"Crows perched on white trees in the courtyard, cold dew silently wet osmanthus flowers. Tonight the moon is bright and the people are looking forward to it. I don't know whose home my autumn thoughts fall on.”In the Purple Moon Imperial Palace's imperial garden. The night was getting darker, and the cold moonlight shone down quietly. Tonight was the hundred-day banquet of the ninth prince of the Emperor, so this place had long been decorated with lanterns and streamers. Everyone was busy. In the pavilion of the imperial garden, a beautiful figure stood alone. Although it was only her back view, one could still feel that she was a little lonely at this moment. Behind her, an elegant and elegant young master dressed in luxurious clothes sat quietly on a stone bench. His eyes were deep as he looked at the woman in front of him. Suddenly, he took out a jade flute made of green jade from his waist and gently placed it by his mouth. A melodious and gentle music slowly sounded. These two people were Zhang Zixun and Purple Moon Prince Zhao Zeyi, who had come here together during the day. During the day, Zhang Zixun said,"Zeyi, can we be friends?" You are not a prince, and I am not the daughter of the Prime Minister. We are just simple friends.”This sentence had already touched his heartstrings. Thinking back to the past few years, although he had made many close friends when he was traveling outside the palace, that was under the situation where he did not know his true identity. Once they found out the truth, they would either avoid it or try to curry favor with him. None of them were sincere. Therefore, he gradually became numb to it and no longer believed that there could be true and simple friendship in the world. Traveling the four seas gradually became a game. She also learned not to give her true feelings to anyone. However, he didn't expect that there would be such a woman who was willing to say such words after knowing his true identity. This was a shock to him, but it also gave him a glimmer of hope. Therefore, it was destined that he could not face her with pure friendship. Because from the moment she said that sentence, her figure had already been imprinted in his heart and could never be erased. Zhang Zixun raised her head to look at the moon in the sky, and a myriad of thoughts suddenly welled up in her heart. When she lowered her head, her tears had already fallen."Dad, Mom, are you guys okay? The moonlight tonight is very beautiful. Are you also looking up at the same moonlight? I miss you guys so much!" Zhang Zixun muttered in her heart. But then he laughed bitterly. I might be in another time and space now, so how can I be in the same world?”She gently raised her hand and wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes. She turned around and said,"Zeyi, don't play anymore. Why is your flute sound so sad? You're making me feel uneasy."
"What's wrong? Are you crying?" Zhao Zeyi asked subconsciously. At the same time, he put down the jade flute in his hand. However, the next moment, he was stunned for a moment and asked,"What did you just call me? Zeyi." He was deep in thought.
"Yeah, why not? Didn't I say it before? We're friends now. Can't we call each other that?”Zhang Zixun was puzzled.
"Oh, no, it's fine. It's just that…" Zhao Zeyi was at a loss. It was too sudden. He was a prince, and everyone was usually respectful to him. No one had ever used such an intimate title to him.
"What's wrong with you! Dumb?" Zhang Zixun walked to his side and looked at him as if he was a monster.
"Oh, I'm fine. Right, the banquet is about to start. Let's hurry to the place where Elegance Remains.”Zhao Zeyi changed the topic in a panic. At the same time, he took the lead and walked forward. Zhang Zixun looked at him strangely and followed him. However, he did not notice that Zhao Zeyi, who was a prince, had a rare blush on his face.
In the imperial garden, Zhang Zixun followed Zhao Zeyi through the long winding corridors. The two of them did not speak. Since all the palace maids and eunuchs had gone to serve at Elegance Remains, they did not meet anyone along the way. About ten minutes later, the destination finally appeared in front of Zhang Zixun. She saw a large square in front of her, surrounded by fresh flowers. In front of him was a rather spacious stage. (For now, it's called a stage.) Everywhere was decorated with lanterns and streamers, and it was a joyous occasion. Hundreds of ministers from various departments of the court had already taken their seats on both sides, and the daughters of various families had been placed in a specific position. In short, everything here made Zhang Zixun feel uncomfortable. This was because most people in the officialdom wore a hypocritical mask. There were too many fake things here. When they saw the Fourth Prince, Zhao Zeyi, arrive, all the officials came forward to welcome him with smiles. The former also greeted him politely with a polite smile. When the young ladies in the front saw the elusive Fourth Prince arrive, they revealed attentive gazes and went forward to greet him. However, they had a warm face and a cold buttocks. Zhao Zeyi turned a blind eye to these fat and thin girls. He turned around and Zhang Zixun walked up to him. He took Zhang Zixun's hand and walked to Premier Zhang under the jealous gazes of the girls. He smiled and said,""Prime minister, I'm returning the daughter of the emperor in one piece. Do you think there's anything wrong?”"Fourth Prince, you're being too serious. I'm already thankful that my daughter didn't cause you any trouble!"”
