Emperor's Favorite Concubine Meets Mei Lin at Night, A Good Play

  Looking at the radiant smiles of the dignitaries coming and going in the capital, Gu Yunxi couldn't help but smile, because within her line of sight, there was a person wearing a black fox fur coat walking towards them.

  Wan Xiuren still looked very fearful of the cold, his face pale, his thin lips a sickly red, his two hands holding a small purple-golden warmer, walking slowly but steadily, his eyes cast downward, as if nothing around him could enter his sight.

  Behind him, apart from Mu Yan and Mu Feng, two maidservants followed closely, their faces obscured by the wind hats they wore. They were dressed in moon-white brocade with cloud-patterned sleeves and floor-length skirts, their hands clasped together in front of them, their eyes cast downward, their demeanor soft and gentle, their footsteps light and delicate.

  Gu Yun Xi had only taken a casual glance, but suddenly her gaze fell on the feet of the two maids. The long cloak dragged on the ground, and due to the darkness and the light from the lamps, if one didn't pay close attention, it was impossible to see any difference in the shoes they wore. However, Gu Yun Xi had always been meticulous in observing things, and given her position, she could naturally spot anything unusual. She had seen Luo Qing Yi doing embroidery at noon, so she knew very well which satin fabric was good.

  Her gaze fell on the woman standing behind Mo Xun, why was she wearing shoes made of Li Song's warm smoke gauze, a maid, how could she afford tribute goods?

  As such doubts arose, Gu Yunxi didn't have time to investigate further. She slightly regained her composure and followed Gong Sunmo quickly into the Eastern Palace. When she looked back again, Wan Qi Chen hadn't walked to their side; he had already changed direction and entered through a small side door on the other side, which seemed to be accessible only to people from the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace.

  The Crown Prince's consort being pregnant with the dragon pulse is naturally a great good thing, it is very likely that this newly conceived small life will become the king of Da Yan in the future. Although the banquet was set up in the East Palace, all the ladies from the harem came without exception. As soon as Gu Yunxi walked into the East Palace, she saw Ya Bin and Gong Sun Ci from afar, surrounded by other masters of the harem, but Gu Yunxi did not know them well.

  Gongsun Ci, who was usually lively and cheerful, seemed a bit absent-minded today. However, when she saw Gu Yunxi appear, her eyes lit up, and she handed over to Ya Bin on the side before walking towards Gu Yunxi. Seeing the little girl's angry gaze, Gu Yunxi knew something was wrong and smiled helplessly at Gongsun Mo as he approached.

  "Gu Yunxi! You have a lot of nerve!"

  "Princess, don't be in a hurry—"

  Gu Yunxi walked over and bowed first, then intimately pulled Gong Sun Ci's hand towards a less crowded area. "Yunxi knows what the princess wants to ask, Yunxi also knows that the princess is very smart this time and didn't say anything. In any case, Yunxi thanks the princess first."

  Gu Yunxi lowered her voice, with an extremely gentle smile on her face. Others around them glanced over and thought the two were close friends whispering to each other.

  Gongsun Ci shook off Gu Yunxi's hand, seeing that there was no one around her, she finally couldn't hold back, "Gu Yunxi, you used me again! That night, the crossbow originally belonged to Sun Zhuo, but why did it end up in Yang Wei's hands? At that time, only you saw me throw away the crossbow, only you knew!"

  Gū Yún Xī's eyes slightly dimmed, and she finally let out a sigh. "The princess is right, it was me. I, Yún Xī, admit that I didn't do anything wrong. It's just that the princess is still young, and I shouldn't have dragged you into this. The palace is deep and complex, with many things that the princess doesn't understand yet. I didn't mean to put the princess in a dangerous situation..."

  It seems that any explanation would be pale, Gu Yunxi looked at Gong Sunji's hateful eyes and slightly bowed, "Yunxi knows that the princess will not forgive Yunxi, since so, the matter of that night will be covered up from now on, from now on Yunxi will definitely not make it difficult for the princess, please put your mind at ease."

  Gongsun Ci glared at Gu Yunxi, "A person as sinister and venomous as you, this princess does not want to be with you, and this princess will not give you the opportunity!"

  The little girl returned to Ya Pei's side with a huff, and Ya Pei smiled gently to comfort her. Then she looked over at her with deep eyes. If Gu Yunxi could use those dark means against others with a clear conscience, but towards this calm and composed mother, Gu Yunxi would only feel guilty in her heart.

