Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

"My lord, His Highness has sent over a set of civilian clothing. Let me do your hair and makeup now."

Miaoxia stood respectfully to the side, directing the palace maids to bring in the dress.

Su Jingyao walked to the dressing table and sat down.

Miaoxue stood behind her, her skillful hands fiddling with her hair, her little mouth never stopping.

"Your Highness said he would take you and the Crown Princess to Zuixiao Tower for dinner, and after dinner, we would go shopping in the bustling area."

"Although you've been to this bustling street many times over the years, it gets decorated in a fresh and innovative way every year, so it's still worth a visit."

Su Jingyao looked at herself in the mirror, her flawless and pure eyes calm and indifferent.

"Every year during the Flower Festival, the bustling street is indeed the most lively and beautifully decorated, with hundreds and thousands of flowers displayed on both sides of the street."

"But after seeing them for so many years, I'm tired of them. I'm more attracted to the little trinkets on Linlang Street."

Miaoxia sighed softly, somewhat regretfully.

"Yes, Linlang Street has everything from snacks to jewelry, but His Highness the Crown Prince is going to accompany the Crown Princess to stroll through the bustling area, so I'm afraid Your Highness won't have the chance to go to Linlang Street."

"Why should I accompany the Crown Prince and Crown Princess on their outing?"

Su Jingyao casually selected jewelry, her long, slender, and fair fingers gently moving among the pieces, as if playing a silent melody.

"Is Master going to play by himself?" Miaoxia asked in confusion.

The Crown Prince probably won't agree.

Su Jingyao looked at herself in the mirror and raised her eyebrows slightly.

"After leaving the palace, have Li Jing wait for me at Mofeng Tower on Linlang Street. I will go to find him."

Miaoxue looked worried.

"My lord, what should we do if the Crown Prince finds out?"

Su Jingyao chuckled lightly, with a hint of disdain.

"The Crown Prince and Crown Princess are enjoying themselves in the bustling city, they have no time to care about me, so there's no need to worry."

Su Jingyao has no habit of being a third wheel between two lovers, nor does she enjoy watching others being affectionate.

Didn't Jun Zechen say she wouldn't affect him and Ling Yue?

That would be best.

About fifteen minutes later, Su Jingyao changed her clothes.

She wore a mint green dress, the color of which resembled the tender buds that sprout in early spring, fresh and full of vitality. Her figure was as light as a swallow, and every movement carried a charming and graceful charm that made her stand out.

Like a fairy stepping out of a painting, she is beautiful, charming, and refreshing.

Su Jingyao was very satisfied with her outfit.

Then they arrived at the main gate of the East Palace.

At this moment, Ling Yue was already dressed and standing there.

Jun Zechen hasn't returned yet, but judging from the timeline, he should be back soon.

Su Jingyao stepped forward, bowed slightly, and greeted Ling Yue.

"This humble servant greets my elder sister."

Her face was adorned with a gentle and pure smile, and her eyes were filled with affection for Ling Yue, as if Ling Yue were the closest person to her in the Eastern Palace.

"Get up, little sister," Ling Yue said gently and kindly.

Her feelings for Su Jingyao were somewhat complicated. She knew that Su Jingyao was kind, sensible, and a very good woman.

Even after Su Jingyao entered the East Palace, she never took the initiative to seduce Jun Zechen. In fact, she even actively avoided Jun Zechen because of her.

Su Jingyao also often came to her Qiluan Palace. When Jun Zechen was not around, the two of them got along like close friends.

Su Jingyao treated her like an older sister and was willing to tell her everything. Even when the Empress poisoned her, Su Jingyao sent someone to summon her, wanting her to take Jun Zechen away.

Ling Yue sometimes felt a little guilty in front of Su Jingyao because she never felt as genuine as Su Jingyao when they were together.

She had been secretly wary of Su Jingyao, afraid that Jun Zechen would fall in love with her.

Even though Su Jingyao had intruded into her relationship with Jun Zechen, Su Jingyao acted too openly between the two of them, which made Ling Yue feel that she herself was not broad-minded enough.

After Su Jingyao got up, she walked up to Ling Yue and leaned close to her affectionately.

She said in a coquettish tone, "Sister, after I leave the palace today, I will certainly not disturb your sweet time with His Highness."

Her voice was very soft, and only Ling Yue could hear it clearly.

"If I sneak away then, would you please cover for me, sister?"

After saying that, she winked at Ling Yue, looking playful and cute, making one want to fulfill all her requests.

