Chapter 353: Mo Junyang’s Jealousy
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Shi Qingxue lowered her head and pondered for a moment till Xia Liang looked at her with anxiety in her eyes.
Then she said unhurriedly, “Go back first and tell Baojing that I will enter the imperial palace to visit her in two days.”
Perhaps Xia Liang hadn’t expected that Shi Qingxue would refuse to enter the imperial palace at once, so she looked surprised involuntarily and stared at the young lady blankly.
Shi Qingxue smiled bitterly in secret yet didn’t show any emotions on her face. She just asked, “Is there anything else?”
Xia Liang looked at Shi Qingxue hesitantly and it seemed that she wanted to say something but didn’t speak it out. She just stared at the young lady with expectancy.
Shi Qingxue pursed her lips and looked at the maid, with her deep and emotionless eyes, as if she didn’t see that Xia Liang wanted to speak but stopped herself.
Xia Liang paused for about fifteen minutes and surrendered in the end. She had to say goodbye and leave with disappointment.
When the maid walked to the door, Qingxue’s voice came from behind.
“Father also misses Baojing. Since you have got out of the imperial palace, remember to go to his mansion and tell him.”
Xia Liang stopped walking and turned around after a few seconds. Then she bowed to Shi Qingxue again, replying, “Yes.”
Mo Junyang stood next to her all the time and said after Xia Liang left, “I thought that you would enter the imperial palace with her at once.”
After all, Shi Qingxue cared about this cousin a lot.
Shi Qingxue smiled slyly. “I am not stupid. Baojing respects Father so much. Even if she really sends somebody to tell me that she is pregnant, she won’t forget to tell Father.”
“So…”
“So no matter who summoned me to enter the imperial palace in the name of Baojing, I won’t satisfy her easily.” Shi Qingxue raised her chin proudly.
Mo Junyang couldn’t help but laugh.
In fact, he had found that there was something wrong with this maid. She spoke too fluently in the beginning like reciting actor’s lines but then she was evasive. He saw that she had a guilty conscience at a glance.
However, he was afraid that Shi Qingxue would agree without thinking as she was worried about Shi Baojing.
Fortunately…
Shi Qingxue raised her brows and snorted. “Do I look like a thoughtless person?
“Moreover, Xia Liang has said that Baojing is fine. What would I worry about?”
If Xia Liang told a lie that Shi Baojing might have a miscarriage, Shi Qingxue might enter the imperial palace with her at once, but in that case, as soon as she reached there, the lie would be exposed.
The person behind the scenes probably didn’t want to make such big trouble, so she didn’t say that it was so serious.
As a result, Shi Qingxue was more unhurried than that person.
Anyway, even if Shi Baojing wanted to see her, it wouldn’t have an influence after she delayed it.
“Perhaps this maid would embellish the truth after returning to the imperial palace, and I don’t know how people will gossip,” Mo Junyang reminded.
He was familiar with such a trick to make mischief.
After the maid returned, she would tell Shi Baojing that Shi Qingxue refused to enter the imperial palace and that the sixth young lady was indifferent.
Once there was an opportunity that could be made use of between the cousins, others would stir up trouble.
Shi Qingxue pondered for a while and then said casually in the end, “I don’t care. Just imagine anything as they like.”
Although Shi Qingxue liked this cousin, she would have nothing to say if Shi Baojing misunderstood her because of the lowly trick to cast a bone between them.
Mo Junyang was more satisfied with Shi Qingxue’s attitude.
He had no objection but approved of it. “You don’t need to be so anxious indeed. Now we don’t know the situation in the imperial palace. Mo Junzhan has just returned to the capital…”
He suddenly stopped speaking and met Shi Qingxue’s eyes. They saw enlightenment in each other’s eyes.
“Right. Baojing is living in the Taole Palace now. No matter who came to see me in her name, it won’t escape from Concubine Tao’s eyes…”
Shi Qingxue murmured and seemed to find the clue. Then she continued to think. “Concubine Tao is the ninth prince’s mother, yet it must not be him. He won’t do something like this. Then…”
Mo Junyang listened silently in the beginning. After hearing that, he couldn’t help but ask gloomily, “Why can’t it be Mo Junzhan?”
“Because he is not this kind of person,” Shi Qingxue answered subconsciously.
In some sense, she and Mo Junzhan were friends since childhood.
Mo Junzhan was straightforward and would never do something like this.
Shi Qingxue could be sure about this point even though she was reborn.