  She has a pair of eyes that can calm Yun Xi's nerves, not because she doesn't understand or see through everything, but because she chooses not to say anything. Perhaps it's because she's seen too much, or perhaps she never wants to be tainted by those impurities. Alone and unadorned, in this deep palace, she guards her daughter without envying wealth or seeking riches, only hoping for the safety of mother and daughter, which is enough.

  Gu Yunxi lightly nodded, and Ya Pei's eyes seemed to have a sigh as she pulled Gong Sun Ci into her own side. After bidding farewell to the crowd of concubines with fluttering sleeves, she found a quiet spot to sit down alone, looking at the back view of the mother-daughter duo leaning on each other. Gu Yunxi felt that no one would have the heart to disturb them again, and could only silently walk away with a hint of a smile on her lips.

  This imperial banquet was held in a huge flower hall, the roof of which was paved with glittering jewels, shining brightly under the light, showing the extravagance and nobility of the East Palace. Since the host had not arrived yet, all the guests who entered the hall were chatting casually with each other. From afar, Gong Sun Mo was seen talking to several unfamiliar courtiers, while Gu Yun Xi couldn't go over and instead walked out through a small side door on the left side of the flower hall.

  The moon on a winter's night is always clear and cold, hanging high in the dark sky. Gu Yunxi took a deep breath, feeling a refreshing chill that seemed familiar to her. She walked along a small path paved with stones towards the inner palace, and soon saw a patch of plum blossoms standing proudly in the frost and snow.

  Gu Yunxi really didn't expect that the East Palace of the Crown Prince would have such a place. In the past, when she lived in Mei Garden, there were indeed a few plum blossoms, but how could they compare to the flourishing scene here now? Gu Yunxi's heart moved and she walked straight into the plum garden. The delicate red flowers stood proudly on the branches, making Gu Yunxi gaze at them in a daze.

  Wan Xi Zhen did not expect to see Gu Yun Xue here, she slightly tilted her head and looked at the tree with fiery red plum blossoms in front of her. Her face, without any makeup, was pale and slender, her earlobes were crystal clear and didn't have any ornaments on them. The ribbon on her cloak had come undone at some point, revealing her long neck, her raven-black hair obediently hanging down her back, gently swaying in the cold wind.

  She stretched out one hand to pull down the high branch of plum blossoms and placed it on her nose, closed her eyes slightly and took a shallow breath, pursed her lips for an instant before raising them up. Wan Xi Zhen's eyes moved slightly, feeling that this plum fragrance was so good for the first time.

  As if sensing something, Gu Yunxi suddenly turned her head and looked at the black-clad man standing not far away. Her raised corners of her mouth sank, and her hand subconsciously put down the plum branch. The plum blossoms on the branch couldn't withstand this sudden movement, and several fell off instantly. Gu Yunxi bowed slightly, "Your Highness Chu."

  The soft moonlight fell on her shoulders, and with her lowered eyebrows, she had an unprecedented warmth. Wan Xi Zhen slightly nodded, "Miss Gu, please get up."

  Gu Yunxi stood up, looking around to make sure no one was nearby, and subtly clenched his fists. "Since the great hunt at Jialing Mountain, I haven't had a chance to speak with Your Highness. When you lent a hand to help the king out of a difficult situation that day, I truly felt grateful."

  Wan Xi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, it seemed like that matter was a long time ago, and she indeed hadn't thanked him yet. Only her words were not right, "If it was helping the prince get out of trouble, why would the young lady need to thank him?"

  One sentence seemed somewhat inappropriate, and Wang Ye frowned, "The young master has already sent someone to deliver the best dragon-shaped incense holder with golden silk carbon, Miss, you don't have to worry about this matter anymore."

  Gu Yunxi listened to the words "Longyan Xiang Jin Si Tan" and nodded, but then hesitated again. "Besides, during the big hunt, thanks to Wu You's protection all the way, Yunxi was able to get the Snow Lotus for Wang Ye. I wonder, how is Wu You doing now?"

  Gu Yun Xi rarely hesitated like this, Wan Qi Chen's eyes slightly narrowed, "He is fine."

  Gu Yunxi nodded and then furrowed her brow, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. I was wondering if Wu You is your guard?"

  Wan Xi Zhen was taken aback for a moment, her bright red lips pursed slightly, "No."

  Gu Yunxi furrowed her brow, "Then he——"

  Wan Xi Zhen's eyes were fixed on him, but he didn't speak. Gu Yun Xie listened to the sound coming from the direction of the flower hall and couldn't wait for his answer anymore. She took two steps forward, "Your Highness might tell Yun Xie where Wu You is now?"

  "What did Miss Gu come to him for?"

