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

The next instant, the ethereal Taoist's hair suddenly turned white, and his life force seemed to have been drained in half.

Nangong Yue was stunned, and asked, "How could this be?"

"The caster attempted to harm the Ninth Princess, but failed and instead randomly drew upon her luck," Piaomiao said breathlessly. "The Ninth Princess must remain vigilant. The caster may very well use other methods to try and harm her again."

"Understood," Nangong Yue replied.

When he returned to the Wanyao Pavilion and entered Chu Xunzhen's room, he saw Chu Xunzhen holding a small black bear.

"Your Highness, you're back? By the way, the matter of the stars can't be left like this. Those court officials have humiliated my son so much; I'll make them regret it."

"Sister, don't worry. I've already spoken to Father. He's punished them."

punish?

Chu Xunzhen was somewhat dissatisfied.

"Isn't this punishment rather mild? Otherwise, if it were a severe punishment, why wouldn't there be rumors circulating in the capital?"

Nangong Yue's expression was solemn as she said, "Sister, don't worry. Father's punishment is insignificant. I can easily prevent them from returning to the palace to study."

Hearing this, Chu Xunzhen felt relieved.

Although Nangong Xingchen was not her biological son, she had noticed his gentle and polite manner and respect for her over the time they spent together.

She absolutely would not allow anyone to bully her son like that. Even if the son wasn't her biological child.

"Your Highness, the Shadow Assassin's men have returned the little black bear. How much silver did you spend?"

If Anshun goes to negotiate, he will probably have to come back and ask for my permission.

It seems that Nangong Yue has taken the lead.

"I didn't spend any money, but I did spend a favor."

Chu Xunzhen was taken aback when Nangong Yue finished speaking.

"So expensive! This is the most expensive one."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yue shook her head and chuckled.

"Your Highness, I haven't bathed for two days, and I really want to take a bath."

Nangong Yue shook her head and said, "No, sister, you have been wounded by arrows in three places. Your back cannot get wet."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xunzhen said, "Then I need Chunxi to wipe my body."

Hearing this, Nangong Yue shook her head and smiled: "Alright, I'll have Chunxi fetch water."

"The warm water is here."

Chunxi ran over.

Upon hearing the princess say she wanted to take a bath, she went to prepare warm water.

"Chunxi, you can leave now."

Nangong Yue spoke to Chunxi.

Chunxi was stunned. It took her a long time to realize that the prince wanted to personally wipe the princess's body.

Chu Xunzhen watched as Nangong Yue undressed her, and a blush rose to her cheeks.

"Sister, we've been married for so long, why are you still so shy?"

Nangong Yue put the handkerchief into the basin of water, wrung it out gently, and wiped Chu Xunzhen's body.

Looking at Nangong Yue, Chu Xunzhen felt the temperature around him rising.

Chu Xunzhen's voice was a little hoarse: "Your Highness, why is it suddenly so hot?"

Nangong Yue chuckled lightly, "Sister, not now. I'll give it to you after you've healed."

Chu Xunzhen gave Nangong Yue a disgruntled look.

What do you mean by waiting until she's healed before giving it to her?

Is she such an impatient person?

It's as if she's incredibly thirsty right now?

Chu Xun was furious and stopped looking at Nangong Yue, unaware that Nangong Yue's back was covered in sweat.

His hands trembled slightly.

My sister is so wonderful.

The scenery was so beautiful that he couldn't bear to look away.

But watching it for too long is just as agonizing.

Suddenly, Chu Xunzhen noticed his predicament.

She sighed and said, "No, Your Highness, please bear with it. I can give it to you only after I've recovered."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yue smiled.

Sister, you really aren't willing to suffer even the slightest loss.

"Sister, you'll have to reward me handsomely then."

Nangong Yue's voice was hoarse as she picked up the basin of water and hurriedly left the room.

Chu Xunzhen smiled.

If a prince were to fetch water for her, her parents would surely be happy for her.

The prince she married was not aloof and arrogant, but rather incredibly considerate and attentive to her.

