Golden Branch

On the bed, the girl's long, thick black hair covered the entire pillow.

She was wearing a plain white nightgown, made of thin and soft silk that fit her body perfectly.

Her skin was extremely white, not pale, but as white as jade.

It is white, smooth and delicate, just like the finest cream.

The girl's eyes were slightly closed, her breathing was shallow, and her hands were folded on her lower abdomen. She looked well-behaved.

It was a little chilly on an April night, but the house was not cold because of the heating equipment such as the floor heating system.

The girl was covered with a thin quilt, her upper body was intact, except for her pair of slender feet, which playfully stretched out from the quilt.

Lou Yu's gaze extended from her hair to her toes.

"Brother, there is a red mole on your neck!"

Aheng's unintentional words during the day were still echoing in my mind.

With a bronze mirror and water, Lou Yu could naturally see his own glorious face.

But, perhaps because he was beautiful and aware of it, Lou Yu did not "admire himself in the mirror" too much, so he did not notice the red mole on his neck.

When discovered by Ah Heng, Lou Yu did not pay attention to himself, but instead felt inexplicably excited.

He stretched out his hand. He was tall, with long arms and legs.

The bony palm, stretched across the air, was able to completely cover Wang Heng's fair and slender neck.

Lou Yu knew that Wang Heng was very thin now, but when he observed her closely and used himself as a reference, he was still shocked.

"Aheng, your neck is so thin!"

So beautiful too!

So white, so slender, like a swan's neck.

The slightly exposed neckline at the collar further enhances this fragile beauty.

Lou Yu gently stroked the neck, with his tiger's mouth just aimed at the throat.

His fingertips rested on the flawless white skin, and he could vaguely feel the blood flowing in the veins.

There was a flash of madness in Lou Yu's eyes: Such a thin neck, it can be broken with just a little force.

Perhaps his evil spirit leaked out, and Wang Heng, who was sleeping soundly, couldn't help but be disturbed.

A dense layer of goose bumps appeared on her fair and tender skin.

She murmured unconsciously and shook her head slightly, trying to avoid the biting cold.

Feeling the struggle of his subordinate, the dark energy in Lou Yu's eyes dissipated slightly.

He gently raised his palm, and the terrifying murderous intent disappeared in an instant.

"Aheng, why don't you want to marry me?"

Marry him, be with him forever, belong to him completely, and he will love and protect her wholeheartedly... Isn't that good?

"Brother and sister? Ha! Ah Heng, I don't lack a sister, and I don't want some damn sister."

"Do you think I'm domineering? Don't know how to respect you?" If he wasn't allowed to climb over the wall openly, he would sneak in when it was quiet and no one was around.

"...Okay! I will change--" I will disguise myself more carefully and act like the husband that Aheng wants most!

Slowly withdrawing his hand, Lou Yu did not take any more action. He just knelt in front of the couch, looking at the sleeping girl intently and obsessively.

After an unknown amount of time, Lou Yu heard the night watchman's sound in the distant alley again. He then stood up and walked quietly to the window.

With a leap, the tall figure flew out.

The moment he jumped out of the window, he waved his sleeves and closed the open window.

boom!

The window made a slight noise, and the night breeze disappeared in an instant.

On the bed, Wang Heng, who was sleeping soundly, suddenly opened her eyes.

……

Early in the morning, Wang Heng woke up.

The maids on duty heard the sound through the curtain and quickly stood up.

"Princess, honey water!"

The maid brought a tray and brought a cup of honey water to Wang Heng every day.

Wang Heng raised her eyes and casually glanced at the servant who was still a little sleepy.

A glimmer of light flashed by, and she reached out and took the cup without saying anything.

She took small sips of the liquid, which slid into her mouth and spread through her stomach and intestines. Her body and mind seemed to be nourished and soothed.

After drinking the honey water, I got up to wash and change clothes.

As she had to go to the palace again today, Wang Heng changed into a newly made red brocade chest-length skirt and wore the red gold and ruby-inlaid jewelry sent by Concubine Jiang.

"Princess, the Duke of Qi requests an audience!"

Wang Heng had just finished packing and was heading to the main hall to eat when a little maid came running in to report.

Wang Heng's hand paused slightly when she picked up the silver chopsticks, but soon returned to normal.

She raised her delicate little face, her eyes and eyebrows full of sweet smile: "Brother is here? It's just right, let's have some breakfast together."

After hearing Wang Heng's words, Bai Zhi did not delay and quickly signaled to the maid: The Duke of Qi is here, please invite him in!

The little maid understood and ran out happily again.

Not long after, Lou Yu also strode in wearing a round-necked robe made of bright red brocade.

"Your Highness greets the Princess!" Lou Yu was gentle and dignified, performing all the etiquette of a subject.

"Brother, you and I are siblings, why do we need to be so polite?"