Mo Junyang pursed his lips and looked at Shi Qingxue in silence.
His face was still expressionless, but why could she notice that he was unhappy?
He seemed to say, “You displeased me. Why not come to comfort me?”
Shi Qingxue was speechless.
Perhaps it was her first time to see that Mo Junyang acted like a child, although he didn’t look childish obviously.
Qingxue felt that it was laughable, and she was helpless. At last, she leaned forward automatically and kissed Mo Junyang’s cheek gently.
Then she turned away with shyness and asked in a soft voice, “Is it okay?”
Mo Junyang was affected and felt shy without precedent. He coughed in a low voice and expressed seriously, “I didn’t suspect Mo Junzhan, either.”
He was unhappy as Shi Qingxue trusted Mo Junzhan for no reason.
Shi Qingxue rolled her eyes secretly and didn’t bother about Mo Junyang who exposed himself unwittingly while trying to cover up his tricks, as she was magnanimous
She continued, “The ninth prince won’t do that, yet it has something to do with Concubine Tao, while I can’t figure out one thing…
“Why did she do that?”
Shi Qingxue had no contact with Concubine Tao, and they didn’t interfere with each other’s business, but why did Concubine Tao try to lure her into the imperial palace in Shi Baojing’s name?
“It must have something to do with Mo Junzhan,” Mo Junyang pointed out simply.
The person could make trouble when Mo Junzhan had just returned. Even if he didn’t do it, he wasn’t innocent.
Shi Qingxue was unable to reply.
Gee!
Mo Junyang really suspected Mo Junzhan.
Shi Qingxue didn’t know what was wrong with Mo Junyang.
After all, even if he was jealous, he should bother about Mo Junhao she had married in the previous life.
Unexpectedly, Mo Junyang seemed not to take Mo Junhao seriously but was annoyed by Mo Junzhan.
When Shi Qingxue spoked out this question, Mo Junyang took it for granted and answered,
“In the previous life, Mo Junhao did so much to harm you, and you have seen through him, so you certainly won’t be cheated by him again.”
Shi Qingxue was speechless. His words made sense, and she couldn’t find words to retort him.
So Mo Junyang took Mo Junzhan to heart because she hadn’t seen the boy’s true face clearly?
“Enough. Stop joking.” Shi Qingxue didn’t believe that Mo Junyang was really jealous.
She just took it as their joke. After laughing, she talked business again. “Your consideration is reasonable, so I decide to enter the imperial palace to surprise them in two days when they think that I won’t go there.”
Shi Qingxue narrowed her big eyes and smiled slyly.
Then she might find the evidence against those people who tried to scheme against her because they were caught off guard.
“You…”
Mo Junyang wanted to say that it was easy if she wanted to know what the people in the Taole Palace planned to do, and she didn’t need to take a risk.
However, he couldn’t speak it out after opening his mouth several times because he knew well about Shi Qingxue, and she wouldn’t leave everything to him.
It was not about whether she trusted him, but it was her pride.
Mo Junyang was clear about it, so he just reminded her seriously in the end, “Be careful.”
Shi Qingxue waved her hand indifferently. “Don’t worry. I will.”
On the third day, Shi Qingxue went to the Taole Palace with Dong Shuang.
It happened that other noble ladies came to the Taole Palace.
All of them seemed to have made an appointment and several ladies came one after another to visit the second prince’s wife who was pregnant.
The Chen family, Feng family, Leng family, Liang family…
The wife and daughters of each influential official at the imperial court came unexpectedly, no matter which side they were on.
The Taole Palace was lively, as if there were a banquet.
Logically, among all the princes, the powerless second prince Mo Junwen was least likely to inherit the throne, and he shouldn’t have attracted so much attention.
However, the baby in the womb of the second prince’s wife would be Mo Xiangbin’s first grandchild. If it was a boy, he would be the first grandson, and his status would be extraordinary.
Moreover, the second prince’s wife Shi Baojing was a member of Duke Shi’s family. At least, the crown prince’s followers would surely show concern for her.
As soon as Shi Qingxue walked into the Taole Palace, she saw so many people and thought that she came at the wrong time. She was about to go away sneakily, while Feng Mei who had sharp eyes found her.
Feng Mei shouted in a sharp voice, “Yo, isn’t it Lady Qingxue? Why do you want to go away as soon as you come? Don’t you want to see your cousin?”
Shi Qingxue didn’t have a chance to leave now.
