Ping Zhao Lu

All I could hear was the twenty big boards falling down one after another, each one carrying so much force that it seemed as if it was going to tear the person's skin and flesh apart.

After these twenty blows, even if he survives, he will probably be left with a lifelong disability.

Wei Fu had already lost consciousness from the severe pain, and her whole body collapsed on the ground like a puddle of mud, unconscious.

This matter spread like wildfire and soon reached the Empress Dowager's Cining Palace.

At this time, Xian Fei and Li Fei were also in the Empress Dowager's palace, chatting and laughing to relieve their boredom. When they heard the news, they were all shocked.

The Queen Mother Jiang frowned, looking angry at her daughter's lack of fighting spirit. She said bitterly, "I wanted to find her a good marriage so that she could have someone to rely on for the rest of her life. But who would have thought that it would turn out like this! How can she get married in the future after being beaten into such a miserable state?" How could she win over the banker?

Queen Mother Jiang's words were full of disappointment and helplessness.

After hearing this, Concubine Xian's face showed a look of full worry. After a slight hesitation, she slowly said, "I think Minister Zhuang's family will certainly not reject this marriage just because of Sister Afu's behavior. Sister Afu's status is noble. Not to mention the Junior Minister of the Court, she can even marry a prince." Her tone was gentle, as if she wanted to comfort the Queen Mother.

However, a trace of barely perceptible contempt and ridicule flashed across Lipin's eyes as she sat beside him.

She thought to herself: Humph, such a foolish thing, still dreaming of ascending the throne of Queen, how could she be willing to marry a Junior Secretary of the Imperial Court? The virtuous concubine is really good at scheming. She is afraid that this foolish woman will hinder her way, and she can't wait to marry this cripple off.

Empress Dowager Jiang's brows relaxed at Consort Xian's words, but when she thought of Wei Fu's miserable state, she blamed herself and said, "I thought it would be fine for her to go see the Empress, but I didn't expect her to be so ignorant of propriety and even let the Emperor meet her. It's really... If I had known this would happen, I should have stopped her. Alas."

"Unfortunately, the Empress is out of the palace today." Lipin was not as good at making polite remarks as Xianfei. She always spoke her mind, so she also said bluntly: "Empress Dowager, this Miss Wei has angered His Majesty this time. I'm afraid this marriage is doomed."

Upon hearing this, Queen Mother Jiang's face instantly darkened, as if a storm was about to come.

She had forgotten that the Queen was returning home to visit her family today.

He knew in his heart that what Lipin said was true.

After all, the emperor had originally held reservations about this marriage, and now that his niece was making such a fuss, things were likely to become even more difficult.

At the same time, the silent Consort Xian suddenly glanced at Consort Li with a strange look, then slowly turned her head and said to Queen Mother Jiang in a soothing voice, "Don't worry, Queen Mother. In my opinion, the Queen has always had a very good relationship with the Junior Secretary of the Court. If the Queen can personally come forward to propose marriage, there may be a chance for a turnaround, and perhaps a satisfactory resolution."

Queen Mother Jiang raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. Then she sighed helplessly and said, "Alas! But you have seen this queen too. I'm afraid she won't listen to my words..."

Xianfei smiled faintly, as if she had anticipated Queen Mother Jiang's concerns. She explained slowly, "Please calm down, Queen Mother. I have an idea. Your birthday is approaching, and when the time comes, I will bring up this matter first. Queen Mother, you only need to agree with me. Even if the Queen is dissatisfied, she will not dare to openly refute you in front of all the civil and military officials in the court."

*

The afternoon sun shone into the house through the window lattice, illuminating Xu Zhouye's handsome face.

He woke up slowly and stretched himself. He felt that all the muscles and bones in his body were fully stretched, and his spirit became particularly refreshed.

He slowly sat up, his eyes gradually becoming clear again.

Then he got out of bed swiftly and walked to the closet to choose clothes.

After a while, he changed into a simple and elegant suit.

This dress is mainly white in color, with some delicate gold thread embroidered on it, which makes it look low-key yet tasteful.

He carefully tied his cuffs with red bands, which not only made him look more capable, but also added a touch of heroism.

The black hair that originally fell to his waist like a waterfall was now neatly tied into a high ponytail.

The image of the elegant and gentle young man in the past has been replaced by a heroic and imposing young man with a bit of the demeanor of a military general.

At this moment, there was a slight "creak" sound, and the tightly closed door was slowly pushed open, and Qinghe walked in.