Wang Heng looked innocent as she smiled and waved to Lou Yu, "Brother, come quickly! We have beef noodle soup today!"

Lou Yu still had a warm expression on his face, and he gently touched the Elephant Bone Destruction Technique with his fingers.

Siblings?

Ah Heng really knows how to hurt people's hearts.

"Beef noodle soup? I happened to not have breakfast, so I'll share some with Ah Heng!"

Lou Yu walked to Wang Heng's side, lifted his skirt, and knelt down.

The maids quickly brought over the food tray and served the same meal as Wang Heng's:

A small bowl of soup noodles, four side dishes, and two or three plates of steamed cakes, dim sum and other snacks.

Wang Heng has passed the stage of deliberately controlling her diet and her appetite is not big now.

Just two or three bites of each thing will make you full.

Although Lou Yu decided to give up martial arts and turn to literature, he still insisted on getting up early every day to practice martial arts.

An hour of training consumed a lot of physical energy, which made him eat a lot.

At the Duke's Mansion, Lou Yu had already had breakfast.

However, there wasn't much food on the table in front of me.

Even if he was full, Lou Yu could still eat it all.

He had excellent dining etiquette and was not at all as unrestrained as he was in the barracks.

Every movement of his hands and feet was as smooth as flowing clouds and running water, a typical nobleman from an aristocratic family.

Don’t talk while eating!

Although the "brother and sister" have a good relationship and can talk about almost anything, they will not speak casually while eating.

A quarter of an hour later, the two finished their meal.

The maids carried away the food tray and brought tea.

"I'm going to the palace today, so I shouldn't use too much soup or water."

With the emperor's favor, Lou Yu doesn't need to worry too much.

If he had entered the palace himself, he would not have been so "particular".

However, today is Ah Heng's first time entering the palace. Although there is Concubine Jiang in the palace, she still needs to pay attention to the taboos.

Wang Heng nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, brother. I saved it."

Drinking too much water will make you go to the toilet easily.

If one cannot control it well, he will make a fool of himself.

Therefore, if ministers, ladies from outside the imperial court, etc. enter the palace, they will try to drink less water, or even eat less, and avoid eating anything with a strange smell.

Although misbehavior in front of the emperor may be a big or small offense, there is really no need to cause yourself trouble.

“…There’s no need to be too fearful!”

Seeing Wang Heng's serious face, Lou Yu smiled faintly again.

It’s just entering the palace, it’s not that scary.

He will protect her.

Wang Heng nodded obediently, "Okay! I'll listen to you, brother!"

The two of them drank some more tea, then rinsed their mouths and washed their hands.

After tidying up their appearance and choosing the right time, Wang Heng and Lou Yu left the princess's residence.

The frame is ready.

Lou Yu helped Wang Heng onto the carriage.

He rode his horse to protect one side.

The carriage slowly drove out of the alley, out of the gate, and arrived at Zhuque Street.

Pingkangfang is very close to the imperial city. Once you enter Zhuque Street, you will be right in front of the imperial city.

Arriving at the city gate, Lou Yu dismounted and personally handed over his own and Wang Heng's tokens.

The imperial guards checked the tokens of the two people and carefully confirmed that the people who came matched the tokens before registering them and sending someone to the palace to pass on the message.

Wang Heng got off the carriage and stood gracefully with Lou Yu.

After a long while, a eunuch finally arrived, breathlessly saying, "Your Highness, summon Princess Langya and the Duke of Qi!"

Concubine Jiang was indeed a loving mother. Not only did she accept Wang Heng's request for an audience immediately, she also ordered someone to bring a sedan chair.

Such preference seemed a bit presumptuous, and Wang Heng was not sure.

She subconsciously looked up at Lou Yu.

Lou Yu met her gaze and nodded slightly: "To favor a concubine and a beloved daughter is to be ostentatious, even if it is not ostentatious."

If that’s the case, why not publicize it?

"Besides, this is the Imperial Concubine's sincere gift, Ah Heng must not let her down!"

Wang Heng nodded obediently, not because Lou Yu’s words made sense.

But since he said this, he can deal with all the problems that arise from it.

He could protect her, even in the palace!

Lou Yu reached out and helped Wang Heng sit on the sedan chair.

His eyes casually swept over Wang Heng's waist, which was so slender that it could be held in one hand.

Even if she wears a slightly loose skirt, her graceful curves can still be seen.

Last night, Lou Yu felt the fragility of Wang Heng's slender neck.

At this moment, he couldn't help but think that Ah Heng's waist was also very thin.

It was a bit exaggerated to say that she was not even a fistful of weight, but he could pick her up by the waist with one hand.

pity--

Just brother and sister!

They are not a couple, and there are too many intimate and crazy actions in his mind that he can't do at all!

Lou Yu's face is gentle and kind, but his heart is full of darkness and distortion.

Wang Heng sat on the sedan chair, and two strong eunuchs lifted her up nimbly.

