The story of the Beloved Concubine's Ascension

Chapter 151-160

Chapter 151

In the eleventh year of Cheng'an, it was late spring and early summer.

The third prince, Qin Zizhao, was six years old. According to the rules, he went to the Imperial Academy to study.

On the first day of study, I couldn't sleep in bed, so the maid and nun who accompanied me tried their best and failed to bring any books.

On the fifth day of study, I yawned repeatedly in class and couldn't wake up.

On the tenth day of study, I asked Princess Changle at the next table to talk about catching bugs, but the teacher punished her by copying Jingzi a hundred times. She even cried while copying when she came back.

Shen Ji could not tolerate this child who was clearly in the harem but grew up under the love of his parents.

Zizhao is usually very smart, he talks and does things, knows rules and etiquette, has a sweet mouth, and his brain works very fast, but he always looks lazy when he goes to school.

Shen Ji thought about it and blamed it on him not liking school so much. It was his first time going to school. Compared with the past when he was playing around every day, he was inevitably tired, so he decided to take care of him.

From then on, after some serious education, he set rules for him.

He was not allowed to be criticized by the Imperial Tutor when he went to the Imperial College every day, and he had to study hard. Otherwise, not only would there be no snacks to eat that day, but everyone in the palace would ignore him, and they would open a small stove for him to learn to read when he came back.

This punishment may not seem important at first glance, but Zizhao used to be loved by everyone in Chenyou Palace. Everyone who saw him would hold hands and say hello, and he always liked to eat some soft and sweet pastries.

It suddenly cut off his mental pleasure and cut off his food and drink. Such a double blow was actually very cruel to a child who was actually five years old and pretended to be six years old.

Zizhao was a kid, so he knew that Shen Ji was serious, but was really afraid of not being able to eat snacks and being ignored, so he cried every night while practicing calligraphy and studying.

Fortunately, he was well-behaved and sensible, knew that his mother-in-law was doing it for his own good, and had strong adaptability. Within six or seven days, he gradually adapted to the life in the Imperial College, and even came back with an unprecedented compliment.

The teacher at the Imperial College said that Zizhao was talented and made rapid progress in his studies. He was so happy that he trotted back to the palace all the way.

After returning to the palace, Shen Ji brought Shuang Ying and the others to praise him again and again. He experienced the feeling of being praised for his good study and became more willing to study.

Parenting was quite effective, and Shen Ji's mood finally cleared up.

In the dog days of July, Chang'an is scorching hot, and the ice offerings in Chenyou Palace every day make people feel a little upset.

But this year, because Zizhao was entering the Imperial Academy for the first time, Shen Ji wanted to watch him more, lest he would become discouraged without encouragement and encouragement, so he did not agree to Qin Yuan's suggestion to spend the summer.

But the days were getting hotter day by day. Shen Ji was wearing cool clothes in the palace and shaking his fan, but he still broke out in a thin layer of sweat.

Shuangying came in from the outside, followed by two palace maids, and said with a smile: "Mother, this is the ice cream that your majesty ordered to bring to you. They are all your favorite food."

Shen Ji's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he immediately stood up and went over to open the lid himself.

The heat preservation ability of the ice cream is excellent, and there is a lot of ice inside. You can feel the cold air coming from the shop as soon as you lift the lid. The iced fruits inside are fresh, and you can see that they are freshly cut tributes.

She pinched an ice grape from it and put it in her mouth. The cold, sour and sweet taste melted in her mouth, which really relieved the heat.

Shuangying chuckled and said: "It's strange to say that although it is hot this year, the ice in our palace is the most abundant. Servant

The maid also asked several palace ladies who came to serve in the palace, and they all said that the palace was cool and very comfortable, and they never felt upset or depressed. You are more greedy and greedy than the third prince. "

Shen Jisu held the grapes with her slender fingers to eat, then turned around and picked up the ice grapes and placed them on the table. She leaned back on the couch, bent her arms to support her head, and pinched one grape after another from the bunch of grapes in front of her with her other hand.

The grapes were crystal clear and purple, and the juice stained her white fingertips with a touch of lavender.

She swallowed the grapes in her mouth and said sadly: "It's not that I'm greedy, it's really hard to raise a child, and it's even harder to raise a child who is still studying."

"Every time I see Zizhao regressing or slacking off, I get extremely anxious and find it difficult to calm down."

"If he was born into an ordinary family, he wouldn't have to hold on so tightly. He can also comfort himself by saying that his children and grandchildren will have their own blessings. If he cares too much, he will be burdened. Now that he is born in the royal family, His Majesty has high hopes for him, and he has a great responsibility. , but you can't do whatever you want."

When talking about the hardships of raising children, Shen Ji poured out his bitterness and talked about it endlessly. He didn't even know when Shuangying had subsided.

Speaking of the last sentence, Shen Ji sighed: "It's a pity that His Majesty is busy with government affairs. If not, it would be great to let him educate Zizhao himself."

"If it was hard for you, you would have told me earlier. Why do you have to hold on alone?"

Qin Yuan raised the curtain from outside and came in. He looked at Shen Ji lying on the couch and raised his eyebrows.

Seeing His Majesty's arrival, the maids in the palace retreated very consciously, as if they had long been familiar with their process of being together.

He didn't hide it at all, he stepped forward and grabbed her waist, his eyes were hot: "Susu, you knew I was coming, were you trying to seduce me?"

Shen Ji slowly raised his head, the grape in his hand just touched his red lips:...?

She raised her hand and stuffed the grapes from her lips into Qin Yuan's mouth, blushing and said, "You are mean!"

"How can I seduce you by eating a grape?"

Qin Yuan swallowed the grape slowly, raised his hand and touched her lips, lowered his eyes and said, "Do you really not know how attractive you look now?"

He glanced at Shen Ji's body without scruples, lust rising in his eyes.

She has a slim and plump figure, and the lavender tulle tightly wraps her round waist/hips. The lotus-rooted arms are half exposed, with black hair like clouds, leaning slantedly on the soft cave, and the curves are as exquisite as distant mountains, which is breathtaking.

Such beautiful scenery is nothing if not seductive.

Sensing his gaze downward, Shen Ji couldn't help but glance down.

Having been with him for many years, she had long known how reserved His Majesty was on the surface but was romantic behind the scenes, and she knew exactly what he was referring to at a glance.

She wanted to get up, but there was a disparity in strength, and His Majesty's hand holding her waist was really strong. After several struggles, she just gave up: "Qin Yuan!"

Qin Yuan loves to see her blushing and gritting her teeth these days.

In the past, she had always been gentle, sensible, considerate, and controlled her thoughts and emotions to the extreme, rarely releasing them in front of him.

But since everything settled down three years ago, as time went by and their love for each other grew stronger, they became more connected with each other, and she became more lively and agile in front of him.

The little thoughts and expressions that were invisible before were all visible now. She completely opened herself up in front of him and became the real Shen Ji.

He can be happy, angry, sneering, scolding, blushing and displeased, all of which make him feel like he can't put it down.

This is the feeling of falling into someone's hands. He can't get enough of whatever she does.

"What do you want me to do?"

Qin Yuan pulled his lips and smiled softly, but the strength of his hand did not loosen at all: "If your appearance is a gift to me today, then I like it very much."

After saying that, he let go of his hand, held Shen Ji's shoulders and asked her to sit upright: "When I came in just now, I heard you talk about Zizhao's academic affairs, but he went to the Imperial College recently and acted inappropriately?"

Speaking of the child, Shen Ji's blushing and resisting look suddenly collapsed. He leaned on his shoulder and said, "You knew what he looked like in the beginning. The past two days have been good, but..."

She pinched Qin Yuan's hand and played with it, with a frown on her face: "It's just that as a first-time mother, I'm always worried. I'm worried about whether I spoiled him too much in the past, worried about whether he can become a man, and worried about whether he can bear such a heavy burden."

"All kinds of thoughts are annoying, but I can't stop thinking about them."

Shen Ji sighed deeply: "When the child was still young, I liked him no matter what. I thought he was cute when he ate, drank, and pooped. But once he grows up and becomes talkative, troublesome, and annoying, all he has left is endless sorrow."

"You can regret many things in this world, but the birth of a child is a responsibility that cannot be regretted."

Qin Yuan gently stroked her frowning brow and kissed her: "It is indeed hard to raise children. I feel sorry for you."

"When we are not too busy these days, let him come to the imperial study and I will educate him personally."

Shen Ji hesitated: "But you are already very busy dealing with state affairs, and Zizhao is only five or six years old. This is not the time to give advice on articles. Just practicing calligraphy will delay you."

"Are you feeling distressed now?" Qin Yuan looked down at Shen Ji's beautiful features and chuckled, "In life, you must first establish people before establishing a career. Zizhao will inherit the throne in the future, and character is particularly important. I just took the time to , we also need to lay a good foundation on him."

"He was happy in his childhood, something that many of the royal family's heirs would never dare to think about. Now that it's time to be sensible and study hard, you have to endure hardships and temper your character before you can become the pillar of the country."

Qin Yuan said calmly: "By combining leniency and severity, you can become the heir apparent of the country only by practicing thousands of times."

"Together, you and I will be able to raise a king of the Ming Dynasty."

Hearing his calmness, Shen Ji's heart calmed down unconsciously.

She nodded, sighed softly, and took the initiative to hug his neck: "Talking to you, I feel much better."

"Raising a child is hard, and his parents must be open-minded and upright and set a good example. Zizhao has a very good nature. As long as he educates him carefully, he will definitely not let us down."

With the warm and fragrant soft jade in his arms, the fire that Qin Yuan had just suppressed surged up again uncontrollably.

He slowly slid his palms and stopped on her waist to knead. His voice became hoarse unconsciously: "In a few years, when Zizhao can take charge of his own affairs, I will pass the throne to him as the Supreme Emperor. How about going out of the palace with you to travel around the mountains and rivers?"

Shen Ji didn't notice at all and thought seriously: "He is only six years old now. When he grows up, he will be in his prime no matter what. There are still fifteen years left. You are so early..."

Before she finished speaking, Qin Yuan clasped the back of her head with one hand, kissed her beautiful red lips, and sealed all the rest of her words.

He hugged Shen Ji and kissed her very passionately. As he breathed hot, he felt soft and messy, and his gauze clothes were half removed.

Just when Qin Yuan was breathing heavily and was about to carry Shen Ji to the bed, a little man ran out of the door. He didn't care about Zhang Pu's obstruction at all. He ran and shouted: "Mother Concubine--Teacher" Say you performed well today and get off school early - I want to eat cloud cake -!"

Chapter 152

At this moment, His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine are doing important things inside. Even the palace people are waiting a few meters away in the courtyard. The little ancestor must not break in!

Otherwise, if His Majesty were to blame, he would not be able to compensate even if he had ten nerves.

Zhang Pu felt bad and hurriedly stopped him. He smiled awkwardly and said, "Third Prince! Third Prince, wait a minute!"

Zizhao stopped in confusion, raised his head and looked at him: "What's wrong with Eunuch Zhang?"

Seeing that his words were working, Zhang Pu immediately stepped forward, grabbed Zizhao by the collar, and stopped him from running inside again. He coaxed him: "Your Majesty and your empress are discussing important matters inside. It is inconvenient for the third prince to disturb you, so you should go first." Let the servants take you to have some tea and rest, and come back later."

It was rare for Zizhao to get back from school early and come back after receiving praise. He was in high spirits at the moment, so he couldn't give up and asked, "What important matter does your father and mother have?"

"I'll knock on the door and ask!"

When he thought that his mother and concubine and his father could not praise him in time, Zizhao's little face fell down and he said aggrievedly: "If...if it really doesn't work, then I'll leave again, okay?"

The third prince is only five or six years old now, and he still speaks in a babyish voice. Although he has been very clever since he was a child, he is just a little kid in the end. He has a sweet mouth and can talk, and he is as cute as a jade. He comes in such a happy mood and leaves in such a hurry that even Zhang Pu feels a little uncomfortable. I couldn't bear to let him down, and my words of rejection were stuck in my mouth for a long time.

Seeing Zhang Pu's hesitation, Zi Zhao rolled his eyes and guessed that it was definitely not something important.

If it was really important, no matter what he said, he wouldn't be allowed in. If you hesitate, you are lying to a child!

Maybe the father secretly brought something good to the mother and concubine again, hiding it from him just like last time!

Don't think that he is easy to fool at a young age. He, Qin Zizhao, is extremely smart. His father favors his mother and concubine. He will remember these tricks after seeing them once.

Zizhao said pitifully: "Prince, why don't you let go of me and I'll go find sister Yong'an..."

There was a war between heaven and man in Zhang Pu's heart. Who knew that the third prince was such a sensible child? He was immediately relieved and let go of his hand: "I would like to thank the third prince for your consideration. You can go find Princess Yong'an now."