She cursed secretly and changed the subject with a faint smile. “Your Highness, nice to see you. You look fantastic today.”
Feng Mei noticed that Shi Qingxue wanted to change the subject, while she didn’t let her go. “Huh! You don’t need to play up to me. You didn’t answer my questions? Are you feeling guilty?”
Shi Qingxue was helpless as Feng Mei pestered her endlessly.
She didn’t know what this woman thought about. Wouldn’t she be satisfied until she proved that Shi Qingxue and Baojing had conflicts?
The woman was so bored.
Shi Qingxue rolled her eyes in secret and retorted in a cold tone, “I came to visit the second prince’s wife today. Why would I feel guilty?”
“If you didn’t, why did you go out?” Feng Mei was aggressive.
Qingxue said impassively, “I just forgot something and wanted to go back and bring it to my cousin. Is anything wrong? Your Highness?”
Feng Mei was not as eloquent as Shi Qingxue. She couldn’t speak after a few words as the girl retorted her, so she could only glare at Shi Qingxue.
Shi Qingxue didn’t want to waste time on talking with Feng Mei. Seeing that the woman had nothing to say, she walked in.
“Stop.”
Unable to restrain her anger, Feng Mei stood with her arms akimbo and yelled at Shi Qingxue.
Shi Qingxue stopped and looked back in confusion. “Your Highness, what else can I do for you?”
Feng Mei snorted with displeasure. “Did I allow you to go?”
Shi Qingxue was speechless.
Feng Mei really felt good about herself.
Who did she think she was?
Would Qingxue ask her for permission before leaving?
Shi Qingxue couldn’t help but roll her eyes and say with sarcasm, “I don’t know when the fourth prince’s mansion moved to the Taole Palace.”
“What do you mean?” Feng Mei frowned and asked in doubt.
She thought that Shi Qingxue wouldn’t have a good word to say for her, yet she didn’t know what it meant.
At the moment, Chen Xiujiao who looked on cut in, “Your Highness, don’t you understand that somebody laughs at you as you are meddlesome and try to boss around in the Taole Palace?”
Feng Mei finally understood and her face darkened at once. She shouted at Shi Qingxue, “Shi Qingxue, how dare you satirize me? Aren’t you afraid that I will accuse you of being disrespectful?”
Shi Qingxue glanced at Chen Xiujiao who tried to make it worse and then at Feng Mei who was furious and would rush to her at any time seemingly. Then she pouted and said flatly, “I dare not.”
Feng Mei thought that Shi Qingxue feared her honorable status and finally bowed down to her.
She wasn’t so angry anymore but still held her head high and said arrogantly, “Huh! You have said that. What is the point of saying that you dare not? I will still punish you.”
Gee, she really issued orders left and right.
What did Feng Mei think she was?
Not to mention that in Mo Country, before Mo Junhao was titled as a king, the fourth prince’s wife didn’t have a title, speaking of the status, Shi Qingxue was the wife of King Rui’s heir in name and wouldn’t be inferior to Feng Mei.
Why did Feng Mei have the confidence to order her and make indiscreet remarks?
Anyway, Shi Qingxue wouldn’t listen to her.
She glanced at Feng Mei coldly. “What do you want to do to punish me?”
“If you kneel down to kowtow to me for three times and admit your fault sincerely, I will spare you.” Feng Mei ordered Shi Qingxue as if to show mercy.
She was shorter than Shi Qingxue yet didn’t forget to raise her chin all the time, and she looked up haughtily.
Shi Qingxue wanted to laugh after seeing Feng Mei’s funny actions, but she tried to control herself and then asked indifferently, “What if I say no?”
“Huh, you have no right to say no here. If you don’t listen to me, I will tell the guards to force you to kneel to me.” Feng Mei threatened in a deep voice.
Perhaps she didn’t like Shi Qingxue since long ago, so she was determined to embarrass her in public.
All of them had entered the courtyard of the Taole Palace, and many noble ladies stood around them, while none of them dared to get involved and ask for trouble at the critical moment. They just whispered to each other and glanced at Shi Qingxue with sympathy from time to time.
Feng Mei was always bossy and unreasonable. Shi Qingxue was unlucky today and got caught by her. What a poor girl!
Shi Qingxue glanced around the crowd in the courtyard and saw many compassionate eyes, so she felt that it was laughable for no reason.
Why did all people believe that she would surely be bullied by Feng Mei?