  Gu Yunxiu raised an eyebrow, "I suppose Wu You is now on his way south. I just want to remind Your Highness that the matter of Luo Xiao has been handed over to the Shentong Mansion. Their divine powers are vast and I'm sure you're aware of it. If you don't want Wu You's life to be in danger, or if you still want to maintain peace between you, Wang Ye, and Da Yan, it's best to let him not interfere with Luo Xiao's affairs."

  Wan Xi Zhen listened to Gu Yun Xie's words with a furrowed brow, seemingly lost in thought. He stretched out his hand to adjust his cloak, but failed to notice the purple gold warmer in his hand, which was on the verge of falling. In a flash, Gu Yun Xie leaned forward and supported it, "Be careful!"

  The small stove didn't fall to the ground after all, and Wan Xi Chen came back to his senses, saying "thank you" as he withdrew his other hand and re-embraced it. Gu Yun Xi took a step back, but her gaze swept over the hand that Wan Xi Chen had withdrawn, and she was taken aback - on the back of his hand were several fine white scars that looked strangely familiar.

  Wan Xi Chen casually withdrew his hand back into his sleeve, nodded at Gu Yun Xue and said, "Considering Miss's current position, it's truly not unappreciative that you can still come to remind me of this matter."

  Gu Yunxi's eyebrows furrowed, "At present, this matter does not harm my master's interests. As for Your Highness's true intentions, if in the future I discover that you have been harboring ulterior motives towards the prince, I will naturally not show leniency."

  Wan Xi's eyes lit up as he looked at Gu Yun Xue, as if to say that this was the Gu Yun Xue he knew. "Miss, Wan Xi has received your message. The night banquet in the flower hall is about to begin. Please go first---"

  The cold wind rose again, and the fragrance of plum blossoms wafted through the air. Gu Yunxi understood his meaning and immediately turned to leave, but just as she did, her brow furrowed in a deep frown. Wan Zhen saw that she seemed hesitant to leave and asked, "Miss, is there something else?"

  Gu Yunxi's gaze swept over from his hand holding the warmer, "What is burning inside Your Highness' warmer?"

  "It was the king who had someone bring me this tribute from Nanyue, a dragon's saliva incense burner with golden silk wick." Wan Qi looked at the small stove in his hand with a puzzled expression and paused for a moment, "What's wrong? Is there something wrong?"

  Gu Yunxi's eyes sank slightly, and she shook her head slightly. "No, Gu Yunxi only felt that this taste was a bit strange."

  A dark glint flashed in Wan Xi's eyes, and the corner of his mouth curled up coldly. "Is that so? After ten years, I've grown accustomed to hearing it, and I don't find it strange at all."

  Gu Yunxi slightly stunned, then nodded and walked out of the plum forest. Wan Xi Chen's deep gaze followed her footsteps as she gradually disappeared into the distance. He felt that this winter day was even colder than usual. He lowered his head to stroke the raised floral pattern on the purple gold furnace, which had been polished to a shine by him over time. Ten years as a hostage, ten years of golden silk and charcoal - all of this, he had long grown accustomed to.

  "Your Highness."

  The sudden sound made Wan Xi Zhen feel a little surprised, he raised his head and saw that Gu Yun Xie had already walked to the edge of the plum forest, but now she stopped in her tracks and turned around.

  Her eyes, like ink, shone brightly, as if infused with the moon's gentle light, like a crystal clear glass. She gazed directly into his eyes, "Golden silk incense is naturally good, but using it together with dragon's saliva incense would make the scent too strong. Your Highness might try the common people's most frequently used incense, 'Chen Shui Xiang', which has a light and elegant fragrance, and also has a calming effect on the mind and spirit. It should be beneficial for your illness as well."

  Wan Xi Zhen's eyes, which were already deep and mysterious, became even more gloomy, like a whirlpool that made Gu Yun Xie's soul sink in and unable to escape. At this moment, Gu Yun Xie suddenly realized that the man in front of him knew, he actually knew!

  Dragon's saliva and golden silk carbon are used together, originally only the most noble and honorable people can afford it. Giving him a son looks like the ultimate luxury, and even more so, it is Yan Emperor's special favor to him. But who knows, this dragon's saliva is no longer the noble fragrance in the Great Yan Imperial Palace. The delicate and subtle fragrance contains the dense and secret snake ginger flower poison. As long as the fragrance drifts away, no one can escape.

  And the means of the person who poisoned him were extremely high, each time with a very small amount, like a colorless and tasteless chronic poison, slowly consuming your vitality, bit by bit, slowing down your heartbeat, until one day, you die silently and quietly, and this world will no longer have your existence.

