Seventy-two fellow travelers

  Red walls and yellow glazed tiles, overlapping eaves and corners, everything is as beautiful as Jiuniang's imagination. Gradually, her heart also calmed down.

  This place is indeed a symbol of absolute power, but it's not worth killing her, such a small figure.

  But thinking of this, I suddenly laughed secretly, what a mess of thoughts I have, do I have persecution complex? Obviously just now that eunuch said the empress saw her to hand over those embroidery things...

  Uh, of course, anyone with a discerning ear would know that's just an excuse. The empress has three thousand palace maids and countless inner attendants under her command, and she handles tens of thousands of matters every day. When would she ever personally summon an embroiderer for two pieces of clothing?

  But isn't it also reflecting a message? That is, the queen has something to ask her, rather than wanting to kill her, huh...

  Of course this is a joke, the truth is that as a female minister, she has always been devoted to pleasing Empress Yang with soap and embroidery.

  Considering she's been so obedient, Empress Yang wouldn't make things difficult for her, would she?

  Besides, it's not her fault about that somewhat disappointing Su Gongzi, is it? Master Su mentioned it, she agreed to it. Now the imperial marriage has fallen through, who's the one being disloyal and untrustworthy...

  Thinking so, Jiu's heart also calmed down, but when she lifted her head, she found that they had entered the vermilion gold-studded copper nail palace gate, and the carriage had stopped.

  She didn't dare look around randomly, only using the corner of her eye to glance secretly at everything around her. But before she could get a clear view of anything, Mr. He invited her into a small sedan chair again.

  After a long journey, the sedan finally stopped in front of a magnificent palace with a high and spacious hall, which was the Hui'an Palace of the Empress Dowager.

  Upon entering the hall, it is naturally a rich and elegant, beautiful and magnificent scene.

  The ninth sister still didn't dare to look around, she just lowered her head and followed the footsteps of the palace maid in front of her who was wearing a light blue palace dress, slowly arriving at a quiet and cool side hall.

  She stopped in her tracks, and only then did Ninth Sister dare to raise her eyes slightly. She saw that everything was exquisitely beautiful, and Yang Empress, dressed in a dark red gold-embroidered cloud-patterned Shu brocade dragon robe, sat right in the middle of this splendor.

  The ninth sister naturally did not dare to be slow, and hurriedly bowed her head to give Empress Yang a solemn kowtow.

  "All right, all right, get up!" Then Empress Yang immediately had the palace maid beside her help her up and gave her a seat.

  Sit down, and Empress Yang started talking about Su Shi again, which naturally brought tears to Jiu's eyes.

  Yang Huanghou quickly comforted her with a couple of words, and Jiu Si'er took a deep breath and calmed down, after all, this was not a place to indulge in sorrow.

  "Alas..." Looking at her forcing back tears, Empress Yang couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. "You child, your deep affection for Yuhe is not in vain, she had entrusted me with your marriage on her deathbed."

  Finally getting to the point, Jiu's eyes narrowed slightly in her heart, but on the surface, she immediately lowered her head and said softly, "This... Little Nine really doesn't know..."

  Of course, when mentioning this matter to Empress Yang, Master Su would never say it was her intention, so she naturally pretended to be ignorant.

  "You're a girl from a good family, and it's not suitable for you to talk about this with me." Then Empress Yang smiled and asked her again, "Tell the palace, does Xiaojiao have someone she likes? The palace will grant you a marriage."

  Uh...

  Jiuer was stunned in her heart, did Su Jun's matter pass so easily? This empress is too vicious.

  But thinking again, it's indeed the case. The dead have no symptoms, and this living person doesn't dare to speak out. It seems that things should be settled like this after all. She was just overthinking earlier.

  But... but...

  "Is there? Then tell me about it." The Empress Yang on the other side had already spoken with a smile.

  "It's not... of course, it's not..." She hastily said with a red face, her hands also tightly grasping the front of her clothes, looking flustered and uneasy, as if the previous awkwardness was also due to embarrassment.

  "Haha......" Yang Huang Hou was amused by her little girl's coquettish expression, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. But remember, if there's someone you like, be sure to tell me..."

  "Mother!" Just then, a sweet and tender cry was heard from outside, followed by the entrance of two young women.

