The survival rule of a concubine's daughter 96: Leniency for those who confess, the origin of BMW, and the lower marriage of a royal family.

  Her eyes widened in anger, knowing he was intentionally provoking her, yet she couldn't help but flare up and retort: "You have a side consort and concubines with an eldest son, Ru Qing acknowledges that I don't have the ability to manage the inner palace for the king."

  "They were all just gifts from elders, not what I wanted. The only thing I want is you."

  "Ha! I was deceived by Grandmother's praise of you, saying that you were a man of responsibility. But it turns out that not only did you sleep with someone else's wife, but also tried to clear your own name. You truly are a man of great responsibility."

  Li Xiao's lips twitched again, and he couldn't help but smile: "I just gave them a name. Apart from that, I couldn't give anything else. Whether you believe it or not, in short, since I had thoughts about you, I haven't been to their courtyard for almost half a year."

  As if expressionless, "If a man's words are to be believed entirely, then even sows will climb trees." She looked at Li Xuan's darkened face with great satisfaction, "Fortunately, I never had any hopes for Prince Wang. So it's really not necessary for him to make such promises against his will."

  Li Xue was slightly angry, "Don't you believe me?"

  She said lightly, "Having seen many people who are insincere and break their promises, I only believe in the process and the outcome." Who can't speak eloquently? She's not some naive little girl who can be easily deceived by a man's sweet talk.

  At first, when coming to our house to discuss marriage, didn't you pat your chest and guarantee that for three years after entering the door as a bride, you wouldn't take in any concubines? What about now?

  "I've promised you, I won't go back on my word." Li Xue's voice was low and solemn.

  "Alright, I'll take your word for it this time, Your Highness."

  An awkward silence, neither of them spoke, as if they were both angry that this guy had openly snatched her away, ruining her reputation, and even asked for a royal decree to force her to marry him, she was so angry that she wanted to stab him three times to vent her anger.

  Li Xiu had been brewing countless words in her stomach, but under the calm and quiet face, she couldn't hold it anymore. Finally breaking the silence, "The Empress Dowager summoned you, is it for our marriage?"

  Without a word, he silently picked up the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of hot tea.

  The hot tea that had just been poured, held in her hands, separated by the teacup, felt the warmth coming from her palms, which slightly eased the tension on her mind. Then she took a sip now and then, although she wasn't thirsty.

  Unable to bear her silence, Li Xiu frowned again and asked: "I think the Empress Dowager should have already set a wedding date. So, you'd better not resist anymore."

  Ruo Qing didn't get angry, instead she smiled mockingly and said: "Prince Wang, your words are quite unreasonable. A humble person like me, being able to marry Prince Wang is a blessing accumulated over several lifetimes. I'm already thrilled beyond measure, how could I still resist?"

  Li Xijun stared at her quietly, hitting the nail on the head, "But you're not happy."

  "As if it's a matter of course, she said coldly: 'No one would be delighted to be robbed and forced into marriage.'" Even if the robber is wealthy, powerful, and not bad-looking.

  Li Xiao smiled softly and said, "Heh, as long as I can marry the woman of my choice, what's wrong with being a bandit for once?"

  "But I've always hated bandits the most."

  Li Xiao burst out laughing, "After that day, I'll have to try and change this habit."

  With a scowl on her face, she said reluctantly: "What makes you think I must marry you?" What was he relying on?

  Li Xun stared at her, the girl in front of him looked calm, but her face was red with anger, betraying her inner turmoil. At this moment, she was like a cooked lobster, flailing its claws to express her boundless rage. Her almond-shaped eyes became even more rounded as she glared angrily. He didn't feel angry at all, instead he felt pleased. This girl would become his wife in the future...

  "It's not that there's no other way, but you don't have a choice, do you?" Li Xian said with a smile, he really didn't want to use his power to pressure her, but if this was the only way to marry her, then so be it.

  As if biting her lip, she let out a low growl, "Why me?" Didn't he dislike her before?

  Li Xiao thought for a moment and said: "If I like you, do I need a reason?"

