Yun Xiang County Princess finished speaking, and everyone in Prince Ping’s mansion turned to look at Lu Yuzhi.
Lu Yuzhi’s lips curved upwards. The people around him felt as if the world had lost its color when they saw his smile. Ke Bixiang, who already harbored secret affections, was even more captivated by his smile, unable to extricate herself.
Ignoring the complex gazes in others’ eyes, Lu Yuzhi walked to Su Muqing’s side. He naturally took her hand, and in front of everyone, their hands clasped, fingers intertwined. This made it clear who the Ning An Princess he spoke of was.
Seeing the two with intertwined fingers, Yun Xiang County Princess pointed at Su Muqing, her face contorted with jealousy. “The Ning An Princess you mentioned, is it her? You two are engaged?”
The Emperor then slowly chimed in, “This is something I just forgot to mention to you all. Ning An is the title I have chosen for Muqing. What do you all think of this title?”
Ke Bi Ping/Ke Bi Xiang: As if you wouldn’t give her the title of princess if we didn’t like it.
“Since she is to be made a princess, how can you casually bestow her upon someone else? Moreover, shouldn’t the marriages of royal noblewomen be decided by the Empress Dowager and the Empress?” Ke Bixiang’s dislike for Su Muqing grew, and she muttered to herself, thinking she was speaking quietly.
Her words were a series of veiled criticisms, subtly implying that Su Muqing was a person of loose morals, rude, and disrespectful of the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Lu Yuzhi heard the clear denigration in her words and frowned with displeasure. “County Princess Yun Xiang, your words are misplaced. Our matter was settled long before the princess was to be recognized. Our other elders are also aware of this. How can you say we bestowed ourselves upon each other!”
Despite their engagement, Ke Bixiang still didn’t want to leave a bad impression on Lu Yuzhi. “Young Master Huo, please don’t be angry. Yun Xiang misspoke. Yun Xiang simply sees Sister Su’s youthful appearance and thought she was only thirteen or fourteen years old. I didn’t expect her to be so young and already promised to someone…”
Su Muqing shook the hand she held with Lu Yuzhi and said with a look of innocent candor, “Then you don’t need to worry about it, County Princess Yun Xiang! Although Muqing is not old, she will only marry after reaching adulthood. It’s only a little over a month away anyway, and it won’t affect my dating with Big Brother Lu.”
“How can a young girl who hasn’t reached adulthood casually utter lewd words like love? Sister, you are about to be recognized as the Emperor’s adopted daughter. Your every word and action outside will represent the royal family. You must be very careful when speaking and think thrice before you speak.” Yun Xiang County Princess wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, adopting the guise of a caring elder sister, but her words dripped with sarcasm.
The others in Prince Ping’s mansion nodded in unison. They all felt that Ke Bixiang had a point. She was truly a rustic woman from the countryside, with rude speech and unrestrained behavior. Such character was indeed worthy of the honor of a princess.
Su Muqing rolled her eyes and couldn’t be bothered to deal with such a “green tea” or “white lotus” person. However, the Empress sitting beside her was starting to look displeased.
Did Ke Bixiang not know her own standing to dare to judge her daughter like this? She was a second-marriage county princess. Her previous husband was chosen by her privately, the son of a wealthy merchant. Later, when rumors spread throughout the city, Princess Ping’s consort, for the sake of the mansion’s reputation, falsely claimed they were engaged.
However, they were married for less than a year before the princess consort’s husband’s family fell into decline. Ke Bixiang immediately divorced him and left without looking back. Not only that, but she also reportedly took the remaining wealth of her former consort’s family, claiming it as compensation.
To stop the city from gossiping, she portrayed her husband as a debauched and useless idler. She even fabricated slanders and drove his entire family out of Rongcheng.
Later, she feigned heartbreak and visited the palace daily to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. She would often cry in the Dian of Ci’an Palace. The Empress Dowager, seeing her as a woman who had gone through a divorce, eventually pitied her and bestowed upon her the title of county princess.
The Empress smoothed her clothes and looked at Su Muqing. “Muqing, you must remember what Sister Xiang said. I also misunderstood earlier; I thought Princess Ping was asking about Young Master Huo because she had some thoughts in mind.”
Princess Ping’s eyes darted around. If she was initially unwilling to marry her daughter to a commoner, she preferred Xiang’er’s husband to be from a family with some influence, which would be helpful for Yao’er’s future plans.
However, seeing the Emperor and Empress’s attitude towards this Young Master Huo, she realized he might not be from an ordinary family. If he were royalty from another country, and if Xiang’er and he were to have a loving marriage, it might become a source of strength.