She was holding a basket of lychees in her arms, which General Xu had specifically asked her to deliver to her master to take to the palace.

She carefully placed a basket of lychees into the ice container, then looked up at Xu Zhouye.

When he looked up and saw the person in the house, a trace of doubt arose in his heart.

"Young Master, you..." Qinghe asked hesitantly, looking Xu Zhouye up and down.

Xu Zhouye's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He said softly, "Now that I'm out of the palace, I naturally have to be free and easy."

Thinking about all the troubles in the palace in recent days, Xu Zhouye thought that leaving the palace this time would be a good opportunity for him to relax his tense mood.

So, he turned to look at Qinghe, smiled and invited: "You can come too."

Hearing this, Qing He was stunned at first, then a look of surprise quickly appeared on his face. He quickly bowed and thanked him: "Thank you, Master!"

*

The East Street of Zhaojing is bustling with people and traffic.

In the streets and alleys, vendors were shouting at the top of their lungs.

They are either selling colorful silks, displaying exquisite handicrafts, or hawking fragrant snacks.

Children ran through the crowd, chasing and playing with each other, with innocent smiles on their faces.

Qinghe, on the other hand, followed Xu Zhouye's footsteps closely, weaving through the noisy crowd.

Her eyes looked around curiously, with an excitement that was hard to conceal in them.

Looking at the city of Zhaojing, under the wise governance of the emperor, it is becoming more and more prosperous.

The streets and alleys are lined with shops, with a wide variety of goods; the city construction is well-organized, and the roads are wide and flat; the people have enough food and clothing and live and work in peace and contentment.

Xu Zhouye walked up to the vendor selling candied haws, took out four coins from his pocket, and said with a smile, "Boss, give me two strings of candied haws."

The boss's face immediately filled with smiles, and he nodded hurriedly and said, "Okay! Please wait a moment, sir." As he spoke, he skillfully took out two candied haws coated with sugar and emitting an enticing aroma, and carefully handed them to Xu Zhouye.

Xu Zhouye took the candied haws, then turned to look at Qinghe beside him, handed one of the candied haws to her, and said softly: "This is for you, try it and see if it's sweet."

"Thank you, young master." Qinghe took it happily and took a bite. The sweet and sour taste instantly spread in her mouth, and she couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

The two continued walking, eating the candied haws with relish as they walked.

Along the way, Xu Zhouye stopped from time to time to pick up some items.

Sometimes he picked up an exquisite sachet and smelled its faint fragrance; sometimes he picked up a small and exquisite folding fan and fanned it gently a few times.

Whenever he saw something he liked, he would buy it without hesitation, then pack it up and send it to the Duke's Mansion, thinking of taking it back to the palace to distribute to the palace maids in Fengluan Palace.

Especially Su Ming, no one can suffer loss without him.

As he was thinking, the image of Chu Yunxiao flashed through his mind, and Xu Zhouye couldn't help but slow down his pace. He frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

The emperor has everything he needs, so what gift should he give?

"Brocade Pavilion."

Qinghe stopped curiously at the door of the newly opened shop.

Xu Zhouye also stopped and looked up at the beautifully decorated pavilion.

The servant standing in front of the door caught sight of Xu Zhouye, who was dressed in extraordinary clothes, with his sharp eyes.

His eyes, which had been somewhat dim, instantly lit up, as if he had discovered a treasure. He hurried forward and began to sell with a smile on his face: "Sir, please take a look! Our store has just opened recently, and we have the best brocade in the entire Zhaojing City!

Our most popular item is undoubtedly our girdle! Furthermore, you can even have your favorite pattern embroidered on the girdle, giving this unique gift to your loved one!

When Xu Zhouye heard this, his eyes flickered slightly, and he thought to himself, "That's a good idea."

So Xu Zhouye walked into the store without hesitation.

"Young master, please come this way." Seeing that business was promising, the servant smiled even more brightly, and hurriedly and attentively led the way, leading them upstairs.

When the group reached the second floor, suddenly, a familiar figure came into Xu Zhouye's sight. He couldn't help but pause and thought to himself: Zhaojing is really small.

Qinghe, who was following beside him, also had a complicated expression on his face.

At the same time, the figure also noticed Xu Zhouye and was also stunned on the spot. The atmosphere became extremely awkward for a moment.

Seeing this, the servant looked around curiously and asked doubtfully, "Do you two... know each other?"