In the Dream Hall of the Imperial Palace, Imperial Concubine Chen reclined on the couch, but she no longer had her usual leisurely and otherworldly appearance. Her multicolored silk thread was thrown to the side halfway through. The complicated silk threads intertwined with each other, making one feel disgusted just by looking at it.
"Old Chen, how is Father?" Imperial Consort Chen pressed her forehead.
Chen gonggong lowered his head. "Senior Duke … Not very good. Recently, the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War have been thinking of ways to oppose him. Senior Duke is also very angry. "
Imperial Consort Chen accidentally broke a snow jade porcelain bottle in front of her. "Zhao Guang, that old man!" Recently, Minister Chen's work had not gone smoothly. Even if one thought with their toes, they would know that it was Zhao Guang's doing. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War had some friendship with the General fu. In particular, there were a few stubborn old men who loved to oppose the Chen family. These past few days, they had been so obviously provocative. They must have been instructed by Zhao Guang.
Chen gonggong frowned. He did not dare to agree with Imperial Consort Chen's thoughts. He hesitated and said, "In this servant's opinion, it may not be the General fu who did it."
"Oh?" Imperial Consort Chen glanced at him. "Apart from them, who else in the court would dare to so brazenly cause trouble for the Chen family?"
Only that group of stubborn martial artists in the General fu would oppose the House of Duke. They did not think about it. In the future, the world would belong to her son. If she wanted to crush the General fu, it would be as simple as crushing an ant.
"The General fu's actions have always been direct and reckless. They lack consideration. According to Senior Duke's words, these few incidents have been swift and aggressive. Right now, Her Ladyship is only suspicious but unable to do anything. The people of the General fu would not be so scheming. This servant boldly guesses that it was His Highness Jinying Wang who did it. "Chen gonggong analyzed.
"Jinying Wang?" Imperial Consort Chen's voice suddenly became sharper. She was not as gentle and graceful as usual. She unconsciously became agitated. "Impossible!" After a while, she said, "Jinying Wang has always been neutral in the court. Why would he oppose the Chen family for no reason?"
Chen gonggong sighed. Was Jinying Wang really neutral? He had struggled in the palace for so many years, but Imperial Consort Chen was still a woman. If a woman wanted to understand the situation of the court, she would be at a disadvantage. Although Xiao Shao had received the title of 'rebel and traitor', the Emperor's regard for Xiao Shao was not like how he would treat a surviving rebel. Although they did not know why, Xiao Shao seemed to be outside of the imperial court all these years and did not side with them. In reality, his power was unfathomable. Who could know what he was thinking? In the past few days, it seemed that Xiao Shao was very concerned about the eldest di daughter of the Jiang family. Since Imperial Consort Chen had taken action and Xiao Shao had ordered people to deliver Xuan You's head, it was clear that he wanted to protect Jiang Ruan. In that case, by suppressing the Chen Family, wasn't he helping Hong 'an Commandery Princess vent her anger?
What Chen gonggong could think of, Imperial Concubine Chen could also think of. After a while, she gradually calmed down. Whenever she thought of how Xiao Shao had made a move against the Chen family for Jiang Ruan, an inexplicable sense of melancholy arose in her heart. In a fierce voice, she said, "What a good Jiang Ruan, to actually provoke Jinying Wang to treat her differently!"
Chen gonggong lowered his head and did not speak. In the palace, Imperial Consort Chen could be considered to have hidden her thoughts very deeply. As a close eunuch, Chen gonggong was also aware of her hidden thoughts. Ever since she knew that Xiao Shao and Jiang Ruan's relationship was not shallow, Imperial Consort Chen often lost her composure. This was not a good thing for her. He had the intention to remind her, but Imperial Consort Chen had always been a person with her own ideas and would not listen to his words.
…
At this moment, the person who had caused the people of Contemplation Palace to lose their composure was staying in a corner of the palace. In the palace, there were people with ulterior motives everywhere. In her previous life, Jiang Ruan had already experienced this. In this life, she had become a junzhu, and those concubines who had always trampled on her had to flatter her when they saw her. Jiang Ruan herself did not care much about these things. She only felt that everyone in the Jiang fu was ugly and the palace was full of murderous intentions. It was very difficult to find a quiet place.
The Empress Dowager knew that Jiang Ruan liked peace and quiet, so she tidied up the side palace hall where Princess Yuan Rong had stayed before leaving the fu and let Jiang Ruan move in. This was also convenient. Moreover, Empress Dowager Yi De's actions caused the people in the palace to ponder even more deeply. They thought that the current Hong 'an junzhu really had a lot of face in front of the Empress Dowager.
