.

Without the jealousy and intrigue among the concubines, it was the first time for Shen Ji to live such a peaceful and harmonious New Year.

After careful calculation, the concubines have not been favored for nearly a year, and the only one in the palace who can serve the Holy Emperor is the Jade Concubine.

At first, there were still people who complained, and there were still people who were looking forward to it, but over time, it became a tacit understanding that His Majesty was unwilling to set foot in the harem and only favor the concubine.

The dancers and musicians in the palace arranged many new songs and played them one after another. Shen Ji drank a few glasses of wine with His Majesty and tasted a few bites of food. The palace banquet was so long that she sat still for a long time. , I feel a little boring.

Zizhao had been sleepy for a long time, and was taken back to the palace by Mammy and Qingchen to rest. Shen Ji covered his face, yawned, excused himself to go to the toilet, and sneaked out.

A little further out from the north gate of Liangyi Palace is the Plum Grove. Shen Ji and Shuang Ying bypassed the lively celebrations at the palace banquet and arrived at the Plum Grove.

There were many people attending the palace banquet today, and the earth dragon was burning in the palace. It was really stuffy. Going out to breathe the fresh air and blowing the cold wind made me feel refreshed from head to toe.

Shuangying was holding a palace lantern, and the two of them stepped on the snow, one foot deep and the other shallow. The fragrance of cold plum blossoms was very elegant.

The location of the plum grove in the palace is quite special. It is connected to a passage dedicated to the imperial guards to the Jianzhang Hall. There is a door on both sides guarding it, and guards patrol it alternately day and night.

Shen Ji looked back and looked at her, and said with a smile: "I create opportunities for her, so she doesn't let me down."

Shuang Xing hesitated for a moment: "Mother, I always feel that this plan is too risky..."

"If you can't bear it, how can you get rid of her in one fell swoop?"

Shen Ji gently pulled his lips. At this moment, Concubine Yide, who found out that she was missing at the palace banquet, must have looked ecstatic.

It's a pity that she doesn't know that this play has just begun.

The plum trees are densely planted and winding. On a snowy night, with only a palace lantern, the path that can be seen clearly is very limited.

Unknowingly, Shen Ji had reached the hot spring next to Meilin.

She was about to talk to Shuangying, but she heard the sound of several men talking and laughing not far away.

Shuangying immediately became alert and asked in a loud voice: "Who is there?"

The voices of the men talking suddenly stopped, and there was a faint sound of breaking bowls. After the rustling sound, not long after, a man wearing a guard uniform came over and saluted Shen Ji. There was a faint smell of alcohol on his body.

Maybe he was drinking to strengthen his courage, and it was still late at night, so the young guard subconsciously raised his head and glanced at Shen Ji.

On a snowy night, red plum blossoms make the scene.

The beauty in palace attire holds a palace lantern in her hand. Her skin is as white as snow and her eyebrows are picturesque. She is so beautiful that it is shocking.

He forgot to breathe for a moment. Such beauty was rare in his life.

The fragrance of plum blossoms wafted from her body. Somehow, the floral fragrance seemed to be intoxicating. The guard's throat became tighter and tighter, his breathing became hotter and hotter, and his vision became a little blurry.

With such a dangerous man by his side, Shen Ji was very calm. She looked at him indifferently and looked at something strange. Thinking about what Qiu Fei had said to her, she guessed that he must have drank warm wine.

The clothes on her body were all stained with the strange fragrance, which collided with the warm wine and aroused sexual desire. It was New Year's Eve again, so it was normal for the guards on duty to drink wine to warm up.

Even though Concubine Yi De takes drugs every day that make her feel anxious and unable to rest, she is more careful than ordinary people in doing things.

The guard shook his head suddenly, staggered, and fell to Shen Ji's side. But the closer he got to Shen Ji, the stronger the effect of the medicine became. Drunkness and passion/desire catalyzed it, and desire quickly defeated reason.

The guard staggered up from the ground, his eyes were blurred, he looked at Shen Ji and shouted: "Beauty... you are so beautiful..."

Shen Ji took a step back, glanced behind the pillars of Tangquan Palace casually, and walked in that direction: "What are you doing? If you dare to offend, I will never forgive you!"

Her voice was not quiet, and her steps became more and more panicked, making it impossible for anyone to notice anything strange.

Shuangming tightly protected his mother-in-law as she walked to the entrance of Tangquan Palace. When the guards followed eagerly, Shuangming suddenly pushed open the door of Tangquan Palace, pushed the guards in, and quickly grabbed the hiding place. The maid behind the corridor also pushed in.

She immediately closed the door, and the guard couldn't wait to throw himself at the palace maid inside, and then let out a sharp scream.

The moment the door closed, Shen Ji saw that the guard had pushed the palace maid to the ground, and the skirt of her clothes was torn open with great force, revealing a white side.

She didn't bear it at all. She turned around and ran down the steps. She was so scared that she dropped the palace lantern in her hand. With tears in her eyes, she and Shuangying shouted loudly: "Someone is coming! Someone is coming quickly -!"

This place was very close to the guard on duty. Within a moment, there was a burst of rapid footsteps coming towards her direction.

Shen Ji raised his head with tears in his eyes, only to see His Majesty walking towards Merlin surrounded by his concubines and imperial guards. Concubine Yide next to him looked a little unhappy.

She had no time to take care of Concubine Yide, but knelt down in front of His Majesty with pear blossoms in the rain, and burst into tears: "I hope that Your Majesty will make the decision for me. There is such an ambitious and shameless person in the palace. He dares to drink and try to do something to me." Unfavorable... Fortunately, I hid in time. If not, I would have hit my head on the wall of Tangquan Palace and died today to prove my innocence!"

Shuangying was also scared and cried in panic: "Your Majesty, please deal with that prodigal son immediately!"

Seeing Shen Ji crying sadly and almost being coveted by another man, Qin Yuan's face suddenly darkened. He raised his hand to help the frail Shen Ji up: "Where is the thief?"

Shuangming was stunned for a moment, lowered his head and whispered: "He...he didn't meet the empress, but mistakenly arrested a palace maid in Tangquan Palace. At this time, he was...committing adultery in Tangquan Palace. !"!

Chapter 147

As soon as these words came out, all the concubines and maids present covered their faces and tilted their heads, frowning.

In the majestic palace, he dared to force himself to do such obscene things with the palace maids on New Year's Eve. Such behavior was really a waste of life and he did not know whether to live or die.

Did he not want his life?

Shen Ji cried sadly, tears falling slowly. Coupled with Shuangying's words, Qin Yuan's whole body suddenly became a little colder.

He held Shen Ji's hand tightly and asked her to stand up. He said in a cold voice: "Come here, go to Tangquan Palace and bring me the thief who doesn't know whether to live or die."

Something unexpected happened on a snowy night. Shen Ji was so weak that he couldn't help but lay on His Majesty's shoulder and sobbed softly. This was the perfect New Year's Eve palace banquet. The concubines behind him looked at each other in shock.

At this time, the palace banquet was almost over. It was Concubine Yi De who arranged the fireworks in the plum forest and said that they would enjoy the snow scene together in the hope that the auspicious snow would herald a good harvest in the coming year and pray for the people.

It was originally a palace banquet, and it was carefully arranged. His Majesty naturally had no reason not to bring the royal family and concubines to enjoy the scenery. Unexpectedly, before she got there, she saw Yugui's concubine running over crying, saying that she had met a villain who was trying to belittle her.

Ban Yuya squeezed out from the crowd and asked anxiously: "Sister Yu, what is going on? Are you okay?"

Hearing this, Shen Ji straightened up from His Majesty's shoulders and stood behind His Majesty in the crowd.

She dipped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a brocade handkerchief, and said in a trembling voice: "I felt a little bored after sitting in the palace banquet for a long time, so I wanted to come out and take a breath. Unexpectedly, while walking around in the plum forest, I walked to Tangquan Palace. Tangquan Palace The palace is in a remote place. Except for people who come to take a bath, no one usually comes here. However, I heard the voices of many men here. Calculating the time of arrival carefully, it should be the time when the guards change their duties. Xu is the guard who has gone off duty. There is no way to hide here. But this place is not a guard house, so Shuangying raised his voice and asked who was there..."

As Shen Ji spoke, it became increasingly difficult for him to speak, and he held Yuya's hand tightly to support him: "Who would have thought that the bad guy only said a few words to me, but he was drunk and wanted to do something! Fortunately, Shuang Shuang Ling pulled me to escape and was forced all the way to Tangquan Palace. As a result, he couldn't touch me, but he saw the palace maid in Tangquan Palace, and his animalistic nature pulled her in. "

"When we were running away, we saw him tearing open the maid's clothes...I'm afraid..."

A woman's innocence is the most important thing, especially in the palace. How can people ignore such an incident on New Year's Eve?

