jdhmnovel Chapter 72 Bad Things
Chapter 72 Bad Things
Madam Xing was so anxious that she scratched her head and hurriedly stepped forward to whisper an explanation in the Consort's ear.
"Your Highness, it was this Liu Wan'er who seduced Yan Ge'er. Yan Ge'er is honest and kind, but she bewitched him. However, my master and I have already taught Yan Ge'er a lesson and cut off all contact with Liu Wan'er. No one invited her here today, so we don't know how she managed to sneak in. We beg Your Highness to see the truth."
To prove that her son and Liu Wan'er were indeed not involved, Madam Xing turned sharply and pointed at Liu Wan'er, scolding her.
"Who invited you here today? Explain yourself!"
As Liu Wan'er watched this scene, her heart sank to the bottom. She watched helplessly as the Imperial Concubine's gaze changed from admiration to disdain.
She hated Qiao Qingshu to the core; why was Qiao Qingshu everywhere?
That bitch Qiao Qingshu actually ruined her plans!
Liu Wan'er murmured,
"I...I came by myself. No one invited me. I just wanted to see Brother Xiao Er."
Liu Wan'er dared not reveal her true purpose, so she had no choice but to say this.
A hint of disgust flashed across Consort Xiande's eyes, but she simply waved her hand and said...
"Today is a joyous occasion, so it's not appropriate to dwell on these matters. You have rendered meritorious service in protecting me, so I bestow upon you a jade ruyi. Go and receive your reward."
Liu Wan'er knelt there blankly, neither expressing gratitude nor speaking, nor stepping down.
Didn't they say they were going to take her in as their goddaughter?
Is it all going to be a disaster?
Qiao Qingshu's few words ruined half a month's worth of planning and preparation.
Liu Wan'er was not willing to accept this; she was so angry she almost gritted her teeth!
Consort Xiande was displeased that she did not express her gratitude, and said...
"What, is the reward not enough or something?"
Madam Xing, who was standing nearby, also hurriedly spoke up to reprimand them.
"Shameless thing! The Imperial Concubine has bestowed a gift upon you, why don't you hurry up and thank her? Are you really so greedy!"
Knowing there was no hope of becoming an adopted daughter, Liu Wan'er closed her eyes in despair and knelt down to express her gratitude.
She had just gotten up when two eunuchs grabbed her and tried to escort her out of the mansion.
The Xiao family banquet is not open to outsiders at will!
Qiao Qingshu stood beside the Imperial Concubine and exchanged a glance with Liu Wan'er.
The malice and anger in Liu Wan'er's eyes were almost undisguised, but Qiao Qingshu smiled and winked at her.
This is nothing compared to what's to come; Liu Wan'er will be even more furious later on.
After Liu Wan'er left, lunch was gradually served.
The Imperial Concubine talked with Qiao Qingshu for a while before finally reluctantly letting her go back to have her meal.
Madam Xing walked over to Xiao Chengyan and asked him how his private conversation with Qiao Qingshu went.
Xiao Chengyan told his mother about their conversation.
Madam Xing, furious, downed two cups of wine and muttered curses under her breath.
"This Qiao Qingshu really thinks she's someone important! She's being incredibly ungrateful. We've been fawning over her like this, and she still doesn't know when to stop. Well then, don't blame us for being impolite."
Turning to Xiao Chengyan, he gave the instructions.
"Has the stuff been loaded?"
Xiao Chengyan nodded and smiled faintly.
"It will take effect within half an incense stick's time after drinking it."
Madam Xing stepped through the crowd and saw Qiao Qingshu raising her wine glass and drinking it all in one gulp. She secretly cheered inwardly.
"Yes, yes, yes! When you two get married, I'll take the old lady to find her. Then we'll see if she can still pretend to be aloof and detached from worldly affairs. Her cousin is a slut, but she's even more shameless and shameless than her cousin! She refuses to marry, huh? I want to see how Qiao Qingshu, who has lost her virginity, will kneel before us and beg for our hand in marriage!"
Xiao Chengyan nodded in agreement, feeling very excited. He couldn't help but want to tease Qiao Qingshu properly.
