Chapter 52: Next Life, Remember to be Born into a Good Family by Ji Jin

  Everyone in the room had their eyes on Xia Chuqi.

  But who would have thought that, under the watchful eyes of everyone, she appeared to be "weak and helpless" with a pitiful smile, holding the hand of King Jin's subordinate and making ambiguous gestures on her body. Suddenly, she opened her mouth, put his finger in, and then dug it into her throat.

  "Uggghhh..."

  Zhao Zhu dodged too late. All he heard was a "gurgle" sound, and a mouthful of filthy stuff spewed out with a loud noise, bringing with it a strong smell of Chinese medicine and food mixed together. The filthy liquid dripped from his chest down to the hem of his robe, staining some green vegetable leaves along the way, and leaving his dark brown satin nightgown in a pitiful state.

  "Dad!"

  "Dad!"

  Several shrill cries rose up at the same time.

  Zheng Er Bao rushed over, almost crawling, wanting to help him wipe it clean. Yuè Yù also hastily came forward, and this time the blaming gaze didn't pretend anymore, directly stabbing towards Xia Chu Qi like a knife. While helping Zhao Zun change into clean clothes, she ordered someone to prepare water in the bathroom. Mei Zi secretly wiped away cold sweat, and shot a glance at Xia Chu Qi, telling her to quickly apologize to Master.

  They knew that the master had never been treated like this before? When did he ever suffer such a loss? The nickname "Cold-faced Yan Wang" wasn't just for show, let alone dare to spit dirty things directly on his body. Normally, whoever enters his house has to clean themselves up neatly, afraid of being slightly unclean or having an unusual smell, which would offend him. Who would dare to make such a move?

  Can't understand at all.

  She, with her eyes half-closed and her face flushed, raised an eyebrow and wrinkled her nose, not caring if Zhao Zun would feel disgusted and want to kill her. The things she had drunk earlier were almost choking her throat, and with one heave, she couldn't stop vomiting, wah lah wah, spitting everything out onto the ground until her stomach was empty.

  "It's true." The crowd was in a state of panic, but Zhao Zun remained calm and composed, still exuding an air of dignity that intimidated others.

  It wasn't until the seventh of summer that he seemed to have reacted, looking up at him, patting his chest and letting out a long sigh.

  "It's indeed more disgusting when you use your hands."

  Zhao Zun's originally cold face turned dark and then pale, his eyebrows also furrowed.

  "How dare you say that?"

  At the beginning of summer, after vomiting for a while, she felt a bit relieved in her heart, but her voice was a little hoarse. She smiled and made a deep bow to him, putting on an innocent and lovely face.

  "A great kindness is not thanked, a scratch and it's done. Go quickly and wash yourself."

  Looking at his cold and dark face, she secretly laughed in her heart, guessing that this guy had already eaten her heart.

  Unexpectedly, he didn't say anything and just gave her a light glance before heading to the bathroom. His face looked like he had eaten a fly, with an expression of disgust and disdain. Seeing this made Xia Chuqi feel extremely delighted.

  When her enemy is unhappy, she is happy. What a wonderful thing in life!

  She couldn't savor the flavors, so she propped up her somewhat numb forehead with a resolute expression, picked up the large bowl in front of her and once again poured the egg drop soup with Chinese medicine into her mouth. After drinking her fill, she noticed that Mei had considerately placed a spittoon in front of her. She gave Mei a glance, closed her eyes, stuck her hand down her throat, and vomited, breaking out in a fine sweat on her forehead as her stomach burned with anxiety.

  She struggled with that big bowl of "rice porridge and egg whites", drinking and vomiting, vomiting and then drinking again, drinking and then vomiting again, until she vomited out even the bile, her whole body as if drenched in rain, clothes soaked through, hair soaked through, the wound on her forehead seemed to be more terrifying, only then did she weakly lie down on Zhao Zhu's intricately carved wooden bed, contentedly sighing a breath.

  Painful, sour, stuffy, soft... nowhere feels comfortable.

  She lay languidly on her body, and didn't even want to move a single finger.

  However--

  "Ah, much more comfortable." she sighed.

  Zhao Zhu went to the toilet and hadn't come out yet. She stared at the top of the bed canopy with a pair of bulging eyes, panting heavily.

  He'll be back soon, will he kill her?

  She thought, but although her stomach was empty, the medicine had taken effect earlier and it wouldn't be possible to recover for a while. Her body was emitting waves of heat, and her mind was still in turmoil. In a daze, she fell unconscious on the bed again, until Zhao Zhu came out after bathing and changing, carrying a fragrant scent, and slapped her forehead with his palm.