  As if she would be pleased with this sentence, previously this person was so despicable, every time he saw her, it was either cold ridicule or maliciously making things difficult for her, she really didn't have a good impression of him. Think about it, someone who loves to bully and tease her, always finding fault in her, suddenly comes to propose but gets rejected, then sabotages her marriage and shamelessly says he likes her and must marry her, she wouldn't feel delighted, only that this person's brain is rusty.

  However, things have come to this point and there must be a way out.

  He then said coldly: "In order to show His Highness's liking for me, shouldn't there be a reasonable explanation?"

  Li Xiu furrowed her brow, tilted her head and thought for a moment. "You want me to say it, but I really can't put it into words. However, every time I see you, I get very excited. Unfortunately, you always have to act so serious, and I just can't help but tease you, watching you get anxious, watching you get angry, watching your expression when you're furious but can't say anything. Honestly, your angry face is really cute." It was the same now, but he thought it was better not to say it out loud for fear of driving her crazy.

  "If you're really angry, clench your fists and growl: 'Don't... don't you think this reason is shameless and perverted?'"

  Li Xun's face turned red with rage, "Pervert? Shameless? Are you saying I used the wrong method?"

  "...It's as if she's lost for words, is she speaking chicken and duck language?"

  "Doesn't Your Highness think that by doing this, you are completely damaging the image of a dignified prince?"

  Li Xiao thought for a moment, "It seems like it is. However, as long as I can marry you, sacrificing this bit of dignity isn't a big deal."

  With a sullen face, she glared at him. This person was actually so thick-skinned. Forget it, let's try another way. "Does the prince really want to marry me?"

  "That's natural."

  "As I am of humble origin, I fear I would disappoint Your Highness."

  "Identity doesn't matter. I just want you as a person." He gazed at her deeply, and unlike when she first entered the palace, she had changed into a bright purple satin jacket with sea-otter fur trim and intricate embroidery of lotus flowers on the hem, which complemented her pale complexion and made her face look even more radiant. She sat across from him, looking calm and serene like still water, but her small pink mouth was pouting in discontent, and her large, bright eyes seemed to be making an unspoken accusation against him.

  Li Xiu was suddenly fascinated by this girl, whether she was clever, elegant, quiet or lively, all of which were extremely captivating to him.

  Even now, her angry expression is enough to make him feel intoxicated.

  As she put the cooled teacup on the table, Li Xiang came back to his senses, cleared his throat and said: "In the past, I indeed had many shortcomings. But since we are going to be husband and wife, it's better to cover up some things."

  "Ah, it seems that Prince Wang has taken Ru Qing for a cooked duck."

  Li Xiu frowned, "You seem to dislike me!" Especially when he heard that she had fallen ill recently, it made him anxious.

  As if ridiculing the corner of his mouth, "The king's majesty is noble and dignified, with a majestic aura, a talented person. How can a humble woman like me catch your eye? It's already a blessing from several lifetimes. Why would I dislike it? I don't even have time to like it."

  Li Xiu fell silent for a moment, then said: "I don't dare say that my conditions are very good, but I only guarantee you that once you marry me and become my queen, I will ensure that you live a life of glory and splendor, never again suffering humiliation or injustice."

  "King's words are laughable. I, Ruo Qing, am also well-fed and warmly dressed now. My father, brother, and grandmother all dote on me. I have good food to eat and warm clothes to wear, with maids serving me. Who dares to bully me? What is this talk of being wronged?"

  Li Xun stared at her, as if he wanted to stare into the depths of her soul from her cold face.

  He shook his head, "No, you've always been compromising... apart from the Jiang and Xiang families' affairs, who wouldn't be angry? But in front of others, you still pretend to smile, pretending to be calm and unruffled. Don't you feel suffocated?"

  His calm face had a slight ripple, but quickly recovered, and he sneered, "Prince Wang's words are really not written in advance. If I were to truly reveal my true nature, the first thing I would do is slap your face. Don't believe me? You can try it."

  Li Xiao chuckled and said, "Actually, you're not only proud, but also have a fiery temper. However, don't worry, I'm thick-skinned, if you really want to vent your anger, feel free to do so."

  Her face was twitching with rage, but she had met her match in this shameless and thick-skinned person, all her skills were useless, and she was left fuming.

