Lu Yun originally thought that she would be able to go back in a month at most, but the subsequent developments were beyond her imagination.

After Lu Yun disappeared, news came that the third prince was attacked and Princess Yongfu was missing.

The mansion was in turmoil for several days. Caihe blamed herself and was so anxious that she cried until her hair turned white. Zhang was also extremely anxious. When Rong Jieer and Hui Geer questioned her, she could only lie to them and say that Yun Jieer was ill again and was taken to another courtyard by their uncle to recuperate.

When Aunt Yao learned that she had shed a few tears in the main courtyard, she comforted Zhang, saying, "Sister Yun has her own destiny. Madam, don't worry too much. Your health is the most important thing."

Zhang was lying on the bed with a headband on her head, looking exhausted. After hearing what Yao said, she raised her hand and sent her away. Nanny Chang also cried secretly several times. Seeing the girl she had grown up with disappear in the blink of an eye, no one saw her alive or dead, how could she not be heartbroken.

Qin was also ill, a result of anger. Who could have imagined Lu Ling's luck was so good? She had been on such a tight ship, given clothes of a contrasting color, her pearl flowers taken away, and even chased her away. Who knew she'd board the boat to find her lover on the first day? And her sister Qin, despite running herself to death, hadn't even bothered to ask any questions.

The next day, she decided to keep Lu Ling with her to prevent any further trouble. Shortly after leaving, Lu Ling was confronted by a group of young men. Qin Shi wanted to see her make a fool of herself before stepping in to help, but Lu Ling had already returned, blushing. Later, Qin Shi learned from Cui Shi that the Third Prince was among the group! Qin Shi nearly vomited blood; she hadn't forgotten the way those men looked at Lu Ling.

Qin immediately returned home. She did not show up even though the second house had lost its third daughter. She just sent a few servants to help out as a token of her gratitude. A four-year-old concubine's daughter was simply insignificant compared to the princess and the prince. Why make such a fuss about it?

The atmosphere at the Marquis of Ping'an's residence was gloomy until the eunuchs from the palace suddenly arrived. Qin Shi had never experienced this before, so she had no choice but to leave the courtyard to consult her mother-in-law. The old lady remained calm, knowing that since it wasn't an imperial decree, there was no need to dress up according to her rank. She ordered everyone to change into clothes suitable for meeting guests, and she led the group to greet the guests and invite them into the hall for tea.

The eunuch was very kind and straightforward in explaining his purpose. He was ordered to present the gold and silver rewards he had brought. The old lady breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. With a beaming face, she then said a few words about the emperor's great grace, and had someone slip a bag of silver over before respectfully seeing the eunuch out.

The eunuch spoke vaguely, "The Empress Dowager was afraid that the old lady would worry, so she sent this servant to tell you that the third young lady of your second house is very blessed and was rescued by the guards along with Her Royal Highness Princess Fu'an. The Empress Dowager took pity on her and kept her in the palace to recuperate. She can return home once she is fully recovered."

In short, the person was fine, but he couldn't go home yet. The rain stopped and the sky cleared up in the west wing. Upon hearing this, Cai He, Nanny Chang and the others couldn't help but hug each other and cry again.

In Yannian Hall, the old lady treated her daughter-in-law more affectionately than before. She personally took Zhang's hand and sat her on the Luohan bed. "Sister Yun is a lucky child. It's because you taught her well." First there was Ronghua and then there was Sister Yun. From then on, their family was a well-known family in the eyes of the Empress Dowager.

Zhang smiled and flattered, "It's all because of our mother who set the example for us. She raised Lingjie to be generous and sensible, so the daughter-in-law can follow her example and teach her children."

After hearing this, Qin's already aching head became even more painful. She thought of what had happened to Lu Ling in recent days. Even the fat girl from the second house had such luck, but her sister Qin didn't.

The eldest master, Lu Lingping, looked very proud. "What my sister-in-law said is absolutely right. Lingjie has become much better than before since she was brought up by the old lady. A few days ago, she asked her aunt to send me a dress she made herself. Everyone praised her when she wore it. And Yunjie is still young. She escaped danger this time. She will surely have great fortune in the future."

