Chapter 110: Bumping into each other! By Ji Jin

  The affair between the Marquise of Jinghua and Chen Daniu had spread throughout the capital, so Xia Zhicheng naturally knew about it too. However, at first she only knew the contents of the imperial edict, while that one "unusual and severe" oral decree was told to her by Mei Zi in the form of the Eight Trigrams.

  "Isn't that too much?"

  She was pounding medicine in the yard while leaning over to look at Mei Zi.

  "Plum, is the Huahua County Princess really the biological daughter of the Yi De Crown Prince?"

  "The county lord's daughter is indeed a rare find, of course she is his own flesh and blood." Mei Zi pouted, glanced at her and shook her head, making a "tsk" sound with her mouth. "I was even envious of her before, although it's said that she became Concubine to General Chen, but General Chen is a good person, he doesn't have a wife or any other concubines, and she herself is the county lord's daughter, entering the Marquis' household, isn't she still the most important one? But now hearing this... Ah, isn't this ruining someone?"

  Xia Qi's eyes narrowed and she stopped what she was doing with her hands.

  It was almost subconscious, she thought of the entrance of Donghua Gate, Zhao Runa's eyes. A little dazed, a little melancholy, a little hurt, but more endurance. No matter how Chen Daniu's unmarried daughter-in-law died, those eyes made her feel that the girl was really innocent.

  As a noble lady of the imperial family, she had to become a sacrifice for politics and a tool for the emperor to win people's hearts. Thinking about Zhao Ziyue who was still lying in Yunyue Pavilion, she felt that women's status in this era was even more humble. The princesses and ladies of high rank were already like this, let alone ordinary women?

  What is the most evil? Politics is the most evil.

  What is the most poisonous? The human heart is the most poisonous.

  She listlessly rolled up her sleeves, scratched the herbs in front of her face, picked them up and brought them to her nose, taking a deep sniff, and remained silent for a long time. The fragrance of the herbs was indeed the purest thing in the world.

  She closed her eyes, but Mei Zi continued to mutter, "According to what I've heard, that Jinghua County Princess is also a pitiful person. With her status, she can't even become the legitimate wife, and as someone's concubine, she still has to wear mourning clothes when entering the door, perform the three kneels and nine knocks ritual, and yet she can't even resist..."

  "Plum blossom." Xia Qi suddenly interrupted her, opening his eyes and looking over, "What exactly is three kneels and nine knocks."

  She has heard this word many times, but doesn't fully understand it.

  Mei Zi looked at her with an incredulous stare, "The three kneels and nine kowtows are the most solemn etiquette here. From entering the door, one must kneel three times and knock their head nine times. Three steps, one kneel, one kneel, three knocks..."

  As she spoke, Mei Zi couldn't help but let out a sigh of regret.

  "If I were to marry a slave, who would let me be like this? I definitely wouldn't agree."

  "Thinking of getting married?"

  Plum blossom lowered her head in embarrassment, her face turned red, "No way."

  Xia Chuqi smiled and stopped talking, but Mei Zi was still very enthusiastic. "In the end, it's still you, Princess, who has the most blessings. Someone like our master, a god-like figure, is so obedient to you. No one can bully you. Don't mention three kneels and nine knocks, I think that if you were to knock once, our master would be heartbroken..."

  "Little hoof is being sour again?!" Qing Lian came in from the gate, laughing and interrupting Mei's words, taking over something from Xia Chuqi's hand, saying, "Young Master, your father has arrived, he's chatting with Duke Guo and Young Master Guo at the front. Duchess Guo sent someone to deliver a message, asking you to go to the front..."

  Plum blossoms smiled and glanced at Xia Chuyi.

  "See, I told you so? Our master is indeed thinking of you and can't help but come here every other day."

  "You're so shameless!"

  Xia Zhong Qi glared at her for a moment, washed his hands clean and put down his sleeves. "You coming here at this time, definitely means you have something on your mind."

  In the front courtyard, in the guest hall of the Duke of Chengguo's mansion, the Duke of Chengguo, Yuan Hongchu and his younger brother, Yuan Xiaogongye, sat with Zhao Zun sipping tea and chatting. The servants who were waiting on them had all been dismissed and stood outside the hall. As he covered his bowl, Yuan Hongchu glanced at Zhao Zun, a look of worry on his face.

  "This old minister has been feeling uneasy in his heart for the past two days. When attending the early court session, he didn't even dare to look up at Your Majesty. Alas, hopefully nothing will happen."