Does Su Jingyao really not care about Jun Zechen?

So she just wanted to leave the palace to play, not to follow her and Jun Zechen.

Ling Yue couldn't help but feel a little happy.

Originally, Jun Zechen wanted to take Su Jingyao with him, which made her a little unhappy. However, Su Jingyao was also a little girl, and on a day like the Flower Festival, how could he leave her alone in the East Palace?

So when Jun Zechen brought it up, Ling Yue did not object.

She suppressed the joy in her heart.

Feigning concern, she said, "Sister, it's dangerous outside the palace. You'd better stay with me and His Highness and don't wander off."

"Sister, the capital is under the emperor's nose, nothing will happen. Besides, I will take Miaoyun and Miaoxue with me. They both know some martial arts, so nothing will happen."

Su Jingyao said nonchalantly.

After saying that, she affectionately took Ling Yue's hand and continued teasingly, "Don't you want to spend some time alone with His Highness, sister?"

Ling Yue lowered her eyes, a hint of shyness flashing in them; she naturally wanted to.

After Su Jingyao's repeated coaxing, Ling Yue finally nodded in agreement.

After succeeding, Su Jingyao gradually suppressed her smile, straightened her posture, lowered her head slightly, and quietly waited for Jun Zechen's arrival.

A short while later, Jun Zechen arrived leisurely.

His gaze shifted, and he immediately spotted the woman in the mint green dress standing at the door.

Su Jingyao's exquisite face is like a finely crafted work of art, making it impossible for ordinary people to take their eyes off her.

Her graceful figure, light and elegant, makes her the center of attention wherever she stands, drawing everyone's gaze.

The dress Su Jingyao was wearing was specially made from Yun brocade selected from his private collection.

The first time Jun Zechen sent over, he simply had Anshun deliver an ordinary folk dress.

According to Anshun's report, when the clothes were delivered, it was Miaoyun, who was by her side, who took them. Miaoyun touched the fabric of the clothes and frowned slightly, saying that Su Jingyao's skin was too delicate and she could not wear such rough clothes.

In fact, the clothes sent by Anshun were not of rough quality; they were ordinary clothes that young ladies in the capital would usually buy and wear.

However, Su Jingyao always wore dresses made of brocade, so Miaoyun cleverly declined on behalf of her mistress.

When Anshun went to report back to the Crown Prince, he felt somewhat embarrassed to speak.

After much hesitation, she reluctantly recounted what had happened, explaining that the dresses sent were of poor quality and Consort Su could not wear them.

Jun Zechen had naturally experienced her delicate and soft body.

She probably thinks he, a dignified crown prince, is stingy, sending clothes that aren't even as nice as the ones she wears in her boudoir.

After spending these days together, Jun Zechen has gained a deeper understanding of the luxurious life of the Su family's daughter.

So later, Jun Zechen specially commissioned someone to tailor a folk-style dress from the brocade in his private treasury, which is the one Su Jingyao is wearing today.

When Ling Yue saw Jun Zechen arrive, she quickly stepped forward with a smile, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "Your Highness, this concubine greets you."

When Ling Yue is out with Jun Zechen, she is more formal in how she addresses him.

Her clear, melodious voice rang in Jun Zechen's ears, bringing his thoughts back to a slightly more focused state.

Today, Ling Yue is wearing a bright red ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), the color of which makes her look even more energetic.

Every time we took her out of the palace, she preferred to wear these eye-catching colors, but she disliked complicated styles that hindered her movement.

Su Jingyao followed behind Ling Yue and slowly stepped forward, giving a slight curtsy.

"This concubine greets Your Highness."

Get up.

Jun Zechen calmly led Ling Yue and Su Jingyao into the carriage, where he sat upright and composed.

Ling Yue and Su Jingyao sat on either side of him.

Su Jingyao sat quietly to the side, without making any excessive movements.

Ling Yue, on the other hand, was exceptionally lively, her words flowing out like a machine gun, her face beaming with smiles and her eyes shining with anticipation.

"Aze, I heard there are many exciting performances at today's event, including a parade of floats, flower games, and flower appreciation. I'm really looking forward to it!"

After saying that, she turned to Su Jingyao and asked with a smile, "Does my sister, who lives in the capital year-round, participate in the Flower Festival every year?"

Su Jingyao smiled gently, "Yes, every year during the Flower Festival, my brother takes me out for a stroll."