A short while later, Nangong Yue returned.

"Your Highness, if you truly cannot bear it, I can help you with a special method."

Chu Xunzhen blinked as she spoke.

Nangong Yue chuckled, the mole at the corner of her eye seeming to come alive, alluring and beautiful: "Sister, you've become even bolder since you were injured. I don't want you to use any special methods. I feel sorry for you, and I'm afraid you'll get tired."

Chu Xunzhen looked at Nangong Yue's beautiful eyebrows and eyes, and her cheeks became even redder.

Nangong Yue suddenly spoke up: "By the way, Chu Mingli came last night."

Chu Mingli?

Chu Xunzhen was stunned.

Now that she and he have severed ties, why is he still coming to her? Is he desperate and wants to borrow money?

Nangong Yue seemed to have guessed Chu Xunzhen's thoughts and said, "He's here to harm you. He's prepared black hair for his spells and red paper covered in talismans. I took those things to the Great Saintess, who is an expert in this art, and she said that if he succeeds, you will be plagued by bad luck."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xunzhen asked, "Is he locked up now?"

Nangong Yue was somewhat surprised that Chu Xunzhen was so perceptive.

"That's right. In the Prince's Palace death row."

Chu Xunzhen smiled: "Thank you, Your Highness, for standing up for me."

"No! Sister, I almost let him succeed. If I hadn't happened to see it, I don't know if the guards would have been able to catch him!"

"Your Highness, all your secret guards need to be thoroughly investigated. Currently, a considerable number of them have already defected."

As he spoke, Chu Xunzhen closed his eyes wearily.

"Take a good rest, sister. I will not let anyone who hurt you or Xingchen get away with it."

Nangong Yue helped Chu Xunzhen put on her clothes.

Looking at his beautiful older sister, he felt a little distracted.

Nangong Yue coughed softly, leaned down, and gently touched Chu Xunzhen's forehead.

He slept on the small couch next to him.

After noon.

Nangong Yue was summoned to the palace by the emperor. Chu Xunzhen, on the other hand, tried to sit in a wheelchair.

She had only been controlling it for a short while when Liu Xiangning arrived.

She looked at Chu Xunzhen, her eyes red-rimmed, and grabbed her arm.

"Zhenzhen, you scared me to death! I was away from the capital for a while and only got back this morning. I only found out how much you've suffered these past few days. This is some tonic I brought specially; you have to drink it every day."

"Thank you, Xiangning."

Chu Xunzhen looked at the two men behind Liu Xiangning.

One of them was Xiao Qinghan, who had harassed Liu Xiangning many times before, while the other man looked very similar to Liu Xiangning in his features.

"Xiang Ning, is this your elder brother?"

"My name is Liu Qianqiu, and I am Xiang Ning's elder brother. I thank Your Highness for sending medicine to the soldiers on the border every month over the years. This is a 'Ten Thousand Blessings' painting that I present to Your Highness on behalf of all the soldiers in the army."

After Liu Qianqiu finished speaking, he knelt down on both knees and bowed to Chu Xunzhen.

Chu Xunzhen was startled and quickly said, "General, please rise. You have guarded the border for many years, protecting the people of Da Ning and safeguarding the vast land of Da Ning. If anyone should kneel, it should be me, Chu Xunzhen, kneeling to thank you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qianqiu was deeply moved.

His body trembled slightly, and a look of emotion flashed in his eyes.

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. Liu Qianqiu thanks Your Highness on behalf of the soldiers."

Liu Xiangning helped Liu Qianqiu up, saying, "Brother, get up quickly. The Princess is injured and cannot help you herself."

Liu Qianqiu quickly stood up.

Chu Xunzhen looked at the Wanfu picture in her hand and stroked the crooked characters.

These are the sentiments of the soldiers.