  "How big a person is, still shouting every day." Yang Huanghou immediately scolded the woman who was in charge.

  "Empress Dowager, where did Jingning grow up? Jingning is not even fifteen yet..." The woman immediately walked to the side of Empress Yang and helped her gently press her back while coquettishly.

  Princess Jingning?

  Jiujie'er heard this and couldn't help but glance at her secretly.

  A pale pink cloud-like blouse with a white satin skirt, a thousand waters flowing like clouds, a light green silk hairpin holding up the celestial cloud bun, a blue sapphire butterfly hair clip slanted on top, skin as smooth as jade, eyes like water, truly having a beauty that can topple cities.

  Alas...

  No wonder, she suddenly understood Su Jun Zheng very well, whether it was status or appearance, she and Ouyang Ning were not on the same level.

  "And to think, not yet fifteen...not yet fifteen and already a daughter-in-law." At this point the woman who had entered with Princess Hejing, wearing a golden yellow embroidered orchid cloud mist shirt, laughed.

  "Third Imperial Sister, you're saying this again, I'm not going to bother with you." The Princess Jingning immediately turned her face away, pouting that cherry-like small mouth of hers, truly both spoiled and adorable.

  "Empress Dowager, who is this?" She was finally discovered to be the legitimate wife of the Third Imperial Prince Ouyang Rui, also known as Crown Princess Hao, daughter of Left Commander-in-Chief Hao Qingtian.

  The ninth sister quickly stood up and bowed her body as if she was about to pay respects.

  "Alright..." But was pulled back by Empress Yang, "When speaking privately, don't be so polite!" After finishing, she introduced her like this: "The ninth young lady of the Ningping Marquis' Wen manor, the soap you all use every day is actually an idea from her and her sisters."

  "Really?" The two were naturally surprised, and they looked at her together, but Jiujie discovered that the gaze of Jingning Princess had a hint of unusual color.

  What's going on? Did this princess find out about her past with Su Junzhen?

  It seems like it's really possible...

  The ninth sister was secretly thinking in her heart, but on the surface she did not reveal any expression, and respectfully saluted the two of them.

  "Hehe......" The Crown Princess Hao smiled and said, "No wonder, you look like a clever person at first glance."

  "Yes, you've made that soap really usable, we all love using it." Princess Jingning also chimed in.

  The ninth sister hurriedly showed humility.

  Several people asked her again about the soap incident, and she naturally told them everything without reservation.

  But just as she was about to make a move, a small palace maid hastily came over and whispered something in Yang Empress's ear: "A certain imperial concubine has arrived."

  Yang Empress heard this and frowned, seemingly very unwilling, but still declared it, so the Ninth Sister was handed over to Madame Hao and Princess Jingning to take care of.

  Jiuniang had originally said she was going to take her leave, and Empress Yang had agreed, but Jingning Princess insisted on pulling Madame Hao along with her to ask again about the soap matter, so she could only stay behind.

  Just as they were about to leave the palace gate, two palace maids called out to Madame Hao and she was led away, leaving only Princess Jingning accompanying Ninth Sister.

  Because of what had almost become a rival in love, the Ninth Sister was naturally on guard against Princess Jingning, but after being with her for a while, she found that this little girl had no ill intentions and was also a carefree and cheerful person, so she gradually put her mind at ease.

  Princess Jingning took her ninth sister to sit in the palace for a while, eating some melons and fruits, and then took her out of the gate, walking slowly along the imperial garden.

  Well, the reason is also very justifiable, take her to this most beautiful and luxurious place for a stroll.

  "Do you see that big tree in front of us? It's been many years, and it has become a forest by itself, what a strange thing." As they walked, Princess Jingning explained to her, and gradually the two of them walked deeper.

  The surroundings were adorned with strange rocks and lush trees, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. The ninth sister couldn't help but be enchanted by the scenery before her eyes.

  "Wait for me here, I'll be right back." Suddenly, Princess Jingning said to her.

  "Uh..." She hesitated for a moment, but saw that Princess Jingning's beautiful face seemed to have an unspoken expression, as if she was going to the restroom, so she just nodded in response.

  But what he didn't notice was that as soon as he turned around, a gloomy and cunning smile flashed across that beautiful face.