  Looking at his worried face, Yuan Xiao Gongzi couldn't help but smile freely.

  "What's the big deal? Your Majesty has already tacitly agreed, hasn't he?"

  "What do you know!" Yu Hongchou glared at him, "How deep is the emperor's mind? Who can see through it? Don't be proud just because he's using you again and has promised you some benefits. Yu'er, remember one thing: the heart of a ruler is hard to fathom!"

  Yu Xiao Gongzi snorted, "Look at what you're saying, he's going to eat people?"

  "It's much more vicious than eating people."

  He snorted, Yuan Hongchou scolded his son and looked at Zhao Zhu who was silent, couldn't help but sigh. Zhao Zhu is a steady and cautious person, he won't express his opinion easily, but now that His Majesty wants to make Zhao Mianze the crown prince, it's a done deal, can't escape. Of course, His Majesty still fears Zhao Zhu now, naturally won't move him, but later on, whether or not he'll bring up old accounts, that's hard to say. So, from when he took over as "Jingyi Princess", actually he had always hoped that Zhao Zhu could seize the throne.

  Especially now, Chu Qi is the affair of Jing Yi County Master, and more and more people know about it. A secret, when only one person knows, is a secret. Once someone spreads it, person to person, person to person again, then it's no longer a secret, how can he not worry? But this nineteenth master, there is no movement at all, really fulfilling that saying - the emperor is not anxious, the eunuch is anxious to death.

  "Your Highness, at this point, we can only go down one path to the end." Yuan Hongchu thought for a moment and let out a deep sigh. "I think it's best if you make up your mind soon. The weather is unpredictable...".

  "Alright, alright, Father, don't say anything more." Yuan Xiao Gongzi interrupted him, "Today is such a good day, why bring up unpleasant things? Can't you just say something nice for once? If you're really bored, hurry back to the backyard and hug your concubine."

  "How dare you speak to your father like that?" Yuan Hongchou glared at him fiercely, furrowing his brow. "You little scoundrel, tomorrow I'll ask His Majesty to arrange a marriage for you, so you can stop being so reckless all day!"

  Xia Chuqi heard this as soon as she entered the door and asked with a smile.

  "What's going on? Are you arranging a marriage for my brother?"

  Seeing his daughter arrive, Yuan Hong's rigid face relaxed, and he smiled, then resentfully looked at Yuan Yu, "With someone like him, which good family's girl would dare to marry?"

  Xia Chuyi smiled lightly and glanced at Yuan Yu.

  "Didn't you hear? You should learn from your father more. Look at the backyard, how many concubines are fighting for him..."

  What's the point of praising? Yuan Hongchu's old face turned red, but Yuan You suddenly burst out laughing and said, "Duke Guo, did you see that? Did you see that? Your daughter is saying this herself, isn't your son being wronged by you? Go ahead, go ahead, don't worry about it, hurry up to the backyard to hug your concubine."

  "You guys..."

  Yu Hongzhuan pointed at his face with a finger, then pointed at Xia Chuzi, shook his head heavily and bid farewell to Zhao Zun before turning left out of the door and heading to the backyard to find his concubine.

  At the beginning of summer, Qi's lips were pursed and she was stifling a smile. Before she could even talk to Zhao Zhu, he glanced at her and got up to leave.

  Of course, he didn't walk alone.

  He came today just to take Xia Chuqi away.

  Today is a holiday, also the first day after Qingming Festival, everyone is idle. Heard that they are going out to play, Xia Chuyi happily changed into a servant's attire and followed Zhao Zhuo onto the carriage, smiling brightly as she gazed at him, "Master, it's been days since we last met, how come you're taking me away today? Where exactly are we going?"

  "Rush to the temple fair." Zhao Zun replied.

  In this era, nothing is abundant, but festivals are numerous, and the festivals are more grand than those in later generations. In the week before Qingming Festival, from emperors to common people began to busy themselves with sacrificing to their ancestors. Now that Qingming Festival has passed, the sacrifices have ended, but the holiday is not over yet. Today, there will be a temple fair at Lion Bridge, and people from all around will go to join in the excitement.

  On the seventh day of summer, she liked it in her heart, lifted the curtain to take a look at the bustling street scene, and came back to hold his arm, smiling and asking, "Today is the day of 'hurry up', no wonder it's so lively. However, I say, sir, you are making unnecessary efforts, either deceitful or thieving?"

