Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 269 Do you dare to disobey the order?
Xunfeng Palace.

Zhu Zhenlian was practicing the flute in the house when she suddenly heard a knock on the door.

When I opened the door, I saw that it was Chuchu.

Zhu Zhenlian whispered, "Meet Chu Shangyi."

Chuchu smiled and said, "I heard it all outside. The music you played was good, but a little too sentimental. The Saint is about to leave. Come out and see him off respectfully."

Zhu Zhenlian agreed and followed Chuchu to the outside of the main hall, where she saw many palace maids and eunuchs standing outside.

The eunuchs were in front and the palace maids were in the back, four rows in total, all ready to see the emperor off.

The time of the emperor's departure was uncertain, so Chuchu estimated the time and called out the palace maids and eunuchs in advance.

The reason she was chosen by Concubine Zheng to be the head lady-in-charge of the palace was because she paid great attention to these small etiquettes and never left any room for gossip in Xunfeng Palace.

Zhu Zhenlian stood motionless for about two quarters of an hour, her legs feeling numb. She was secretly moving her ankles when she suddenly heard a hello.

"The Saint has returned, bow down!"

When the eunuchs and palace maids around Zhu Zhenlian heard this, they all knelt down, and she followed suit.

I only heard footsteps in front of me, first approaching, then moving away.

She saw a palace maid in front of her secretly looking up, as if she was peeking at the emperor, so out of curiosity, she also raised her head.

In the field of vision, a man in a white round robe flashed by, surrounded by a group of eunuchs and palace servants.

Zhu Zhenlian didn't see it very clearly, but she knew that the emperor was not fat. From the back, he had a graceful posture and must be very handsome.

After the emperor left, she was also brought to the main hall by Chuchu to meet Concubine Zheng.

Perhaps because she had met the emperor before, Zhu Zhenlian became bolder and looked at Concubine Zheng twice more when she greeted him.

I saw her lying on the couch on her side, with a graceful figure, skin as white as mutton fat, and delicate features, like a goddess or fairy.

Even Zhu Zhenlian, a woman, had her heart pounding when she saw this, let alone the men. She thought it was no wonder that the saint doted on her.

"Get up, no need to be so polite." Concubine Zheng said softly.

When Zhu Zhenlian heard this voice, she found it even more pleasant than Yang Yunu's. She couldn't help but think that if Concubine Zheng sang a song, it would definitely sound beautiful.

Concubine Zheng looked at the flute tucked into her waist and asked, "Can you play the flute?"

Zhu Zhenlian said, "I know a little bit."

"Which song are you best at?"

Zhu Zhenlian said, "Autumn Moon in the Bamboo Forest."

"Then play a tune."

Zhu Zhenlian agreed and took out the flute. When her fingers pressed on the flute holes, her mind couldn't help but think of the tragic experiences in the past, and her lips spit out.

In an instant, a melody filled with infinite melancholy and loneliness sounded in the hall.

Chuchu noticed that the song was full of sorrow, as if she was feeling helpless and lonely towards life. This kind of song was not suitable for pregnant women to listen to.

However, when I looked sideways at Concubine Zheng, she had already sat up straight, her upper body leaning forward, her eyes rippling, and she was completely immersed in the music.

It would be unwise to disturb her at this time.

Chuchu had no choice but to shut her mouth. After a while, she was also deeply attracted by the song and recalled some sad past events.

When Zhu Zhenlian finished her song, Concubine Zheng closed her eyes, tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. It was unknown what sad thing she was thinking about.

Chu Chu hurriedly said, "You are such an ignorant servant! How could you play such a song when you knew that the imperial concubine was pregnant with a dragon seed?"

Zhu Zhenlian was startled and knelt on the ground. She learned music from Yang and only knew this kind of sad song, so she didn't think much about it.

Concubine Zheng said softly, "Chu Chu, it's okay. I asked her to play her best piece, and she really did it well."

Looking at Zhu Zhenlian: "What's your name?"