Zizhao watched helplessly as the hand that was holding him loosened from his collar, and he let out a silver bell-like laughter with great joy: "Hey! Let's go!"

He quickly ran up to the bedroom door with his legs and feet, and pushed open the closed door without realizing it.

"Third Prince--!"

"Crunch--"

The palace door was pushed open, Zhang Pu's face was ashen.

Zizhao was immersed in the joy of succeeding in his little plan, without caring about Zhang Pu's life or death behind him.

He was soft and there was no one in the position. He didn't think about anything. He subconsciously walked to the bedside of his mother and concubine. As he walked, he said: "Father - I know you must have brought something good to my mother and concubine." It's fun to eat while carrying me behind your back, I've noticed this time, you can't hide from me anymore."

At this time, in the red tent, Qin Yuan was pressing Shen Ji's slender waist with red eyes and making love to her to death. While he was enjoying himself, Zizhao's childish and cheerful voice actually passed through the defense line at the door and walked into the hall. It's getting closer.

He secretly scolded Zhang Pu countless times with a dark face, but now that the matter has come to this, Qin Yuan can only face the reality.

.

The son is getting closer and closer, but he has an arrow on the string, and he really can't bear to leave at this time. Seeing the small figure outside the gauze cabinet coming over immediately, his muscles tightened, he hugged Shen Ji and clenched his teeth and covered them together under the quilt.

Zizhao ignorantly opened the red curtain and poked his head in: "The eunuch said that his father, the emperor, mother and concubine were talking about something important. Why did he fall asleep?"

Qin Yuan hugged Shen Ji tightly to prevent her love from leaking out. Looking at Qin Zizhao's innocent face, he gritted his teeth and said with a dark face: "Get out!"

Why was his father so cruel to him? Even if he refused to give him anything good, he still wanted to be cruel to him. Zizhao's mouth tightened and his eyes filled with tears: "Mother Concubine..."

Even if you don't go out, you still dare to call mother and concubine at this time? Qin Yuan was furious and lowered his voice again: "Qin Zizhao, I'll let you out!"

"Oh..." Father is so stingy, and now he is angry.

Zizhao reluctantly let go of his hand holding the gauze curtain and turned around slowly to leave.

Although his father was also very kind to him, he was still a little afraid of his father compared to his mother and concubine. In order to prevent his butt from blooming, Qin Zizhao left wisely even though he was reluctant.

The door was closed again, and Shen Ji's body hidden under the quilt finally couldn't help but tremble with laughter.

Qin Yuan lost his temper because of her laughter. He pretended to be fierce and patted the plump and attractive place under her waist. He whispered in her ears with hatred: "You can still laugh!"

Shen Ji was overjoyed at the moment, and his ears were sensitive. When he breathed into his ears so suddenly, he immediately shrank his neck from the itch, and laughed again while burying himself in the bed.

Qin Yuan only felt frustrated. He lifted the quilt and bullied her again, biting her earlobe and saying, "Let's see how you still laugh."

After a long time, Shen Ji lay on the edge of the bed and softly begged for mercy with tears in his eyes, before Qin Yuan let her go with a low smile.

-

At dinner time, the heat of summer has faded away, and the window that has been closed all day is wide open for ventilation. The moonlight outside the window is just right.

A family of three sat around a round table to eat, and the table was filled with their favorite delicacies. Zizhao had a great appetite and swept away the gloom of the day, but when he looked up and saw that his father was still there, he felt a little distressed.

He secretly observed his father's face, and saw that his father personally served his mother and concubine's favorite dishes with a calm expression, and he was quietly relieved.

Father's expression returned to normal, and he was no longer angry long ago. Now that he was no longer angry, Zizhao suddenly became happy and picked up his chopsticks to eat the roasted mutton in front of him.

The bigger boy was eating with joy and was not worried at all. Qin Yuan glanced at Zizhao who was eating with his head down opposite him, and then remembered the embarrassing incident of hugging Shen Ji and huddled under the quilt today, and suddenly felt that it was not pleasing to his eyes.

After staring at him for a long time, Qin Yuan curled his lips imperceptibly: "You are not allowed to go out to catch fireflies after dinner tonight. I have homework for you to do."

A thunderbolt hit his face. Before he could swallow the food in his mouth, Zizhao stared at his father with wide eyes in disbelief.

For a moment, his young mind flashed through the grievances he had suffered after returning to the palace today, and then he recalled the joy in his heart and the teacher's praise when he returned to the palace. The difference was like clouds and mud, and tears suddenly filled his eyes.

Father...Father is bad!

He didn't do anything wrong! Why can't I catch fireflies?

The more Zizhao thought about it, the sadder he became. He started sobbing and crying. He couldn't eat any more of the mutton, so he started to cry.

Although the child should feel distressed when he cries pitifully,

But Shen Ji knew the reason behind it,

The father and son were so angry but they wanted to laugh no matter what.

But Zizhao was crying, and she couldn't laugh in front of him, so she covered her face with a fan and laughed secretly. Her shoulders shook and she almost laughed out loud.

Seeing Shen Ji smiling happily, Qin Yuan looked sideways at her, his eyes filled with warmth.

When he turned to look at Zizhao, he straightened his face and said, "Qin Zizhao, why are you crying?"

Zizhao cried heartbrokenly and shouted in sobs: "Father is evil!"

"Today, the teacher even praised my son Chen, saying that he behaved well and went to school early today. My son has never done anything wrong!"

Qin Yuan narrowed his eyes: "Are you still talking back to me?"

The sense of danger came over him, and Zizhao subconsciously shrank his neck.

He suddenly calmed down and realized how presumptuous he had just been, and his cry became much softer: "What I said is right...how do I know about my father and my concubine...! The sky is clear and the sun is bright...! Just take a nap!"

Having disturbed the rest of his father, the emperor, his mother and his concubine, Zizhao gradually felt guilty, and the rest of his words became smaller and smaller, choking in his stomach.

Qin Yuan said nothing, only stared at him with lowered eyes.

He neither educated nor punished him, nor coaxed him. In just a moment, Zizhao couldn't bear the feeling of oppression. He cried and immersed himself in eating: "I know you are wrong. Father, don't be angry. I will go after eating." Practice calligraphy..."

"My son, I will never dare to disobey my father in the future, let alone be squeamish, and I will never see my son without my eyesight..."

Zizhao closed his eyes tightly and did not dare to look at his father, but at some point, a pair of generous and strong hands appeared on his head, stroking his head one after another.

He burst into tears and smiled, raised his head and was about to call his mother and concubine, but his father stood in front of him, touching his head and looking at him.

"Father..."

Qin Yuan gave a faint hum and said warmly: "Zizhao, do you blame your father in your heart?"

Zizhao was stunned for a moment and shook his head: "I don't have it."

Qin Yuan relaxed his brows and said with a chuckle: "Next time the teacher praises you, I will take you to fly the kite, how about it?"

"Putting a paper kite?" Zizhao's eyes were bright, "I want to tie a big golden dragon there!"

Qin Yuan nodded: "Okay, just make a big golden dragon."!

Chapter 153

After the meal, Qin Yuan still had no mercy and assigned Zizhao the task of practicing calligraphy.

The four characters "Observe words and colors" were carefully written fifty times.

Zizhao only started practicing calligraphy this year, and most of what he learned to write was simple strokes. For example, the four characters "Observe Words and Observe Colors" have many strokes and various structures. They were written in such a way that Zizhao's mouth was depressed, his eyes were filled with tears, and his handwriting was crooked, like ghostly drawings.

Shen Ji peeled the ice orange and stood behind him to look at him. After a while, he filled his mouth with a slice and shook his head repeatedly.

Although it is a bit cruel, I think he will be able to remember these four words firmly in his heart in the future. Even if the writing next to it is not familiar, when he thinks of observing words and expressions, he can immediately think of today in his mind, so it is not all without gain. .

After barely finishing writing this, Zizhao was so sleepy that he was yawning all day long and was forced to burst into tears.

Shen Ji smiled and stuffed some sweet and sour oranges into his mouth, and asked his grandma to take him down to sleep. After Zizhao yawned and bowed obediently, saying that he would take a rest first, she then He turned around and said lazily: "Why bother torturing him like this and making us sleep late too."

?

Qin Yuan slightly squinted his eyes and looked at her, his narrow eyes glowing with evil intentions, making Shen Ji feel guilty for no reason.

Zizhao grew up being pampered and loved by many. Compared with the other princes and princesses, he was more or less unruly. However, Shen Ji selfishly felt that this lack of rules was a good thing, so that he could be in the palace. To feel the true love, you don't have to be like the other children who have been fearful and lacking in love since childhood.

But she didn't expect that Zizhao would be so bold today, overcoming Zhang Pu's obstruction and coming over to do such a blind thing. Although he is naive and unintentional, he has never been taught this, and it is true...

Qin Yuan pretended to be evil, while she pretended to be innocent and only smiled. It was really inappropriate to say these sarcastic words at this time...

But now when I think of Qin Yuan holding her on the bed today and gritting his teeth, I still want to laugh.

Shen Ji couldn't help it at all, he covered his lips and laughed softly, but he was afraid of being too conspicuous, so he quickly cleared his throat and coughed, walked forward and showed his courtesy, with a pair of shining brows, like a clear spring: "Your Majesty I must be tired from today, why don't I take care of you as my concubine?"

She pretended to be innocent, so Qin Yuan couldn't bear to attack her, but this look was so lively and seductive.

Qin Yuan could not bear to bully her even though he did not attack. Qin Yuan did not want to endure it any longer. He raised his hands and circled her waist. With a strong lift, he lifted her body up and pressed her hard on his knees.

Under the thin gauze skirt is a smooth and soft silk lining, which has been stained by ice and feels slightly cool when rubbed against the skin.

Her two slender legs were forced apart, and she couldn't reach the ground while sitting on her knees, so she could only helplessly prop herself up on her toes.

Shen Ji blushed: "Qin Yuan...!"

"you!"

She softly lowered her voice and reminded: "Have you not had enough today? There will be a big court meeting tomorrow!"

Qin Yuan raised his eyebrows and smiled indifferently: "You are not smiling now?"

"I wasn't laughing at you, but... I just thought it was interesting that Zizhao was bullied by you, so I couldn't hold it back."

Shen Ji shrank his neck, hiding from his lips that were getting closer, and hummed: "It's so hot to be so close in such a hot day."

hot?

Chenyou Palace

We always have enough ice, but now it's night again. When the sun sets, why is it so hot?

Qin Yuan was keenly aware that something was wrong. He turned around and saw the ice plate and the empty grape plate next to him, and his heart suddenly sank.

"You've been a little too greedy these days."

Shen Ji didn't feel anything was wrong yet, and just when he was about to speak, he heard Qin Yuan calling someone in.

She hurriedly slipped off of him and sat aside as if nothing had happened, looking as decent as possible.

Zhang Pu, who was waiting at the door, quickly came in to take orders. Qin Yuan then asked the imperial doctor to come over and take the pulse of the imperial concubine.

The moon is dark and the wind is high. Could something have happened to the imperial concubine?

"yes."

He didn't dare to delay at all, and immediately sent someone to ask the imperial doctor to come over, without daring to neglect at all.

No one in the palace knows that Your Majesty loves the Imperial Concubine as much as her life, and the Imperial Concubine is the master of the harem. If the Imperial Concubine does something bad, all of them may be killed.

The Imperial Physician's Office is not too far away, and within a short time, the two oldest imperial physicians on duty today came together.

After saluting, Qin Yuan asked them to check Shen Ji's pulse while he sat beside her to accompany her.

The imperial doctor knew the power of this. While taking things from the medicine box, he asked Shen Ji some questions about recent days. When he heard that he was greedy for cold and sleepy, and his body was tired, his expression changed slightly.

The two of them took turns to diagnose her pulse and discussed in detail. Finally, they breathed a sigh of relief and knelt down to express their congratulations to His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine.

"Congratulations to your majesty, congratulations to the imperial concubine, the imperial concubine is happy--!"

Hearing these words, Shen Ji and Qin Yuan both looked startled, and then, Qin Yuan's eyes immediately lit up, and his joy was beyond words.

He directly held Shen Ji's hand, his love and affection undisguised, and said loudly: "It is a great joy for the imperial concubine to be pregnant. I will reward you all!"

The imperial doctors and maids thanked her profusely. Although Shen Ji was happy, he still felt a little uneasy. He subconsciously touched his flat belly and asked uneasily: "Is this palace pregnant?" "

As an imperial physician in the palace, the happiest thing about Hui Hui's diagnosis was when he was diagnosed with the Ximai pulse. Naturally, his face lit up and he responded repeatedly: "Hui Hui, you are already two months pregnant. There will never be any lies!"

Suddenly she became pregnant, and she was really in a daze.

Since giving birth to Zizhao, she has not been pregnant for more than five years. Although Yong'an came to her later and treated her as if she were her own child, it didn't pass through her belly and it didn't feel like a long time had passed.

