Demoting my wife to a concubine? After being reborn, I turned around and married into the imperial f

"Father, I thought that you were wearing a bracelet, which might affect your review of memorials, so I prepared an incense stick for you."

As he spoke, Chu Xunzhen took out a jet-black incense tablet from the box.

The incense plaque is carved with a soaring golden dragon, lifelike in its depiction. The reverse side features the character "福" (fortune), symbolizing imperial blessings.

The lucky charm is neither too big nor too small, square and just the right size for the palm of your hand.

A rich medicinal aroma emanated from the plaque.

The emperor was overjoyed and, looking at Chu Xunzhen, personally helped her up.

Seeing the emperor's actions, everyone's expression changed drastically.

To be personally helped by the emperor—what an honor!

Gu Changfeng's expression was grim.

Chu Xunzhen actually gained the emperor's favor.

He glanced at the incense plaque; the gold thread embroidered with dragon patterns coiled on the black rope, forming a unique texture.

Above the incense plaque hang two emerald green jade beads, exuding an extremely grand and imposing air.

Gu Changfeng recalled that in his previous life, Chu Xunzhen had also given him an incense token. At that time, he only glanced at it before casually putting it into the left drawer on his desk in the study.

I don't know if it's because I used enough spices, but the study was always filled with a rich fragrance.

Just as the emperor was about to put on the incense token, Chu Xunzhen said to Physician Li, "Physician, please examine the incense token."

The old doctor Li took the incense stick and began the examination.

He examined it very carefully.

Everyone held their breath.

Even the rope and the jade beads were examined by the old physician, Dr. Li.

With a thud, he knelt on the ground.

"Your Majesty, this incense is suitable for men. It not only has the effect of calming the mind and soothing the nerves and regulating emotions, but long-term wear can also improve physical condition and prolong life."

As soon as he finished speaking, a sharp glint appeared in the emperor's eyes.

Is this really true?

The old physician Li nodded and said, "This incense recipe is made from the finest Chinese herbs ground into powder and then hand-carved. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship."

Chu Xunzhen nodded to the old imperial physician Li: "You flatter me, Imperial Physician."

The old physician, Li, stroked his beard and said, "However, there is one thing I don't understand."

"In addition to agarwood, sandalwood, benzoin, orchid, lavender, and peppermint, this prescription contains one more ingredient, which I apologize for my poor eyesight."

Chu Xunzhen smiled leisurely: "Imperial Physician, it is indeed ten-thousand-year-old dragon brain."

Ten-thousand-year-old dragon brain?

The old physician Li suddenly realized, and looked at Chu Xunzhen with a hint of eagerness.

"Your Highness's talent is beyond my reach. I wonder if Your Highness would be willing to enter the Imperial Medical Academy and become my apprentice? I am willing to impart all my knowledge to Your Highness."

Everyone was stunned.

Even the emperor was shocked.

The most shocked was Chu Mingli, who was sitting among the male guests.

Who is Doctor Li?

He was a pillar of the Imperial Medical Academy, yet he actually invited Chu Xunzhen in front of everyone.

"Thank you for your kindness, Imperial Physician, but His Highness needs care. If there is an opportunity, we can discuss medical matters further."

After Chu Xunzhen finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.

You refused?

Chu Xunzhen actually refused?

Does she even know what she's saying?

The old physician Li was a towering figure in the medical field of Daning.

Chu Mingli couldn't believe it.

He knew that Chu Xunzhen knew some medical knowledge and that she ran Wanyaotang.

But doesn't she only recognize those few medicinal herbs?

What was she thinking? She actually knew to use Chinese herbs, grind them into powder, and make them into bracelets and incense sticks for people to wear.

Chu Mingli opened his mouth, wanting to say that everyone had been deceived and that Chu Xun was not as powerful as he thought.

But as he watched her and the old doctor Li talking about medical terms he couldn't understand at all, he suddenly realized that it seemed like he was the only one who didn't understand.

