Just as the few people in the courtyard were chatting happily, a servant came to report.
"Wangye, wangfei, someone came from the palace and said that the empress invited wangfei and the eleventh princess into the palace.”
"Got it. You may leave." Qi Mu said lightly, then looked at Lou Huan and remained silent for a while.
"Why are you looking at me like that? Don't worry, I'm just entering the palace. Alright, I'll go change my clothes.”Lou Huan smiled and then turned back to her room to change into a set of palace clothes.
"Be careful." Before Lou Huan left, Qi Mu went forward and gently held her hand, speaking softly.
"I know. The Empress doesn't dare to do anything to me for now. The one making things difficult for me in the palace this time is still Yue He.”Lou Huan patted the back of Qi Mu's hand and hurried out. She wanted to go to Shuyao Pavilion to find Yue He, but she did not expect Yue He to have already tidied up and was waiting in front of the Snow Breath Pavilion.
"Seventh sister-in-law." Yue He came up and held Lou Huan's hand.
Her palms were sweaty. She probably already knew the purpose of Zhao Houxuan and the others entering the palace. Now that Consort Shu was no longer protecting her, she was no longer the pampered princess. Lou Huan had seen the changes in Yuehe. She just didn't know if her appearance, which was originally favored because she looked like Empress Qingqian, was a blessing or a curse now.
"Yuehe, I promised Aunt that I would protect you. Don't worry, Seventh Sister-in-law is here.”
"Yes."
The carriage traveled leisurely and arrived at the Imperial Palace in the blink of an eye.
"Wangfei, this servant will wait here."
Lou Huan nodded and carried Yue He into the palace.
Passing by the imperial garden, the flowers bloomed just in time. It should be the Empress 'call, so he did not dare to neglect, so he no longer coveted the flower scene. He wanted to leave, but he did not expect to bump into the Fourth Prince Qi Yao.
Lou Huan had not thanked him personally for saving her life last time. Although Yao Xiyun had helped her, she was not sincere enough.
"Fourth brother, why did you come to the palace alone?”
Qi Yao turned around and saw that it was Yue He and Lou Huan. He said," She went back to the Yao residence. I came to the palace to see my mother. What are you doing?”
"The Empress has summoned me and Seventh Sister-in-law into the palace.”
"So that's the case. Then you guys should go quickly. Don't delay.”
"Fourth Master, please wait."
Qi Yao was about to turn around and leave when he heard Lou Huan's call. He asked curiously," Is there anything else, Seventh Sister-in-law?"”
Yue He understood that Lou Huan and Qi Yao had something to say, so she obediently took a few steps away. Lou Huan stepped forward and said," It's not convenient for Lou Huan to speak now. Could you please wait for Lou Huan for a while, Lord Fourth?"”
Qi Yao was a smart person and knew that Lou Huan had something to say, so he said," Mother, I heard that Seventh Brother married a beautiful princess. I've been wanting to meet her but have not been able to. I wonder if you can come with me to meet Mother later."”
"Lou Huan also wanted to visit Concubine Rou.”
"Then this king will wait for sister-in-law here.”Qi Yao smiled. Unlike Qi Mu, who was as beautiful as the moon, this Fourth Prince always carried a kind of resolute and upright wind and frost, like the sun of the nine heavens, shining brightly on the world.
Lou Huan smiled and turned around to walk towards Phoenix Palace with Yue He.
"Lou Huan (Yue He) greets mother Jin An.”
When Empress Zhao saw the two of them, she smiled gracefully." You're here. Get up. Come, give me a seat."”
"Thank you, mother." Lou Huan and Yue He looked at each other, then found a seat not far from Empress Zhao and sat down.
Empress Zhao didn't say anything else. As juniors, it wasn't appropriate for them to speak, especially Lou Huan. She was calm and composed. She was counting in her heart, wanting to see how long Empress Zhao could endure.
