The survival rule of a concubine's daughter 95: Intelligence is often misled by intelligence itself.

  Knowing that the medical conditions in ancient Liaoning were extremely backward, ordinary colds could have a mortality rate of nearly 20%, so she attached great importance to maintaining her body, eating nutritious food, taking a walk after dinner every day, exercising for a while in the morning, and the effect was still quite good over the past decade. She thought that blowing wind would only make her runny nose, but unexpectedly it was so overbearing, after noon, she had a headache and fever, accompanied by coughing, which made her suffer, even drinking ginger soup didn't work, Xiang panicked, and then rushed to report to Old Lady.

  The doctor came quickly this time and after diagnosing and treating Ruyi, she also took some medicine. Before long, her fever subsided and she fell into a deep sleep.

  Waking up once again, she only felt her mouth dry and tongue parched. She called out to Xiangxiang but no one responded, so she got out of bed herself, picked up the water jug, poured a cup of water, and drank it down. Unfortunately, the water was cold, irritating her throat terribly, but there was nothing else to do - her throat was so parched it felt like smoke was coming out. She forced herself to gulp down another big mouthful, and the dryness slightly subsided, then she snuggled back into bed and continued sleeping.

  That night, Ruqing's fever relapsed again, and this time the cough was even more severe. The painful coughing made it hard for Xiangxiang and others to sleep all night. They had never seen Ruqing so breathless from coughing. In the end, Ruqing had to go find He Shi again. When He Shi heard that Ruqing's condition had worsened, she couldn't sleep either, and immediately sent someone to invite a doctor over in the middle of the night.

  This time it was the same doctor, and the doctor was also puzzled. "This afternoon's pulse diagnosis wasn't this severe yet, how did it become so serious in just half a day?" But he didn't say much more, and instead prescribed another medicine, telling someone to decoct it and give it to Ruoqing to take.

  After pinching her nose, gritting her teeth and swallowing the bitter medicine that made her want to spit it out, she suddenly couldn't sleep anymore. She stared at the bed canopy above her head, feeling a wave of tearless sorrow.

  Turning around, he saw Chen Xiang staring at him with a sullen face, and couldn't help but smile awkwardly, saying: "I'm fine now, you go rest."

  Chen Xiang didn't say a word, his face as dark as coal, he knew he had miscalculated this time. He had accompanied the madam and lost soldiers, if only he had known that a cold wind would cause such trouble for him, she would never have used such a foolish method.

  Linglong said, "Miss, didn't you drink cold water again?" Although she was usually incompetent in doing things, her eyes were always sharp. Before she left, she had clearly put away the tea set on the table properly, but soon after, she saw an empty teacup appear on the table, and guessed that Miss must have secretly drunk cold water again.

  Chen Xiang suddenly turned his head and fiercely stared at Ru Qing.

  Her eyes sparkled, and I reckon it was indeed the cold water that stimulated her. Alas, if only she had known that drinking cold water would worsen her condition, she wouldn't have touched it even if her throat were on fire.

  ……

  On the second day, early in the morning, Ruoxi, who was sleeping soundly, was suddenly awakened to find her boudoir filled with many people, including Old Lady Li, Madame Li, Madame He, several palace maids, and a few middle-aged maids she didn't recognize. Among them was one she recognized - Song Jiang's wife, a maid by the side of Princess Jing of the First Rank. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened?

  The old lady came forward and helped Rujing up, saying: "Princess Jing heard that you were ill and specially invited the imperial physician to take a look at you. This is Song nurse, whom you have met before."

  As he gazed at the Song family's residence, he struggled to get up and said: "It was actually Mrs. Song, I'm really sorry, it's just a minor illness but you still took the trouble to come in person."

  Song Jiang's family hastily stepped forward, not allowing Ruhua to get up, and said warmly: "Miss, you're not feeling well, lie down quickly. The weather is indeed severe today, and if you're not careful, you'll catch a cold. The empress heard that you were ill and was so anxious that she sent an old lady to visit you early in the morning. The imperial physician is outside, why don't you let him take a look first?"