Ban Yuya said angrily: "Such a thing can happen in the palace, I must be severely punished!"

She held Shen Ji's hand back and said, "As long as Sister Yu is fine."

At this time, Concubine Zhuang, who was standing aside, said softly: "It's lucky that the concubine Yu is fine, but when it comes to it, I don't understand."

"The guards in the palace have been strictly trained. It is impossible not to know how powerful they are. Even if there are really ungrateful and lustful people, they will not dare to openly harass the concubines in the palace. Furthermore, if they are really just after Yugui, If a concubine goes alone, she will not settle for the second best and catch the palace maid for bullying/humiliation. Also, the appearance of this palace maid is a bit unreasonable. Today is New Year's Eve. There are rewards in every palace, and there is no work that must be done tonight. She Why did you appear in Tangquan Palace?"

She looked at His Majesty and said warmly: "I think many of these unreasonable things are like artificial arrangements. I would like to ask Your Majesty to investigate clearly and restore the innocence of the noble concubine and restore peace to the palace."

thing

Qin Yuan must investigate Guan Chenji thoroughly.

He turned to look at Shen Ji and saw that she was clinging to Yi Meiren. Seeing that her mood was a little better, the anger in his heart dissipated a little.

At this time, the guards who went to Tangquan Palace came back and reported that they had separated the guard who was doing evil things with red eyes from the palace maid. The guards tied them up with ropes and poured cold water on them. The palace maid also knelt in the palace and waited to be punished.

He was originally supposed to be brought here to give a reply, but there were too many concubines present, and both of them were disheveled. They were afraid of staining the eyes of their masters, so they came to ask for instructions.

Qin Yuan glanced behind him lightly, and asked Concubine Rong to take the concubines back to Liangyi Palace. As for Tangquan Palace, all the principals and Yi Meiren went, and the fireworks of Meilin were moved to the front of Liangyi Palace. Set off.

After verbal instructions, Rong Concubine and others returned to Liangyi Palace under the protection of the palace people, while Qin Yuan went to Tangquan Palace with several principal concubines.

When things went so wrong, Concubine Yi De's bad premonition became stronger and stronger. Seeing that she was getting closer to Tangquan Palace, her mind was spinning rapidly.

Where did the maids come from in Tangquan Palace at the moment? There was only one confidant whom she sent to reward the guards with drinks and to monitor Shen Ji being insulted.

But she clearly knew how powerful it was and would never let herself get involved. How could it become like this?

The guard lost his temper, and the concubine Jade and her personal maid stayed close to avoid entanglement, but they found a palace maid in the dark? !

The more Concubine Yi De thought about it, the more she felt something was wrong, but the matter had been exposed. She had no time to think deeply about what went wrong. She could only quickly think of countermeasures to remove herself from the matter.

The group of people arrived at Tangquan Palace and saw someone arriving. The door of the palace was pushed open by the guard on duty at the door, revealing the two people kneeling inside.

The guard was only wearing underwear and was tied up in various ways. His eyes were red and he fell to the ground making a grunting sound. It was obvious that he had not sobered up yet. The insulted maid hugged her shoulders and kept crying. Her dress was torn, barely covering her inner clothes.

Shen Ji followed His Majesty and walked forward slowly, faintly seeing the bright red blood on her clothes.

It can be seen that this medicine is so powerful that it can make a well-trained guard completely lose his mind and destroy her body.

Such a dirty incident really scared many people.

Concubine Zhuang and Rao Zhaoyuan both frowned and turned their heads, following His Majesty's movements and sat down on their respective chairs.

Shen Ji looked up at Concubine Yide calmly and saw her staring closely at the palace maid, which confirmed her guess.

The guard was splashed with cold water and still couldn't wake up in time. His high desire made him squirm on the ground uncomfortably, making vague sounds from his mouth.

Qin Yuan's face was gloomy, and he moved his fingers. The guard waiting below immediately stepped forward and slapped him twice, and poured a bucket of ice water on him again.

The heat in his body was somewhat extinguished by the ice water, and the burning pain kept coming from his face. The guard finally became clearer. He stared blankly at the situation around him, then at himself and the palace maids beside him. The blurred and fragmented memories made him finally realize what he had done, and his face suddenly became as white as paper, and he became afraid.

"Your Majesty... spare your life! Your Majesty, spare your life! I really don't know what happened!"

Qin Yuan had a dark face but did not speak. At this time, Zhang Pu came in from the outside and bowed: "Your Majesty, I have found out. This guard is named Liu Lingzhi, and he is on duty today."

One of Fangmen's guards. According to the remaining guards, after the time changed, they received the royal wine from a strange palace maid. They said it was a reward from the masters on New Year's Eve. It was used to warm up and ward off the cold, so they drank together in a corner behind Tangquan Palace. . Unexpectedly, they met Yu Guifei on the way. In order to avoid punishment, the other guards quickly returned to the guard station. Only Liu Lingzhi stepped forward to explain the situation to Yu Guifei. "

"Unexpectedly, Liu Lingzhi never returned to the guard house. They just thought they were being punished by the empress and didn't pay much attention to it. Unexpectedly, what happened next happened."

Zhang Pu said: "The guards on duty in the same batch said that Liu Lingzhi had always been very normal, nothing unusual, and he was not a womanizer at ordinary times, so they speculated that there might be something wrong with the wine. This is what they drank today. My servant has sent someone to bring back some of the wine. They are all here. Your Majesty, please send someone to check."

Qin Yuan coldly waved his sleeves and motioned to the accompanying imperial physician to go and check. The imperial doctor did not dare to delay and immediately went up to examine it carefully.

I smelled it, tasted it, and even tried a silver needle, but nothing came of it.

The imperial doctor also felt strange, shook his head and said: "Your Majesty, this wine is not poisonous, it is a common wine in the palace."

How could a good wine change a person's temperament drastically and turn him into a beast/animal after drinking it?

The expressions of everyone in the venue changed slightly, and Concubine Zhuang also felt that something was wrong, and once again looked at the guards and maids kneeling below.

The insulted palace maid kept lowering her head and sobbing. She was so pitiful, but for some reason, Concubine Zhuang felt that she looked familiar.

After looking at it carefully for a moment, Concubine Zhuang finally remembered who she belonged to, and exclaimed: "Isn't this Qiao'er from Concubine Yide's palace? Why are you here?"

With a startled expression, Qiaoer didn't expect anyone to recognize her at this time. She couldn't help feeling humiliated and lowered her head even more.

Ban Yuya said softly: "Today's New Year's Eve banquet, except for the palace servants who followed their master to the banquet, the other palace maids should stay in the palace and watch the night. Why did you come to Tangquan Palace?"

Qiao'er subconsciously glanced at Concubine Yi De, biting her lip and saying nothing. She was shaking all over, just holding her chest and sobbing. She showed a pitiful and innocent look after being insulted. It was unbearable to continue questioning at this time. she.

Concubine Yide said: "Today is New Year's Eve, and the New Year's Eve palace banquet is hosted by me. The palace guards are on duty and cannot go home for reunion. I intend to show my grace, so I asked Qiaoer to send me wine to reward me. But I didn't think--"

After saying that, she sighed, feeling a little bit unbearable: "It was my order that misled you."

Ban Yuya glanced at her and said in a calm voice: "In this case, it seems that Concubine De did something bad with good intentions."

"I just remembered that the way back to Liangyi Palace and Bixiao Palace from the guard station did not pass through Tangquan Palace. How did Qiaoer appear in Tangquan Palace? Sister Yu just said that she and Shuangying came from near Tangquan Palace. He hid all the way in the palace, and then accidentally asked Liu Lingzhi to catch Qiaoer. But if Qiaoer returned to the palace after rewarding him with wine, he would not have met his sister and Liu Lingzhi, so this would not happen. As soon as it's out."

"Although it is a good thing that Sister Yu is safe and sound, it is better to find out all the unreasonable things one by one. If someone deliberately framed her, then the matter would not just be as simple as slandering a palace maid."

Concubine Yi De was speechless for a moment when Ban Yuya asked her. She gritted her teeth for a moment and then said: "The night was dark and windy. It's unknown whether Qiao'er took the wrong path or got her shoes and socks dirty and rested here. She is an innocent daughter and her family is now It's pitiful to be humiliated for nothing, why do the Yi Americans need to be so aggressive?"

Ban Yuya lowered her long eyelashes and covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief: "What are you talking about, Concubine De? How can a palace maid's innocence be as valuable as Sister Yu's life? If there is really something wrong with this matter, no investigation will be done." , Today my sister was almost killed by someone, but what about tomorrow? With such an impure person in the harem walking free, can we sisters still have a peaceful life? "

"Today is New Year's Eve. All matters are arranged by Sister De Fei. Naturally, I am afraid that something will go wrong. But seeing that there are so many doubts, Concubine De should also think about solving the problem instead of diverting attention."

