Chapter 88 - Chapter 88: Holding Back
Chapter 88: Holding Back
Translator: 549690339
Xiao Baoxin was disgusted, and Xiao Jing ‘ai didn’t like to get together either.
She had used Xiao Baoxin to cancel the marriage and had indeed benefited from it, gaining the title of Xingping County Head. However, Xiao Baoxin was too embarrassing. He did not care about it and did not leave anyone any face.
His reputation was ruined, so he might as well give up and have nothing to worry about.
However, no matter how unwilling Xiao Jing ‘ai was, she had no choice but to go when someone from the palace called her. Besides, Daliang was still a few years away from being destroyed. There was no harm in being close to the royal family. People would naturally develop feelings for each other after a long time. In the past, although she was a relative of the emperor, she had never even seen the emperor and empress. It was always good to be closer now.
Xiao Jing ‘ai knew that she could go to the palace because Princess Xuancheng wanted to invite Xiao Baoxin. She was just using the opportunity to steal the limelight of Princess Xuancheng and not want to show off in the palace. So, she simply washed up and rushed to Xiao Baoxin’s courtyard.
At first glance, Xiao Baoxin was beautiful, but it was not as ostentatious as the day she invited the ladies of the various manors. Her clothes were plain and light, only the jade-inlaid ruby hairpin on her double bun was still somewhat bright.
Xiao Jing ‘ai secretly sneered. This arrogant and despotic person was also picky. When he met the royal family, wasn’t he also very obedient? He even knew how to avoid it.
With outsiders around, the two of them didn’t play any tricks, nor did they pretend to be intimate with each other. They were both disgusted and went straight to the palace on the ox cart. In the car, each of them took a side, and no one called out to the other.
Xiao Jing ‘ai didn’t dare to confess. She was afraid that Xiao Baoxin would turn ruthless and scold her, but she couldn’t make a scene and let outsiders laugh at her. Xiao Baoxin didn’t want to waste his saliva. He couldn’t hit or scold him.
They entered the palace without a word until they entered the Yong He Palace and met Noble Consort Liu. Princess Xuancheng’s face was filled with joy.
“Lady Xiao, we meet again. Unfortunately, there are many rules in the palace. Otherwise, it would be better if I invited you.”She beamed with joy, and her round little face looked even more likable.
“I’m also learning kung fu in the palace. Can you teach me a few moves later?”
Noble Consort Liu was a charming person. She was a concubine that Emperor Yuheng had taken in before he ascended the throne. She was at least thirty-four years old, but it was impossible to tell from her appearance. She had smooth skin, almond-shaped eyes, and peach-shaped cheeks. Her charming eyes were like silk, and she looked lazy and charming.
Emperor Yu Heng’s harem of concubines was as numerous as the hair on a cow, and this Noble Consort Liu was the most favored person in the harem. No matter how much she was favored, she would not be surpassed.
It all depended on who was favored in the harem, but in fact, it all depended on who had more children. Ever since Noble Consort Liu had followed Emperor Yuheng, she had given birth to four boys and a girl. Princess Xuancheng was her third daughter. She had two younger brothers, one was four years old and the other was only one year old.
Since ancient times, beautiful women have many unfortunate lives–
Xiao Jing ‘ai hoped that Xiao Baoxin would be the one to say this. That way, she would not have been suppressed for so many years in her previous life.
Unfortunately, Xiao Baoxin was not. He was alive and strong, and his body was as strong as a cow. However, this Noble Consort Liu agreed to his words. She was very unlucky. At most, it would not even be a year.
When she was alive, it was still alright. Every dynasty had such a favored concubine. However, the death of Imperial Concubine Liu revealed Emperor Yuheng’s deep feelings. He cried so hard that he could not control himself. The entire court was watching, but he did not care. He skipped levels and held an extremely grand funeral for the Imperial Concubine. The standard was no different from that of the Empress.
From then on, the emperor did not go to court for a long time. He was no longer as wise as before. He was addicted to drinking and drinking until he suddenly died of illness in less than two years.