  After Princess Jingning left, Ninth Sister continued to enjoy the view, but gradually she felt something was off. Because Princess Jingning had been gone for a long time and hadn't returned, and those two palace maids who were following them also left in the name of finding the princess. Those palace people who came and went seemed to have vanished instantly. In an instant, it seemed like only she was left here.

  She didn't dare stay any longer, turned around and hurriedly walked back, but somehow got lost on the way and ended up at a fake mountain pond.

  The water flows gently, the mountain rocks are steep and majestic, the scenery is excellent.

  But Ninth Sister didn't have the heart to appreciate the view anymore, quickly stepping forward, as if she wanted to reach the end in one step.

  But just as she was in a hurry, something unexpected happened. Suddenly, a suspicious pink thing caught her eye. What is that? It looks like a woman's...

  "Ah...... yeah, gently...... hmm......"

  Soon, the sound of a few wolf howls coming from some unknown cave behind the fake mountain in front of her completely confirmed her guess, and she immediately retracted the foot that had already stepped out.

  Holding her breath and listening carefully, but suddenly she couldn't hear anything anymore. Jiu's heart sank.

  It must have startled itself...

  This quiet Ning is indeed worthy of being raised in the palace, first confusing herself, removing her own vigilance, and then playing a trick of borrowing a knife to kill someone.

  Think about it, the pleasure at this time and place must be something that can't be exposed to light.

  How can it be that someone so daring and bold, yet unable to bear the light of day, is not an ordinary person? Having run into such a person, and being in this mysterious and deep palace, will I still have my life?

  In her panic, her hearing also became exceptionally sharp, and she could even hear the rustling sound of clothes behind the fake mountain, the suppressed gasps of a man and woman.

  Is this the rhythm of being exposed and then dying?

  She couldn't help but rush, and in her haste, an idea suddenly occurred to her.

  "Princess Jingning, can you slow down a bit? Wait for me... Ah, why have you stopped? Uh, let's go, isn't the Empress Dowager still waiting for us to arrive? Hmm, what's wrong with you?"

  She quickly suppressed her panic, feigning an innocent and astonished tone to shout out loud, but halfway through, she suddenly stretched out one hand to cover her own mouth, as if covering that mouth was someone else's.

  You want to frame me? I'll drag you down with me!

  As for dragging the empress out, that's even more necessary. Even if the two people who are secretly in love behind the artificial hill have a big enough nerve to put up the sign of Yang Empress, they will definitely have some scruples.

  Of course this is still not enough——

  "Oh no, Princess Jingning, what are you doing... running where? Wait for me..." Then, she shouted loudly while running.

  This run is no longer pretend, it can be said to be a crazy sprint. She thought that if she had been so hardworking in her previous life as a student, she might have become an athlete by now.

  Alas, no choice, gotta save my life!

  She didn't stop until she had run a long way, then she stopped to catch her breath and looked back.

  When she was sure that there was no one following her, her nerves suddenly relaxed, and her legs, for some reason, could no longer stand still, and she sat down on the ground with a thud.

  She sat on the ground for a long time, until that day slowly darkened, and those passing palace people cast strange glances at her, she took a deep breath and stood up.

  But as soon as I stood up, I felt anxious again. This palace is like a complex maze, which direction should I go? What if I run into Qingning again?

  While pretending to tidy up her clothes, Jiu Jie'er secretly glanced around, and her gaze suddenly fell on a black figure that flashed by in the distance.

  "Hah……" She immediately smiled and chased after him in quick steps, "Prince Weiyuan——"

  Yang Guofeng turned around, and when his eyes fell on the slender and delicate girl with a pair of bright and spirited eyes behind him, he couldn't help but be taken aback for a moment, "You..."

  "I... I was summoned to the palace by the empress today, but I got lost on the way because I was admiring the scenery and lost sight of my attendant. Could you... could you please help me find my way out?"

  Facing the man's sharp and profound black eyes, Jiujie's heart couldn't help but tense up, and her words became stuttered.

  The man remained silent and motionless, staring straight at her until she felt her plan was about to fall through, when suddenly a loud "Good!" rang out in the air.

  Her heart, which had been lifted high, suddenly relaxed for a moment.

  This horse is really making a fuss, since it has agreed, why not hurry up? Why test her intelligence like this? How could she possibly deceive, in the strict gates of the palace, can she come and go freely with just a little trickery?