As expected, after a moment of silence, Empress Zhao spoke first." I called you here today mainly for Yuehe's marriage. Yuehe is about to reach adulthood, so the marriage should be settled.”
"Mother, what do you mean?" Although Yue He had roughly guessed the purpose of this trip, she still couldn't help but twitch when Empress Zhao said it. Although she was already of age, she shouldn't have been in a hurry to get married. However, she had finally lost the protection of her mother, and Empress Zhao hated her as a thorn in her side.
"South Cloud's Prince Aotian is skilled in both literature and martial arts. He is also a talented person and is a perfect match for Yue He.”Empress Zhao did not beat around the bush. Instead, she spoke her thoughts straightforwardly. She was certain that Yue He did not have a backer now and would definitely not dare to resist her.
Empress Zhao's suggestion of Ye Aotian was something Lou Huan did not expect. She had always thought that Empress Zhao would choose from the Zhao family. Firstly, it could show respect to the Emperor. After all, Yuehe was the Emperor's most beloved daughter. Secondly, it could also strengthen the power of her family. It was extremely glorious for the family to have an Empress and a Prince Consort. However, he really could not figure out this move.
Huan 'er, what do you think?" Empress Zhao saw that Yue He was silent, so she pointed the spearhead at Lou Huan and asked.
Lou Huan smiled gently and said," Your son will not comment on Prince Aotian. It's just that the princess is beautiful and intelligent, worthy of the best son in the world to accompany and dote on her for a lifetime. Don't you think so, Mother?”
"Huan 'er's words are true, but Prince Aotian is indeed a rare good son. BenGong also believes that Prince Aotian will treat Yue He sincerely. Moreover, if Yue He marries into Southern Cloud, it will also bring the relationship between the two countries closer. Yue He, right?"
Empress Zhao's question was so clever that Yuehe couldn't answer or not answer. It was a dilemma. Lou Huan saw Yuehe's troubled expression and spoke first," Mother, it's easy to find a priceless treasure, but it's rare to find a lover. Before I married, I heard that Mother was a virtuous empress who sympathized with the people and understood others. Recently, I've been interacting with Mother and I feel that the rumors are true.”
"Then what does the Seventh Princess Consort mean?" Empress Zhao's gentle smile cracked slightly, and she could only force herself to maintain a smile.
" In the previous dynasty, Princess Beiyun Chuhan held a banquet to recruit a son-in-law. I believe that Father and Mother's love for the Princess is not inferior to the Cloud King's. So why not imitate Princess Chuhan and also hold a banquet to recruit a son-in-law for the Princess? If Prince Aotian is really as Mother said, he will definitely be able to obtain the Princess's favor, then wouldn't it become a story that people will talk about with relish?”Lou Huan knew that Empress Zhao had changed the way she addressed her, but she still said it calmly. She was confident that Empress Zhao would take the hit. Besides, wasn't the origin of this Alluring Banquet Nanyun's predecessor, Beiyun?
Empress Zhao originally wanted to retort. How could a princess who was not a legitimate daughter enjoy the same treatment as Yun Chuhan back then? But after thinking about it, Yuehe's appearance that resembled Empress Qing Qian made her loved by the people. She could not fall out with the Emperor over a little princess. She gritted her teeth and replied," Alright, we will follow Princess Chuhan's example and choose a husband for Yuehe on the day that Yuehe reaches adulthood. However, I have to set up the checkpoint myself.”
Yue He's expression froze at first, but she understood that this was Empress Zhao's final concession. She forced a smile and bowed respectfully." Thank you for your help, Mother."”
Empress Zhao waved her hand impatiently and said," Since it's already decided, Yuehe can move back to the palace. Seventh Princess Consort, the Crown Prince went to the Seventh Prince's Mansion a few days ago and happened to see something he shouldn't have seen. I have to remind you that although you and the Seventh Prince are young and impetuous, you can't indulge in it.”