  She opened one eye, with the other tightly closed, and looked at him.

  "Are you done washing up? Oh, don't look so gloomy, it doesn't suit you. What's given is a favor, what's received is a debt. This time I owe you even more money! Quickly calculate everything carefully, and you'll find that your wealthy life is truly wonderful..."

  "Get up!" Zhao Zun looked at her with a cold and icy gaze, his face expressionless.

  Xia's eyes were wide open, her face full of smiles. "Hehehe, look at you, so angry! Are you feeling extremely furious and painfully heartbroken, yet completely helpless?"

  She felt like a small cat scratching in her heart, and her forehead was also sore. Actually, she didn't have much strength to speak, but saying a few words to vent her emotions was still manageable. "Grandpa, the lesson I taught you today is called - A gentleman uses his wits, not his fists, do you understand?"

  Zhao Zun slightly narrowed his eyes and said faintly, still those same words.

  "Get up, don't lie on grandfather's bed."

  Xia Chuqi looked around and replied with a mixture of tears and laughter.

  "What's wrong? What's wrong with lying on your bed? This bed is too big for you?"

  "The child is dead, go and wash quickly." Zhao's face had an additional layer of frost.

  "Is it dirty? Not dirty, I think it's pretty good." Actually, after inducing vomiting and washing her stomach, Xia Zhicheng didn't have much energy to argue with this guy. But for some reason, looking at him getting angry until his head was about to smoke, she still had to pretend to be noble and calm, the sense of accomplishment in her heart kept soaring, making her headache ease up and her limbs feel comfortable.

  "Alas, girl, I spent these 200 taels today, it was well worth it."

  She glanced at his face secretly and said something extremely annoying.

  But in her heart, she still thinks this guy is quite interesting.

  Although he was like a debt collector asking for money, it was annoying, but at the critical moment when she was in such distress, he was willing to take out the "Nine-Turn Heart-Protecting Pill" that the old emperor had given him.

  At least with this kind of guy, he can still be considered a buddy...

  She thought to herself about this, looking at his ugly face, she smiled.

  "I'm too tired to walk back home, can I borrow your bed for a night?"

  As soon as the words came out, Zhao Zun had no expression, but Yue Yu, who was sweeping the dirty things in the house, had a stiff expression, and her arm trembled slightly. Xia Chuyi swept her eyes towards her, how could she not understand?

  She was originally unwilling to compete with Yuè Yù for a man, but because of the previous "vinegar washing" incident, she had some prejudice against this Moon sister in her heart. When her small eyes acted up, her attitude also changed qualitatively, and she deliberately lingered with Zhao Zun over there, also to observe her reaction.

  She saw her displeased, Xia Chuyi smiled at her with a "particularly embarrassed" expression.

  "What's that, Big Sister Yue? Today Chu Qi has caused you trouble. So, the 200 taels of silver that he promised to me, at least 50 taels should belong to you. Remember to ask him to give it to you later, don't forget, it's a big deal!"

  She looked serious and pretended to be crazy.

  Who would have thought that a blank check would be so useful? She discovered the benefits of being poor for the first time. The barefooted are not afraid of those who wear shoes, she said with a smile, acting like a big spender, while Zhao's face turned black as coal ash.

  As she took a glance, the uncomfortable symptoms on her body seemed to have alleviated a lot. In an angle where he couldn't see, the corner of her mouth quietly curled up with a hint of a sly smile.

  Get lost.

  Can't beat you, can still disgust you to death?

  At this moment, Mei Zi hurriedly brought in the remaining medicine with a smile. Zhao Zun gave her a cold glance and didn't drive her away immediately. However, he seemed to not want to get close to the bed again, sitting far away with an air of aloofness and nobility, his face icy cold, making her feel particularly pleased inside.

  You little brat, you're going to drive me crazy!

  The pain on her previously injured head had probably passed, except for the numbness, and she felt a bit dizzy. She asked Mei to lend her some gauze to bandage it up, then finished drinking the medicine soup. After glancing at Zhao Zhu with a sweep of her eyes, she comfortably lay down, pulled the quilt over her body, let out a big yawn, and assumed an air of being about to take someone's place. Sniffing the faint scent of the newly incensed mosquito repellent by Yueda Jie, she felt that this smell was quite pleasant.

  With her eyes half-closed, she seemed about to fall asleep.

  Zhao Zun's face turned iron-green, his thin lips pursed coldly, as if he was about to erupt again.

  She stole a glance and almost burst out laughing.