The old physician, Li, stroked his gray beard, his gaze towards Chu Xunzhen growing increasingly amazed.

"What a pity, the princess is wasting her talents."

The old physician Li looked at Nangong Yue with a resentful gaze.

Nangong Yue was speechless.

That old geezer almost abducted his queen.

If my sister really becomes the disciple of Physician Li, wouldn't she be treating the nobles in the palace?

He didn't want his queen, despite the intrigue and backstabbing in the palace.

The Emperor gave Chu Xunzhen an approving look and said, "Ninth Princess Consort, you have rendered meritorious service by presenting the health-preserving incense tablet. Is there any reward you would like?"

Everyone looked at Chu Xunzhen with envy.

Only Gu Changfeng was inwardly clamoring.

If Chu Xunzhen were still his wife now, how wonderful that would be.

He could then take the opportunity to ask for a reward and change the predicament of the Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness.

"Your Majesty, I wish to obtain a family heirloom that grants me immunity from death."

The crowd fell silent.

The emperor was not angry. Instead, he laughed heartily, glanced at Chu Xunzhen with appreciation, and said, "For many years, the Ninth Princess has taken the lead, donating large quantities of medicines and supplies to the people on the border, and contributing to the Great Ning. Today, she presents this treasure, which greatly pleases me. I hereby bestow upon her a golden token of immunity from death. With this token, unless one commits a capital offense of treason, one can avoid one disaster."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Chu Xunzhen respectfully accepted the pardon presented by Eunuch Cao.

At this moment, she finally had another trump card to save her life.

Xiao Qinghan stared at the radiant Chu Xunzhen from afar, her eyes flashing with shock.

This woman is simply too dazzling.

The woman is so dazzling that she must be suppressed.

But His Majesty actually supports her?

Chu Xunzhen hung the pardon from death on his waist, demonstrating the emperor's boundless grace.

His Majesty the Emperor looked at her with even greater satisfaction.

The Second Princess looked at Chu Xunzhen with lingering reluctance before addressing the crowd: "Today's flower appreciation and poetry gathering has come to an end. Everyone who participated in the gathering will receive a golden flower bestowed by the Emperor."

The noble ladies adorned their hair with gold flowers, their faces beaming with joy. The young gentlemen, on the other hand, held the gold flowers, some intending to give them to their mothers, sisters, or elder sisters, while others planned to present them to noble ladies they admired.

Xiao Qinghan held the golden flower in his hand and looked at Liu Xiangning from afar.

If he could become Liu Xiangning's husband, it would be equivalent to getting involved with the Ninth Prince's wife.

The Ninth Prince's Consort was credited with presenting the treasure, and her health-preserving bracelets made her a favorite among noble ladies. Even the Emperor and Empress admired her.

Such personal charisma should not be underestimated.

Chu Xunzhen keenly sensed Xiao Qinghan's gaze.

Fearing that her friend would be deceived by him, she said to Nangong Yue, "Your Highness, please go back first. I will have a small gathering with Miss Liu outside the palace later."

"it is good."

There was no rejection, only support.

Nangong Yue spoke up: "Do you have enough money?"

Thinking that Chen Lianxin had previously been in charge of the household, and that she probably wouldn't give money to Chu Xunzhen, Nangong Yue took out ten 10,000-tael silver notes from her bosom.

"Have fun, Your Highness and Miss Liu."

Chu Xunzhen was stunned.

In her past life, Gu Changfeng had always asked her for money, and the Gu family had also asked her for money. Now, unexpectedly encountering someone like Nangong Yue, who was giving her money, Chu Xunzhen was still in a daze for a long time.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Nangong Yue shook his head and chuckled: "If the Princess Consort needs more, please use the public funds. This is my token."

Liu Xiangning watched from the side, and Chu Xunzhen blankly accepted the token, finally forming a clear image of her future husband in her mind.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Chu Xunzhen bowed again to express his gratitude.

