Su Jing returned to her usual days of asking for peace, with every sentence being a trap, using all her heart and soul to face it, and when she left, she still couldnt help but feel a little exhausted.
"Master, Emperor..." As soon as they left Kun Ning Palace, Dai Man was about to speak when she saw Shu Gui Fei in front of them, seemingly waiting for them.
Su Jing smiled slightly and said, "The maid greets Concubine Shu with a bow."
"Sister Su, please get up quickly," said Qiao Jingyu, sitting in the sedan chair and looking down at the people bowing below. "Since weve already left Kun Ning Palace, sister doesnt have to be so polite."
Su Jing was taken aback, this remark was implying that the Empress had too many rules and was inhumane. They were still at the entrance of the Kunning Palace, werent they afraid that the Empress would find out?
Qiao Jingyu was not afraid at all, and there was no awkwardness. "Sister, dont worry about it. This is what I said, if theres any trouble, its aimed at me, and has nothing much to do with you."
"Shu Gui Fei is worrying too much. Although its said that the speaker has no intention, but the listener has intention, however, I didnt hear anything."
Qiao Jing smiled, "Sister is indeed clever and resourceful, I am very fond of her. When sister has time, she should come to my Chonghua Palace to sit for a while, its also good to relieve boredom."
Su Jing nodded and smiled, "The maidservants are willing, and when the time comes, they will definitely go to disturb Sister Shu."
Qiao Jingyu noticed that she had changed her address and admired her sensibility. "Since so, Ben Gong will go back first, sister slow walk."
"The maids and concubines respectfully see off Noble Consort Shu."
"Master, what does this mean?" Dai Man supported her as they slowly headed in the direction of Zuiyun Pavilion.
Su Jing hooked up the corner of her mouth, "You will know when the time comes."
"Master, would you like to go and admire the chrysanthemums?" These days have all been spent cooped up in Drunken Cloud Pavilion, and Dai Man is worried that he will be stifled.
Su Jing knew what she was thinking, "Is Dai Man going out to have fun?"
"Master, I was clearly thinking of you, but you dont understand my heart," Dai Man stomped her foot, her face filled with indignation.
Su Jing smiled and said, "Alright, alright, good Daiman, you just have to accompany your master to take a look at the chrysanthemums."
Dai Man sighed, "Master, youre always teasing me."
"Haha, youre so idle that you have nothing better to do. Just flatter your master a bit and hell definitely reward you heavily later on, dont worry."
Two people were walking slowly forward, laughing and joking, but didnt expect to bump into someone at the corner of a fake hill. Su Jing was completely caught off guard and fell backward, just about to hit the corner of the fake hill when she was suddenly wrapped around the waist and pulled away from that place.
"Master..." Dai Man exclaimed in surprise, hastily shouting.
Su Shuang hastily pulled her back, "Alright, thats the Emperor, are you trying to get yourself killed? This isnt the time to show your loyalty..."
Dai Man felt a bit awkward, this wasnt because all the actions happened too fast, she just hadnt reacted yet.
"Are you not coming down?" Zong Zhengjin brought her to a more secluded spot, seeing that she was still tightly grasping his clothes, and could only speak out loud.
Su Jing hastily put down her hand and saw him staring at her, unconsciously putting her hands behind her back, also slightly raising her head to meet his gaze.
After a few breaths, "The concubine has an audience with Your Majesty," oh no, she actually forgot to pay her respects.
Zong Zhengjin couldnt help but find it amusing, "Get up."
For a moment, no one spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat awkward. I went to the mountain if it didnt come to me, "Your Majesty, do you want to go and admire the chrysanthemums?"
Zong Zhengjin nodded slightly, "Mm."
Chrysanthemum Garden, as soon as the two of them walked in, they saw Li Liangyu, An Liangdi and Du Chang standing with their palace maids not far away. Everyone was delighted to see each other, and they walked over with a gentle rustling sound, "The concubines pay respects to Your Majesty."
Zong Zhengjin didnt know why, but at this time he actually diverted some of his attention to notice the person beside him, seeing that she was not uncomfortable at all, with a smile on her face, and looking at him strangely because he wasnt speaking.
Theres a lump in my throat and my tone isnt good either, "Get up."
The three people opposite were startled, looked at each other for a few moments, and Li Liangyuan revealed a gentle smile. "Your Majesty, would you like me to have a few maids accompany you to admire the chrysanthemums?"
They naturally didnt want to leave like this, having finally seen the emperors face. However, the emperors mood seemed not too good, and the kings anger was even more unbearable in comparison.
Zong Zhengjin nodded, "Mm."
Su Jing thought he would refuse, but unexpectedly he agreed so readily that she suddenly felt a little uncomfortable inside, however she was clever enough to know this was absolutely not to be shown.
Li Liangyuan and An Liangdi walked on one side of Zong Zhengjin, while Su Jingxian and Du Chang were naturally on the other. Su Jingxian thought to herself that she was still pregnant, and subconsciously wanted to keep a distance from them, so she leaned slightly towards the other side.
Moreover, she had perfume on her body, and the smell was very strong. Su Jinglan was even more unwilling to get close to her.
Zong Zhengjin saw her suddenly walking towards him, hooked the corner of his mouth, thinking that she had actually figured it out, and his mood improved.
The other three people werent fools either, and they naturally sensed the oppressive aura emanating from the emperors body had finally dissipated a bit, even if they couldnt understand the reason why, but that wasnt the point.