  After some thought, she had a change of heart. Of course, another layer of meaning was that she was still afraid of really offending him, after all, for now she still needed to rely on this guy to deal with that Eastern demon. Silently putting aside her plan, it was better not to make him lose too much face, and not to offend him too deeply. As the saying goes, "hit one with a stick and give one a sweet date", she had to understand the principle of using waste to control evil.

  "Alright, alright, old man, don't make a face anymore."

  She got up lazily, and indeed she was weak and spiritless, not pretending to be.

  "I'm leaving, can't I? Ah, it's killing me."

  She covered her forehead, then her throat, and patted her chest, as if she would faint at any moment.

  Zhao Zun's cold gaze swept over, his eyes staring at her made her heart feel a chill, and his voice was even colder.

  "Don't go, just sleep here tonight. The bed is spacious too."

  What's with this guy's reverse humor?

  Used to teasing others, Xia Qi Qi cleared her throat and felt a bit unaccustomed.

  "It's nothing... just a small matter. I'll trouble Sister Yue to see me off, and I won't disturb your rest again."

  Always standing by the side, Yuè Róng heard her words and couldn't help but be delighted. She smiled slightly and gently took a cloak to replace hers, walking slowly to the bedside, just about to bend down to help Xiā Chū Qī up, when suddenly, Zhào Zūn's gaze deepened, coldly stopping her.

  "Don't let her lean on you, just let her sleep here."

  "But..." Yuè Yù bit her lip and turned back to ask, "Grandfather, where are you sleeping?"

  "Grandfather will also sleep here." Zhao Zun replied comfortably.

  At the beginning of summer, she knew that this guy was going to be a problem, and she figured out that he was a big talker but didn't dare to really sleep with her.

  Ke Yue, however, did not think so. In her heart, Ye's tolerance for Chu Qi, and even his indulgence towards her, had already exceeded the limits of her understanding of him, repeatedly challenging her bottom line of cognition. Therefore, she believed that the beautiful lotus face suddenly turned pale, and her expression was clearly anxious. She opened her mouth, just wanting to say something, when Er Gui, who had been outside the house, came in to report.

  "Grandpa, that idiot from the Western Courtyard is here, looking for his wife..."

  She said, casting a vague glance at Xia Chuqi.

  A few words from a fool's wife are enough to weigh heavily.

  That month, the big sister's stiff and ghostly face suddenly looked a bit better. "Master, it's getting late. I'll send Chu Qi out and Mei Zi will come to remake your bed for you, so go rest early."

  It's already midnight, and the fool had gone to bed early, how could he come over to find Xia Chuqi at this hour? Xia Chuqi thought to herself, her heart sinking silently, she only glanced at Yue Yu once, without saying anything else, but heard Zhao Zun say indifferently, his tone devoid of emotions.

  "Take her away."

  The moon's eyes lit up, and she bowed slightly, "Yes, sir."

  Since the fool has already come to the door, Xia Chuyi naturally has no reason not to leave. Moreover, her previous words were just a joke and a test of Yu Yue's reaction, so how could she really occupy Zhao Zhu's bed and not leave?

  She's too lazy to even occupy the bed, let alone anything else.

  She was propping herself up on her bed, about to get up, when she felt dizzy for a moment and heard Yuè Yù's astonished gasp.

  "What's wrong? Big Sister Yue"

  She turned her head and asked casually.

  Then, she followed the moon's gaze and looked at the bed where she had just lain. The originally clean quilt had several red stains... She wanted to deny it, but couldn't help admitting that it wasn't the blood stain on her forehead, but rather her period had seeped out.

  This is also too embarrassing.

  It's strange for her, an era without sanitary napkins...

  She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, pretended not to see Zhao's dark and green face, and cleared her throat to explain.

  "Hey, what's with the blood on your head? How did it get all over the quilt?"

  What is meant by "the more you describe, the darker it becomes", this is it?

  Zhao Zhu's face was cold and stern, his eyes were chilly, while the rest of them had all been intimidated...

  When Yuè Yù sent out Xià Chū Qī from the Jade Emperor's Pavilion, the fool was already waiting outside. Under the watchful eyes of several Golden Armor Guards, the fool hung his big head down and didn't dare to steal a glance at them, seemingly still like before, timidly, not daring to look straight.

  "Idiot!"

  Xia Zhong Qi rushed towards him, waving his hand and shouting with a weak voice.

  She was lucky enough to have survived a great calamity and could still see her loved ones again.

  Smiling, she thanked Yuè Wèi and didn't care about her expression. Xia Chū Qī just let the fool carry her back to the Western Courtyard. On the way, thinking of her previous doubts, she asked a probing question.

  "Idiot, how did you know I was here?"