"Thank you, General Liu. Transporting medicinal herbs to the border is not the work of Xunzhen alone, but the achievement of all the members of Wanyao Pavilion. Chunxi, find a craftsman to frame this 'Ten Thousand Blessings' painting. I, the Princess Consort, will personally hang it on the wall in front of Wanyao Pavilion."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Chunxi accepted the "Ten Thousand Blessings Picture" and withdrew.

Liu Qianqiu looked at Chu Xunzhen and introduced, "This is Xiao Qinghan, Brother Xiao. I was ambushed outside the city and almost fell victim to the aphrodisiac. It was Brother Xiao who saved me."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xunzhen nodded and said, "Young Master Xiao, I recognize him."

"Oh? Does the Princess know Brother Xiao?" Liu Qianqiu asked.

Chu Xunzhen nodded and said, "I've seen you at the banquet before."

Liu Xiangning suddenly spoke up: "Young Master Xiao, you are neither an official nor of any rank. Why do you not bow to the Princess Consort?"

Xiao Qinghan froze, his forehead immediately covered in cold sweat. "Qinghan was captivated by the Princess's charm and was momentarily stunned. I beg the Princess to forgive me."

"It's alright."

Chu Xunzhen shook his head and chuckled.

Xiang Ning deliberately chose him.

However, Chu Xunzhen did not expect that Xiao Qinghan would actually save Liu Qianqiu.

Given the debt of gratitude for saving her life, it probably won't be easy for Xiang Ning to get rid of the other party.

"Xiang Ning, you stay here with me. General Liu, Young Master Xiao, please feel free to look around. This princess wishes to have a private conversation with Xiang Ning."

"Please make yourself at home, Your Highness. We will take our leave now." Xiao Qinghan glanced at Chu Xunzhen.

It's beautiful, but too aggressive.

Such a woman requires a great deal of effort to control.

Perhaps only someone like a prince could control such a woman.

On the contrary, Liu Xiangning is righteous and hates evil, has a cheerful and straightforward personality, is innocent and romantic, and is almost guileless. This kind of woman is the easiest to win over.

He, Xiao Qinghan, is destined to become the Grand Tutor's son-in-law.

Chu Xunzhen clearly saw the raging fire called "ambition" flashing in Xiao Qinghan's eyes.

Her face darkened.

Watching the two leave, Chu Xunzhen said to Liu Xiangning, "Xiangning, Xiao Qinghan is determined to marry you. If he says sweet words to you, don't take them seriously."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiangning nodded and said, "I know. I thought he was quite good-looking before. But later at the banquet, I saw through his scheming and started to dislike him. Now that he has saved my elder brother, I can't be cold to him. In fact, he's still by my elder brother's side, and I can't even kick him out. It's infuriating!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Xunzhen said, "Find some time to talk to your older brother and tell him everything about Xiao Qinghan, including his previous poem seeking attention and his plea for your help after falling into the lake. I believe your older brother will understand."

"Okay. I understand. Oh, Zhenzhen, I also came today to give you this auspicious talisman."

Liu Xiangning took out two identical golden brocade pouches from her bosom, which Chu Xunzhen then chose.

"This was requested by my mother. She said, 'Thank you, I'll get one for you too.'"

"Xiang Ning, please convey my thanks to the Grand Tutor's wife."

"What are you thanking me for? My mother even invited you to our house for dinner. She said you can come anytime."

Hearing this, Chu Xunzhen felt a warmth in her heart.

The people in the Ping'an Marquis's mansion were her blood relatives, yet not one of them had invited her back for a meal after she had been married for so long.

Now that Xiangning's mother is saying this, it's clear she likes her very much.

The gold-embroidered brocade pouch looks incredibly expensive, and inside it are the words "Peace and Safety".

Chu Xunzhen tied the brocade pouch to her belt.

Liu Xiangning said, "Come on! Let me take you for a walk in the courtyard and let you breathe some fresh air."

At this moment, the old doctor Li arrived.

His head was covered in sweat, and he looked travel-worn, clearly having rushed over.

"Master, I'm late! How are you?"

With a thud, the old physician Li knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Chu Xunzhen.

Liu Xiangning: "......."