Nangong Yue chuckled and leaned close to Chu Xunzhen's ear, whispering, "How should I thank you? Your Highness, you can thank me properly on the bed when you return tonight."

Chu Xunzhen rolled her eyes at Nangong Yue.

Nangong Yue chuckled and left.

Gu Changfeng stood there, stunned.

A sense of unreality washed over him.

The rigid and boring Chu Xunzhen actually showed such a girlish demeanor in front of Nangong Yue?

Is this still the same dignified, virtuous, and usually serious Chu Xunzhen?

Qingsong watched as everyone around him left one after another, except for his master, who was still standing aside, staring at the Ninth Princess not far away, his expression somewhat awkward.

"Sir, everyone is watching you."

Qingsong reminded him.

Gu Changfeng abruptly withdrew his gaze.

A passing official from the Ministry of War, who had come to fetch his son, glanced at Gu Changfeng and sneered, "Some people just don't know how to cherish things. They only realize their value when they lose them. If I had such a good wife, it would be a blessing from my ancestors, and I would cherish her too much."

Another young voice rang out: "Father, we'll go pay our respects to Mother in a little while."

"it is good."

After saying this, the Vice Minister of War took his son and left.

Gu Changfeng's gaze was cold.

Do not!

Rou'er is the best.

What's so good about Chu Xunzhen?

In her past life, she was defiled, yet he still accepted her and gave her the position of mistress, which was already an honor for her.

The thought that it was Rou'er, not Chu Xunzhen, who had been defiled in this life caused his expression to twist for a moment.

Rou'er just didn't come today, otherwise she would definitely be a million times more dazzling than Chu Xunzhen.

Gu Changfeng watched the retreating figure of the Vice Minister of War and gave a cold smile.

Even if this person is Lord Zhou's good friend, so what?

Now, Zhou Qing is a thing of the past.

In a few days, Zhou Qing, the former commander of the Five Cities Garrison, will die.

Gu Changfeng and Qingsong left.

Gu Changfeng's face was gloomy throughout the journey.

Upon realizing that Chu Xunzhen and Liu Xiangning were ahead, he deliberately slowed down and watched them.

"Qingsong, did you check last time and say that Chu Xunzhen and Nangong Yue have already consummated their marriage?"

As Gu Changfeng finished speaking, Qingsong trembled.

He nodded and said, "We did find out before that they had already consummated their marriage."

Gu Changfeng's expression was grim.

He had always thought that Nangong Yue had deliberately leaked the information to deceive people. After all, how could a mentally challenged prince like him possibly know how to consummate the marriage?

Even if he's much better, his body probably still wouldn't allow him to have that kind of thing happen with Chu Xunzhen.

Qingsong spoke up again: "Sir, I heard they called for water many times."

With a snap, Gu Changfeng crushed a pebble on the roadside, his eyes suddenly flashing with anger.

The scene of Chu Xunzhen and Nangong Yue's affectionate moment was still lingering in his mind, and it was so jarring.

So, did they really consummate their marriage?

Did you really call for water multiple times that night?

What a promiscuous slut! Does she really enjoy throwing herself into other men's arms?

Qingsong was somewhat puzzled.

Last time, he had already informed the adults, but they weren't this angry.

Qingsong had no idea that last time, Gu Changfeng hadn't taken it seriously, thinking it was all a lie. Chu Xunzhen was still keeping her chastity for him. But having just witnessed Chu Xunzhen and Nangong Yue's intimate moment, he had realized that they had consummated their marriage.

Chu Xunzhen had excellent hearing and heard the noise behind him.

She pulled Liu Xiangning along and quickly walked out of the palace gate.

Otherwise, she was afraid that seeing Gu Changfeng again would affect her mood.

Gu Changfeng saw this and realized that Chu Xunzhen's quick escape was clearly a sign of guilt.

Suddenly, Liu Xiangning, who was holding her hand, said, "Zhenzhen, I've made up my mind."

Chu Xunzhen: "?"