  In her past life, she was born in the Cyan Ink Plateau, where many rare herbs grew that couldn't be found elsewhere due to its perennially snow-covered terrain. In her youth, she spent a long period of time identifying medicines as a hobby, but ultimately only understood medicine without understanding healing.

  Gu Yun Xi's eyes narrowed, he actually knew that he had used this golden silk carbon for ten years!

  No wonder he coughed up blood, no wonder he was so weak, from the moment he stepped into Great Yan as the prince of Chu, the emperor of Yan had never planned to let him leave alive, in his best ten years when he could have been vigorous and ambitious, he was made to suffer silently and weaken, and then die a very normal death, such sinister and ruthless means——

  Too many emotions flashed through Gu Yunxi's eyes, the sorrow of a dead heart was overwhelming, and he had fallen from being the son of heaven to being trampled by thousands of people. How did he manage to hold on for ten years in the endless darkness?

  It was as if a thousand years had passed in an instant, and the eyes that had been dyed with the beauty of the moon were all he could see. His hands trembled slightly as he tightly grasped the warm stove, the purple gold edge leaving faint marks on his fingers that seemed to be on the verge of bleeding. His eyes were deep and mysterious like the four seas, yet they also seemed to have a fierce beast lurking within, ready to burst out at any moment.

  After a long time, Wan Xi Zhen slightly lowered his head, and when he raised his eyes again, he returned to normal. He was still the same unflappable and cold sickly young master. The corner of his mouth curled up, "Thank you, Miss Gu. Although Chen Shui Xiang is good, I've already gotten used to Long Yan Xiang. If I were to change to another one at this time, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to get used to it."

  Gu Yunxi's heart tightened as she listened to these words, her mouth pursed and all emotions suppressed. She turned around decisively and left quickly, her footsteps fast as if there was a fierce beast behind her.

  The night was cool and refreshing, Wan Xi Zhen gazed at the vast expanse of darkness with a deep sigh. In the distance, where the lights were shining brightly, it was already bustling with activity. His dark eyes gleamed coldly, tonight, there was still a good show waiting for him to watch. He composed himself slightly, and without hesitation, Wan Xi Zhen hugged the purple gold warmer in his arms and followed after.

  When Gu Yunxi returned to the flower hall again, there were more people inside than before. She found the direction where Gong Sunmo was and when Gong Sunmo saw her return, his face also relaxed a bit, "Where did you go?"

  Gu Yunxi smiled and sat down in the seat beside Gong Sunmo, "I saw the prince and several elders chatting earlier, so I went outside to get some fresh air."

  Gongsun Mo nodded, noticing that her cloak had come undone, and immediately raised his hand to help her fasten it. As he did so, he said, "The time is almost up, I'm afraid it's about to begin." Just as he finished speaking, Gongsun Mo saw Wan Qi walking in from the small door of the flower hall. He glanced at the woman beside him, and a hint of emotion flashed across his eyes that was imperceptible to others.

  Gu Yunxi's shoulders were slightly stiff, and she was unable to move forward or backward, so she had to stand there. Fortunately, no one noticed anything unusual about her. Taking advantage of the fact that the event had not yet started, she swept her gaze around and saw that Wan Xi Zhen was walking towards a corner.

  Before long, the sound of palace music rose, and a group of people in luxurious clothes came forward with great fanfare.

  This was the second time Gu Yun Xi had seen Sun Wan, the empress who held great power in the imperial palace. She was much more calm and low-key than Gu Yun Xi had imagined, and her name suited her as she looked elegant and refined with a warm smile, having an air of nobility about her. Today, perhaps because the crown prince's consort was pregnant and it was a matter of great importance, she made an appearance, wearing a bright red palace dress, followed by Crown Prince Gongsun Changqing and Crown Princess Zhao Lanhua.

  There have been rumors that Gong Sun Longqing likes the wind and dust girl Yunyun, even on the day of his big wedding, he wants to bring her into the palace, but there is no news of Miss Yunyun entering. Today, when Gong Sun Longqing came out, he was holding Zhao Lanhua's hand, Gu Yunxi raised an eyebrow, that Zhao Lanhua, no matter what, is a beautiful woman, and she is elegant and magnanimous, even if the prince often coldly neglects her, she doesn't have a word of complaint.

  Such a woman, even if she were to be with a man of iron and stone heart, would still be able to soften him a bit, let alone now that they have children. As for Rongrong, she was already worlds apart from Gong Sunlongqing, and if he were to show even the slightest lack of emotion, her fate would also be predictable.

  "Long live the Empress Dowager for thousands and thousands of years."

  "Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince and Her Highness the Crown Princess."

  After the ceremony, Sun Wan waved to the officials and sat down with the crown prince and princess by her side, "Ladies, please rise."