The group entered the imperial city and headed towards the Ye Ting.

Along the way, there were court officials, guards, and ladies from outside the palace who came to seek an audience.

These people all saw Wang Heng riding in a sedan chair, and the Duke of Qi following beside him.

They observed quietly and guessed secretly.

There are no secrets in the capital.

Princess Langya and Duke Qi came to the capital yesterday, and the news spread in less than an hour.

Immediately afterwards, Princess Ping'an sent the chief secretary of the palace to Princess Langya's palace to apologize.

A cunning slave is causing trouble?

Ah!

Just a little fight between royal ladies.

However, Princess Ping'an's attitude still surprised everyone:

After all, she is the saint's biological daughter, and the eldest daughter. How could she give in so easily?

Princess Langya, the beloved daughter of Concubine Jiang, was indeed favored.

On the second day after arriving in Beijing, she was able to enter the palace and was given a sedan chair. Everyone became more and more aware of Princess Langya's status.

Can't afford it!

I can't afford it!

Everyone vaguely got a glimpse of Princess Langya's status as a "noble lady", and began to list her as a key target.

Not provoking her is just the basics, it’s best to get along well with her.

"When we get back, have someone thoroughly investigate this Princess Langya's background!"

"...She seems to be a daughter of the Wang family! The Minister of Works before was her father!"

"Judging from her age, she's only about fourteen or fifteen. Has she reached the age of marriage?"

If she has not yet reached the age of marriage, then a marriage ceremony must be held.

At that time, it will be an excellent opportunity to make friends.

If you have already reached the age of marriage, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Princess Langya has just arrived in the capital and has just moved into the princess's mansion, so a banquet should be held to warm her up.

"We still need to investigate a bit to see if we have any relationship or connection with Princess Langya."

When people warm up their houses, they invite only relatives and friends.

If there is no connection...it's okay, just send someone to deliver the visiting card first.

It doesn't matter, then just cling on by force.

Please meet me first. Once you meet me, even if you don’t know each other, you will become acquaintances.

The more courtesy you show, the less blame you will get. When you are polite, you will always gain something.

Wang Heng was very high-profile along the way, even ostentatious.

The effect was even more significant, and the palace soon learned the news of "Princess Langya's arrival."

Some are curious, some are watching, some are jealous, and some are happy.

"Sister has entered the palace? Where's Gungun? I want to see Gungun!"

As the youngest daughter of the emperor and empress, the eleventh princess was deeply favored and doted on by them.

She was young and was raised by the emperor and empress.

Although she did not have her own palace, she lived in a side hall of the Ganlu Palace where the emperor and empress lived.

This is the core of the harem and is well-informed.

The Eleventh Princess has been away from Yizhou for nearly a year, but she still remembers her chubby and beautiful elder sister.

Especially the pony, deer and brain axe in her yard.

At that time, my sister once said that she would raise more and cuter animals.

When my sister goes to Beijing someday, she will take all these with her.

The sister also said that when the time comes, she will invite her to her home to play.

Various small animals, such as ponies and deer, can pull carts.

It must be very interesting to sit in such an animal cart.

"Princess! Princess Langya has indeed entered the palace, and she will first come to Ganlu Palace to pay her respects to the Empress."

The maid of the Eleventh Princess knelt beside the little Lolita and whispered back.

Wang Heng did have to go and pay a visit to the Queen first.

Although she is Satomi's biological mother, the empress is the master of the harem.

She is the "mistress" of all concubines.

No matter how favored Concubine Jiang is, she must respect the Queen.

Not to mention, Concubine Jiang already had a very good relationship with the Queen.

She has never been arrogant because of her favor.

Harmony between wife and concubine is a man's ultimate dream, and it actually happened between Queen Li and Concubine Jiang for nearly ten years.

Saint: ...Oh! They are more than just getting along harmoniously.

It's clear that they are closer than sisters and love each other!

Often, the saint would feel jealous: Sister cherishes Ajahn, and Ajahn respects Sister! The two of them are so close that he, the husband, becomes superfluous!

Although Wang Heng did not know the love-hate relationship between the Saint, the Queen and her mother, she knew that the Queen and her mother had a very close relationship.

In the early years in Yizhou, Empress Li and Concubine Jiang were the largest shareholders in her and Amian's business.

In recent years, Empress Li and Concubine Jiang have also accounted for a large proportion of the many industries in Beijing.

Putting aside the relationship of interests, the fact that Queen Li was able to entrust her orphan to Concubine Jiang at a critical moment is enough to prove that the relationship between them is definitely not what the world misunderstands - they are not rivals in love, but sisters and close friends!

The more Wang Heng understood the relationship between her mother and Queen Li, the closer she became to Queen Li and the more respectful she became.

Therefore, even if it weren't for the rules, Wang Heng would have come to see the Queen first...