Daliang Empire had been in a state of collapse ever since Emperor Yuheng’s death. The Crown Prince was bloodthirsty and killed many officials the moment he ascended the throne. In order to protect himself, the King of Huaiyang killed his own king and proclaimed himself emperor. After he ascended the throne, he went on a killing spree and massacred the imperial family of Daliang.
The royal family was lulling each other, and there was a great drought. The people had no way to survive, and war broke out everywhere.
Xiao Jing ‘ai had experienced that period of history. When he looked back, the beginning of the chaos actually began with the death of Imperial Concubine Liu.
Although Daliang Kingdom did not have many years of glory, it was still Daliang Kingdom and the harem was still under the reign of Noble Consort Liu. The so-called Empress Wang was just a virtuous person. There were only benefits to getting involved with Noble Consort Liu.
“Child, you can do whatever you want. Why did you learn martial arts for no reason? Could it be that there are so many people in the palace who can’t protect you?”She spoke so softly that her ears turned soft.
It sounded like a lesson, but it sounded like a spoiled child.
Xiao Baoxin had goosebumps all over his body. He had never seen such a charming woman in his life. She felt her legs tremble when she heard people talking.
“Normally, it’s just family members eating behind closed doors. It’s lively and very simple. This year, Xuancheng insisted on inviting you sisters, so 1 have to trouble you to come.”
“Your Highness’s words are very important. I am deeply honored to be able to give Your Highness a birthday congratulatory letter. I am indebted to Princess’s undeserved love, but this official’s daughter is afraid of disturbing Your Highness ‘peace.”Xiao Baoxin stood up and bowed.”
“Because I came in a hurry, this official’s daughter did not have the time to personally prepare the congratulatory ceremony for the Empress.”
Following Xiao Baoxin’s words, Richard came forward with the rosewood box and opened it in front of Concubine Liu.
“My mother believes in Buddhism. A few days ago, she asked Master Yun Qiaoshou in the city to carve a statue of Guanyin out of jade. She heard that the Empress believes in Buddhism, so my mother wanted to borrow flowers and offer them to the Empress. I wish the Empress good fortune, longevity, and eternal youth.”
Imperial Concubine Liu was surprised. She waved her hand and accepted the jade Guanyin.
This was considered putting in effort.
She wasn’t surprised by the value of the jade Guanyin. What else was there in the palace? As long as she wanted it, as long as the emperor had it.
However, the person who said these words was the vulgar and vulgar Lady Xiao, which was beyond her expectations.
Previously, Xuan Cheng had begged and begged for Xiao Baoxin to be brought to the palace to celebrate her birthday, but she had refused. This was already a rare cruelty for a mother who loved her daughter.
Xiao Baoxin’s boorish appearance aside, what attracted more attention than her character was her face. She had heard that Xiao Baoxin was known as the number one beauty in Jiankang before she left the palace. It was obvious that he was publicly recognized for his beauty.
Xuan Cheng’s brain was muddled. Bringing a little beauty into the palace for no reason, was this to congratulate her on her birthday, or to make her heart feel stifled?
Everyone in and out of the palace knew about Emperor Epsilon’s style. If they bumped into each other and saw Xiao Baoxin, wouldn’t they be looking for trouble?
Who knew that Xuan Cheng would have second thoughts and beg for mercy from Emperor Yu Heng. Emperor Yu Heng did not care about such a small matter and agreed without a word.
Noble Consort Liu was almost out of her wits. She had never seen her own daughter so much of a hindrance. However, since the Emperor had spoken, no matter how unwilling she was, she could only listen to the Emperor. Otherwise, she would not have only brought someone into the palace today on her birthday. However, she did not dare to openly challenge the Emperor and secretly threw a tantrum.
In the end, it was really not as good as meeting someone in person. Looking at Xiao Baoxin’s dressing, he knew what he was doing. He did not flaunt or steal the limelight. He was very well-behaved. After saying this, Noble Consort Liu nodded in satisfaction.
As long as she didn’t have any thoughts of climbing up the social ladder, she, Noble Consort Liu, was still very broad-minded. Even if she ran a horse, she would feel that it was too empty..