good season

At this very moment, Madam Wu, who was exchanging pleasantries with the ladies of various households, could never have imagined that her beloved daughter, who had returned home to rest, had done something earth-shattering.

However, Feng Jiahe had complete control over Wu Yanyan's every move.

As soon as Wu Yanyan left Yunzhong Garden, Feng Jiahe sent someone to secretly follow her.

Without Feng Jiahe's instigation, Wu Yanyan wouldn't have had such a smooth run, let alone caused such a commotion.

Wu Yanyan was already blinded by anger and jealousy, but Feng Jiahe remained calm.

She just wanted to pin the blame on the emperor.

If things get out of hand, the marriage between Fan Qiuyun and the Second Young Master Qiao will definitely fall through, and if Consort Qiao wants to protect her son's reputation, she will tacitly agree that Fan Qiuyun is carrying the emperor's child.

If a female official is found to be pregnant outside the palace, everyone would assume that she is carrying the emperor's child.

But the emperor knew otherwise!
Therefore, Fan Qiuyun can only die. She will either be strangled by the people sent by the emperor or poisoned by Consort Qiao's people. In short, she can only die.

What Feng Jiahe wanted was for Fan Qiuyun to die.

Upon learning that Fan Qiuyun had miscarried, Feng Jiahe was overjoyed. She downed the chrysanthemum wine in her cup in one gulp and, seeing Zhao Shiqing smiling broadly not far away, said to Madam Zhao beside her, "This Princess of Nanyang is quite striking in appearance."

Madam Zhao was the eldest grandson's wife of Zhao Chen. Although she did not have an imperial title, Zhao Chen was the head of the Imperial Clan Court, so Madam Zhao was also highly regarded among the members of the Imperial Clan.

Madam Zhao said with a smile, "That's right. Next year, the eldest princess of the Liang Prince's Mansion will also be coming to the capital. Then there will be another pair of beautiful sisters in the capital."

Neither Zhao Shiqing in front of her nor Zhao Yunnuan, who will be going to the capital next year, took Feng Jiahe seriously. However, the marriage between Zhao Yunnuan and Yan Xia was arranged by Consort Qiao and the Third Prince. In addition, Zhao Shiqing was a favorite of the Emperor Emeritus. Therefore, Feng Jiahe also wanted to befriend these two sisters.

If the Third Prince can get the help of the Eighth Prince and the Duke of Wei's mansion, what is there to worry about in achieving great things?

Meanwhile, Yan Xia, whom Feng Jiahe was talking about, was with Xiao Zhen at the moment.

Just then, Dazhuang walked over and whispered a few words in Xiao Zhen's ear. Xiao Zhen's expression gradually became serious, but then a mocking smile appeared on her lips.

After Dazhuang stepped back, Xiao Zhen raised his head and met Yan Xia's probing gaze.

He smiled slightly and did not hide anything: "Recently, a female official left the palace. She was underage and left the palace early because Consort Qiao arranged for her to be betrothed to the second young master of the Qiao family."

But just recently, she was dragged out of her house by a group of fierce women and beaten until she miscarried.

Yan Xia's expression hardened: "The child who was miscarried..."

Yan Xia didn't say what came next: Whose child could a female official from the palace be carrying?

But if it really is a dragon's offspring, then this is a serious matter.

Xiao Zhen shook his head: "It's not the one you're thinking of. This child belongs to the Third Prince."

Yan Xia breathed a sigh of relief, but a hint of anger rose between her brows. The Third Prince had audacity to do such a despicable thing in the palace, and Consort Qiao had actually cuckolded her nephew.

"Who did this?" Yan Xia asked.

"On the surface, she is the daughter of Imperial Censor Wu, but in reality, she is the wife of the Third Prince."

Xiao Zhen paused here, then continued, "The matter is not over yet. That female official, Fan, has run away and is here now."

Yan Xia was taken aback: "What did you say? Didn't she have a miscarriage? How come she's here?"

Xiao Zhen smiled: "She had a miscarriage, not died. She is indeed weak, but her limbs are all intact. Why can't she come here?"

Xiao Zhen knew Yan Xia's character well—upright, honest, and hating evil—so he secretly sent someone outside the Qiao family's villa to meet Fan Qiuyun, who had escaped from inside, and informed her of the mastermind behind the incident, without mentioning the banquet at Yunzhong Garden that day.

Fan Qiuyun knew she was going to die anyway, so she escaped with the intention of fighting to the death. When she learned that Feng Jiahe was in Yunzhongyuan, and that Yunzhongyuan was now a gathering place for the top dignitaries in the capital, she naturally had to come. Not only did she have to come, but she also had to expose this matter to the world.

This matter must be blown out of proportion; the bigger the commotion, the safer the Fan family will be.

Otherwise, given Consort Qiao's methods, if she were silenced, the Fan family would also be implicated, and might even be destroyed.

At this moment, Fan Qiuyun stopped a sedan chair on the street. Since she had no money on her, she took off her pearl earrings and used them as payment for the sedan chair.