"I grew up in the northern frontier, and I missed the Flower Festival the first year I came back. Last year was the first time I participated, and it was the first time I experienced such a lively festival in the capital. So I'm especially looking forward to it this year."

As Ling Yue spoke, she unconsciously swayed her body slightly, and the hair ornament on her head swayed gently with her movements.

Upon hearing this, a hint of longing flashed in Su Jingyao's eyes.

"I have seen the prosperity of the capital, but I have never seen the frontier that you spoke of. I have only seen the scenery of the frontier in books, such as 'A lone cry echoes across the heavens and earth, a lone horse rides against the west wind.' I often marvel at the tragic heroism of the frontier heroes, because it is their protection that has brought prosperity to the capital."

Ling Yue didn't have much knowledge of poetry, so she didn't know the specific meaning of the poem Su Jingyao mentioned.

Although she lived in the border region, as a woman and her father a general guarding the frontier, she herself had never truly stepped onto the battlefield.

For her, the frontier region was a place where she could ride freely without the constraints of complicated rules; it was where her heart longed to be.

But for the soldiers stationed on the frontier, the area beyond the Great Wall is a place they have no choice but to take on and protect.

Ling Yue casually said, "Later I'll tell you in detail about the scenery beyond the Great Wall. No book can describe such magnificent landscapes!"

Su Jingyao's face lit up with a joyful smile.

"Yes, reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. I really envy your extensive knowledge, sister."

"Haha, I will prepare some fine wine from beyond the Great Wall to drink and chat with my sister."

"Thank you, sister."

Jun Zechen listened quietly to their conversation and was pleased that they got along so well, as both of them were kind and pure-hearted.

He didn't want the two of them to be on opposite sides; the current harmony was the best.

Jun Zechen only realized how one-sided his previous understanding was after listening to their conversation.

He once thought that the pampered young ladies of noble families in the capital would never know the desolation and tragedy of the frontier.

Because Jun Zechen also grew up in the palace in luxury, he only understood the descriptions of the battlefield in the book after he went to fight in the frontier.

But now it seems that even Ling Yue, who grew up in the border region, cannot truly empathize with the hardships faced by the soldiers.

If they could, no one would yearn for the frontier. What the soldiers longed for most was always the warmth of home, that familiar land, and the embrace of their loved ones.

Jun Zechen's gaze fell on Su Jingyao, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He had to admit that the Su family's upbringing of Su Jingyao was extremely successful.

She was like a blooming flower, beautiful and elegant, displaying the demeanor of a well-bred lady in every gesture, and her manners were impeccable.

She has a broad mind and can embrace everything, which allows her to find joy in any environment. Even when she came to the Eastern Palace and was suppressed and disliked by him, she remained strong.

Her carefree attitude is not just a superficial ease, but stems from her rich and fulfilling inner world.

Although Su Jingyao lives a luxurious life, she can empathize with the suffering of the poor. Her kindness and compassion can be seen from the fact that she has been donating money to the people since she was a child.

Jun Zechen knew all this because ever since he learned he was going to marry her, he had sent people to investigate Su Jingyao.

Even if such a woman didn't marry into the Eastern Palace, many men would still be attracted to her.

-

As soon as the carriage left the palace gates, Ling Yue couldn't wait to reach out and lift the curtain.

She peeked her head out of the car, closed her eyes gently, took a deep breath of the outside air, and showed an expression of enjoyment on her face, savoring this hard-won sense of freedom.

Su Jingyao, on the other hand, sat there upright and gracefully with her back straight.

Her expression was calm as still water, her eyes clear and indifferent. She seemed completely unconcerned about the scenery outside and showed no interest whatsoever.

She simply sat quietly, like a fine statue.

For Su Jingyao, the outside world really didn't hold much appeal. She had explored almost the entire capital city with her brother since she was a child, and life in the palace was much more exciting for her.

Jun Zechen was used to Ling Yue's carefree nature after leaving the palace. He looked at her tenderly and gently shook his head.

As time passed, the carriage soon came to a stop in front of Zuixiao Tower.

The manager of Zuixiaolou had been waiting at the door for a long time, glancing anxiously into the distance from time to time.

When he saw Jun Zechen leading two beautiful women off the carriage, his eyes widened and he stared intently at them.

They were especially stunned when they saw the woman in the green dress.

Having spent over a decade at Zuixiaolou, he had seen all sorts of beauties in the capital, but this lady's appearance still left him utterly astonished; her beauty was beyond words.