"Or is it that Concubine De is so nervous not just because she is afraid that something will happen and she will be implicated--?"

"Yimeimei, how can your majesty allow you to talk nonsense?" Concubine Yi De's face suddenly became sharper when the central issue was exposed. However, the matter has not yet been judged, and she must not be easily splashed with dirty water.

As long as Qiaoer keeps her mouth shut and refuses to admit that she was the one who ordered her to come and take a peek, the strange fragrance and the warm wine are not poisonous if they are separated. Who can think of them together? There is no evidence in the first place, and she can still be fooled by leaving it alone, but if His Majesty really starts to doubt her and investigates all the evidence, then she will be finished!

Ban Yuya nodded: "I am worried about Sister Yu, so I am speculating more. I hope your majesty will forgive me."

Qin Yuan looked at the people below and said coldly: "There is nothing wrong with drinking. Liu Lingzhi can always see something strange. He is unconscious because he has been drugged. Check his pulse and see if you can tell." Exception comes."

The imperial doctor immediately stepped forward and checked Liu Lingzhi's pulse, then looked at the size of his pupils and his body. He replied: "Your Majesty, Guard Liu is indeed poisoned by the poison of love, and the effect of this medicine is extremely strong, menacing, and unusual." thing."

"But based on Weichen's knowledge, we still can't tell what medicine caused this. We can only prescribe medicine to remove the toxicity."

In the palace, he attempted to attack His Majesty's favorite concubine, but when he failed, he raped the palace maid. This is a capital crime.

But Liu Lingzhi was really innocent. He was so frightened that he cried on the ground: "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I really don't know anything. I was framed. Please forgive me!"

Concubine Zhuang glanced at Shen Ji and said to His Majesty: "Although I don't know what it is, since it is charming, I can conclude that someone deliberately framed me."

"This person must be very unhappy with Concubine Yu, so he carefully planned to destroy her innocence and completely make Concubine Yu fall out of favor."

Who dislikes Shen Ji the most and who is most afraid of her in the palace, although it is never revealed on the surface, everyone knows it.

At this time, Shen Ji said: "Your Majesty, since this wine is not poisonous, the root cause may come from my concubine."

"I remember that Liu Shiwei was fine when he came to inform me of the situation, but after just a few breaths, his expression changed. Could it be that there is something on my body that mixes with him when he drinks wine, and the poison will appear? Is that true? If this is the case, the person who wants to harm me may have already laid plans around me and is waiting for today."

Speaking of the key point, Concubine Yi De's face suddenly turned pale and she tightened the handkerchief in her hand.

She stood up and walked to His Majesty. She cried pitifully and said, "Speaking of this matter, there has always been a strange thing in my concubine's palace."

"After I was promoted to the throne, many sisters came to send congratulatory gifts. However, it happened to be the time when I moved to the palace. I couldn't register the gifts one by one in the treasury to clear the source. So when I moved into Chenyou Palace, , there has been a strong smell coming from the warehouse. But the source of this smell is unknown, and it dissipated overnight, but it lightly clings to every corner of the warehouse, even jewelry and clothes. I once inspected it carefully , but I still couldn't find anything unusual, so I had to give up and assume it was a new gadget sent by one of the sisters."

"When I think about it today, I always wonder if it's caused by this strange smell."

Shen Ji took out the handkerchief from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "Your Majesty, this handkerchief also has a very light fragrance. You can give it to the imperial doctor for inspection."

Qin Yuan nodded slowly, and then the imperial doctor took it.

He smelled carefully to identify the aroma, and sure enough, he smelled a strange aroma from the plum fragrance, which was not the smell of Chang'an.

The imperial doctor took another sip of the wine himself and smelled it carefully. After a few breaths, nothing happened.

Concubine Yide's heart finally dropped a little bit as her heart was hanging in her throat. Her whole body was soaked with sweat and she didn't dare to act rashly.

Fortunately, the wine had already cooled down. The cold wine and the strange aroma meant that nothing would happen. No matter how sharp you Shen Ji is, can you guess that you need warm wine?

Even she herself learned about this incident by accident. Even if such a seamless plan failed and Qiaoer got involved, she would not be involved.

The imperial doctor took another breath and smelled the aroma, but there was still no reaction.

He stepped forward and replied: "Your Majesty, this fragrance is harmless and will not form a poison with wine."

Now even Concubine Zhuang couldn't figure it out. She frowned and said, "The wine is not poisonous, and the fragrance is not poisonous, so how did Guard Liu get poisoned in such a short period of time? There must be something wrong somewhere."

At this moment, Ban Yuya was sitting at the end, slowly raised her eyes to look at Concubine Yide, and curved her lips in an imperceptible way: "There are thousands of kinds of fragrance, and there are cold and warm wines."

"Liu Weiwei, I wonder if the wine Qiaoer brought you - is it cold or warm?"

Chapter 148

It was about his own life. Liu Lingzhi immediately opened his eyes and shouted: "The wine she brought is warm! It's freshly scalded wine. It's said to be used to warm up the brothers on duty to keep out the cold. Please, please." The doctor will try the warm wine again!"

Ban Yuya smiled lightly and looked at His Majesty.

When the obscure key point of warm wine was revealed, Concubine Yide was almost heartbroken.

How could the key point be found so easily? How did Ban Yuya know? !

When she spoke just now, she looked calm and composed, without any hesitation, and she clearly seemed confident of winning.

But most people will definitely be confused when encountering this matter for the first time, and will never be so sure.

Unless...unless she had known that the strange fragrance and warm wine would turn into poison when they met, so she chose to say it now!

But very few people know about this. Even Qiaoer doesn't know. How did Ban Yuya learn about it?

Concubine Yide's hand hidden in her sleeve was so strong that it pulled out blood stains. She stared at the bowl of wine in the hands of Liu Lingzhi and the imperial doctor, and said stiffly: "It's the same wine, but is there any difference between hot and cold? Yi Meiren He's really attentive."

She stared at Ban Yuya with cold side eyes, still wondering how Yi Meiren would know about it if she knew about it.

Only she and Wen Shu knew the reason for warming the wine, and there was no way it would be leaked out. Ban Yuya was a mere peasant girl with no foundation, so how could she know such a private matter.

She has a strict tone of voice, and Wen Shu is--

That's right... Wen Shu!

Concubine Yi De immediately clenched her back molars.

No wonder Wen Shu had been acting strangely these past few days. He said he was unwell and could not serve him, and wanted to stay in bed to recuperate. Tonight, he was unable to even attend the New Year's Eve banquet and stayed in the palace to rest.

If it wasn't for a guilty conscience, how could Wen Shu be so abnormal? It was because she had too much trust in Wen Shu that she was not suspicious at all and did not realize that she had been betrayed long ago!

Bitch!

There is no one she can trust in this palace!

Qin Yuan gave Concubine Yide a cold look and ignored the meaning of her words: "Go and warm the wine and try again."

Zhang Pu personally took the wine bottle and went to the side room to warm the wine. While waiting for the result, the hall was so quiet that only Qiaoer's subtle sobs could be heard.

The cold wind howled outside the hall, but after a few breaths, the long roar of fireworks suddenly sounded outside.

As the fireworks rise into the sky, you can vaguely see the colorful fireworks exploding in the sky through the gate of Tangquan Palace, with flowing fireflies splashing in all directions, as gorgeous as the clouds.

Zizheng has arrived, and fireworks are set off in the palace for half an hour as usual.

On New Year's Eve, the people of Chang'an can watch the fireworks and ward off evil spirits together.

When the fireworks are lit, the new year has arrived.

Today is the eighth year of Cheng'an, the first day of the first lunar month.

The fireworks outside are gorgeous and grand, symbolizing the arrival of the new year. I don't know if it was because every moment like this would make people feel particularly emotional, but Shen Ji couldn't help but look at His Majesty.

Not long after, Xu Shi noticed her gaze lingering, and Qin Yuan also looked at her.

As the two looked at each other, many words were left unspoken.

His Majesty and the concubine Yu Gui have a deep and profound love. All the concubines present can see it. Some are calm, some are resentful, some are complicated, and their emotions are all different.

After a while, Zhang Pu presented the warm wine.

The imperial physician immediately took a sip and smelled Concubine Yu's handkerchief deeply again. Unexpectedly, this time, after only three or five breaths, his eyes began to blur and his whole body became hot.

I knew the medicine was powerful, but I never thought it would be so overbearing!

The imperial doctor did not dare to take it lightly. He immediately took out a porcelain bottle from the medicine box and put it under his nose to smell deeply to regain his senses. He also took the poison-clearing pill. After a while, his heavy breathing finally calmed down.

