jdhmnovel Chapter 76: A Kiss
Chapter 76: A Kiss
On the carriage.
"Let's sneak back home and put this letter back."
Jiang Zhi handed the letter to Wu Shi from his sleeve.
The letter from the dog hole that day.
Gu Yuan and Jiang Luan mentioned their agreement to meet secretly at Princess Zhaoyang's residence in their letter. Since that's the case, let's go along with it.
He received the letter at noon and nodded.
The next day.
Jiang Zhi was summoned to the palace right after he finished washing up.
People from the palace were holding up a plaque for the Imperial Noble Consort, saying that the Imperial Noble Consort wished to see Princess Liang.
The name of the Imperial Noble Consort was known to everyone in Yanjing.
She was originally the emperor's Consort Shu, and after the late empress passed away, she was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort.
She is also Gu Yuan's mother.
Jiang Zhi took the token and was urged by the palace servants to get into the carriage.
A maid's voice came from outside, "Princess Liang, we've arrived."
Jiang stopped the carriage, and what came into view was a scene that was both strange and familiar.
The air inside Yongchun Palace is filled with the fragrance of incense, and the ground is paved with exquisitely carved cloud and dragon stone bricks.
In one corner of the hall stands a jade screen, carved with a scene of a hundred flowers blooming in competition, the petals layered upon each other, as if one could smell a faint fragrance.
Jiang Zhi stood in the hall, with no one to offer her a seat. She stood there for a long time when she suddenly heard the sound of jade pendants.
A beautiful woman in gold emerged from the back room, her long, gold-embroidered phoenix-patterned robes billowing behind her.
Her appearance was extremely beautiful, as radiant as a lotus flower; even with her eyes lowered, she could make one's heart flutter.
Jiang Zhi's eyes flickered.
The Imperial Noble Consort leaned lazily against the brocade throne, her gaze sweeping over Jiang Zhi inch by inch.
"You are the Princess Consort of Liang?"
Jiang Zhi bowed.
She accepted her bow and slowly said, "Get up."
"How can you let Princess Liang stand? Aren't you going to offer her a seat?"
The palace servants immediately brought a chair for her to sit in the hall.
The Imperial Noble Consort picked up the teacup beside her, slowly brought it to her lips, and took a small sip.
Suddenly, her expression changed, and she slammed the teacup to the ground. "Who brewed this tea? Drag him out and give him fifty strokes of the cane!"
The palace maid who brought her tea was gagged and dragged away before she could even utter a plea.
Soon, the sounds of sticks being struck and pleas and sobbing could be heard outside the door.
Jiang Zhi lowered her eyes and looked at the hem of her skirt, which was slowly being soaked with tea at her feet.
Jiang Zhi glanced at the screen and saw a light-colored figure behind it.
There was a third person in the hall, a man.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the eunuch who carried out the execution came in to report, "Your Majesty, the beating is over, but the person who carried out the execution was not careful with his strength, and I'm afraid the person is no longer alive."
The Imperial Noble Consort delicately wiped her fingertips with a silk handkerchief. "A servant is gone, that's all. It's her misfortune that she can't continue serving me."
She casually tossed her handkerchief aside, smiled down at Jiang Zhi, and said, "It is my fault for failing to discipline her properly, and I apologize to the Princess Consort of Liang for making a fool of myself."
Jiang Zhi lowered his eyes slightly and bowed slightly to her, "Your Majesty is too kind."
The Imperial Noble Consort spoke up: "Seeing is believing. Princess Liang is exceptionally courageous. I've heard she even disciplined the unruly servants in the Prince's residence?"
She smiled wryly. "My close friend's daughter is very close to me, but she is often tricked by wicked servants into doing shameful things. Afterwards, she sends the servants to the government office to be punished. I wonder if Princess Liang thinks this is an appropriate way to handle the situation?"
Jiang Zhi smiled and said, "It is not appropriate for me to comment on Your Highness's affairs."
"However, Your Majesty is extremely pleased if His Majesty knows that Your Highness has set an example by upholding the order of the court."
The Imperial Noble Consort raised her eyebrows slightly, "I'm worried that some people say one thing and do another. If it implicates others, I'll feel really bad about it."
She sighed and said, "However, everything has its rules. Even if I want to protect someone, I cannot overstep them, don't you agree?"