However, it wasn’t the key point Shi Qingxue paid attention to. She was willing to confront Feng Mei in front of all people and even intentionally tried to irritate her with provocation because she wanted to do an experiment.
Now it seemed that the experiment result came out.
The mistress in the Taole Palace hadn’t shown up.
Shi Qingxue didn’t believe that Concubine Tao knew nothing about the situation. The woman just turned a deaf ear.
She didn’t know whether Concubine Tao was afraid of getting herself into trouble or wanted to indulge somebody.
Qingxue pondered for a moment and then suddenly laughed at leisure. “This is the Taole Palace here. Your Highness, even if you really think that I have done something improper, it’s not your job to punish me, right?”
Feng Mei’s face stiffened after she heard Shi Qingxue’s straightforward words. She hesitated, unable to speak a word.
Chen Xiujiao spoke for Feng Mei again all of a sudden. “Mei is the fourth prince’s wife, and you are just a noble lady. No matter when she disciplines you, you should accept it with no complaint.”
She would exert pressure with her status.
Shi Qingxue pouted and thought that these people’s method was so trite and they weren’t fed up with it after using it so frequently.
However, Feng Mei thought that she had found a reason and looked at her arrogantly. “Right, you are just a noble lady. I can discipline you at any time.”
Shi Qingxue was almost “scared” by Feng Mei’s bold words, but she wouldn’t let her get carried away.
Not to mention Feng Mei’s rank was equal to hers, the status…
Qingxue smiled and reminded casually, “Your Highness, have you forgotten that His Majesty has made an imperial edict and granted my marriage?”
Even though Shi Qingxue hadn’t married Mo Junyang officially, in Mo Country, after her marriage to King Rui’s heir was granted, it meant that she enjoyed the treatment of his wife.
She was equal to Feng Mei, the fourth prince’s wife, and the latter didn’t have the right to discipline her.
Feng Mei gritted her teeth so hard that she almost ruined them.
The emperor granted the marriage for both of them, yet they were treated differently.
When Shi Qingxue was titled as the wife of King Rui’s heir, she was rewarded with fertile farmland, shops, manors and so on, while Feng Mei appeared to enjoy more glory than her.
After all, the fourth prince had the right to inherit the throne, but all people with sharp eyes could see that the wife of King Rui’s heir Shi Qingxue was much more favored than the fourth prince’s wife Feng Mei.
How could Feng Mei not be jealous of her?
However, what could she do even though she was jealous?
As Shi Qingxue said, both of them were royal family members, so Feng Mei didn’t have the right to punish her for now.
Feng Mei was resentful and stared at Shi Qingxue.
They were in a stalemate for a while, and Liang Zixin walked forward to mediate as she saw something wrong. “All of us came to visit the second prince’s wife, and we don’t need to bother about who is superior.”
Liang Zixin wanted to make all people calm down and go in to visit Shi Baojing harmoniously who was pregnant.
However, Feng Mei was irritated by Shi Qingxue, so she didn’t listen to Liang Zixin but vented her anger on this girl.
“Do you qualify to interrupt when I talk with Shi Qingxue? Who the hell are you?”
These words were so harsh, and even though Liang Zixin was good-tempered, she turned ghastly pale involuntarily and looked at Feng Mei, unable to speak.
Feng Mei was still in a rage and raised her chin again, saying cockily, “Why are you looking at me? Can you look at me at will?”
Liang Zixin couldn’t say anything.
Shi Qingxue didn’t want to meddle, yet Feng Mei’s unreasonable action was really annoying.
She pulled Liang Zixin back and put on a faint smile. “Your Highness, have you heard such a story?”
Feng Mei had been fooled by Shi Qingxue for too many times. Seeing that the girl suddenly changed the subject, she was stunned and just looked at her alertly but didn’t dare to speak rashly.
Shi Qingxue continued casually, as if telling a story, “Once upon a time, there was a mynah. It gossiped endlessly all day long and thought that it was the most beautiful and noble bird in the world, yet it didn’t know that others just didn’t want to talk with it as they thought that it was too noisy.
“One day, this mynah talked too excitedly and fell from the tree. It happened to fall into mud, and the stinky and dirty mud sealed its mouth. From then on, the world became quiet again…”
Shi Qingxue was a good talker and showed her expression and tone perfectly while telling the story. It didn’t appear to be exaggerated but could make the audience seem to be personally on the scene.
After all people heard that, some of them couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Feng Mei’s face darkened at once, and she stared at Shi Qingxue angrily. “What do you mean?”