He knelt down in front of His Majesty, bowed and said: "Your Majesty, this warm wine is extremely effective when combined with the fragrance!"

The evidence was conclusive. Qin Yuan looked down at Concubine Yide and said coldly: "Vicious woman, why don't you kneel down!"

"Your Majesty clearly knows this, but I don't know!" Concubine Yide was panic-stricken. She knelt down in the hall and cried in panic. She couldn't help but burst into tears. "I really don't know what is going on! Today is the New Year's Eve, I am here. I just asked Qiaoer to serve wine to the guards, I never had any other thoughts."

"Taking a step back, even if I am really dissatisfied with Yu Gui Concubine and plans to take action today, how do I know when Yu Gui Concubine will get up and leave Liangyi Palace today, where she will go after leaving, and how to control her? Have you learned about the whereabouts of the concubine Jade? This wine was originally a royal wine commonly used in the palace. It was dry and empty. In the past, the empress often used to support the guards who could not go home for the New Year. Is it possible that the concubine was rewarded just because she fulfilled her duties? After drinking from the guards, can we conclude that it was the concubine who wanted to harm the noble concubine..."

Ban Yuya glanced at her and said neither lightly nor seriously: "Concubine Yide doesn't have to say that she is so aggrieved and pitiful."

"The Empress is unwell during pregnancy, and Sister Yu works hard and likes to go to Meilin to relax. This is a matter known to everyone in the palace. If Empress De Fei really intends to harm her sister, she only needs a little

If you ask around, you will know where your sister will go. "

"This exotic fragrance and royal wine are harmless and non-poisonous when separated, but they are effective when combined. I am afraid that Concubine De has known this for a long time. She waited for her sister to go out and immediately sent someone to give the wine to the guard closest to Merlin. Drinking in the palace is done in private, and the guards will choose secluded places. Tangquan Palace is the closest, and it happened to be overheard by the sister who was passing by. Sister Yu is the assistant in charge of the harem, and she will not sit idly by if she hears any abnormal noise. At this time, if If any of the guards comes forward to apologize, the charming poison will take effect, and it will naturally achieve the effect you want."

"Once something happens to my sister, His Majesty will definitely be punished for such a serious crime as defiling the harem. Even if something is found to be wrong afterwards, my sister will definitely fall out of favor. When my sister falls out of favor and the power of the palace falls into the hands of the concubine, His Majesty will be furious and unwilling to take care of it anymore. We had no choice but to let it go without any evidence. It's a pity that my sister is fine now, but Qiao'er beside De Concubine has suffered. This is something De Concubine never expected."

"My dear Concubine De, are your guesses about my identity accurate?"

The plan was completely guessed. Concubine Yide was so frightened that she trembled all over, shaking like chaff. She kept crying bitterly: "Nonsense... you are talking nonsense! Your Majesty -! If you want to accuse me, there is no excuse. I can't live in the harem." How can a female prostitute have such a thorough plan? Not to mention that I just asked Qiaoer to deliver the wine, but I don't even know about this strange fragrance!"

"I have served your Majesty for ten years. I have always been cautious and safe. I have never offended anyone. I really don't know why Yi Mei made up such a set of rhetoric against me. But everything I said is true. Please return it to me." I am innocent!"

She was crying and kowtowing, and her forehead was covered with red blood from the force. She looked so sad and pitiful.

Shen Ji looked at her with a slightly complicated expression, which seemed hateful but also pitiable: "Sister De Fei, I have respected you and pitied you for living like a year under Lin's hands. It's very pitiful. But you are so miserable. No way, no, I shouldn't be blamed for it. Do you really think that no one knows about the things you did to me? "

"No matter how good you are at quibbling and eloquent, you still can't explain why as soon as I arrived at Tangquan Palace, Qiaoer went to reward the guards near Tangquan Palace with warm wine. After the reward, I hid it behind the pillars. Let's go, this is where the fire started. You are always very careful, I guess, you are planning to let Qiao'er be a witness to witness me being bullied by the guards, right?"

Concubine Yide looked at her with red eyes, but refused to admit it: "Of course you can arrange whatever you want for what I have never done!"

Struggle to the death, to no avail.

Shen Ji looked at her calmly and said calmly: "Everything from outside the palace that enters the harem is recorded. The strong fragrance will definitely attract the guards at the door to open the boxes and check. Just check what items from outside the palace Concubine Yide has received. Check to see if there are any spices, you'll know right away."

"This strange fragrance and overbearing medicinal effect are not owned by Chang'an. If you look for clues, you will be able to find out where it came from."

After struggling all night, Qin Yuan's patience has long been exhausted.

He had long been extremely disgusted with this woman, but he reluctantly spared her life because of the young age of the second prince. Unexpectedly, she never repented.

Such a ruthless and evil-minded person would only stir up trouble in the harem and make the chickens and dogs restless. Now he dared to put his hands on Shen Ji.

Fortunately, Shen Ji was not harmed and escaped the disaster. If not, he would have cut her into pieces.

Qin Yuan didn't want to look at her again and said in a cold voice: "It's already getting late. Concubine Yide and the palace maid Qiao'er will be locked up in Bixiao Palace and guarded closely. No one is allowed to come in or out. We will discuss all the crimes after the accounts are checked tomorrow. ."

"Zhang Pu, go and pick up the second prince personally and send him to the Longevity Palace to be raised by the Queen Mother."

"As for the guard Liu Lingzhi - it is a serious crime to mess with the harem. I think you have been framed by others, so I will spare your life. From now on, you will be demoted to a commoner and sent out of the palace. You will not be able to enter the official position forever."

Take Rong'er away from her?

Concubine Yide was still racking her brains to think of ways to exonerate herself, but after His Majesty gave the order, her mind went blank.

Rong'er must not be snatched away from her...

No one can!

The most important thing in her life is her son, Rong'er is all her efforts. As long as Rong'er is by her side, mother and son can have a future. If the child is gone, she will have nothing!

Rong'er was about to be taken away. At the moment, she couldn't care about any charges. She hurriedly knelt down at His Majesty's feet, crying so hard that her heart broke. She couldn't help but beg: "Your Majesty! Please don't take Rong'er away from my concubine." , he is still young, only four or five years old this year, and he cannot be separated from his concubine! Please be generous and keep Rong'er by your side to raise him yourself!"

The hypocritical face always reminded him of the things Lin described before his death. Qin Yuan felt disgusted in his heart and kicked her away: "If you really love Rong'er, how could you do so many evil things."

"You are a vicious woman, not worthy of being Rong'er's mother."

Shen Ji looked at Concubine Yide losing her composure with a cold expression.

Human life is inherently a cycle of cause and effect.

If you do evil, you must repay it; if you harm others, you will eventually be harmed by others.

She deserves this.

Two lines of guards from outside the palace entered and escorted Concubine Yide, Qiaoer and Liu Lingzhi away respectively. The door of Tangquan Palace was wide open, and the strong wind of winter blew by. Suddenly, the wind and snow were pouring, and their eyebrows, eyes and cries were swept away. All drowned in the snowy night.

Shen Ji stepped forward and secretly held His Majesty's hand, the warmth in his palm surging across their skin.

She said softly: "Your Majesty, have you guessed everything?"

Qin Yuan returned his grip to her slightly cold catkins, rubbed them gently, and transferred all his warmth to her: "As long as you say it, I believe it."

"Let's go."

-

The next day, the palace gate guard retrieved all the entry and exit records and item circulation records of the maids around Concubine Yide in the past two years, and indeed found records about spices.

It was Concubine Yide's brother who sent someone to bring it to the palace. After investigation, it was found to be a relatively expensive ointment in southern Xinjiang. Many noble women in southern Xinjiang like to smear a little on their bodies. The fragrance is fragrant and long-lasting. It is originally a daughter. A great item for Jia Aijiao.

Southern Xinjiang is hot and humid, and no one drinks warm wine, only cold wine. Therefore, only brothels use this fragrance with warm wine to entertain themselves in the boudoir.

By accident, Concubine Yi De knew this secret, and she deliberately used it to harm others.

The evidence is conclusive, and it is impossible to argue that Concubine Yide murdered the concubine.

By His Majesty's decree, Concubine Yi De will be granted the right to assist in the harem, her title will be revoked, and she will be deposed as a commoner with immediate effect.

This incident happened on New Year's Eve, so it's not appropriate to make a fuss about it, so I'll end the rumors here.

But Qin Yuan knew that all the evil deeds done by the Song family were unforgivable, so he secretly sent Zhang Pu personally to give him a glass of poisonous wine.

-

In Bixiao Palace, the courtyard was empty.

Concubine Yide, with disheveled hair, sat in front of the main seat and watched Zhang Pu walk in with his guards with cold eyes.

In the harem, this was not the first time that Zhang Pu saw someone sending someone off on their way.

