lcionline Chapter 365 It seems Madam Yang had planned this all along.
Chapter 365 It seems Madam Yang had planned this all along.
Chu Ruohan reached out and pinched her son's cheek: "When did our Yun-ge'er become so good at comforting people?"
"Because Yun'er is Mother's little darling!" Yun'er smiled proudly, revealing a row of neat little teeth. "Yun'er has grown up and will protect Mother."
Chu Ruohan felt a warmth in her heart and hugged her son tightly: "Our Yun-ge'er has really grown up."
"Will Mother go back to Zheng with Yun'er?" Yun'er took the opportunity to bring up the topic again, his eyes full of anticipation.
Chu Ruohan sighed softly and gently ruffled her son's hair.
“Yun’er, we’ve discussed this issue many times already. Your mother has many things to do here, as well as Xuan’er and your father…”
"But Yun'er also wants Mother to stay with him," Yun'er muttered softly, a wronged expression on his face.
Chu Ruohan felt a pang of pain in her heart and said softly, "Mother knows. I will come to see you after some time, okay?"
Yun-ge'er was still somewhat dissatisfied, but he nodded nonetheless: "Then Mother must come and see Yun-ge'er."
"Definitely," Chu Ruohan solemnly promised.
The carriage slowly came to a stop, and the coachman respectfully announced from outside, "Madam, we have arrived."
Chu Ruohan straightened her clothes, took Yun Ge'er's hand, and got off the carriage.
The palace was magnificent and solemn, and palace maids and eunuchs filed out to welcome the King of Chu.
"Your Highness Prince Chu, Madam Gu," Xiao Fuzi greeted them, bowing respectfully. "His Majesty has already prepared a banquet in the Imperial Garden and is waiting for you two."
Chu Ruohan nodded her thanks, took Yun Ge'er's little hand, and walked towards the Imperial Garden.
However, something unusual was discovered along the way.
In the past, the palace was mostly filled with eunuchs and palace maids, but today there are many more women, all dressed in their finest attire and adorned with jewels.
"Why are there so many women here today? This palace..." Chu Ruohan frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping over the beautiful women.
Xiao Fuzi, observing the situation, kept walking and bowed slightly to get closer, lowering her voice to say, "Reporting to Madam, there is a banquet being held in the palace today, and many officials have brought their families to the palace."
Chu Ruohan was taken aback upon hearing this, but then she understood.
The meaning is self-evident: the current emperor has just ascended the throne, and the harem is empty; everyone probably wants to stuff people into the harem.
"Mother, there are so many beautiful older sisters." Yun-ge'er innocently tugged at Chu Ruohan's sleeve and whispered.
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly and patted her son's head.
"Yun'er, don't look around."
As they were talking, Chu Ruohan's gaze was drawn to a woman by the artificial hill.
The girl was about seventeen or eighteen years old. She wore a light blue embroidered dress, had a slender waist, beautiful features, and exuded the elegance of a well-bred young lady.
Chu Ruohan slowed her pace and took a few more glances.
When Xiao Fuzi saw her stop, he quickly whispered a reminder: "Madam, that is Yang Qingxue, the eldest daughter of the Yang family, the Minister of War."
"The Yang family?" Chu Ruohan was slightly taken aback.
Isn't that Yang Zhaozhao's sister?
Xiao Fuzi nodded: "This young lady from the Yang family is a famous beauty, and she is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting!"
Chu Ruohan looked at Yang Qingxue thoughtfully. This daughter raised by a noble family was indeed different.
I'm afraid Madam Yang had this planned all along!
Yang Qingxue was surrounded by several young women, one of whom, dressed in gorgeous clothes, was holding her hand and chatting happily.
"Sister Qingxue looks absolutely stunning today. I think all those concubine's daughters pale in comparison."
The woman in the fine clothes spoke at a moderate volume, just loud enough for those nearby to hear.
"You must perform well at the banquet later, and you will surely win the Emperor's favor."
Yang Qingxue's cheeks flushed, her eyes lowered slightly, yet her chin was held high, as if she was determined to win.
"Sister Lin is too kind. I'm just here to accompany Father to the banquet."
Although his words were humble, his expression clearly showed that he was determined to win.
A hint of surprise flashed in Chu Ruohan's eyes. This eldest daughter of the Yang family was quite different from Yang Zhaozhao.
She shifted her gaze slightly and looked at the so-called "Sister Lin." She saw that while Lin was praising Yang Qingxue to death, a subtle scheming glint flashed in her eyes.
The Lin family woman continued, "Now that the Empress's position is vacant, if you, sister, can win the Emperor's favor, then the Empress's position will be yours for the taking!"
Yang Qingxue was slightly taken aback, then her smile widened: "Sister Lin, please stop teasing me..."
Chu Ruohan saw this and shook her head, no longer watching.
She really didn't want to get involved in these power struggles and intrigues within the palace.
"Let's go!" Chu Ruohan took Yun Ge'er's hand and gestured for Xiao Fuzi to continue leading the way.
Xiao Fuzi quickly agreed and continued on her way.
"That lady is so pretty," Yun-ge said innocently, looking up at Chu Ruohan.
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly: "Yes, she is very beautiful. But, Yun'er, you must remember that you can't judge a book by its cover. A beautiful appearance doesn't necessarily hide an equally beautiful heart."
Yun-ge nodded as if he understood, "Mother is the most beautiful."
Chu Ruohan was amused by her son, and the gloom in her heart dissipated somewhat.
Xiao Fuzi led the way, and soon they arrived at the Imperial Garden.
The pavilions and towers are scattered in a well-organized manner, and the flowers and trees are lush, presenting a prosperous scene in the height of summer.
The lotus flowers in the pond are in full bloom, standing tall and graceful. Occasionally, a gentle breeze blows, and the lotus leaves sway lightly, adding to the elegance.
"Your Highness, Lady Gu has arrived!" the eunuch at the door announced loudly.
Everyone in the park immediately turned their attention to it.
Despite being heavily pregnant, Chu Ruohan remained stunningly beautiful. Her elegant long dress and simple hair accessories only accentuated her refined and ethereal charm.
It made many ladies and young women take a second look.
The emperor sat in the main seat, with several ministers standing beside him. The envoy from Zheng had already arrived.
Upon seeing Chu Ruohan and Yun Ge'er arrive, they immediately stood up and bowed.
Chu Ruohan clasped her hands together and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Pingshen, give me a seat!"
"Please, Your Majesty!" Zhao Yunci glanced suspiciously at the person behind Chu Ruohan.
Where is General Gu?
Chu Ruohan sat up straight and said, "Your Majesty, General Gu has some military affairs to attend to and will arrive shortly."
Zhao Yunci nodded. "Has the Prince of Chu been settling in well in the capital these past few days?"
Yun-ge nodded obediently, "The capital is very nice, but I have to go back to Zheng. I'm a little reluctant to leave my parents."
Zhao Yunci exchanged a few more casual words with the little guy, after all, the matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries had already been discussed with the envoy.
Even though he's just a child, we still have to save face.
Zhao Yunci looked at Yun-ge'er and asked him a few more questions casually, then waved for him to return to Chu Ruohan's side.
Yun-ge bowed politely and took his leave, then sat down next to Chu Ruohan.
The banquet officially began, and the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. Amidst the clinking of glasses, the atmosphere became lively.
The ministers toasted each other, the ladies chatted in hushed tones, and their eyes occasionally drifted toward the emperor on the main seat or to the other noble ladies in the garden.
Chu Ruohan picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and casually glanced around the room.
Her gaze inadvertently swept over the Yang family's seats, but paused slightly...