"Zhu Zhenlian."

Concubine Zheng smiled and said, "This is a good name." She had originally planned to change her name, but when she saw that her name was not bad, she gave up the idea.

At this moment, a burst of crisp laughter came from outside the door.

A little girl came bounding into the hall and said to Concubine Zheng, "Auntie, were you playing the flute just now? It sounded so beautiful!"

The girl was Princess Gao An.

Concubine Zheng glanced at Zhu Zhenlian and said, "She blew it."

Princess Gao An turned her head to look at Zhu Zhenlian and said with a smile, "Can you teach me the song you just sang?"

Zhu Zhenlian looked at Concubine Zheng at a loss. The latter smiled and said, "This is the princess. Since she wants to learn, you can teach her."

Princess Gao An smiled and took her hand, saying, "Come to my little palace and teach me."

Seeing that the little princess was cute and adorable, Zhu Zhenlian smiled at her and left the hall with her.

……

"Are you serious?" Zhang Dahai asked in surprise in a room in Lizheng Hall.

A young eunuch said, "Foster father, I went to Shanchiyuan to check, and there is no mistake." This eunuch was Zhang Duohai's newly adopted son, named Wang Hong.

Zhang Duohai said with a sullen face: "These two bitches are still refusing to behave themselves in Shanchiyuan. It seems that we don't need to be polite to them."

Wang Hongdao said, "Foster father, should we go tell the Queen?"

Zhang Dahai glanced at him and said, "Her Majesty the Queen is pregnant. How can we bother her with such a trivial matter? We can just handle it ourselves."

Wang Hong asked, "Should we go directly to Shanchiyuan or Xunfeng Palace?"

Zhang Duohai pinched his chubby chin, thought for a while, and said: "This matter is of great importance. I will send someone to Shanchiyuan to investigate. You go to Xunfeng Palace and check to confirm that the woman is there!"

Wang Hong took the order and left.

Zhang Duohai sent another eunuch to Shanjiyuan to investigate.

Not long after, the eunuch came back to report, saying, "Young Supervisor, I heard from the people in Shanchi Court that Miss Yang and Miss Zheng have been taking good care of their appearance in recent days. I'm afraid they've started to have thoughts again!"

Zhang Dahai sneered: "Okay, fine, then don't blame me."

The person he hated most in his life was Queen Wang, and he hated everyone in her as well, and he also hated Yang Yunv and Zheng Yunv.

It’s a pity that Qin Shaojian, who is in charge of Shanchiyuan, has always been at odds with him, otherwise he would never let the two women live so comfortably.

The eunuch said, "I have also heard that His Royal Highness the Third Prince has been visiting Shanchi Courtyard quite frequently recently."

Zhang Dahai narrowed his eyes and said, "No wonder."

After a while, Wang Hong also came to report, saying, "Young Master, the palace maid named Zhu Zhenlian is indeed in Xunfeng Palace."

Zhang Duohai said in a deep voice: "Call twenty people and go directly to Xunfeng Palace to get them!"

Wang Hong was slightly startled and said, "Xunfeng Palace is Concubine Zheng's main palace after all. If we make such a big show, she might not let us go, right?"

Zhang Dahai smiled and said, "Don't worry, she will definitely let him go."

In Xunfeng Palace, Zhu Zhenlian was carefully teaching Princess Gao An to play the flute.

Suddenly, I heard a noise outside.

Zhu Zhenlian was slightly curious and looked outside.

"Your Highness, is there something wrong outside?"

Princess Gao An originally loved lively atmosphere, so she said with a smile, "Wait here for a while, I'll go out and take a look."

He quickly walked out of the small hall and was stunned when he saw the situation outside.

A group of eunuchs surrounded her small palace in a menacing manner.

"What do you want to do?" she exclaimed. The crowd parted, and a chubby eunuch came out. He bowed deeply to Princess Gao An and said with a smile, "Your Highness, I am honored to meet you."

Princess Gao An asked, "It's Young Master Zhang. Why are you gathering here with so many people?"