He held the fly whisk and said softly: "On your Majesty's order, I have sent you the fine wine given by the emperor. The common people of Song Dynasty should drink it quickly."

Staring at Zhang Pu and the wine in the hands of the little eunuch next to him.

Song Shiwen clutched the clothes underneath her tightly, feeling extremely resentful in her heart.

If she misses once, she will lose everything, but she is not willing to accept it.

It was obvious that she had finally managed to get rid of the Lin family, and had tried everything to get to the position of the first rank. As long as she stayed for a few more years and worked hard, she might not be able to sit on the throne of the queen, and her son might not be the prince.

The smooth road ahead of her, if it weren't for Shen Ji, she would have realized it, and she would have been the most noble woman in the world!

But all this was ruined by Shen Ji.

Shen Ji is a bitch...and that Yuya is a bitch too!

They all want her dead! I don't want her to have a good life! She just wants to live a decent life, is that wrong? ! Have they ever experienced the pain of living under Lin's hands for even one day?

Have you ever known the torment of having your dignity trampled on the ground and vowing to stand at the top?

If Shen Ji hadn't been blessed with good fortune, how could he have won over her, Song Shiwen! How can it be! ?

Even her son... was taken away by the Queen Mother, and she hadn't even said goodbye to him or said the last words to him.

Thinking of this, Song Shiwen's nose felt sour and she almost shed tears.

There are still so many things she wants to do that she has yet to do, and she is really unwilling to do so. She is unwilling to die like this!

Why was Shen Ji able to live happily after she died? Why did Your Majesty treat her so unfairly?

Lin had committed so many capital crimes only for the rest of his life, and she was just trying to frame Shen Ji for humiliation, so she was going to drink poisoned wine and die?

Why do you favor one over the other? ! Doesn't His Majesty have any affection for her in his heart?

Song Shiwen's eyes gradually became filled with resentment. She looked at Zhang Pu coldly and said, "Your Majesty only asked you to bring me wine, but he didn't say that he wanted me to die immediately."

"If you want me to drink this wine, you can ask my personal maid Wen Shu to come over. I want to put my hair and makeup on and die with dignity."

Wen Shu had been following her all her life, and yet he dared to betray her, so she would never make it easy for Wen Shu.

There is only one glass of poisoned wine, if she feeds it to Wen Shu... then she can delay it for another day!

After making up his mind, Song Shiwen looked at Zhang Pu sarcastically.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Pu didn't move an inch and looked at her for a long time. Then he looked at her with an expression that was both mocking and pity, and said, "Maybe the common people in Song Dynasty don't know yet."

"Last night Wen Shu got stranguria and died suddenly."

What?

Song Shiwen's eyes widened and she murmured in disbelief: "Wen Shu...is dead?"

She rushed up and grabbed Zhang Pu's collar: "Wen Shu was fine last night, how could he suddenly get stranguria and die! Did you deliberately deceive me?"

"All of you lied to me... Everyone wants me to die and not see me live a good life!" Song Shiwen completely lost her mind, roared hysterically, shook Zhang Pu desperately, and almost pushed him to the ground.

The guard at the door heard the sound and rushed into the room to subdue her, and pinned her hands to the ground behind her back.

Zhang Pu frowned, swept away the dust on his body, and said coldly: "Song people, you have done your own evil and deserved it."

"You framed Concubine Jade, and His Majesty only demoted you to a commoner and did not punish you with death. The source of this poisonous wine is the common people of Lin."

Song Shiwen was kneeling on the ground, but she couldn't believe what he said. She desperately looked up at Zhang Pu, her eyes red and shook her head: "It's impossible... It's impossible... Mrs. Lin, Mrs. Lin is dead!"

Zhang Pu sighed softly: "When you are about to die, I will let you be a wise man."

"On the day Lin fell into the well, she did not die on the spot, but committed suicide after meeting His Majesty. What do people in Song Dynasty think Lin would say?"

He winked at the little eunuch beside him, and the two little eunuchs immediately stepped forward, one on the left and the other on the right, and trapped the restrained Song family in the middle.

One of them broke her mouth, and the other poured medicine. She shook her head desperately, with tears in her eyes.

After drinking all the poison, she saw Zhang Pu turning and leaving, and finally said lightly: "Your Majesty knew everything, why didn't you cherish this stolen time?"

Stolen...time...

Song Shiwen fell softly to the ground. The poison acted quickly, causing her whole body to tremble and her internal organs to suffer severe pain.

This life is so frustrating...

-

After Song's death, His Majesty ordered her body to be hastily buried on the grounds that she hanged herself out of fear of crime.

The women in the harem are like clouds, deep in the red wall, human lives are like grass and dust, disappearing one after another in a hurry.

The dead are gone, the living are like this.

During the annual New Year's Day, the excitement in the palace did not seem to be affected in any way by Song's death.

The second prince has been raised under the Queen Mother's knees. Although he occasionally cries and calls for his mother and concubine these days, he can be comforted and he is still a well-behaved child.

There were no more troublemakers in the palace, and Shen Ji rarely had a comfortable Spring Festival.

In the blink of an eye, the Lantern Festival arrived, and under the arrangement of Shen Ji, the palace held a guessing lantern party, which was held in the Imperial Garden.

This is the first time the palace has held such a lively lantern show, but it is much more interesting than sitting in the Liangyi Palace watching the dancers dance and eat.

To add to the fun, Shen Ji also set up rewards. The top three people who guessed the most puzzles all had different rewards.

The concubines were in high spirits, chatting and guessing riddles under several lanterns, chatting and laughing. The huge imperial garden was surrounded by colorful lanterns and their clothes and temples were very lively.

Ban Yuya walked up to Shen Ji holding a lotus fish lantern and said with a smile: "Sister Yu."

Shen Ji was sitting in the pavilion drinking tea. When he saw her coming, he greeted her with a smile: "Everyone else is guessing riddles, why don't you guess? Come to me, I won't miss any questions."

Ban Yuya bent her eyes and smiled: "What's so good about my sister and not thinking about me? I won't argue with that. It's good to be able to talk to my sister."

"Yes, it will be great if we sisters can keep going like this and talk to each other every day." Shen Ji lowered his eyelashes and took a sip of tea, his gentle expression full of contentment.

Ban Yuya looked at the full moon on the sky from a distance and said softly: "Unknowingly, half a month has passed. Counting it all, today is still Song's 27th."

Speaking of the Song family, Shen Ji was stunned for a moment: "She brought it upon herself to fall into the trap of our sisters, but if she had not done evil intentionally, she might not have ended up like this."

"It's you, I haven't had time to ask you yet, what did you do in this matter?"

Ban Yuya paused and said with a chuckle: "Speaking of this, I still have something to ask my sister. When the palace maids are released after the new year, I beg my sister to release Qiu Fei and live a good life. It can be regarded as a master-servant hand-in-hand. friendship."

"Qiu Fei was Qi Guiren's dowry girl. Qi Guiren's death was unknown, so Qi Ming naturally had hatred in her heart. She followed me, and I asked her to prepare a lot of things in private in the name of revenge. , they all have to be used on Lin. But my sister does things more smoothly and steadily, so these things are not used. "

"Later I heard my sister say that she wanted to get rid of the Song family. I thought of these things, so I tied up Wen Shu late at night and fed her a chronic poison. I told her that if she didn't do things for me, she would die, and her family members outside the palace would also die. She will die. I have sent someone to secretly administer the medicine. Rather than being loyal, she naturally wants to live for herself and her family. But even though I lied to her about this matter, she still believed it and listened to my daily instructions. Song's diet is filled with medicines that can make people feel depressed and irritable to give themselves antidotes."

"Later on, my sister deliberately provoked Mrs. Song on the morning and dusk. I guessed that my sister wanted to take action, so I called her to ask about Mrs. Song's situation. That night, I unexpectedly learned about Mrs. Song's plan from her. ."

Ban Yuya said softly: "That night, I gave Wen Shu two pills and told her they were antidotes. She would take the third pill once every half month, and I would give it to her when the matter was resolved. But it was not an antidote at all. , the dose of those two pills was enough to completely kill her, and her death condition was similar to that of strangulation."

"No one will care about the death of a palace maid."

"If Wen Shu hadn't informed us of the plan, the Song family's plan this time could even be said to be seamless. Even if Shuangying follows his sister, a martial arts guard is so strong that you can't defeat him. As long as you are caught, it will be later. Some of them will be seen by His Majesty who is coming over. It won't matter what the truth is then."

"My sister always said she didn't want me to be in danger, but I'm so glad that I did these things this time and saved my sister."

Shen Ji looked at her with warm eyes.

During the three years of supporting her, Yuya was always like this, quietly removing all future worries for her.

She touched Yuya's hand and said warmly: "Yuya, thank you."

