Chapter 68: Cruel Treatment of Cruelty! The Game is Heart-Pounding!

  Dongfang Qingxuan and Xia Chuqi left the Deep Well Teahouse, while Zhao Mianze remained seated quietly.

  He elegantly savored the steaming tea on the table, his deep eyes filled with confusion and distraction, lost in thought. Xia asked An stood quietly by his side for a moment before getting up to take a cloak from Ya Tou's arms and gently placing it over him, her eyes cast downward, her lips pursed tightly shut.

  Neither of them said anything.

  After a while, Zhao Mianze finally turned his head around, slightly raised his hand and gently stroked her hair.

  "Qiū ér, zài xiǎng shén me?"

  Translation: "Autumn child, what are you thinking about?"

  "Mianze, my heart is... in a mess, so messy that I'm getting anxious." Xia asked Autumn looked at him obediently, tilted her head, and gently leaned on his shoulder. "I'm afraid she's Seventh Sister, but also afraid she's not Seventh Sister. If she is Seventh Sister, the love you and I have shared as husband and wife for two years might be ruthlessly severed by His Majesty. But if she's not Seventh Sister, where has Seventh Sister gone? As long as she doesn't come back, my heart can't settle down... if she doesn't come back in a year, my heart will be unsettled for a whole year..."

  "Does Qiuer think she is?"

  Zhao Mianze's gaze remained unchanged, and he asked lightly. However, in his mind, a pair of eyes that were as agile as if they had thousands of waves and cunning appeared. If one were to say that Chu Qi's facial features resembled those of Xia Chu, it was indeed very similar. But those eyes, that expression, that gentle tone, and that medical skill were not similar in the slightest.

  How could Xia Chu have such a pair of eyes?

  How could Xia Chu have so many skills?

  How could Xia Chu have such sharp words?

  With just a faint smile, she can cleverly shut people up.

  Everyone says that Dongfang Qingxuan is a troublesome demon, but isn't Chu Qi the same? Dongfang Qingxuan's demonic nature is on the surface, while Chu Qi's is hidden inside. On the surface, she appears transparent and easy to see through. But in reality, her thoughts are deeply hidden, and he can't see through them at all.

  "Mian Ze, I'm really conflicted in my heart."

  Two people who have been together for a long time can easily sense each other's every move. Zhao Mianze was still pondering Xia Qiuyi's unusual eyes and behavior on the seventh day of summer, when Xia Qiuyi's voice became even softer, her arms stretched out, she tightly hugged Zhao Mianze's waist, her body leaning against his, "Mianze, I'm scared..."

  "What's wrong?" Zhao Mianze turned his hand around her, gently stroking her back up and down.

  "I'm afraid that if you find Seventh Sister, you won't want me anymore. I'm also afraid that the person is indeed Seventh Sister, she's so different, you'll definitely take a liking to her. And I'm afraid that the person isn't Seventh Sister, and she's still wandering among the people, suffering. I'm also afraid that I won't be able to bear you a son, and later on, you'll take in another concubine and no longer favor me. What's more, I'm afraid that one day, when I'm old and my beauty has faded, leaving only a lonely shadow guarding the deep mansion..."

  Zhao Mianze fell silent for a moment before letting out a slow sigh.

  "Fool, whether it's her or not has nothing to do with the relationship between you and me."

  He comforted her gently, but Xia asked Qiu still clung to him like a dependent little bird, not letting go. This kind of woman is most likely to evoke men's sympathy, "Qiu'er, I've wronged you for the past two years, you don't know the emperor's temperament, he gets sentimental and can't think clearly at times, but... that's just a matter of time, one day I will make you my official wife with dignity, and there will only be you by my side."

  "Manze..." Xia Wenqiu sniffled, his voice trembling with emotion, soft and low, "I want to have a child for you, even if it's just a daughter. Otherwise, I won't be able to go on living like this..."

  She suddenly raised her head and said with a sincere tone.

  "Instead of bothering me, why don't you go find Chu Qi and take a look for yourself?"

  There is a good doctor in the Jin Wang Fu, whose medical skills are unmatched. The East Palace had already received news about this early on. However, as for the Crown Prince's illness, even the many doctors at the Imperial Hospital were unable to come up with a solution, so who would believe in an ordinary doctor? Regarding the rumors that the King of Jin kept a male favorite, Zhao Mianze was also aware of it early on. The only thing he didn't know was that this male favorite looked exactly like Xia Chu. Originally, he had found her today to intentionally ask her to take a look at Xia Qiu's illness, but now the situation has turned out like this, and Zhao Mianze couldn't help but have some extra worries.

  He held Xia Wenqi in his arms for a long time before finding the words to speak.

  "Qiū ér jiù bù pà tā... wàn yī shǐ huài?"

  Translation: "Qiu'er isn't afraid of her...... what if she gets naughty?"

  Xia asked Qi Guang, looking at her with a mixture of water and earth, "Mian Ze, I've taken so much of this medicinal soup over the past two years, but my body doesn't seem to be getting any better. Since Chu Qi said she had a good method, trying it out wouldn't hurt? I've thought about it, even if she has some ulterior motives, it's not a big deal. Once she comes up with a prescription, I'll ask Lin Yuan from the Imperial Hospital to take a look first before taking it..."

  "Whatever."

  Seeing Zhao Mianze agree, Xia Wenqiu's face also added a hint of color.

  "Mian Ze, you're really good to Qiu Er."

  The husband's affection and the concubine's intention didn't last long, in a blink of an eye, her other worry came again.

  "But as for Chu Qi's matter, how are you planning to handle it..."

  "Autumn..." Zhao Mianze interrupted her, hesitated for a moment, and then tightened his grip on her arm, his palm slowly stroking along her spine. "Autumn, don't think so much about this. These past two years, it's all my fault for not protecting you well enough, making you worry about these things as a woman. From now on, just stay at home and take care of yourself. As for that person, whether he is Xia Chu or not, I will have a way to deal with him."