  She asked with a tilted head and slanted eyes, Zhao Zhu's smile was ambiguous.

  "Does Ah Qi hope Grandfather is a thief, or...a scoundrel?"

  "You scoundrel!" Xia Chuqi knew in her heart that he was afraid she would get bored in the mansion, so he took the time to bring her out for a stroll. But even though she appreciated his kindness, she couldn't forget her pride. She turned around and gave him a sideways glance, then turned back to look outside the carriage, ignoring him. However, it seemed that Nineteenth Master was not someone who could be easily fooled. Just as she had settled in, she heard a "ya" sound from his mouth, and before she knew it, she had been scooped up by him. By the time she came to her senses, she was already in his arms.

  His voice was low and hoarse above his head.

  "Has Ah Qi thought of his grandfather these past few days?"

  "Go, you still have the nerve to say that?" Xia Chuqi looked up at him with her head tilted back, touching his chin, his face, and then his neck, before placing her hand on his shoulder. Thinking about how he hadn't come to see her in days, she pushed him away with a look of displeasure and said, "I'm busy! I didn't have time to think about you."

  How pretentious!

  She's disgusted with herself. Inner voice: Xia Chuqi, Xia Chuqi, don't you have any shame? Don't you just want someone to coax you? Another voice says, forget about dignity, forget about dignity, I just want him to coax me a little.

  She fought with him for a while, but he just looked at her without making a move.

  Obviously, no romance involved.

  "What's wrong with you? Disgusting!"

  Zhao Yi let out a sigh, hugged him tightly and said seriously, "Don't blame me, Ah Qi. After all, we are not officially husband and wife yet. If I go to the Chengguo Gongfu every day without any reason, it's not good for your reputation."

  She was taken aback for a moment, then Xia Chuqi let out a snort and fell into his arms, laughing uncontrollably.

  What fame does she want?

  Others who are in love can't get enough of each other, but this guy is so cautious, always thinking twice before meeting her, and even then, he needs to think of an excuse first. If it weren't for the temple fair today, he probably wouldn't have come either! It's really... should I say he's honest or should I say he's foolish?

  She batted her eyelashes at him, but he didn't take the bait.

  No, she was teasing him on purpose —

  "Dad, didn't my reputation get ruined long ago? You've already slept with me, what's left for me now? Hey, don't try to deny it! What do you mean by 'not a proper husband and wife'? How can we be considered proper? Do we have to hold a wedding ceremony and enter the bridal chamber to be considered proper? When you climbed onto my bed, didn't that count? Is that called adultery or an affair?"

  This girl's words are poisonous, her speech is extremely fast, extremely spicy and extremely evil. An ordinary lady would not be able to say such things even if she was killed. Even though Zhao Zun was used to her personality, he still looked slightly stunned for a moment, his handsome face that was usually serious couldn't help but twitch, and he tightly hugged her, his face full of guilt.

  "It's grandpa's fault, he couldn't control himself. From now on... it won't happen again."

  "Ah", Xia Chuqi really wanted to spit at him.

  Does she mean to tell him not to climb onto the kang again in the future?

  What a brain! How can she say with a straight face, "You can crawl more in the future?"

  She looked up at the car roof, her anger not coming from one place, and she pushed him hard, sat down beside him, turned her head and leaned against the window again. However, he hesitated for a moment, still stuck to her, his hands wrapped around her from behind, holding her tightly, and gently stroking her back comfortingly.

  "Don't be so formal, it's rare for us to meet, come give grandpa a hug."

  He spoke very seriously, but Xia Qi's heart softened a little.

  It's also true that before the grand wedding, they rarely met in person. Even when they did meet, it wasn't often in a "safe and comfortable" environment like a horse-drawn carriage where they could hug and hold hands. After all, the current time is different from later generations, and many times even Xia Chuqi herself didn't dare to be too intimate.

  And she likes to be intimate with him.

  Her body softened a bit, she turned her hand around and wrapped it around his waist, resting her chin on his shoulder.

  "So you're saying, have you missed me?"

  "Think." He replied very honestly. Of course, honesty refers to words, but his hands were not so honest. His body itched a bit, and Xia Chuqi couldn't help but laugh as she pinched him hard, "What did someone say earlier? They said it wouldn't happen again, that it wouldn't affect my reputation anymore. I'm telling you, sir, where do you think your hands should be?"

