"Many thanks to the Empress." Qin Yining sincerely thanked the Empress.
Hundred-year-old ginseng was rare, but the Empress' sincerity was even rarer. Qin Yining was very sensitive to hostility and kindness. She could tell if the Empress was sincere or just being polite. Even if Li Qitian was not a good thing in her heart, the Empress did not offend her.
Therefore, Qin Yining also expressed her sincere gratitude to the Empress for her kindness.
However, this scene was very dazzling in the eyes of the Empress Dowager and Li Helan, who had been silent for a long time.
The Empress Dowager was not feeling well, but the Empress was willing to give the hundred-year-old ginseng to an outsider to nourish her body. How the Empress treated her, to a large extent, reflected the Emperor's intentions. The Empress dared to not be filial to her. Wasn't it because Li Qitian, as a son, did not care about her in his heart?
However, because of the Duke of Qing's matter, the Empress Dowager did not dare to show any displeasure in front of her son. As a mother, who would be able to understand the suffocation in her heart?
Li Helan's heart became even more gloomy.
She saw her sister-in-law and Qin Yining whispering with their big bellies. They were all young married women, but she had no news. Ji Zeyu was not even willing to touch her and was so cold to her. She sat on the side and felt that she could not hold her face.
Li Helan could not lower herself to take the initiative to talk to them. She could only lower her head and hold the ivory chopsticks tightly. She viciously glared at Qin Yining's belly from the corner of her eyes.
Qin Yining was uncomfortable from the glare. She instinctively covered her belly and turned slightly to the side. She looked back at Li Helan with warning.
The Empress also noticed Li Helan's unfriendly gaze and glanced at her warningly.
Li Helan sneered, "My sister-in-law and Prince Zhongshun consort hit it off. Every time they see each other, they have endless things to talk about."
The jealousy in her tone almost filled the air.
Qin Yining was too lazy to pay attention to Li Helan, but he began to be on guard. Li Helan was arrogant by nature. Her behavior could no longer be judged by a normal person's behavior. If she suddenly attacked someone, wouldn't she be at a disadvantage?
The Empress turned around and continued to hold Qin Yining's hand while talking to her, completely ignoring Li Helan.
Li Helan's face instantly turned purple, and his voice couldn't help but become sharp, "Imperial Sister-in-law, what is the meaning of this!"
Li Helan was so angry that he completely forgot what kind of situation he was in.
Li Qitian, who was having a friendly conversation with the Family Qin, Pang Xiao's family, and Ji Zeyu, was interrupted by the sudden voice. He looked over with displeasure.
The Empress Dowager's face was ashen.
In the past, Li Qitian had tactfully told her that Li Helan was too spoiled and hoped that the Empress Dowager could discipline her. At that time, the Empress Dowager had agreed, but in her heart, she was not very happy. Now that such a thing had happened to the Zhou family, the Empress Dowager wanted to ease the relationship, but Li Helan behaved like this.
The Empress Dowager was afraid that Li Qitian would be angry, so her face immediately darkened, "Lan 'er, don't be rude!"
Li Helan looked at the Empress Dowager in disbelief.
She was bullied, but her mother only knew how to scold her!
Li Helan wanted to quarrel, but from the corner of her eye, she saw Li Qitian's smiling face and the unconcealed anger in his eyes. Li Helan's trembling lips didn't open in the end.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but because there were so many outsiders present, she didn't let her tears fall. However, she couldn't say those flattering words with a smile. She just sat there like a piece of wood with a stiff body.
Li Qitian withdrew his glare at Li Helan. In his heart, he had already cursed this sister who only knew how to embarrass him thousands of times. In the past, he had been too indulgent with her. Look at how spoiled she was!
No one present was stupid. It was not fun for an imperial princess to do things in public, so everyone just pretended not to see.
However, the atmosphere of the banquet was ruined in the end.
Li Qitian was an emperor who knew when to yield and when to stand tall. At this time, he could still maintain an uneasy expression. Even if the anger and irritation in his heart were boiling like magma, he could still smile appropriately.
Pang Xiao and Qin Huaiyuan took their families and left. Li Qitian specially instructed Ji Zeyu, "I won't personally send them off. Ah Lan is my brother-in-law, so he will send them off on my behalf."
Qin Yining's heart trembled.
In the past, when she suspected Ji Zeyu, she didn't think so. But now, she was worried that Li Qitian might have seen through something.
Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu were destined to be in the south and north.
If the commanders of the north and south united against Your Majesty, Your Majesty would not want to see this happen.
Qin Yining's worries were not groundless. After going through all kinds of hardships, Li Qitian's suspicions had increased exponentially. Perhaps he would make many connections even if others looked at him. Moreover, how could the person who cared the most about power be at ease with losing his military power?
Pang Xiao smiled gratefully and said respectfully, "This subject appreciates Your Majesty's good intentions. But Prince Consort Ji, do you have other matters to attend to? "He pointed at Li Helan behind Ji Zeyu.
Ji Zeyu's brows were tightly knitted. He coldly glanced at Pang Xiao, as if he had seen something dirty.
"You dare to question Your Majesty's decree?"
Pang Xiao laughed, "You just like to let your imagination run wild. Your Majesty is magnanimous. He hasn't even said anything yet."
"Your Majesty is magnanimous, yet you dare to question him?" Ji Zeyu's tone was still cold.
Pang Xiao's smile faded, and he said in a low voice, "Ji Lan, don't make trouble out of nothing and slander others! Heaven and earth can bear witness to my loyalty to Your Majesty. Don't look for an opportunity to provoke me! "
"Are you worthy of my provocation?"
"You!"
Both of them were tall and handsome figures. At this moment, one of them was wearing a black cloak, while the other was wearing a silver cloak. Both of them had cold expressions on their faces as if they were going to fight if Li Qitian wasn't here.
Although Li Qitian was suspicious of the situation, he felt much better when he saw that Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu were still at odds with each other. He smiled and tried to smooth things over.
"Alright, alright.
We're all brothers of the same family. Why are you acting like a black-eyed chicken? You're already so old. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at by others? "
Pang Xiao seemed to be angry. He took a deep breath before cupping his hands and bowing, "Your Majesty is right. This subject won't do it again."
Ji Zeyu followed suit and bowed, "Your Majesty, please calm down."
"Ai, what should we say about you guys?" Li Qitian suppressed the joy in his heart and smiled, "Alright, go now. We'll wait for your good news in the capital." The last sentence was said solemnly while holding Pang Xiao's hand.
Pang Xiao didn't dare to be arrogant and hurriedly bowed.
After he bowed, everyone else followed suit and knelt down. Only the clumsy Qin Yining could only maintain the posture of bowing to salute.
Li Qitian was satisfied with what he saw. He got everyone to stand up and gave them a few more instructions before letting them leave.
After they left the palace, Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu still didn't like each other. They parted ways at the intersection.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