  "Mianze, what do you mean?"

  Zhao Mianze's gaze swept across Xia Wenqiu's face, giving her a warm and gentle smile.

  "I have a perfect plan that can solve everything once and for all —"

  ……

  ……

  In the tea house, the charcoal fire was burning brightly, making the atmosphere feel even more spring-like. The cold weather outside with snowflakes in the wind made it feel even colder. Xiaoyi didn't have an outer cloak on her, which made the chill even more unbearable. As she walked past a small bridge, she shook off Dongfang Qingxuan's hand and bowed with a smile.

  "Today's favor, thank you very much, Governor. However, I'm just a humble person and don't dare to dirty your carriage, nor do I dare trouble you to condescend to send me back to the mansion. So, let's part ways here, and I'll repay your kindness another day."

  Dongfang Qingxuan gazed at her, a red robe that was even more enchanting in the snowy wind.

  "It's just on the way, no need for courtesy, young master Chu."

  "The young master is going to the King of Jin's mansion, you are returning to the Grand Commander's mansion, how can it be on the same road?"

  "This place is called Ying Tian Fu, wherever I go from here, it's all smooth sailing."

  “……”

  Taking a glance at his extremely handsome face, Xia Qi Qi knew that she couldn't reason with this guy. Although there was some taboo about the Brocade Guards, thinking back to how he acted in front of Zhao Xun Ze earlier, it didn't seem like he wanted to expose her identity, but rather seemed to have an ulterior motive.

  Then she might as well listen to what he had to say.

  "Then I'll have to trouble General Du."

  "Chu Xiao Lang, please——"

  The Eastern Blue Mystic Dawn reached out her hand to her.

  She raised an eyebrow and quickly withdrew her hand.

  Dongfang Qingxuan's hands were very white and smooth, her skin was so good that she felt a little jealous. But when she touched him like this, she naturally thought of another hand. Also clean, warmer. Also dry, more powerful. Every time that hand grasped hers, there was a feeling of being pulled from a tomboy to a little woman.

  I think he's been angry for quite some time now?

  It's been several days! You're really being overly sensitive.

  She muttered to climb onto the carriage, Dongfang Qingxuan helped her up and politely withdrew his hand. Li Mo, however, remained silent and sat outside with a Jin Yiwei driver.

  In the cramped space with a faint scent of elegance, only she and the Eastern demon were left.

  Xia Zhuo sat with her hands clasped on her knees, her back straight as a rod, her eyes cast down in contemplation. She didn't speak and didn't look at him, adopting an attitude that seemed respectful but actually kept people at arm's length. She thought to herself, she couldn't lose face in front of this stunning beauty, so she just waited for him to make the first move.

  Obviously, Commander Kado did not think so.

  His pair of spirited and charming eyes sized her up, not discussing official business, only chatting about family matters.

  "Chu Xiaolang has been in Beijing for quite a few days now, what are his impressions?"

  "They are all men and women with one mouth, one nose, two eyes and two legs, no different from Qinggang County." After saying this lightly, Xia Chui's lips curled up slightly, and he glanced at Dongfang Qingxuan with a lack of interest, sizing him up from head to toe, and his eyes revealed a hint of mockery.

  "Good grief, look at my terrible memory! I almost forgot about you, Great Commander. Apart from men and women, there's actually a third type of being, neither male nor female... a demon like you."

  "Chu Xiaolang's words are still so interesting."

  She smiled softly and the Eastern Grand Commander, who had always been in a good mood, had lips as red as cherry blossoms, and his words were still so pleasant to hear. He was a stunningly handsome man, renowned throughout the capital, which made Xia Chuyi seethe with jealousy, so jealous that she wished she could peel off his face and stick it onto her own.

  She snorted with laughter as she imagined the surgical scene.

  "What's so funny?"

  Taking a deep breath, she solemnly raised her face and quietly changed the subject, "Little one has something unclear in his heart. Why did General want to help me today? Our friendship doesn't seem to have reached that point yet?"

  "Are you the Seventh Miss of the Wei State's Public House?" Dongfang Qing's eyes narrowed, her pupils sparkling with a hint of light.

  "What do you think?" Xia Chuqi curled up the corner of his mouth, "Obviously - no."

  "So this is just clarifying the facts."

  A warning bell suddenly rang in her mind, and Xia Chui looked at him with scrutiny.

  This Eastern Great Demon is not a good thing, he will inexplicably change his tone, and must have other intentions. How could it be that he sincerely wants to help her? Could it be that he deeply loves Zhao Zun, and in order to prevent Zhao Zun from being implicated, he decided to give up his own interests?

  She smiled with her eyes narrowed after continuing to fantasize about "True Love Festival".

  "The Grand Commander speaks reasonably. However, you previously vouched for me in front of the Crown Prince, shouldn't you be clear about what that implies? If I were to get into some kind of trouble later on, the Grand Commander would also be implicated."

  "It's like that, then..." A slender white wrist slowly rose, and just as Xia Chuyi thought his hand was going to land on her body, it passed over her instead, taking down the handkerchief hanging from the gold-painted horizontal beam, and gently wiping his embroidered spring knife with the tender care of a lover.

  "So Chu Xiao Lang should be responsible for this matter?"

  Who is responsible?

  She swept a glance at his shining eyes, Xia Chuqi raised the corner of her lips, and her eyes were filled with a sly smile. "Since the Grand Commander has this intention, how can I dare not follow? After I return to the mansion and inform the King of Jin, I will find an auspicious day to bring you into the mansion as my concubine. I suppose the Grand Commander won't mind being inferior to the King of Jin?"

  "Are you doing well?"

  Dongfang Qingxuan paused for a moment, then burst out with a smile that was even more vibrant than the mountain flowers in spring. Those slender fingers, each joint distinct, slid lightly across the icy blade of the embroidered spring knife, like a scallion being chopped.

