Fan Xian stared at Guangxin Palace in a daze. He looked at the pillar at the foot of the palace and wondered if the hole in the pillar had been filled with lime or not.
The first time he had spied into the Royal Palace at night, he had been stabbed by that serving girl through the pillar.
The tip of the sword pierced through the thick wooden pillar and almost pierced his waist.
To this day, Fan Xian seemed to still be able to feel the murderous intent on the sword, even though the serving girl had been killed on the spot. It was also that night that he had overheard the Eldest Princess colluding with the Northern Qi royal family, the truth of Yan Bingyun being betrayed, and blocked Yan Xiaoyi's arrow that seemed to have come from the horizon.
The snow had stopped, but a cold wind blew through the Royal Palace. It was even colder than a few days ago. Fan Xian shivered and shook his head self-mockingly. He left with Eunuch Yao and headed toward the Eastern Palace where the empress and Crown Prince were.
Although the Eldest Princess was his mother-in-law and would eventually have to see her, it was best to maintain some distance from that seductive, cold, and emotionless woman. Every day he could delay seeing her was a day.
These years, under the Emperor's secret arrangements and the cooperation of Chen Pingping and various other parties, Fan Xian had gradually accepted all of the Eldest Princess's power. The two sides had long been unable to coexist. There would eventually come a day when they would fight. However, the Princess's power was not as it had been in the past, but Fan Xian was still wary. It was not only because she was Wan'er's mother, but also because of the strange feeling in his heart.
In his previous life, he had heard a song by Lady He about giving him something and something … Fan Xian also felt this way. The Eldest Princess had given him the palace treasury, her daughter, her lover, and the Cui family. The Ming family was also about to be given to him. It looked like there were still many things she wanted to pass on to him. If he was the Eldest Princess, he would probably also bite his lip and not speak. His eyes would spit fire and burn this bad son-in-law to death. (Thank you to a certain book friend. I forgot your ID. Sorry.)
There was also the Junshang Conference and the restless people in the military. Although the Eldest Princess was not a dinosaur that could spit fire, on the contrary, she was rather alluring. Fan Xian was still a bit afraid of the madness and charm of her gentleness.
It felt very awkward to stay with such a 30-something mother-in-law who was known as the most beautiful woman in the world. Thus, from beginning to end, Fan Xian had only seen his greatest enemy once.
This matter in itself was very interesting.
…
…
Eunuch Yao glanced at the silent Fan Xian and didn't say anything. He followed with small, quick steps. Not long after, they arrived at the Eastern Palace. Coincidentally, the Empress was in Guangxin Palace chatting with the Eldest Princess. Only the Crown Prince was reading under the guidance of the Grand Tutor.
Seeing Fan Xian enter the Palace, the Crown Prince welcomed him with a smile and said, "How are your injuries? Originally, I wanted to go to your residence to see you, but thinking that I might disturb your rest, I gave up on this idea. "
Fan Xian bowed in greeting, then straightened up and smiled. "My body has always been strong. I will be fine after resting for a few days. Today, I received an edict to enter the palace, so I came to see you, Crown Prince, so that you would not worry."
"When is little sister Chen coming back?"
"Tomorrow."
The Crown Prince smiled and said, "Since she's not here, you should seize the opportunity to play."
The two of them smiled and sat down. They talked about the scenery and beauties of Jiangnan, but they didn't talk about anything unpleasant. Going back a few years, the Crown Prince had treated Fan Xian very well. Although he had listened to Xin Qiwu's suggestion and expressed goodwill toward Fan Xian with the intention of drawing him to his side, when Fan Xian had just entered the capital, the two of them had gotten along quite well.
However, no one had thought that later matters would develop in such a strange manner.
Fan Xian was actually also a prince.
Furthermore, there was a problem left over from history that had not been resolved.
Thus, naturally, Fan Xian picked it out and the Crown Prince became the person on the other side. Both sides knew that because of the problem left over from history, it was impossible for them to work together again. Inevitably, they both sighed in their hearts. However, during these two years, Fan Xian had primarily been on the Second Prince's side and had not carried out an all-out attack on the Crown Prince's faction. Thus, on the surface, the two of them could still maintain their current joyful and harmonious feeling.
Even if the two of them had already shed all pretense of cordiality, in the Palace, they still had to be joyful and harmonious.
Eunuch Yao watched this scene coldly from the side. In his heart, he admired the shrewdness of the members of the royal family.