"Hehe. I'm not sure. Your daughter is very interesting!" The Fourth Prince said with a mocking smile. Without waiting for the former to reply, he had already left and walked to the front. As soon as he left, the Prime Minister frowned and said,"Xun Er, what is going on?" Zhang Zixun revealed a helpless smile."What else? They just chatted for a while. Your daughter has a brain!" The Prime Minister pondered." Alright, find a seat and sit down. Speak less and wait quietly."”
"Oh." Zhang Zixun did as she was told and sat down at a random spot. Looking at the things on the table, she thought, Why are they all fruits? Did the people here not eat meat?”Zhang Zixun was depressed. Just as she was feeling bored, she suddenly felt a chill coming from behind her. She knew that this was the same as during the day. It was murderous intent! He had never offended anyone, so why were there so many people targeting her? It's all that Fourth Prince's fault! She turned around and saw a woman in a pink dress looking at her with a murderous gaze. It looked like he wanted to swallow her alive! Zhang Zixun was puzzled. Could it be that she had a grudge against her? There's no need to do this! So she asked the young eunuch behind her in a low voice,""Eunuch, do you know who that lady is?”She pointed at the woman in pink. Following the direction of her finger, the eunuch whispered,""Miss, that is Li Ruonan, the daughter of Lord Li from the Ministry of Revenue. She was also the Emperor's niece and the Fourth Prince's cousin.”Zhang Zixun was enlightened. So that was the case! Maybe she was interested in Zeyi and was jealous? He didn't know what to say! Zhang Zixun shook her head and ignored it. Li Ruonan, who was not far away, saw that she was being ignored. She was instantly furious and glared at Zhang Zixun's back."Just you wait!" She gritted her teeth. At this moment, the Imperial Palace was bustling with noise and excitement. The emperor's banquet was extraordinary, so of course everyone had to be serious. Zhang Zixun was the only one who looked at the sky in boredom."Sigh. When will it end?" At this moment, a eunuch's sharp voice came from the stage,""The emperor has arrived, all officials kneel and welcome him!" As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Zixun saw a man dressed in a bright yellow robe embroidered with golden dragons, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs, slowly walk to the center of the stage. In Zhang Zixun's opinion, this person was about forty to fifty years old, similar to Premier Zhang. As she had expected, every emperor was full of fat and had no brains. One look and one could tell that he was the kind of emperor who only knew how to enjoy life and live like a king. How did the Ziyue Kingdom become so prosperous under his rule? Perhaps it would be hard on her father, Zhang Heng. In short, Zhang Zixun's first impression of the Emperor was not good.
"Greetings to the emperor, congratulations on the little prince's hundred-day celebration!”As soon as the Emperor appeared, the officials immediately knelt down and congratulated him. Zhang Zixun shook her head and knelt down. However, she thought to herself, I am the daughter of the Jade Emperor, and I am kneeling down to you, a mortal. Aren't I afraid that you will shorten your lifespan? So what if he was the emperor? Why must everyone kneel down to you!”
"Everyone, please rise! Today, I'm holding a banquet to celebrate my little prince's hundred-day celebration. There's nothing else, so there's no need for formalities.”The Emperor laughed loudly. However, Zhang Zixun could tell that he was just putting on a show. Which emperor didn't want everyone to submit to him? This was a symbol of power.
"The Empress has arrived." Another sharp eunuch's voice sounded. Zhang Zixun saw a graceful and elegant woman in a phoenix robe walk out with a baby in her arms. This woman looked to be in her twenties. He was still very young. Zhang Zixun could not help but snort. Even the emperor was like this, an old cow eating young grass!