  The fool was not good at lying, especially in front of Xia Qi. He almost didn't think about it and honestly confessed everything. He said he was sleeping soundly on the bed when there was a sudden noise at the window that woke him up. He got up to relieve himself and heard someone outside the window say that Chu Qi had taken some medicine and was lying in the Jade Emperor's Pavilion, almost dying...

  Otherwise, can't scare the fool?

  He didn't even think about it and tied his belt to go to the Jade Emperor's Pavilion.

  She curved her mouth and Xia Qi asked again: "Did you listen carefully to that person's voice?"

  "I... I forgot what I heard..."

  “……”

  The fool shook his head and looked at her with a wronged expression.

  He was thinking of Xia Zhiqiu in his heart, where would he think of that layer again?

  Xia didn't ask him anything else, just patted his shoulder comfortingly, but in her heart, she had already made up her mind about this matter. The man's purpose for calling the fool over was really too simple, to put it bluntly, he just didn't want her and Zhao Zhuo to sleep together.

  Of course, it's also possible that I still want to tease her some more.

  After entering the Xidi courtyard, she and the fool each fell asleep. Thinking of that layer, she lightly placed a bamboo stick on the windows and doors of her own house. In this way, if there was any movement at night, she could wake up in the first time, and her "weapons" were all by her pillow.

  After this incident, she was no longer arrogant and fearless. In her heart, she had become much more cautious. She wasn't afraid of others, but rather that the Eastern demon would come again to deal with her. With her current strength, if she didn't strike first, she estimated that she wouldn't even need to resist, and she would become someone else's plaything.

  However, she always felt that tonight's affairs were not just a problem for Dongfang Qingxuan alone. If Zhao Jianren hadn't turned a blind eye, how could he have been so unlucky?

  So...

  That cheap person is no good thing.

  After a while of being preoccupied, she probably was really exhausted from the earlier vomiting and bumping her forehead, on a night that shouldn't have been good for sleeping, she slept soundly till dawn without even having a single dream.

  ……

  ……

  The next morning.

  She was startled awake by the gentle knocking on the door outside her room.

  "Who is it?"

  She casually asked, stretched her arms and legs, only to feel that her body was extremely weak, the wound on her forehead seemed more painful than when she had just bumped into it last night, that scorching pain was simply indescribable.

  And I don't know if it's because I vomited too much yesterday or shouted too loudly.

  She not only had a headache, but her body was soft and weak, her limbs were tired, her throat was hoarse, and her eyes were swollen, she was really badly hurt.

  "Chu Qi, are you awake? It's me, Ying Ge."

  That soft and gentle voice outside, yet not unfamiliar. Isn't it Zhao Zhu's maid, Ying Ge? Xia Qi Qi smiled wryly to herself, feeling a bit unaccustomed to having maids of her own. She made an effort to push open the covers, stroking her still flushed face, and cleared her throat with difficulty before getting out of bed to open the door.

  "Chu Qi, I've brought you some food."

  The Oriole's smiling face, carried a bamboo basket, very polite.

  " Forget it." Xia Chuqi sat on the edge of the bed, stars twinkling in front of her eyes, rubbing her sore throat with a lukewarm feeling.

  "Hey, Chu Qi, your face is so red, are you feeling unwell?" Na Yingge covered her mouth with a handkerchief embroidered with flowers and gave a sideways glance with her big eyes, exuding a flirtatious air, her voice was also unusually sweet.

  But isn't she just pretending not to know?

  Was she really unaware of anything with such a big commotion last night?

  She smiled coldly, but these were not Xia Chuqi's current concerns. She was more concerned about whether this song could be given to Yuan Xiao Gongzi. Normally, she was a person who absolutely kept her promises. Since she had promised Yuan Xiao Gongzi, she would definitely make it happen.

  Unless... something is wrong.

  She was leaning against the head of the bed with a quilt in her arms, and she was fed porridge by the oriole's song, thinking very quickly.

  "Oriole's song, there is something, I think and ask you."

  "You say." The tone of Yan Ge was so gentle and soft that it made one's bones... tremble.

  Turning her face, she took a close look at her and Xia Chuqi smiled very warmly, "Did you see Yuan Xiao Gongzi last night? The one who is exceptionally handsome. Oh no, it's the one who is born to be very good-looking, with a smile always on his face?"

  The oriole's song is a clever person, and upon hearing this remark, he understood three parts of it.

  "Chu Qi, what do you mean?"

  Xia Qi took another sip of porridge, her voice soft and casual as she asked.

  "If he asked you to follow her, would you be willing?"