Now that I have been diagnosed with a happy pulse and a baby is pregnant in my belly, this feeling is really difficult to describe.

Fortunately, Yong'an is now three years old and can talk and walk. It is the time when he is playful and curious, and he does not have to worry about it every day. Zizhao, the emperor's brother, also went to the Imperial Academy.

This child came at the right time.

Although it was evening, the great news that the imperial concubine was pregnant still filled the entire Chenyou Palace with joy.

Shuangying and others distributed the rewards overnight, and gave each person a year's monthly money. After the heavy rewards were distributed, those who served below naturally became more dedicated.

After the imperial doctors left with their rewards, the hustle and bustle in the palace returned to tranquility, and the door of the bedroom was closed, leaving a quiet and warm world.

Qin Yuan hugged Shen Ji, his movements were so gentle that he was afraid of breaking her.

He held her in his arms like a baby, snuggled in her ear, and gently bit her earlobe: "After many years, we have another child."

The numbing hot air hit his ears. Shen Ji couldn't help itching, so he smiled and avoided him: "It's a good thing to be pregnant, but you don't have to be so close to me. It's hot."

Qin Yuancai refused to obey her and refused to let go of Shen Ji: "The imperial doctor is already going to prescribe anti-fetal medicine for you to adjust the fetal gas. If I am careful in the next few months, can't I hold you a few more times now? "

Speaking of this, Shen Ji couldn't help but think of the advice given to her by the imperial doctor and her grandma when she was just pregnant with Zizhao.

When a woman is pregnant, the first three months and the last three months are the most important and dangerous. She must not sleep with you or have sex with His Majesty.

Although His Majesty is well aware of this, pregnant women are the ones who should know the most about these things.

Shen Ji was pregnant for the first time. He was careful and remembered all the important instructions clearly. He didn't dare to forget anything, for fear that something might happen to the child.

This time... this time it was good, the baby in her belly was also a person who had seen "wind and waves".

In the final analysis, Qin Yuan is not to blame.

Shen Jijiao said angrily: "Be careful? Why should you be careful?"

"Are you... looking like that today? Are you even the slightest bit careful? Fortunately, the child is not pregnant. If not, you would be a big sinner. You are the one crying today."

Unexpectedly, Qin Yuan not only didn't get angry, but also smiled with his lips stretched out, pretending to be a prodigal, and moved closer, asking ambiguously: "What kind of appearance does it look like?"

His hands moved restlessly: "Is this so?"

"Still - like this?"

Shen Ji's whole body tensed up immediately, and he grabbed his restless hand: "If you make trouble with me again, I will drive you out of Chenyou Palace, and you are not allowed to come to my place again!"

Qin Yuan smiled lowly and withdrew his hand: "You and the child are the most important things in my heart. I just want to make you cute, what else can I really do? If not for that, what do I think of you and the child? "

Seeing that he was aware and not really restless, Shen Ji relaxed.

Unexpectedly, before he could relax for a moment, he was picked up from the waist and placed on the bed.

The gauze curtain was slowly opened by his sharp-jointed fingers, and hung as light as a cloud on the edge of the bed. Like a hazy red mist, it covered all the spring scenery in the bed.

Shen Ji was inexplicably nervous. He raised his arm and grabbed a corner of his shirt. His wide sleeves drooped lightly, revealing a slender wrist: "I told you not to, why...how did you still..."

Qin Yuan remained silent, leaned down and kissed her forehead, his voice low and hoarse: "You know."

"It's not like I didn't have it before when I was pregnant with Zizhao... The days are still so long, you can't ask me to lie beside you and bear it forever. You are a beauty in my arms, and I love you to the core. Susu, help me. "

He was obviously moved, his Adam's apple rolled slightly, and even the ends of his eyes were filled with wet desire.

Shen Ji guessed what he was talking about and was a little embarrassed. But he couldn't stand being so affectionate and focused, so he praised her as a fairy. I always feel that if I don't agree, I will be the worst and most unreasonable woman in the world.

While he was hesitating, he had already gently held the back of her head at some point, leaned down and took her lips into his, sucking her passionately. Their lips and teeth were intertwined, as if the two of them could blend into each other.

Her hands gradually became restless, and Shen Ji closed her eyes slightly in acquiescence. Her eyes were as charming as silk, and her eyes were enchanting.

It wasn't until a long time later that Fang called Shui and fell asleep.

After the palace became quiet, the newly transferred little eunuch who was transferred to the imperial palace asked Zhang Pu in a low voice with red face and doubts: "Godfather, isn't the imperial concubine pregnant today? How come your majesty can still ask for water?"

Zhang Pu was so embarrassed when he was asked, he raised his hand and hit him on the head: "You are a kid, don't ask questions that you shouldn't ask."

"Your Majesty has his own uses! If you talk too much, be careful and be punished by Your Majesty like the third prince. Then it will not be as simple as copying words!"!

Chapter 154

In April of the twelfth year of Cheng'an, the imperial concubine gave birth to the fourth princess. On the day the princess was born, His Majesty personally planned to title her Changning and call her Princess Changning.

At the beginning of the fourteenth year of Cheng'an, the eldest prince Qin Ziji turned fifteen. He came out of the cabinet and was crowned, opened a residence and lived there, officially received an official position, and became His Majesty's right-hand man.

At this time, the third prince was eight years old, Princess Yongan was six years old, and Princess Changning was two years old. The three children grew up day by day under the imperial concubine's knees, and the huge Chenyou Palace was filled with laughter and joy all day long.

Zizhao is smart and sensible, Yongan is obedient and obedient, and Changning is charming and cute. As the three of them got older, they didn't know when they formed a habit. What they liked most was to stick to their mother and concubine to tell stories after dinner, and then let her mother coax her to sleep.

The bedroom of Chenyou Palace is spacious and gorgeous, and the bed alone is very large, enough to accommodate several people sleeping in it. Naturally, all the children can sleep there. However, the four of them, mother and son, are enjoying themselves, but some people are unhappy.

Shen Ji couldn't be bothered to deal with Qin Yuan's seemingly endless energy these days, so he sent someone to inform Jianzhang Hall that the child had fallen asleep. The children were already asleep. Of course Qin Yuan understood what it meant and would not argue with the children. He really had the patience not to sleep in the same bed with Shen Ji for nearly a month.

However, if a wolf has been hungry for a long time, it will be unscrupulous. Qin Yuan endured it and waited and waited, and it was not until later that he discovered what the unscrupulous little Shen Ji had in mind.

It's true that the children like to stick to her, but if she had the intention, she would certainly make time to spend with him. This is obviously her looking for an excuse to hide!

After Zhang Pu entered the imperial study room with Chen Yougong's repeated rhetoric that he had heard more than twenty times in recent days, Qin Yuan put down the book without saying a word, stood up and said, "Go to Chenyou Palace."

Zhang Pu hesitated: "Your Majesty...but the imperial concubine said that the princes and princesses have..."

Qin Yuan glanced at him and said quietly: "You have been doing your job better and better recently."

He looked at Zhang Pu, but what he said made Zhang Pu shudder: "In recognition of your hard work and merit, I am willing to care for you. Recently, I took back a village in the suburbs of Beijing. I think it is good, so why not reward it to you? You will be in Zhuangzi in the future. You don't have to work hard by my side when you can take care of yourself until you are old."

Zhang Pu complained endlessly and hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I made a mistake. I made a mistake!"

His majesty and the imperial concubine are the ones he dare not offend inside and outside. He can't speak for this one, and he can't speak for that one either. Accompanying the king is like accompanying a tiger!

The two emperors and concubines are usually very sweet and affectionate, but recently the princes and princesses have been clinging to the emperor and the concubine very tightly. His Majesty said nothing, but Jianzhang Palace is as cold as an ice cellar these days. I can guess that His Majesty is unhappy.

Your Majesty always treats his subordinates very well, but he thought that today he was extremely dissatisfied, but could not vent his anger to the empress and the princes and princesses, so he vented his anger on him.

Being a slave in the palace is really hard.

His Majesty gave him a cold look and strode away. Zhang Pu knew that His Majesty had spared him, so he dared to follow behind him with a grimace, not daring to say a word.

Many people inside and outside the palace said that the imperial concubine was blessed with great blessings and had happy children, so she was favored and favored and established a firm foothold.

But Zhang Pu knew very well that in His Majesty's heart, even their biological heir might not be able to compare with the imperial concubine.

The imperial concubine is truly a piece of meat in His Majesty's heart.

Sitting on the chariot going to Chenyou Palace, Qin Yuan thought more and more

The more dissatisfied I feel.

When she was under her, she was in a state of ecstasy. When she got out of bed, she fell into disgrace and refused to recognize anyone.

If she really didn't want to do something like that, when had he ever forced her? It seems that he is like some kind of animal, only knowing greed but not gentleness.

Chenyou Palace.

In the brightly lit dormitory, Shen Ji, wearing comfortable and close-fitting silk, was leaning on the pillow, holding a book in his hand, while Qing Chen was sitting on the other side with Chang Ning in his arms.

On the thick and soft carpet, Zizhao and Yongan sat cross-legged facing each other, stretching out their hands to play a clapping game, and from time to time they let out carefree and innocent laughter.

In the late winter, the cold wind blows and the snowflakes are flying. The earth dragon in Chenyou Palace is flourishing and it is as warm as spring.

Zizhao recited the mantra quickly and clapped his hands with his sister, but found that his hands were getting faster and faster, and it gradually became difficult for him. This clapping game is more about memory and hand speed. Although sister Yongan is two years younger than him, she is much better than him in this aspect. She wins eight out of ten times.

As the royal brother, he was naturally unconvinced and wanted to outdo his sister with all his heart and eyes. Only in this way could his sister admire him as an older brother. Therefore, in my free time, I practiced with the young eunuch and the maid many times. I didn't meet any opponents, so I wanted to challenge again.

But now he saw Sister Yong'an in front of him smiling shyly and trying to win him over. He was greatly frustrated and his face fell.

When self-confidence is gone, people naturally can't concentrate anymore. Zizhao made a wrong shot and lost to sister Yong'an again.

Zizhao sat with a slumped face and sighed: "Sister Yong'an is still great, I can't beat you no matter what."

When he was in the Imperial College, everyone praised him for his talent in reading and reading. As he grew older, some people said that he could succeed in everything and would be his father's arm in the future.

But he can't beat Yong'an in such a small game, and he can't be perfect. Can he really do better than his father?

Zizhao has always been precocious. Although he is only eight years old, his heart is already full of doubts and confusion.

Hearing this, Shen Ji moved his eyes away from the book and glanced at him with lowered eyes.

She didn't speak, but Yongan, who was sitting across from him, said softly: "Brother Emperor, you are not worried."

"My mother-in-law once said that everyone is born with different things. That's why everyone should perform their own duties and learn from each other's strengths. How can anyone be born with everything in mind?"

"Yong'an didn't learn as fast as the imperial brother in the Imperial College."

The imperial sister comforted herself like this, and Zizhao smiled sheepishly: "Yong'an is the one who loves me the most."

"only......"

"Just what?" Shen Ji said warmly, "It's just a game. If Yongan wins, he wins. Why is he so distressed?"

"I see that you seem to have something on your mind in the past two days. It's not pleasant to hold it in your heart. Why don't you tell your mother and concubine about it?"

Zizhao hesitated for a moment, sighed and said: "Mother, concubine, everyone says that I am your son, and I will definitely inherit the throne and be the next emperor in the future. They also say that I am smart, diligent, studious, and talented, so I must be A wise king."

"Actually, I was quite happy when I heard these words at first. I thought it was recognition of me... I even felt a little elated sometimes. But the more I heard them, I suddenly started to feel a little scared."

Shen Ji watched quietly as Zi Zhao grew older and looked more and more like Qin Yuan. He was clearly only eight or nine years old, but he was already very smart and had his own thinking ability.

Although she didn't like others always praising Zizhao to avoid making him feel arrogant, but sometimes when she looked at him, even she felt that these words were not all flattery.

Just like today, it is very rare for a child to face the admiration and praise of so many people in the harem and not forget his roots but to reflect on himself in time.

Even many adults may not be able to do this.

Shen Ji asked him softly: "What are you afraid of?"

Zizhao lowered his head: I was worried about whether I was really as good as they said. I was also worried about the position. I was even more worried that I would not be able to do well and disappoint my father and mother. "

When talking about a heavy topic, Chen Yougong, who was always laughing and joking, had a rare moment of silence.

At this time, the cotton curtain at the door was opened, a gust of cold wind rushed in, and Qin Yuan walked in with snow on his face.

He obviously heard the conversation between Cai Zizhao and Shen Ji, and said quietly: "Someday, what you should consider is not disappointing me and your mother and concubine."

"It's about whether you will disappoint all the people in the world who support you and support you."

