Mo Xueqiong stood at the entrance of Qingwei Garden, glaring at Mo Xuetong. Her face was as cold as steel and her chest rose and fell heavily.
"Mo Xuetong, you're too vicious. What does my business with His Excellency have to do with you? Were you so jealous that you had to ruin my marriage?"
Her two maids, Mo Yan and Mo Jiao, hurried from behind and hugged her tightly.
"Miss, Miss, you must not listen to those slanderous talk. They might not be true," they urged.
"How could it not be true? If not for her, would Father have locked me up in that faraway courtyard? Would Father have kept me from finding out about what happened at Duke Zhenguo's manor? I am his daughter too! How could he treat me like this for her sake?!" Mo Xueqiong looked as if she wanted to lunge at Mo Xuetong and bite her.
"Fourth Sister, come in and say whatever it is you want to. It is the first day of the new year and Father is in a bad mood. D
On the eighth day of the new year, Mo Xuetong went to the banquet at General Fu’s. As a granddaughter of the family, her presence there was mandatory.In the morning, Mo Huawen had someone bring her new clothes with matching accessories. Mo Xuetong had seen these accessories before. They had once belonged to her mother. Though her mother dressed plainly, the accessories were all lavish and glamorous. Because of that, they’d only been used a few times and looked almost new.Recently, Mo Huawen kept giving her little things of her mother’s. He said they were tokens to remember hey by, but she knew he was actually making sure that if he married again, the new wife would not claim her mother’s dowry. He passed them on piece by piece. Her father had repeatedly implied that he was too tired to manage the stores left by her mother and wanted to pass them over to her. Mo Xuetong was moved by her father's behavior, by how much he cared for her. Now tha
Luo Mingzhu stopped and looked confusedly at Mo Xuetong’s suddenly pale face. "Cousin Tong, What's wrong? Are you ill?" Mo Xuetong pulled Luo Mingzhu ahead."No, it’s nothing. I just felt a little dizzy. I'll be fine in a moment. Second Cousin, let's go view the flower." How had it appeared now? Had they been preparing this scheme for four years?The flowers looked fearless, blooming brightly from the same branch into the cold winter air. The bright red, pale pink, and deep purple blended together into a thing of unbelievable beauty. It was amazing such a fine flower could bear the cold.Looking at the flower, Mo Xuetong only felt cold. The chill ran through her whole body as if a hole had opened in her heart and was pulling all the warmth from her body. Her hands trembled and she wondered when the flower had been sent. And who had sent it. "Cousin Tong, Cousin Tong..." Luo M
"Don't speak. It's me!" Since the day she’d passed out in his arms, she remembered Feng Yuran’s voice like it had been written onto her brain. Hearing him, she instantly calmed down without any good reason."Stop biting me. It hurts a lot," he added.She relaxed her teeth. She was about to ask more when he held her tighter, lifting her a bit.She began to hear other people, footsteps so light she’d have missed them if she wasn’t listening. Past Feng Yuran, she could just see a man in black with a long, shining sword. It was stained with blood.Mo Xuetong didn't dare to breath. Their position was high enough that Feng Yuran had to be hanging on to the rockery, holding her up with him.Another man in black walked wielding his own sword. "How did it go? Did you find him?”“There is no one,” said the first man. “Strange. I was sure I’d heard something”He
Mo Xuetong flushed with anger. Rather than speaking, she bit her lip and walked out. It wasn’t far to the second door. She could see for herself.Behind her, Feng Yuran walked with folded arms. He leaned over with a smile."Fifth Princess is here chatting with Cousin Bai. The second door would take your sister into the courtyard where she’s staying. Your second sister can't be bold enough to try to steal him from the princess." The fifth princess was here? She was chatting with Bai Yihao by the second door! Mo Xuetong opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. All women knew such a conversation should never be seen! But the fifth princess did it so fearlessly. She had to admit, the children from the palace were different, tough. Mo Xueyan had a thick skin, she knew she had to be sneaky to chase after a man, but the fifth princess just blocked the door. It really did all come down to status. If Mo Xueyan did such
Mo Xuetong did not know what happened. She’d met Xu Yan and the two had started chatting. After a few days of getting to know each other, Mo Xuetong found herself very satisfied with this aunt of hers. While Xu Yan looked gentle and fragile on the surface, she was very opinionated. Otherwise, she would not have delayed her marriage until now and be so picky about her husband. That was for the best. Xu Yan's would not give Auntie Fang and Lan Xinru a second chance. If Xu Yan had been a weak-willed noble lady, she would be no match for them. Auntie Fang had Mo Xuemin pulling strings for her, backing Xuemin in turn. Lan Xinru had Old Madam behind her.Xu Yan's personality was a good match for her father’s too. Even though Mo Huawen doted on her now, she still noticed where he was lacking. He certainly wasn’t good at managing the inner courtyard. The social structure of the inner courtyard was almost nonextant.The gossip was starti
Because it was winter, there was a hotpot in the center of the table. There was also fruit.The maids peeled the mandarins and served them to their mistresses. Chen Ya'er turned around and smiled at Ling Rui'er. "Elder Sister Ling, why isn't Second Miss Ling here today? I heard that Her Majesty dotes on her. I heard that she treats Second Miss Ling even better than First Miss Ling?" "Her Majesty, my aunt, naturally dotes on my elder sister more than First Sister. How could First Sister's character and beauty compare to my elder sister's? My aunt has always liked my elder sister. We went to the palace to visit my aunt some time ago. My aunt even gave my eldest sister and a pair of really exquisite earrings. Only my sister received earrings and a pair of jade bangles." Ling Rui'er glanced at Mo Xuetong with satisfaction. As a maid passed a golden mandarin to Mo Xuetong, Luo Mingzhu leaned over to whisper.