After Jiang Ruan moved in, the things inside did not change in the slightest. The original appearance was still the same as it was now. Although Empress Dowager Yi De looked cold and cheerless, in her heart, she had never forgotten about her daughter who had died young. Even after so many years, things were still as clean and clean as new.
Lu Zhu and Tian Zhu stayed by her side to serve her. After Tian Zhu's injuries had healed, she practiced martial arts more diligently every day. She also carried a large hidden weapon with her to guard against unexpected incidents. Lu Zhu went out early in the morning to pick flowers, but returned not long after.
Tian Zhu felt strange and asked, "Where are the flowers?"
Lu Zhu's hands were empty, so she scratched her head and stammered, "Flowers …. Flower, Miss, Xiao Wangye is here. "
Jiang Ruan almost spat out a mouthful of tea. Sure enough, she saw a figure flash behind Lu Zhu. Black embroidered clothes and a silver belt, who else could it be but Xiao Shao?
Tian Zhu was also startled. Lu Zhu touched her nose and said very ashamed, "Miss, this servant was unable to stop him."
With Lu Zhu's little ability, it was indeed a fantasy story for her to stop a person like Xiao Shao. Jiang Ruan put down the book in her hand and said, "I know."
Lu Zhu winked at Tian Zhu. Tian Zhu hurriedly said, "This servant will withdraw first." Without waiting for Jiang Ruan to speak, she left with Lu Zhu.
As the door was closed, Jiang Ruan glared at the two servant girls who left without hesitation. Her heart was filled with anger. These two people were increasingly looking down on her, their mistress, more and more. Her gaze fell on the handsome youth in front of her. Was this person crazy? Entering the palace so boldly, so what if he was seen? Moreover, now that a man and a woman were sharing a room, he could come and go more and more freely.
Xiao Shao did not see Jiang Ruan's expression. He walked to the small table and sat down. After a pause, he took out a bag from his bosom and put it on the table.
"What is it?"
"Ointment." Xiao Shao said, "The Jade Muscle Ointment is gone. Applying this herbal medicine will not leave a scar."
Jiang Ruan was stunned. She had not thought that he had specially come to deliver the ointment. For a moment, she did not know what to say.
Xiao Shao frowned without batting an eyelid. In fact, he had not come to deliver the ointment. He had only listened to Jin San's words and did not know why he had come here. Fortunately, he did not see Liu Min, which made his mood a little better. After a moment of silence, he said, "The selection of the new beauties is about to begin. Jiang Quan has prepared a portrait of Jiang Dan."
Thinking of the spy who had returned and reported what Jiang Quan had said in the fu, Xiao Shao felt a chill run down his spine. Jiang Quan had said that if Jiang Ruan was not already a junzhu, she would have been the best candidate to enter the palace. The Emperor had clearly indicated that the Jiang family had to produce a candidate for the selection. Jiang Su Su was his most beloved daughter, so he could not allow her to suffer. Moreover, Jiang Li and Jiang Dan were shu daughters. Since Jiang Ruan held the title of di daughter, the Jiang fu had raised her for so many years.
Who knew that heaven's will was unpredictable. Now that Jiang Ruan was a junzhu, she could no longer enter the palace. Jiang Su Su's reputation had been tarnished. Even if he was willing, the imperial family would not allow such a slap in the face. Jiang Li was already married. No matter how he thought about it, only Jiang Dan could be of use. He had no choice but to hand over Jiang Dan's portrait.
Xiao Shao frowned. He knew that Jiang Ruan's days in the Jiang fu were not easy. Otherwise, how could she have been sent to the rural residence right after the death of her mother? But he had never thought that Jiang Quan would be so ruthless. How could he treat his own daughter?
Jiang Ruan said, "Fourth Younger Sister is going to enter the palace. That's good. With Fourth Younger Sister's ability, you will be able to find a good future in the palace."
Jiang Dan was a person who was used to being subservient. She was also vicious and merciless. She appeared to be completely innocent, but in reality, she was the most hateful. Such a person was most suited to survive in the palace. A smile appeared on Jiang Ruan's face. Jiang Quan had personally released a wolf cub, but he did not know that there would be a time in the future when it would be bitten to death by a vicious wolf.
Xiao Shao glanced at her and said, "Now that Chen Fei sees you as a thorn in her side, I will leave Jin Er and Jin San by your side."
