12dz Chapter 130 The Visit of the Qiao Family
Chapter 130 The Visit of the Qiao Family
A human life.
It's understandable that the Crown Prince wouldn't offer any words of concern, given his familiarity with the behind-the-scenes secrets and his consistently aloof nature. However, it seems rather odd that the Third Princess, who is usually warm and cheerful, would be so indifferent to the death of her younger brother.
That's why He Lingyi had some doubts.
The people in the palace are truly a hidden force. Recalling the Crown Prince's order to thoroughly investigate all palace staff, and even the concubines, what if the person who made the move was someone they never expected?
It is not impossible.
The carriage left the palace at a leisurely pace. When He Lingyi returned to the East Palace, she heard that Madam Qiao had arrived. What was she doing here in the snowy weather?
Thinking something serious had happened, He Lingyi quickly hurried into the courtyard and soon found her inside the house.
"Big sister, why are you here? You didn't even let me know beforehand. Aren't you cold?"
"Greetings, Crown Princess!"
Chi Guiwan gave He Lingyi a perfunctory greeting, and then had Qianchun bring out a food box. When it was opened, it contained warm coconut milk cake.
“My family was worried that I might have picked up something unclean while eating out, so they asked the cook to buy a recipe for coconut milk cake. It took several tries to finally succeed. The taste is about 90% the same as before, so I had someone pack some to send to my aunt and you to try. I just came from the Marquis of Haibo’s mansion, and my aunt said it tastes great. You should try it!”
It turned out they were just bringing snacks, which finally put He Lingyi's mind at ease. Then she said with a hint of reproach.
"It's just a snack, you can just have it delivered. Why bother making the trip yourself? The roads are slippery in the snow. What if something happens? How am I supposed to explain this to the Qiao family?"
Upon hearing this, Chi Guiwan shrugged and said with a helpless expression.
“Your words are exactly the same as your aunt’s, but I’ve been cooped up at home for too long, so I came out for some fresh air. Don’t worry, I came with my husband. He was very careful when getting on and off the carriage, and he escorted me to the gate of the courtyard before going to talk to the Crown Prince. I didn’t walk more than a few steps on my own. Besides, look at the soles of my shoes. My sister-in-law had them specially made for me. They’re non-slip. You can see for yourself!”
After saying that, Chi Guiwan gave a demonstration.
Qianchun and Landong stepped forward to support her, their eyes showing some tension, but they seemed to be used to their young mistress's sudden demonstration.
It's good that the soles of the shoes are slip-resistant, but He Lingyi was still a little worried when she saw them.
"Alright, alright, sit down now."
Then Xingluo served tea, giving He Lingyi her favorite Meishan Hancui tea, and Chi Guiwan a cup of hot milk tea, and explained.
"Madam Qiao is pregnant, and drinking tea is not good for the baby, so I have served you milk instead. Chensha said that drinking more hot milk is good for the baby. Madam Qiao, please try it. If you like the taste, I will bring you some home."
"Miss Xingluo is indeed very considerate. Alright, I'll try it."
Chi Guiwan picked up the milk in front of her and took two sips. It seemed that something else had been added to it, so it didn't have a nauseating fishy smell. Seeing this, He Lingyi was also pleased.
"It seems she likes it. Xingluo, prepare more."
"Yes, Princess."
The two chatted and laughed, talking about some interesting things that happened after they got married. He Lingyi's life was more structured and orderly, but Chi Guiwan's married life was obviously very interesting.
"Qiao Ruofu's marriage is settled. At first, she didn't want to marry, but after meeting Qin Sanlang, she agreed. Sigh, I thought she was just infatuated with the Crown Prince, but I didn't expect her to be so fickle!"
"Forget loyalty for beauty? Is Qin Sanlang that handsome?"
"Let me put it this way, he's the most handsome person I've ever seen in my entire life!"
Hearing this, He Lingyi couldn't help but chuckle. It's good to marry the right person. Look at how he can talk about even the most mundane family matters so vividly. So she made a teasing remark.
"If General Qiao heard his elder sister speak like that, he would probably be so angry that he couldn't sleep."
"How could that be? My husband isn't that petty! He himself admits that Qin Sanlang is the most handsome man in the world!"
"You two are so in sync, I'm getting a little curious. I'll definitely have to meet you sometime to see just how handsome you are!"
Upon hearing this, Chi Guiwan widened her eyes, smiled, and nodded.
"Alright, he and his mother are still several months away, so there will be plenty of opportunities! But don't tell the Crown Prince this, I'm afraid His Highness will get jealous!"
Then a hearty laugh came from her mouth, and He Lingyi was both gratified and happy.
Wanfa Court.
The Crown Prince and Qiao Er were also talking about Qin Sanlang, but their focus was not on his appearance, but on the tens of thousands of warhorses he kept.
"I have already spoken to Qin Sanlang. This is his own handwritten letter. If Your Highness needs it, the Qin family's warhorses will follow Your Highness's lead without hesitation!"
The Crown Prince took the letter and quickly scanned it. Qin Sanlang's words were sincere and his writing was eloquent, making him seem very loyal. So he replied immediately.
"Let him take good care of himself; he will surely come in handy someday. Also, take advantage of his wedding to go to Wuzhou and see the real situation. If possible, bring those tens of thousands of warhorses under the command of the Qiao family, and have your father and elder brother train a capable cavalry unit in case of danger in the northern frontier!"
"Yes, Your Highness."
The Qiao couple had a meal at the East Palace before leaving. When they left, Chi Guiwan and He Lingyi were reluctant to part, and the Crown Prince gave them a deep look.
For some reason, he always felt that the Crown Princess's feelings for this Second Madam Qiao were somewhat incomprehensible. The two had only known each other for less than a year, but why did they always have the feeling that they could die for each other?
It seems that Haijin wasn't telling the truth after all.
But what secret could it be that made Haijin so tight-lipped? The Crown Prince couldn't figure it out for the time being.
The wind and snow were mixed with rumors, and the things being said outside were really nasty.
However, within the Eastern Palace, everyone continued to do their own thing without any disturbance, demonstrating the strictness of the ruler's discipline.
The couple dressed up in their finest attire today to attend the New Year's Eve banquet at the palace.
The Crown Prince had absolutely no interest in this banquet, which he had attended many times before, but He Lingyi, who was standing to the side, was eager to try it out. The reason was simple: she would finally get to see Consort Jia.
Despite past grievances and the many injustices she and her mother suffered, this person contributed a great deal of their own strength!
She used her mother's enormous dowry to pave her way to the imperial harem, yet she still wanted to send the mother and daughter to their deaths. She was truly ruthless and outrageous.
Now that she is the Crown Princess, her status is much more noble than that of Consort Jia. He Lingyi wants to let her taste what it means to be oppressed by someone of high status and power!