  "Chu Xiaolang has a huge appetite, I and the prince are two people, can you finish eating?"

  "The kid has no other skills, just a big appetite."

  At the beginning of summer, Qiuli smiled lightly and responded with ease. Not only did she not have a bit of shyness that was typical of girls from good families, but what she said was so elegant and refined, her eyebrows and eyes blooming like flowers, that it made Dongfang Qingxuan raise an eyebrow in suspicion.

  "You and the Seventh Miss of the Wei State Duke's Manor are indeed different."

  "That is natural, I am myself."

  "She's a fool, and you..." paused for a moment, Dongfang Qingxuan smiled, "are a rascal."

  Half-clenching his fist and bringing it to his mouth, Xia Chuiqi chuckled and said, "Actually, life is just a rogue, always teasing people into playing along. Only those who are more rogue than it can live happily. Besides, if someone doesn't even have feelings when faced with beauty, they won't even know how to be a rogue, that's just miserable."

  "Girl, don't be so rude..."

  "Who said I'm a girl?" Xia Chuyi narrowed her eyes slightly.

  Phoenix's eyes slightly narrowed, Dongfang Qingxuan continued to wipe the knife, the sharp blade mixed with the demonic energy on his body, making his whole body carry a cold aura. However, after a slight pause, he smiled and leaned in closer to her, putting away the cloth used to wipe the knife. He then lowered his head and whispered in her ear with a soft voice like feathers and spring water, "

  "Don't recognize me? Do you want me to prove my identity on the spot?"

  My mind went blank for a second.

  At the beginning of summer, Qi'er felt a little guilty, but she didn't believe he would really do such a thing.

  "I'm just a real man, what are you afraid of testing?!"

  Eastern Qing Xuan narrowed his eyes, "Seventh Miss, you really have a big nerve. Actually, I'm also very curious, if I hadn't arrived in time today, what were you planning to use to fool that little girl from the Long Sun Palace? Do you have something? Take it out and let me see, let's take a look at what kind of thing you've grown into."

  “……”

  Xia started coughing on the seventh day of summer, but her face didn't turn red.

  "The Grand Commander is quite humorous, but it's just that kind of thing, and it's inconvenient for me to show you."

  Under the piercing gaze of Dongfang Qingyun, she no longer denied that she was a girl. Of course, she didn't directly admit it either; some things are better left unspoken, and saying them out loud would spoil the fun. As expected, Dongfang Qingyun just smiled and sat back down, not really intending to verify her body.

  Two people had this awkward topic, Xia Chuqi suddenly came up with some strange ideas.

  Why is it that in front of Dongfang Qingyun, no matter what he says, she can respond to him with ease and composure, without feeling embarrassed even when he makes suggestive remarks? And yet every time Zhao Zun gets close to her, her heart beats like an engine, one blush subsiding only for another to rise, just like a shy little bride. Considering that both of them are handsome men who can make people's hearts skip a beat, isn't this too strange?!

  She thought of this and then thought of Zhao Zhu again.

  It's been several days since I last saw him, what has he been busy with?

  She'll be back soon, otherwise she'd better apologize to him first?

  "What is Chu Xiaolong thinking?" Dongfang Qingxuan suddenly threw a charming glance, with a smile that was not quite a smile, sat closer to her, looking at the expression on her face, with a hint of interest in his eyes.

  As if she had been seen through her thoughts, Xia Chuqi shifted her body and moved a little further away from him.

  "It's definitely not thinking of you as the Grand Commander."

  Dongfang Qingxuan smiled slightly and moved closer, sitting down next to her. Xia Chuqi glanced at him and moved away again. As she moved away, he sat even closer, and the two of them continued to shift back and forth in the train car, causing the soft cushion to slide sideways until it fell to one side. Xia Chuqi finally couldn't help but shout out in exasperation.

  "Are you, Great Commander, so bored that your eggs are aching? This is so dull!"

  "Ovulation pain?"

  "Don't you get it? It's roughly the same as being bored."

  He chuckled, and Dongfang Qingxuan's expression became even more captivating, "Then let's just say that I'm intrigued. If I weren't, how would I be curious about what exactly has the Duke of Jin enthralled by you?"

  "So now you know?"

  He smiled and said with a soft "hmm", "You smell nice on your body, no wonder he likes you."

  Smelly? Smells like his dog fart.

  Xia Chuqi fiercely pursed her lips.

  If Zhao Zilong were to say this sentence, it would definitely be "You stink to death". At this time, the bloodstains on her body had already seeped into her clothes and dried into clots. She was so embarrassed that she didn't even want to go out and see people. The beautiful and heavenly General actually gave her face and said she smelled good. Could it be that he was born with a liking for the smell of fresh blood?

  "Hmm, as expected, Commander's hobby is indeed unique and heavy-handed."

  He smiled slowly and suddenly changed his tone, "Chu Xiaolang, want to know who was behind the assassination of Yuan Xing?"

  "Look at him, a louse on a bald head - it's obvious."

  "Do you want to know why I helped you hide in front of Zhangsun's face?"

  "I don't want to." Xia Chuqi was unwilling to follow his lead.

  He let out a soft "oh" and Dongfang Qingxuan stroked the embroidered spring knife in his hand, slowly curling up the corners of his mouth to reveal a dazzling smile. "Chu Xiaolang is indeed a person who can't be figured out. Why did he want it just now, but doesn't want it anymore?"

  Xia Yuqi stared quietly at him for a moment, then curled her lips and revealed eight teeth.

  "Because every time you smile like this, Governor, nothing good comes of it."

  The Eastern Blue Mystic's pupils contracted, and this time she truly laughed out loud.