Jiang Ruan was stunned. To tell the truth, this was undoubtedly very tempting. After the previous incident, she had already considered it. Although on the surface, it seemed that she had the upper hand, her status could not contend with Chen Fei. Moreover, she did not have anyone to rely on, nor did she have the ability to deploy troops. If she were to use force, she might not necessarily be able to gain any advantage. One person from Tian Zhu would inevitably not be enough. If there were Jin Er and Jin San, at least if something happened, they could think of a way to pass on the news. This would also be a form of insurance.
She owed Xiao Shao too many favors. Jiang Ruan hesitated and said, "I have a question to ask you."
Xiao Shao looked at her with some doubt in his eyes.
"At that time, you said that you owed me a life. What did you mean?" Jiang Ruan asked.
Xiao Shao stared blankly and pursed his lips unnaturally. A trace of redness crept onto his face, and his cold and stiff expression also revealed a rare hint of awkwardness. Originally, it was nothing, but now that Jiang Ruan had said this, he did not know what to say.
"Forget it." Just as he was about to speak, Jiang Ruan's voice sounded, "Now is not the time to pursue this matter. Thank you very much, Xiao Shao. "
She had always called him "Xiao Wangye" left and "Xiao Wangye" right, but now she no longer called him by that jerky and alienating title, and directly called him "Xiao Shao". This should have been unreasonable and could even be called presumptuous. However, Xiao Shao inexplicably had a strange feeling in his heart. It was as if a small stone had been thrown into a tranquil deep pool, causing slight ripples. He had never thought that these two words from her mouth would have a different feeling from hearing it from someone else's mouth.
Jiang Ruan saw that he did not speak and raised her eyes to look at him. Coincidentally, she saw a trace of a smile flash across those cold, star-like eyes. Stunned, she asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Xiao Shao was in a good mood. After thinking for a bit, he took out a bracelet from his bosom and handed it to her. The bracelet emitted a faint blue light. It was the blood moon bracelet from before. Xiao Shao explained, "There are new needles inside, and it has been tempered with poison."
He was so thoughtful. Jiang Ruan took it and looked at it carefully. It would seem superfluous to say thank you, so she directly put it on her wrist.
Xiao Shao lowered his eyes. In reality, there was not much he could do for Jiang Ruan. If the Embroidered Uniform Guards were dispatched, there would inevitably be deaths. He was not willing to get entangled with the court. If he really made a move, he would certainly hit the target, and the entire Chen family would lose their lives. He could kill people, but Jiang Ruan might not like it. There was too much darkness in her eyes. Only by killing her enemies with her own hands could she use fresh blood to wash away that darkness.
...
Outside the door, Lu Zhu widened her eyes in shock, "Xiao Wangye sent you to protect Miss?"
Jin Er crossed his arms and looked at Lu Zhu calmly, "Yes, little girl. In the future, we will have fun." Heaven knew that ever since the last time Lu Zhu had unhesitatingly kicked his family jewels, he had been brooding over it. Xiao Shao had originally asked Jin One and Jin Three to protect Jiang Ruan, but he had taken the initiative to ask for a change of mission. Wasn't it to avenge that kick?
Dewdrop spat, "Shameless! Why would Xiao Wangye send a pretty boy like you to protect Miss? Is it good enough that you can protect your family jewels? And you still want to protect Miss? Dream on! "
Jin Er almost spat out a mouthful of blood. He was a dignified Embroidered Uniform Guard with an elegant demeanor. Unexpectedly, he had been called a "pretty boy" by a little girl. This girl had such a sharp tongue. She was much more shrewish than the female secret guards of the Embroidered Uniform Guards. She was like a little hoodlum in the marketplace! His expression changed and he suddenly lowered his head to approach Lu Zhu. With an evil smile, he said, "So what if I'm a pretty boy? At least I'm much better than a bean sprout like you."
Jin Er was not bad in the first place, and Lu Zhu was only a young girl in her teens. When she saw Jin Er's approaching smile, she blushed a little. When she suddenly heard his words, she was so angry that her nose almost became crooked. Without hesitation, she kicked him again. However, this time, Jin Er was already prepared. He grabbed her leg and said, "Little girl, don't be so rude. Be careful that you won't be able to marry in the future."
"Get lost! Lecher! "Lu Zhu was so angry that she swung her hand to slap him. Jin Er only grabbed Lu Zhu's leg. He didn't expect that a woman's mind would always be unfathomable. That slap landed squarely on his face.
The little head of the Embroidered Uniform Guards had been slapped in the face by a maidservant who didn't know any martial arts? It was an extraordinary shame and humiliation!
Jin Er was also exasperated. "Who's the lecher? Even if someone wants to ascend the throne, it won't be you. I don't fancy that small body of yours that looks like a stick of firewood!"
