It was also unknown how long it took for the music to stop.

  As if afraid that the beauty inside would quietly leave, almost as soon as the flute sound stopped, the slender and beautiful young man didn't care about his noble elder brother in front of him, took a step forward, and hastily rushed over.

  He burst through the door and only then laughed loudly: "Well done, Gao Zhang Gong, you didn't attend my banquet, but instead flirted with a beauty here."

  His mouth was speaking, but his eyes were urgently searching for Zhang Qi. However, as soon as the door burst open, Zhang Qi had already quickly spun around and slipped into the inner room like a gust of wind. What could he see?

  Langling Wang slowly put down his jade flute, and with a hint of displeasure in his drunken voice, "Gao Zhan! This is my bedroom!"

  Gao Zhan burst out laughing and said with a carefree tone, "So this is your bedroom." As he spoke, he looked towards the inner chamber with his head held high and said with a smack of his lips, "Chang Gong, I heard you've gotten yourself an unparalleled beauty? Your uncle didn't even bother to attend our family banquet, but now he's come over just to take a look. Go, call her out and let your uncle take a look."

  He spoke with a smile, his tone somewhat impolite. Also, as the uncle of King Langling, he really didn't need to be polite to this nephew who was much inferior to him.

  As soon as he finished speaking, Langling Wang's face sank, and his eyebrows were filled with a hint of anger. It was rare to see such a solemn expression on Gao Changgong, but Gao Zhan burst out laughing again, not waiting for him to say anything else, and turned around to leave after shaking his sleeves.

  He closed the door and bowed to the elegant young man standing on the steps, saying: "Ninth brother, do you know what that little scoundrel Chang Gong is up to? He's stripped naked, drunk as can be, wearing only a outer robe, playing the flute. He's having fun with that beauty." He laughed loudly, saying: "Truly worthy of being a descendant of my High family, when it comes to seeking pleasure and joy, no need for teaching!"

  The elegant young man smiled quietly, and after listening, he lightly breathed out: "Nonsense!" His gaze shifted. He stared at the bedroom for a moment, then said in a low voice: "Chang Gong never drinks to intoxication, but today he's drunk. He must be extremely happy in his heart - we don't need to disturb him, let's go!"

  As he spoke, he swung his sleeve and led the crowd away.

  They left. Zhang Qi then walked out of the inner room.

  She walked up to Lang Ling Wang and knelt down, her head raised, her hands clasped around his knees, calling out: "Chang Gong..."

  "Huh?" The King of Lanling opened his dazed, drunken eyes and looked at her in confusion. Seeing that she seemed to be cold, he reached out and pulled her onto his lap, asking: "What's wrong?"

  Zhang Qi hugged his waist, buried her face in his arms and shook her head.

  Just now in the inner room, she heard Gao Zhan's laughter. For some reason, she felt a little scared.

  If it were in the past, Zhang Yi would have been afraid. She would have hidden herself alone, rather than running out to hug Lang Ling Wang like she is now...

  What Zhang Qi didn't expect was that in just a few days, it seemed like the entire Jin Yang knew that the King of Lanling had gained a new favorite concubine, whom he cherished and loved dearly, and all he wanted to do every day was stay by her side and play with her.

  At one time, Langling Wang was rumored to be a womanizer.

  However, Gao Zhan was right that this indulgence in pleasure was nothing for the sons of the Gao family. Therefore, when Langling Wang became infatuated with women, no one saw anyone criticizing or scolding him. Instead, half a month later, the Emperor issued an edict allowing his private army to increase to 1,800 men.

  At the same time, also because of Langling Wang's extreme emphasis on his newly acquired beloved concubine, those powerful and noble officials who were eager to catch a glimpse of her beauty all calmed down.

  The King of Lanling was deeply favored by the new emperor and was a talented member of the imperial clan, plus he only had this one woman by his side. His woman was the most beautiful, so it wasn't worth offending him at this time.

  Days passed by like this one after another.

  In an extremely quiet environment, Zhang Qi didn't even have the chance to see Chen Shi, let alone know about Xiao Mo's situation. She simply spent her days playing and laughing with Lang Ling Wang in the mansion.

  Before I knew it, a month had passed.

  By this time, Jin Yang had officially entered winter. In the howling cold wind, Prince Lan Ling led Zhang Qi towards Yiyang City.

  Divider line

  Four months later.

  When I went to Yiyang, it was just the time of winter snow. When I returned, it was already the warm spring with blooming flowers, in the second or third month when willows are drooping.

  However, this time they returned not to Jin Yang but to the capital of Qi State, Ye City.

  In just a few more days, Zhang Yi would be fifteen sui.

  Fifteen-year-old Zhang Qi's figure was like a willow branch, slender and tall, with every gesture exuding the charm of a woman and the freshness of a young girl, making her a true beauty who could topple cities.