  Zhao Yu lowered his head and pecked her forehead, letting her pinch him, the military route didn't stop at all, and his tone was even more calm and serious, "First, let me take a look at my child's food reserves. The troops haven't moved yet, but the grain and fodder have to be sent first, I need to check them out..."

  On the seventh day of summer, her face turned red, and she pinched his hand that had slipped into her clothes.

  "You're all talk and no action, saying one thing but doing another."

  She scolded with shame, but he didn't care about that at all, as if he wanted to crush her. His tone became even lower and more hoarse, "I used to hear the brothers in the camp say that if a wife is ruthless, then the family will prosper, if a wife is poisonous, then the branches will flourish. Ah Qi, use your strength to pinch, pinch once, and you'll have to give birth to a child for me..."

  "Do you think I'm a pig? Only giving birth to one litter in my lifetime?"

  He picked her up and sat her on his lap, looking very serious.

  "How can Grandpa's Ah Qi be a pig?"

  "Considerate of you to have a bit of conscience."

  Zhao's lips curled up slightly, and he sighed, "With a body like yours, how dare you compare yourself to a pig?"

  "Ah!" With a cry, Xia Chuqi was both amused and annoyed at the same time, and directly bumped her head against his.

  "Zhao nineteen, I'm going all out with you."

  "Tomboy!"

  As she chattered and played with him, Xia Qi quickly became obedient again, snuggling into his arms like a well-behaved kitten, letting his warm palms smooth out her fur. She thought, people should cherish the time they have. Especially such beautiful moments together, it would be a pity to waste them?

  A person's life is full of unexpected events, and after this moment, no one knows what will happen next. She likes to be with Zhao Shi Jiu, although he also has the bad habits that most men have, such as being touchy-feely, but he is also a very considerate man.

  With him by her side, she felt that this life of crossing over was very fulfilling and full of hope. Every day had something to look forward to, looking forward to him having some free time to visit her for a while, or sneaking in at night like a thief to be intimate with her, even if they didn't do anything, just sitting together talking, that life would be perfect too.

  ……

  The temple fair at Lion Bridge is very lively.

  At the beginning of summer, Xia followed Zhao Zhu like a little follower, walking one step behind him, looking east and west, squeezing together with him in the crowded crowd, with a smile hanging from the corner of his mouth, feeling that such a purely folk day was really interesting.

  The temple fair was bustling with people coming and going, the sound of gongs and drums, and the suona never-ending in her ears. Various traditional performances from different industries were competing for attention, each one more brilliant than the last. On the streets, there were stilt walkers, dragon dancers, double lion dancers, single lion dancers, magicians, and acrobats - everything was there. Tea houses, wine shops, fabric stores, and jewelry stores filled her eyes to the brim.

  At this moment, a red silk dragon head rose high, and the person who was dancing with the dragon had an extremely agile figure. Her gaze kept following the dragon's head as it moved. Suddenly, her gaze stopped, and she saw the fool poking his head out of a window in the teahouse across the street.

  She turned back and pulled Zhao Zhuo with her, squeezing through the crowded crowd to the other side of the street.

  She went upstairs to the second floor, and saw that it was all luxurious rooms. A silly person stood alone with his arms propped up on the windowsill, looking out at the lively scene outside.

  She coughed lightly and asked in a low voice, "Fool, how did you end up here?"

  The fool turned around, saw her and was very surprised, "Grass..." But as soon as he shouted, he seemed to think of something, scratched his head, and his eyes rolled around randomly, then he made a "shh" sound at her and waved his hand.

  "Go and play downstairs, I'm busy."

  It's strange on the seventh day of summer.

  This guy usually clings to her and won't let go when he sees her, so why is he driving her away today?

  Something's fishy! She exchanged a glance with Zhao Zun, not only didn't leave, but also smiled and beckoned him to come over. When he approached, she grabbed him and asked in a low voice, "Who did you come with? Where is your servant? Is there someone hiding in the house? You're not hiding a woman, are you?"

  The fool waved his hands wildly, anxious and with a sorrowful face.

  "No, no, grass, really no."

  At the beginning of summer, Qi understood him too well. As long as he lied, he didn't dare look at people. With a glance, she gritted her teeth and said in a low voice, "Good for you, you've learned to lie? You still dare to deceive me. From now on, shut your mouth. If you say one more word, I won't care about you anymore." After that, she smiled and pushed the fool to Zhao Zun, who had a gloomy face, and made an eye gesture towards him before quickly entering the room where the fool was standing.