It was just that with this woman here, if both of them married Young Master Huo, Xiang’er might not easily secure the position of the main wife. However, if they vied for it, it was uncertain who would win.
“Your Majesty has sharp eyes. This concubine indeed…”
“Oh my! Look at my forgetful self! I remember County Princess Yun Xiang, after the pain of her previous divorce, used to tell Mother every day that she wanted to serve by her side and seek protection, and never marry again. It seems I was overthinking; I don’t think Princess Ping intends to find a match for the county princess.” The Empress then smiled and stared at the blushing mother and daughter.
Princess Ping wore an embarrassed smile, gripping her daughter’s arm tightly. Ke Bixiang clenched the handkerchief in her hand and stared intently in Lu Yuzhi’s direction, fearing that the young master she favored might despise her because of these matters.
How dare the Empress? How dare she expose her scars in front of so many people? She would remember this humiliation! When her brother ascended the throne, she would certainly show this childless “Empress” a thing or two!
Ke Bixiang stared at Lu Yuzhi for a long time, but did not receive a single glance from him. Indeed! Young Master Huo cared about this matter. The more she thought about it, the more distressed she became. Suddenly, she stood up abruptly, covered her face with her handkerchief, and ran out of the hall in tears.
“Please forgive Yun Xiang’s rudeness, Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress Dowager. After all, she is only a nineteen-year-old girl, and the divorce was too great a blow to her. No matter who brings it up, she will be sad for a long time.” Princess Ping, seeing her daughter run out without even a proper farewell, quickly stood up and bowed gracefully.
While defending Ke Bixiang, she did not forget to cast a resentful glance at the Empress. This woman was truly foolish. What was she so proud of now? Although she herself would not be Empress in this life, she had a great chance of becoming Empress Dowager.
It was still unknown who would have the last laugh between them! If she were the Empress and knew she had no biological princes, she should have tried harder to please mothers like them who had princes of the imperial clan.
The Empress saw that Princess Ping did not include her when asking for forgiveness, knowing that she had an opinion of her. However, she did not care. A mere noble lady dared to show her displeasure. The Emperor and Empress Dowager’s expressions were equally unpleasant. Looking at the person kneeling on the ground, neither of them spoke.
After a long while, the Empress slowly said, “Princess Ping, please rise! You are right, a daughter’s divorce is indeed not a good thing. Alas! Who could have expected the former princess consort to be so unproductive? Xiang’er married for less than a year, and their family declined. However, some things are not pleasant to hear. We ourselves know it was the man’s fault, but what if those worthless commoners think Xiang’er jinxed her former consort’s family? Then… so Princess Ping should pay attention in daily life. After that matter is completely forgotten, you can find a wealthy family for the county princess! For the sake of her and the royal family’s reputation, it is best for her to stay at home for a few years!”
Good heavens! Su Muqing secretly gave her Imperial Mother a thumbs-up. Say more if you are good at it! Let her learn speaking skills well too.
Princess Ping half-knelt to the side, unable to maintain even an embarrassed smile. What did the Empress mean by this? Saying her daughter was greedy for wealth and disliked poverty? Saying her daughter was a jinx? Saying her daughter tarnished the royal family’s honor?
Most outrageously, she was to be kept at home for several years before being allowed to seek a match? In a few more years, Xiang’er would be in her early twenties! Where would she find any excellent families for her? Truly prominent families would not want a divorced woman as their main wife. Could it be that her daughter would have to be a concubine?
“Yes… this concubine will definitely guide the County Princess’s words and actions properly, so she will not tarnish the royal family’s reputation.” Although unwilling in her heart, Princess Ping could only bow in humiliation, as the succession had not yet been decided, and verbally thank the Empress for her teachings.
This incident made the atmosphere at the scene somewhat awkward. Before long, Prince Ping’s family left Fengyi Palace and returned to the mansion. They had come for nothing today, gaining no good fortune, and instead, they had delayed their daughter’s marriage.
However, now was not the time to dwell on their daughter’s marriage. Ke Bi Ping hastily instructed his servants to send the news to officials who were close to him or who intended to promote Yao’er. The Emperor’s actions were contrary to the ancestral teachings. As his elder brother and a subject, he had an obligation to point it out.
After all the annoying people had left, Su Muqing rushed to the Empress like the wind, threw her arms around her, and said, “Mom, you were amazing just now! You were absolutely the queen of words! You didn’t see how foul that Princess’s face was when she left! Haha…”
“Queen of words what? Never mind… what it means doesn’t matter anymore. What exactly is going on between you two? Are you really engaged?” The Empress pulled Su Muqing away, and her expression instantly became serious.