  Fifteen-year-old Zhang Qi was no longer the frail and broken body that had been given the infertility medicine in her previous life. From the inside out, she was healthy and happy, making her look like a blooming spring flower, with a vibrant vitality amidst her charm, and an aura that was captivating. So, it wasn't the same as in her previous life, that kind of sickly, decadent beauty, but rather more beautiful, more radiant.

  In the past few months, some things have happened. For example, the envoys of Zhou and Chen had set out to leave before spring arrived. For example, Xiao Mo stayed behind. Due to his exceptional talent and efficient handling of affairs, he was highly valued by Emperor Gao Yang, who sought to unify the world under one rule. He is now the Minister of Personnel in the Eastern Qi dynasty, a third-ranking official.

  In such a short period of time, he became a high-ranking official of the third rank. Xiao Mo's talent had already exceeded Zhang Gui's expectations.

  Lou Taihou, who had some minor complaints about the Han family, also acknowledged Xiao Mo. After all, he was a proud son of heaven from the Chen Guo's high-ranking aristocratic family. Being able to stay in Qi country was already something that Qi country could be proud of.

  At the same time, Zhang Qi also knew that Ah Lu had not returned to China with Chen Shi, but had stayed in Qi State with Xiao Mo.

  Divider line

  The day Lanling King returned, the official road was empty and desolate, with no one in sight to welcome him.

  Looking at the gradually visible city gate, Langling Wang rode his horse closer to the carriage. He had already changed into a simple outfit and his expression became increasingly solemn.

  He looked at the large curtain of the carriage, his voice having a softness that even he himself had never noticed before, "A Qie, we're about to enter the city gate."

  Listening to the soft and gentle voice from the carriage, he sighed: "A Qie, why have you never been pregnant?"

  The people in the carriage were stunned.

  After a long while, Zhang Gui finally murmured: "Even if I am pregnant, what can be done?"

  If I were pregnant, I might be able to use the fact that I already have children as an excuse to delay the wedding for a while. Of course, it's just a possibility.

  The King of Lanling looked at the swaying carriage curtain and did not respond after all.

  After a moment of silence, Zhang Qi asked again in a low voice: "Chang Gong, if I were pregnant, what then?" Her voice was trembling with an expectation or longing that she couldn't quite articulate.

  The King of Lanling gazed solemnly into the distance. After a long while, he said, "Nothing, we often indulge in love, it's about time."

  In the carriage, Zhang Gui let out a sigh, as if with a hint of disappointment.

  Just then, a black-armored guard shouted: "Someone's coming!"

  The King of Lanling raised his head.

  He looked at him and his eyebrows locked, slowly saying: "It's Xiao Mo!"

  Appearing in their line of sight. It was indeed Xiao Mo, who was already a third-grade official, still wearing a white robe. His long hair was tied up with a jade crown. Even sitting on horseback, he was elegant and refined. His demeanor was carefree and graceful.

  Zhang Qi saw from a distance that he had tied up his hair, seeming to have grown taller and clearly matured. He couldn't help but wonder: "He doesn't seem to be even twenty yet, how come he's already wearing a crown and tying up his hair?"

  It suddenly dawned on Zhang Qi. Xiao Mo was just like her, a wandering soul without a family, so there was no need to adhere to this outdated custom of wearing a crown at the age of twenty. By wearing it, he was telling himself that he had become an adult and from now on, he would take responsibility for his own honor and disgrace, prosperity and decline.

  A lone horse galloped swiftly towards him, kicking up clouds of dust and dirt.

  Xiao Mo finally gave a soft shout and reined in his horse twenty paces away from the troops.

  There were no attendants behind him.

  He raised his head, Xiao Mo glanced at Langling Wang, then turned to look at Zhang Qi's carriage. Looking at the fluttering curtains, he lowered his eyes slightly.

  Xiao Mo turned around, cupped his hands in greeting to Lang Ling Wang and smiled: "When I left, the snow was falling thick and fast; when I arrived, the willows were swaying gently. It's been a long time since we last met, Your Highness!"

  A low and husky voice, filled with deep thoughts.

  What he thought of was unlikely to be Langling Wang.

  The King of Lanling raised his head and glanced at him, his lips curled slightly as he said indifferently: "Xiao Shangshu has specially come to welcome me, I am deeply grateful but dare not accept!"

  As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Mo suddenly burst out laughing.

  His laughter was bright and clear in the midst of relaxation. With a hearty laugh, Xiao Mo nodded his head, "Well deserved, well deserved!"

  He smiled and gazed seriously at Zhang Qi's carriage, not looking at Lang Ling Wang, and said slowly: "The deadline is approaching... I think it won't be long before the Duke will discuss marriage. Although he was talking to Lang Ling Wang, his eyes were fixed on Zhang Qi's carriage, and his voice rose slightly, "I know the customs of your place, Xiao. I came just to tell you one thing, Duke. The woman in the carriage, if you can't protect her, I'm willing to take over!"

  As he spoke with such a resolute tone, his attitude and smile were carefree and self-satisfied, exuding the elegant demeanor of a renowned scholar.