  The doctor also came? Zhen Qing said with a look of surprise: "It's just a minor illness, I've taken two pieces of medicine and it's almost nothing now." Suddenly, he felt an itch in his throat and couldn't help but turn around to cough a few times. Chen Xiang quickly grabbed the small spittoon and rushed over, Zhen Qing spat out a mouthful of phlegm into the spittoon. Just as Chen Xiang was about to put it away, Zhen Qing started coughing again.

  The old lady patted Ruoqing's back sympathetically and scolded, "You child, you've never been seriously ill before, how did you end up like this?" Then she turned her head and shouted at Shenxiang and the others, "How exactly have you all been taking care of your master?"

  As if it was possible to cough up phlegm, but only felt a lump of phlegm stuck in the throat, extremely uncomfortable. After forcing herself to cough for a long time, she still didn't feel much better. She also heard Old Lady's scolding and hastily said: "Auntie, it has nothing to do with them, it's all because my granddaughter was naughty and ran outside to catch a cold, really has nothing to do with them." As she spoke, she started coughing again, and had no choice but to drink another mouthful of warm salted pineapple water. The warmth of the water soothed her parched throat. Only then did she weakly smile at Song Jiang's wife and say: "My body is useless, making you laugh."

  Song Jiang's family carefully observed Ruhua and thought to themselves that she wasn't faking her illness. However, they expressed concern, saying: "Alas, this weather is getting colder by the day! Miss, you must take care of yourself. If you catch a chill and start coughing, it could be fatal. You're about to marry our Prince soon, so please don't let your condition delay the grand affair. It's best if you don't delay any further and have the imperial physician examine you."

  Then, Song Jiang's family took the initiative to put down the curtains on both sides of the bed and personally took a handkerchief to wrap around Ruhua's wrist. All the women in the house got up and watched as the imperial physician, who was about fifty years old, carefully examined and treated Ruhua.

  Finally, the imperial physician let go of Ruhua's hand, and Shen Xiang hurriedly came forward to put her hand back under the quilt. The old lady and several others from Song Jiang's household asked anxiously. The imperial physician stroked his beard and said: "The young lady's pulse is sunken and condensed, already showing signs of wind-cold entering the body. Just now, when I heard the young lady coughing with a hollow sound, I fear that the illness has already entered her lungs. Relatively speaking, it will be somewhat difficult to treat."

  Like a feeling in the heart, hearing a string of depressing words, are all doctors so exaggerated? However, these royal physicians have been dealing with dignitaries for many years and have developed a safe way of speaking, being ambiguous yet not killing the conversation. Hearing him say this, Like's illness is somewhat serious but not to the point of being extremely severe, it seems that she will need to take medicine for about half a month or so. Like takes a deep breath, if only she could be hospitalized, those bitter Chinese medicines that are hard to swallow, are they edible?

  After the imperial physician left, Song Jiang's family chatted with Ruqing for a while, reminded her of some precautions, and then conveyed another round of consolation on behalf of Queen Jing, before finally leaving after giving her a pile of precious tonics.

  Song Jiang's good servant, however, was not easy to get rid of. After sending all the other servants away, he stared at Ruan with his unique glare.

  As she lay in bed, clutching the quilt and speaking pitifully: "Brother, I already know my mistake. I've regretted it. Just forgive me this once." Who would have known that having a cold could be so miserable? Now her nose was stuffy and painful, her throat was itchy and sore, and there was phlegm stuck in it. She wanted to cough but was afraid of provoking Zhiyi's anger, so she could only endure it, hoping that this cold-hearted brother would spare her because she was ill.

  He was indeed angry, especially after listening to his subordinates. Just the night before last, he saw that this girl was still wandering around outside the courtyard in the middle of the night, and he knew something was wrong. This girl is lazy and afraid of the cold, as soon as winter comes, she won't go out unless absolutely necessary. But she actually ran outside for so long, even if she wanted to enjoy the snow scene, it wasn't like this.

  However, he can also guess Ruoqing's intention, but she actually made fun of her own body in order to delay the marriage, which is really reckless.

  There were a lot of words to blame her, but seeing her attitude towards admitting her mistakes was quite good, and with a pitiful look on her face, thinking about the hardships she had endured in recent days, it wasn't right to blame her too much either. So I just said: "Since marrying into the Wang family can't be changed, you can only try to accept it. You've always been clever, as the saying goes 'heaven will not abandon people', there's no reason for a mere Wang family to make you so fearful."