  As soon as Sun Wan took her seat, the night banquet began. With fine wine and delicacies, beautiful women singing and dancing, taking advantage of this auspicious occasion, Sun Wan's mood was also very good. She looked at Zhao Lanhua with loving eyes and slowly opened her mouth, "The Crown Prince's wife traveled thousands of miles to marry into our Great Yan, it is a joyous occasion for all under heaven. Today, she is also pregnant with the heir of our Great Yan, seeing that our Great Yan has a successor, I am truly overjoyed. Come in——"

  As soon as the voice fell, a row of palace maids walked up slowly, each holding a tray in their hands. The trays naturally contained all sorts of treasures. Sun Wan didn't even glance at the trays and said, "These precious items are all Cháng Qīng's favorites. In the past, he would pester me to ask for them, but I never gave them to him. Today, I'm giving them all to Láng Huá."

  Zhao Lanhua's face was filled with joy, and upon hearing this, she stood up and bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Mother."

  Sun Wan hastily helped her up, "You're all pregnant now, and from now on, these formalities are exempt. The whole world knows that you're carrying the imperial bloodline of our great Yan dynasty. With the imperial bloodline in your body, you're a precious person worth a thousand gold. From now on, everyone in the Eastern Palace must be careful and attentive, and absolutely cannot let anything happen to the Crown Prince's consort, or harm the imperial bloodline. If that happens, this palace will only ask for an explanation from you!"

  The eunuchs in the East Palace hastened to kneel down and acknowledge, Sun Wan smiled with satisfaction, "The Crown Princess is now pregnant for just over a month, it's the most critical time, later I will arrange some people to come to the East Palace to personally serve her, ensuring the Crown Princess has a smooth delivery."

  As soon as the words fell, a female official standing beside walked to the empress's side, and slowly knelt down. "I report to Your Majesty, I am a palace maid of Concubine Shu's palace. Our mistress knew that Crown Princess had broken through the dragon pulse, so she specially prepared gifts to congratulate Your Majesty and Crown Princess. However, she happened to catch a cold yesterday and was afraid that coming today would make Crown Princess uncomfortable, so she asked me to deliver them instead. Please forgive us, Your Majesty, Crown Prince, and Crown Princess."

  Sun Wan glanced at Zhao Huahua, a faint smile flashing in her eyebrows and eyes. "Get up, it's already good that the Empress has this intention. Take care of your body and rest well. Go back and tell your mother that the Crown Prince's wife has accepted her intention."

  Xiao Yu Jin was fine just a few days ago, how could she suddenly fall ill? Gu Yun Xie gazed at Sun Wan's face, which looked normal, but the joy in her eyes had diminished somewhat, and she couldn't help but think more about it.

  With Shu Fei as an example, all the other palace ladies who attended today's banquet, whether they were present or not, followed suit and presented their gifts. Zhao Lanhua smiled until her face was stiff, and after thanking each of them individually, the banquet proceeded to its climax. Sun Wan patted Zhao Lanhua's hand, "The gifts from all the sisters are truly thoughtful, and the Crown Prince's consort also likes them very much. Today, His Majesty has official business and cannot attend, but these gifts will not be forgotten. Come, let someone..."

  The banquet had just begun when people started discussing why the emperor didn't make any statement today. Now, as soon as Sun Wan spoke, everyone stretched their necks in anticipation of what this gift could be. Suddenly, a man in black clothes and ink-colored robes appeared - it was the palace attire only worn by the leader of the eunuchs of the inner palace. It turned out to be none other than the great eunuch Fu An!

  At this moment, Fu An had a yellow imperial edict in his hand. He bowed to Sun Wan and waited for the Crown Prince and others to kneel down before slowly opening the edict and reading it out: "By the grace of heaven, the Emperor decrees: We are delighted to hear that the Crown Princess is pregnant with a dragon pulse. Our heart is very pleased. Although the imperial grandson has not yet been born, he will certainly be the eldest son of the Crown Prince. We hereby grant rewards and titles to the unborn imperial grandson. If it is a girl, she will be named Yu Xiu and titled Shu Ning Princess. If it is a boy, he will be named Ze Yao and titled Qi Wang. Imperially bestowed!"

  Fu An also had a smiling face, "Congratulations to the Crown Prince and Princess, the young prince is not yet born and has already become a close king, please accept the decree from the Crown Prince and Princess!"

  Gongsun Changqing's face was filled with joy, and he first helped up Zhao Lanhua beside him. Just as the two were about to step forward to receive the imperial edict, a loud shout suddenly came from the entrance of the flower hall!

  "Wait!"