Lou Huan heard Empress Zhao's words and knew that she was being vague. However, when she thought of what happened that night, her face unconsciously turned red. She lowered her head shyly and replied," I understand."”
"It's good that you understand. All of you can leave."
"Your son will take his leave."
When Lou Huan and Yue He left the Phoenix Palace, the teacup in Empress Zhao's hand was mercilessly thrown to the ground. The crisp sound of porcelain shattering was particularly ear-piercing in the empty hall. The group of palace maids knelt down in fear and said," Your Majesty, please calm down."”
"Empress, no matter how much the Eleventh Princess is doted on, she's just a woman.”Empress Zhao's dowry maid, Li Jinzhi, who had followed Empress Zhao through many hardships, comforted her.
"I've suffered so much from Lou Beixin because of Qi Yuehe. Now, I'm going to hold a banquet for her daughter to find a son-in-law.”
"Since the Empress is unwilling, why didn't she reject the Seventh Princess Consort's proposal just now?”
Empress Zhao's expression was cold as she said coldly," Lou Huan's moves are good. She made me follow her step by step. Empress Xian, Nanyun, with such a big hat pressing down on me, as long as my son is still the Crown Prince, I must be Empress Xian!”
Granny Li gradually figured out some clues from Empress Zhao's words. No matter how powerful the Zhao family was, as long as the country was still surnamed Qi and the Crown Prince had the blood of the Zhao family, the Empress had to be a virtuous empress. She could not make any mistakes." Your Majesty, you don't have to worry. Even the first empress's son could not resist Your Majesty. Why should you care about a mere princess?"”
"Jin Zhi, you're right. As long as I keep the position of Crown Prince for Yin 'er, it's enough. Qi Yuehe, since you want to choose your own husband, I'll let you have no choice.”A cold smile appeared on Empress Zhao's lips.
"Seventh sister-in-law, it's a good thing that you came with me.”The moment Yue He stepped out of the Phoenix Palace, she felt that the sunlight was so glaring, sweeping across the entire palace. That square sky was so uncomfortable.
"Silly girl, although she promised to hold a banquet to recruit a son-in-law for you, you still have to be careful.”Yun Chuhan's Alluring Banquet had set up three major obstacles before she managed to recruit Young Master Wangyue from Ximing. However, that was because the Cloud King sincerely wanted to find a husband for his beloved daughter. Now, Empress Zhao was unwilling to do so and even wanted to personally set up obstacles. It was not normal.
Yue He laughed bitterly. Her eyes, which were usually full of spirit, were covered with a faint layer of sadness." I understand. However, compared to letting her arrange my marriage, this way, I will at most die of old age alone."”
Over the past few months, Lou Huan had witnessed the pure and innocent Yuehe change step by step. She slowly learned how to read other people's minds and how to better protect herself. Perhaps this change was a good thing for the princess of the Tian family. However, her quick-wittedness was a pity.
"Can you go back to the Imperial Residence to pack up?"
"No need, Seventh Sister-in-law will get someone to clean it up and send it to the palace. It's getting late, so Seventh Sister-in-law should go back early.”
"Okay, then I'll go back first. I'll see you again in a few days.”
After saying goodbye to Yue He, Lou Huan returned to the imperial garden. Her handsome back was still there, and her bright face was like the dazzling sun in the clouds, full of the smell of sunlight and green grass.
"Fourth Master, sorry to keep you waiting."
Qi Yao turned around and saw Lou Huan standing behind him with a face like the crescent moon and a smile like a flower. He had a trace of doubt. His years of military life had made him more sensitive than ordinary people. Even if his back was facing her, the wind and grass could not escape his ears. However, she could come behind him without warning, and he did not react at all.
"Fourth Master, what's wrong?" Lou Huan saw Qi Yao staring at her and asked in confusion.
Qi Yao realized that he had lost his composure and quickly covered it up. He smiled." It's nothing. Let's go."”
"Fourth Master, I still have to thank you personally for meeting you today. Lou Huan can't repay you for saving my life.”Lou Huan said as she walked.