"ChenQie greets the Emperor!" The Empress bowed to the Emperor. Seeing this, the latter immediately held her tenderly and said gently,"Empress, you don't need to be so polite. You just gave birth not long ago and your body is still very weak.”The Emperor helped the Empress sit down beside him. Only then did Zhang Zixun see clearly that this empress was truly a beauty that could topple a country. Her appearance could almost turn all living beings upside down. Sigh. It was really like a fresh flower inserted into cow dung! Following that, more than a dozen concubines came one after another, each of them peerless in beauty. Zhang Zixun had truly seen what it meant to have a harem of three thousand beauties, all of whom were the most beautiful in the world! Next was the time to send the congratulatory gifts. Although there was a saying that the entire world was the land of the king, and the shores of the land were the subjects of the king. However, if none of the officials expressed anything today, it would be a crime of great disrespect. Therefore, the adults began to rush to give gifts. Pearls, agates, jade bracelets, jade ruyi longevity locks. All kinds of rare treasures were presented one after another. Moreover, all of them were especially good at speaking. They had said all the flattering words they could. Zhang Zixun felt extremely bored. Her gaze wandered around, but she suddenly realized that her father, the dignified Prime Minister, was not moving at all. This was strange. Could he really be so incorruptible? Or did he forget to prepare? Forget it, let's solve the problem at hand first. Zhang Zixun quietly came to Premier Zhang's side.""Father, what's wrong with you? Why aren't you moving?”" It's not that I don't want to give it to you," Premier Zhang said with a troubled expression." It's just that our family really can't afford anything decent!" Sigh. Please apologize to the emperor later." Premier Zhang sighed. Seeing her father like this, Zhang Zixun could not bear it either. She steeled her heart and said,"Father, wait a moment. I accidentally found a South Sea Night-Luminescent Pearl when I left home this time. I'll give it to you now. I've been wearing it all this time. No one knows.”Zhang Zixun turned around. With a thought, a shiny and round luminous pearl appeared in her hand.
"Father, take it. Just say that this is for the little prince to wear around his neck. It's a divine item that can protect the little prince's life and prevent evil from invading him. Don't look down on its small size, I'm telling the truth.”
"Daughter, this. You're willing to give up such a precious thing?" Premier Zhang asked hesitantly.
"It's nothing. Anyway, I accidentally obtained it. Let's get through this first.”Therefore, Premier Zhang had no choice but to accept it. When he presented the Night-Luminescent Pearl to the Emperor and explained its function, the Emperor and Empress were immediately overjoyed and praised it. The Prime Minister's limelight instantly overshadowed everyone else. At this moment, the Emperor whispered something into the eunuch's ear. The eunuch immediately understood. "The Emperor has decreed that the banquet begins!" However, in order to add to the novelty, the Emperor decided to let the daughters of the various ministers perform a talent. There was no limit to the four arts, as long as it was exciting!”As soon as he finished speaking, everyone below applauded, except for Premier Zhang, who had an ugly expression on his face. He knew that Zhang Zixun was not prepared at all. Something big was going to happen. In the corner, a woman let out a cold laugh, but no one noticed. This sentence was like a thunderbolt that struck Zhang Zixun's head. Before she came, her father, Premier Zhang, did not say that he wanted to perform any talents, so she was not prepared at all. What should he do now! She turned to look at her father, only to find that the latter also had a worried look on his face. He must have only just found out about it now.
"Sigh. I'll cross the bridge when I come to it. I just hope that you don't find me.”Zhang Zixun thought, hoping that she would get lucky.
"That's great, emperor. ChenQie also had this idea, but she didn't dare to say it. I didn't think that the emperor and I had the same idea. It seems that you and I really have a telepathic connection!”The Empress smiled sweetly.
"Hehe. I'm not sure. Was that so? That would be great!" The Emperor also smiled. But why did his smile look so strange to Zhang Zixun? They were so lovey-dovey in public that the other concubines were jealous. Zhang Zixun heard a lady in red who was not far from her say venomously,"What's so great about it? Didn't you just give birth to a son? It was still unknown whether they could survive. There were many children who died prematurely these days!”These words made Zhang Zixun shudder. She had long known that the Imperial Palace was full of schemes and plots. However, he still found it unbelievable when he heard it with his own ears. 3,000 people fighting for one, isn't it tiring?
"Alright, I announce that we shall begin now! Who's first? If I think it's not bad, there will be a reward.”The Emperor said loudly. At this moment, the ministers who wanted to use this opportunity to climb up the social ladder were already restless and whispering to each other. Finally, a gentle voice sounded,""My daughter, Chen Silan, greets the Emperor! I wonder if my daughter has the honor of performing a dance for the emperor and the other lords to liven things up.”A fifteen-year-old woman dressed in white palace robes stepped forward and said. This was Chen Silan, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, Chen Sheng.
"Good, Lord Chen's daughter is indeed well-behaved. Alright, let's begin!" The Emperor said happily. Hence, she walked forward and bowed to the audience. Then, the music started playing. Her body swayed slowly to the music. Perhaps it was because she had been practicing since she was young, her body was extremely soft, and she could do all kinds of difficult movements with ease. Zhang Zixun was staring intently. However, she did not know that there was a pair of strange eyes staring at her from behind. This dance lasted about ten to twenty minutes. Everyone below the stage watched intently. However, Premier Zhang kept casting worried glances at Zhang Zixun. However, Zhang Zixun already had an idea just now. When she saw that her father was worried about her, she smiled and nodded at him, indicating that there was no need to worry. But Premier Zhang was still restless. Finally, after a round of applause, Chen Silan finished her performance.