  As soon as the door was opened, a screen blocked the line of sight.

  She turned around the screen and met a pair of eyes belonging to a man and a woman.

  A pair of frightened eyes, a pair of sorrowful eyes.

  Xia Chunqi took a deep breath and felt very bad. Because both of them were familiar, it made her seem like she was there to catch an adulterer. That woman was indeed Jinghua Princess, who had already been promised to Chen Daniu as his concubine. Although she wasn't wearing the luxurious palace attire today, but just a simple coarse linen dress and a plain headscarf on her head, looking completely different from when Xia Chunqi saw her that day. Yet, Xia Chunqi still recognized her at first glance. And the man was Dr. Gu Hui, who was in charge of taking care of Zhao Ziyue in Yunyue Pavilion.

  Is this an elopement?

  Can't see Xing Hua County Lord's heartbroken expression, but it doesn't seem like that?

  Three people, six eyes, all stared blankly at the scene.

  "A Qi..."

  At this moment, Zhao Zhu outside shouted out of concern.

  In almost an instant, the face of the Marquise of Xinghua turned pale, while Gu Hui's expression was even more severe, his body trembling several times, and his legs softened as he half-knelt on the ground. It is worth noting that Zhao Runa had already issued a decree allowing Chen Daniu to marry her, and if the two of them were caught meeting in private for whatever reason, the consequences would be unthinkable.

  "Princess, princess..."

  Gu Huai was so frightened that he was covered in cold sweat, shouting softly, his lips had turned white.

  Zhao Runa glanced at him sideways, and a faint self-mockery suddenly flashed in her eyes. It was too late to speak, but the moment had passed quickly. In fact, it was all over in an instant. She didn't say anything else, took two steps forward, and lowered her voice to say to Xia Chuqi.

  "There are over ten people in his family, including elderly parents..."

  At the beginning of summer, she blinked her eyes, looked at her, smiled and responded with a "grandfather, don't come over!" Then turned around and went out, just in time to intercept Zhao Zun who was coming over, pushed him out, and whispered with a smile, "Fool is really fun, brought two girls out to visit the temple fair, one of the girls, halfway through, something happened, and she's being dealt with inside. That silly goods, not even ashamed to say!"

  She was somewhat impressed by her own excuse, and indeed, Zhao Zun glanced at her.

  "Let's go!"

  He smiled slightly at Cha, Xia Chu nodded and subconsciously glanced at the door again before smiling and pulling away the obviously nervous fool, whispering "Go, take your wife back home, make some brown sugar water to drink, it's fine."

  He softly said "oh", the fool reluctantly looked at her, and finally walked over to the screen, stood there with his head down, muttering, "Sister, I'm sorry, I couldn't stop Cao Er, I really couldn't stop Cao Er..."

  Zhao Runa walked over and pulled him.

  "I've said all I wanted to say, let's head back, bro."

  The fool uttered another "oh" and glanced at Gu Huai before lowering his head and walking out.

  "Sister, he's bullying you, isn't he?"

  Zhao Runa shook her head, not even giving another glance at Gu Taiyi who had just been scared to the point of having weak legs. She took a step forward towards the door, and with each step, her feet felt softer. It wasn't until she heard Gu Huai's voice from behind that her back straightened again.

  "County master, it's Gu Huai who has wronged you... Gu Huai doesn't have that kind of good fortune. You should live a good life, grow old together with General Chen, give birth to noble children early, and be harmonious as husband and wife..."

  Husband and wife?

  Zhao Runa didn't turn her head back, and a hint of mockery appeared at the corner of her lips again.

  "Thank you, Doctor Gu."

  ……

  ……

  At the temple fair, Xia Chuyi met Zhao Runa and Gu Huai, but she didn't tell Zhao Zun about it.

  Not for anything else, just because they are all women, why make it difficult for each other? Although she believes Zhao Zun won't speak out, he is a man and has a very good relationship with Chen Da Niu. She doesn't want to ruin Zhao Runa. After all, not everyone is like Xia Chuqi who doesn't care about face. A weak woman who can't protect her own happiness is quite pitiful.

  In early summer, when I went to the Cloud and Moon Pavilion again on the seventh day of the seventh month, I could still often see Gu Huai.