His Majesty suddenly came over at night, Qingchen quickly hugged Princess Changning and got up to say hello.

Shen Ji, who had obviously sent someone to Jianzhang Palace to inform him, was a little dumbfounded when he saw Qin Yuan suddenly coming over.

Qin Yuan lowered his eyes and looked at her deeply, but said nothing. He said softly: "It's getting late. Let's take the two princesses down to have a rest."

Qingchen hugged Princess Changning and left. Yongan followed obediently. When he went out, he was led by his grandmother and returned to the palace to rest. Qin Yuan, Shen Ji and Zizhao were the only ones left in the dormitory.

Qin Yuan sat next to Shen Ji, consciously took a cup of warm tea in front of her and drank half of it. He said in a light voice: "You are my prince, and you should have all the people in the world and the country in your heart. But all this You have all the qualifications to be a monarch."

"Besides state affairs, ministers weighing in, and strategies weighing, do you know what is most important?"

Zizhao raised his head in confusion and looked at the father who stood tall in his heart before him, and shook his head in confusion.

"As an emperor, in addition to ability being indispensable, the most important thing is the unshakable faith in one's heart."

"As a king, when you rule the world, you should make the country rich and the people strong and stable. You must always keep the suffering of the people in mind, have the world in mind, and be firm in your goals, so that you can move forward indomitably. As a king, if you can't even believe in your own abilities, then How to convince all civil and military officials."

"A man who is worthy of heaven and worthy of the common people means you have done what you should do."

Worthy of God, worthy of the people...

Zizhao's originally confused eyes seemed to have a glimmer of understanding, but he couldn't quite understand.

Qin Yuan was not in a hurry. Instead, he raised his hand and touched his head: "When you reach the age of twelve, I will officially make you the crown prince, open a palace and crown you, and let you go out to experience. After I have seen the hardships of the people, I have experienced them. People's livelihood, of course you have some understanding."

Zizhao nodded and no longer hesitated in his tone: "Thank you for your teachings. I will definitely try my best to do my best."

Qin Yuan nodded and let go: "Okay, step back and have a rest. We have to go to the Imperial College tomorrow."

Zizhao secretly glanced at his mother and concubine, bowed and quickly left.

Shen Ji looked at Zizhao's leaving figure and recalled the scene of Qin Yuan educating his son just now, and couldn't help but nodded in approval.

The surrounding air had become so quiet that only the wind outside could be heard. Before they knew it, they were the only two people left in the hall, but Shen Ji didn't even notice.

Qin Yuan turned his head and looked at her leisurely appearance, and said lightly: "Are the children sleeping here?"!

Chapter 155

There was a sudden chill behind him, and Shen Ji's smile suddenly froze on his face.

The gaze of Liangliang next to her could be described as focused. She turned to look at Qin Yuan, pulled her lips and smiled slightly awkwardly: "So...it turned out that he was asleep."

"It's just...it's just that it was still early, so I got up after lying down for a while," Shen Ji tried to fool him, "Children always look the same."

Qin Yuan knocked on the table slowly and calmly said, "I don't think the children look the same every now and then, but you do."

Shen Ji looked away guiltily: "I didn't."

"No?"

"How long has it been since you shared a bed with me?"

Looking at her, Qin Yuan was not annoyed. Instead, he leaned back and made it clear that he wanted to settle accounts with the queen. He made it clear in every stroke and deliberately prolonged his tone: "Oh--"

"I think the imperial concubine thought that I was too old and was tired of looking at me every day, so she used the excuse of being a child to hide from me."

He clicked his tongue and laughed at himself: "I don't know who it is. In the past, I was worried that I would change, and I didn't dare to show my sincerity. Now, fortunately, I have changed."

Shen Ji was so embarrassed when he said this, powder flew from her cheeks, and she quickly reached out to cover his mouth: "Okay, you are not allowed to say any more."

Before they were connected, Shen Ji had always been very resistant to her falling in love with him. It was Qin Yuan who walked towards her step by step. Now he can have such a happy and peaceful life because he made concessions for her in every way.

Now that she says this, doesn't it make her look like a white-eyed wolf?

Shen Ji quickly stood up and went to Qin Yuan's side, put his arms around his neck, and whispered softly: "It's not that I don't want to see you... it's just..."

She didn't throw herself into his arms many times, so Qin Yuan was naturally happy to enjoy it, and he raised his hand to wrap around her slender waist.

The cold and deep voice sounded in Shen Ji's ears, and for some reason, it had a hint of confusion: "Just what?"

The heat lingered, and a numbness suddenly came over, and Shen Ji's body became a little soft for no reason.

Feeling weightless, she could only hold on to Qin Yuan tightly, and spoke in a trembling voice, with a clear and beautiful voice filled with vague complaints: "Who told you to always take so long... Even if you enjoy it at first, later on My waist will be broken from fatigue."

"It would be fine if it happens every now and then, but you!"

Her cheeks were flushed: "But you were like crazy a while ago, how can you not have enough every day!"

Although this was a complaint, Qin Yuan could feel it as a compliment, and his eyes that pretended to be calm gradually became filled with a bit of contentment.

He circled Shen Ji's waist and pulled her onto his knees. He slowly ran his hand through her soft black hair and said in a sultry tone, "I've been sticking to you since I was born, Chang Ning. I've always been sticking to you." It will be better to leave when you are about one year old, and there are many children in the palace. You always have to spend time with the children, so I can only be squeezed into a corner."

Qin Yuan spoke of himself pitifully: "If I don't seize the time to behave in front of the imperial concubine and serve you well, won't you be even more disgusted with me when I get really old in a few years?"

After that, he added reluctantly: "In the past, I only knew that it was wrong to be ruthless, and it is also wrong to not change my original affection."

Qin Yuan's hands traveled from her hair to her sensitive earlobes and gently kneaded: "The Imperial Concubine, isn't that right?"

Shen Ji was hit hard by this move

You were speechless with the complaints that covered your face, but your breath trembled due to his provocation, your body became weak, you bit your lower lip for a long time, and only said one sophistry.

After so many years, she certainly knows how much Qin Yuan loves her.

It was precisely because he had treated her well for several years, given her a sense of security, and protected her that she dared to be willful, bold, and follow her own heart.

Therefore, of course she knew how much Qin Yuan liked to "want" her.

She has been kept in the dark for such a long time, and today there is nothing she can do to escape.

She just kept doing nothing, she took the initiative to cater to him, and pleased him who was very easy to please, and maybe he could let her go earlier.

Shen Ji Ou held him in his arms, put her red lips on his lips, and took the initiative to kiss him. The lips and teeth are lingering, and the water/milk/mixture/melts.

No one can remember exactly how long the red candle burned on the snowy night, or how much sweat flowed into the incense curtain.

It wasn't until late in the night that Qin Yuan called for water and held her in his arms to fall asleep together.

Shen Ji was so tired that he wanted to fall asleep, but his throat was dry and hoarse. Half asleep and half awake, he urged Qin Yuan to pour her water.

Qin Yuan kissed her forehead, remembering that he had just evil-heartedly forced her to call him husband over and over again and say I love you over and over again, and his eyes filled with passionate love added a little warmth.

In this life, he can have a lover who stays with him, and he can get the most ordinary and sincere warmth from the people. Even if he is on the top of a mountain, he will not feel lonely.

-

In May of the 18th year of Cheng'an, the third prince Qin Zizhao reached the age of 12. He was highly regarded by His Majesty and was crowned and promoted to the throne early.

In the 21st year of Cheng'an, when he turned fifteen, he officially moved into the East Palace.

The crown prince was outstanding, extremely capable, both lenient and strict, and kind-hearted. In just two years, he gained high prestige in the court and quickly took up government affairs.

In the twenty-sixth year of Cheng'an, when the crown prince was in his weakest years, the eldest daughter of the Wei family was chosen as the crown prince.

The Wei family gave birth to queens in two dynasties, and it was rumored that the prince loved the prince concubine very much, which became a popular story among the people.

The following year, His Majesty chose to abdicate in his prime, shocking both the government and the public.

In the same year, the prince ascended the throne and named the country Sheng Yuan. His majesty was honored as the Supreme Emperor, and his mother-in-law, the imperial concubine, was the empress dowager.

-

The new emperor ascended the throne and the whole country was granted a three-day amnesty. The city of Chang'an was bustling with activity. The palace was full of joy, lanterns were decorated, and everyone had smiles on their faces.

The matter of moving to the palace in the past few days has been complicated, and everything has to be taken care of. The Emperor and the Queen Mother have moved into the newly built Yi Nian Palace, and the concubines also have to move. This is a big project.

And Fengyi Palace, which has maintained its original appearance for a long time, is finally about to welcome a new owner.

The scenery in March in Yangchun is beautiful, the willows are green, the oriole is graceful, and the pear blossom in Fengyi Palace is also in bloom.

The canopy of pear blossoms are in full bloom, and the wind rustles like snow, filling the garden with fragrance.

Shen Ji just sat in the palace drinking tea, slowly sipping a cup of the former queen's favorite tea, and looking out the window at the picturesque scenery.

For so many years, she has always kept this place as the most secret and tender corner in her heart, and she would come over to take a look from time to time.

Every time she came, she could feel that the queen was still beside her.

So many years have passed in the blink of an eye, and although this place is still the same as it was before she left, everything outside has been turned upside down.

When Zizhao was drafted, right

She was the one who fell in love with Wei's legitimate daughter at first sight. With just one look, she saw the shadow of the queen in her.

Speaking of which, the Crown Princess is also the Queen's niece, and there are always some similarities between the two.

But the biggest difference is that the Crown Princess's eyes are sparkling, gentle and shy, like a clear lake, unlike the Queen, who is silent and restrained, like withered and decaying spring flowers.

If the queen hadn't married Qin Yuan, maybe she would have had such smart eyes.

Fortunately, Zizhao followed his father's love, and there was a precedent of being the only one favored in the harem. He only married a princess, and they were in good terms with each other. Now that the harem is vacant, no one will say anything about it.

Everything couldn't be more perfect.

Shen Ji lowered his eyelashes, slowly placed the cup in his hand on the table next to him, and said warmly: "Sister, everything has a new beginning."

You too, right?

Suddenly a gust of spring breeze blew by, rolling up the pear blossoms on the branches and falling to Shen Ji's hand, swaying slightly, like an intimate whisper.

Shen Ji curved his lips and smiled, carefully pinched the petals, then stood up with his skirt spread out, put his hand on Qingtan's wrist and walked out of the palace door.

A whole courtyard of people had already knelt in the courtyard, raising their eyebrows and raising their ears, waiting for orders. Shen Ji looked back at the palace for the last time, clasped the pear blossoms in his hands, and said in a warm voice: "Go in and clean up, the things that need to be added and the There must be no mistakes in the repairs, the Queen will move in soon, so don't neglect it."

"Yes, I will obey the Queen Mother's orders."

Zizhao ascended the throne and had a family. Yong'an also happily married the man she personally selected last year.

It is not easy for ordinary people to obtain glory, wealth, deep love and stability, but she, a mere mortal, has them all. She is so lucky in this life.

When he walked out of the gate of Fengyi Palace, he saw Changning holding Yuya's arm tightly and walking toward her. When he saw her, he shouted: "Queen Mother, I'm here with Empress Yi!"

Chang Ning is fourteen years old this year, a time when he is lively, active and quirky.

She had exactly the same temperament as her imperial brother when he was a child. She was eloquent, quick to respond, and had more and more tricks in her mind.

But after several years of experience, Zizhao is now very calm and has already become a qualified emperor. As a little girl, she is so pampered that she can't do anything.

She has a sweet mouth and likes to run around in the harem when she has nothing to do. One day she coaxes Yuya, the next day she coaxes Concubine Zhuang Xian, and the day after that she digs dirt and buries wine with Ji Jieyu. She is a favorite of everyone.

These days when her imperial brother ascended the throne, everyone was too busy to touch the ground, so she was just like a normal person, still unfettered.

Shen Ji smiled helplessly: "Skinny Monkey, I pester you, Mrs. Yi, every day."

Qingtan smiled and said: "Princess Changning has a lively temperament, but she is also attentive and talkative. The slaves like her very much when they see her in the palace."

Not many concubines in the palace have children. Although they live a peaceful life with company, they are inevitably lonely.

Although Chang Ning said that she loved to play, Shen Ji also knew that she was a very kind child and knew that these ladies treated her well, so he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.

Yong'an got married and Zizhao ascended the throne. She had no playmates of similar age in the harem.

Seeing her mother talking about herself, Chang Ning stuck out her tongue, trotted away and hugged Shen Ji: "Mother! You are not allowed to talk about Chang Ning."

Yuya covered her lips with a smile and asked, "Sister came out of Fengyi Palace just now, how is it?"

Shen Ji lowered his eyebrows and smiled, spreading his palms to show her: "Look, the queen sister has reported to me."