"Elder Sister Ling, we asked you to talk about what the imperial consorts in the palace wear. Why are you talking about this instead?" Chen Ya'er flushed red. They were all unmarried young ladies. It really was a rather inappropriate topic.Ling Rui'er, however, had already been embarrassed several times today. She felt that she had to flaunt everything she had right now to put Mo Xuetong back in her place."The imperial consorts have all been worrying about it for days. They are not only picking for His Majesty, they are picking for the princes as well,” she said with satisfaction. “My aunt has been so busy these past few days. She even told me to see if there is anyone suitable amongst my friends. I think everyone here is beautiful and has a high enough status. You are all good candidates. I shall tell my aunt tomorrow." Her statement made all the young ladies flush red. "Younger Sister Ling, you are confused. How could we pres
Mo Xuemin received the letter from the fifth princess at night. She slipped out the back door and boarded an inconspicuous carriage by the road. The horses pulled her down several turns until she arrived at a store filled with exquisite jewelry. The cases inside the newest and best hairpins, bracelets, bangles, and earrings. Even though it was late at night, there were still a few madams and young ladies in the shop.A nanny in her late forties waited at the entrance. She looked at Mo Xuemin loftily and gestured for her to follow. She led her down a narrow alleyway and up a small, unlit flight of stairs. Mo Xuemin followed her up into the dark.When she reached the top of the stairs and went around the turn, she was blinded by the sudden light.Mo Xuemin shielded her eyes with her sleeves. That was when she saw a door to a private room in front of her. There were a few large palace lanterns hanging in front of the door and four we
It was midnight when Feng Yuran came back from the palace that night. Under the light, Mo Xuetong's beautiful face looked pink, which he had been praying for for a long time. Although he was tired and dizzy, he felt relieved.Fortunately, Bai Yihao did not make a desperate bet. That day, he looked calm on the surface, but in fact, he was already sweating on his back.If Bai Yihao had threatened him with Tong'er's life...If, Bai Yihao was determined not to give up...If Bai Yihao wanted to get Tong'er even if he would destroy her...He would really don't know what to do!Fortunately, there were not so many "ifs". Fortunately, Bai Yihao let go in the end. Even though he had already known Bai Yihao's character, he was still very nervous and flustered at that time in that place. Caring too much disturbed the mind. In this life, Tong'er was his weakness, but it was the weakness that he was willing to have.
Looking at the confident Bai Yihao who had a smile in his eyes, Feng Yuran suddenly put on an enchanting smile. He squinted at him and asked, "Tong'er is smart. If she knew that it was your mother who poisoned her mother back then and the poison in Auntie Fang's hands was left by your mother, what would you do?"This was a fatal blow, and Bai Yihao hid it in his heart. He thought that no one would mention it!The smile froze on Bai Yihao's handsome face. For a moment, there was a hint of blood in the corner of his warm eye. He put away the smile on his lip corners and looked at Feng Yuran viciously. "You're really funny. How could that poison have something to do with my mother?"That was the topic he didn't dare to mention. He even felt guilty and his heart was even twisted."It's a strange poison, so it must have come from a strange place. There was no way for an ordinary concubine to get it. Even though Auntie Fang died in the r
Since Yan Kingdom had taken in some remainders of Ding General Manor, the country would definitely become the Qin Kingdom's enemy. Bai Yihao was the commander-in-chief of Yan Kingdom. On the surface, the only person in the Qin Kingdom who could suppress the troops of Ding General Manor was King Xuan, Feng Yuran. In the past, Fu General and King of Xian were on different sides of Ding General Manor. They seemed to be friendly on the surface, but in private, they held each other back.The war drew near. Feng Yuran bid farewell to Mo Xuetong and led the army to the border. It was winter, so it was a little cold. Mo Xuetong stood on a small mountain town outside the city gate and could not help crying with a handkerchief in her hand when she saw the purple general's robe disappear from her sight.Mo Xuetong felt sad and could not hold back her tears when she thought that he had to go to the battle field and could not sleep well. The war was urgent and he had to
Yan Empress heaved a sigh of relief. Seeing Lan Yanwen looking calm, she said politely, "That's right, that's right. I can't stay here any longer. I'll leave this to you." She was still the dignified Empress of the Yan Kingdom."Goodbye, Your Majesty!" Lan Yanwen lowered his head and bowed respectfully, which was no different from his usual attitude. Yan Empress waved her hand with satisfaction, took her people to get on the carriage at the back door and returned to the deep palace.Yan Empress left, surrounded by a large group of people. Lan Yanwen slowly raised his head, and his beautiful eyes were inexplicably deep in the flickering light. He stared at the back of Yan Empress and walked to Princess Royal's body that was lying on the ground, speechless for a moment.The night was very quiet, as if the sound of people's breathing could be heard!After a long time, Lan Yanwen ordered, "Somebody, take Princess Royal Mingzhu out! Alo