  As if in agreement, she nodded lightly, "Brother is right, earlier I was thinking too much and worrying unnecessarily."

  At first, she was only immersed in the tragic and helpless confusion of being a woman entering the Houmen, a kind of desperation that ancient ladies had to accept as their fate. In the Wangfu, where beauties were as numerous as clouds and rules were as many as cow hairs, there would always be days suitable for oneself. She really shouldn't have surrendered to confusion so early on, it was too useless.

  After all, it's considered a good marriage, the Wang family won't let her have a hard time every day, will they?

  ……

  Actually, marrying into the Jing Wang Fu isn't so bad after all.

  There's still half a month to go before the New Year, and the weather is getting colder and colder. The snowflakes are falling all night, and even during the day, they don't stop falling. The streets of the capital city are piled high with snow, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through. However, Wan Yuyi, the imperial physician of the Jingwang Palace, still makes his rounds three times a day, undeterred by the cold wind and heavy snow. His single-horse stone-green carriage has been traveling back and forth for days, its exterior edges already frozen into ice walls by the wind and snow.

  Wan Taiyi came frequently, and the servant sent by the King's palace also visited every day. Even the Empress Dowager sent people several times to show concern and bestowed precious tonics. The servants in the Fang household were all eager to curry favor with Ruo Xin, as if she was about to marry into the King's palace and her value had skyrocketed. Now, seeing these imperial family members coming one after another, how could they not be envious? They repeatedly tried to ingratiate themselves with Ruo Xin through various means. As Ruo Xin was bedridden and hadn't even left her room, the servants would bring her food today and toys tomorrow. In a short time, Ruo Xin's cozy abode was filled with all sorts of gifts.

  Everyone in Fang's household is so well-versed in worldly affairs, it doesn't make sense that those relatives and friends from outside didn't come to show their support. Not to mention the close relatives of the Fang family, even distant relatives such as Old Lady Zhou, the sister of Madame Fang's mother, and the lady of the Yongqing Manor, also came with their families to pay a visit. Of course, these people did not meet with Ruo Xue face-to-face; firstly, because Old Lady was blocking the way in front, and secondly, there was also He Shi, this door god.

  In the palace, she didn't dare to dismiss the people from the Jingwang Fu, but these people were within her authority. She welcomed them all into the hall and treated them with good water and tea, only saying "Fourth sister is currently unwell and it's not suitable for her to receive guests, please forgive us." Then she accompanied the guests until a servant called her, and only then did she leave with an apologetic smile. In this situation, they naturally didn't stay long, leaving behind valuable gifts before taking their leave.

  However, although Mr. He was annoyed by these people who were trying to curry favor with him, he still had to put on a good face and receive three or five groups of people every day, which was a common occurrence for him. Although he was tired from dealing with them, he also heard many interesting pieces of gossip that made him applaud with delight.

  Based on the principle that it's more fun to share with others, He usually shares these gossips with Ruqing whenever he has time.

  "Do you still remember the wife of the Beijing Military Governor, Jiang Er?" He Shi sat elegantly in front of the qin bed, holding a silver toothpick with a piece of pear that had been soaked in salt water on it. After briefly scalding it in boiling water, it was beneficial for people with coughs to eat, as it could clear the lungs and dispel coldness. Although it didn't have much effect, it was also good as a food supplement.

  As if savoring the warm, slightly salty pear in her mouth, she slowly chewed and asked, "Madam Jiang Er? Isn't that the second wife of Yongning Bo's estate, Madame Hu?" The aunt of Jiang Yuran.

  He said, "Exactly. Today, the second lady of the Jiang family also came to visit. This person is also a standard three aunt six aunt, talking about other people's private affairs, and it's all right. Today, she told us some private things about the Yongning Bo Mansion."