In the palm of my hand, a flawless white pear petal was swaying in the breeze.

Ban Yuya understood it at a glance.

"The Queen is a wonderful person. At this time, she must have a better life."

Changning didn't understand, so he tilted his head and asked, "Is the queen mother talking about the queen's sister-in-law?"

Shen Ji gently touched her head and said with a smile, "No."

"She is a very good person who is regarded as a sister by her mother."

On April 15th of the first year of Shengyuan, Sitian Supervisor Duan Xingxuan set an auspicious day for the enthronement ceremony, and Zizhao officially became the new emperor of all people in the world.

The Emperor and the Queen Mother watched the ceremony together, watching with their own eyes the child they had raised, holding the Queen's hand and sitting on the supreme throne.

The enthronement ceremony is a grand ceremony for the country. It is busy from early morning to noon.

Since then, there have been various sacrifices, which are extremely complicated. Now, Si Tianjian is setting various good and auspicious days, which can be considered orderly.

The new emperor ascended the throne and the ceremony finally came to an end.

Duan Xingxuan looked at the nine jade steps entering the night with a distant expression.

The child he had calculated that he had a noble destiny and was born with the image of an emperor finally followed the instructions of fate and embarked on this supreme road. !

Chapter 156

In the twenty-sixth year of Qi'an, just after the rebellion of the Five Dragons, His Majesty was not as good as before, so he appointed the sixth prince Qin Yuan as the crown prince. In the winter of the same year, his biological mother, Concubine Wan Gui, visited Chang'an's noble ladies to choose the crown prince for him.

In the back house of Zhongyi Hou Mansion, heavy snow was falling.

The green pines under the eaves and the fish swimming in the pond are all condensed by the snowflakes in the sky, forming the appearance of ice sculptures.

Shen Ji, wearing a smoky purple cloak of white fox fur, with black hair stained with snow, was making a snowman in the courtyard with his personal maids Shuang Ying and Jun Xue.

The three girls, who had just grown hair, were playful and playful, and before the snowman was finished, they had evil intentions to play tricks on others.

Shen Ji groped behind secretly, held up a handful of snow with his green onion-like fingers, formed a snowball as big as a fist, aimed at the unsuspecting Junxue, and threw it at her.

Junxue was knocked upside down and got up while laughing. She also pinched a ball of snow and threw it on Shen Ji.

"We agreed to build a snowman, but the girl secretly did something evil!"

A ball of snow exploded on her shoulders, splashing snowflakes all over Shen Ji's face, and some disobedient ice shavings penetrated into her skin along her neck, causing her to tremble violently.

But Shen Ji was very cheerful. He took out his handkerchief and wiped the snow off his face while laughing. He said with a smile: "What's the point of making a snowman? Snowball fights are more fun." After two days, I asked my mother to invite some girlfriends. A good friend from China comes to my home as a guest. When there are more people, we can make a fuss and have fun."

Xu was a rare cheerful person today. Her gentle tone revealed a bit of unrestrained liveliness, but her good tutoring made the movements of her hands extremely elegant all the time.

The silk satin handkerchief flicked slightly, unfolded one side, and slowly wiped it along the creamy cheeks and onto the slender neck.

Her eyes were as sparkling as spring water, and her palm-sized little face was as beautiful as any other. It seemed that the cold in the ice and snow had frozen her flawless white skin into a touching blush, adding a bit of charm.

Shuangying and Junxue have always known that their girls are beautiful, but beauties are always suitable for beautiful scenery, and now the beauty is even more attractive with snow.

Under the long corridor, Mrs. Hou stood in the corner of the corridor and looked at the laughter and laughter in the yard, with a somewhat sad look on her face.

Mother Liu beside her said softly: "Mother, are you worried about the post sent by Concubine Wan Gui just now?"

Mrs. Hou nodded and sighed softly: "In the new crown prince's book, it is the emperor's order to choose the crown princess. Aji is my only daughter, and she is the only daughter in the direct line who is of marriageable age. Concubine Wan Gui had known that there was a daughter in my family, no matter what There's no way I can push it away."

Mother Liu comforted her and said, "It's just a matter of looking at each other. Mistress, don't worry too much. In other words, if you can really be valued and become the crown princess, you will be the queen in the future. How noble is the mother of a country, but no one else can ask for it." of."

Mrs. Hou looked at her daughter closely, with a lot of reluctance in her eyes: "If you can marry the prince and become the prince's concubine, it must be extremely noble, and everyone will flock to it. But she also grew up with many pampers at home. She can be carefree all day long and have nothing to worry about. I just want her to marry a well-matched husband and live happily together for the rest of her life, and I don't want her to marry into the royal family."

"It's true that the royal family is a noble person, but after just five years of fighting for the throne, how could she be able to handle such dangerous mountains and dangerous waters?"

Hearing this, Mother Liu also sighed and said softly: "Anyway, there are not a few Chang'an noble girls of the right age. Although our girls are top-notch, they may not be suitable for Concubine Wan Guifei, nor may they be suitable for her.

caught the prince's eye. "

Mrs. Hou nodded and breathed a sigh of relief: "I hope so."

"We will bring her into the palace in three days. It's okay to continue playing like this. Bring her in, and I will teach her the rules and choose the clothes to wear when entering the palace, so as not to be rude in front of everyone."

After half a stick of incense, Shen Ji was in the room.

While she was being served by the maid, she changed her clothes and tied her hair again. She opened her eyes wide and asked, "Mother said it was Concubine Wan Gui who sent the message, asking mother and I to go to the palace for a banquet and play?"

"I have never been to a palace in my life. I have heard people say that the palace is very vast and beautiful. There are views every five steps and pavilions every ten steps. It would be a good thing to go and see it. Why is my mother looking so sad? "

Mrs. Hou said helplessly: "Do you really think you are just entering the palace to have fun? The prince has been registered and has not yet married. This is a different trick to choose a concubine for the prince."

Shen Ji asked again: "So I am also among the candidates that Wan Guifei thinks is a good choice?"

It was a matter of marriage, but she was so unconcerned that she was so complacent now!

Madam Marquis was completely troubled by her freewheeling temperament: "In our Marquis family, you are the only legitimate daughter, so you are worthy of your family background. Which family banquet in the palace has your father not been to? Chang'an Celebrity Organizer You didn't attend the banquet?"

"Concubine Wan Gui and the Crown Prince were the ones who had the last laugh in the Five Dragons' Conquest of Heirs. As you can imagine, she was choosing a concubine for the Crown Prince at this time, and also to win over the Crown Prince in the court. The Crown Princess is the one who will be wanted in the future. As a queen, don't you care about such important things?"

Shen Ji smiled: "I heard that mother doesn't want me to marry the prince?"

"Then can we not go to this little banquet?"

Mrs. Hou made a serious face: "Of course not."

"Since we have to go, there is nothing we can do if we really get caught. What's the use of being sad now." Shen Ji thought openly, and comforted his mother: "It's disrespectful to act ugly, and it's also flattering to be too coquettish. It's better to be more generous and just obey your orders."

Shen Ji was born as the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Palace. She was pampered and pampered since she was a child, and she lived a life of freedom and freedom.

She knew that she would live in glory, wealth, and good food and clothing for the rest of her life. If you are a carefree young lady at home, even if you get married and have family support, you will definitely be a glorious lady.

So in her boudoir, she occasionally imagined what her future husband would look like.

In fact, her requirements for her future husband are very simple, that is, he must be clean, good-looking, and have a matching family background.

As long as these points are achieved and she is pleased with her, it will be the same no matter who she marries.

Mrs. Hou looked at her wise and foolish daughter in surprise and said, "You can think about such a big thing as getting married."

Shen Ji smiled, raised his eyes and asked, "Mother, is the prince good-looking?"

Madam Hou was originally worried about entering the palace in three days. When she heard this question, she couldn't help but be stunned for a moment: "Concubine Wan Gui is extremely beautiful. The prince is her biological son, so he is naturally as handsome as Gui Ruzhang."

As soon as she finished speaking, she realized what Shen Ji meant by asking, and said with a deliberately bluffing face: "There are countless twists and turns in the royal family. If you are not careful, you will be shattered into pieces. Who is the prince? He will be the emperor in the future." Yes, when the time comes, you will have to take care of such a large harem, wouldn't it?

Exhausted? I know that you have always been at odds with the granddaughter of Taifu Lin's family, and she went to private school with the prince when he was a child, and they are quite close, but I tell you, don't ruin your life just to fight for a moment. "

Shen Ji snorted: "That's not true."

"I've just heard about the reputation of the prince, and I was just curious for a while. Husband and wife have always been mutually related, just like father and mother, and they have never taken concubines in their lives. Are the couple harmonious? If I really marry him, Even if he really ascends the throne and becomes emperor in the future, if he truly protects me and loves me, how can there be a group of warblers and swallows that cause me headaches."

"I already knew that Lin Xuanji liked the prince, but if I also fell in love with the prince, would it be possible for her to give him away? I don't care so much about him."

Mrs. Hou was helpless: "You kid, you always make so many lies."

After re-tying his hair and putting on makeup, Shen Ji stood up and shook his mother's arm, saying coquettishly: "That's not unreasonable. Mother clearly can't talk to me."

"I will enter the palace in three days. Once I am selected, I will have a lot of time to be restrained in the future," Shen Ji asked with a pair of beautiful eyes, "Mother, I heard that the new pot from Xingweilou is delicious. , I want to go out and try it, okay?"

This daughter is the best at being coquettish and well-behaved. Once she is entangled with her, she will not give up until she achieves her goal.

Mrs. Hou couldn't resist her, so she could only compromise: "Then you take Shuangying and Junxue with the two servants, and then put on the curtain hat. Don't show off in the market."

"Also, you must go home before sunset."

Shen Ji smiled happily, hugged his mother's arm and coaxed her again and again, and then took out a white gauze hat from the side: "Don't worry, mother, I'll be back after dinner. I promise not to let others see me."

After saying that, she quickly picked up her skirt and walked out: "Junxue! Quick, prepare the sedan and go out!"

-

It was snowing in the twelfth lunar month, and smoke could still be seen on the streets of Chang'an. As lunch time approached, I couldn't help but smell so many aromas along the way, which made Shen Ji's index finger twitch.

Although the snow is deep, the stalls and shops on both sides of the road are still bustling with people, and the road is bustling with traffic. I don't know how lively it is.

Xingweilou is one of the most famous restaurants in Chang'an. Its wines, fruits and dishes are all excellent.

At the beginning of this winter, the chef in the building launched a copper pot, which became very popular and many people flocked to it. Shen Ji had heard about it a long time ago, but he never had time to come. Today he finally got what he wanted. When he was on the carriage, he couldn't wait and kept looking out.

Shuangming handed the waist badge to the waiter at the door and took a look at it. They were led directly to the distinguished guest box on the second floor.

Now that there were no outsiders, Shen Ji took off his curtain hat, revealing a hibiscus face that was clear as ice and snow.

She secretly opened a small crack in the window and looked out. There were slow footsteps in the corridor behind her, and it seemed that several young men were talking.

"I heard that Concubine Wan Guifei will hold a banquet in the palace in the next few days, and invites all the famous ladies from Chang'an. I wonder if there is a girl that Your Highness is interested in?"

"Look what Brother Wei said, I heard that the granddaughter of Taifu Lin's family has said that she won't marry anyone but the Crown Prince. I'm afraid -"

It was originally talking about the prince's selection of concubines, so one of them...couldn't he be the prince himself?

Shen Ji was startled and quickly held his breath to signal them to be silent. Then he heard the words of the people outside, as if the real owner had never spoken.

The footsteps were getting closer and closer, then gradually farther away, as if they were going to the next door, and then they heard a soft and pleasant distant voice saying calmly: "I had no intention of marrying prematurely, it was all arranged by my mother and concubine."

"Whatever she thinks is better, that's it."!

Chapter 157

Hearing the last sound of footsteps entering the box next door, and the wooden door closing with a creak, Shen Ji felt relieved.

What I said is that I was still talking to my mother about the prince's selection of a concubine. It was a coincidence that I met the prince at Xingwei Tower today.

Fortunately, she had already entered the room and could not bump into so many foreign men. Otherwise, if someone noticed her gluttony, it would not be against the rules for an unmarried lady of the boudoir to do so.

Shen Ji sat at the table holding his chin, looking at the plate in front of him that was full of color, flavor and taste. He could only look at it but not eat it, and couldn't help but feel a little hungry.

The pot has been called, but it hasn't been served yet. Shen Ji is still sitting there, his mind always wandering to the next door.

There are quite a lot of rumors about this new prince.

Some people say that he and Concubine Wan Gui, mother and son, are very skilled. Others say that the prince is the best candidate for the crown prince because of his talent and learning. Some even say that he and Concubine Wan Gui are cruel and ruthless, stepping on corpses and rising to the top in a sea of ​​blood.