Seeing her son's impatient look, Madam Xing scolded him slightly, with a hint of displeasure.
"You little monkey, is this all you think about? Your Imperial Concubine Aunt is back today, and instead of trying to curry favor with her, you're just sitting here drinking alone. What's the point of that? You have no sense at all! Hurry up and fill your cup and get closer to your Imperial Concubine Aunt. Even that little bitch Qiao Qingshu knows this, but you don't!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Chengyan had no choice but to take his wine cup and head to the seat of honor.
The Imperial Concubine, seated at the head of the table, held Old Madam Xiao's hand, her eyes filled with sorrow as she whispered something to herself.
"Mother, I miss Zhijie so much. I miss my son so much. Can I see him alone? I want to talk to him."
Old Madam Xiao pressed down on the Imperial Concubine's hand and tried to dissuade her.
"We've endured this for so many years, and we must endure it today as well. If you slip up even slightly and someone notices, not only you, but our entire Xiao family will be executed!"
Consort Kai wept with grievance.
“I just glanced at him, he’s so thin. I should have sent him to the eldest son’s house to be fostered, at least his life would be more comfortable.”
Old Mrs. Xiao disagreed.
"Don't you know your four older brothers? Apart from the second one, who is of noble character and doesn't compete with others, the rest of them are all ambitious. If they really find out the truth, do you think your son and you, the imperial concubine, will have a good life? They will definitely use this as leverage to squeeze you dry!"
"The second branch of the family is simple, and the second son's wife is a kind and generous person who treats Zhijie very well. They all treat Zhijie as Aunt Li's biological son and have never mistreated him in the slightest. Su Yunzhen treats Zhijie like her own son, so what else do you have to worry about?"
The imperial concubine lowered her head and wept.
"My eldest son, Yan, is going to marry Qiao Qingshu, Bai Chanzi's daughter. I'm also extremely fond of that child. Chanzi and I are close friends, and I'm even more fond of her. If this child could be matched with my Zhijie..."
Old Madam Xiao hurriedly interrupted her to stop her.
"Your Highness, please stop your nonsense. This marriage is practically a done deal; how can it be changed? I will keep Zhijie's marriage in mind and help him find a better match in the future..."
Before she could finish speaking, Xiao Chengyan came over with a wine cup to offer a toast, and Madam Xiao quickly stopped herself from speaking.
Consort Xiande also put aside her previous grievances and frustrations and greeted her with a smile.
"Your Majesty, Yan'er has come to offer you a toast. It has been many years since I last saw you in the palace, and you have become even more elegant and noble. Today, Yan'er is extremely excited and happy. If I do not come to say a few more words to Your Majesty, I am afraid I will regret it for years to come."
Xiao Chengyan was good at coaxing people, and he thought that his imperial aunt would be all smiles when she saw him.
The Imperial Concubine's expression was indifferent; though she wore a smile, the smile never reached her eyes, and there was even a hint of impatience in her eyes.
Xiao Chengyan had no choice but to offer a toast and then hurriedly fled back.
This scene was clearly witnessed by Qiao Qingshu, who was not far away.
Qiao Qingshu's doubts grew heavier. Why was the Imperial Concubine so indifferent when her own son stepped forward to offer a toast?
Just as she was wondering, Chunfen behind her stumbled and fell dizzily onto Qiao Qingshu.
Qiao Qingshu pulled her thoughts back to reality, realizing that taking care of important matters was the priority.
She had also been carrying medicine in her bosom, but when she picked up her wine glass and smelled it today, she knew that someone had gotten there first and drugged her.
After a moment's thought, she guessed that it was Xiao Chengyan who did it. Without making a sound, she secretly switched the drinks.
He drank the wine that wasn't drugged, but gave all the drugged wine to Chunfen.
The spring equinox was already a bit hazy, so Qiao Qingshu quickly got up and said to Madam Xing,
"Madam Xing, I have a low alcohol tolerance. I'm already a little drunk after just a few drinks. Could you please arrange a private room for me to rest?"