  It is said that after Yongning Bo's wife gave birth to a son in Kaian County, her body became increasingly weak. She took the initiative to marry her niece to Jiang Shizi. This Ping Jiangniang is quite capable, and soon after entering the house, she gave birth to a son. Now, it is said that she is pregnant again, and according to the doctor who took her pulse, it is estimated that she will give birth to another boy. Yongning Bo's wife was overjoyed and had people send nourishing soups to the house every other day. This Ping Jiangniang seems to be getting arrogant, and it is said that she no longer puts the main mother in her eyes. She repeatedly spoke out to provoke a fight, even instigating the maidservants to add fuel to the fire with Kaian County. When Jiang Youren went to Kaian County's house, this person also repeatedly used stomach pain as an excuse to call away Jiang Shizi several times.

  Mr. He spoke slowly and reasonably, talking about other people's affairs in an objective and impartial manner, without personal preferences. His narrative was straightforward, yet with a rhythmic rise and fall, and he especially loved to pause at critical moments, leaving the listener eager for more. As someone who had experienced this before, I didn't want to listen, but this time, as usual, he paused at the most thrilling part, and I couldn't help but stare at him with wide eyes, asking repeatedly: "What's next? What happens then?" Is that all there is to Kaian County? Can a concubine really climb to the top?

  He blinked impatiently, "I was going to continue listening too, but who made Xiqing call me back at that time?" As he spoke, he also glanced back at Xiqing with a hint of resentment.

  With a joyful and innocent face, she rolled her eyes in defense: "I thought the mistress didn't want to see these people, so I deliberately found an excuse according to the usual time, who knew the mistress..."

  He shook his head and said, "You've been ill lately, and your sister-in-law has almost gotten used to receiving gifts. As soon as these unfamiliar people come, they start calling you 'little sister' this and that, it's all so annoying." Then he rubbed his sore face, "Alas, my face is almost frozen from smiling."

  With a burst of laughter, "Can't you handle this kind of situation now? In the future when brother becomes successful and famous, won't sister-in-law be even more exhausted from keeping up?"

  He's making a face and pinching her nose, laughing and scolding: "You deserve a beating. I'm trying to talk business with you."

  "Right, sister-in-law, the county magistrate of Kai'an wants to meet you, when are you planning to go?"

  "What's wrong, Madam He?" asked the servant girl. "Recently, there have been many things to attend to in the mansion, and I haven't had a chance to come over yet," said Madam He with a sigh. "After you get married, I'll go take a look at her. Alas, my former close friend has become like this, it's also hard for me to bear."

  As the mood is also heavy, "Indeed, a concubine without ambition is not a good concubine. Now that I think about it, I'm really grateful that Lady Yongning despised my illegitimate status back then." Otherwise, if she had married into the Jiang family, with this Ping Concubine's ability to give birth and climb up, she would have only been able to drink the northwest wind.

  He's face turned pale, and he forced a laugh. "You're saying...," he started to say something, but couldn't get the words out, and finally fell silent, hanging his head in shame.

  As if knowing her thoughts, but not pointing it out, she just smiled and said: "These two days, sister-in-law has been tired. If sister-in-law is really tired of coping, younger sister here has a way." Then she covered her head and moaned.

  He understood at once, and punched Ruoqing with a fist, laughing and scolding: "Everyone says you're a good person, but who knows, you're actually a sly ghost. You can even think of such an idea."

  She smiled and said, "This is simple, if the body is not comfortable, how can we receive guests? Others may have doubts in their hearts, but they won't really ask a doctor to come and take my pulse instead?" Then she added with some sarcasm: "Moreover, it's hard to send charcoal in snowy weather, but easy to add flowers to brocade."

  He knew the thoughts of Ruoxi's heart, sighed and said, "Everyone thinks that my sister is marrying well, it must be because our ancestors accumulated virtue. But who knows, this marriage with the Wang family, my sister is being forced into it, she has grievances but can't speak out."

  "Eldest sister, don't worry, after all it's a good marriage, younger sister won't wrong herself."

  She had also figured it out these days, no matter whether the Jing Wang Fu was a dragon's lair or a human hell, since there was no choice left, she would find her own way to survive.

  It's just a pity that the ancient survival skills she had practiced since childhood seemed to have no place to be used, and in a place like the palace, the skills she learned didn't seem enough either.

  Forget it, let's just take things one step at a time.

  ……

  Actually, Qing Bai worried for nothing.

  It's just that the Empress Dowager in the palace was afraid she wouldn't adapt to the survival rules of the Wang Fu, so she sent four imperial maids to Fang Fu, saying they were there to teach Ruo Xue etiquette.