  "Chu Xiaolong's clever thoughts. Just for this point, I'll tell you that it doesn't matter. Fan Congliang will be escorted back to the capital tomorrow, and King Jin wants a joint trial by the three law enforcement agencies, but I have already received an imperial edict from His Majesty, ordering me to handle the case with the Imperial Guards. If you, Chu Xiaolong, suddenly become the seventh miss of the Wei Guo Gong Fu, then who is the Chu Qi who colluded with Fan Congliang on the 'Thousand Year Stone Stele'? Wouldn't my painstaking efforts be in vain? So, for now, you can only be Chu Qi, not Xia Chu——"

  "Silly, look at how you've calculated this?" Xia Chun Qi sneered lightly and said sarcastically, "You think of using me to deal with the King of Jin? You're certain that Fan Cong Liang will confess something? Besides, whatever he says is just what he says. Who knows him, anyway? Legally... no, criminal law requires evidence. Commander-in-Chief, do you know what evidence is?"

  Dongfang Qingyun just smiled and didn't answer.

  Xia Ziyu gazed at him faintly on the seventh day of summer, her eyes also becoming sharper.

  "What's more, if the young man's guess is correct, Governor, your plan can't be just this, can it? What exactly do you have in mind, what exactly are you going to do? The young man only needs to make a wild guess, and he can imagine - perhaps this scene before him is too small for you. Governor, your scheme should be much bigger than this, shouldn't it?"

  The Eastern Blue Mystic's eyes were deep and profound.

  Looking at her, slowly, little by little, she opened a smile.

  "This mouth is so sharp! It's really attractive."

  He said faintly, leaning lazily against the carriage frame, a beautiful and enchanting face restored to calmness, with a captivating complexion. "Unfortunately, Chu Xiao Lang thinks too much. You still don't understand my character, my greatest hobby is - stirring up the waters."

  On the seventh day of summer, she gazed at his enchanting face and opened her mouth with a light and flirtatious movement.

  "Great Commander, you are unaware that I also have a hobby - it's fishing in murky waters. The murkier the water, the bigger the fish. Once I catch the fish and cook it, whether by roasting, pan-frying or boiling, the flavor is at its best."

  "So it seems that Chu Xiao Lang and I are truly a perfect match?"

  He raised an eyebrow, and Dongfang Qingxuan suddenly had a great epiphany.

  "That's not going to work. We're one human and one demon, we don't match."

  She smiled and teased him without restraint, but the Grand Commander didn't seem to mind at all. His beautiful phoenix eyes even warmed up a few degrees as he gazed at her for a long time before continuing in a slow and gentle tone, "Chu Xiaolong, enemies and friends are never fixed. Today you see me as an enemy, who knows if tomorrow you'll consider me a friend? Moreover, I think there will come a day when we can be companions. Of course, Chu Xiaolong is already a very good companion to begin with. This is also another reason why I helped you today."

  "There must be other reasons, right?" Xia Chuyi smiled again.

  "Clever." Dongfang Qingxuan also smiled.

  "I guess you won't tell me?" Xia Chuqi raised an eyebrow.

  "Indeed." Dongfang Qingyun smiled again.

  "Then I'm afraid there's no chance of cooperation between me and the Grand Commander. Unless, you're willing to pay for a tragedy? Give me some silver, and maybe I'll consider it. Otherwise, even if you use your good looks, they won't work on me, my husband is just as handsome as you."

  "Conscious, you really love money."

  "Better than loving a man—"

  Two people were talking in a low and mysterious tone, when the carriage suddenly came to an abrupt stop with a "creech".

  Eastern Blue Xuan's body slightly tilted, "Like the wind, what's going on?"

  Outside the carriage window, as if the wind had lowered its voice, "Return to Generalissimo, ahead is the carriage of Prince Jin's mansion."

  Dongfang Qingxuan glanced at Xia Chuqi and said faintly, "Make way."

  "Yes!"

  Rufeng respectfully replied and the horse carriage soon pulled over to the side of the road.

  Xia's heart was uneasy on the seventh day of summer, but her expression remained very calm, while Dongfang Qingxuan still had a radiant smile.

  "Guess what, has he come especially to pick you up?"

  "No."

  "Why so sure?"

  "I got into a fight with him, and he's still mad at me."

  Xia Ziyu smiled and laughed as she spoke, her expression quite at ease. But the look on her face was like that of a young couple who had just had a minor disagreement, with no hint of reverence for His Highness. The look in her eyes seemed to convey another emotion altogether.

  He hesitated for a moment before laughing lightly.

  "This time, I'm afraid you've guessed wrong, Chu Xiao Lang."

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, no sooner had he finished speaking than a familiar voice was heard from outside.

  "Grand Commander An is well! Is Doctor Chu in the carriage?"

  That emotionless voice was none other than Chen Jing, Zhao Yun's chief guard.

  In fact, this sentence is quite redundant. He had already seen Li Mo outside and naturally knew that Chu Qi was in Dongfang Qingxuan's carriage. It was just a routine question, also a sign of respect for Commander Dongfang Qingxuan.

  Dongfang Qingxuan didn't respond to her, but instead gave a sly glance with his eyes, looking towards Xia Chuqi.

  "Go ahead. I'll see you off up to here."

  "Great Commander, farewell!"

  Xia Chuqi smiled slightly and glanced at him before getting off the carriage with a bow.

  Outside, snowflakes were still floating in the air, and it was really very cold. She hugged her arms, only to see Zhao Zhu's carriage, but she didn't see Zhao Zhu himself, that black curtain was tightly closed, and I don't know if he was on the carriage or not.

  Today, I secretly met Zhao Mianze and got on the carriage of Dongfang Qingxuan. Although she didn't do anything either, it was for a proper reason, but still felt a little bit guilty. Clearing her throat, she adjusted her hat brim, exchanged a glance with Li Mo, then walked closer to the carriage and called out in an unnatural tone.

  "Chu Qi pays respects to Your Highness."

  There was no one inside responding, but it was Dongfang Qingxuan who opened the curtain and said with a smile.

  "Since the King of Jin has come to receive him in person, why must he avoid meeting him? Today's weather is so fine, why not open the curtains and exchange a few words with Qingxuan, also let Qingxuan see the elegant demeanor of Your Highness's beloved concubine?"