  Her face suddenly changed, and Ying Ge didn't think much before putting down her rice bowl and 'thud' knelt in front of Xia Chuqi, almost crying out loud to prove her determination. "No, I don't want to! Chu Qi, how could you do this? Although Grandfather ordered me to serve you, that's just serving, and I still have to listen to Sister Yue Yu for everything. And I am also Grandfather's person, not yours. Without Grandfather's permission, how can you give me away to someone else?"

  What's the hurry? For what reason? Really fell in love with Zhao Zhu at first sight and became infatuated at second glance?

  At the beginning of summer, her body was not comfortable, and she looked at her eyes more scattered. "You said you can't joke around? Did I say I wanted to give you to him? Or are you eager to follow him? Or, are you afraid that I won't give you to him, and you're being pretentious?"

  "I...". The oriole knew its mouth was fast and felt a bit embarrassed, "I was wrong."

  What a clever and good girl!

  Thinking of her own stinky virtue, she felt more and more that the women in feudal society were really sigh-worthy.

  After eating a few more mouthfuls of porridge, Xia Chuqi didn't want to eat anymore. She was someone who could lie down but wouldn't sit up properly. After yawning, she lazily lay back into her bed, one hand rubbing her sore head and her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.

  "Alright, I know, Ying Ge, you go ahead and take care of things."

  "Yue Yu sister asked me to take care of you." Ying Ge quickly gathered up her bowl.

  On the left is a month-old sister, on the right is also a month-old sister. On the surface, they are very respectful, but in reality, aren't they just making it clear that Chu Qi is actually nothing? They take care of her, and have no relationship with her at all?

  She glanced at him and Xia Qi's calm and composed response came slowly.

  "I don't need you to take care of me, you're not my filial child or grandchild, taking such good care of me like this, I'm really afraid it'll shorten my lifespan."

  Xia Zhi Qi is a straightforward and sharp-tongued person who often offends others. Most people would be intimidated by her sharp words, not to mention Ying Ge, a gentle girl who usually pays attention to her manners and wouldn't argue with others.

  In an instant, her face turned red and she bowed slightly.

  "Yes, you have something on your mind, call me again later. I'll leave first."

  "Go away! Go away!" Xia Chuqi narrowed her eyes and was too lazy to bother with her.

  The oriole answered obediently, but in that instant when she lowered her eyes, a hint of disdain flashed across her face.

  What happened last night has already spread like wildfire in the relay station, how could she not know about it? To be honest, she couldn't understand why such a noble and dignified person as Prince Jin would take a liking to someone with such ordinary looks.

  But since she was unhappy in her heart, she also knew that Chu Qi had weight in the emperor's heart and wasn't someone she could easily offend, so when she first arrived, she didn't dare to use too much force.

  On the seventh day of summer, I was feeling unwell and needed rest, but the post station was bustling with activity today.

  No matter what happened at night, the sky will still be bright. Everyone's life has to go on, and these guests from the relay station and post office will also resume their seemingly calm daily lives as usual.

  At dawn, Ning Wang's subordinate Zhao Xi sent someone to deliver the "Three Treasures of the Northeast" - ginseng and sable fur - which he had brought from the capital, to Dongfang Qingxuan, the Grand Commander of the Brocade Guard.

  Ning Wang said it was because he had admired Dongfang Daren for a long time, so last night he drank a few more mouthfuls of wine, which led to him being drunk and losing his composure, speaking recklessly and acting improperly, unintentionally offending Dongfang Daren. Please, Dongfang Daren, must be magnanimous and forgive him.

  Although Dongfang Qingxuan's body was ailing today, he was very calm about last night's events. His usual charming face was still radiant, and he spoke as smoothly as ever, saying that his family also had some fault in last night's matter, blaming it on having drunk too much wine and walking into the wrong courtyard. It would be best not to blame Ning Wangye for that matter at all.

  Everything is the fault of wine, can this be considered "as smoke, all past events are forgotten"?

  All nonsense!

  Next, Dongfang Qingxuan had someone deliver the "Three Treasures of Northeast" sent by Ning Wang Zhao Xi to Jin Wang and sincerely invited him to have lunch together.

  The Grand Commander of the East said that he had a sudden inspiration last night, wanting to give King Jin a big surprise, so he fed his beloved concubine some "Chang Huan Jiao" to increase their pleasure in the bedroom. However, it was said that the concubine ended up vomiting and suffered physical damage, and now she needs to take the "Three Treasures of the Northeast" to recover.