After a warm conversation ended, Fan Xian rose to bid farewell. Moving closer to the Crown Prince's ear, he said in a quiet voice, "Your Highness, come back tonight."
The Crown Prince smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I've actually never been to that brothel of yours …"
This genuine Crown Prince, who had been gradually marginalized by the day, sighed and said, "As you know, these years, I have been cultivating my character and rarely go outside the Palace to play. Let's talk about this famous Baoyue Brothel. First it was the Second Brother, then it was you. They all had their ways. I don't have any."
Fan Xian wasn't sure if there was any hidden meaning in these words, but he was too lazy to guess. He chuckled, bowed respectfully, and left the Eastern Palace.
Outside the Palace, he was not surprised to see a familiar person.
The eunuch with a face full of acne was the current head of the eunuchs in the Eastern Palace, Hong Zhu.
Hong Zhu quickly moved to the side to greet him.
Fan Xian's expression was cold. He made a sound of acknowledgement and walked forward. However, there was a strange feeling in his heart. Looking at Hong Zhu's expression, it seemed that he had something to say to him. There was some fear between this little eunuch's brows, but he didn't know what he was afraid of.
However, in the Palace, Fan Xian would not pay attention to Hong Zhu. He still had to pretend to look down on him. This chess piece buried in the Palace could not be used carelessly.
Following this, he went to Lady Shu and Lady Ning's palaces to bring a book list for the Second Prince's birth mother, Lady Shu. They were all ancient books from the Jiangnan Tianyi Pavilion. Lady Shu was clearly surprised. She hadn't thought that Fan Xian, who was fighting to the death with her son, would still carefully wait on her. She was slightly moved.
In Lady Ning's palace, Fan Xian was given a good scolding.
This was the first time this outspoken woman, who was born in Dongyi, saw Fan Xian after learning of his past. Looking at Fan Xian's brows and expression, Lady Ning couldn't help but think of the young lady of the Ye family who had saved her and the child in her womb. She was angry that Fan Xian didn't take his life seriously and scolded him until he nodded repeatedly.
After talking about some stories from the past, Lady Ning's gaze softened and warmed. She looked at Fan Xian like she was looking at her own son and gently rubbed his head. She told him to bring Princess Chen into the Palace often to see her when he had free time.
Fan Xian agreed to each of them. As he left the Palace, he occasionally turned his head and found that Lady Ning seemed to be wiping away the moisture at the corners of her eyes. His heart couldn't help but become wet. He felt an indescribable sorrow.
These were all people from the past and things from the past.
…
…
Busying and walking, Fan Xian also began to feel annoyed. It was like entering the Palace for the first time to greet the ladies before the wedding. Walking through each Palace, the things they said, and the things they did were all about the same. The continuous repetition was truly exhausting on both of their minds.
Fortunately, Shufang Palace, which he came to last, could be more relaxed.
After chasing away Eunuch Yao, Fan Xian leaned against the chair like a tired dog. Narrowing his eyes, he sized up the serving girl busily serving him tea. The serving girl's brows were clear and gentle. Her head was lowered the entire time. She was very well-behaved. Fan Xian couldn't help but feel moved. As he accepted the tea, he pinched her white wrist.
The serving girl glared at Fan Xian.
Fan Xian laughed loudly and said, "Xing 'er, the first time I saw you, you were only 13. Now that you've grown up, your temper has also grown."
Reclining on the couch, Yi Guipin watched Fan Xian and the child mess around. She couldn't resist opening her mouth and saying, "Go mess around outside. Don't come and mess with the people in my palace."
Xing 'er was the girl who had led Fan Xian around the Palace to greet the ladies. Hearing the words of her two mistresses, her face immediately reddened and she ran to the back with small steps.
Fan Xian took a sip of tea to moisten his throat. Seriously, he said, "Aunt, I'm about to leave the Palace, so I won't talk much with you."
"Leave the Palace?" Yi Guipin was slightly startled and immediately understood what was going on. A glimmer of worry rose between her brows. "What exactly do you want to do tonight?"
Fan Xian was also startled and asked, "You know about this?"
Yi Guipin covered her mouth and smiled. "Sir Fan junior is holding a banquet tonight and inviting those important figures … this matter has long spread. It is the most sensational news in the capital. Although I live in the Palace, how could I not know?"
Fan Xian forced a smile and said, "It's only been one day, how could there be such a big ruckus? It's just that I haven't been back to the capital for over a year, so it's hard not to invite him. "
Yi Guipin said seriously, "Although there are some things I want to say to you and at least thank you on behalf of the child for this year of discipline, I know your business at night is more important. You should go first."