Jin San and Tian Zhu stood on one side. Tian Zhu was naturally calm while Jin San was overjoyed. He flipped his long hair and his charming eyes were filled with the expression of someone watching a good show. "Tsk tsk, the maidservant by Young Madam's side is truly extraordinary. It's rare to see Jin Er being humiliated like this. Jin Si should come and watch as well."
She rolled her eyes and thought to herself, 'It feels like spring has arrived for the entire Embroidered Uniform Guards with Young Madam's arrival.'
…
In contrast to the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere in this corner of the palace, there were other places that were gloomy. For example … the Physician's Residence.
In a room in the courtyard, Jiang Li sat quietly on a chair. The maidservant beside her placed the medicine in her hands on the table and twisted her waist as she said, "Madam, it's time to take your medicine."
The maidservant was dressed in a peach-pink robe. Her waist was not slender and her makeup was exquisite, making her look even more delicate. Her attitude was not very respectful and all ten of her fingers were smeared with red nail polish. She placed the medicine bowl on the table and glanced at the person on the bed. She said in a coquettish voice, "Madam, it's better to take your medicine as soon as possible so that I don't have to worry when I look back."
Jiang Li strenuously looked at her and said in a hoarse voice, "Get out of here."
The maidservant rolled her eyes at her and bowed disrespectfully before leaving. Before she left, she said in a small voice, "Who does she think she is? Does she really think that she's the mistress of the Physician's Residence? She's just a used shoe …"
That voice traveled faintly into Jiang Li's ears. Jiang Li was so angry that she threw the medicine bowl in her hands onto the ground!
"Slut!"
That maidservant was the maidservant she had brought from the Jiang fu as a dowry. Who knew that such a thing would happen after just a few days of marriage? Zuo Jiang hated her and this personal maidservant took the opportunity to climb into Zuo Jiang's bed. If she was not pregnant, Zuo Jiang would have immediately made her his concubine!
Now that she was pregnant, Jiang Li let out a bitter laugh. Her gaze fell on the bowl of medicine that had been smashed on the floor. It should have been a great thing for her to be pregnant not long after she entered the residence. However, it just had to happen after that incident. She did not know whether the child in her belly was Zuo Jiang's or the Third Prince Xuan You's.
Whether it was Zuo Jiang's or Xuan You's, she did not dare to abort it. She had to protect the seed in her belly. The imperial family could not be provoked, and the people of the Zuo fu knew this very well. They fed her the medicine, but wantonly humiliated her. Old Madame Zuo wished that she could die immediately and ruin Zuo Jiang's future and reputation. Zuo Jiang, needless to say, looked at her every day as if she was his enemy. That man was the devil. He looked gentle and refined, but he used all kinds of tricks to torture her.
Jiang Li smiled bitterly. How did it become like this? It shouldn't be like this. She struggled to find the bronze mirror beside her pillow. The person in the mirror looked haggard. She was clearly a young girl, but she looked like an old woman of thirty. Her skin was yellow and dull, and she was so thin that she was out of shape. Her eyes were dim, and they were embedded in her bony face. She looked disgusting at first glance, and there was no trace of her former beauty. She threw the bronze mirror on the ground in disgust and began to cry.
She had thought that after marrying into the Doctor's residence, she would become an official's wife and step on everyone else. From then on, she would completely get rid of her status as a concubine's daughter. Who knew that today, a maidservant could bully her!
It shouldn't be like this. This should have been Jiang Dan's life. Jiang Li curled her body into a ball. If she had not snatched Jiang Dan's marriage, the person who would be married into the Doctor's residence would be Jiang Dan. The person who would be ravaged like this would be Jiang Dan. She thought that she had snatched a happy marriage, but who knew that it was the road to the Yellow Springs!
She hated Jiang Dan, hated Zuo Jiang, hated Xuan You, hated her personal maidservant, and hated Jiang Ruan, who had caused everything that had happened today. Now, giving birth to a child would mean death. Moreover, she did not want to give birth to this vile spawn that represented humiliation.
Jiang Li's eyes glowed with a fanatical light. If she died, the child in her belly would also die. The imperial family would certainly not let the Doctor's residence off, and Zuo Jiang would not be able to raise his head. If that was the case, if that was the case, it would be much better than now. At least she could make the Doctor's residence unhappy, and make Zuo Jiang unhappy. She felt a trace of satisfaction in her heart.
She rolled off the bed and shakily picked up the broken pieces of porcelain. She muttered, "If there is an afterlife, I will definitely not let you off …"
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