Yan Xia looked at Xiao Zhen: "Are you still sitting there? This is a banquet hosted by your family. Aren't you afraid it will cause a scene later?"

Xiao Zhen: "That's true, I'll go and avoid it."

Xiao Zhen left without warning, truly going to avoid the limelight.

Yan Xia stared at his back for a moment, stunned. He remembered that Xiao Zhen was not like this before. Who did he learn this from? Why is he so roguish?

The Cloud Garden was filled with laughter and joy as the young ladies showcased their talents. The young lady from the Duke of Dingguo's mansion had just finished playing a piece and was overjoyed to receive a prize.

Next up is the youngest daughter of the Emperor's brother-in-law, who is also the Empress's niece.

Two maids showed everyone a chrysanthemum painting she had done on the spot. The ladies praised it repeatedly. The little girl was only twelve years old and had always been treated as a child. This was the first time she had attended such an occasion as a young lady from a respectable family. She was so excited that her face turned red, which made her very endearing.

At this moment, a voice said, "I have heard that the Princess Consort of the Liang family is from the Nie family and is a famous talented woman. My sister from Nanyang has been influenced by her since childhood, so she must also be accomplished in calligraphy and painting. I wonder if we can meet today?"

Zhao Shiqing was startled and looked over in the direction of the voice. It turned out to be Princess Huixin!
Everyone here knows that she and the Nie family are at odds, yet Princess Huixin brings up the Nie family in public. Even a fool could see through her intentions.

How did someone like that manage to survive until now?
The palace intrigue didn't kill her?

Come to think of it, Emperor Yongjia wanted to keep her around so that the whole world would know that he was treating Emperor Xiaokang's daughter well.

If it weren't for this reason, these two sisters would probably be dead long ago.

Sure enough, as soon as Princess Huixin finished speaking, Princess Jiayi shot her a dagger-like glare. If looks could kill, Princess Huixin would have been chilled to the bone by now.

Just as Princess Jiayi was about to retort, Zhao Shiqing smiled and smoothed things over: "Nanyang's painting skills are not good, but I have learned a little swordsmanship. If you all want to see it, Nanyang will make a fool of himself."

Actually, the Princess Consort of Prince Fu had already mentioned that she was Xiao Bao's senior sister, so even if she didn't say it, everyone knew that she knew martial arts.

Since that's the case, then let her perform on the spot and let everyone know that what she's learned is all just for show.

Yes, Zhao Shiqing doesn't want to be seen as a martial arts master yet, and of course, she isn't.

Everyone cheered in unison. Princess Jiayi's eyes widened. Look, her future daughter-in-law was poised and elegant, far superior to that sarcastic one.

They were all children she had watched grow up. Princess Huixin's feelings for Xiao Zhen were known to Princess Qingchuan, Princess Jiarou, and how could Princess Jiayi not know them?
Just as Consort Qiao guessed, if Princess Jiayi had taken a liking to Princess Huixin, the marriage would have been arranged long ago. The reason she didn't mention it was because she didn't think much of her.

Lingbo retrieved a wooden sword, and Zhao Shiqing stepped onto the stage wielding it. Her movements were light and graceful, dazzling the audience, who cheered enthusiastically.

The layman sees the spectacle, the expert sees the skill. Zhao Shiqing's dance was beautiful, but that was all. Although most of the ladies present were laymen, they had maids by their side.

"How is the princess's swordsmanship?" a lady asked in a low voice.

The old woman beside her whispered in her ear: "Beautiful as it may be, it's all show and no substance."

"How is the martial arts the princess is practicing?" another lady asked. "Although it's all show and no substance, it can improve one's health."

Zhao Shiqing has achieved her goal, which is for the best. She is just an ordinary noblewoman who knows a little martial arts.

Zhao Shiqing also received a reward; Princess Jiayi gave her a hairpin inlaid with gemstones.

Princess Huixin was surprised that Zhao Shiqing knew martial arts, and felt a pang of jealousy and discomfort.

Just then, Granny Ding walked up behind her and whispered, "Young Master Xiao is alone; he went to the elegant residence in the woods by himself."

Except for last year, the Spring Festival Banquet has been held at Yunzhongyuan almost every year.

Not only Princess Huixin, but many of the noble ladies present were very familiar with Yunzhong Garden.

The elegant residence in the woods was once a place where noble ladies would rest and touch up their makeup.

Zhao Guanyue will also be coming this time. Princess Jiayi is worried that more people will recognize Zhao Guanyue as Xiao Yue, so she specially set aside a place in the garden for Zhao Guanyue, so that the brothers can receive trusted friends here.

This area includes the elegant residence in the woods.

Therefore, the eunuchs around Princess Jiayi informed them one by one in advance that the place for the noble ladies to rest and touch up their makeup had been changed to the Magnolia Pavilion.

Compared to the elegant residence in the woods, Magnolia Pavilion is closer and more convenient.

Ding Mama had her maid secretly keep an eye on Xiao Zhen and discovered that Xiao Zhen had separated from Yan Xia and gone to the elegant residence in the woods alone without any attendants.