She paused and then said, "Have you invited Hongcheng?"
Fan Xian shook his head and smiled slightly. "I'll take Wan 'er to King Jing's manor some other day."
Yi Guipin nodded.
Fan Xian smiled again and said, "I can't leave yet. I've come specifically to pick up the Third Prince. At this time, Master Liu is still teaching him. How can I leave?"
Yi Guipin paused and said worriedly, "Ping 'er is also going?"
"Brothers, get together. With me here, what are you worried about?" Fan Xian smiled warmly with unspeakable confidence.
… …
It was close to the end of the year, and the heavy snow suddenly stopped. No one knew when it would start again. Jingdou was cold, but red lanterns hung high in the buildings by the street. Red candles burned brightly, and warm light scattered everywhere. It was as if the valuable bamboo charcoal was free.
Three layers of thick leather curtains hung on the main door of Baoyue Brothel. Occasionally, a servant would pass by and lift the curtains. Hot air would rush out from inside the building. For a moment, the air on this street seemed a bit warmer than other places.
There were no pedestrians passing by on the street. The Jingdou government bailiffs and soldiers of the Jingdou garrison stationed there rubbed their frozen hands and looked at the shining building. They didn't say anything, but they were cursing in their hearts. They had to stand guard outside while the nobles in the building could bathe in the spring wind.
Of all the restaurants and brothels in the world, probably only Baoyue Brothel could be so extravagant. In the past, it would not have been like this. However, today was different.
Baoyue Brothel did not open for business today.
Half of the street had been sealed off by the people of the Jingdou government and the Jingdou garrison. This was an order that Baoyue Brothel had reported to the government ahead of time. Without any delay, it had been specially approved.
The people of the Jingdou government did not have the right to attend this gathering, but he still had to put in effort to set up all the defenses. It was not only him. The other officials in Jingdou also thought the same. Regardless of which faction they belonged to, they all had to serve Baoyue Brothel today.
Everyone who could be called a master in Jingdou was coming to Baoyue Brothel.
The Imperial College's Siye, Taichang Temple's vice-minister, Head of the palace treasury transport department, Overwatch Council's Commissioner, Inspector of Jiangnan, Sir Fan junior was treating today!
The dazzling, powerful, and official position that was almost longer than the family tree was treating. Who dared not come? Who dared not come? Although everyone knew that Sir Fan junior was a lone official who dared to offend court officials and was willing to offend court officials, the guests today were the Crown Prince, three princes, two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and a few powerful figures. If even these people had to give Fan Xian face, then there was no need to mention others.
Today, Baoyue Brothel was crowded with officials. If anyone had the ability to kill all the guests tonight, the Qing Kingdom would probably fall into chaos. The Jingdou government and the Jingdou garrison would not be able to control their vigilance. Looking at the tightness of the defense, it was comparable to the layers upon layers of deep Palaces.
A few high-class sedans arrived in front of Baoyue Brothel under the cover of dusk. A few more important figures arrived in carriages. Behind them, a few powerful figures in the military rode in.
No one brought too many personal attendants to obstruct Fan Xian's eyes. The few sons and grandsons only brought two or three Tiger Guards. These officials were worried about their own safety. Although the attack in the valley had happened recently, everyone knew that Baoyue Brothel was the Fan family's property.
The Great Prince arrived. The Left and Right Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs arrived. Xin Qiwu arrived. Ren Shao 'an arrived. Baoyue Brothel was in full operation today. The girls helped these important figures to a side room to rest while they waited for the banquet to begin.
Fan Xian chatted idly with them for a bit and told some naughty jokes. He then led the child beside him to the door because he had heard the news of the Crown Prince's arrival.
Seeing the child obediently allow Fan Xian to lead him, the hearts of the two Deputies of the Bureau of Military Affairs and the other officials at the banquet shook. The scene in front of them was enough to make these important figures think of many things.
In ancient times, there were those who held the Emperor hostage to order the marquises. Now, there was Sir Fan junior holding the child's hand. Who knew if the future Qing Kingdom and the future world would be these two people?
Fan Xian was holding the Third Prince's hand.
…
…
The Third Prince shivered and turned his head to gaze at his teacher, who was two heads taller than him. A glimmer of worship flashed through his eyes. Shortly after, he asked for guidance, "Sir, your injury has not healed yet. Why did you come out to welcome us?"