  Half a day later, the Empress Dowager also sent two palace maids to assist Ruo Xue in learning the rules of the imperial family as soon as possible.

  All she could do was smile wryly, as the eunuchs around the Empress Dowager all had dull expressions and solemn faces, probably all of them were not easy to deal with, so she had no choice but to obediently endure.

  However, she originally thought that relying on the Empress Dowager's dissatisfaction with her at the time, these palace maids would take the opportunity to bully her. Unexpectedly, these palace maids were fair and impartial, teaching her words and deeds one by one, and after entering the palace, facing elders, kowtowing, speaking, eating, etc., all had a very strict set of rules. Although they taught her severely, as if she was afraid of the Empress Dowager in her heart, she didn't dare to slack off, so she could only work hard to learn.

  Because previously, Hua's mother had personally taught Rong Yu the rules and etiquette commonly used in large households, which Rong Yu had learned very well. Hua's mother had taught Rong Yu the rules and etiquette used by the famous Zhongding family in Beijing, which were actually not much different from those used in the palace. Therefore, these ayis easily completed their task and returned to the palace the next day to report back.

  It turned out that these old ladies had received favors from Old Lady He, and also found out that Rourou had learned strict palace etiquette in her youth. This palace etiquette was easy to learn, and it's estimated that she said many good things about her in front of the Empress Dowager. The next day, the palace rewarded several pieces of precious white silk, several pieces of brocade, two thousand-year-old ginseng, and several exquisite embroidered quilts made of high-quality silk.

  The eunuch who delivered the imperial edict smiled and said to Ruoxi, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager said that you had caught a cold recently, probably because of wearing thin clothes. This time, she ordered me to bring you several silk quilts and these fur coats, please accept them."

  The plain silk fabric has no texture, and at first glance, it's unremarkable. However, its exceptional comfort when worn on the body is unparalleled. It's smooth to the touch, like baby skin, and gentle on the hands. But if you add embroidery on top of it, that would be absolutely stunning.

  The brocade surface, however, is fine and smooth, with a majestic dynamic beauty that showcases the imperial style. The exquisite embroidery is lifelike and not something that ordinary families can use.

  Look at the other rewards, such as the down jackets and ginseng, all of which are top-grade tributes from various regions. Especially these down jackets, the embroidery is exquisite, the satin surface is beautiful, and what's even more rare is that when worn on the body, they are exceptionally light and soft, probably made from high-quality cotton or animal fur. Not something an ordinary family can wear.

  The Empress Dowager, changing her previously severe and dissatisfied attitude, gave a big sweet date this time. These casual rewards also don't know what kind of medicine is being sold in the gourd.

  There was another concern, because according to He Shi's words, after receiving the reward from the palace, she would have to enter the palace to thank her. Heaven forbid, if she had to kneel upright in front of that old lady for half a moment like last time, she would rather not receive these rewards.

  But even if the Empress Dowager was a man-eating tiger, it was still necessary to enter the palace and thank her for her kindness, this is the rule, cannot be abolished.

  To express his gratitude for the gift from the Empress Dowager, on the second day, Ruyi got into a sedan chair and entered the palace.

  This time, Empress Dowager did not make things difficult for Ru Qing. After Ru Qing kowtowed as usual, she was told to rise and then ordered to approach the Empress Dowager's side.

  The eunuch beside the Empress Dowager slightly turned his head, and the eunuch understood, taking the tea water to sprinkle on the marble floor tiles not far in front of Ruo Xue. Ruo Xue secretly smiled, guessing that the Empress Dowager did not believe she could understand the palace etiquette in such a short time, so this was an impromptu test for her. She stepped over the wet area as if unaware, standing steadily and elegantly before the Empress Dowager.

  The Empress Dowager saw this and her eyes showed incredulity and satisfaction, exchanging a glance with Zhu Shi. Indeed, what was said was true.

  She was dressed in a light blue satin jacket with plum blossoms and a long green skirt embroidered with green smoke and willows, her hair styled in a neat bun adorned with gold silk and pearl chains, a silver pin with a South Sea pearl and plum blossom on top of her head, and three flowing tassels hanging down beside her cheek. A small, delicate jade flower was inserted at the front of her bun, and she wore small, droplet-shaped emerald earrings. There was nothing striking about her overall appearance; everything about her, from her clothes to her accessories, seemed ordinary. In a world where aristocratic young ladies wore gold and silver, especially in the luxurious palace, this simplicity was almost plain.

