The First Empress - Chapter 86
Chapter 86 Unintentionally Confronting Each Other Tit for Tat
Baoluo nodded his head repeatedly. “This son has been friends with Painter Bu Fei for a long time. He understands what Father Emperor means.” Only then did Huiqi nod and kindly stroked Baoluo’s head. Baoluo was overjoyed and almost spoke of Linglong as the mastermind behind the scenes. Linglong was also afraid that if she was to be spoken of at this time, then all the hard-won things would become a thing of the past.
So he winked at Bao Luo repeatedly, and Bao Luo nodded and retreated.
Huiqi looked at Princess Zhenxi’s words and sighed, “Everything is fine. It’s just that it’s too young. It’s better to spar with Princess Baoluo in the future. Do you understand?” Princess Zhenxi was already complacent. This word was written after thinking for a long time. She thought that it would definitely make the Emperor’s eyes shine, but who knew that not only was it not so eye-catching, it was actually confessed. She couldn’t help but feel a little unhappy.
Linglong comforted, “Your Majesty, do you know that it is not difficult to learn such a character in the form of a little child? It is also very lucky that you are perfectly natural.” When Huiqi thought of this, he laughed heartily, “It’s not me anymore. Come, come, come! A reward.” She removed a Hetian jade pendant hanging from her waist and handed it to Princess Zhenxi. Princess Zhenxi smiled and caught it. Her heart was filled with joy, but compared to the Southern Pearl that Huiqi had given to Baoluo, it was still a bit lacking.
Seeing that everyone was happy, Linglong couldn’t help but be extremely happy. She walked to Bao Luo and Chen Chongyi’s side and said, “Now that Tang Ju has lived up to her mission, what can elder sister use to thank younger sister?” Chen Chongyi burst into tears, “Why? As long as you want it, you can take it from Sister’s palace. If Sister doesn’t say a word, there will be five thunderbolts in the sky.” Linglong covered her lips and smiled. “Little sister doesn’t need these antiques, paintings, gold, silver, and jewelry. Today, she won by the word’coincidence ‘. Bao Luo will have to study harder in the future. Do you understand? Today is really a desperate day. It’s inevitable that the Emperor will find out that it’s not good. If it’s real, then you won’t be afraid!” Linglong clenched her fists, and Baoluo nodded, agreeing.
Princess Zhenxi also arrived in front of Concubine De. Concubine De slowly opened her eyes and looked at Princess Zhenxi. She did not reproach her, but said, “They won in their schemes. You are innocent and did not lose.”
“Er has already lost.” Princess Zhenxi was a little unhappy.
Concubine De said, “Concubine Mother said no, but she didn’t-”
‘”But–” Princess Zhenxi had something else to say, and Concubine De had already said, “To say this is only the daughter’s own entertainment. The Emperor doesn’t like a person because of Wen Mo, does he? It’s like a headache sometimes, and it comes and goes quickly.”
Linglong was speechless. She didn’t expect the usually peaceful and indifferent Concubine De to speak so coldly. Her heart ached slightly. Today, her arrangement was a bit too much. The rest of the people didn’t even have a glimmer of light.
Huiqi nodded. “Imperial Concubine De is right. I naturally understand.”
Concubine De nodded. Looking around the crowd, She landed her gaze solely on Linglong. Imperial concubine De’s voice gradually softened. Her face was full of shame as she looked at Imperial concubine De and didn’t know what to say. “Imperial concubine Jie Yu’s arrangement today is very strange. I really didn’t expect Imperial concubine Jie Yu to be so intelligent and charming. I originally thought that Imperial concubine Jie Yu and I were on the same path.”
Today’s events were all arranged by her alone. It was naturally not good for her to steal the limelight like this. However, since she was born, how could she happen to have such a coincidence? The two people with the best relationship actually had a princess. Linglong did not dare to imagine it.
On the other side, Baoluo had already stood in front of Ji Zhuhua. Ji Zhuhua had also rewarded Baoluo with a piece of jade. Baoluo was flattered and caught it. Linglong looked at Ji Zhuhua embarrassedly.
Ji Zhuhua said, “Study hard. Don’t forget the Emperor’s kindness is the real thing.”
Although Linglong had made Baoluo the center of everyone’s attention today, she wasn’t very happy in her heart. Seeing Concubine De’s expression, she felt a little pain in her heart. For some reason, that feeling was like ink on rice paper, slowly spreading and growing bigger.
Linglong looked at the Empress and said, “This concubine is not feeling well. Can you take a step forward?”