The distinguished guest before me is truly blessed; both of his wives are exceptionally beautiful.

He quickly stepped forward and arrived in front of Jun Zechen and the others in a few steps, bowing slightly.

He said respectfully, "Honorable guests, you have reserved the top-tier private room. I will take you up there now."

"Lead the way," Jun Zechen said calmly.

"Yes."

The shopkeeper responded and then turned to lead the way, his steps appearing somewhat hurried.

Although he didn't know the identity of the distinguished guest, the owner of Zuixiaolou had repeatedly instructed him to serve this important guest well tonight.

The shopkeeper naturally dared not slack off in the slightest.

Zuixiaolou was bustling with activity today, almost completely full, with every table having been reserved well in advance.

Even ordinary customers who can afford to dine at Zuixiaolou are all people with a certain status or substantial assets.

They looked at Jun Zechen and his group with some curiosity, having never seen anyone receive such a respectful welcome from the manager of Zuixiaolou.

A series of seemingly intangible gazes, like fine threads, wove together around them.

Jun Zechen was already used to these gazes and followed the innkeeper without looking to the side, all the way to the reserved VIP room.

Inside the private room, a sumptuous feast of drinks and dishes had already been prepared.

After Su Jingyao and the others were all seated, the shopkeeper had a big smile on his face.

"My esteemed guest, these meals were all ordered in advance. If you need anything else, please feel free to call me. I will take my leave now."

These carefully prepared dishes were naturally arranged by Anshun.

Jun Zechen waved his hand, and the shopkeeper and the staff respectfully withdrew, leaving only the three of them, along with Anshun, Miaoyun, and other maids.

Su Jingyao raised an eyebrow as she looked at the dishes in front of her. It seemed that Jun Zechen had remembered her preferences.

There were many floral dishes and some beauty-enhancing soups on the table.

Ling Yue looked at the food with a puzzled expression.

"Aze, why did you order so many floral dishes? Don't you dislike these light and sweet foods?"

"Today is the Flower Festival. These flower dishes have been improved so they won't be too sweet. Instead, they'll be refreshing and delicious. Yue'er, you can try them."

Jun Zechen naturally couldn't say that he ordered it specifically for Su Jingyao, for fear that Ling Yue would misunderstand.

He was worried that Su Jingyao wouldn't be used to eating out, so he asked Miaoyue for the recipe for Hua Shan in advance, and then had the chefs at Zui Xiao Lou carefully prepare it and present it to her.

Su Jingyao naturally understood that these floral dishes were obviously prepared by Jun Zechen specially for her. Her watery eyes secretly glanced at Jun Zechen, and their eyes met.

She immediately looked away in a panic, lowered her head, and blushed.

Jun Zechen's gaze towards her instantly became somewhat profound.

The sight of her youngest daughter in such a charming manner instantly brought back memories of her delicate, blushing state on the bed.

Ling Yue was completely oblivious to the subtle atmosphere between the two, immersed in enjoying the floral cuisine.

She chewed slowly and exclaimed in admiration.

"Aze, this flower dish is indeed as delicious as you said, but I still prefer the meat dishes; they taste much better!"

After saying that, she disregarded whether Jun Zechen had already started eating and began to enjoy the feast, indulging in the satisfaction brought by the large amount of meat and fish. Back in the border region, she used to enjoy fine wine with various meat dishes, which was wonderful.

Outside the palace, Ling Yue spoke and acted with remarkable ease.

But even while she was eating, she kept serving food to Jun Zechen, her face always beaming with a happy and excited smile.

Jun Zechen was already used to her affectionate gestures and simply smiled and let her do as she pleased.

Meanwhile, Su Jingyao leisurely savored the floral dish. Etiquette was something Su Jingyao had to learn since childhood, and she was even stricter with herself than her teachers.

This is why every little movement she makes is now elegant and charming, and Jun Zechen's eyes would occasionally glance at her.

Su Jingyao doesn't touch high-oil or high-salt foods at all; she focuses only on the flower dishes and some beauty-enhancing soups in front of her, savoring their deliciousness.

After the meal, the restaurant was brightly lit outside, as if it were daytime.

Lanterns hung high on both sides of the street, illuminating the entire street.

The bustling streets were teeming with people, men and women dressed in brand-new clothes, their faces beaming with joy and happiness.

They strolled along the streets in small groups, stopped to admire the lanterns, or selected their favorite items from various stalls, creating a lively and bustling scene.