  Finally, she took a deep breath and suppressed the violent anger in her chest, saying coldly: "Prince Wang really likes to joke. As I was deeply influenced by Confucian etiquette since childhood, my grandmother and father also taught me that as a woman, one must be dignified and steady. How could I possibly learn from those coarse and rude women to fight with others?"

  Li Xiao shook his head, "Don't pretend in front of me."

  It seems like I've been stepped on, and I really want to throw a teacup at his face without caring about anything.

  Li Xiang looked at her clenched fist and suddenly said in a low voice, "Marry me, you don't have to hide your grievances and discontent from me."

  She glared at him with unspoken resentment.

  Li Xudong stared at her steadily, "If beating me up would make you feel better, then go ahead and throw the cup in my face."

  As if possessed, grasping the cup and raising it high...

  Li Xue was startled and didn't expect her to actually take action, subconsciously raising her hand to cover her face...

  But the cup did not really fall down.

  As if her emotions were high, she raised the cup with her hand and then put it down. She plopped down on the stool, defeated and growled: "You know I don't dare to really throw you."

  Li Xipeng calmed down from the tension of just a moment ago and smiled wryly, "I thought you were really going to throw me away."

  She pouted and said, "How could that be? The king is my reliance for the rest of my life." She wouldn't dare to quarrel with her bedfellow before marriage even if she were beaten to death.

  "The reliance of the second half of life", these few words made Li Xiang's eyes soften, he smiled and looked at the face that was still sulking, saying: "Still angry?"

  She gave him a sulky glance and didn't respond. In fact, after the previous confrontation with him, more than half of the anger that had been building up in her heart had dissipated.

  Knowing she didn't want to marry him, he went to such great lengths to meet her in private, show his true feelings, and was quite sincere; even the most hard-hearted person would have had their sharp edges worn away.

  Especially when he showed a sincere attitude, just to eliminate her resentment towards him... Alas, forget it, considering his sincerity, she would rather confess and forgive him.

  "Uh, on the day of the grand wedding... " she said with a hint of subtlety, "I'm afraid it will disappoint the prince."

  Li Xiao raised an eyebrow, "This is the best day selected by the Imperial Observatory, everything is auspicious. Combined with our eight characters of birth, even the time for worshiping heaven and earth has been calculated. How could it be bad?"

  "Really?" With a more subtle tone, she twisted her fingers and said hesitantly: "But I'm afraid that day will disappoint the prince." She looked anxious and uneasy, "Ruoxi is afraid, that day her body won't be convenient."

  Li Xian was initially unclear, but seeing the anxious and nervous appearance, he had been having a concubine in his house since he was 14 years old. How could he not know that women would have several days of inconvenience every month? Suddenly, he also became stupid.

  She secretly looked at his unpleasant face, biting her lip tightly, and nervously twisting the handkerchief. Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's hum, "If I were to spoil Your Highness' mood on our wedding day, Ruqing would be terrified. But if Your Highness were to go to another concubine's quarters on our wedding day, it might spread unfavorable rumors. The best plan now is to ask Your Highness and the Empress Dowager to reconsider and choose a more auspicious date..." She looked up at Li Xiong's face with an ambiguous smile and suddenly stopped talking, lowering her head.

  "Why don't you go on?" Li Xī rarely gritted his teeth, this hypocritical little cheat, pretending to be wronged and timid, but unfortunately couldn't hide the delight in his heart, looking at those eyes filled with schadenfreude, he really wanted to grab her and beat her... uh, fiercely kiss that small mouth of hers.

  With a pout, a look of frustration, how come this guy is so hard to fool? Thinking about all these years, her acting skills have long been refined, why does she always fail in front of him?

  Looking at her eating turtle with relish, Li Xiao burst out laughing, "You little hypocrite, why don't you just say you want to see me make a fool of myself? Why bother finding so many excuses that aren't quite right?"

  With a faint smile, neither admitting nor denying, she gazed at Li Xiao with sparkling eyes, her expression saying "I believe that on the day of our grand wedding, Your Highness will not disappoint me."