There were both good and bad things. The more rumors there were, the more she became interested in the prince who her mother said was as handsome as Gui Ruzhang.

Especially when I heard his voice just now, it was as distant and cold as the snow on the top of the mountain, but it was so pleasant to hear, and it matched the four words "Gui Ruzhang" in my mother's mouth.

What should such an outstanding young prince look like?

It's just a pity that I just heard that the prince didn't want to marry so early. It all depends on Concubine Wan Gui's wish, that is, whoever Concubine Wan Gui decides will be the one.

Such a man who has no interest in marrying a wife will have a miserable life, no matter how outstanding he is.

Interest is interest, Shen Ji doesn't want to marry a man who doesn't like him. If she can't focus on herself, then there will be seventy-two concubines in the Three Palaces and Sixth Courtyard. There will be too many women, which will make her cry every day and worry about her.

The private rooms in Xingweilou are very soundproofed, and there is a young lady singing in the middle of the first floor. She is babbling. If you are not very close, you cannot hear what is being said in the rooms on the left and right.

Shen Ji put the episode behind him, picked up a pair of silver chopsticks and waited expectantly, but the pot never came.

Xingweilou's business is booming, but the food is not so slow, especially since she is a distinguished guest in the private room, how can she be slow?

She directed the servants who were following her: "Go downstairs and urge me. Say I'm hungry."

The servant went back and forth, but it only took half a cup of tea. Unexpectedly, when he came back, he looked embarrassed and said: "Girl, the waiter who delivered the food down there said that it has been served just now, and we are the last one to have the ready-made pot."

"What?" Shen Ji's face suddenly fell.

Most likely, the food was delivered to the wrong table, but she had been thinking about it for a long time. Seeing that it was getting dark, she couldn't wait for the pot to be cooked, so she asked: "Which room are you in?" Have you asked clearly?"

The servant made a sad face: "The waiter knew that he had made a mistake and knelt down in front of the slave, saying that he had sent it to the next door. But he knew that there was a big shot next door, so he didn't dare to bother him even if he sent it to the wrong one, so he said he would discuss it with the shopkeeper. , let's see if I can give you a few more dishes as compensation."

Sent to next door?

Shen Ji was completely desperate now and murmured: "What's the use of giving me a few dishes? This is not what I came to eat."

Next to her, Junxue gritted her teeth and said, "Girl, please go and ask for it while wearing a curtain hat."

! Those brothers are all young men from high-ranking families. If they know that the girl's pot has been sent to the wrong place, they will not pick a fight even for their own reputation and will send it over directly. "

Shen Ji hesitated: Is this really feasible? like......"

"You will enter the palace in three days. Once you are attracted by the imperial concubine, I am afraid you will never have the chance to taste this again. I am still somewhat sure, so please let me try it, and wait until later. I took the chopsticks, but I won't take them back."

With the police in front, Shen Ji didn't have to show his face, so there was no harm in thinking about it. She couldn't control it anymore: "Then remember, don't reveal the name of the residence, so as not to leave a trace of trouble."

Junxue put on her curtain hat and nodded: "Don't worry, girl, I'll be right back."

She grabbed the waiter who served the food and went to the next door together. After knocking on the door, the door was quickly opened.

Shen Ji lay on the wall and racked his brains to eavesdrop, and vaguely heard Junxue say: "Young masters, it's funny..."

In the box next door, several young men with extraordinary appearance were drinking tea and talking.

All of them were dressed gorgeously and behaved politely. It was obvious at a glance that they were from aristocratic families. One of them was sitting in the main seat. Although he looked informal and casual on the surface, it could be seen that there was a faint crowding trend, which showed that he had a special status. Something different.

Yun Xue was the girl who grew up beside Shen Ji, and she was quite knowledgeable. However, Shen Ji did not explicitly say that there was a prince here, and Yun Xue naturally did not know. , but it's not too serious.

After all, there are many aristocratic families in Chang'an with nobility, and their own family was also born as a marquis. They immediately knocked on the door with courage and walked in after receiving permission.

She first gave a blessing and said politely: "Young masters, I am laughing. This servant is the maid of the house next door. Because the Xingwei Restaurant is new and was delivered to the wrong room, I came to bother you with a shameless face. Xiaoxingcai I am timid and afraid of disturbing the distinguished guests, but my master is short on time and really cannot part with his love, so I have come here to hope that you gentlemen can return the pot to its original owner. My master said that today's coincidence can be considered fate, and he is willing to give the princes Please pay for today's expenses as well."

Xingweilou's business is booming, and it is common for the wrong food to be served. It's just that the wrong food is usually delivered to the wrong food. Xingweilou will usually make compensation, and no one has ever come to ask for food.

This little maid's conversation is quite extraordinary, and her words reveal a hint of refinement, which is quite interesting.

Several young masters present laughed, and one of them said warmly: "May I ask who your master is? A maid who can teach you such an eloquent tongue must be a carefree and carefree husband. In this case, it is better to invite them too. , it would be a good idea to let Tai..."

He realized that he had said the wrong thing, and added without changing his expression: "It's a good way for us to get acquainted."

There are many aristocratic sons in the Chang'an family, but not many ambitious and talented people, and not many interesting people.

Qin Yuan cherishes his talent and intends to make friends. His thin white eyelids are slightly raised, obviously acquiescing.

This group of people didn't mention returning the food, but they wanted to invite the girl to eat with them, which really caught Yunxue off guard.

Her face turned a bit red under the curtain, and she said calmly: "I hope you will forgive me for the inconvenience of my master coming to meet the young masters."

Yun Xue bit her teeth lightly, and a polite smile appeared on her face under the veil: "It's getting late, so I took the pot away first. Thank you for your understanding, sir. Someone will pay for today's expenses." "

small row next to

Cai lowered his head and did not dare to say anything. Junxue raised her finger and poked his back. Then he quickly stepped forward and put the copper pot on the tray with water, lowered his head and prepared to leave.

The prince dared to be ungrateful and took the dishes away from the table openly. Some of the people present were embarrassed, and they didn't dare to let the prince lose face in front of them. Some people were not very happy and frowned. : "You haven't even asked your young master, how could you know--"

Before he could say anything else, Qin Yuan said calmly: "There's no need to force it."

"It's just a dish. If it's wrong, it should be returned to its original owner. There's no reason to force anyone to stay."

When the prince spoke, they of course had no reason to continue to hold him accountable. They breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly cupped their hands and said with a smile, "Your Highness is kind."

After hearing too many flattery words, they dissipated as soon as they hit his ears. Qin Yuan put down the silver cup in his hand and looked thoughtfully towards the direction Junxue left.

Just because a young man from an aristocratic family does not need to wear a hat when traveling with his maid, since it is inconvenient, it means that the master of the family is a woman.

She is still a boudoir woman at home.

She spends a lot of money, and can secretly come to Xingweilou to eat delicacies. Even the maids around her are neither humble nor overbearing. She is extremely intelligent, so she is not an ordinary woman.

After Yun Xue came back with the Xiao Xing Cai and the pot, Shen Ji's eyes suddenly lit up.

Shuang Ying was dumbfounded: "I thought it was not going well, but I actually brought it back."

Xingcai put down the pot and exited the box. The servant closed the door of the box again, and Yun Xue whispered: "It didn't go so smoothly."

"There were several young men from aristocratic families in the room. My words made them interested in the girl. I only said she was my master, and they thought she was a man. I'm afraid if I said a few more words, she would lead to her becoming a close friend. ."

The copper pot was placed on the table, and Shen Ji couldn't bear the aroma.

She raised her silver chopsticks and took a bite. As soon as she put it in her mouth, she heard Junxue say this. She was so frightened that she swallowed the meat whole and asked quickly: "You said they want to see me?"

Junxue nodded: "Yes, I think you must be a carefree and carefree husband, and I want to get to know him."

Shen Ji paused while holding his chopsticks, thought for a moment, and then asked: "What did the man sitting in the middle of the crowd say?"

"The one in the middle...?" Yun Xue thought carefully and shook her head, "The one in the middle looks very dignified and cold, and has never said a word."

When they came to have a meal, the prince must be at the front of the table and in the middle. Shen Ji asked Yun Xue this because he also wanted to know what the prince had said.

After hearing Junxue's answer, she felt relieved and started eating again: "That's good, you must remember that today's episode has never happened, and no one is allowed to say a word. "

The chef at Xingweilou is indeed a master who is well-known in Chang'an, and the new pots really make her have endless aftertaste.

It was getting late, and after Shen Ji got on the carriage for the return trip, his mind kept wandering about what happened in the box today.

Maybe it was because she had always been curious about what kind of person the prince was, or maybe it was because she was going to enter the palace in three days. Today, there was a little more entanglement, which always made her heart change.

Dusk fell and the journey was bumpy. Shen Ji had some food and gently opened a crack in the curtain.

The cold wind howled in, and from a corner of the gap, I could see the heavy snow outside.

The moonlight is cold and white, and the snowy night is long, somehow giving rise to a bit of charm.

Shen Ji turned his back to Junxue and looked out the window. His hanging black hair stuck to his slender waist. The car lights were dim, showing an indescribable girlish feeling.

"Junxue, have you... seen the man sitting in the middle today?" She asked in a low voice with a bit of a whisper: "Does he have a good appearance?"

Yun Xue was jolted in the carriage and felt sick to her stomach. She frowned and looked at her girl without any charming thoughts: "Girl, you must have eaten stupidly."

Shen Ji turned around:...?

Junxue: "I'm wearing a curtain hat, how can I see clearly!"!

Chapter 158

Three days later, he went to the palace to have a banquet.

Shen Ji went out wearing red and green clothes carefully dressed by his mother.

The sedan chair of the Marquis Palace was pulled all the way to the palace gate, and a greeting card was handed over. Shen Jifang followed his mother into the palace.

Concubine Wan Guifei held a banquet in Fanchun Hall, which was located in the middle of the harem, close to the imperial garden.

I have long heard that the royal palace is full of dignity, with carved railings and jade walls. The snow has stopped today, and the red walls and gold tiles are reflected in the white snow. It is really beautiful.

Shen Ji walked over holding a plum blossom paper umbrella and looked around curiously. The maids he met on the roadside were all pretty and pretty, which showed that there were rules in the palace.

Some of the nobles attending the banquet today are close friends of Shen Ji, such as sister Wei Yiyao from a scholarly family and Ban's sister Ban Yuya. Even if it is not for the prince's draft, it would be good to come and talk to the two sisters.

Palace attendants were already waiting at the entrance of Fanchun Palace. The snow under the porch in front of the door was swept clean, revealing a smooth palace passage.

The mother handed over the greeting card, and the maid at the door smiled and said, "I have seen Mrs. Hou, and I have seen the girl, please come inside."

She had attended many banquets held by celebrities in Chang'an, but this was the first time for her to attend a banquet in the palace as a female family member.

The palace was filled with the well-known ladies of Chang'an and the daughters-in-law who were living in the house. Everyone was dressed luxuriously and looked dignified, which made people dazzled.

Newcomers arrived at the palace gate, and many of those who arrived early turned to look over, wanting to see if the newcomers were competitive.

Mrs. Hou smiled while ironing her clothes and walked over to greet the ladies. Shen Ji also put on a smile and followed his mother forward.

Seeing that Shen Ji was here, many people were originally nervous, but when they saw the excessive effort she put on her clothes today, the impatient people wanted to hide their lips and sneer.

Shen Ji had known this for a long time and didn't take it seriously.

The jewelry and satin on her body are all the best new clothes. Not to mention how luxurious they are, which fully shows that she attaches great importance to entering the palace. But when paired together, they are not so eye-catching. Although it is not ugly, it can make people's eyes bright. There is no beauty.

As the saying goes, people rely on their clothes. No matter how beautiful the appearance is without the rich clothes, it will not be considered dazzling among a group of young and beautiful Yingyan.

After all, there are so many people who want to be a crown princess, and even those with only a five-point appearance can still make it to a seven-point by putting great effort into their clothes, hair styles, and makeup.

Shen Ji's outfit was very inconspicuous, and even her spring-like face was eclipsed by the fragrant hair of a group of beauties beside her.

It's not that Shen Ji isn't beautiful enough, but that she put a lot of effort into her makeup today, and it was deliberately made thicker.

Shen Ji is born with a natural talent for adornment, especially her beautiful eyes that are very breathtaking. A woman like her is not suitable for wearing heavy makeup, otherwise she will be inferior.

Looking at her from head to toe, one can see how strong her mother's desire is for her not to be the crown princess.

Although Shen Ji was a little curious about the prince and had the entanglement she encountered a few days ago, she clearly remembered that the prince himself was disdainful of marrying and starting a family, and it all depended on Concubine Wan Gui's wishes.

Such a person is indeed not a good match, and Shen Ji is happy to obey his mother's arrangements.

As the future Queen Mother, no one in Chang'an would dare to come to the banquet hosted by Concubine Wan Guifei.