  Finally, Dongfang Qingxuan told Zhao Zun with great regret that "Chang Huan Jiao" only required harmonious union and the taste and fun in it could not be experienced normally. Why did Your Highness make it so complicated? However, he didn't expect that Your Highness's little concubine was actually a skilled little doctor who could even solve the unsolvable "Chang Huan Jiao", truly impressive.

  Zhao Zun, who had received the "Three Treasures of the Northeast", was also very calm and collected. During lunch with Dongfang Qingxuan, he also invited Ning Wang and Yuan Yu and several others to join them for another round of drinking. It is said that the host and guests were all delighted, with music and laughter filling the air. Zhao Zun only expressed his gratitude to Dongfang for taking such a great interest in his family affairs, but said that the events of the previous night had been exaggerated and were actually just him and his young servant playing around and having fun together, nothing serious, and that Dongfang need not worry about it.

  Is this "a smile erases past grievances"?

  Everyone is pretending to be cool!

  What's even more unimaginable is that during the banquet, Zhao Zun ordered someone to present the "Three Treasures of Northeast China" to Ning Wang Zhao Xi again, saying thank you for coming from afar to pick him up in Qinggang County and hurting his leg, he really couldn't bear it, such a good thing should be given to his brother to make up for it.

  Of course, Ning Wang Zhao Xi was taken aback, and he also wiped away a handful of sad tears. He said that the two brothers had not seen each other for two years, and this time they came over, not only causing trouble for his nineteenth brother but also almost getting him killed in the flood. When he returned to the capital, he didn't dare to report back to the emperor, and his emotional expression moved many people.

  Isn't this another case of "brothers in the same boat"?

  Just acting!

  In short, the two "Northeast Three Treasures" came from Ning Wang's hands and eventually returned to his hands. This merry-go-round of pretending to be powerful decorated the way of imperial power under the intrigue of contending for power, which really makes one sigh with regret. One person pretends a little, two people pretend a little more, three people get together, and that is how the game of pretending to be powerful is played, with each side having its own master player.

  A storm in a teacup, in an environment where several masters can "hold a boat in their belly", it seems to have passed like this. On the surface, there is deep brotherly love and camaraderie, but privately, everyone is busy to the point of being unable to take a break.

  Someone is investigating the matter of "the millennium stele being unearthed"…

  Someone is investigating Zhao Tun's affair with a young girl...

  Of course, there are also people playing on a bigger chessboard next door.

  These 'disasters' that occurred under the dry, cold and humid sky of Shu, along with the great flood disaster caused by the collapse of the Baijiangyan Dam, which occurs only once in a hundred years, were transmitted to the capital city of Ying Tianfu of the Da Yan dynasty after several days.

  It is said that on that day in the Golden Luangbao Hall, the old emperor was furious and punished several ministers.

  The old emperor has been in a bad mood lately, and this is not the first time either.

  Since Crown Prince Zhao's illness began, Emperor Hongtai has aged overnight, and the fire in his heart has been getting harder to suppress these days.

  But he was in a hurry, it was useless. The body of Crown Prince Zhao Ke was getting worse and worse every day, and he had already become thin and weak. The imperial doctors of the Imperial Hospital had diagnosed him countless times, and they had tried all kinds of methods, but to no avail. According to the former head of the Imperial Hospital who had been executed, "Your Highness, you won't make it through this winter."

  A son who was raised as a crown prince with great care has fallen ill, and at the same time, reports have arrived about snow disasters in the north and floods in the south, with refugees suffering from famine. Meanwhile, the northern nomadic people, the Bei Di, who were driven out of the passes by Zhao Kuo two years ago, have recently been repeatedly invading the borders...

  One wave has not yet subsided when another one rises.

  The Battle of Wu Na has just ended, if Da Yan starts another war, I'm afraid it will shake the foundation of the country again...

  The most useful general for Da Yan was Zhao Zun, the nineteenth son of the old emperor.

  What was even more distressing to Emperor Hongtai than the previous matter was that the "Thousand-Year Stele" discovered in Jin City's Qianyuan Village and the heavenly prophecy of the high monk on Zhangren Mountain were spreading like a plague, with the common people flocking to the government office to petition, temples being built for Zhao Zun everywhere, scholars composing poems and essays, and reports from officials across the land pouring into the capital like snowflakes.

  At this critical moment when the prince was still alive, several factions in the court were already fighting fiercely for the position of crown prince.

  A group of old ministers formed cliques, attacking and accusing each other, exposing each other's secrets. Another group watched from the sidelines, while officials in the imperial court were like gamblers betting on horses, each choosing their own target to support. Sometimes they would even impeach each other in the Golden Hall, quarreling to the point of no return.