“Uh! We’re not formally engaged yet! But, well… we really are…” Su Muqing’s heart skipped a beat. She had seen this expression on the Empress’s face countless times in her previous life; it was too familiar.
“Presumptuous! Such important matters of life, how can you two fabricate them so casually? If others find out, do you know how bad the impact will be on both of you, especially you?” The Empress slammed the table heavily and then sternly reprimanded Su Muqing, her gaze towards Lu Yuzhi no longer as kind as before.
Seeing the Empress’s displeased face, the Emperor immediately jumped out to protect her. He stepped forward, held Su Muqing in his arms, and patted her shoulder affectionately. “Why is the Empress so serious? Don’t scare the child. Didn’t she say she would reach adulthood in a little over a month? Aren’t girls betrothed years in advance? Besides, I think this Young Master Huo is a noble and upright young man. If the two children truly love each other, we shouldn’t interfere too much.”
Su Muqing looked at the familiar scene before her, feeling deeply moved. It felt like returning to her previous life, the way she interacted with her parents.
Seeing the smile bloom on Lu Yuzhi’s face, the Emperor looked at him warningly. “Don’t think you can be smug just because I agreed. If I ever find out you treat this girl poorly, I will kill you with my own hands!”
Lu Yuzhi knelt on one knee, his expression solemn as he declared, “I value Muqing more than my own life. Lu Yuzhi will never betray her in this life or any other! If I have any ulterior motives, may heaven strike me down, may I die a terrible death, and may I be reborn into the animal realm for eternity!”
Hearing his vow, the Emperor and Empress nodded with satisfaction. Everyone else present felt that this oath was too severe. However, since he dared to make such a venomous oath, his determination must indeed be firm.
After all, ancient people revered ghosts and gods, so they attached great importance to making solemn oaths. In some places, during trials, they even used oaths to discern the truthfulness of a suspect’s words.
Su Muqing and Lu Yuzhi stayed in the palace for the rest of the day. In the afternoon, they roughly checked the molds that would be needed for tomorrow.
The Regent had selected sixty death row inmates from the prison and told her about the sins they had committed. They were mostly wicked individuals who robbed and pillaged or committed rape. Among the list were sons of current officials. On the surface, the legal system of Tianzhao Kingdom seemed quite strict.
After arranging all matters, around evening, the two prepared to leave the palace with Ke Bite’s family. The Emperor and Empress had initially wanted Lu Yuzhi to leave the palace alone, but Su Muqing said she also needed to prepare for the weapon demonstration tomorrow.
Work was important, and they would have plenty of time in the future. The Emperor and Empress did not insist further. Moreover, after the weapon demonstration tomorrow, the Emperor planned to announce the adoption of foster children. Time was tight, and it was time to instruct the Ministry of Rites to prepare.
Before they could return to the Regent’s mansion, they saw Ying Ba Tian circling in the sky halfway. Su Muqing had not returned for two days, and Black Bear was imprisoned and could not come out. The old eagle, having nothing else to do, came out for a stroll and to look for her.
“Chirp~” The eagle spotted Su Muqing and chirped excitedly in the sky. Then, it flew low, following behind their carriage, and returned to the Regent’s mansion together.
Leng Ren and Leng Feng were sitting listlessly in the pavilion in the guest courtyard. Black Bear lay lazily on the grass nearby, and Fei La also lay listlessly on top of it.
Suddenly! The bear and the dog heard the eagle’s unusual calls. They excitedly stood up and ran towards the courtyard gate. Seeing them acting like madmen, Leng Ren and the others quickly followed to see what was happening.
“Roar~”
“Woof woof woof~”
Black Bear joyfully barked upon seeing Su Muqing and the others entering. Fei La followed with its calls, not to be outdone. It leaped onto Black Bear, beginning to ride along.
Still dozens of meters away, Black Bear’s massive body leaped high and then landed heavily on the ground with a *duang* sound. With its landing, the people around felt the ground shake slightly.
Fei La jumped off Black Bear. Before it could pounce on Su Muqing, Black Bear had already extended its arms, embracing both the person and the little baby in her arms.
Then, it sat down on the ground and began to spin around. The eagle, seeing them having fun, also descended from the sky and waddled forward, sticking its head out. Lu Yuzhi smiled and stroked its head a few times.
The little baby in Black Bear’s arms giggled and laughed continuously at the rapid spinning. After Black Bear stopped, Su Muqing petted them all.
She never expected that after only two days apart, these little ones would miss her so much. No wonder people say pets also need a lot of companionship. It seemed that from now on, it would be best to bring them all along when going to other places.
After Su Muqing and the others played for a while, at Ke Bi Na’s request, they decided to have a barbecue that night. They took out the barbecue tools and handed over all the ingredients to the mansion’s servants to organize.