The time has not yet come, Fanchun Hall is already full of people. Although it is winter, the ground dragon in the hall is warm. Look again.

Look at the beauties in the room, all of them have spring in their eyebrows, it's not spring that's better than spring.

Shen Ji had no intention of participating in the concubine selection. On the surface, he was sitting dignified and elegant, but in reality, he was looking at Sister Wei and Sister Ban, winking at them secretly.

Of course they all know what it means.

When the banquet is almost over, the female relatives can freely watch and move around the palace, which is considered a blessing from heaven. At that time, the three of them can gather together and talk about the boudoir of their daughter's family.

Mrs. Hou glanced at her daughter and saw that she seemed to be a little too much and did not take the banquet seriously, so she coughed lightly as a reminder.

Shen Ji immediately lowered his eyes seriously, stretched out his slender white hands, picked up a cup of tea in front of him, and took a few sips.

Although she was used to having no rules at home, she was born into a noble family and her pretense was ingrained in her bones, and every move she made was elegant and appropriate.

Mrs. Hou looked at her daughter and looked her up and down. Although she thought that she had made enough preparations today and would not choose her by choice, she still couldn't help but sigh in her heart when she thought that her precious baby might end up in a den of tigers and wolves. .

The people in the banquet were all blushing and sighing when they thought about having the opportunity to be a crown princess or a queen in the future. I'm afraid she was the only one in her family.

At this time, the eunuch shouted loudly from outside the palace door: "Concubine Wan Gui has arrived - the prince has arrived -!"

The chattering in the hall suddenly stopped, and they all stood up.

Concubine Wan Gui is not yet forty years old this year. She is dressed in a luxurious and dignified palace attire that is very eye-catching. Her hair is full of pearls, which shows how respected her status is, and she is well-maintained. Her appearance is beautiful, and the sharpness from the corners of her eyes and eyebrows makes her No one dares to underestimate him.

Most of the ladies looked at Concubine Wan Gui, while the eyes of the young girls all fell on the prince. Just one glance made countless people blush.

The prince who followed Concubine Wan Gui also learned about Concubine Wan Gui's beauty, giving him an excellent appearance.

He is tall and tall, with an indifferent expression, calm and distant, like a mountain standing tall. Just as my mother described, the dragon, Zhang, and phoenix are as beautiful as Gui and Zhang.

Shen Ji has seen so many good men in Chang'an, and among those with such looks and temperament, the prince is really the first.

Being able to marry the prince and become the princess already made many people excited. Today, seeing the true appearance of the prince made many young women admire him.

Shen Ji glanced at Lin Xuanji and saw her face turned dark as she stared at the people around her, as if she wished she could hide the prince secretly.

She had always been at odds with Lin Xuanji, but every time she faced her, she always looked arrogant. It was really strange that she behaved like a hen protecting her young today.

Concubine Wan Gui and the Crown Prince took their seats. Shen Ji followed everyone and saluted the Concubine and His Highness before they all took their seats.

The girls who came today are all girls from good families. Regardless of their appearance, at least their status and background are qualified.

After all, it was Concubine Wan Gui who single-handedly selected and handed over the posts. She was naturally happy that everyone could come.

She looked around and said with a smile: "I am really happy that you all can come to the banquet today. I have prepared a bunch of fruit snacks early. There is no need to be restrained. I think it is at my own home."

After saying that, her eyes fell on the faces of the girls she was focusing on, and she smiled and said: "Time flies so fast. I see that several children who were still a little old last time have now grown into slim and tall girls.

A big girl. I only have one son, the prince, and no daughters. I really like seeing these good children today. "

Mrs. Lin, who was sitting next to her, had known that she was attending a banquet today, but in fact she was choosing a concubine for the prince. She was naturally positive at the moment and responded in harmony: "Time flies, but I feel that the beauty of the imperial concubine remains the same, as if it has not changed. Still. I remember that when Xuanji was full moon, the imperial concubine sent someone to deliver a longevity lock, and in a blink of an eye, Xuanji was already in her prime."

When her mother spoke, of course Lin Xuanji understood what it was about. Yingying stood up and saluted the imperial concubine again, with a shy face: "My dear concubine, farewell, your prince."

Although she was paying her respects to the imperial concubine, her gaze uncontrollably fell on the prince, her expression full of admiration. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell her intentions at a glance.

Lin Xuanji came from a well-known family, and she and the prince had known each other since childhood. They both had good looks and status, and Concubine Wan Gui recognized her.

However, she had been spoiled since she was a child and was not very harmonious. It would not be harmful to marry an official and become the first wife, but she was not satisfied with the position of being the prince's first wife.

Concubine Wan Gui smiled politely: "Xuanji has become even more beautiful."

After being praised by the imperial concubine, Lin Xuanji sat down happily, her eyes and brows even more proud.

Since the prince was visiting the princess, in the name of chatting, Concubine Wan Gui had a few words with many people.

After a series of greetings, the banquet was served, presumably the questioning was coming to an end, and Shen Ji was relieved.

She lowered her head and drank half a cup of plum tea. She was about to use her chopsticks to eat when the banquet started. Unexpectedly, Concubine Wan Gui opened her mouth and asked: "Is this the first time for Madam Zhongyi to bring a daughter to the palace? No wonder I The palace looks strange."

Madam Hou echoed: "Your Majesty has a good memory. Today is the first time for my daughter Shen Ji to enter the palace. She is used to being casual at home and does not understand the rules in the palace, which makes her laugh."

Shen Ji didn't expect that she would be mentioned again, and she couldn't help but tremble in her heart. Her lowered eyelashes trembled slightly, but she calmly put down the cup in her hand and said politely: "My daughter Shen Ji, I have met the imperial concubine and the prince."

Concubine Wan Gui looked at her carefully from head to toe and asked her to sit down with a smile.

The legitimate daughter of Marquis Zhongyi comes from a good family background, looks pretty good, and her demeanor is neither humble nor overbearing. She is a good girl.

It's just that her clothes today, while gorgeous, are a bit tacky and gaudy, not as elegant and graceful as Wei's.

A person who is a crown princess must naturally be perfect in order to be worthy of the status of a prince. It would not be appropriate if she cannot be elegant, decent and appropriate when she gets married.

Concubine Wan Gui made a conclusion in her mind for Shen Ji and stopped paying too much attention to her.

There was an undercurrent to the small banquet, but it was very harmonious on the surface. Concubine Wan Gui toasted and chatted with the ladies from time to time, but the prince next to her still looked very calm.

He couldn't be said to be interested, nor was he impatient at all. It seemed that he was not choosing a concubine for him, but just completing a task.

At the end of the small banquet, Concubine Wan Gui was especially gracious and allowed the girls to roam around the palace. Shen Ji and a few girls finally got the opportunity to choose a remote pavilion to enjoy the snow and plum blossoms and chat while they were there.

Shen Ji pulled Wei Yiyao and Ban Yuya to chat and joke, talking about the time they went to Xingweilou to eat hotpot, his eyes were full of joy and he praised the taste to the sky.

Naturally, she couldn't talk about meeting the prince through the wall. She only said that she went to the wrong house and that Yun Xue wanted to come back.

He also encouraged Wei Yiyao and Ban Yuya to try it when they had time. They must like it.

Wei Yiyao gently brushed the snow off her shoulders and said with a smile, "It's so good. It makes me greedy."

"It's a pity that I am a virgin, and the rules at home are always strict. Even if I want to try it, I can't go out."

"Sometimes I really envy you, you are much freer than me."

Shen Ji held Wei Yiyao's hand and said warmly: "There are so many restrictions on women in this world, which has led to many temperaments that can only be bullied. Why is it considered normal for men to look for flowers and willows, while women have to be criticized when they go out to eat. "

"Although I am part of it, I don't agree with it."

Their voices were kept low so that others would not easily hear them.

But no one knew that behind the archway across the wall, a chariot stopped silently, and heard her words clearly.

Qin Yuan was going back to the East Palace to deal with government affairs, but he accidentally overheard a woman's conversation and happened to find the owner of Xingwei Restaurant who openly asked for food a few days ago.

He turned his head slightly and looked at the plum blossoms climbing out of the corner. After a while, he slowly flicked the thin dust on his sleeves and said, "Let's go."

It's interesting. !

Chapter 159

After the small banquet, it was already time for the sun to set. The setting sun cast a thin afterglow to the sky and the earth, and the warm orange-red light made the snow glow with a crystal clear light.

Concubine Wan Gui returned to the palace with Qin Yuan, raised her hand to screen out everyone in the palace, leaving only him inside.

Today's small banquet was an excuse for Qin Yuan to see the future crown princess. After the small banquet, it was natural for him to talk about it.

Qin Yuan saluted his mother, Concubine Wan Gui, and sat down to one side. Yun Danfeng gently raised a cup of tea and sipped it.

Concubine Wan Gui thought of the girls in Fanchun Palace just now and said slowly: "Although Lin Xuanji of Mrs. Lin's family likes you and has a good family background, I think she is too unstable and domineering, so she is not suitable for you. The candidate for the Crown Princess. Ban's weakness and naivety cannot be suppressed. Although the daughter-in-law of the Zhongyi Hou family is good in everything, she is not very decent in wearing red and green..."

"After all, I like the daughter of the Wei family the most. She comes from a scholarly family. She is well-read in poetry and books, knows etiquette, and has a good temper. Today I see that she is very dignified and kind-hearted. With a good reputation, the Wei family has a good family background, and it would be perfect to marry you as the Crown Princess."

After saying that, she raised her eyes and glanced at Qin Yuan, feeling that she should also seek his opinion: "Your Majesty, what do you think? Looking over at today's small banquet, is there a woman you like?"

Although it was an inquiry, Concubine Wan Gui had no intention of hearing anything meaningful from his mouth.

After all, he had long said that he had no intention of marrying, and he had never been interested in women, so she had already made plans to choose the crown princess for him.

Asking now is just a formality.

Unexpectedly, Qin Yuan put down his cup and said quietly: "Mr. Wei is gentle and dignified. She is indeed a good candidate."

Concubine Wan Gui was secretly satisfied.

"But the legitimate daughter of the Zhongyi Marquis is pretty good."

Concubine Wan Gui has never heard any comments about women from Qin Yuan's mouth, but it was strange today: "Oh? Do you think the legitimate daughter of Marquis Zhongyi is good?"

"You haven't said a word, and today is the first time we see each other," Concubine Wan Gui wondered. "There are so many beauties today. She is not outstanding. How could the emperor notice her?"

After asking, Concubine Wan Gui thought about it again and tapped her red nails on the table rhythmically: "Your crown princess should be perfect in everything. Although Zhongyi's legitimate daughter's speech and behavior are acceptable, , but the mother-in-law still prefers the Wei family."

Qin Yuan's expression was cold and cold, showing neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction. He only said: "Choosing a princess is not a trivial matter. There is no need to rush."

"Mother and concubine, why don't I let my son and I think about it? The most important thing is my son's satisfaction when we work together for a lifetime."

Concubine Wan Gui raised her eyebrows, completely confused about his attitude: "Your Majesty, I remember that this is not what you said a few days ago."

Her attitude changed so suddenly, and she immediately knew that something must have happened in the past few days that she didn't know about. Concubine Wan Guifei pointed it out directly and asked: "How does Zhongyi's legitimate daughter have anything to do with you?"

Qin Yuan looked calm and said quietly: "We have never talked with each other."

Although the words are concise and concise, they are not false.

They met by chance in Xingwei Tower and twice in the palace. Although they had brief interactions, in fact they had never met each other, let alone talked.

Concubine Wan Gui obviously didn't believe it, but Qin Yuan had no intention of explaining. Instead, Shi Shiran stood up and said goodbye to his mother and concubine, and said calmly: "The East Palace is busy, I will come back to pay my respects to my mother and concubine another day."

-

Half a month later, there was another heavy snowfall in Chang'an.

As the New Year is approaching, red lanterns begin to be hung on the streets of Chang'an, and there are temple fairs and festivals every now and then, not to mention how lively it is.

The prince's choice of concubine seemed to have been put on hold, and his mother never mentioned it again. Gradually, even Shen Ji forgot about it.

A while ago, I wanted to hold a small banquet as an excuse to have a snowball fight with some good sisters, but my parents thought it was not appropriate to make it public, so they put it on hold until it was my grandmother's seventieth birthday, and then I found the perfect opportunity to hold a banquet.

The seventieth birthday should be well planned, so my father took the initiative and invited many good friends from Chang'an's family to come and celebrate his birthday with a banquet. Given this good opportunity, Shen Ji's brother Shen Ting also invited several close friends. Naturally, Shen Ji was unwilling to lose the opportunity and asked his mother to post posts for several of his close friends' homes.

On the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Shen family was already decorated and waiting for distinguished guests.

