Outside the window, the night falls, the palace lanterns sway, the breeze blows through the treetops, bringing bursts of whisper-like rustling, as if the world is holding its breath.
Inside the palace, the aroma was lingering, and it was so quiet that only the sound of the wind outside the window and the weak breathing of the little emperor Zhao Min could be heard.
Concubine Pan Xian held Zhao Yingluo's hand tightly, her eyes full of gratitude and awe, "Yingluo, it's really you who saved my Min'er. I will never be able to repay your kindness in all my life. "
Zhao Yingluo smiled slightly and shook her head gently, "Why should the emperor's sister-in-law be so polite? Min'er is of royal blood, and it is my duty to save him."
There was a calmness and calmness in her words, as if rescuing the little emperor was not a big deal to her.
However, there was an unspeakable look on Concubine Pan Xian's face. She hesitated, as if she had something to say but was unable to say it.
Zhao Yingluo noticed something strange about her and asked softly: "Does the emperor's sister-in-law have anything to hide? Is there anything else that cannot be said between you and me?"
Concubine Pan Xian hesitated for a moment, then finally gritted her teeth and whispered: "Yingluo, you are so kind to our mother and son, and I really don't want to hide it from you. But this matter is about the royal family's face and your safety. I don't know what to do. Shouldn't say it."
Zhao Yingluo frowned slightly, and an inexplicable sense of urgency surged in her heart, but she still maintained a calm surface, "It's okay, Sister-in-law, I have nothing to fear in this deep palace now."
Concubine Pan Xian looked around again, and after making sure there was no one there, she whispered into Zhao Yingluo's ear: "I heard from the chamberlains that your brother Zhao Gou often comes in and out of Zuixian Tower recently."
Zhao Yingluo was shocked, Zuixianlou? Isn't that Qin Hui's industry? Could it be said that her royal brother actually colluded with Qin Hui?
How can this be! Although Zhao Gou is mediocre and incompetent, he is not so confused that he still wants to be the emperor, right?
But thinking about Zhao Gou's recent attitude and behavior towards her, Zhao Yingluo had to believe it a little more.
She took a deep breath, suppressed the anger and anxiety in her heart, and said to Concubine Pan Xian: "Thank you, Mrs. Huang, for informing me about this. I will send someone to keep an eye on Zuixian Tower."
After saying that, she turned around and walked away, her steps hurried, obviously eager to deal with this matter.
Wen Boyuan had been waiting outside the palace. When he saw Zhao Yingluo coming out, he immediately greeted her, "Your Highness, what's the emergency?"
Zhao Yingluo nodded and briefly explained what Pan Xianfei told her. Wen Boyuan was shocked after hearing this, "Your Highness, this matter is not trivial. We must take action immediately."
So, he immediately sent someone to keep an eye on Zuixian Tower secretly, and report back immediately if there was any trouble.
However, as the days passed, the people following Zhao Gou found no sign of him.
Wen Boyuan and Zhao Yingluo couldn't help but began to wonder, had Concubine Pan Xian heard the wrong news? Or were the chamberlains deliberately misleading her?
But Zhao Yingluo did not dare to relax at all. She knew that if Zhao Gou really colluded with Qin Hui, it would be a disaster for her and the entire Song Dynasty.
In Bianjing in early summer, the sun casts mottled light and shadow through the lush branches and leaves, and the air is filled with a faint floral fragrance.
On the ninth day of June, Zui Hibiscus is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, making it very lively.
Chuntao directed the maids to place the huge cake in the center of the yard. The cake was six feet high.
It is decorated with delicate flowers and emerald green leaves, which is mouth-watering. Diners flocked to Zui Furong, and the reserved seats were already occupied.
They talked a lot, and they were all full of curiosity about this mysterious Princess of the Song Dynasty.
The young scholars were even more excited. They held up banners and wrote down their love for Her Royal Highness with ink.
At this time, Zhao Yingluo slowly walked out of Zui Furong's door, surrounded by her maids. Seeing Her Royal Highness the Princess appear, the young people immediately became excited. They waved banners and flowers in their hands and shouted the name of Her Royal Highness the Princess loudly, as if they wanted to shake the entire Bianjing city.
She was wearing a carved skirt, and the hem of the skirt swayed gently with her steps, like a blooming hibiscus.
With a faint smile on her face, she looked around, feeling very moved in her heart.
This era and this world are completely different from the world she once lived in, but she has found her own place and value here.
"Thank you all for coming," Zhao Yingluo cleared her throat and said loudly, "Today is Zui Furong's happy day, and it is also my birthday. I am very happy to celebrate this special day with you all."
As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd burst into warm applause and cheers.
The young scholars were even more excited and flushed with excitement. They waved the banners in their hands and shouted the name of Her Royal Highness the Princess.
In the team, a young man wearing a green gown seemed particularly excited. He was holding a blooming lotus in his hand and kept reciting verses: "My fair lady, a gentleman is so brave. Your Royal Highness, you are like this lotus." It is so pure and flawless that I am fascinated by it.”
Another scholar next to him heard this and said not to be outdone: "This is wrong. Your Highness the Princess is more than just a lotus. She is the bright moon in the sky and the hibiscus on the ground. We ordinary people can only look up to her light. ”
"That's right!" Another young man squeezed into the crowd, held up the banner in his hand, and read loudly: "Your Royal Highness, you are the goddess in my heart. I am willing to go through fire and water for you, no matter what!"
The remarks of these young people immediately attracted the attention and laughter of those around them.
They all gathered around to watch these crazy scholars, and they started talking one after another.
Some people praised their courage, while others laughed at their overestimation.
But no matter what, these young people didn't care. They just hoped to express their love for Her Royal Highness the Princess in their own way.
Zhao Yingluo smiled and signaled everyone to be quiet, and then continued: "In order to thank everyone for your continued support and love, Zui Furong will provide you with a free order today. I hope everyone can enjoy the food and happiness."
Hearing the news, the crowd roared again. The diners toasted in celebration, and the courtyard of Drunken Furong was filled with laughter and the rich aroma of wine.
At this moment, Chuntao hurried over and whispered in Zhao Yingluo's ear: "Your Royal Highness, Master Wen Boyuan sent someone to report that the Supreme Emperor Zhao Gou went to Zuixian Tower again today."
Zhao Yingluo was stunned for a moment, then regained her composure. She nodded and signaled Chuntao to continue working. Then she turned around and walked to a secluded corner, and began to make calculations in her mind.
His royal brother's actions are becoming more and more frequent, which is undoubtedly a dangerous signal.