“Tong’er, he still loves you, and his love for you is no less than mine for him. I know that given your history, he won’t easily give up on you. But I just want a chance, to quietly stay by his side. My request isn’t high, truly.”
“Orange, I understand. Don’t be anxious.”
Ji Chen’s expression softened: “Tong’er, I’m not anxious. And now, someone should be more anxious than me.”
“You mean Shang Heng?”
“I guess he must know something.”
Just now was so inappropriate, he knelt to propose. And you saw how the Crown Prince and Her Highness didn’t dare to agree. It means Yu Qie has also mentioned it to the Crown Prince, which is why they are hesitant.”
“But my heart is with Shang Heng. My mother won’t disregard my feelings.”
“Impossible, I won’t agree!” Suddenly, a quarrel erupted from the main hall of Ronghua Palace, and the angry tone of Consort Xin made both of them shudder.
Ji Chen remained silent, simply pulling her outside the hall to wait.
Before long, Ruan Niang came out from the hall: “Tong’er, Chen’er, come back to Huahao Yueyuan Pavilion with me.”
“But…” Before Gu Qingtong could finish, Nurse Qin emerged from inside the hall and interrupted her.
“Consort Xin still has matters to attend to. Please return first.”
Helpless, Gu Qingtong followed Ruan Niang out.
By Consort Xin’s order, white silk was already being hung in the palace to prepare for collecting the Emperor and Empress’s bodies. All the childless consorts, regardless of their previous favor, now had no hope and were waiting to be buried with the deceased. For a moment, the entire inner palace was filled with wailing.
Gu Qingtong noticed that Ruan Niang and Ji Chen remained completely unmoved.
She likewise avoided looking around, following them out of the Vermilion Bird Gate, where a carriage awaited them outside.
On the way back, Gu Qingtong felt the entire capital had changed. Shop doors were tightly closed, every household had retired early, and the streets were deserted, without even a glimmer of light. The usually bustling Southern Capital now seemed like an empty city.
When they returned to Huahao Yueyuan Pavilion, Gu Qingtong heard faint human voices, but as soon as Ruan Niang’s voice sounded, the lights in each maiden’s quarters dimmed.
In Qingtong’s quarters, Lüguo was already waiting. Ji Chen, unwilling to return to his own quarters, summoned Manghang to stay with him.
After Lüguo left, Ji Chen asked Manghang: “What happened in the pavilion today?”
“Master Han was locked in the main house by Ruan Niang. It seems Ruan Niang wanted to go to the palace to discuss something with Consort Xin, but the Master prevented her. These words were overheard when they were speaking in the courtyard. Afterward, they went inside. This servant tried to get closer to hear more clearly, but many of Ruan Niang’s people were guarding the main house. I couldn’t even take a glance, so I couldn’t find out anything.
“
“My adoptive father was locked up?” Gu Qingtong was shocked. “With so many capable black-clothed men around my adoptive father, how could he be locked up by Ruan Niang?”
“Yes,” Qiu Lu responded, supporting Luo Xue as they left.
Ji Chen watched them go and let out a sigh of relief: “Tong’er, your tone was harsh, but your heart has become much softer than before. This Luo Xue girl seems quite stubborn; we’ll need to be careful in the future.”
“Hmm, I know what I’m doing,” Gu Qingtong said. After speaking, she felt slightly relaxed and hungry. Servants brought in food, and she ate with Ji Chen. That night, they slept together on the same bed, whispering secrets.
Through careful questioning, Gu Qingtong learned more until dawn broke. Looking at the orange-red light filtering through the window, she thought that although life wasn’t perfect, there was always hope. Beautiful, happy days were coming.
Han Yue’an was released by Ruan Niang the next day. His first task was to visit Gu Qingtong, but finding her asleep, he returned at noon.
Seeing Han Yue’an was unharmed, Han Ge Zhu looked at her and then left, quietly warning her to be careful of Ruan Niang before departing.
Be careful of Ruan Niang?
Gu Qingtong watched his retreating back in surprise, wondering why he warned her without explaining. Han Yue’an was worried about something but didn’t want Ruan Niang to be harmed, hence his cryptic warning.
Combining this with the Consort’s angry tone yesterday, Ruan Niang had indeed done something unpleasant, but neither Han Yue’an nor the Consort had taken action against her.
“Tong’er.”
“Hmm?” While Gu Qingtong was thinking, Ruan Niang suddenly entered, startling her.
“Tong’er, come with Ruan Niang for a trip.”
“Where to?”
“Don’t ask, just come with me,” Ruan Niang said, reaching to grab her.
“If Ruan Niang won’t explain, how can I go with you? I need to report to my adoptive father,” Gu Qingtong stepped back. But Green Fruit just lowered her eyes, pretending not to see.
“What is there to report? Will Ruan Niang eat you?” Ruan Niang glared.
Gu Qingtong almost forgot that Green Fruit followed Ruan Niang’s orders. She couldn’t let Ruan Niang know she was already wary, so she would have to plan after leaving the room.
Seeing her silence, Ruan Niang grabbed and pulled her outside.
Leaving the garden and approaching Ji Chen’s courtyard, Gu Qingtong was about to call out when suddenly her neck went numb, and she could no longer make a sound.
Ruan Niang smiled: “Tong’er, you’re not being good.”
Gu Qingtong realized she had been struck at her mute pressure point. She never thought such a point actually existed. Although Ruan Niang’s gaze seemed somewhat kind, she knew being captured wasn’t a good sign.
Unable to shout or escape, was she to sit and wait?
Seeing her now docile, Ruan Niang looked at the bracelet and jade hairpin, removing them: “Tong’er, I’ll borrow these for a few days.” She then pulled her into a carriage.
“Tong’er, this driver isn’t ordinary, and neither is Green Fruit. You know this. Don’t think about escaping, or they won’t be kind. You’ll only be gone for a few days, and everything will be fine when you return,” Ruan Niang warned with a smile before instructing the driver to head out of the city.
Jiang Shangheng pursed his lips, pulling her into the room and pressing her against the door, cupping her face: “Qingqing, you scared me to death.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“My rival is too formidable.”
“Are you talking about my master?”
“Who else could it be? Hua Jin? Or the Crown Prince?”
“Are you jealous?” Gu Qingxiu was now in his arms, her body and mind relaxed, her tone much lighter.
“Yes, I’m jealous.” Jiang Shangheng pressed his nose against hers, his eyelashes softly brushing her eyelids.
Gu Qingxiu caught the emotions dancing in his eyes, slightly squirming before he gripped her waist, his warm breath blowing on her lips, making her feel ticklish. She instinctively extended her tongue to lick.
Seeing her actions, Jiang Shangheng felt even more tempted, lowering his voice: “Qingqing, I want you.”
Gu Qingxiu was startled, wanting to say something, but her consciousness was already wandering. She didn’t know why he suddenly became like this, had no time to ask before sinking into his caresses. But she kept her eyes open. Though they hadn’t spent much time together, his appearance was already deeply etched in her heart. His tall nose, resolute features, upright body, and eyes always firm and profound, now seemed somewhat anxious. What had happened?
“Qingqing?” Jiang Shangheng noticed her distraction and slightly furrowed his brow.
Gu Qingxiu’s fingertips traced his eyebrows and eyes, her voice soft: “Shangheng, what’s wrong?”
“I…
Jiang Shangheng turned away, hesitant.
“You’ve been off since yesterday. What did my master do to you?”