"I've suffered a lot from you these past few years."

The moonlight is just right today, and it's the Lantern Festival, so of course we can't be sad all the time.

They wiped each other's tears and laughed through tears. When they were talking and laughing while pointing at the largest lantern, Rao Zhaoyuan slowly walked over.

Ban Yuya stood up and saluted her, but her eyes were wary.

Rao Zhaoyuan looked at their sisters with a complicated expression and lowered her attitude: "Jade noble concubine, Yi beauty, you don't have to misunderstand me. I am not here to provoke you today."!

Chapter 149

Not here to provoke?

Shen Ji looked sideways at Rao Zhaoyuan, really unsure of what kind of medicine she was selling in her gourd.

For three years in the palace, she and Rao Zhaoyuan had never been familiar with each other.

Even in the beginning, after Qi Guiren's death, Rao Zhaoyuan even got into an affair with Mr. Lu and almost harmed her and Zizhao based on the theory of astrology. Fortunately, later on, the danger was turned into safety.

The Lu family was demoted to a commoner by His Majesty and relegated to the cold palace. The second princess she gave birth to also died early, but Rao Zhaoyuan escaped unscathed.

Shen Ji guessed that Rao Zhaoyuan must have known about this matter and also cooperated with Lu to do something. If not, she wouldn't be so guilty and deliberately silenced Mr. Lu before she went into the cold palace.

Shen Ji originally thought about settling the score with Rao Zhaoyuan, but after Lu's death, Rao Zhaoyuan has been living her duties and has never done anything excessive, so this idea has been put to rest.

But Shen Ji could tell that she was not completely satisfied with the current situation and clearly had other plans. However, she did not take the initiative to compete for favor, which made her confused for a moment.

She stood up slowly and saluted Rao Zhaoyuan, saying softly: "I have met Rao Zhaoyuan."

Rao Zhaoyuan was obviously a little confused and sat down first. She raised her eyes to look at Shen Ji, hesitated for a long time, her always arrogant expression even showed a hint of flattery: "You have the right to co-manage the harem, and all the rights in the palace are controlled by you alone, why do you need to ask me salute."

"I came today because I have something important to think about..."

Before the words "discuss with you" were uttered, Rao Zhaoyuan changed her words as she spoke: "There is something I want to ask Concubine Yu to fulfill."

Shen Ji raised his eyebrows and smiled: "What did Rao Zhaoyuan say? You are in the position of the ninth concubine and you are higher than my concubine. Why do you ask for my concubine's words? It's really wrong."

Seeing Shen Ji's attitude, Rao Zhaoyuan became a little anxious.

She had known for a long time that Shen Ji was a smart person and never showed off his words, but she came here sincerely and did not want to play Tai Chi with her, so she got straight to the point: "Concubine Yu, I really come here today because I want to do Tai Chi with her." I have something to ask of you, and as long as you agree, I can promise that I will never fight for favor in this life, never harm you, and will only obey your orders."

"In the past, when I cooperated with Lu, I thought too highly of myself. I thought that by listening to Lu's cooperation and getting rid of you, I would be able to sit back and relax and get what I wanted. I have been dormant for so long, and I have always been uneasy in my heart. I want to find a way to fight for it again. , but now I can see clearly that there is no need to fight in the harem now."

"His Majesty's thoughts are all on you. Even so that you can avoid entering the harem and accepting new concubines, he will leave all his power and favor to you alone. It is so important that it shows what your Majesty wants to do."

Speaking of the excitement, Rao Zhaoyuan's breathing quickened: "But what I want from the beginning to the end is only glory and wealth, to preserve the honor of the family, not His Majesty's favor."

"but I!"

The words stopped abruptly, and Rao Zhaoyuan calmed down and said with difficulty: "But my body is different from ordinary people and I cannot have children, so all my purpose is to have a child to stabilize my status."

"The best opportunity is right in front of you, Concubine Yu, as long as you let me raise the second prince, I will definitely listen to you in everything."

This was the first time that Rao Zhaoyuan had an honest conversation with her. Shen Ji was a little surprised and said softly: "If the women in the palace are infertile, they will never be selected into the harem."

Rao Zhaoyuan was a little embarrassed to say it. She lowered her head slightly and said, "I have the ability to give birth. But my constitution has been different from that of ordinary people since I was a child. I cannot bleed, otherwise it will take a long time to recover. Women will bleed heavily during childbirth. If I give birth, I will definitely die."

"In the past, even when I was sleeping, I secretly drank Bizi Soup."

"I've told you my biggest secret, Concubine Yu, I just ask you to help me."

Shen Ji looked at her longing eyes, was silent for a moment, raised his glass and sipped lightly: "The second prince is now being raised under the Queen Mother's knees. If you want to raise him, you should beg Your Majesty and the Queen Mother, not me."

"This is different!" Rao Zhaoyuan said hurriedly, "The most decisive people in the palace are His Majesty and the Queen Mother, but I know that if you are unwilling, His Majesty will listen to you with just a few words."

After she stood up, she knelt down directly to Shen Ji and said hopefully, "I don't ask you to help me make this happen. I just ask you not to stop me and let me try my best."

Shen Ji lowered his eyes and looked at Rao Zhaoyuan who was kneeling in front of him, and didn't speak for a long time.

In the past three years, too many people she was familiar with have gone.

Qi Guiren, Li Meiren, the Lu family, An Cairen, the Lin family, and the Song family who died just recently...

Although they all deserved their sins, death was like a lamp going out, and all grudges were eliminated. When thinking about the past, Shen Ji was not very happy.

Now that all the ambitious people are gone, His Majesty has only one woman, and it will be difficult for the harem to stir up any trouble.

It's rare that the years are peaceful, and Shen Ji is not a fussy person. If he can live a stable life, no one will choose to lick blood with his knife.

When they kneel down, they treat each other as if they were both clean.

After a long time, Shen Ji said calmly: "I can help you."

"But you must remember what you said today. If you violate it, I will never forgive you lightly."

Rao Zhaoyuan was immediately overjoyed: "Don't worry, if you help me today, I will follow your lead, stay safe, and never cause trouble."

After saying that, she hurriedly stood up and said: "I will go find your Majesty and the Queen Mother right away. Thank you very much!"

Her wish was fulfilled, and Rao Zhaoyuan's guard of honor quickly disappeared from sight.

Ban Yuya looked at her leaving figure and said softly: "I never thought there was such a hidden secret in Rao Zhaoyuan. No wonder I always think she is weird."

"Sister has fulfilled her wish today, and there will be no one in this harem who can compete with her."

Shen Ji held her hand and said warmly: "Calm days are rare. I only hope that the years will be stable."

-

On the morning of January 20th, according to His Majesty's decree, the noble concubine Jin Yu was appointed as the Jade Concubine, and she took charge of the affairs of the Sixth Palace on behalf of the Queen. At the same time, the concubine Zhuang was promoted to the Concubine Zhuang Xian, and the beauty was Ke Wanyi. At the same time, the second prince was admitted to Rao Zhaoyuan's knees and raised by her personally.

The decree was issued, and early in the morning, Rao Zhaoyuan and others happily took the second prince out of the Longevity Palace.

Qin Yuan and Shen Ji went to pay their respects to the Queen Mother together, and happened to see Rao Zhaoyuan leading the second prince back to the palace. They greeted each other with greetings and greetings all the way, beaming with joy, not to mention how happy they were.

Shen Ji said softly: "In the past, I only knew that Rao Zhaoyuan was charming and arrogant. I never thought that after having a child, she would be such a gentle and considerate mother."

Qin Yuan glanced sideways and was a little surprised.

But he only glanced at it and then turned his attention back to Shen Ji. His noble eyebrows were so focused, as if she were like a jewel: "If it weren't for my other considerations, I would have given the second prince to you to raise." .With you teaching your children, Rong'er will definitely have a dignified character and become a pillar."

There is a lot of information in this sentence.

"Any other considerations?" Shen Ji withdrew his gaze and turned to look at His Majesty with a gentle smile, "What are your considerations?"

Qin Yuan pinched her soft palm and smiled lightly: "There is only one Zizhao between you and me, which is too rare. Folks say that children can have both children, and I also want to have a daughter as smart and lovely as you."

"What's more-"

Shen Ji tilted his head and looked at him: "Huh?"

"I'm taking you to pay my respects to my mother today, so naturally I have to explain the truth. My mother has worked hard all her life for me, and she misses me the most. She's afraid that my country will be in turmoil, and she's worried about the troubles in government affairs. Although she never says it clearly, she always does things for the government and me. All things considered."

Qin Yuan smiled lightly and brushed her hair away from her ears: "I will leave the harem vacant and won't do any drafts. Although the queen mother has not expressed her position, I know she is waiting for me to give her an explanation."