The maids and servants at home perform their duties, and all the courtyards are swept clean and elegant, free from dust.

The Shen family is a high-ranking family, with pavilions and verandas everywhere. Distinguished guests come to the door one by one with gifts. There are people everywhere and it is very lively.

Shen Ji is the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, and she can be regarded as the boss today. In addition, the female family members are already acquaintances, so naturally they don't need to be hidden, they are well groomed.

When her grandmother celebrated her birthday, Shen Ji Te wore a crimson-colored ruqi with a coral and pearl hairpin. Her red dress and snowy face made her look as agile and cool as a plum fairy in the snow. A white fox cape was tied around her neck, making her complexion stand out. The lining is as clear as snow, with condensed fat and dewy skin, and it represents an unforgettable beauty.

She personally took out the framed words and said with a smile: "Let's go to the main hall."

In the main hall, my grandmother, as the eldest elder today, was sitting with several old ladies, drinking tea and chatting. My father was entertaining guests in the outer hall, and my mother was sitting next to my grandmother, chatting with a few ladies about family issues and a few nobles. The girl was saying hello to her grandmother.

Shen Ji smiled appropriately, stepped forward to the threshold with excellent manners, and said hello to the elders one by one. Then he bent his eyes and came to his grandmother: "Grandma is celebrating her birthday today. My granddaughter personally wrote the calligraphy. I hope my grandma will not dislike her talent." good."

She presented the congratulatory gift, and there were four big characters - "Songs and cranes prolong life"

At first glance, Shen Ji's calligraphy looks elegant and dignified, but upon closer inspection, it turns out to be wild and unrestrained, which is very special.

The most beloved granddaughter of her grandmother was this lovely granddaughter. Naturally, she doted on her a lot. She beckoned and held Shen Ji in her arms, and praised her with smiles and smiles to the old sisters around her: "This little girl is the best at pleasing me. Look. Looking at her handwriting, I am reluctant to put it away."

"Your girl is beautiful and attentive, well-read in poetry and books, and has a filial heart. No wonder my elder sister always talks about it," he said, teasing Shen Ji, "If you get married in the future, don't you know that your grandmother wants to What do you think?"

Shen Ji snuggled close to his grandmother and joked: "Aji has always been playful and unruly. He will wait a few years before going out. In the future, he will have to stick to his grandmother every day, for fear that she will find me annoying and rush to kick me out." "

Grandma was amused by her, and she pretended to be dissatisfied: "Little girl, go, go, talk to your little sisters and have tea. Come and visit grandma tomorrow."

"Yes, my granddaughter will step back now."

Grandma knew Shen Ji best and knew that she was free-spirited and loved to have fun. She was looking forward to having a snowball fight with her little sisters today, so she found an excuse to drive her away.

Shen Ji got what he wanted, so he stood up with a smile and left the main hall, then turned a corner and went to the women's hall not far away.

Wei Yiyao and Ban Yuya were sitting at the table. When they saw her coming, they hurriedly waved to her.

Shen Ji's appearance is among the best among the girls who have not left the palace in Chang'an. Especially today, she is bright and eye-catching. She attracted a lot of attention as soon as she walked in. She was not afraid, and after saying hello to the ladies, she She sat down next to Sister Wei and Sister Ban affectionately.

Wei Yiyao lowered her voice and smiled softly: "You are dressed so beautifully today. You are completely different from when you were in the palace. It shows how much you don't want to marry the prince."

After saying that, she quietly looked outside and then whispered: "I'm afraid you don't know yet, but I heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will also come today. If the Crown Prince sees your appearance today, he will inevitably feel unhappy when he thinks of you in the palace. Joy."

Shen Ji obviously didn't know, and opened his beautiful eyes slightly: "His Royal Highness will also come?"

She closed her eyes and muttered for a long time, trying to calm down her thoughts: "I kept my head down that day. The prince is so busy that he may not remember who I am. After we used the banquet, we went to the backyard to have a snowball fight. There are differences between men and women, but the prince saw Don't touch me."

Ban Yuya smiled timidly: "That makes sense, but my sister is brave."

Having said that, Shen Ji was still a little scared, so just after the dinner was halfway through, Shen Ji dragged his friends and their personal maids to the backyard.

On the way to the backyard, snow began to fall from the sky again, which aroused the girls' interest even more.

The carved balustrades and painted buildings of Shen Mansion are covered with silver-white snow, which is already very deep. Now the snow falling outside makes it even more charming, and even the walking speed is a little faster.

The Zhongyi Marquis Mansion is full of loyal people and has a high prestige in the court. Now his brother Shen Ting has entered the court as an official and has become a high-ranking civil servant, and his family is even more prominent.

The back house of Shen Mansion was designed by famous craftsmen from Jiangnan, and it is beautifully made. Now in winter, many plum blossoms have been transplanted, which makes it even more interesting.

At this moment, there were only women and no outsiders. Several girls chased each other around the rockery plum forest and had a snowball fight. They had a great time. The faint laughter like silver bells spread to one side of the verandah.

Shen Ting and several friends followed the prince. They planned to go back to the courtyard to get a new authentic painting for His Highness to inspect. Unexpectedly, they met girls having a snowball fight on the way, all of them covered with snow.

The most conspicuous among them is his sister Shen Ji.

Hearing the laughter, Qin Yuan stopped and looked towards the source of the laughter.

Through the heavy snow curtains and the plum blossom branches, he saw Shen Ji smiling lightly and covered with snow.

Although there was a long distance between them, she had a graceful figure, black hair, and smiling eyes. Her eyes were extremely bright, passionate and agile, as clear as a pool of spring water.

At the palace banquet, Qin Yuan did not pay attention to the appearance of any girl. He only knew that Shen Ji was the woman that day, but did not know what Shen Ji looked like.

He had thought about what a free and open person she was, but he had never imagined that she would have such an astonishing beauty that could capture his mind with just a hazy glance. !

Chapter 160

After the laughter came, Qin Yuan stood there for a long time before coming back to his senses.

Although his expression was very calm when he looked over, and he did not show any displeasure or other emotions, but Shen Ting and others who were carefully observing on the side were a little nervous.

His Highness the Crown Prince has a cold temperament, and even the people around him cannot guess what is in His Highness's mind. Naturally, Shen Ting does not have this ability. Who knows if His Highness is a person who values ​​rules at heart, or if he might be secretly dissatisfied.

He only has one sister who is doted upon by many, so he definitely doesn't want this.

Shen Ting looked in the direction for a long time and then tried to speak: "My little sister is used to having a little freedom. She has some unruly behavior at home and was rude in front of His Highness."

Please... please don't blame your highness... in the future..."

Qin Yuan looked away, as if he had guessed what he was going to say to make amends later, and said calmly: "This is your home. We met by chance, so why should we be rude?"

Shen Ting felt relieved, and the inspector laughed dryly and said, "Your Highness is merciful, but I am overly worried."

The girls beside the plum blossom tree were having fun, and no one noticed that the foreign man had stopped briefly on the promenade not far away.

Shen Ji had a good time, and several people walked out of the snowdrift with smiles on their faces. They changed their clothes in the side hall before going out again.

They sat under the pavilion and watched the snow scene. Shuangying personally served tea and ordered someone to bring a hand stove.

Shen Ji was happy today and had nothing to worry about. He sat on the edge of the hexagonal flying pavilion with a stove in his hands and looked at the sky.

She has loved watching snow since she was a child.

The heavy snow falling all over the sky from the endless gray-white sky, as if there was no end in sight, soon made her heart slowly calm down.

However, while Shen Ji was calm, Wei Yiyao beside him gradually became depressed. Although it was not obvious, people close to him could easily feel the low pressure.

Shen Ji noticed something was wrong and turned around: "Sister, what's wrong with you?"

Wei Yiyao was startled for a moment, then comforted her with a smile: "I just felt that I was very happy just now. It is inevitable that I will feel a little uncomfortable when I am suddenly separated from the excitement. I am fine, don't worry."

Shen Ji and she grew up together, and the relationship between the two families was good. Shen Ji could tell at a glance whether she was really fine or not.

She is a gentle and kind sister who is best at thinking about others. She is like a living Bodhisattva. Even if she is unhappy, she can digest everything silently alone. Shen Ji likes her, but he doesn't like her consuming him, so he always asks she.

"Forget it about lying to others, why don't you even tell me?" She moved closer to Wei Yiyao and asked in a low voice, "What's the purpose of this time?"

A hint of worry flashed between Wei Yi's brows, and he said warmly: "My mother told me last night that Concubine Wan Gui revealed to her intentionally or unintentionally that she was interested in me."

"but I......"

Shen Ji didn't expect it to be because of this, and whispered: "But you don't want to be the princess, do you?"

Wei Yiyao nodded, raised his slender neck and looked at the sky, with a hint of melancholy in his voice: "Entering the palace is to be a gorgeous bird in a cage. Although you have rich clothes, fine food, and unlimited scenery, you have no freedom. You live in intrigues all your life. Down."

"I don't want to be a canary."

If Concubine Wan Gui really wants Sister Wei to be the Crown Princess, Your Majesty will definitely grant her the marriage.

Marrying a wife is a major matter for the country, and it will be finalized by then, and no one can resist the emperor's order.

Shen Ji pursed his lips: "I think Concubine Wan Gui is not a very unkind person. Is there any way to make her change her mind?"

Wei Yiyao shook his head: After the small banquet that day, Concubine Wan Guifei met each other, she must have also privately inquired about the companies she was more interested in, and finally felt that I was the most suitable. If not, she would not have revealed it to her mother intentionally or unintentionally. ⑾"

"Concubine Wan Gui is ruthless and resolute. Although she doesn't show it on the surface, she will never change anything because of my words. What's more..."

"What's more, these are just speculations made by my mother and I, and you can't ask the imperial concubine based on your own speculations."

Shen Ji frowned slightly and grasped the key point: "Revealed intentionally or unintentionally...?"

"The prince has no intention of marrying a wife. Concubine Wan Gui has full authority to make the decision. Just arrange it directly. There is no need to act tactfully."

"Is there any other space in here?"

Wei Yiyao was a little surprised: "Aji, how do you know that the prince has no intention of marrying a wife?"

Shen Ji was stunned for a moment. Of course, she couldn't say it was because the person she met while eating pot that day was the prince. She overheard and said vaguely: "I can tell by his attitude."

Wei Yiyao didn't think much and followed her train of thought and said, "What you said makes sense."

"If you really fall in love with me, and the prince has no objection, the concubine can directly ask your majesty to arrange the marriage. There is no need to reveal this to my mother in such a subtle way, and my mother will tell me."

Shen Ji pondered: "Is it possible that Concubine Wan Gui cannot directly arrange the marriage? Is there any other resistance?"

Now His Majesty's health is much worse than before, and even most of the government affairs are left to the Crown Prince to manage. He only goes to court once a month. Under such circumstances, there must be no time to worry about the Crown Prince's marriage, so Concubine Wan Guifei arranged a small banquet to see her in person.

But with Concubine Wan Gui's personality, it was a bit unusual that she did not explicitly test this matter in a subtle way.

Besides His Majesty and Concubine Wan Gui, who else can control the progress of the prince's marriage?

Shen Ji's expression slowly changed a bit, and he became vaguely enlightened.

At first, she always felt that the prince was unwilling to marry, so she excluded him from the beginning. However, if the prince fell in love with someone at the small banquet and had another idea, it would be hard to say.

Concubine Wan Gui only has a son, the prince, and she will definitely refer to what he means, so the matter has been put on hold for the time being and has not been stated openly.

But who did the prince fall in love with? How could he actually change his mind and make arrangements for his marriage in just a few days?

Concubine Wan Gui fell in love with Sister Wei and mentioned it in a vague way. She probably wanted to see what Sister Wei was thinking. If she was interested, she could put more effort into the prince.

Therefore, the person the prince falls in love with will definitely not be Sister Wei.

Shen Ji held his chin thoughtfully, as long as he could match the prince with the woman he liked, then Sister Wei would definitely not marry him as the prince's concubine.

But...who could that woman be?

Lin Xuanji is unlikely. She must be the woman the prince met for the first time, so that he could change his mind within a few days.

But there were so many noble ladies meeting the prince for the first time that day, and I was afraid that the day lily would be cold after checking secretly.

After thinking about it, a bold idea suddenly appeared in Shen Ji's mind.

Rather than guessing at the time of ink staining, it would be better to ask His Highness directly.

Even if His Highness felt offended and did not want to tell her, he would only think that her little girl was a bit ridiculous, and would not tell the matter for the sake of his own face and image.

No matter how you think about it, it doesn't hurt.

Wei Yi next to him had a sad look on his face, but Shen Ji slowly thought about it and his eyes lit up.

Her brother Shen Ting is a new noble in the court and has many contacts with His Highness. It is not difficult to see His Highness...

correct!

The prince is at the house today and I want to see him. Today is the perfect day! !