Princess Huixin was a little nervous. She asked, "Why would he go to the woods retreat alone? Shouldn't he be receiving guests?"

Granny Ding glanced at her and said indifferently, "This young master has never been a sociable person. He can turn his back on you in a heartbeat. The princess grew up with him, doesn't she know that?"

Princess Huixin knew, of course, that Xiao Zhen had publicly humiliated her.

She subconsciously looked at Zhao Shiqing, who was admiring the hairpin in her hand. Princess Huixin knew that the hairpin was a gift from Princess Jiayi. It was not a palace style and had a very special design. It was obviously specially made by a skilled craftsman at the request of Princess Jiayi.

Princess Huixin tried hard not to overthink it; she didn't want to admit that Princess Jiayi was satisfied with Zhao Shiqing.

Isn't she just like me, an orphan?
She bit her lip, steeled her resolve, and silently withdrew.

Xiao Zhen and Yan Xia separated and immediately realized that someone was watching them.

The reason he went to the woods retreat was because, at this very moment, the Emperor Emeritus and Zhao Guanyue were both there!
Indeed, no one expected that Zhao Guanyue would not only come, but also bring the retired emperor with her.

Xiao Zhen pretended not to know he was being followed. He walked into the woodland abode alone without any attendants.

As its name suggests, the Linjian Yaju (Forest Residence) is built in a bamboo forest, quiet and elegant. In the past, every summer, Xiao Zhen would bring Xiao Yue here to escape the heat.

When he went in, the elegant residence in the woods was deserted. The Emperor Emeritus's guards were all hidden in the shadows, as it was inconvenient for them to show themselves on such an occasion.

When Xiao Zhen entered, he saw the retired emperor arguing with his beloved grandson.

"You child, you knew I was coming, so why are you only showing yourself now?" the Emperor Emeritus said, displeased.

Xiao Zhen said, "I met Yan Xia and chatted with him for a while. If my grandfather wants to see him, I will call him over."

The Emperor Emeritus shook his head: "No rush. On the way here, I heard that something happened at the Qiao Family Villa. Are you aware of it?"

Xiao Zhen understood. No wonder the Emperor Emeritus had suddenly come here; it turned out he had come to inquire about news.

He repeated what he had said to Yan Xia, and the Emperor Emeritus said coldly, "Nonsense! The harem is in such a state of chaos, what kind of behavior is this?"

Xiao Zhen ignored him and said to Zhao Guanyue, "I'm being followed, and I don't know who's doing it yet. I think they'll take action soon. You go with your grandfather to the back to hide, and I'll wait here."

Zhao Guanyue became interested and pulled the Emperor Emeritus to the back.

Xiao Zhen lay half-reclined on the Luohan bed where the retired emperor had just lain, closing his eyes to rest.

The door was half-closed, and the rustling sound of the autumn wind blowing through the bamboo forest could be heard.

Suddenly, the half-open door was pushed open from the outside, and a plump, orange-yellow figure strolled in leisurely.

Xiao Zhen laughed: "Big Fatty? How did you find this place? Where's Little Demon?"

The big fat cat jumped into his arms and meowed pitifully.

Xiao Zhen patted his round head. If it were Xiao Yao, he definitely wouldn't let him touch it.

Big Fatty nestled in his arms, enjoying his services, and soon began to purr.

He probably played in the bamboo forest for a while, and his fur smelled of fresh bamboo.

The climate in the capital was not suitable for bamboo growth. In order to create a bamboo forest in the garden, Prince Consort Xiao spent a lot of money and changed the bamboo varieties several times. After several years, he finally built a lush bamboo forest that was unique in the capital.

Xiao Zhen recalled the bamboo forests in Zhuxitang, and also the bamboo forest where she first met Zhao Shiqing when she was a child.

After he and Zhao Shiqing get married, they will definitely live in the capital. I just wonder if Father can build another bamboo forest?

Over the years, my father has only built this one bamboo grove, which is not even found in the Princess's residence.

If that doesn't work out, then we'll just take this garden; the little girl should like it here.

As she thought about it, Xiao Zhen suddenly felt sleepy.

In his dazed state, he sensed someone coming in.

The person drew closer, carrying a faint fragrance; it was a woman.

Xiao Zhen did not open his eyes, but the fragrance became even more real, reaching his nose.

Just then, the fat cat meowed, startling the woman who took a step back. Xiao Zhen opened his eyes at that moment.

"why you?"

Xiao Zhen frowned. Standing in front of him was Princess Huixin.

"Cousin, I felt a little dizzy and wanted to rest here for a while. I saw the door was open, so I came in. I didn't expect to find you here."

Xiao Zhen truly did not expect that the person who came in would be Princess Huixin.

"Didn't anyone tell you? This time, the place for the women to rest has been changed to the Magnolia Pavilion."

Xiao Zhen looked behind Princess Huixin but didn't see anyone else.

Princess Huixin came here without even bringing maids or servants? (End of Chapter)