When the time was right, Lu Yuzhi and Su Muqing personally went to the main courtyard to invite the Prince and Princess, as well as the two young county princesses of the mansion. Everyone gathered to have a lively time.
When Ke Bite and his consort arrived, they looked at the plates of lettuce and raw meat with bamboo skewers inserted in them and exchanged bewildered glances. Weren’t they invited to eat? How could they eat these raw things?
Before long, they saw Ke Bi Na, the son who usually spoke and acted without any pretense. He was now dressed in coarse linen, with a sweat towel draped over his shoulder. Holding a wooden board in one hand, he stood by a strange iron stove, fanning it continuously.
Ke Bi Na started the fire and fanned the thick smoke in front of him. “Father, Mother, Sister, go over there and get a basket. Pick out what you like to eat and hand it to me. You can sit nearby. I’ll be quick, and you’ll be able to eat soon.”
He skillfully instructed his parents to order, looking exactly like a waiter in a restaurant. Ke Bite frowned at his attire, while his consort and daughters could not help but stifle their laughter.
Although they were not satisfied with his attire, the Regent and his family followed Ke Bi Na’s instructions, each taking a bamboo basket and browsing through the food items. Su Muqing was by another grill, and she had already started grilling.
When Ke Bi Na confidently served the grilled skewers, their expressions all changed in unison. Could these blackened, unrecognizable objects truly be eaten? Would they be poisoned?
The two young county princesses took one look and then walked away in disgust. Did their brother’s cooking skills turn out like this? Su Sister’s food looked more appetizing.
Ke Bite glanced at the plate and then pursed his lips, following his daughters. These things looked inedible, and he had no desire to abuse himself.
Ke Bi Na saw his father and sisters being so uncooperative and snorted. He then picked up the plate and placed it in front of his consort with a fawning smile.
The consort looked at the food before her, then looked up at her son’s confident face. She swallowed hard, looking somewhat distressed. The Prince and his two daughters had already fled. She was trapped one step too late.
Should she also turn and leave? But if she did, wouldn’t it be too discouraging for her son’s enthusiasm? He was also acting out of good intentions… Forget it! He was her own flesh and blood!
The consort’s hand trembled as she reached for an object whose original form was indistinguishable. Under Ke Bi Na’s eager gaze, she put the skewer into her mouth…
“Cough cough cough cough…” After eating just a small bite, the pampered consort coughed uncontrollably from the taste. Ugh… this wicked son! Was he trying to harm them?
She only took one bite, but her mouth was filled with a bitter and astringent taste, along with a strong burnt smell. Not only that, but there were also some unidentifiable things clumped together, making it indescribably unpalatable!
After coughing, the consort wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and then elegantly stood up. Under Ke Bi Na’s hopeful gaze, she turned and went to Su Muqing’s side, sitting down next to Ke Bite. She didn’t even glance at her own son.
Wan Yan’er saw Ke Bi Na’s awkward situation, held a skewer in each hand, and pointed at him. Finally, she couldn’t help it and opened her mouth wide, laughing heartily. She looked so unrestrained, with no trace of a young lady’s demeanor.
Seeing the wicked woman daring to mock him, Ke Bi Na indignantly wanted to fight her. He saw that everyone on his side had left, leaving only Ha Ke standing nearby. But Ha Ke was clearly not on their side; his eyes were fixed on Su Muqing’s side, and his saliva had soaked his clothes.
Ke Bi Na, angered, threw off the sweat towel from his shoulder. This one also wanted to rebel. He grabbed a skewer from the plate and stuffed it into his mouth defiantly. Ugh…
He wasn’t steaming the bun to win honor, but Ke Bi Na originally wanted to swallow it down stubbornly. However, the taste was too extraordinary, and he didn’t have the courage to swallow it.
He had eaten twice on the boat. He had followed Su Muqing’s steps, so why were their grilled items so different in taste? To make the taste better, he had even sprinkled a lot more seasoning.
Oh well! He didn’t seem to have a talent for cooking. Ke Bi Na thought it through and felt much better. Seeing how lively Su Muqing’s side was, he also trotted over. After sitting down, he started snatching the grilled skewers from Wan Yan’er. They both refused to give way to each other and started a争抢 session.
The barbecue in the small courtyard ended in such a joyful and lively atmosphere. The more Ke Bite looked at Su Muqing, the more amazed he felt. He always felt that this young lady had many secrets and was different.
Her words and actions always brought him surprise, and she would occasionally utter strange and peculiar words. Occasionally, her views on certain matters and the ideas she expressed were refreshing. In short, she had many strengths that many young men today could not match.