  This handsome and elegant young doctor is indeed good at learning. But perhaps Xia Qi doesn't like men without masculinity, from the day they returned from the temple fair, every time she saw him, she would think of the scene in the tea house, the pitiful Zhao Runa, and the trembling and confused Gu Huai who heard Zhao Zun's voice.

  She was evasive in her words.

  If it were her, this kind of man would have been dumped long ago, too wimpy.

  Gu Hua saw her too, and several times he wanted to speak but hesitated.

  But in the end, they hesitated and no one said anything more.

  Xia Zhi Qi was waiting for her own wedding, walking in the palace, she always felt like there were some extra eyes on her, but she thought she was doing everything right, standing upright, without fear, and didn't care what others thought of her. In these days in the palace, she met Zhao Mian Ze several times again, he didn't come to bother her again, nor did he mention her identity again. It's just that every time he looked at her, it made her feel like the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.

  She actually wanted to "meet" Dongfang Qingyun once.

  Want to personally ask him about the sachet thing.

  But things are just so weird, usually when she doesn't want to see him, he's always lingering around in front of her, and now that she has something to ask him, not even his shadow is visible.

  Those who shouldn't be there always are, while those who should be there never are.

  Just the day before Xianghua County Master entered Ding'an Marquis's mansion, Xia Chuyi had just come out of Kun Ning Palace when she was blocked by Xia Wenqiu who came to "ask for peace" from the empress dowager. This block made her a bit strange, how did Zhao Mianze and his wife both like to block people?

  "Sister."

  Xia asked Qiu in a soft and gentle voice, and as soon as she spoke, she "involved relatives".

  Ke Xia didn't want to "bring up the past" at all, but she couldn't help raising an eyebrow and asking, "Who is Concubine Ce calling 'sister'? Your sisters are all in the Eastern Palace, aren't they? But you mustn't call out randomly and confuse the ranks."

  Two words of "superior and inferior" made Xia Wenxiu's face turn pale.

  She was just Zhao Mianze's concubine, a secondary wife. But Xia Chuyi was the Hongtai Emperor's personally appointed Princess of Jingyi, so naturally her status was much higher than hers.

  "Yes, young mistress."

  Look at her being obedient, Xia Chuyi's lips curled up and laughed happily.

  "Is Madam looking for the young mistress of the manor?"

  The summer asked the autumn face with a look of embarrassment, looked around, lowered her eyelids, and opened her mouth very honestly, "I want to ask the county master to take another look at me, can this body...". After all, she was a woman, and she didn't have the nerve to say words like "same room".

  Xia knew that the East Palace had been in turmoil recently, with several new concubines arriving. She suspected that Xia was anxious and couldn't sleep at night, so she sought out a way to share a bed with Zhao Mianze and get pregnant, thereby capturing his heart.

  Pitiful and detestable woman.

  No matter how pitiful she was, Xia Qi Qi would never sympathize with her.

  After a moment's thought, Xia Qiuzi smiled and asked her to sit down, inquired about her situation, and then seriously felt her pulse before smiling affectedly and saying, "Madam, your body has greatly improved, you can now conceive an imperial heir..."

  "Really?" Xia asked, Qi couldn't help but be taken aback, surprised and delighted, her eyes widening suddenly.

  She glanced at her, Xia Chuyi smiled slightly, "Really? I've only heard that the concubine's family has been quite restless lately? There are several fox spirits in the house, and life is not easy, right? Does the prince still often go to your place?"

  Xia Wen's eyes turned red as soon as she heard this.

  "To be honest with you, milord, I don't have the good fortune that you do. My own body isn't cooperating... The prince has favored me for over two years now, and hasn't touched another woman, but I still haven't been able to bear him a son or daughter, it's really not his fault..."

  She then took out a heavy silver money bag from her bosom and handed it to Xia Chuqi, who was standing behind her. She whispered, "Your Highness, please help me ask the prince... tell him I'm much better now, that I can, that I can..."

  Xia Zhong Qi gave her a sideways glance and put the silver into his pocket.

  "I'll go and say it, but I'm afraid it won't be good?"

  Xia Wen's autumn grasped her hand, helplessly bitter face, a "disease emergency disorderly throw medical" appearance, "I if said, he also does not believe, thought I tease him...... County main, beg you, he believes your words."

  Those who always have the word "please" on their lips, except for fools, Xia Qi and Xia Zhi both despise them. However, looking at the bag of silver coins in her arms, she still professionally flashed a occupational smile at Xia Qi, "Sorry, this young lady is only responsible for treating illnesses, not matchmaking. Side Concubine, take care of yourself..."