  Everyone's face changed color, this is a royal banquet, with the empress and the crown prince and princess present, who dares to be so bold? Following the direction of the sound, standing at the door of the flower hall at this moment is a woman in white clothes. The woman has clear eyebrows and eyes, wearing a white cloak, standing elegantly at the door, her gaze falls sadly on Gong Sun Longqing.

  Everyone looked at the woman in confusion, then at Gong Sun Long, and really didn't know what was happening. Gu Yun Xi stood beside Gong Sun Mo, very close to the main seat, and suddenly looked at Gong Sun Long with a drastically changed gaze, and two words spilled out of his mouth, "Lian Lian..."

  Sun Wan had clenched her fists as soon as Yunyun appeared, and now seeing Gong Sun Changqing's suddenly changed expression, she slammed the table with a loud bang. "Which palace maid doesn't know the rules? Bring people to take this woman away!"

  Everyone was already stunned, Zhao Lianhua felt that Gong Sunlong had let go of her hand in an instant. Her face changed and she stared blankly at the person who had just been holding her and was now being dragged away towards the door with a changed expression!

  "Your Highness!"

  Qing Qing let out a cry, but who dared to disobey the empress's orders? The guards standing by immediately stepped forward and tried to drag her away. The slender girl was no match for the guard's strength and was instantly pinned down by the shoulder.

  "Let her go!"

  Gongsun Changqing's eyes gradually turned red, and with a single order, the guards were so frightened that they immediately let go of their hands again. Xiangxiang fell to the ground, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Gongsun Changqing, "Your Highness, Xiangxiang has arrived——"

  "Ah-ah!"

  Gongsun Longqing rushed over and wrapped Bao'er in his arms, checking her up and down to see if she was injured. After that, he carefully helped her up, while the guards on both sides looked at each other before retreating.

  "Bastard!"

  Sun Wan was already furious, Gu Yunxi raised an eyebrow. This empress was gentle and soft-tempered when calm, but also thunderous when angry. At this moment, she looked at Gong Sun's behavior and her body trembled with rage. The officials below also understood that this was the famous Xiang Xiang who had captured the heart of the Crown Prince!

  The change came too quickly, the crown prince's face turned pale and almost couldn't stand still. Sun Wan was so frightened that she hurriedly ordered someone to hold her up. On this side, a very venomous gaze fell on Yunyun's body, "Come on, take down this enchanting woman who is confusing the crown prince!"

  Gongsun Changqing immediately blocked the way in front of Yunyun, looking at the guards who were about to make a move with a cold face, "Not allowed! Who dares!"

  "Sun Wan's eyes stared sternly at Gong Sun Longqing, 'Longqing, are you going to disobey the Empress Dowager?'"

  Gongsun Changqing looked at the woman in his arms and then at Sun Wan's face, finally pulling Yunyun to kneel down, "Empress Dowager, your son begs of you."

  "Don't even think about it!"

  The queen, the crown prince and two women suddenly turned a lively banquet into a great show. Gu Yun Xi carefully examined the woman trembling in the crown prince's arms, finally fixing her gaze on the woman's shoes. Gu Yun Xi pursed her lips and cast her eyes towards Wan Qi Zhen sitting in the corner.

  At this time, Wan Qi was expressionless, watching everything in the scene as if he were an outsider looking at a good show that had nothing to do with him.

  Gu Yun Xi couldn't help but sigh inwardly, the best opportunity for the crown prince's rise to power was about to take a sharp turn for the worse because of this sudden appearance of a woman. Gu Yun Xi furrowed her brow, but how did a woman from the streets manage to so boldly and confidently crash into the grand hall of the Eastern Palace?

  The queen's eyes gleamed fiercely as she looked directly at the Eastern Palace Guard standing beside her, "You, take this demon woman away for me!"

  The guard originally listened to the prince, but at this moment he executed the queen's words. Gong Sun Longqing's face changed greatly, "Chen Ao, what do you want to do? The prince doesn't allow you to move her!"

  Chen Ao looked at Gong Sun Longqing, who was blocking his way, and slightly narrowed his eyes. "Your Highness, I'm sorry! The Empress's order is something that I must follow!"

  The extremely skilled imperial guard easily fended off the prince with a few moves, and with the help of others, finally reached Yunyun's side unimpeded. The woman in white, who had been terrified without the prince's protection, was surprisingly calm as she gazed at Chen Ao, her eyes blazing with intensity. "You can't move me!"

  Chen Ao didn't put the weak woman's words in his heart, just as he was about to grab Yunyun's shoulder, Yunyun suddenly knelt down on the ground, "Empress, Yunyun is already pregnant with the crown prince's child, can you bear to see the dragon pulse of Great Yan damaged?"