Qin suddenly realized that she had been "sick" for the past few days, and that Sun's mother and daughter had done a lot of small things under her nose.

Qin Shi glanced at the boxes of gold and silver on the ground. The dazzling golden light blinded her. She forced a smile and said, "Master, Lingjie made clothes for you, and I, your mother, didn't even know about it."

The old lady looked at her eldest daughter-in-law with concern, "Everyone in the house knows that you are sick. How can we disturb your rest for these trivial matters? Just focus on recuperating. I will take care of Lingjie's affairs." Qin secretly resented.

Zhang glanced at Qin, a smile on her face. "My daughter-in-law has also received several invitations for drinks and tea. If you're okay with it, I can take Lingjie out for a walk. I heard Xiefang Pavilion is about to open."

Lu Yun, who was in the palace, encountered a very troublesome matter. Dashou's clinging to her became increasingly tighter. She used to be able to discuss things with him, but now she completely refused to communicate and went her own way.

She continued to earnestly persuade Qin Dashou to accept the fact that she was going home. Qin Dashou's response was no response, his expression focused on the drawing in his hand. Lu Yun kept trying, repeatedly defeated, and kept talking until she was fuming. "Yun Jie'er—I want to go home." She lay on the carpet with her back spread out, her chest heaving, angry.

Aunt Xu standing by looked calm as she had seen such scenes countless times in the past few days.

Inside the Changchun Palace, Emperor Longqing, Qin Yong, dressed in bright yellow formal attire, sat at the head of the table, chatting with his mother. The Longqing Emperor, then forty-six years old, had a long, slightly plump face, a pale, beardless complexion, and eyes remarkably similar to those of the Empress Dowager. He smiled, looking remarkably amiable.

The Empress Dowager has been in much better spirits these days. She looked at Emperor Longqing with a smile on her face and said, "My son has been very tired these days. You are busy with your affairs in the court, so you don't have to come to me all the time. Just send Wang Quan to say hello sooner or later."

Wang Quan had been serving Emperor Longqing since he began at the Qiandi Palace, and it had been over thirty years. Hearing this, he smiled and bowed, replying, "Your Majesty, I have been following Your Majesty here for so many years that it has become a habit. I feel a sense of emptiness if I don't come even for a day."

With one sentence, he not only elevated himself, but also used himself to carry the emperor's sedan chair.

Emperor Longqing also laughed, "Look, I haven't even told you that you're fat, but you're already out of breath." Wang Quan touched his big belly and chuckled twice.

The Empress Dowager teased him for a moment before getting down to business. "Yesterday, Xin'er came to my palace to visit his sister. He brought a box of fresh and beautiful gauze flowers, saying he wanted to leave them for his sister to wear for fun."

At this point, the old queen raised her lips slightly and said mischievously, "He started talking about the outing party and the origin of the flowers, and then mentioned the eldest daughter of the Ping'an Marquis family. I thought, he usually doesn't pay attention to girls' things. Now that he has just been able to go out, he eagerly comes to me and talks about all this under the pretext of sending flowers. Isn't it true that he has other intentions."

After saying this, the old empress dowager looked at Emperor Longqing and sighed, "This child has been quiet since he was young. He never opens his mouth when something is missing or damaged, and he has always been filial to me. Now that he has opened his mouth, I have to mention this matter to you so as not to disappoint him."

"I understand what you mean, mother. Xin'er is of marriageable age and should have married long ago. However..." Emperor Longqing frowned slightly. "The eldest daughter of the Ping'an Marquis family is not a legitimate daughter, but a concubine's daughter. Her background is not suitable for Xin'er's position as his wife."

The old queen dowager sighed inwardly, then smiled calmly, saying, "It is her blessing to be able to serve the prince. This is already very good. However, she is, after all, the daughter of a marquis, and now serves the old lady. She is excellent in etiquette, appearance, and needlework. It is a bit unfair for her to be carried in a sedan chair."

Emperor Longqing also smiled when he heard this. "Don't worry, mother. There is still a place for a concubine."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like