  Xia Zhi Qi is always "shameless". People say she takes others' money to help them spend it, but she can take people's money and act as if she never took it, then brazenly bid farewell and leave. It really fits that saying - if you're not from the same family, don't enter someone else's home. Not far away, I saw Zhao Mian Ze's carriage stopped there.

  As expected, both of them were good at "blocking people".

  She wanted to walk past him, pretending she hadn't seen him.

  However, Zhao Mianze took a step forward and walked towards him.

  "Xia Chu, how are you?"

  What's wrong with you? Xia Qiuli gave him a sideways glance, "How could I not be fine? I eat when I should, sleep when I should, and I'm doing great." As she said this, she glanced at him again and pointed once more in the direction where she had seen Xia Wenqiu earlier.

  "That bad person is over there, you've seen her, haven't you? Are you deliberately avoiding her? Tsk, tsk, I say, Your Highness, you're really heartless. You two have been in love before, and now you only smile at the new one and ignore the old one who's crying. Isn't that too shameless?"

  Zhao Mianze's heart skipped a beat, "Don't you have anything else to say to me?"

  Xia Zhong Qi's face lit up with a smile, "Can I still have anything else to say to you?"

  Zhao Mianze's expression turned gloomy, and he took another step forward. "I'm at least your... never mind, can't you just ask me, okay?"

  Xia Zhong Qi rolled her eyes and said, "I don't dare care about you. Ha! I'm afraid you'll become arrogant."

  Listening to her sarcastic and biting remarks, Zhao Mianze somehow felt an urge to explain himself, "I didn't touch those women."

  She was taken aback for a moment, then Xia Qi's smile opened up.

  "You should go tell that to your mistress, she'll definitely be delighted to hear it. What a pity, you damn fool, where has your heart gone?"

  "What's wrong with you? Zhao Mianze's usual calm face changed slightly, he wanted to appear calm in front of her, but his clenched fists were sweating, "You don't have to mock me. I did that for Autumn's own good. You were also at Kun Ning Palace that day, my imperial grandmother targeted Autumn, you saw it too. If I didn't cold-shoulder Autumn, she might become even more aggressive..."

  "Xia Chu, what I said last time is still effective."

  "What you said has already lost its effect on me. Sorry, I still have to go to the Cloud Moon Pavilion, won't keep you company." Xia Chuqi glared at him and turned around to leave.

  She had just taken two steps when she suddenly turned around, looked at Zhao Mianze with a sly smile and said in a low voice, "Your side concubine bribed me earlier, hoping I could speak for her in front of you. You can be together now. It's really possible, you both work hard, don't disappoint me! If you have a son, remember to give me a big red envelope!"

  One sentence is extremely "venomous".

  She said it like this, how could Zhao Mianze still believe her?

  Watching her receding back, Zhao Mianze's eyes were heavy and sinking, his line of sight was like it had taken root, until the figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, he still couldn't move away.

  ……

  ……

  Before I knew it, March 18th had arrived.

  Although the concubine of the Marquis was a concubine, she was still a marquise; although there was no festive sedan chair, there was still an ordinary sedan chair; although there were no lively drummers and trumpeters, there were still several sedan bearers; although there was no grand wedding ceremony, there were still congratulations on the scene. Therefore, even if Chen Daniu disliked it very much, the congratulatory gifts from the nobles of the imperial court for this newly promoted noble to take a concubine still flew into the mansion of Ding'an Marquis like snowflakes on that day.

  Went on the seventh day of summer too.

  She went with Madame Chengguo.

  When he left, the courtyard of Ding'an Houfu was already filled with guests, and there were men's conversations at the banquet, mixed with children's crying sounds. It was actually lively. Obviously, although everyone knew what this marriage meant, they couldn't afford to lose face in front of the East Palace, nor could they afford to lose the old emperor's face. The people who came to drink the wedding wine were all brought with their families. Chen Daniu's three friends and four friends in the army also gathered at the Houfu to celebrate for him.

  He looked around but didn't see Zhao Zhu anywhere.

  But then I saw Yuan Xiao Gongzi and several men who looked like they were from the imperial family gathered in one place drinking, probably because those few people looked quite good, which attracted the unmarried girls on the women's side to frequently glance over there.