  The Empress Dowager asked: "Didn't you receive gold and silver hairpins and clothes yesterday? Why aren't you wearing them?"

  Ru Jing replied with reverence: "The gifts bestowed by the Empress Dowager are all extraordinary items, but I am of lowly status and dare not wear anything beyond my station."

  The Empress Dowager slightly revealed a smile, "You are about to marry into the Wang family and become a noble princess. It is only fitting that I reward you. Next time you enter the palace, wear those clothes and let me take a look. They were all made according to your measurements."

  Although Ru Qing was surprised at how the palace managed to make clothes that fit her, she said: "Ru Qing thanks the Empress Dowager for her kindness. However, since we are not yet formally married, Ru Qing does not dare to wear anything too extravagant."

  Suddenly, I feel that the girl in front of me is quite understanding of etiquette, especially when speaking, she is polite and knows how to advance and retreat. Where is the rumored petty bourgeois air that can't be put on stage? Today, looking at her, she is indeed elegant and open-minded, with bright eyebrows and eyes, especially wearing such simple clothes yet still being humble and courteous, advancing and retreating naturally, I couldn't help but feel more and more satisfied as I looked at her. Holding her hand affectionately, I asked warmly: "Are you cold? It's so chilly today, coming to the palace like this, make sure to wear warm clothes, don't catch a chill."

  "Thanks to your good fortune, my illness has been cured. Letting the Empress Dowager worry for nothing is also my fault."

  The Empress Dowager said: "You child, indeed made me worried. The imperial physician examined you, what did he say?"

  "It's a relief for Empress Dowager Cixi to worry about, the imperial physician said it's no big deal now."

  "All right, I can rest assured then. There's still more than half a month before the New Year, so we should hurry up and arrange your marriage with Xiao Er. The Imperial Observatory has chosen an auspicious day, it's scheduled for the 19th of next month, do you think that's okay?"

  Ru Jing was shocked, didn't the Empress Dowager promise that she could choose a date for her marriage? She had thought that next year would be absolutely unbearable, but pushing it to April or May would also be fine. However, the Empress Dowager was so impatient, and the 15th of the first lunar month was just around the corner, which meant they would have to get married on New Year's Eve, and after the three-day visit to her parents' home, they would have to celebrate the Chinese New Year, this was also too rushed.

  The Empress Dowager said, "It's settled then. Anyway, all marriage matters will be handled by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Observatory according to the rules. You just need to go back and wait for the sedan chair to arrive."

  "But, however..." Ruxiang still wanted to ask for more benefits, but Empress Dowager Taohua waved her hand and said: "Alright, I'm tired. You may retire now. Just focus on preparing for your wedding, don't think about anything else. When the time comes, I will reward you again. Go back and wait for further instructions."

  As the emotions subsided for a while, she was caught between annoying Li Xiao and annoying Empress Dowager, her head was big, Empress Dowager set the date, she didn't care, it's just that... those few days she wasn't convenient, I'm afraid she would annoy Li Xiao, at this time... Alas, she couldn't afford to offend either of them.

  What's going on? What's happening?

  However, when leaving the palace, the Empress Dowager said that there was no charcoal fire in the example carriage in the palace, and she was afraid of letting her sit inside and catch a chill. So she ordered the eunuchs to carry out a soft sedan chair, let Ruyi sit inside, and be carried out of the palace along the way.

  The interior of the sedan chair was extremely delicate, with a bright yellow color densely embroidered with intricate patterns of birds and flowers. The cushion was very wide and thick, covered with a layer of soft fur, making it possible to sit or lie down comfortably. The surroundings were tightly wrapped up, and just before leaving, someone had even stuffed a hand warmer into her hands. Holding the warm hand warmer all along the way, she felt quite cozy and didn't feel cold at all.

  It's just that this privilege, which ordinary people can't enjoy, makes Ruo Xian feel uneasy. The difference in the empress dowager's behavior before and after is really too great, especially this time she deliberately had someone prepare a soft sedan chair to personally carry her out of the palace...