It was Yan Empress's voice!In the dark, Mo Xuetong didn't dare to move. She bit her lips and even held her breath, hiding in the rockery. Although it was secluded, Yan Empress came with so many people, and she might find her. If Mo Xuetong fell into her hands, it would be terrible!"Sister Yunruo?" Princess Royal helped Nanny Qin to stand firm under the light. Looking at Yan Empress, who was protected by a group of secret guards and eunuchs, she slowly restored calmness.There was no guard around her, and the only person beside her was Nanny Qin, who knew nothing about martial arts. She was sort of alone now.Mo Xuetong also saw Lan Yanwen hiding in the dark beside Yan Empress. "He came as well?"This small courtyard of the Lan family gathered all kinds of powerful personage unexpectedly. It was quite lively."Sister Mingzhu, it's not easy for you to remember me. Why don't you come to my palace to have a
Seeing that there was something wrong with his expression, the Yan Empress knew that Bai Yihao was still worried. She gave a sweet smile and wrapped her soft arms around Bai Yichen's neck. Her breath was fragrant and she smiled seductively in his ear, "Don't worry. He still thinks that I really want to send some people to the East Palace and have been focusing on investigating the women in the Beauty Gathering Palace. When we succeed in the harem, it will be too late for him to do anything.""The old man won't suspect us, will he?" Bai Yichen paused for a moment and was still a little worried."Don't worry. Even if he senses something is wrong, he can't tell his son. Most of the imperial physicians in the palace are our people. When the right time comes, whichever palace he will die in, it has nothing to do with us!" The Yan Empress smiled as her eyes raked over Bai Yichen's handsome face, and she looked even more charming.However, as the two
With a thud, the memorials to the throne on the table were slammed to the ground, and Emperor Zongwen's face had darkened."Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please take care of yourself." Regardless of the memorials to the throne that were scattered all over the ground, Liu Xi hurriedly turned around to support Emperor Zongwen, who was about to fall down with one hand covering his chest. His usually calm face was filled with anxiety and panic."B*tch, that b*tch, how dare she... deceive me!" Emperor Zongwen's face was purple. He reached out to cover his chest and said a few words with difficulty. As he opened her mouth, he spat a mouthful of blood. Liu Xi only had time to cover his mouth with a handkerchief before he immediately became dispirited and was helped to sit on the throne."Your Majesty, please take care of yourself. Even if you don't look out for yourself, you still have to consider His Highness," Liu Xi persuaded anxiously as he served E
In the dark night, the wind rushed backward and poured into Mo Xuetong's mouth and nose. Her eyes were blurred. Subconsciously, she stretched her arms behind her, held the comer's waist tightly and buried her head deeply in his arms. Then she let out a breath slowly, her nose full of the scent of a familiar man. As she breathed, his scent heavily enveloped her, which made her feel inexplicably relieved and softened.The man gave a little chuckle in her ear, and his warm breath fell on her earlobe, making her itch like a feather. "Tong'er, don't be afraid. It's me!"In the satisfied sigh, she felt that his grip on her body was getting tighter.His voice was mellow and leisurely, like the alcohol that had been brewed for many years and was filled with an intoxicating aura.There was less noise following him. He landed lightly on a horse in front of him. Then Mo Xuetong was turned around and landed steadily in his embrace.
Mo Xuetong did not use the Lan family's horse carriage. There was indeed a horse carriage sent from the Crown Prince's East Palace parked at the entrance. After they got on the horse carriage, Qing Zhu asked, "Miss, how did you know that the person is not the true head of the Lan family?" There was nothing different in air, deportment, or appearance between the man and the head of the Lan family."I am just an orphan daughter of the Lan family. Even if the Lan family values me, there is a limit. Even if I can enter the East Palace in the future and be favored by His Highness, it will still be a matter of the future. The Lan family does not lack beauties in their back courtyard. It is already a great honor for me to send Minister of Public Works to meet me. It is said that Minister of Public Works is the best husband in the hearts of the princesses," Mo Xuetong stated with a faint smile. She took the tea that Qing Zhu poured for her and took a sip before she leisurely re