  Xia Zhiqiu secretly smiled in her heart.

  This brother of hers is always showing mercy everywhere, but he doesn't want to take responsibility and it's unknown who will be able to capture his heart in the future.

  She took her seat and began chatting with the other ladies.

  Her eyes found Chen Daniu in the crowd.

  No, it's Chen Xiang now.

  It was said to be a happy event at home, but he not only didn't let the noble lady wear red and hang colorful decorations, but his own family also didn't wear new wedding clothes. He looked like he had just returned from a long journey on horseback, with a military uniform that made him look majestic, but there was an inopportune black bandage wrapped around his right arm. Of course, there was no joy of "wedding night" on his face either. He was depressed and restless, with red threads all over his eyes, and when responding to the guests who came to congratulate him, he looked even more forced, without a hint of a smile on his face.

  "The groom is coming! The groom is coming!"

  With a burst of laughter and chatter, a string of firecrackers exploded at the entrance of the Hou Mansion.

  "Rustle rustle——"

  Fireworks are going off, great joy has arrived.

  The sound of firecrackers, a small sedan with white flowers was carried in from the side door of the Hou Mansion and stopped at the entrance of the courtyard. There was no welcoming team, no three媒 six聘, Princess Jinghua was brought over by four sedan bearers. The only person following her was her personal maid.

  The courtyard immediately fell silent.

  The laughter and chatter just now have stopped, and there is no more conversation.

  On the seventh day of summer, everyone's eyes were fixed on that small sedan chair.

  The sedan chair swayed slightly, and the little girl stepped forward to open the curtain. Zhao Runa bowed her head slightly, and one foot stepped out of the sedan chair. There was no red wedding dress, no red veil; she wore white mourning clothes and a white mourning hat on her head, even her shoes were white, without any embroidery or decoration. A thin hemp rope cinched at her waist, accentuating her slender figure, while her pale face had no makeup, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.

  For no reason, Xia Zhi's eyes twitched slightly on July 7th.

  If it were her, she would have made a scene.

  The lady of the Jin Hua estate hung her head slightly, pursed her lips and didn't speak. Her face also didn't show too much sadness, but under the lead of a matron from the Ding An Hou Fu, she slowly walked towards the main hall.

  Taking a concubine is unlike marrying a wife. It doesn't require worshiping heaven and earth, nor does it require paying respects to parents, let alone mutual bows between husband and wife. As long as the first wife is given tea with respect, the formalities are complete.

  "Tea for the lady!"

  In the center of the main hall, an incense table is placed.

  On the altar is a memorial tablet of Liang Shi, Chen Dabao's wife who had not yet entered his household.

  In front of the memorial tablet, three sticks of incense were still burning.

  A wisp of smoke rose, and Princess Jinghua knelt down at the gate of the main hall.

  In the past, the old emperor had decreed that various complicated rituals be simplified, so nowadays people are not too enthusiastic about performing the "three kneels and nine knocks" grand ceremony. However, it must be said that this ritual is extremely formal, and someone must have taught Zhao Runa before she arrived, because she performed it very properly: with her knees together, she knelt down, placed her hands on the ground, bowed her head to the ground with a loud thud, lifted it up, then knocked again, lifted it up, and knocked once more.

  After finishing the knock, she looked at the memorial tablet without looking at others. With the support of her maid, she took three steps forward and knelt down again in a practiced posture to pay her respects once more.

  All around was quiet...

  On the seventh day of summer, my heart is not very calm. However, most people only have a "watching the show" expression. It has to be said that among today's guests, many are actually here to see the excitement.

  Subconsciously, she looked at Chen Daniu, and saw him frowning slightly.

  After the tea ceremony ended, Zhao Runa was led away and settled down, and the scene finally returned to normal.

  Apart from the women's sighs and regrets, on the men's side, Chen Daniu and his brothers were excitedly drinking and cheering, their voices rising wave after wave, in a state of pandemonium.

  "General, this county magistrate is quite handsome."

  "Come on, great hero, have a few more drinks, and soon you'll be entering the bridal chamber."

  In the midst of those people's commotion, Chen Daniu didn't utter a single word, welcoming every guest with a drink, as if he was competing with someone, downing bowl after bowl, the liquor flowing onto his armor without him caring, his face filled with hidden sorrow.

  Summer begins on the seventh day of the first month, looking straight and frowning.

  Two people who are tied up against their will, isn't it tough for anyone?