  As soon as this was said, the ministers immediately began to discuss it, and Sun Wan, who was standing in the main position, was stunned and suddenly fell down like a deflated doll. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Zhao Lianhua looked at the crown prince with a sorrowful gaze, her face changing from sadness to joy, and she trembled all over.

  Gu Yun Xi's eyes lit up, so it was because of this!

  She curled up the corner of her mouth, and this play was even more enjoyable!

  The sudden news shocked the officials, and Gong Sun Longqing re-opened the case with Chen Ao and others holding Cui Cui in his arms. Sun Wan, sitting on the main seat, looked at the two below, her eyes cold again, "You, this rebellious woman, you were originally a woman of humble origin, I don't know who you had an illegitimate child with, yet you dare to impersonate the imperial bloodline! If the palace doesn't deal with you today, it would be unforgivable to the ancestors of Great Yan. Chen Ao, take her down for me!"

  Looking at the cold-blooded and ruthless Sun Wan, Gong Sun Changqing's eyes were desperate. "Empress Dowager, she is my flesh and blood, Wanwan has always been clean and self-disciplined, when she met me, she was still as pure as ice and jade. Empress Dowager, do you want to kill your own imperial grandson?"

  Gongsun Changqing was tearful with every sentence, while Yunyun leaned weakly into the prince's arms, having already cried to the point of exhaustion. "Your Majesty, I am only two months pregnant... and before that, the only man I had ever seen was the Crown Prince..."

  "After that, it was you who had Yun'er confined until now. During this time, could Yun'er have seen anyone else? Your Majesty the Empress, please grant Yun'er's wish, Yun'er doesn't seek fame or fortune, she only wishes to give birth to this child for the Crown Prince..."

  Gu Yunxi raised an eyebrow, so there was such a reason. She furrowed her brow, and it seemed that Bao'er's pregnancy was more advanced than the Crown Prince's consort. The imperial edict just now said to establish the eldest son as king, if Bao'er's child is born earlier... Gu Yunxi shook her head, Bao'er didn't mention this point just now, if she had, things might not have been so easy.

  Sun Wan's face turned slightly pale, and the officials below heard the words, with eyes of all colors turning towards the Empress. Gu Yun Xi turned around to look at Gong Sun Mo, "Your Highness, do you know this play today?"

  Gongsun Mo shook his head, and his eyes suddenly changed, "Your meaning is——"

  Gu Yunxi's mouth twitched, "Bingbing arrived just in time, any earlier or later would not have worked. Moreover, at this gathering today, do you think she could have entered without anyone's assistance?"

  Gongsun Mo naturally thought of this too, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light, "So who do you think it is?"

  Gu Yunxi glanced at the person in the corner, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes. "The only one who can bring a living person into this Eastern Palace is probably him. Let's see how the Crown Prince handles it!"

  Gongsun Mo sank his gaze to glance at Wan Qi in the corner, but on this side, Sun Wan was relentless, stubbornly insisting that the child in Bie Rong's belly was not a dragon heir. Gongsun Changqing pleaded bitterly, and Bie Rong became tearful. Zhao Lianhua had been quietly watching from the side, now stepped forward one step, "Empress Dowager."

  "Lang Hua, are you okay?"

  Zhaoluanhua looked at the two people in the hall, slowly knelt down towards Sun Wan, "Empress Dowager, I also believe that the child in Xiangxiang's belly is indeed the flesh and blood of the Crown Prince, just as the Crown Prince said, it is your own imperial grandson. You just said that the imperial lineage is very important to Da Yan, how can you easily kill an innocent person? Empress Dowager, I beg you on behalf of the Crown Prince and Xiangxiang, please let them be together."

  "But—" Sun Wan's eyes were filled with struggle.

  Zhao Lianhua's eyes welled up with tears, "Does the Empress Dowager think that Rongrong is of too lowly a birth to be matched with the Crown Prince?"

  Sun Wan was about to speak but hesitated, while Zhao Hua didn't give her a chance to say anything. "Since that's the case, Lang Hua is willing to become sworn sisters with Junjun, and tomorrow I'll write a letter to the Emperor of Daliang to ask him to grant Junjun the title of County Princess. Will this satisfy you, Your Majesty?"

  Sun Wan was shocked to hear this, and the people below were already sighing in dismay at Zhao Lianhua's words. Meanwhile, Gong Sun Longqing had been gazing at Zhao Lianhua with a mixture of anger and shame, as if he too was deeply moved.