  This guy is provoking!

  Xia Chuiqi sighed inwardly, thinking that she must not let the gods fight and the mortals suffer. Just then, the door of the horse carriage in front of her opened, and the person inside sat up straight with a cold face, giving her only an icy glance before turning sideways to lift the curtain and gaze slowly towards the eastern Qingxuan.

  "Eastern Lord, you're still dressed so seductively on a snowy day like today, are you trying to entice me?"

  Cough! Cough!

  Xia Chuqi, who was getting on the bus with her head down, almost choked on her own saliva.

  Zhao's words were indeed powerful and domineering, with a hint of sarcasm and flirtation that left the Eastern Demoness speechless. Moreover, he was able to tease her so calmly, seriously, and elegantly, leaving others at a loss for words.

  But...

  Look at him in a suit of cold and elegant black clothes, then look at the beautiful and charming red clothes of the Eastern demon, she had an idea that shouldn't have occurred to her again - these two people should be together.

  What a beautiful scene it is?

  Before she could even react, her arm was tightly grasped by Zhao Zhu and she was pulled over.

  She licked her tongue and sat beside him, suddenly feeling inexplicably tense.

  However, Zhao Zun didn't even glance at her, still wearing his usual elegant and cold expression, looking at Dongfang Qingxuan, and snorted again in a not very polite tone.

  "What a pity, Master Dongfang seems to have miscalculated. You're not the right match for me. However, Third Imperial Brother —"

  The name of King Ning had barely been mentioned when Dongfang Qingxuan's face turned ugly.

  However, he is not a lantern that can be bullied by others.

  He swept a glance at Xia Chuqi, his eyes curved with emotion, and smiled meaningfully, "Your Highness is joking, Qingxuan has no private relationship with Ning Wangye, but he is quite close to Chu Xiaolang, they chatted very happily, and earlier he even said that he wanted to invite Qingxuan to the mansion to play with her, I don't know if Your Highness would welcome it?"

  "In the backyard of this king, there are many idle courtyards." Zhao Zun looked at him calmly, "But can you, Lord Dongfang, have the ability to win the favor of this king?"

  Come on, two grown men joking around and being so shameless?

  It's actually turning vulgarity into elegance!

  She didn't dare to look at Zhao Zhu's expression, Xia Chuqi was thinking chaotically, her eyes fixed on Dongfang Qingxuan's smiling face, emitting a killing aura. She feared that he would provoke her again, and Zhao Zhu would turn around and kill her.

  Fortunately, Dongfang Qingxuan received her extremely lethal gaze, pursed the corners of her mouth full of demonic energy, and flew a flirtatious glance at her. With a soft chuckle, she elegantly lowered the curtain.

  But he did this...

  Isn't it just two people who want to say something but hesitate?

  Not a good thing!

  Her back was burning with anger, thinking about her own little secrets with Zhao Zhuo, wondering if he would think she was being unfaithful to him by flirting with other men. She felt more and more wronged, even more so than that surnamed Dou goose.

  However.

  She never expected that on the way to the Jin Wang Fu, Zhao Zun didn't even glance at her, didn't speak to her, didn't ask where she went or who she saw, and didn't scold her. He completely ignored her as if she didn't exist, his face cold and expressionless, which made Xia Chuqi want to kick him in the butt.

  "Hello?"

  She knew he was still sulking, so she decided to give him some face.

  As expected, no answer.

  "What's wrong with you? Are you still angry?"

  Still won't answer.

  "Are you here to pick me up, or is it just a coincidence?"

  Still no answer.

  Go away! She gave him a sideways glance, and the smile on her face disappeared.

  Is she a kind person? She is uncomfortable, and others shouldn't think about being comfortable either.

  She rubbed her nose, humming a discordant little tune, looking at the street scene with great joy. The more unpleasant the song was, the more she hummed it all the way to the Jin Wang Fu. But he was indeed able to endure, his face getting darker and darker, yet still coldly expressionless, without any sign of wanting to talk to her.

  She glanced at him, then turned her head back, and didn't rush to find fault with him. They got off the carriage one after another in a very strange manner, just like two strangers. The scene made the attendants on the side feel that the weather had changed greatly today. Especially the cold air emanating from their master's body was piercing.

  Huh?...

  It's not easy to blend in with ancient times!

  On the seventh day of summer, she felt a sense of regret about the feudal lord's unpredictable temper. She thought that today's story would end here and planned to find another opportunity to speak later. However, she didn't expect that there was another big show waiting for her in the mansion.

  As soon as the group of people entered the inner courtyard from the Chengyun Hall, they heard the sound of women crying and chattering coming from inside. As soon as Zhao Zhu appeared, a woman rushed over with her hair disheveled, "thud" knelt down in front of him, and looked up at him with a sorrowful expression.

  "Master, you've finally returned, you must take charge now."

  When you say kneel, just kneel...

  One by one, pear flowers come with rain, why are they all so weak?

  It's been seven days since summer began, and I'm watching a play, but I don't know which act they're singing now.

  All that could be seen was the kneeling girl, who had tied up her hair in a bun, wearing a white dress, looking pitifully thin. It wasn't someone else, but rather Zhao Zun's second wife, also known as the thirteenth young lady of the family of Shi Changjin, the Left Servant of the Ministry of War, Miss Shi. Her head knocked against the snowy ground, making a "squeaking" sound, not pretending at all.

  Zhao's already dark face turned even colder.

  She glanced slowly at the group of fierce-looking maids, each one as silent as a cicada in winter, not daring to look up at him. Only Yuè Yù let out a sigh and walked over to curtsy, hastily reporting the situation.

  Three women make a drama, more women means more drama.