“Your Majesty need not worry,” Jiang Zhi said. “The truth will be judged by the people. The Dali Temple will surely make a judgment according to the law and will not let a bad person off lightly.”
There was a hint of sternness in her tone.
The Imperial Noble Consort pursed her lips slightly, "Princess Liang is truly a wonderful person. No wonder Lang'er wants His Majesty to issue an edict to marry you. With you by my side in the future, Lang'er will not miss anyone else."
Jiang Zhi frowned slightly. "What does Your Majesty mean? I am foolish and do not understand."
The Imperial Noble Consort's eyes lit up, and she asked in surprise, "What? You don't know that Lang'er once had a woman he admired?"
She half-raised her sleeve, covering her lips, and smiled. "Look at me, look at me. This should have been a private matter between you and me. I really shouldn't have said anything."
"Yes, I am also curious why the Imperial Noble Consort is so concerned about my personal affairs. Father, since the Imperial Noble Consort is so fond of worrying, why not ask for a marriage for my younger brother, so that the Imperial Noble Consort will have something to do?"
Upon hearing this voice, the Imperial Noble Consort's expression changed slightly, and she stood up.
The light at the entrance flickered, and two figures stepped in one after the other.
"I respectfully welcome your Majesty."
The Imperial Noble Consort quickly stepped forward and bowed to the Emperor.
Jiang Zhi followed suit and bowed.
Gu Liang stepped in and, upon seeing Jiang Zhi, asked, "Why is Madam here in the inner palace instead of managing the inner courtyard at home?"
Jiang Zhi bowed and took a half step back. "I was summoned by Your Majesty and dared not be negligent, which is why I have come."
"That's all."
He said to the Imperial Noble Consort, "I heard you wish to see the Princess Consort of Liang?"
The Imperial Noble Consort smiled and sat down with him. "I know that Lang'er has been married for several days but there has been no good news yet. So I thought I would invite the Princess Consort here for a chat. Prince Liang is of noble birth and represents the face of the royal family. Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state and has not paid attention to these trivial matters. I would like to take the liberty of sharing some of the burden with Your Majesty."
"You're such a worrywart."
The emperor beckoned to Jiang Zhi, saying, "You have been married to Ji You for several days, and I have heard that you have been frequently visiting your parents' home."
Jiang Zhi respectfully replied, "It was my husband who, fearing I would miss home, specially granted me permission to visit my family."
The emperor smiled.
He instructed Gu Liang, "Go back and spend some time with your wife."
"My son, take your orders."
After leaving the palace, Gu Liang told Jiang Zhi to get into the carriage of the Liang Prince's residence first.
She lifted her skirt and was about to sit down opposite Gu Liang.
As soon as I sat down, I heard Gu Liang say, "You're quite composed."
Jiang Zhi smiled and said, "Thank you for your help, Your Highness."
I thought you weren't afraid at all.
Gu Liang remembered that when he first stepped into Yongchun Palace, Jiang Zhi was not surprised to see him. Instead, she looked at him with a questioning gaze, and then revealed a meaningful expression.
“Jiang Zhi.” He pointed to her face. “You really do have a strong sense of contractual obligation.”
Jiang Zhi smiled and asked, "Is Your Highness concerned about me?"
Before she could finish speaking, Gu Liang leaned in and closed in on her.
Jiang Zhi's body stiffened involuntarily.
"You," Gu Liang's breath gently brushed against her cheek, "Don't forget, we are husband and wife."
Jiang Zhi was surprised, "So, Your Highness wants me to be deeply in love with you?"
Her tone even carried a hint of sarcasm.
Gu Liang narrowed her eyes.
He suddenly leaned over and gave her a big kiss on the cheek.
Jiang Zhi was startled by this bite.
She stared at him for a moment, then decisively retreated to the corner of the carriage.
She touched her little face, looked at her fingertips, and then looked up at him with wide eyes.
Gu Liang smiled slightly as she looked at Jiang Zhi.
Jiang Zhi leaned against the car window, swallowed hard, but remained calm on the surface.
She took out a handkerchief, shook it, and wiped the spot on her face where Gu Liang had just kissed her.
Gu Liang turned his head and stared at her.
How dare she look down on him?
Gu Liang was about to ask for clarification when Jiang Zhi's words silenced her.