Hui Qi asked with concern, “What’s wrong with you? Do you need a doctor to take a look?”
“No need, I just caught a cold last night. Normally, it would be fine if I could make it a little longer. I wonder if the imperial physician thinks the same way.” Linglong’s words were a pun. She hoped that after today, Concubine De could still treat her as a relative of Linglong. It was best not to have a grudge against her because she had helped Chen Chongyi.
Huiqi nodded and said, “If you don’t feel well, you can go back early. There are already lotuses that have bloomed long ago. Bring one with you when you leave.”
The junior inspector had already picked up the lotus flower and sent one over. Linglong held it in her hand and prepared to leave.
Looking at Chen Chongyi and Bao Luo, the two of them stood in the shadow of the lamp and said a few words before preparing to take their leave.
Imperial Concubine De put her mouth close to Princess Zhenxi’s ear and said something. Princess Zhenxi nodded.
Imperial Concubine De saw that Linglong and Chen Chongyi were leaving and said, “Cough cough, Jieyu and Chen Chongyi are leaving now?”
Linglong was embarrassed and didn’t dare to look into Concubine De’s eyes. No matter what happened today, she was a little too obedient. Otherwise, Baoluo wouldn’t be able to win such a big prize. Linglong nodded and said, “Go back to Aochen. Does Concubine De think that Feng Han should also boil it?”
Imperial Concubine De nodded. “I also think so. However, I was deeply touched when I saw Baoluo’s calligraphy and paintings just now. Now, I want Zhen Xi to write such a couplet as well.” What did this mean? Linglong wasn’t sure, but she still stood still. Seeing the stalemate, Huiqi asked, “Concubine De, you’re tired too. Go back and rest early.”
Imperial Concubine De smiled. This was the first time Imperial Concubine De had revealed a smile tonight. She said, “This concubine thought that Mr. Bu Fei’s painting was only good in two respects. It was just coincidence and strength.”
Linglong was shocked. Imperial Concubine De saw through it so quickly. “Qiao” only meant that she was helping behind. As for “Li”, it was just a kung fu that could be understood by anyone who learned painting. Huiqi raised his eyebrows. “Oh? What do you mean?”
Imperial Concubine De held Zhenxi’s hand. “This is all Zhenxi can see. No matter what, I don’t know. Just let Zhenxi perform. The Emperor will wait and see. Cough cough, cough cough …” Imperial Concubine De coughed a little because she said too much. Huiqi couldn’t disobey Imperial Concubine De’s intentions and said, “Then let Zhenxi perform.”
Zhen Xi arrived at the center of the stage confidently and quickly wrote a couplet. The silver hook iron painting was sent to Huiqi in a flash. Huiqi was slightly surprised. “Has she mastered the essence so quickly?”
Zhenxi smiled and said, “It’s just digging through the wall and stealing all of it. Does Father think that you still learn it very well?”
“That’s right,” Huiqi’s hand that was holding the paper trembled slightly. “You’re all good.”
Concubine De said, “Actually, this type of writing isn’t difficult. It’s just a little untidy. I believe that Bao Luo was taught by someone before. What does the Emperor think?” Hui Qi felt a little surprised and said, “I also feel that she is a little puzzled by her rapid progress. However, as long as she has made progress, there is no lack of guidance from an expert.”
Imperial Concubine De did not continue this topic, otherwise, Linglong would no longer be able to conceal herself.
Linglong felt embarrassed. After reading Zhenxi’s handwriting, she prepared to leave.
Imperial Concubine De said goodbye and walked out with Linglong. Chen Chongyi and Baoluo took the lead. Linglong walked to Imperial Concubine De’s side. Princess Zhenxi had already left. It was already late. The sunset glow shone on the palace wall, making it look even more miserable. Linglong nodded slightly, “Concubine De, concubine …”
Concubine De doesn’t think so. “It’s just for everyone. You’re not wrong. But I just want to tell you that you can’t be so smart. I don’t want to be your enemy. As long as you …”
Just as he was about to finish speaking, Eunuch Lu’s voice came from behind him. “Luckily, Your Highness hasn’t gone far yet. It’s not time to beat the drums and speed up the flowers. The Emperor almost forgot. Only then did this old servant come over and recall the two Your Highness and the princesses.”
Linglong remembered what the Empress had said half a month ago, This was also the important part of the Hundred Flowers Banquet. Today, he almost forgot the most important part of his discomfort. He hurriedly turned around and went to the Zhulian Hall. When Huiqi saw Linglong and De Fei return, he smiled and said, “I almost forgot. There’s still a drum beating to urge flowers.”