  Some people say that King Jin of Zhao, Zhao Kuangyi, used the "Shu Zhong Tong Yao" and "Qian Nian Shi Bei Xian Shi" incidents to spread rumors and deceive the people, manipulating public opinion, holding military power but delaying his return, abusing power and being arrogant, daring to covet the throne as a commoner, destroying the ancestral system, not following etiquette and law, and refusing to be controlled, definitely having a heart of disloyalty.

  Another group of people said that Ning Wang Zhao Xi, who was in charge of the Ducha Yuan, took advantage of the convenience of reporting things through rumors and colluded with some powerful ministers to form a clique for personal gain. They repeatedly framed loyal officials, deceived the emperor above, oppressed the people below, disrupted the order of the court, and their words and deeds were not upright. Although he was the eldest son, he actually had no ability as a crown prince.

  Another group of people say that the emperor's grandson Zhao Mianze...

  The chaos in the imperial court is endless.

  Everyone can't wait to grasp each other's shortcomings and weaknesses and beat them to death.

  That stormy rise of clouds is no less cruel than war.

  But the country and power, in men's eyes will naturally be ranked first. From the old emperor to the princes and ministers, each has their own calculations, so the third " imperial edict of the brother in the capital is critically ill, the old father is dying, very worried about the son, hurry back" again from the snowy sky of Beijing's Temple of Heaven, rushed towards the Sichuan plain which was suffering from flood disaster.

  When the imperial edict arrived, Zhao Kui was not in the post station. In these days, he was busy with only one thing - organizing the Golden Guard to go to the severely affected areas of Chongning, Guanxian and Wangcong counties to provide disaster relief, extracting part of the military salary, and "calling" on the local gentry to take out their wallets to help the people of Shu who were affected by the disaster. His character was highly praised at that time, and no one could surpass him.

  So, in those ten or so days, he was rarely at the relay station.

  Before you know it, the winter solstice is approaching.

  At the beginning of summer, Seventh Aunt's body was severely damaged last time. Seeing Tian'er lying in bed, even his shadow was rarely seen. Intuitively, on such a day without exploitation, she felt extremely comfortable. Because of her "special relationship that cannot be seen by others" with Zhao Zun, now in the post station, especially in front of those close to King Jin, she still has a few thin faces, and can completely become a lazy feudal society rice worm.

  Even in front of the universal principle that has been understood since ancient times, her face was almost bigger than the full moon.

  She is really ill this time.

  It wasn't until the fifth day of her "Chinese medicine night" that Dongfang Qingxuan suddenly came to visit her, and she was still "bedridden", looking pale and wan.

  "Is young Master Chu's body feeling better now?"

  The Eastern Great Demon's face was still as beautiful as a flower, making her jealous, but his originally rosy lips, like cherry blossoms, were probably due to soaking in too much cold water that night, and even after all these days had passed, there was still a hint of pallor.

  It's possible that seeing her thin body, like a withered reed, was even more pitiful than his own, the Eastern Grand Commander found balance in his heart, and this time he didn't make another move on her, his spirits also suddenly lifted.

  Since early summer seventh saw him just no good air, only gloomy smile in response.

  "Does the Grand Commander feel extremely disappointed that I didn't die?"

  The Eastern Qingxuan's eyes slightly opened, revealing a pair of phoenix pupils. He had a very good temper and always spoke with a smile.

  "That night's affair, I was also helping to bring you and the prince together. Chu Xiao Lang doesn't need to take it to heart. It's just that I really didn't expect that you would be such a stubborn person, and once again I underestimated you."

  "Alright alright, next time remember to bring a ladder to look up at me."

  Xia Zhong Qi was originally a clever and resourceful person. Although she had been hiding in the house these days, with Mei Zi's mouth spreading the news, she still knew about most of the things happening outside.

  Especially under the intentional or unintentional indoctrination of Mei Zi, Mei Zi played a role again. Now almost everyone knows that on that moonless night, Dongfang Dazong got drunk and went to Ning Wang's house, seduced Ning Wang, and the two had some "blushing and heart-pounding" things happen.

  Even the mighty Imperial Guards cannot suppress rumors.

  It is said that Da Duzhu was so angry after hearing this that he smashed a whole house full of porcelain shards.

  As soon as he thought of this, Xia Chuyi saw Dongfang Qingxuan again, and the smile on his face became even more sincere.

  "General, previously Chu Qi was disrespectful to you, don't take it to heart. From now on, you should be more concerned about Chu Qi. Everyone knows that you have received the favor of Ning Wang Gong's daughter, and from now on, your future will be bright and boundless. However... as the saying goes, 'because of love, there is worry, because of love, there is fear.' I heard that in Ning Wang Gong's backyard, there are dozens of men as handsome as you, General. Thinking about it, Chu Qi is really worried about your position in Ning Wang Gong's heart. Fortunately, with your abilities, you will surely be the most beautiful flower on top, becoming a top-notch expert in harem struggles."

