Chapter 14: Attending the Lotus Banquet
th you risking your life for him” The man said as he lowered his head to check her wound. Finding it so deep, he couldn't help but furrow his brows. If the blade had gone in a few more centimeters, wo...Ke Ninghua had once been wronged by Xiao Yuge, how could she easily let her go: "Xiao Yuge, even if you dress up no matter how beautiful, what use is it The Prince's heart and eyes have never had your existence. " 。"Is that so It seems that Princess Huimin is the apple of the prince's eye, knowing things so clearly. " 。"Ugh, so dirty!" Xiao Yuge unconsciously wiped her nose and looked disgusted. 。“You!” Ning Hua was so angry that her face flushed red. She was about to lash out, but the maid beside her hurriedly pulled her back. Remembering what her father had said, she held it in, though she still snarled, “Xiao Yuge, you’re just good with words! Learn from Miss Xiao, be more gentle and virtuous. Oh, what a shame, if Miss Xiao were the legitimate daughter of the Xiao family, she would be a perfect match for the Crown Prince!” 。"County Master Huimin, be cautious with your words." 。"Xiao Yufu's face flushed slightly, and the noble ladies beside her seemed to have been attracted. She didn't want to become the target of everyone's attention." 。Ning Hua coldly snorted: "Aiyo, you're still being cautious When secretly going out with His Royal Highness to meet and embrace, why didn't you know to be careful You stole the bride's parents without saying anything, and now even her fiancé is being snatched. Miss Xiao is truly kind-hearted and resourceful." 。"Humph! She can't even argue with Xiao Yuge, let alone compete with the gentle Xiao Yufu "You!" Even though Xiao Yufu usually pretended to be gentle, she was now so angry that her face flushed red. 。Ning Hua refused to let it go: "Xiao Yu Fu, aren't you just a fox with a beautiful face You specialize in seducing men and always take what belongs to others! It's really disgusting!" Hmph! The worst part is that even her brother is infatuated with Xiao Yu Fu, how can she not be angry! "You!" Xiao Yu Fu was so angry that tears welled up in her eyes. 。“County Princess Huimin is such a busybody, worrying about other people's affairs when she has time. She'd better worry about herself and find a good husband. After all, she's already twenty years old, isn't she Among the noble ladies in Beijing, you are…" Xiao Yuge stepped forward, smiling as she leaned into Ning Hua's ear: "The oldest!" After saying that, she lightly flicked her hair, feeling good about herself as she walked away with Xiao Yufu. 。Li Na was so angry she almost spat blood. She blurted out, "Xiao Yuge, you wretch!" Seeing the noble ladies beside her whispering to each other, she stomped her feet in anger and gritted her teeth, saying, "You wait for me!"Not far away, the man had seen everything that just happened. Under his mask, his eyes flickered, wondering what he was thinking about. 。Inside the Zichen Palace 。All the noble ladies in Beijing were dressing themselves with care and waiting respectfully for the arrival of the Empress Dowagers. 。As a sharp voice came from outside: "The Empress has arrived, the Noble Consort has arrived, the Honorable Consort has arrived..." they quickly stood up straight. 。The empress, resplendent in her finery, entered with all the court ladies, their bearing impeccable. She took her seat first, followed by the others. 。 The noble ladies of the capital had been taught since childhood to play the qin, chess, calligraphy and painting, as well as various etiquette, so naturally they would not be rude. 。The Empress had a smile on her face, her eyes slowly sweeping over the group of noble ladies before finally landing on Xiao Yuge, revealing a look of astonishment: "Ge'er, it's really you. This palace almost didn't recognize you." 。"
Xiao Yu Ge stepped forward and bowed deeply: “Your Majesty, I greet you!”
The Empress looked her up and down, revealing a satisfied smile: “Isn’t this the dress I awarded you last year The pink white really suits you, dressed like this, you look like a little beauty indeed" 。“
Being praised by the Empress like this, she suddenly attracted countless envious and jealous glances. 。"Your Majesty is too kind! The maidservant thanks Your Majesty for this beautiful gown. It was a little big last year, but it fits perfectly this year. I wore it today to come and show you." 。Xiao Yu's song had a pure and guileless expression, the kind of innocence that perfectly suited her age. 。"Well, indeed beautiful! Song'er, the other day you were injured saving the prince, how is your injury now" The Empress was quite concerned about this future daughter-in-law. 。"Thank Your Majesty for your concern, I am much better now." 。Xiao Yu Ge thought to herself, "Today I'm afraid others will suspect something, so I specially asked Qing Luo to improve my complexion a bit. It should be unnoticeable, right" 。Well, after so many days, even the heaviest wounds should have healed a lot. But last night she went through an ordeal that felt like walking through hell. It reopened the wounds that had already started to heal. Although she tried her best to disguise it, things couldn't go wrong. Otherwise, if the imperial physician checked, he would surely raise suspicion. She prayed in her heart that everything would go smoothly today. 。That's good 。"The Empress wore a kind smile on her face as she pointed to the pond filled with lotuses outside. "This year's lotuses are blooming better than ever before. Let's all go out and admire them first. Later, Consort Xian and Consort Shu have also prepared a special tea feast for everyone. Today, everyone should relax and have fun." 。They were all teenage girls, naturally playful. Upon hearing this, they were naturally overjoyed and pulled their female companions to admire the flowers. There was a flurry of bird song, laughter and chatter, and the lotus garden instantly came alive. 。"Ger, let's go take a look over there too." 。In front of outsiders, Xiao Yufu is always the loving elder sister who cares for her younger sister. Wherever she goes, they are always holding hands affectionately. 。It’s good 。"Xiao Yu Ge smiled and nodded, it's just acting, she wanted to see what 'surprises' they had prepared for her today!
"Fu'er!" A surprised and rough voice came from the side 。"Your Highness, Prince Liang!" Xiao Yuge and Xiao Yufu hurriedly bowed, but Xiao Yufu lowered her eyes in an instant, a hint of hatred flashing in her eyes. If it weren't for Prince Liang sending that pot of Fairy Orchid, she wouldn't have been scolded by her parents, and she almost would have been misunderstood by Brother Sichin. How could she not hate him 。"No need for formalities!" Wang Liang waved his robe sleeve, a touch of excitement in his voice as he walked to Xiao Yu'er's side: "Yu'er, this immortal orchid I sent you, do you like it" 。"Thank you, Lord Liang!" Xiao Yu Fu smiled awkwardly. 。Xiaoyu Ge on the other hand, kept her lips pressed together, suppressing a smile. She still liked him, I’m afraid there wouldn't even be any scraps left by now. 。"If you like it then..." 。"The esteemed King Liang, in front of Xiao Yufu, was actually as awkward as a naive young man. "That is, this palace has prepared some pastries over there. Would Princess Fu be willing to follow this palace and sit for a while"
Xiao Yufu's heart was now filled with anger. She had no intention of going with him to eat pastries. She wished she could kick him twice! " 。 always the second Miss of the Xiao family. I absolutely won't allow anyone to harm her!" After that, she walked away with her maidservant.Jian Zhiyi curled her lips and let out a cold snort. "You're...