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

The people present smirked, looking at Chu Xunzhen as if he were a clown.

Especially Mingyue Qingli, whose eyebrows curved into a smile, almost couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Did you really think that bringing a broken string of prayer beads would change the Empress Dowager's opinion?

The Empress Dowager is the birth mother of the Third Prince, so how could she be bribed by a mere string of health-preserving beads?

Nangong Yue frowned, about to refuse, but Chu Xunzhen grabbed his hand and shook his head at him.

"Thank you for your consideration, Mother. Your daughter-in-law will certainly research better health-preserving incense recipes for you."

Empress Ma looked satisfied.

Are Nangong Yue and Chu Xunzhen really close? Then let's resolve this from within.

She wanted to see how Chu Xunzhen and Nangong Yue could get along harmoniously with two more beauties whispering sweet nothings in their pillows.

Most importantly, these are two crucial pieces, which will allow her son to gain insight into the affairs of the Ninth Prince's residence.

"You may all leave," Empress Ma said wearily, waving her hand to dismiss the crowd.

Chu Xunzhen smiled.

Did you really think she was so kind as to give a bracelet to the Empress?

In her previous life, after the Third Prince ascended the throne, the one who suppressed Nangong Yue the most was the Empress.

Now, she is simply taking precautions.

Once the Empress wears her bracelet and her body is imbued with its fragrance, the Empress will become one of Chu Xunzhen's trump cards to threaten Nangong You.

Li Xianxian walked ahead, looking at Chu Xunzhen with worry in her eyes: "Is the Princess Consort alright?"

Chu Xunzhen was taken aback, then smiled at Li Xianxian and asked, "What's wrong, sister-in-law?"

"Her Majesty the Empress gifted two beauties to the Ninth Prince, how come you're not angry?"

Li Xianxian looked at Chu Xunzhen with suspicion, wondering if she was forcing a smile.

Chu Xunzhen smiled and waved her hand, saying, "Sister-in-law, you don't need to worry about it. It's just two beauties. Even if there were ten, it would still be the Empress Dowager's wish."

Li Xianxian was stunned.

She came from humble origins and couldn't understand what was going on in the minds of these noble ladies.

No, she remembered that the Ninth Princess was raised by a merchant.

Could it be that the Ninth Princess only has eyes for gold and silver, and no eyes for the Ninth Prince?

Li Xianxian suddenly felt a little sorry for Nangong Yue.

It's a pity that such a handsome man ended up with a woman who only loved gold and silver.

Nangong You walked up and almost pushed Li Xianxian aside.

The eldest prince stood in front of Li Xianxian, which helped her regain her balance and prevent her from falling.

Pulling Li Xianxian along, the eldest prince, looking grim, quickly left.

If he hadn't married this commoner girl back then, perhaps he would still be a highly sought-after candidate for crown prince today.

Now, however, he is no longer qualified to compete with them.

Nangong You's voice carried a hint of sarcasm: "What are you looking at, sister-in-law? Could it be that you've taken a fancy to the eldest prince?"

Chu Xunzhen was taken aback, then couldn't help but laugh.

Nangong You really is always finding ways to cause her trouble.

If he tries to sow discord like that, there are actually people who will be successfully provoked.

"Third Prince, please be careful with your words. I'm just wondering why your demeanor is completely different from when you saw me before?"

Pushing the wheelchair, Chu Xunzhen spoke to Nangong You beside her.

You should know that Nangong You's previous gaze towards her was one of fear.

He knew that Granny Hua was a Gu Sect master, and he was even more aware of what it meant for someone who could command a Gu Sect master.

He even extended an olive branch to her back then.

But now, they're openly targeting her. Aren't they afraid of angering her?

Where does his confidence come from?

Even if they are on opposing sides, it is impossible for Nangong You to change his attitude without making it obvious.

Nangong You sized up Chu Xunzhen, a hint of covetousness in his eyes, and said softly, "Sister-in-law, you want to know? I welcome you to come to me anytime. I will certainly have an in-depth discussion with you."

boom!

Nangong You was knocked away, and blood spurted from his throat.

"Nangong You! If you dare to utter such frivolous words and provoke me again, next time I will give you more than just a punch."

Mingyue Qingli was furious: "Ninth brother, how can you disrespect your elder brother? The Third Prince is your elder brother, how can you beat him? I, the princess consort, will go and seek justice from Father Emperor."

"Do as you please." Nangong Yue sneered. "Go ahead and see if Father will stand up for you."

The two boarded the carriage and were about to leave when another carriage followed closely behind them.

"The woman inside the carriage is a beauty bestowed upon the Ninth Prince by the Empress."

The eunuch driving the carriage reported to the Ninth Princess.

"understood."

Chu Xunzhen boarded the carriage, and Nangong Yue's gaze fell on Chu Xunzhen, her eyes filled with a hint of grievance.

"Sister, don't you like me anymore? Are you going to go and research traditional Chinese medicine pills and leave me with someone else?"

Nangong Yue sobbed, her eyes filled with a hint of grievance.

Chu Xunzhen could even see that the usually alluring beauty mark under her eye looked like a flower withered by wind, frost, rain, and snow, as if it were accusing her of being heartless.

Anshun, Chunxi, and the others, who were sitting outside the carriage, pricked up their ears.

They were also puzzled as to why the princess would accept those two beauties.

Could it be that she's thinking of giving the prince to those two beauties?

"Your Highness, the Empress Dowager bestowed two beauties upon you, but she didn't specify what they were for. Doesn't this mean they can do whatever you want with them?"

Nangong Yue was taken aback at first, then she smiled.

"Sister, you're so naughty."