"Good! It's indeed exciting!" The Emperor clapped his hands.
"Thank you for your appreciation, emperor. This official's daughter wishes the little prince to grow up safely and healthily!”Chen Silan replied.
"Hahaha. If there is a reward, give Chen Shengsheng a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk and satin!”
"Thank you for your reward, Emperor!" Chen Sheng and his daughter knelt down at the same time to thank him. The former's face was smiling like a flower. With the first one, the people below began to give it a try.
"Emperor, next, let this little daughter perform for everyone.”"My daughter, Sun Lingyan, would like to present a song to the Emperor and all the lords." Someone, take my zither!" A maidservant brought over a zither. Miss Sun sat elegantly in the middle. With a flick of his fingers, the sound of the zither followed. Elegant and pleasing to the ear. It was like a clear spring in the mountains, and sometimes it was like a waterfall on a high mountain. It was full of passion. Everyone, including the emperor, was mesmerized by his words. Even when the music ended, she still didn't wake up. Even Zhang Zixun had the same feeling.
"Good! The daughters of the various Qing families are all talented women! This zither music should only be in the sky!" The Emperor praised sincerely.
"Reward! Minister Sun of the Ministry of War had a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk!”The more the Emperor felt that today's decision was right, the happier he became.
"Thank you for your reward, Emperor!" It was the same scene again. Lord Sun and his daughter, Sun Ling Yan, knelt down at the same time to thank him. When everything calmed down. In the corner, a woman dressed in a pale pink palace dress slowly stood up and walked forward in what she thought was an elegant posture. When he passed by Zhang Zixun, he did not forget to glare at her fiercely.
"My daughter, Li Ruonan, daughter of the Minister of Revenue, Li Hun, pays her respects to the Emperor! Today is the little prince's hundred-day banquet, and my daughter would like to perform a dance for the emperor.”
"Oh? So it was Nan 'er. She had become much prettier after not seeing her for a long time!”It was obvious that the emperor was very familiar with her, so he smiled.
"Your Majesty is too kind! Fourth Cousin, can you do me the honor of accompanying Nan 'er?”She suddenly changed the topic and pointed at the Fourth Prince. The latter was stunned and did not react for a moment. However, the Emperor's eyes lit up. Was the Fourth Prince back too? It's really rare!" Helpless, he could only walk forward and bow."Your son greets Imperial Father!"
"Hehe. I'm not sure. Good, it's good that you're back."
"I wonder if Fourth Imperial Brother would do me the honor?”Li Ruonan continued to ask. His eyes would occasionally look at Zhang Zixun as if he was provoking her. Zhang Zixun still ignored him. How boring.
" Alright, Cousin Ruo Nan." The Fourth Prince agreed helplessly. Thus, a dance accompanied by flute music began. Li Ruonan was trying her best to show off, almost breaking her back. Moreover, he would occasionally cast ambiguous glances at the Fourth Prince. However, there was no result. This made her rather unwilling.
"Alright, I'll do it. What a wonderful collaboration!" The Emperor laughed and clapped.
"Many thanks, Your Majesty! Thank you, cousin!" Li Ruonan said proudly.
"Hehe. I'm not sure. Yes!" The Fourth Prince smiled faintly. Then, he returned to his seat. Li Ruonan's expression turned extremely ugly. But he couldn't show it.
"Ruonan, what reward do you want?”The Emperor asked.
"Thank you, emperor. Ruonan doesn't need anything, but I heard that the prime minister's daughter is as beautiful as a fairy and is talented.”She seemed to be unintentional, but she turned her gaze to Zhang Zixun.
"Oh? Prime minister, is there such a thing?" The Emperor asked Premier Zhang.
"This…" Premier Zhang looked troubled.
"What's wrong? Is there anything wrong?" The Emperor was clearly unhappy.
"No, it's not. It was just that her daughter was not as outstanding as Miss Li said.”
"Aiya, Prime Minister, don't be so humble. We've all seen Miss Zhang before. You live up to your reputation!" Li Ruonan continued to fan the flames. Zhang Zixun was depressed! Alright, today, I'll let you know what it means to humiliate yourself!
"Reporting to the emperor, my daughter Zhang Zixun is willing to liven up today's banquet and perform.”Zhang Zixun slowly stood up and said softly. The moment she stood up, the flowers lowered their heads, and the moonlight dimmed. Everyone was stunned. Zhang Zixun nodded in satisfaction. She looked at Li Ruonan provocatively. Even the Emperor was stunned by her beauty. Li Ruonan's expression turned even uglier. Zhang Zixun had already decided that she was going to completely destroy her arrogance today.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]