"If you're referring to the New Year's Eve banquet that day, there's no need to be so polite. You're Seventh Brother's wife, so you can be considered half a sister of this king. It's only right to save you.”Qi Yao said in a calm tone. Although he said so, his thoughts were not like this that day. Saving her was a strange reaction. That night, he was in such a panic that he noticed her thin body was lonely and helpless in the chaos. When he saw that the assassin wanted to kill her, he crushed the teacup with his bare hands. The moment the fragment pierced the assassin, he could clearly feel his hands trembling. He did not dare to imagine what would have happened if he had been a step late. For a moment, he hated his seventh brother. Why did he abandon his wife and go to another woman?
After that, he thought about it. He was so worried about her because it had nothing to do with romance. He just felt that such a quiet and elegant woman should not die like this.
"No matter what, this thank you is necessary.”
Qi Yao didn't say anything else and quietly walked towards Yonghe Palace.
The mother of the Fourth Prince, Qi Yao, was Concubine Rou of Yonghe Palace. She could be considered a legendary woman. She was a silk washing girl from Jiangnan. She met the Emperor of Wind and Flow by chance and was summoned into the palace with an edict. She was favored for a while. When Empress Zhao Xian passed away, she fought for the throne with Empress Zhao, who was still Imperial Concubine Xian at that time. After she failed, she lived in seclusion in Yonghe Palace and no longer cared about the affairs of the harem. She knew how to restrain herself when Empress Zhao was in power, but she was not soft. In Lou Huan's eyes, Concubine Rou was extremely intelligent and sensible.
"Yao 'er is here."
Before she entered the palace, Lou Huan heard a gentle voice that was as comfortable as a stream flowing through the Jiangnan forest.
"Imperial Mother." Qi Yao quickly stepped forward and supported his mother. Then, he said softly," Consort Mother, Seventh Brother's princess consort has come with me.”
"Lou Huan greets Concubine Rou." Lou Huan bowed and looked at the soft water that had suddenly flowed in front of her. The water-colored palace dress made her skin look even more beautiful than snow. In the true sense, Concubine Rou was not considered a beauty. In this harem where there was no lack of beauties, she could only be considered ordinary. However, her pair of gentle eyes seemed to contain everything. Her blue eyes sparkled and her lips curled up. She seemed to always have a gentle smile, but this ordinary color surpassed countless beauties in the world. The word 'soft' could contain everything about her.
"Good child, sit down. Old Seventh is blessed, more blessed than you, Yao 'er.”
"Empress, you flatter me." Lou Huan thought that Concubine Rou was just being polite and did not take it to heart. She only replied humbly.
"My body is not feeling well, so I rarely go out of the palace. It's hard for you to come and see me.”Concubine Rou spoke without any airs. She addressed him as " me ", which made her even more intimate." I heard that Concubine Shu is your aunt."”
"Yes."
" Consort Shu is a very intelligent person. It's just a pity…" Consort Rou wanted to say something but stopped herself. She only used her gentle smile to cover up the rest of her words.
Concubine Rou chatted with Lou Huan for a long time until the eunuch outside the palace said that it was raining outside and sent someone to pick up the Seventh Princess Consort.
"Old Seventh missed you. We've only been apart for a while and he already sent someone to send you away.”Concubine Rou's gentle eyes stared at Lou Huan for a long time until Lou Huan lowered her head in embarrassment. She then waved her hand and said," Forget it, forget it. You're still a newlywed. You can go back."”
"Then Lou Huan will take her leave." After leaving Yonghe Palace, he saw that the originally bright and sunny day had turned gray, and the drizzle had moistened the earth.
Sitting on the carriage back to the residence, Lou Huan leaned against the cushion and closed her eyes. She smiled faintly. What a gentle Concubine Rou. A woman who had lived in the harem for most of her life could still maintain such tenderness. She was really not simple.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]