  Li Xiu closed his eyes, forcing out words from between his teeth: "I, Li Xiu, am indeed lucky to have married such an understanding wife. I haven't even consummated the marriage yet and already need to practice patience."

  Responding to him was just an even more innocent smile...

  It's really inconvenient for a lonely man and woman to be in the same room together, and they don't dare stay too long. He returned the cloak on her body to Li Xiao, but she took it again and put it back on her, "Wear it, your body will feel better, you can't catch another cold."

  She was slightly touched, this man is actually so considerate.

  "If I fall ill again, the wedding will probably have to be postponed until next year." He smiled at her, his eyes lingering on her face as if reluctant to leave, "Heaven have mercy, I really wish we could get married right away."

  Affected by his joy, words slipped out of her mouth, "Anyway, there are still five days before the big wedding."

  Li Xiu's eyes lit up, "Then you agree?"

  With a low mood, she muttered: "Anyway, I'll get married sooner or later." A raised head is a knife, and a lowered head is also a knife.

  The little girl's posture, which he had never seen before, caused Li Xiao's chest to surge with inexplicable emotions. He tightly grasped his not-so-listening hands behind his back and lightly coughed: "As long as you don't wear a funeral face on your wedding day, everything is easy to discuss."

  She replied to him with a slight hum of her small upturned nose.

  Li Xiu never liked to sit in a sedan chair or ride in a carriage. He had the qualification to enter the palace on horseback, but he didn't want to let Ruoxi do the same and ride together with her on one horse. In the end, he thought of a compromise and had someone prepare a soft sedan chair to send Ruoxi out of the palace.

  ……

  Outside the palace, like a luxurious carriage with a black roof and a team of horses, he got into his own single-horse carriage, ignoring the maids' astonished gaze, and bowed to Li Xiu, "Your Highness, I'll take my leave first."

  Li Xiu nodded, "Be careful on the road." Then he saw Ru Qing step onto a small stool brought by Yu Tou and elegantly get into the carriage.

  After the carriage with Dai Ruyi had gone far away, Li Xiu finally withdrew his gaze and headed in the direction of Wang Fu...

  On the carriage, Chen Xiang carefully asked Ru Qing: "Miss, how did you leave the palace with King Jing?"

  As if it was nothing, she coughed lightly and concealed her delight, saying casually, "It's just a coincidence."

  After driving for hundreds of steps, several horses and men suddenly appeared in front of them. The driver saw that the other party was tall and majestic, with an aura like thunder, and his heart skipped a beat. He hastily pulled on the reins, gazing fearfully at the young nobleman in purple robes who led the group, one hand holding a whip and the other grasping the reins, his horse standing sideways in front of the carriage. Suppressing the fear in his heart, he asked in a cold voice, "Does Your Highness have any further instructions?"

  As soon as she heard the strange noise outside, she hastily asked Chen Xiang to take a look. Chen Xiang had just lifted the curtain and suddenly withdrew his head, his heart filled with terror, "Miss, it's...it's King Jing..."

  As if curious in her heart, but lifted the curtain and looked at Li Xue outside, with a crisp voice, "Your Highness, is there any other instruction?" King Jing Li Xue sat high above, looking down at the carriage driver, "I still have something to say to your young lady, you, come down."

  That coachman was stunned. This time, Jing Wang had publicly eloped and asked the Emperor for permission to marry the Fourth Miss, which had spread throughout the streets and alleys. Li Xiao's great name had also resounded in Fang Fu like thunder. Now, under the eyes of everyone in the courtyard, he had come to intercept his own sister's carriage...

  Li Xiang ignored the driver and raised his voice to say to Ruo Qing inside the car, "Cough, let's talk privately."

  As the emotions fell silent, I looked around and saw that the cold wind was blowing snowflakes everywhere on the streets. The roads had already frozen with a thin layer of ice, and the wheels of cars were moving cautiously on the ground. At this time, most people had retreated to their homes for warmth, and there were no pedestrians on the street.

  "Does the king have anything else important?"