As soon as he finished speaking, he raised his hand, wrapped his arms around Shen Ji's slim waist without any refusal, and whispered in his ear: "If you are the only one accompanying me, the queen mother will be worried about the number of the emperor's heirs."

"If Rong'er is raised by you, and Zizhao is raised by you, everything in the harem will require a lot of effort, but do you still have my time?"

Warm breath fell on his ears, and Shen Ji's ears turned red in front of the public.

"Your Majesty is making a fool of himself!"

The people in the surrounding palaces wanted to bend their waists into the ground and ignore what was happening outside the window. She gently pushed Qin Yuan and bit her red lips: "If the Queen Mother finds out, she will definitely scold you."

Qin Yuan smiled lazily.

After the palace attendants sang the salute, he led Shen Ji into the Changshou Palace and paid their respects to the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother was indeed sitting upright on the main seat, looking down at the two people coming hand in hand in the hall, with a calm and complicated expression.

"Son, please send your regards to your mother."

"I send my regards to the Queen Mother."

The two voices came out almost at the same time, and they both saluted in front of her.

The Queen Mother had already guessed that they would come today.

From the initial sullenness and dissatisfaction, to the later hesitation and enlightenment, in the end, it has turned into relief and understanding.

Before, she always felt that Huang'er was still young and had not yet established a solid foundation, so everything should be done slowly and in the most conservative way, and nothing should be done in a hurry. But she couldn't control so much about her former dynasty, so she focused more on the balance of the harem, hoping to save him from worries.

But I never thought that the son who had struggled to survive the struggle to win the right to be the heir had grown up and had long since become a wise and skillful emperor.

He had already planned everything, brought all the government affairs under his control, reformed the nobility, issued new orders, and became a wise ruler.

Forging a path for those he loved that no one could have imagined.

If the late emperor had the courage of an imperial son towards his beloved concubine, perhaps their end would not be so miserable.

Even though the ending was not good, she had truly envied the late emperor's love and affection for that man.

It would be great if Shen Ji and Huang Er could get what she didn't get.

The Queen Mother closed her eyes slightly and picked up the Buddhist beads in her hand: "Everyone, please get up. There is no need to be formal."

Qin Yuan glanced at Shen Ji, but did not move. Instead, he bowed again and said that he did not want to be drafted again and favored the concubines in the palace.

I thought the Queen Mother would be dissatisfied, but she just took a deep look at Qin Yuan and said softly: "The Ai family knows."

"If you can really bear the consequences and have the ability to protect the world without relying on women, and the country will be peaceful, the Ai family will have no objection."

Shen Ji glanced at Qin Yuan subconsciously.

When it came to Jiangshan Sheji, Qin Yuan stood up straight.

He held Shen Ji's hand firmly, his eyes blazing: "Don't worry, mother, your son will surely create a prosperous age of Cheng'an, make the world peaceful, the country rich and the people strong."

The Queen Mother stared at him for a long time, and finally nodded slowly: "In that case, I will follow your wishes."

"Concubine Jade...is very good."!

Chapter 150

Winter passes and spring comes, and everything revives.

Peaceful days always seem to pass by extremely fast. Before you know it, all the peach blossoms have faded, hibiscus flowers are blooming, and after a few hazy spring rains, hundreds of flowers are in full bloom.

After taking charge of the harem affairs on behalf of the empress for more than half a year, Shen Ji had a complete understanding of everything in the harem.

She arranges and arranges various palaces and checks accounts. She is very attentive and knows how to make good use of people. Everything is in order.

During the period when the Queen was raising her fetus, she was the only one in the palace who obeyed her orders. No matter where the ceremonial guard went, everyone had to respectfully say "Jade Concubine".

After three years of ups and downs after entering the palace, she finally got everything she wanted. She is very content to be able to live such a peaceful and peaceful life today.

Now in the palace, Concubine Zhuang Xian is taking the eldest prince and Princess Changle. Princess Changle lost her mother at a young age and was recognized as the daughter of Concubine Zhuang Xian early. After more than a year, she has regarded her as her biological mother and they get along very well with her. The eldest prince also I love this sister very much.

And Rao Zhaoyuan, who took away the second prince, also cried and resisted the second prince at the beginning, but later gradually accepted this fact, and gradually became close to Rao Zhaoyuan.

The children in the palace all have their own destiny, and the concubines have long since given up competing for favor and live peacefully under Shen Ji's hands.

Without the desire to compete for favor, the sisters in the palace were closer and more intimate than before. Nowadays, when we go to the harem, we can often see several concubines flying kites together, catching fireflies, or boating on the Taiye Pond, chatting and laughing, with flawless smiles.

From time to time, Shen Ji would organize some interesting activities that she had seen among the people before, enriching the harem life and making them respect and get closer to her more.

Nothing could be more perfect than it is now...

In addition to the huge stone that has been pressing on her heart, every time she thinks about it, she can't breathe.

The queen.

Ever since the Queen became pregnant, it has been very difficult for her to be pregnant. Even though she had moxa fever and drank anti-fetal medicine every day, she could still see that the Queen was gradually losing weight under the torture of the child.

But even so, the Queen's eyes became brighter and brighter.

Occasionally she was in pretty good condition and could bask in the sun in the yard and walk around a little. Sometimes she could only stay in bed to recuperate, looking at the birds on the branches outside the window and the cloudless blue sky, and the desire in her eyes grew stronger day by day. Hino.

In fact, Shen Ji understood that she was not afraid.

She even longs for true freedom and is freed from the imprisonment and shackles of this life. Even though her health was obviously getting worse, she was very happy, as if she wanted to embrace the sun.

Shen Ji understands everything.

But she still couldn't bear it.

She couldn't imagine what the queen would look like one day if she was really gone.

Although she seems to have everything handy and fearless now, all this is because she knows that the people she loves are by her side.

There are sisters, Qin Yuan, Yuya, and Zizhao. They are all the confidence for her to stand firm. Without any one of them, her heart will be missing.

If I could never see the Queen again in this life, never hear her gentle voice, never feel her warmth, never have the chance to talk to her again...

Shen Ji will be sad for a long time and miss her very much.

But sometimes people don't have the power to do everything.

Even if she is standing now

At the top of the harem, His Majesty is also sitting thousands of miles away, but he is still unable to pull the Queen back from the line of death.

What's more, the queen has already devoted herself to death and regards leaving as her destination.

Shen Ji's guard of honor walked slowly on the way to Fengyi Palace, his eyes couldn't help but turn red.

But she was about to arrive at Fengyi Palace, and she didn't want the Queen to see her crying and worry about her again.

She raised her head and looked at the sky, trying to force back the tears.

Chang'an in mid-April is neither hot nor cold, with not much rain and mostly good weather. The peach branches peeking out from the red walls are also lush and green.

It was full of vitality, and even the wild flowers blooming in the cracks in the rocks on the roadside were lush.

Groups of spring swallows flew by in groups of three or two in the sky, making crisp cries.

It's a pity that the queen couldn't see such a beautiful spring scene with her own eyes.

After all the hardships, the fetal condition was finally stable for nine and a half months. The imperial doctors discussed together and said that the birth period would be in these days. Shen Ji had already arranged for his servants to prepare all possible things in advance.

Fengyi Palace has arrived. Shuangying saw that the empress was in a sad mood, so he stretched out his hand and said softly: "Empress, let's go in."

Shen Ji nodded, with a smile on his face again.

The Queen was awake at this moment, half leaning on the soft pillow. The high swell of her abdomen showed that her due date was approaching. Her eyes were gentle and she was talking to Yun Lan.

Seeing Shen Ji coming, the Queen smiled lightly and stretched out a very slender hand: "A Ji is here."

Shen Ji held her hand, which was too thin, with distress. It was already so thin that there was no more than two ounces of flesh left. Underneath the slightly cool texture were a handful of bones, which seemed lifeless at all.

She sat on the round stool next to the bed and asked softly: "How do you feel today? Are you feeling better? I have already prepared all the delivery matters. I asked the people below to check them three times a day, and the hot water was kept boiling." We will try our best to ensure that your production goes smoothly."

The queen smiled softly, shook her head slowly and said, "My body is still the same, so don't worry. You are considerate and dedicated to me. I feel most at ease when you do things."

"I specially called you here early today because I have something to say to you."

A bad premonition suddenly arose in his heart, and Shen Ji resisted for no reason.

Somehow, she always felt that something bad would happen after listening to the Queen's explanation, and her heart was beating fast, making her very uneasy.

She turned her head, with an imperceptible tremor in her voice: "If you have anything to say, wait until you give birth safely before telling me. I will definitely listen to every word by then."

Shen Ji is not a person who likes to be petty. Of course the Queen understands the reason why he said this.

She lowered her voice and said softly: "Aji, don't be ridiculous. Don't you and I know how I am doing?"