  This kind of elegance rooted in his bones is rarely seen in the land of Qi. Zhang Gui looked at him through the gap and thought to himself: No wonder he can quickly get along with the young masters of the aristocratic families, whether in Zhou or in this land of Qi, and has a dominant position.

  Xiao Mo spoke these words, and upon seeing Lang Ling Wang's face sink, he couldn't help but throw his head back in laughter. Amidst the loud laughter, he bowed to Lang Ling Wang once more, kicked both legs out, turned his horse around, and galloped away in the direction they came from.

  Is this person coming and going in such a hurry just to say these few words?

  Divider line ###############################

  Just as Xiao Mo's figure had just disappeared, several horse-drawn carriages came galloping from the direction of the city gate. Before the carriages even approached, a chorus of soft, gentle female voices mixed with bright, youthful male voices rang out in eager anticipation.

  Among the chaotic and noisy cries, one cry was particularly different.

  "Long Gong……” In the midst of the lifted car curtain, laughing sweetly and radiantly, was none other than Zheng Yuo, who had not been seen for a long time. This time, she had completely swept away the gloom of several months ago, and even smiled more radiantly and beautifully than when Zhang Gui first saw her. The lotus-colored cloak set off her face, which was as white as jade with a hint of red, truly like a peach blossom.

  Zheng You's smile was radiant, and she gazed at Lang Ling Wang with boundless joy, calling out in a crisp voice: "Chang Gong, you're back!" Her eyes shone with both shyness and delight, yet her entire demeanor remained elegant and poised.

  When did she change her name?

  In Zhang Qi's astonishment, seven or eight young men and women surrounded Langling Wang, chattering away. "Well done, kid, you've been gone for a whole year!" "Long Gong, it's been ages! I've missed you so much." "I heard you got an incredibly beautiful concubine? Where is she? Bring her out and let me take a look?" "I rushed to Jin Yang for the New Year's celebration, expecting to see you at the court gathering, but didn't expect you'd gone to Yiyang instead."

  Amidst the laughter, Zheng Yu stuck out her head and interrupted them with a smile, "Alright, alright, be quieter." Then she looked up at Lang Ling Wang and said seriously, "Chang Gong, His Majesty has an order for you. After entering the city, don't rush back to your mansion, go directly to the imperial palace to see him." She raised the corner of her mouth and said lightly, "By the way, isn't that concubine of yours? His Majesty wants to meet her too."

  ##################Divider###################

  Along the way, groups of young men and women surrounded Langling Wang, leaving Zhang Gui no chance to communicate with him.

  Under their escort, the cavalry quickly entered Ye City.

  Ye City, since ancient times has been the capital of emperors. In this sunny spring March, wherever you look up, you can see peach blossoms and pear blossoms in full bloom. Whether it's peach blossoms or pear blossoms, they all bloom on bare tree trunks with very few leaves.

  The street is a bit dirty, apparently just swept by a sandstorm not long ago.

  Zhang Gui noticed that as soon as they arrived in Ye City, a look of joy appeared on the face of Prince Langya, it was clear that he had been eagerly looking forward to returning home.

  But she didn't expect that. Zhang Qi looked at the smile on his face, and for some reason felt a bit stifled. Perhaps in her subconscious, she had hoped that if things weren't going well, he would leave with her.

  In Ye City, there is also a special Langya Wangfu. This is not the kind of temporary residence built in Jinyang.

  The horse carriage passed by Langling Wangfu without stopping and headed straight for the imperial palace.

  Before long, the laughter of the young men gradually subsided, replaced by the quiet and dull sound of horse hooves.

  Entered the palace gate.

  When the carriage stopped, Langling Wang jumped off the horseback and stretched out his hand towards Zhang Gui in the carriage, "Get down."

  Zhang Qi nodded slightly and reached out to hold his hand, walking down with him.

  Many young men and women, including Zheng Yu, looked in this direction with shining eyes. When they saw Zhang Qi, they all felt a sense of disappointment at the same time.

  She deliberately met with the king, and she was still wearing a veil.

  Having arrived here, the young men and women could no longer accompany them. After bidding farewell, King Langling led Zhang Gui under the leadership of the eunuchs to the outside of the emperor's study.

  Just as he stood still, a refined and clear voice came from the emperor, "Chang Gong has arrived, come in."

  "Yes."

  The King of Lanling entered at the sound, and Zhang Gui also took off his silk hat and hurriedly stepped into the study.

  As the two entered, they bowed their heads simultaneously without looking up and didn't notice that behind the desk, the young Emperor was lifting his head, his gaze sweeping past Langling Wang as he carefully sized up Zhang Gui.

  After a moment's scrutiny, Gao Yan's lips curved into a gentle smile: "No need for formalities, Chang Gong, come sit down."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty."

  After Duke Lanling sat down, Zhang Gui knelt beside him as his concubine.

  Just as she sat down, Zhang Qi felt a gaze on herself again.

  ...he had already stared at her for several seconds! And he was staring so seriously. Under the skirt, Zhang Qi's hands were crossed, and she began to fidget uncomfortably.

  ###

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