  Li Xuan swiftly dismounted his horse and approached the coachman, reaching out to grab him like a small chicken and tossing him behind the guards. He then lifted the curtain and faced the serene and quiet eyes of the young woman inside, her gaze slightly narrowed. Suddenly, he turned to the three maidservants and ordered: "I have something to discuss with your mistress, you all go down and wait outside."

  The fragrance is delicate and elegant, where can it be found? Countless people look up to it with affection.

  As she tightly grasped the handkerchief, she exchanged a look with Li Xiao. After a long while, she finally gave in and said to the two of them: "You both go outside and keep watch."

  The two looked at her worriedly, got off the carriage with a nervous heart, and Li Xiao jumped onto the horse cart, lifted his robe, and entered the carriage.

  In the extremely feminine carriage, decorated with soft pink and delicate furnishings, Li Xiao suddenly entered, his tall figure immediately exuding an overwhelming aura.

  The carriage was not actually narrow, and there was still plenty of room for four people to sit in it, but as soon as Li Xiao came in, he felt his heart pounding in his chest, with almost nowhere to escape - the man's presence was really too strong.

  "Is there anything else, Your Highness?"

  Li Xue dug into her bosom and exchanged a small, purple-copper-colored brazier for it, handing it to her. "Take this, it'll keep you warmer."

  As if she had just received a warm stove, she was very surprised. This was the stove that had fallen into the sedan chair earlier. He actually came after her again for this trivial stove. Wasn't he making a big deal out of nothing?

  Li Xiang also felt a bit abrupt and embarrassed to come, lightly coughing, said: "The weather is cold, you should take care of your body."

  With a slight bow, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I understand." Seeing that Li Xiong had no other movements, he asked: "Is there anything else you would like to instruct me on, Your Majesty?"

  "......Oh, that's all, I'm leaving." Li Xi made a gesture of getting up.

  As if embracing a warm stove, she narrowed her eyes and smiled in response, "Your Highness, take your time, I won't see you off."

  Li Xiu had no choice but to dismount the carriage, remount his horse, and the three maids who were shivering with cold outside quickly got back on the carriage. The closed curtain was lifted, but soon returned to its original state, and nothing could be seen inside again. Li Xiu felt a sense of loss in his heart, and suddenly found that the guards behind him were staring at him blankly. He felt embarrassed and quickly spurred his horse's belly, turned around, and drove back along the road they had just come from.

  ……

  ……

  After returning to the Fang Mansion, the carriage drove into the rear courtyard, and after getting off the carriage, a man in a green robe with a strong build was seen leading a black horse, as if he was about to take it out. Like a familiar face, it was Liu Dayong, the younger brother of Liu Dashi who had sacrificed himself to protect her back then. Liu Dayong also saw Ruoqing and bowed his head, saying: "Fourth Young Miss."

  Yu nodded and smiled: "Brother Liu wants to go out?"

  Liu Dàyǒng said: "It is General's intention to leave the mansion. This is General's steed."

  As she gazed at the tall horse, she suddenly blurted out: "This horse is so spirited and handsome! Brother, when did you get such a fine horse?" Even if she didn't know much about horses, she could tell that this one had well-developed muscles, shiny coat, and an arrogant glint in its eye, looking extremely proud of itself. It was clear at a glance that it was no ordinary horse. Just as people with exceptional talent tend to be arrogant, so too did this horse seem to have an air of superiority about it, its eyes gleaming with a particularly unyielding spirit, its front hooves tapping impatiently on the ground.

  Liu Dàyǒng smiled and said: "Miss, you really have a good eye for this. This horse is the legendary Wòyún Gàixuě (Black Cloud Covers Snow). It can travel 800 li in one day, its movements are swift and agile, and General, it's not at all difficult to obtain." With an expression of utmost pride.

  As soon as she became curious, she knew that wealthy families loved to raise horses, and the noble horses riding on their bodies were not only a symbol of face but also a symbol of identity. Second brother had been riding Mongolian horses before, which were durable, cold-resistant, and wear-resistant, but they were short and small, while this horse was tall, strong, and handsome, and riding on it made him feel proud unconsciously. However, noble horses are not cheap, according to her knowledge, the mount of Yang Qitai, the Marquis of Qingchang, was called something like "Aurora", which cost more than 3,000 taels of silver to buy from outside the Great Wall. This breed of horse, named "Wuyun Gaisuo", must have been expensive too.