"In the garden full of chrysanthemums and yellow Osmanthus, there is a solitary clump with color like frost." An Shu whispered to herself, facing the garden full of chrysanthemums.
Zong Zhengjins mood improved, and he showed some interest in the scenery. "The beloved concubine is called the number one talented woman in the capital, and it seems that her reputation is not undeserved."
"Yes, An is a famous talented woman, her talent doesnt need to be mentioned," Liang said, not waiting for An to respond.
An Shu smiled slightly, and didnt see her getting angry, "Chrysanthemum, a recluse among flowers, picking chrysanthemums under the east fence, has been admired by scholars and refined gentlemen since ancient times, its not surprising that you like it."
Li Liangyu found herself in an awkward situation and muttered, "Sister really has a good taste."
Su Jingxi had been quietly listening to their conversation, almost every sentence was showing off her talent and attracting the emperors attention, but suddenly felt a bit dull and tasteless.
"But arent you feeling well?" Zong Zhengjin naturally noticed her abnormality and asked softly.
Su Jings eyes contained a hint of grievance, "Concubine..."
"Sister Su, youve been out in the sun for too long and arent used to it, are you feeling a bit dizzy?" Li Liangyuan asked with a concerned expression, not waiting for her to finish speaking.
Su Jing let out a silent sigh. She was indeed under house arrest, but she wasnt so weak that she would faint from just basking in the sun.
"Your Majesty, Id like to return to Zuiyun Cave."
Isnt that a bit arrogant? Not using her poor health as an excuse, she was afraid that if he were to invite a doctor, she would be deceiving the king again.
"Alright, Ill go see you later," Zong Zhengjin promised without any hint of blame.
The other three all had a silver tooth broken, they had been selling and playing here for an entire morning, but in the end the emperor chose the one who had remained silent throughout.
Su Jings face revealed a faint smile as she curtsied and said, "This servant withdraws."
Zong Zhengjins mouth curved upwards slightly, and there was a hint of a smile in his eyes. "Mm, be careful on the road."
Seeing her back leaving, Zong Zhengjin also didnt have the heart to continue pretending here with three women, "I still have something to do, Ill leave first."
"Your Majesty..." Liang Yu was unwilling.
"Pass on the imperial edict: Liangyu has not followed the proper etiquette, and is hereby forbidden to leave Yinying Pavilion. She is also ordered to copy out the Admonitions for Women a hundred times."
Li Liangs face showed obvious disbelief, and she was stunned until An Shuai pulled her, "The concubine thanks the master for his great kindness."
Its just a pity that people have long gone...
Within an hour, Liangyu was punished by the Emperor and the news spread throughout the palace. Naturally, the news of Su Jings regained favor also reached the ears of the various masters, but as the news spread, it changed to say that Su Jing had instigated the Emperor to punish Liangyu.
Drunken Cloud Villa
"Master, arent we going to do something?" Yuo said with some worry to the person lying on the couch.
Su Jingxi heard this and sat up straight, "Alright, the innocent will be cleared, dont worry, the one who will ultimately suffer losses from this matter will absolutely not be you or my master."
"Have someone bring in hot water, I want to take a bath."
Ting Yao still had some worries, but seeing her masters solemn oath, she couldnt say anything else and responded with a nod before turning around and leaving.
Zichen Hall
"Can you tell who spread these messages?" Zong Zhengjin put down his brush and rubbed his brow, asking.
Su Shuang was taken aback, as the Emperor had never been concerned about such things before. He had only mentioned it just now because it involved Sus master.
"Your Majesty, I will immediately send someone to investigate."
"Never mind, go find the empress and let her handle it. As the mistress of the six palaces, how can she allow these rumors to harm others?"
Su Shun bowed and said, "Your humble servant obeys your orders."
At three quarters past five, Zong Zhengjin put down his red brush and glanced at the sky outside. "Prepare the sedan chair for a trip to Drunken Cloud Gorge."
"Concubine sees the emperor," Su Jingyi didnt expect him to come so early, its not even midnight yet. Seeing him enter, she hastily got up and paid her respects.
Zong Zhengjin walked over and sat down, "Get up."
Xiangya finished two cups of tea and immediately retreated, leaving the two people speechless.
Su Jingxi sat on the other side, occasionally stealing a glance at him, and saw that he was still focused on the cup of tea in front of him, so she quietly lowered her head and looked at the hem of her skirt.
"Your Majesty, its raining outside," this is a good topic, isnt it?
Zong Zhengjin had already heard the sound of rain and nodded without lifting his head, "Uh-huh."
Su Jing saw that he had no reaction, and was taken aback - did this guy plan on remaining silent all the way through?
"Your Majesty, are you still angry with the concubine?" Su Jing asked hesitantly, after deliberating for a long time before asking.
Zong Zhengjin finally gave her a glance, his eyes gleaming with intensity, his face expressionless, and his thin lips slightly parted. "What do you think?"
Su Jing pouted and whispered, "Actually, I didnt do anything."
Although the voice was small, Zong Zhengjin heard it clearly. She hesitated for a moment, and indeed she hadnt done anything. Although she had let Xiaofuzi threaten Peier by pretending to be a family member, it was just an impromptu idea and didnt really involve threatening her familys lives.
But was it because I didnt have the heart or just didnt get a chance?