  Originally, Dongfang Yuanyi had been cooped up in the Nanlai Temple for several days, and the "farting incident" would have blown over. But today, Dongfang Yuanyi's maid Xiang Cui happened to catch Ling'er, Shexi's maid, putting medicine in her daily beauty tea. She immediately gave Ling'er a slap in the face, then called Mo Yu and Wei Shi over to interrogate her in front of everyone. To their surprise, Ling'er confessed that the purpose of putting medicine was to prevent her from seducing Master.

  Besides, Ling'er also entrusted that a few days ago at the grand banquet, Xie's family also made her give her medicine on purpose to make her fart and lose her manners in front of Grandfather.

  Now that the matter has been settled, Ling'er repeatedly said that she was instructed by her master, and Xie Shi couldn't make herself clear. Dongfang Wanyi was originally a stubborn and arrogant person who relied on the power of the Dongfang family in the imperial court to be overbearing. This time, she had to drag Xie Shi to find Zhao Zun to reason with him, and at the same time, salvage her "loss of manners" bad impression in his heart.

  After hearing all this, Xia Qi's mind was bewildered.

  How did it become as if she had nothing to do with herself?

  If it weren't for her personally taking action against Dongfang Wanyi that day, they would have been duped.

  "Your Majesty, I have been obedient and law-abiding since entering the palace. I never dared to have any overstepping thoughts. You've been away for two years, now that you've returned triumphantly, my sisters and I are all delighted. However, I know my appearance is coarse and I don't dare have any improper thoughts. Being able to see Your Majesty once is already enough, how could I possibly harbor such malicious intentions towards Eldest Sister?"

  Na Xie cried until her face was covered in tears and she couldn't lift her head.

  But the more she cried and complained, the more Dongfang Wanyi's temper flared up.

  She let out a low growl and cursed, then struggled free from the servant who was holding her back, and with a "thud" she knelt down in front of Zhao Zhu, her pitiful appearance completely different from her usual haughty demeanor.

  "Please, sir, investigate clearly. This wicked woman has harmed me once and doesn't think it's enough, she wants to harm me again. Sir, you absolutely cannot let this kind of vicious woman off scot-free. Today she dares to poison me, tomorrow who knows what kind of poisonous medicine she'll dare to give you, sir! This kind of evil practice must not be allowed to continue!"

  She said it with a straight face, just like she wasn't the one who asked Xia Chuyi for fox powder that day.

  Zhao Zun didn't say a word from start to finish, Xia Chuyi also just coldly observed like most people, only Yue Yu carefully observed the situation for a while, and then sighed in embarrassment.

  "Both wives claim innocence, how can I possibly make a judgment?"

  Dongfang Wanyi glared at Yuè Yù and stood up, dragging a small servant girl to kneel together in front of Zhao Zun.

  "Xiang Cui, come tell Grandfather the truth, no beating around the bush, don't lie."

  That young girl named Xiang Cui didn't dare look at Zhao Zhu even once, and she knocked her head.

  "Master, I'm a slave and I personally saw Ling'er poison someone, you can ask her."

  That little girl called Ling'er has been taken down by two old women, her face is swollen on both sides, and she's been beaten badly. At this moment, she's kneeling in the snow on the other side, hearing the sound, her body trembled slightly, then lowered her head and knocked heavily.

  "Spare my life! It's not my fault, spare my life... it was the second madam who ordered me to do this..."

  Yu'e furrowed her brow slightly.

  "Ling'er, you are not allowed to lie in front of Grandfather and frame Mrs. Ru."

  "I don't dare! Even if I had the courage of a giant, I wouldn't dare. It's true, it was really the second mistress who ordered me to do this. The second mistress also told me that the first mistress is beautiful and will definitely be summoned by the master to serve him in bed when he returns. The first mistress has always been arrogant and bullying, often taking advantage of the second and third mistresses in the mansion. If she gains the master's favor this time, who knows what trouble she'll stir up? So, just making her lose face at the last banquet wasn't enough; this time, giving her this medicine will definitely make her bedridden for a while, so that during the master's stay in Beijing, she won't be able to get out of bed and flirt with him. Master, have mercy! Ling'er is telling the whole truth, really without any lies..."

  This girl is quite witty with her words, has someone taught her?

  Not only did he say that Xie had poisoned someone, but also that Dongfang Yu'er bullied people in the mansion.

  Xia Ziyu gazed at her lightly, pulled up the outer cloak that Li Mo had brought back for her, and guessed the meaning of this big show, with only a faint smile on her face.

  The play has started, and there must be an audience.

  She thought she was the most suitable audience.

  Maybe they were just performing for her sake.

  Now Ling'er's accusations are nailed to the board, and in an era where science and technology are not developed, it is really easy to frame someone to death. However, she can't figure out the ins and outs of that "farting incident" - Heaven knows, Earth knows, she knows, Zhao Zun also knows, why doesn't he say a word for Xie Shi?

  "Nonsense, you're all talking nonsense, you want to harm me, want to harm me --"

  Xie's lips trembled, her body shook with rage, and she finally lifted her tear-stained face, her upper and lower teeth chattering loudly.

  "Father, I swear that I have never harmed Dongfang's sister. If there is even half a word of falsehood, may heaven strike me with lightning and I shall not die a good death."

  They swear and vow, it seems ancient people really believed in this set of practices?

  Xie's expression, as if she would rather die than yield, made it easy for people to think that Dongfang Yuanyi had framed her on purpose. In fact, at this moment, Xia Chuyi also thought so. But he never expected that just after Xie finished making the poisonous oath, Dongfang Yuanyi did not fall behind, and instead glared at Xie with a fierce gaze, knocked her head loudly, and also made a poisonous oath.

  "Father, I am the same, if there is half a sentence that is untrue, it will also be a miserable death!"

  Two people have sworn an oath of enmity?

  As the real culprit, Xia Qi's heart sneered.

  In the Wangfu compound, there are indeed many masters of house fighting. This play of "moving flowers and inserting wood" is nothing but a show for Zhao Zun to see. Dongfang Wanyi may be arrogant, but she's not clever, and if she dares to make such an oath, it won't be her who's framing Xie Shi. As for whether Xie Shi has ever poisoned Dongfang Wanyi to make her lose face, Xia Chuyi knows best.