"If I don't say these things to you, there will be no one left to say them to, and I'm afraid... I won't have the chance to explain them again."

"My Lady, please don't talk nonsense!" Shen Ji's eyes suddenly turned red, he held her hand tightly and choked, "Tell me what you want to say, and I will definitely do it."

The queen smiled happily.

She held Shen Ji's hand and said slowly, word by word: "When I give birth, don't go in and accompany me."

"If the child is not born smoothly, don't blame yourself too much. I

I know very well what will happen to the baby, so I just need to do my best and obey fate. "

"If a child is born, you must remember what I told you before, let them be free... don't let them embark on a path of power and influence just because you think of me and give them special treatment."

"And...Aji..."

"If I'm dying, don't save me."

The queen looked at Shen Ji closely, her eyes on her pale expression surprisingly firm: "You must, promise me."

Shen Ji cried profusely, his voice was choked with tears, and his face was filled with tears.

"Sister...I promise you..."

She held the queen's cold hand tightly and nodded, as if she could catch her life that was constantly passing by if she just used more strength.

After saying these words, the queen felt very tired, but her face became paler and paler, beads of sweat continued to fall, and the other hand on her belly could not help but tighten the quilt.

"pain......"

Shen Ji opened his eyes wide and looked at the queen in a panic: "Mother, do you have abdominal pain? I'm afraid you're going to give birth!"

She didn't dare to delay at all, and hurriedly called the palace attendants to come in.

Wen Po, the imperial physician, and the palace servants have been waiting in the side hall for a long time. Yun Lan called out loudly, and everyone in Fengyi Palace immediately stood ready and went to their respective positions. They also sent people to invite His Majesty and the Queen Mother.

When the entire Fengyi Palace was immersed in seriousness and tension, the day that Shen Ji had been afraid of and dared not face had finally arrived.

The queen was in so much pain that she couldn't speak, but she kept looking at Shen Ji, her always gentle eyes filled with reminders and pleadings.

Shen Ji slowly let go of her hand, gritted his teeth and stood up, walked to the outside of the bead curtain and told Yun Lan: "Be sure to take good care of the Queen and the heir in your belly."

Yun Lan cried and nodded: "Jade Concubine, don't worry, I will never dare to blink even more!"

The ladies entered the dormitory one after another, and the imperial doctor checked the queen's pulse through the gauze curtain. After a while, the bitter smell of medicine spread from the back hall to the entire Fengyi Palace.

The cry of pain was sharp and high-pitched at first, then became smaller and smaller, and the smell of blood lingered in the nasal cavity along with the hot water vapor.

Bowl after bowl of medicine was given to invigorate the patient's vitality and energy, but the painful cry came over and over again, which was heart-wrenching.

Shen Ji just stood upright outside the dormitory, looking into the palace with tears in his eyes, feeling sad in his heart.

Qin Yuan, who was discussing matters with the courtiers, hurried over. Hearing the cries of pain coming from the palace, and seeing the expressions of the palace people walking out hurriedly with blood in their hands, the worry in his brows was so intense that he couldn't get rid of it.

He put his arms around Shen Ji's shoulders, held her in his arms, and comforted her in a low voice: "Queen Jiren has her own destiny, and she will definitely survive."

"I have arranged for the best imperial doctor and the best stable woman in Chang'an, and also ordered people to take thousand-year-old ginseng and a lot of tonics from the treasury to nourish her body. The queen is so virtuous, wise, pure and true, God will definitely I will take pity on her and keep her safe."

Shen Ji couldn't bear it anymore and cried loudly on Qin Yuan's shoulder. Qin Yuan patted her shoulder gently and said nothing, but looked lonely.

Even he himself didn't believe these words.

The queen had managed the harem for him for more than ten years, and had gained his respect and trust, but she had never had a single day of true happiness that belonged to her.

This life is too short and too long. After all, he owed her and missed her.

It was extremely difficult for the Queen to give birth to her child.

From morning to dusk,

Then I heard a croak falling to the ground.

Po Wen came out with the child in her arms to congratulate His Majesty and the Queen Mother, saying that when the Queen Mother gave birth to a little princess, Shen Ji was not in the mood to see the newborn child, but rushed in to visit the Queen first.

As soon as she opened the curtain, Shen Ji realized that the smell of blood in the room was much stronger than when she gave birth to Zizhao. Just by looking at the queen's face as pale as paper, she knew how much effort she had put into giving birth to this child.

She hurriedly fell in front of the queen and shed tears: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."

Hearing Shen Ji's voice, the queen opened her eyes with great difficulty. She held her lips and smiled, her voice was broken and soft: "I... saw the child... it's a... daughter..., very... beautiful..."

"Ah...Aji, I'm very happy..."

"Don't... feel sorry for me."

She was already in poor health, barely gave birth to a baby girl, and drank too many energy-inspiring tonics. Her body had been greatly affected by the backlash and wear and tear.

The whole person's vitality is like a gossamer, and the vitality is flowing away rapidly, all hanging by one breath.

Shen Ji cried until his vision was blurred and tears kept flowing, but he couldn't say anything.

She always remembered the queen's instructions.

She knew that this was the ending the Queen wanted most.

Yun Lan and several maids from Fengyi Palace knelt beside them and cried so hard that there was a look of mourning in the huge dormitory.

It was dusk outside the hall, and the earth was dyed orange by the setting sun.

The warm orange light passed through the closed carved windows of Fengyi Palace, passed through the bright window paper, and shone on the queen's face.

She looked deeply at the blurry sun on the window paper. After a few breaths, her hands gradually relaxed.

"The Queen--!" Yun Lan threw herself at the bedside, crying uncontrollably. The whole hall immediately fell to her knees on the floor.

When the queen's hand slipped softly from Shen Ji's palm, Shen Ji couldn't hold back his emotions at all, and his whole body began to tremble violently.

After a long time, she finally put a smile on her face with tears in her eyes, and carefully put the queen's hand back into the quilt with all her reluctance, then carefully wiped away her sweat with a handkerchief, and said softly: "Sister."

"May you be as free as the wind in your next life and go wherever you want to go."

-

On April 16, the eighth year of Cheng'an, the queen died after giving birth to a daughter at the age of twenty-seven.

His Majesty was deeply grieved and gave her the posthumous title of "Huixian". She was buried in the imperial mausoleum with great splendor and ordered the whole country to mourn for one year. He also named Queen Huixian's only daughter Princess Yong'an and raised her under the knees of Concubine Yu.

Princess Yong'an was born with insufficient money, and Concubine Yu took care of her day and night without taking off her clothes. She finally became healthier and healthier, leaving behind a trace of Queen Huixian's blood.

In May of the following year, His Majesty made Concubine Yu the imperial concubine, granted her a gold book and a gold seal, and took charge of the affairs of the six palaces, and she was given the same position as the deputy empress.

-

In Chenyou Palace, Shen Ji watched Zizhao eagerly coaxing Yongan to talk, and smiled softly.

Zizhao is three years old and is a smart child who can speak well.

He likes his sister Yong'an very much. He talks about her even if he doesn't see her for a day. The happiest thing every day is to see his sister eating her fingers and yawning.

Shen Ji also likes it.

Yongan is one year old and looks more and more like his sister.

Every time she hugged her, she would think about what her sister would look like if there was an afterlife.

Is it a bird in the sky, a fish in the water, a cloud in the sky, or a breeze in spring.

Every time she thought about it, she felt as if her sister was still with her.

At this time, the palace maid on duty at the door quickly came in and announced: "Your Majesty, your Majesty is here. You have arrived at the main entrance."

Shen Ji stood up to meet His Majesty, but as soon as they met, he picked him up without hesitation.

Qin Yuan whispered in her ear: "If you hadn't been unwilling, I should have hugged you and called you my queen."

Shen Ji smiled, hugged his neck and said warmly: "Is there anything wrong with the queen? You only have me now. Am I not your wife? The imperial concubine is the same as the concubine. She is already extremely noble. I am very satisfied."

Her voice was soft and soft, and she said in his ear: "I know you feel it is a pity, but I also have my own selfish motives."

"I always feel that as long as the Queen's position is still vacant and Fengyi Palace is still there, the Queen will never really leave."

"She is still looking at me silently, blessing me, and looking at Yongan's happiness."

Shen Ji snuggled into Qin Yuan's neck, closed his eyes slightly and said, "Qin Yuan, I am very satisfied, really."

"I am extremely grateful to be able to enter the palace, have you, and have all this in this life."

The maids next to them just bowed their heads in shyness, while Zizhao and Yongan giggled innocently. The years are quiet and peaceful, nothing like this.

Qin Yuan leaned over and kissed her lips, with hot love in his eyes: "I am lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with you hand in hand."

"Susu, I love you."