  With the mentality of "since things can't be changed, just take it one step at a time", she tried her best to shake off the heavy thoughts in her mind. Anyway, from here on foot out of the palace to Zhengyang Gate, Zhengyang Gate also had another team of sedan chair bearers who carried them all the way out, which would take more than half an hour. So she quite enjoyed herself, half-closing her eyes and dozing off comfortably with the ups and downs of the sedan chair.

  I don't know how long I walked, but after sitting for a while, I felt annoyed and couldn't help opening the curtain to take a look. Suddenly, I felt amazed - why was the surrounding scenery completely unfamiliar?

  "Huh, what's this?"

  One of the eunuchs in the lead turned back and said respectfully: "Miss, please wait for a moment, we will be leaving the palace soon."

  As if on cue, the curtain was lowered and the sedan chair suddenly came to a stop. She thought they had exited the palace and waited for the eunuch to lift the curtain so she could get out of the sedan chair. However, after waiting for a while, no one came to lift the curtain, instead, a familiar low voice sounded, "Alright, you can go back and report to the Empress Dowager now."

  As if possessed by a sudden spirit, the curtain of the sedan chair was lifted and Li Xiao, wearing a purple satin robe with white ermine fur trim on the collar and cuffs, and a grey fox fur hat, stood astride his horse in front of the sedan, smiling as he gazed at himself.

  At this moment, there are still some scattered snowflakes outside, gently falling on him. Behind him is a palace hall, the sky is dark and it's quite far away, can't see clearly, but the palace wall is shining brightly, dignified and dazzling.

  However beautiful the palace was, it couldn't arouse her interest in sightseeing. The Li Da Wangye in front of her, who had always been arrogant and domineering like a crab, wore a large red cloak with ermine trim and fur-lined edges, fluttering in the cold wind, but she had already lost interest in pretending to be a dignified and elegant lady, let out a cold snort, and turned her face away without even looking at him.

  Reluctantly, she had to admit that she was indeed afraid of this man. Just standing in front of her made her feel inexplicably pressured.

  But he blocked her way here, and also kept a tacit understanding with those sedan chair bearers... As the situation could not be helped, she had to reevaluate that noble Grand Empress Dowager, who was indeed as rumored, truly doting on Li Xiong, otherwise, she would not have colluded with him to plot against her.

  Li Xiwang stared at Ruqing in the sedan, not speaking a word. Seeing Ruqing staring blankly with her eyes wide open, he felt some unease in his heart and coughed lightly: "Really going to stay inside for a lifetime?"

  As if he had made up his mind for a long time, he finally came out of the sedan chair with resignation, and bowed to Li Xiu, "I have seen King Wang."

  This is the upper forest of the imperial palace, the terrain is slightly higher, and not far in front is the Taiwei Pool. The cold wind blowing from the lake surface made Ruoqing's clever spirit shiver, and she quietly withdrew her hand into her sleeve.

  Li Xue discovered her actions and suddenly regretted them. She didn't choose a good place, but instead chose this windy and exposed location.

  "It's windy here, let's go inside."

  He gazed at the palace in front of him, not knowing what it was for, but there wasn't a single person nearby. He didn't dare to take a step forward, only warily staring at him, "If Your Highness has something to say, then just say it here."

  Li Xiu's eyes sank, and he said, "Don't worry, I won't eat you." Seeing her elegant and refined yet delicate face, a mischievous idea suddenly arose, and he added, "Anyway, we're about to become husband and wife, so even if I did eat you, it would be justified."

  Sure, here is the translation:

  "Indeed, the girl's pale face gradually turned crimson, her voice sharp and urgent, 'You, shameless.'"

  Li Xī suddenly felt a surge of good emotions, took off the cloak from his body and draped it over her shoulders, saying softly: "Let's go, let's go in."

  As she lowered her head to gaze at the cloak on his shoulder, and then looked up at the handsome face close by, she suddenly froze, unable to tell whether the man in front of her was good or bad.

  The warmth spreading from her shoulders made her unable to muster the courage to return the cloak, and after a moment of silence, she grasped the edge of the cloak and walked forward quietly.