Fan Xian shook his head and gently explained, "The person who has come is the Crown Prince, the heir to the country. His identity is different. Furthermore, he is your elder brother. Regardless of whether you are an official or a brother, you should show some respect."
A small sedan arrived in front of Baoyue Brothel under the protection of a dozen guards. Fan Xian's eyes were sharp. He saw a few Tiger Guards with long knives on their backs waiting coldly. Baoyue Brothel was holding a banquet today. In order to prevent the people's discussions from flourishing and making the court feel awkward, all of the guests had removed their usual ceremonial guards. Even the Crown Prince, who had just arrived, could be considered to have a light carriage.
Fortunately, this was the case. Otherwise, this street would probably be blocked to death by the pomp of these important figures.
The curtain of the sedan lifted. The Crown Prince, dressed in light yellow clothing, came down from the sedan with a face full of smiles. Raising his eyes, he saw Fan Xian and the Third Prince welcoming him outside the building. The Crown Prince was in a good mood. Although this was due, given Fan Xian's present power, this kind of respect was exactly what the Crown Prince needed.
Fan Xian and the Third Prince rushed to bow. The Crown Prince hurriedly helped him up. In a moment, everyone in the building knew the Crown Prince had arrived and quickly came out to welcome him. Only the Great Prince seemed to have been so happy from drinking that he forgot to come out. The Crown Prince knew that his brother came from the ranks and had always been like this, so he didn't pay it much attention.
A group of people surrounded the front of the building and were just about to go in to chat when another carriage slowly came over.
The Crown Prince turned his head curiously and wondered who was putting on more airs than him to arrive later than him.
Everyone also looked over and saw a thin, middle-aged official come down from the carriage. This official was not wearing clothing that indicated his rank, but everyone immediately recognized him. They couldn't help feeling surprised and shocked that this official would also come.
The person who had come was none other than the Governor of Jiangnan Road, Xue Qing. Of the seven Roads under heaven, Xue Qing controlled one. As a super-level official, he also controlled the wealthiest road in the world. Most importantly, he was the Emperor's trusted aide and had once been the teacher of various princes in the library. Compared to the officials in court, his status was even more respected.
Xue Qing looked at everyone and smiled slightly. He first bowed to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince repeatedly said he didn't dare. With him in the lead, everyone hurriedly bowed to Xue Qing.
Fan Xian smiled and said, "Sir Xue has returned to the capital to report on his work. I was rude. Thinking of how we have worked together in Jiangnan this year, I have received your favor, so I took the liberty to invite you over."
Everyone made an "oh" sound and laughed that Sir Fan junior's face was so big that he had even invited Governor Xue over. In their hearts, they wondered if it was because of the attack in the valley that Fan Xian wanted to demonstrate his might to some power that he had even brought Xue Qing over.
These major figures couldn't be blamed for thinking this. The banquet in Baoyue Brothel could be considered a gathering of the younger generation. Old people like Director Chen and Shu the Scholar would not dare to disturb them. Even if they wanted to invite them, the Emperor would probably not allow it.
Furthermore, everyone was thinking why Fan Xian had invited so many people from different powers to gather in Baoyue Brothel.
"It's just to eat, drink, and chat. Everyone has been busy with official business this year. It's nearing the end of the year, so you have to take a break."
Fan Xian stood in front of Baoyue Brothel's door and smiled as he explained.
He then saw a group of people walk over. At the front was the Second Prince, the one who looked very similar to Fan Xian. His temperament and aura seemed to be carved from the same mold. Yet, he had fought with Fan Xian in Jingdou, the North, and Jiangnan until blood flowed like rivers.
Of course, the temporary victor was Fan Xian.
Fan Xian and the Second Prince met each other's eyes. With great tacit understanding, regardless of who was first or who was first, regardless of status, they raised their hands at the same time, slightly bent their waists, and bowed.
Then, the corners of their mouths twitched slightly. At the same time, a slightly bashful smile rose to their faces.
The two of them sighed in their hearts. This smile … had been missing for a long time.
…
…
(It's not about getting votes. Of course, those who have votes still have to vote for me … I've been a little busy lately, and I've had some minor emotional issues. I'll definitely report to everyone after the dust settles in a few days. My condition might be a little worse in the next few days, so I'll report to everyone in advance. Please understand. Today's chapter can only be said to be about the same as usual, but the last three sentences were very beautiful. Hmm, let me be narcissistic …) (To be continued, if you want to know what happens next, please log on to WWW. QIDIAN. COM. There are more chapters.
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