Zhang Duohai smiled and said, "I am here to question a palace maid named Zhu Zhenlian. She is in your palace. I dare not intrude without permission, so I am waiting for her outside the palace."

Princess Gao An asked curiously, "She is my flute master. What do you want to do with her?"

Zhang Duohai smiled and said, "Princess, you should know that she is a palace maid of Shanchiyuan. She has just been transferred here. Her Majesty the Queen wants to ask her about some matters concerning Shanchiyuan."

When Princess Gao An heard him mention the Queen, she immediately looked frightened.

Chuchu suddenly walked over from a distance, her face as gloomy as water, and shouted at Zhang Duohai: "Zhang Shaojian, this is the Imperial Concubine's Xunfeng Palace, how dare you be so presumptuous!"

Zhang Duohai bowed and said, "Chu Shangyi, please don't be angry. Please take me to see the imperial concubine. I will explain it myself."

Chu Chu snorted and said, "Then follow me." Then she turned and left.

Zhang Duohai ordered the other eunuchs to wait for him and not to act rashly, then followed Chuchu to the back bedroom.

Princess Gao An followed out of curiosity.

Soon, Zhang Dahai came to the inner chamber and bowed to Concubine Zheng who was sitting on the couch, saying: "Your servant Zhang Dahai greets the Concubine."

Concubine Zheng said calmly, "Young Master Zhang has come to Xunfeng Palace. I wonder what brings you here?"

Zhang Duohai bent down and said with a forced smile, "I have something to ask Palace Lady Zhu."

Concubine Zheng said, "She is mine now. If you have anything to say, you can ask me directly."

Zhang Duohai narrowed his eyes and asked, "Madam Noble Concubine, do you know who the Zhu Palace Lady belonged to when she was in Shanchiyuan?"

Concubine Zheng said, "I don't know."

Zhang Duohai whispered, "She is Yang Yunv's person, and it was Yang Yunv's recommendation that allowed her to leave Shanchiyuan."

Concubine Zheng's expression changed slightly.

Zhang Duohai continued, "I also heard another piece of news. His Royal Highness the Third Prince has been visiting Shanchi Courtyard frequently recently. I also heard that Yang Yu-nu and Zheng Yu-nu are both dressing up and maintaining their looks. I'm afraid they've started to have inappropriate thoughts again."

Concubine Zheng closed her eyes and clenched her knuckles a little tighter.

After a while, she opened her eyes and whispered, "Take her away."

Zhang Duohai bowed and smiled, "Thank you very much, I will take my leave."

Princess Gao An, who had been eavesdropping in the corner, was startled. She rushed in, grabbed Concubine Zheng's hand, and said, "Auntie, why did you let him take Master Zhu away?"

Concubine Zheng sighed softly and said nothing.

Judging from Zhang Duohai's words, Yang Yunv and Zheng Yunv are secretly planning to regain the emperor's favor.

Concubine Zheng was originally an insecure woman. After she finally had a child, the harem was peaceful and harmonious, allowing her to give birth to her child safely.

Yang and Zheng were both maids of Queen Wang and were skilled in palace fighting. If they were allowed to gain the emperor's favor again, it might be detrimental to the fetus in her womb.

She was unwilling to keep Zhu Zhenlian in the palace to help them succeed.

She held Princess Gao An in her arms and said softly, "An'er, there are some things you don't understand. I just want to give birth to the child safely. I can't care about anything else."

Princess Gao An nodded, not quite understanding, and muttered, "After this questioning, can Master Zhu still come back?"

Concubine Zheng was silent for a while, then said softly, "As long as she doesn't have any bad intentions, Auntie will definitely rescue her."

Glancing at Chuchu.

Chuchu understood what she meant, left the bedroom, and sent several palace maids to Lizheng Palace to inquire about the news.

……

In the evening, the bright moonlight has slowly risen.

In the bedroom of Ganlu Palace, Li Zhi was sitting on the couch reading a book, with Wang Fusheng serving him.