  But then, who is that expert?

  And what does she want to get?

  Did she know that the two of them had been unhappy for the past few days because of the "poisoning" incident? Or did she know that Zhao Zun disliked people poisoning him, so she deliberately put on a show to remind him not to let her off lightly? Or did that person have other motives?

  There was a commotion in the courtyard with someone crying and making a fuss, Zhao Zhu seemed annoyed.

  "Shut up!"

  His voice was faintly cold to the bone.

  "Xie's wife is jealous and vicious, not virtuous, send her back to the Xie mansion. The maidservant involved will be flogged fifty times and expelled from the Jin Wang Fu..." Then he turned his head and shouted again.

  Yu Hongxi

  "Father, I'm here."

  A young man of eighteen or nineteen years old stepped forward, he was a book official from the Jin Wang Fu.

  Zhao You didn't look at him, nor did he look at anyone else. His face was cold and stiff as he said in a chilly tone, "Write a letter to the Left Servant of the Ministry of War, Lord Xie, describing the actions of the Xie family. Tell them that the Jin Wang Fu cannot tolerate such cruel and poisonous people. Also, send some silver to the five women who were bestowed upon by His Majesty a few days ago and have them leave."

  "Yes!"

  Yu Hongxi went down.

  The fate of each woman was thus decided.

  Zhao Zhu finished speaking and left without any expression, turning his sleeve and leaving.

  The women who were pounding rice over there seemed to be used to doing such things, and with a snort they came over to pull people away. Dongfang Yuanyi also looked pleased, coldly humming as she glared at Xie Shi, whose whole body was shaking, saying "serves you right", before again becoming haughty and proud.

  At one time, the courtyard where snowflakes were flying, was filled with cries, noises and pleas for mercy.

  On the seventh day of summer, I was speechless for a moment, feeling as if my own heart was sinking down.

  That Xie was originally just a concubine, and hadn't even served in the bedchamber, let alone had any emotional connection with Zhao Zun. Even if she were to be driven out of the mansion, it would only be her bad luck. Now that Zhao Zun has sent someone to deliver a letter to her father and is sending people to escort her back to the mansion, it's probably because he's taking into account her father's position. As for the other five women, they have even less status. So this outcome won't surprise anyone, nor will anyone sympathize with them or plead on their behalf - there will only be excited and bloodthirsty gazes.

  But were women in feudal times really so cheap?

  She always felt a chill on her body, and she always felt that something was off about this matter.

  Why did Zhao Zhuoming know that Xie was innocent but still framed her?

  "Father... spare me... I don't want to leave..."

  "Dongfang Wanyi, you won't die a good death! You've ruined me! It's all because of you!"

  In the courtyard, that heartbreaking cry. Xie Shi yelled and cried, her face pale like a ghost, under the pull of two women, desperately struggling, making the snowflakes into a messy ball.

  Zhao Zun's figure went further and further away, as if he hadn't heard anything at all.

  He is indeed an unfeeling and heartless man.

  It can be seen that this dragging and pulling scene, Xia Qi's brain suddenly lit up, but suddenly cleared!

  So that's how it is!

  That "master" is really damn awesome, this is a three-birds-with-one-stone trick!

  The three concubines from the Jin Wang Fu who were difficult to deal with earlier, one of them was easily taken care of, right?

  Sending off Xie Shi is a matter of course, and it's also convenient to get rid of those other five beauties.

  Most importantly, why don't we just naturally and effortlessly play along with Xia Zhi's plan?

  She was almost quietly taken care of by someone?

  It's clear that if she doesn't make a fuss today, and just watches the play as an onlooker. Then, the crime of 'first harming Dongfang Yuanyi, then framing Xie Shi' would automatically be attributed to Xia Chuyi by Zhao Zun, and given his temperament, he probably wouldn't even bother to ask her about it.

  Why didn't he say anything before? Did he think it was her who did it?

  At the beginning of summer, it was not good to guess what the old man was thinking, but she had to say that this was a wonderful plan!

  She is not a good person and does not want to help Zhao Jun keep several concubines in front of her eyes.

  But she didn't want to be taken advantage of either, and afterwards everyone would gossip about it.

  Especially things like making wedding dresses for others, she never did.

  "Your Highness, wait—"

  Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Zhu was about to walk out of the yard. Xia Chuqi suddenly raised her voice.

  Zhao Zhu stopped in his tracks and looked at her without any emotion.

  He didn't say a word, and Xia Qi naturally didn't think he would say anything to her at this time. He just smiled and walked up slowly, saying, "Grandpa, I think there must be some misunderstanding about what happened today?"

  Zhao Zun hadn't spoken yet, but Xie Shi seemed to have met a lifesaver and scurried over with a rustling sound.

  "Doctor Chu, help me, help me... I can't go back, my dad will beat me to death..."

  She gave her a "calm down" look, and Xia Chuqi swept the people in the yard with a glance, just lightly, observing one by one. In the end, her gaze fell on Ling'er.

  "Sister, you said you gave medicine to Ruren's wife, what kind of medicine is it? Where is the medicine?"

  Na Ling knelt on the ground, not daring to look into her eyes.

  "Yue Yu's sister has gone to look for her, at her place——"

  Xia Chuqi furrowed her brow, smiling at Yue Yu, "Sister Yue, what kind of medicine is this that's so potent it can knock someone out as soon as they take it? Why not bring it out and let Chu see something new?"

  Yuè yù nodded slightly, her eyebrows furrowed, and handed over a paper-wrapped object from the old woman beside her.

  Summer began on the seventh day of the first month, and as soon as it was opened, I smelled it and knew.

  It's not some kind of lethal medicine, it's just powder made from croton seeds, used to make people have diarrhea.