  The murmurs below gradually rose, and Zhao Hua slightly calmed down and whispered to Sun Wanjun in front of her, "Empress Dowager, the Crown Prince likes Bao'er. Rather than going against his wishes, it's better to fulfill them. Moreover, the Crown Prince's safety is most important now. If this continues, it will be difficult to end well. If the Emperor finds out, the Crown Prince will be in great danger."

  Although Sun Wan had been immersed in the harem of Da Yan for many years, at this moment she couldn't help but sigh at the thoughts and capacity of Princess Lang Hua. She pulled Zhao Lang Hua's hand to help her up, glanced at the two people below with a gaze, coughed lightly twice, "Since you are Princess Lang Hua's sworn sister and carrying the prince's flesh and blood, this palace will temporarily fulfill your wishes. Other matters will be decided later."

  Gongsun Changqing's face lit up with great joy, and he looked at Zhao Lanhua with gratitude. He pulled Rongrong along to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. On this side, all the officials were still drinking and feasting, but the imperial family's shame had been exposed, which was unavoidable. Although Sun Wan was furious in her heart, she also knew that tonight's disturbance could only go so far, and as for what happened next, it would be up to her to resolve privately.

  When Sun Wenguang's majestic words sounded, Gu Yunxi frowned. She didn't expect today's situation to be broken like this. She looked at Wan Qi in the corner, who was still expressionless even though the situation he had dominated with one hand was being resolved.

  At the same time, Gu Yunxue began to seriously size up Crown Princess Zhao Langhua. This woman had rarely appeared in front of people before, and the few times Gu Yunxue had seen her, she thought she was just a princess with a good temperament from a neighboring country. Although he expected that someone who grew up in the deep palace would have their own wisdom and means, he didn't think she would be so formidable. What was originally destined to be a losing battle for the Crown Prince and Empress had turned around due to her broad-mindedness.

  To go to Daliang for a prince's favorite courtesan and ask for her official position?

  Gu Yunxi's mouth curved up, why would a pampered princess have to endure such humiliation? Either she loved the prince extremely and was willing to sacrifice everything for him, or she must have had an unmentionable purpose.

  Gu Yunxi looked at the current situation where Yunyun was being supported by someone to go down, Gong Sun Changqing who walked to Zhao Lanhua's side to express gratitude, and Sun Wei whose face had already returned to normal but didn't know what else to pay attention to. She was certain in her heart that what Zhao Lanhua did was not the first one.

  The banquet continued as usual under everyone's efforts to gloss over the situation. Sun Wan seemed a bit anxious to deal with the remaining mess from earlier and soon claimed she was tired and went to rest, so the Crown Prince and Princess naturally had to follow suit immediately. Thus, tonight's celebratory feast for the Crown Princess' pregnancy ended in a lively and dramatic fashion under this farce of two women fighting over one man, ultimately becoming a perfectly concluded comedy.

  When Gu Yunxi walked out of the East Palace, she was still thinking about the scene just now. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that the Crown Princess had a lot of tricks up her sleeve. As soon as she got into Gong Sunmo's carriage, Gu Yunxi couldn't help but ask Gong Sunmo, "Your Highness, what is the background of this Crown Princess? If it wasn't for her turning the tide today, the outcome of the Crown Prince would be predictable!"

  Gongsun Mo nodded, "Yes, even she has accepted Yunyun with such magnanimity and fought for her reputation. Even if the Emperor and Empress oppose it this time, they will have to retreat."

  Pausing for a moment, Gong Sun Mo's eyes darkened, "As for her background, she is just a princess from a neighboring country. You don't have to think too much about it, I will take care of this side. It's that Lianlian we need to be careful with."

  Gu Yunxi was somewhat puzzled, why did Wangwang need to be taken more seriously than a crown prince's consort? However, at this moment, Gong Sunmo seemed unwilling to say more, so she naturally didn't ask further. The horse carriage rolled on, and she lifted the curtain to take a look outside, only to find that it wasn't heading towards the Chancellor's residence, nor was it heading towards the Duke of De's residence. She turned around to ask Gong Sunmo, "Your Highness, where are we going?"

  "Gongsun's eyes sank, 'Go to Chu Dianxia's mansion.'"

  Gu Yunxi was taken aback, a strange feeling rose up, and the words that had reached her lips were swallowed back.

  Digression

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  I was really surprised to see the monthly ticket, it turns out that now the revised version doesn't need to subscribe to seven chapters to vote, I feel that it's not a divine article, so if you have extra votes, please encourage me a bit~ Don't waste your flower diamonds and other things, because this article is short, subscribing is the best support!

  To be honest, I had a hard time writing that part about Merlin and the two people's psychology might not have much effect, please forgive me.