  But then again, thinking about the cunning nature hidden behind Zhong's straightforward back, it might be a trick.

  Liu Dàyǒng burst out laughing, his expression extremely pleased. "Not to deceive Fourth Young Lady, this '乌云盖雪' (Dark Clouds Covering Snow) was originally the mount of the Prince of Jing. However, the Prince of Jing took a liking to General's robe and wanted it badly, but General refused. The Prince of Jing had previously gifted him with precious swords and the Heavenly Bright Pearl, yet General pointed at his horse and said: 'If you give me this horse, I'll give you the robe.' It's said that this horse was also something the Prince of Jing spent a lot of effort to win from the Crown Prince of Dai. He treasured it dearly during peaceful times, how could he bear to part with it? Yet, unexpectedly, two days later, the Prince of Jing indeed brought his horse to exchange for General's robe."

  "What robe is this? It's so precious!"

  Liu Dayong shook his head, "When the general sent it out, it was wrapped in cotton cloth. Even I didn't get a glimpse of it. But I heard General Zheng say that this robe is quite ordinary. The King of Jing's taste is really not good."

  Thinking of all the famous beauties in the capital, Li Xiong didn't go to choose, but instead chose himself, as if it was a matter of course, and didn't ask much, and after chatting for a few more sentences, he entered the Vertical Flower Gate.

  ……

  The movement of the King's Mansion was still quite fast, and on the same afternoon, a eunuch came to announce the imperial edict, and the wedding date was formally set. Fang Jinglan took over the holy edict, and finally let out a long sigh of relief. It's good that his little daughter is going to marry into the King's Mansion, and the wedding date has been set, so he doesn't have to worry about any more twists and turns.

  After the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict left, many guests came to the Fang residence one after another to offer gifts. Fang Jinglan showed off his elegant demeanor and earned a lot of praise. Just as he was chatting with the guests, the King of Jing's residence sent over the betrothal gift.

  When the guests saw one after another of silk, silver jewelry, and delicious food being carried into Fang's house, a total of 128 sedan chairs, they were all stunned. The whole Songhe Hall was filled with gifts, some even overflowed and couldn't be placed. He Shi took out the key to open the warehouse and put half of the gifts inside. Everyone was amazed by such a grand gift-giving ceremony and thought to themselves: "The King's mansion is indeed generous!"

  When Fang Jinglan personally received the gift list sent by the steward of the Wangfu Outer Court, his eyes almost fell out. In the year when Qingchang Hou welcomed his daughter-in-law, he had a full 108 lifts of gifts, all of which were precious treasures worth a fortune, causing a sensation at the time. It is estimated that within three to five years, other families will not have such a grand gesture again.

  But he didn't expect the King's mansion to be so generous, with a total of 128 sedan chairs of betrothal gifts, all of which were top-notch goods, not one was inferior. With such betrothal gifts from the Fang Mansion, they would have no problem with food and clothing for ten lifetimes.

  On the second day, the empress dowager's reward also arrived, which was also countless silk, jade and precious stones, jewelry and headwear, as well as extremely valuable ancient artifacts. The empress dowager's generosity exceeded everyone's expectations in the Fang household, but thinking that if they could gain the empress dowager's favor, it would be equivalent to having a strong backing in the Jing Wang Fu.

  Mrs. Li looked at the piled-up betrothal gifts and rewards, also delighted to be overjoyed, unexpectedly thinking that this concubine-born daughter was so capable, actually bringing so much wealth to her natal family, estimated to be used for several generations without any problem.

  As she looked at the piles of betrothal gifts, she also felt suffocated for half a day, clutching her chest. Good heavens, marrying up indeed has its advantages, no wonder so many people like to climb high branches.

  But who would have thought that there are people in this world who make a living by being an escort? The Jing Wang Fu is so generous, how can she possibly repay them unless she sells herself into slavery?

  ……

  Digression

  Want others to update more, but there should be some indication. Also, I've been in a bad state for the past two days, it's very painful, don't worry about me, I'm about to hit the wall.