  That tall man wanted to intentionally drive a wedge between her and Zhao Zhu, but she insisted on not following his intentions, determined to make Zhao Zhu sympathize with her.

  She was joking when she watched the palace drama "The Legend of Zhen Huan", that idiot had been dead for hundreds of years!

  This time, she wants to make him eat Huanglian and shut up obediently.

  She slightly raised the corner of her lips, carelessly flicked the paper package with her finger, and without saying a word, rolled up the edge of the wrapping paper to pour the small amount of croton powder into her mouth.

  She belched and then burst into another smile.

  "What kind of poison is this? It's just ordinary starch used in cooking. I said so, although I've only been in the Jin Wang Fu for a few days, but looking at those young ladies and daughters-in-law, each one is full of energy and has a kind heart, how could they possibly do something as cruel as poisoning someone?"

  She took the medicine on the spot.

  She ate it and nothing happened, the doctor said so too.

  Since the powder was not poisonous, Xie naturally did not have the possibility of harming Dongfang Wan'er.

  In the courtyard, there was no sound of anyone speaking for a long time.

  Many people were staring at her with an incredulous gaze.

  The women in the palace, everyone is vying for favor, everyone wants to step on others to climb up, who will help others? This Chu Qi, obviously a person of the prince, yet helps the prince's concubine, isn't she stupid? In their eyes, Chu Qi's behavior becomes even more bizarre.

  But things have been clarified, Zhao's cold and stern face was pulled very long, as if he was extremely displeased with her.

  How strange!

  Xia Zhong Qi was a bit puzzled and chuckled as he added another sentence.

  "Sir, look at this young lady, she didn't poison you either, no need to send her away anymore, right?"

  Zhao Zun gazed at her steadily, his deep and bottomless eyes growing colder by the second. The snowflakes danced around her tall and slender figure, making her appear even more aloof and majestic, increasingly distant and inaccessible.

  No one knows what he's thinking...

  Quietly, with only the sound of wind and snow.

  Everyone's heart was hanging in their throat, and then he waved his hand and gave a lukewarm order.

  "Take that rascal down and beat him to death!"

  With a loud cry, Ling burst into tears.

  "Grandfather, spare me... spare me... it was really the second madam who made me do it..."

  She cried bitterly, but who would sympathize with her? The few women who were originally holding onto Xie's wife let go and went to press down on that Ling'er. The girl's face turned pale and she fell softly to the ground, crying and kowtowing to beg for mercy. But all of this was useless now, once Zhao Zun spoke up, no one could save her.

  "Thank you... Dr. Chu." She sat down on the ground, panting, and looked at Xia Chuyi with tears streaming down her face, filled with emotion.

  "You don't have to thank me." Xia Chun Qi smiled and squatted down, brushing off the snowflakes on her shoulders, saying in a low voice, "Saving your life is worth one hundred taels of silver, isn't it?"

  Xie's eyes widened in surprise, and she stared blankly at her for a moment before reacting, then nodded vigorously.

  "It should be."

  "Is it really necessary?!"

  Got another 100 taels, Xia Chuyi smiled with narrowed eyes.

  Things ended like this, each retreated on their own, doing their own things, with their own fate, those who were unhappy, uncomfortable, and didn't understand also left with their own feelings.

  But Xia didn't expect that Zhao Zhu would stand for a long time and then come back again.

  Looking down at her from a high place, his voice was even colder than the snowflakes.

  "Could Ah Qi be so kind?"

  "What's with that tone?" Xia Chuyi curled up the corner of her lips and smiled, "It's just a small matter, you don't have to get so worked up. There are some things that can't be said, but you're not unaware, are you? The thing about Dongfang Wanyi losing face was actually done by me, didn't you even get a share of the spoils? Tell me, how could I possibly let someone else take the fall for me?"

  "Aren't you unhappy with grandfather's concubine? Now that she's been dismissed, isn't it better?"

  He asked again, his voice still light and cold, devoid of emotion.

  "I don't understand what he means," Xia Qi's heart was a bit twisted, but her expression remained relaxed. "I don't like their identity, not the people themselves. Besides, even if I didn't like them, it doesn't mean I'd let others take the fall for me. Miss, I'm a knight-errant, do you know what that means? It's someone who sees injustice on the road and shouts 'Hey!' then draws their sword to help."

  She smiled with a mixture of gestures and raised eyebrows, but she didn't tell Zhao Zun the real reason why she helped Xie's family.

  And he just stared at her, silently, his face still calm and dark, looking very unpleasant, as if she owed him money and didn't pay back, making her hair stand on end, before suddenly realizing.

  "Oh, I see. You don't like that Xie family and those five beauties either? But you didn't find a good excuse to get rid of them, did you? With this matter, the Left Servant of the Ministry of War won't blame you either. Even if he wants to make trouble, he should go to the Dongfang family, which has nothing to do with you. Ah, you're such a person... those are all your little wives? How strange..."

  "Do you really think so?" he asked.

  "What else? What should I think?" Xia Chuqi touched his stomach uncomfortably and then used his elbow to nudge his arm, before smiling and trying to change the subject, "Hey, that thing I ate was mung bean flour, it's going to kill me with diarrhea. Ah, grandpa, I need to go to the outhouse..."

  Zhao Zun's face changed, that cold and enchanting face suddenly became even colder than the flying wind and snow.

  "Are you out of your mind?"

  Digression

  The last day of September is here, what are you all thinking about now? Tomorrow is a holiday, National Day for 7 days, go and enjoy yourself as soon as possible.

  Hoo... Hoo...

  Saying, on the seventh day of the new year, I earned another 100 taels, can I keep it?

  After eating broad beans, I need to go to the toilet, should I bring toilet paper or not? Hmm, how evil!

  Acknowledgments:

  Dear [lixinzhizhu] and [15874416257], upgraded to member, muah muah, thank you dear ones.

  Dear [Weiliqi 0546] and [Pihuhuohuo], upgraded to Ji Yuan, wooden horse, take a bite.