  She uttered one hurtful remark after another, yet her face didn't flush and she wasn't short of breath.

  The Eastern Blue Mystic's face, as beautiful as a flower, changed expressionless for a moment, but in an instant, it recovered its usual gentle smile and calmness. However, when looking at her, those shallow amber-like crystal eyes seemed to have deepened a few shades more.

  "I've always been curious, you're actually a doctor?"

  "Summer begins on the seventh day of the first month, I shouldn't be here, should I?"

  "It's indeed it. Just a little unclear, that's all." Dongfang Qingxuan smiled lightly and spoke in a gentle tone, her stunning beauty and elegance evident as she casually swept aside the sleeve of her bright red robe with a flirtatious glance, exchanging a brief, shallow gaze with her opponent before suddenly curving the corner of her lips into a bewitchingly charming smile.

  "Whatever, I've had enough of this place where birds don't even shit, it's time for me to leave..."

  Is he leaving? Returning to the capital?

  Isn't he here to bid her farewell? Their relationship doesn't seem to be that close.

  In the beginning of summer, I was secretly setting off firecrackers to bid farewell, but only a hint of "extremely regretful" sympathy appeared at the corner of my lips.

  "Chu Qi didn't see him off and left early to reincarnate. Commander, next life, remember to be born into a good family."

  Dongfang Qingxuan was taken aback for a moment, and then his entire body stiffened into a handsome statue.

  After a long time, he finally let out a sigh of relief, and his smiling eyes softened. Then, with a smile, "Chu Xiaolong's sharp tongue is indeed one who doesn't know how to suffer losses. But in my opinion... perhaps it won't take a few days before you'll be returning to the capital with me, who knows?"

  Return to the capital with him?

  At the beginning of summer, she didn't know what he meant by saying this. Now, there was no more "cheap" word on her forehead, only a big wound that hadn't healed yet. Her identity was still that of a servant of Prince Jin, and she was no longer someone's prisoner. She felt much more at ease, and she also didn't have as many reservations about Dongfang Qingxuan as before.

  "Alas, I'm afraid Chu Qi and Da Duzhu will never have a smooth relationship in this lifetime."

  "That's not necessarily true." Dongfang Qingxuan smiled, gazing at her again. The emotions floating in his narrow and long phoenix eyes made it difficult for her to decipher, "You are indeed clever, but the first two years were a mistake on my part..."

  At the beginning of summer, I knew she was talking about summer grass, but I didn't respond to that topic.

  "A commander-in-chief as handsome as this one, Chu Qi had never seen before. Otherwise, how could she have no impression?"

  "There will be an impression."

  Dongfang Qingxuan smiled, his voice warm and gentle, the tone extremely soft and light, as if he was just asking a friend how they were doing. But that soft and gentle tone, every time it floated out, could inexplicably make people feel a chill in their hearts, feeling that looking at him wasn't a pleasant experience, even though he was born with such beauty.

  Xia Zhong Qi stared at her, thinking.

  He took a step closer, his eyes curved in a smile as he added, "Actually, compared to killing people, I enjoy the thrill of sharpening my knife more."

  She pouted and nodded slightly.

  "I understand, Commander, you've always liked sharpening knives, haven't you? But Chu Qi has a few words to advise you. No matter how high the waves are, they're still under the boat; no matter how high the mountains are, they're still under your feet. In the end, aren't you just someone who sharpens knives for others? What's there to show off about?"

  She felt that she spoke too sarcastically.

  That Eastern fiend gazed at her with a profound and meaningful glance, calmly saying, "I'll be waiting for you to return to the capital together... soon..."

  "No need to be polite, Chu Qi is also following King Jin back."

  Dongfang Qingxuan suddenly burst out laughing and leaned in, "That matter of the thousand-year-old stone tablet, Chu Xiaolong exerted quite some effort, how will Your Highness thank him?"

  Having said that, before Xia Chuyi could respond, Dongfang Qingxuan, dressed in a red robe, flashed by with several people and left in high spirits.

  Digression

  The story will continue soon, and it will enter a new phase... Thank you to all the sisters for your enthusiastic support, I love you guys.

  Ten thousand more, monthly tickets, my claws are out again!

  ——

  Sincere thanks: Dear Miss Qingteng Yimo, congratulations on becoming a scholar, thank you very much for your support.