  The windbreaker was very long, tailored for Li Xue, just reaching the ankle. However, when it was put on Ruo Qing's body, it dragged a long way on the ground. Ruo Qing was afraid of getting his windbreaker dirty, so he had to hold the edge of the collar with one hand and lift the hem with the other, slowly walking into the house. Inside the house, there was charcoal fire, and Ruo Qing's cold body immediately felt warm like spring. After taking off the windbreaker, Ruo Qing looked around the room, which was simply decorated with only a large round table in the middle. Li Xue had already sat down after saying "sit" to her.

  As if hesitating for a moment, she also sat down and sat down across from him at the table.

  As if she didn't know what to say, in fact, she couldn't find anything to say.

  Li Xiu tapped his fingers lightly on the ebony table with silver trim, finding that Ruo Xin was sitting quietly, not speaking a word. Suddenly, he let out a sigh, this little girl, she really has a lot of patience.

  "You didn't ask me what I came looking for you?"

  "As the emotions are light, Master Wang will say it naturally." This man has gone to great lengths just to get her here, so he must have something important to tell her. That's why she doesn't want to take the initiative to speak up.

  Hmph, pretending to be profound I may not be able to surpass you, but pretending to be silent is definitely not your forte.

  Li Xiang poured himself a cup of tea, tilted his head and drank it all in one gulp, then refilled the cup to the brim again. This time, however, he didn't continue drinking, but instead stared at the tea water, smiling wryly to himself, and became even more flustered in front of a young maid.

  "Then let's talk about our marriage, I heard you don't want to marry me?"

  A faint smile was drawn at the corner of her lips, "The king's ears and eyes are indeed sharp, even knowing this."

  Li Xiang suddenly lost his patience, this little girl must have been really angry, so she replied extremely sarcastically, making him headache but unable to refute. So, he said again: "I know, I snatched the bride in public and made you angry."

  "Is it true that you're angry? Everyone says: Ruyi's status is lowly, yet she was able to make the prince take her as his concubine, it must be Ruyi's good fortune from past lives." Ruyi stared at him, her tone flat, without joy or anger. Li Xiu suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness.

  Li Xī smiled bitterly, "Do you know, if I didn't take the risk of eloping with you, I would have had to watch you marry into another family."

  "What's it got to do with me?"

  "......" Li Xiao was taken aback, and suddenly let out a bitter laugh. "I know you're resentful towards me, but since we're about to become husband and wife, it's better to be open with each other. Are you really going to marry me with all this resentment in your heart?"

  As silent as a deep love.

  "Why the hurry to get married?" This was also a question she had been keeping in her mind.

  "I've told you before, if you don't hurry up and marry me, you'll end up marrying into the He family instead."

  "What I'm saying is not this." She glared at him, "What I mean is, why did you take a fancy to me?"

  "I like you." Li Xili said matter-of-factly, a smile spreading across his face as he asked, "Want to know when I started liking you?"

  "If you really want to know, I'll tell you slowly after we get married."

  "You...!" Her emotions surged upwards like blood and energy, she wanted to scold him but restrained herself due to her dignity, finally she could only glare at him with anger, "You rascal."

  "It's easy to say." Li Xuan downed the tea in front of him, then smiled and looked at her, "I heard from Yi that you don't want to marry me. Tell me, why don't you want to marry me? There must be a reason for everything."

  He gazed at her with a provocative smile, "Does the prince really want to know?"

  "You said, as long as it's reasonable, I'll change. Won't let you be wronged."

  Her lips curled up slightly at the corners, sketching out a scornful smile. "We're too far apart in age, an old husband and a young wife wouldn't make a good match."

  Li Xiao's lips twitched and his face turned darker by half as he couldn't help but say, "I'm not even twenty-seven years old this year, how can I be old?"

  She raised the corner of her lips, with a playful face, "But I'm not even seventeen years old." They say there's a generation gap every three years, and they've already had three gaps between them. Will they have common language in the future?

  Li Xiao clapped his hands and laughed: "According to our country's laws, if a woman is over 17 years old and still not married, she will be punished."

  Digression

  After confessing, I'm going to get married, Mo Cui Ha, there are still many places that haven't been fulfilled, and I'm about to work hard to fulfill them, hehe.