He understood.

So that's what my sister was planning.

Chu Xunzhen glanced at Nangong Yue and said, "Of course, if Your Highness wishes to take them into your household, I will not stop you."

Nangong Yue's eyes flashed, and she was furious.

"Doesn't my sister care about me?"

Chu Xunzhen shook her head and said, "I do care. But if you like another woman, how can I, a mere princess consort, stop you?"

Nangong Yue leaned down and nestled into Chu Xunzhen's arms, saying, "My sister's status is higher than mine. I want my sister to keep an eye on me."

Chu Xunzhen: "..."

She hugged Nangong Yue, her face filled with confusion.

Is this her husband or her child?

In his past life, Gu Changfeng hated it when she tried to control him. He wouldn't listen to anything she said and even told her not to pretend to know what she didn't and not to discuss national affairs with him.

But with Nangong Yue, she could speak freely and demonstrate her abilities without having to hide anything.

As soon as he returned to the Ninth Prince's residence, the entire residence was in an uproar.

The Empress actually bestowed two beauties upon the Prince.

Chu Xunzhen helped Nangong Yue into a wheelchair, and then the two beauties came out.

One was dressed in a light pink gauze dress, looking playful and cute, giving off a quirky and mischievous vibe. The other wore a deep purple dress, with alluring eyes and a graceful figure; every smile and frown exuded charm.

Chu Xunzhen inwardly praised the Empress's discerning eye.

These two were clearly handpicked.

Butler Wu Cheng approached and asked, "Your Highness, what should be done with these two?"

Chu Xunzhen smiled and said, "I'll listen to Your Highness."

The two beauties immediately fixed their eyes on Nangong Yue.

Nangong Yue sensitively sensed a faint but not obvious killing intent.

His eyes crinkled into a smile: "Since you are beauties bestowed upon you by the Empress Dowager, you must naturally respect the Princess Consort. In this Ninth Prince's residence, you must obey the Princess Consort's orders. The Princess Consort's orders come first, and my orders come second. Do you understand?"

The two women looked at each other in bewilderment.

Even though they disagreed in their hearts, they all said in unison, "Yes, Your Highness, we will obey your orders."

Chu Xunzhen looked at the two women and asked, "Names?"

The playful girl in the lotus root pink dress replied, "This servant is Lin Qiao'er."

The alluring woman in the purple dress said, "This servant is Qin Youmeng."

Nangong Yue glanced at the two women and smiled knowingly: "Good names. As beauties bestowed upon you by the Empress, you must possess a special skill. Can you play the zither or dance?"

The two exchanged a glance and nodded in unison: "Yes."

Nangong Yue's eyes lit up and she said, "So that's how it is! Lin Qiao'er plays the zither, and Qin Youmeng dances."

"Yes."

The two beauties began their performance.

Chu Xunzhen asked Anshun to serve dinner.

A day in the palace is indeed quite tiring.

Over here, Nangong Yue and Chu Xun are having their meal.

Qin Youmeng stared resentfully at the food on the table.

She twisted and turned with all her might, and when she saw the Ninth Princess suddenly leave her seat and go somewhere, Qin Youmeng's eyes lit up. She swayed her body and fell towards Nangong Yue's direction.

However, Nangong Yue actually pushed her wheelchair around her.

With a thud, she fell heavily to the ground.

"what!"

She clutched her waist and cried out in pain, "Your Highness, it hurts so much!"

As she spoke, she extended her right hand toward Nangong Yue.

However, Nangong Yue frowned and said with disgust, "You fell on the ground and your hands touched the ground. They are so dirty. Do you want to wipe your dirty hands on my robe? Someone, take Miss Qin away and wash her clean."

"Yes."

Qin Youmeng was pulled away.

Lin Qiao'er stopped.

Now that Qin Youmeng has left, she can stop playing now, right?

She thought she could eat now and was about to stand up, but Nangong Yue's voice rang out: "Continue. Aren't you beauties bestowed by the Empress Dowager? Shouldn't you have been tested by her? One of you is so filthy, trying to smear your filth on me, and the other dared to stop without my permission. Have you even received any instruction from the matrons?"

Lin Qiao'er's face turned deathly pale.

If the Ninth Prince is not satisfied, she will have no chance to rise in the ranks.

"Your Highness, please calm down. Qiao'er will continue playing."

Chu Xunzhen is back.

Chunxi whispered what had just happened in her ear, and Chu Xunzhen couldn't help but smile.

She shook her head and chuckled, "Why didn't Your Highness help Miss Qin up just now?"

Nangong Yue's eyes were full of helplessness as she weakly said, "Sister, she's dirty. I hate dirty women the most."

Lin Qiao'er remembered it.

During the first hour, she played the piano. Nangong Yue and Chu Xunzhen had their meal.

In the second hour, she was still playing, her hands were numb, while Nangong Yue and Chu Xunzhen were admiring the moon.

By the third hour, her hands were bleeding, and blood was dripping from her fingertips. Nangong Yue and Chu Xunzhen were talking about Dahei.

Finally, the prince and princess returned to their room and turned off the lights.

She can stop now and go have her meal.

Lin Qiao'er finally got to eat. Her hands trembled as she ate, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Inside the side room.

Chu Xunzhen looked at Nangong Yue and chuckled inwardly.

On the bed, Nangong Yue played with a strand of Chu Xunzhen's hair.

His sister was so beautiful, with flowing black hair and skin as smooth as jade, that he could no longer see any other woman.

Nangong Yue leaned close to Chu Xunzhen's ear and whispered, her voice captivating and magnetic: "Sister, are you satisfied with my performance tonight?"