  Uh, of course, regarding that part about Jing Ning, she did lie, but what else could she do? Am I supposed to have just caught them cheating on each other or something? She's not crazy yet...

  Looking at the girl with bright and beautiful eyes rolling around, Yang Guofeng couldn't help but frown, casting a cold glance at her, then turned around and left without saying much.

  Uh...

  The ninth sister was suddenly frightened by the man's gaze, her heart skipping a beat. It wasn't that she was too timid, but rather that she had received a great shock today.

  This man must think she's being capricious again, right? But in fact, isn't it that someone else is plotting against her?

  Forget it, anyway this man has already gotten used to misunderstanding her, just let him continue to misunderstand.

  "Hey, but you said that people who thought they'd never see each other again always seem to run into each other. It seems like fate really does enjoy teasing her..."

  But soon she had no time to think more, because the man's pace was too big, if she didn't catch up, she would be far away, so she hurriedly quickened her pace and followed him in an orderly manner.

  "Miss Jiuniang——" But just as Ninth Sister thought she had safely passed this test, she heard a voice behind her.

  Her nerves tensed up again, and her clenched palms were instantly covered in cold sweat, because the person who came was the palace maid who had been following her and Princess Jingning earlier.

  "The princess just left in a hurry without saying goodbye to you, so I've come to apologize on her behalf!"

  "Oh, it's nothing!" Jiuniang hastily said.

  Of course there is an afterword——

  "But please stay a little longer, princess wants to ask you more about that soap."

  Of course, she can't go back now. This princess had been harboring murderous intentions towards her from the start, and earlier was even outmaneuvered by her once. By now, she must have already prepared a way to deal with her.

  But how can I get rid of it? Because a slight negligence may give Jingning an excuse to deal with her.

  Jiuer's hands were sweating profusely, opening and closing involuntarily. Her mind was a mess, her thoughts short-circuiting - could it be that she really had to go back into the tiger's mouth again?

  Alas, this world is indeed cruel. It's not that you don't offend others and they will let you off. Even if you are humble and courteous, there are still some people who would rather see you dead.

  A surge of bitter sorrow suddenly sprouted from the bottom of Jiu's heart, and she couldn't help but feel a sour nose, with tears almost falling.

  "Go back and tell Jingning, just say that Wen Jiuniang can't go over there anymore, because Hui'er is still at home waiting for her, also ask about the method of doing something." Just then, the heavenly music sounded again.

  This cry not only shocked the little palace maid, but also shocked Jiu Si Er.

  Her gaze fell on that calm and unruffled face, she was a little hard to believe, did this person already see the subtlety? And also...was this person helping her? Just didn't know...didn't know if there was such power?

  It turned out that Jiu's worries were unnecessary——

  "Yes, Your Highness!" The little palace maid bowed her head respectfully after being startled, then nodded towards Jiu Si Er and retreated.

  Yang Guofeng didn't give Jiu Si'er any time to react and turned around to leave.

  The ninth sister couldn't let go of this lifesaving straw in front of her, and hurriedly followed, even when Yang Guofeng wanted to help her arrange another horse carriage, she resolutely refused, and without any regard for anything, hastily climbed onto Yang Guofeng's black flat-top horse carriage.

  It wasn't until the carriage started moving that Jiujie suddenly realized how inappropriate her actions were, chasing after and sharing a ride with a man, alone in such a private space. If Lady Li found out, she would probably be sent to a nunnery immediately.

  In an instant, she thought of Wu Jie Er. She couldn't help but steal a complex and subtle glance at the man opposite her, but only after glancing over did she realize that all her thoughts were unnecessary. The man opposite was sitting sideways with his eyes closed, and the expression on his face was extremely cold, as if he didn't even acknowledge her existence.

  Why is this person so cold and mournful, is it the rhythm of someone dying at home? Jiujier couldn't help but secretly scold in her heart.

  But after a few days, the fact once again verified that Jiujie had the potential to be a prophet who could predict the future with one word. Weiyuan Wangfei finally passed away after being bedridden for many years...

  ……

  Digression

  Friends, is the number of words enough? Come and give me a vote!

  In fact, this male lead is not a player, but a typical ancient man...