After a while, a eunuch came outside the hall and gestured to Wang Fusheng.

Wang Fusheng came out of the house and asked, "What's wrong?"

The eunuch said, "Grand Eunuch, the people watching Xunfeng Palace have sent news that Zhang Dahai has just led people to Xunfeng Palace and taken Zhu Zhenlian away."

Wang Fusheng's eyes twitched, and he thought to himself, "Mr. Qin, Mr. Qin, you really have a powerful hand. But do you want to teach Zhang Dahai a lesson, or are you going after the queen?"

He took a deep breath, stepped into the house, and said to Li Zhi, "Your Majesty, there's something wrong with Madam Zhu."

Li Zhi raised his head and said, "By the way, I remember asking you to transfer her to Ganlu Palace. What happened? Did something happen?"

Wang Fusheng whispered, "When I went to Shanchiyuan to inquire, she had already been transferred to Xunfeng Palace. We were planning to transfer her here tomorrow, but we just received news that Zhang Duohai had taken her away from Xunfeng Palace."

Li Zhi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why did Zhang Da Hai take her away?"

Wang Fusheng said softly, "Your Majesty, to outsiders, Zhu Zhenlian is Yang Yunu's lover. Zhang Dahai has always disliked Yang Yunu because of Wang Shuren."

Li Zhi said with a sullen face, "He might still be worried that I will promote Yang because of Zhu Zhenlian, right?"

Wang Fusheng whispered, "Your Majesty is wise."

Li Zhi asked, "Was this his idea, or the Queen's?"

Wang Fusheng looked down at his toes and said, "I dare not speak nonsense."

Li Zhi threw the book in his hand onto the table.

"Go to Lizheng Hall immediately and bring Zhu Zhenlian here!"

……

Zhang Duohai brought a group of eunuchs and took Zhu Zhenlian back to Lizheng Hall and took her to a room in the east corner.

"Wang Hong, question her carefully and make her confess everything honestly. Only then can we report to Her Majesty the Queen. Do you understand?"

Zhu Zhenlian asked anxiously, "What do you want me to confess?"

Zhang Dahai snorted, "Why are you pretending to be stupid? You know it clearly."

Zhu Zhenlian said: "I really don't know!"

Zhang Duohai said sternly, "Yang Yunv sent you to Xunfeng Palace so that you could meet the Saint and then trick him into meeting her at Shanchiyuan. Did you think I didn't know?"

Zhu Zhenlian was stunned for a moment and said, "No, Madam Yang didn't ask me to do this!"

Zhang Dahai snorted, "It seems you won't cry until you see the coffin."

Wang Hong smiled sinisterly and said, "Foster father, let me do it. I will torture her severely and make her confess honestly!"

Zhang Duohai frowned and said, "As long as she is willing to confess honestly, it will be fine. If torture can be avoided, try not to use it."

Wang Hong agreed and ordered someone to take Zhu Zhenlian into the house.

Zhang Da Hai hurried towards Wu Meiniang's palace, ready to serve the queen.

After walking a few steps, I suddenly heard a "bang" sound behind me, as if someone kicked the door of a room open.

Zhang Duohai was startled and hurried over, just in time to see Wang Fusheng and a group of people walking out of the house, including Zhu Zhenlian.

Wang Hong followed out, covered in dust and dirt, with a red mark on his face, as if he had been slapped.

Zhang Duohai said anxiously, "Eunuch Wang, this is Lizheng Hall, what are you doing?"

Wang Fusheng said coldly, "According to the order of the Saint, I am bringing Zhu Zhenlian to the emperor. Do you intend to disobey the order?"

Zhang Duohai's face changed drastically, and he asked in a lost voice, "Why did the Saint summon her?"

Wang Fusheng ignored him and waved his hand, saying, "Let's go." He then disappeared into the night with his men.

Zhang Duohai watched Wang Fusheng and others go away, and had a bad feeling in his heart, so he hurried to the main hall.

(End of this chapter)