Shi Qingxue shrugged, pretending to be innocent. “I was talking about a mynah. Why are you so emotional?”
It was scolding a locust while pointing at a mulberry, yet the “locust” didn’t have a chance to retort.
Feng Mei stomped in a rage. Perhaps she finally realized that she could never defeat Shi Qingxue in an argument.
After weighing, she walked away resentfully at last.
Liang Zixin heaved a sigh of relief and looked at Shi Qingxue gratefully. “Thanks, Qingxue. If it weren’t for your help, I didn’t know what to do.”
Shi Qingxue smiled and expressed that it was nothing.
When she entered Shi Baojing’s room, most of the other visitors had left.
Seeing her, Shi Baojing waved away the others, and they were left alone in the room.
Baojing couldn’t help but ask, “Won’t you be in trouble after you embarrass the fourth prince’s wife in the courtyard?”
“What trouble can it be?” Shi Qingxue didn’t take it seriously.
Shi Baojing frowned worriedly. “Anyway, she is the fourth prince’s wife, and nobody knows the situation in the future. If he is in power someday, she won’t let you go easily.”
Shi Qingxue looked at Shi Baojing quietly, to see that the concern and worry in her eyes were sincere.
While thinking, she didn’t feel unhappy anymore.
Afterward, she asked Shi Baojing straightforwardly, “Baojing, did you send Xia Liang to see me in the Lanxun Villa two days ago?”
Shi Baojing’s face stiffened, and she looked at Shi Qingxue in embarrassment.
After a long time, she explained in a low voice, “In fact, it’s Mother who wants to see you, yet she was afraid that you would be unwilling to enter the imperial palace, so she told Xia Liang to send a message.”
However, Shi Qingxue found something wrong, so Concubine Tao didn’t achieve her goal.
Concubine Tao had lost temper in private for many times, while Shi Baojing was her daughter-in-law in name. When her mother-in-law blamed her, no matter if she was right, Shi Baojing had to bear with it obediently.
Nevertheless, Shi Baojing didn’t want to talk about something like this.
Shi Qingxue knew it and asked seriously, “Did she make things difficult for you?”
Shi Baojing shook her head. “No. Perhaps she thought that you and me are not close enough, and it’s normal that you didn’t come. She just rebuked me and then did nothing.”
It was just that those words with ridicule were offensive.
“Why did she tell me to enter the imperial palace suddenly?” Shi Qingxue still didn’t understand what Concubine Tao wanted to get from her.
“Perhaps…because of the ninth prince,” Shi Baojing said with uncertainty.
She just guessed because Mo Junzhan quarreled with Concubine Tao as soon as he came back.
The mother and son closed the door and had a quarrel, and the people outside could only hear some screams occasionally from the room but couldn’t hear what they were talking about.
Then Mo Junzhan left the imperial palace and went to Moon Mountain, while Concubine Tao looked worried and came to see Shi Baojing, asking her maid Xia Liang to go to see Shi Qingxue.
After hearing the cause and effect, Shi Qingxue still felt doubtful.
She pursed her lips and wanted to ask more, while a maid knocked at the door. “Your Highness, Concubine Tao asked you to see her.”
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Shi Qingxue lowered her head and pondered for a moment till Xia Liang looked at her with anxiety in her eyes.
Then she said unhurriedly, “Go back first and tell Baojing that I will enter the imperial palace to visit her in two days.”
Perhaps Xia Liang hadn’t expected that Shi Qingxue would refuse to enter the imperial palace at once, so she looked surprised involuntarily and stared at the young lady blankly.
Shi Qingxue smiled bitterly in secret yet didn’t show any emotions on her face. She just asked, “Is there anything else?”
Xia Liang looked at Shi Qingxue hesitantly and it seemed that she wanted to say something but didn’t speak it out. She just stared at the young lady with expectancy.
Shi Qingxue pursed her lips and looked at the maid, with her deep and emotionless eyes, as if she didn’t see that Xia Liang wanted to speak but stopped herself.
Xia Liang paused for about fifteen minutes and surrendered in the end. She had to say goodbye and leave with disappointment.
When the maid walked to the door, Qingxue’s voice came from behind.
“Father also misses Baojing. Since you have got out of the imperial palace, remember to go to his mansion and tell him.”
Xia Liang stopped walking and turned around after a few seconds. Then she bowed to Shi Qingxue again, replying, “Yes.”
Mo Junyang stood next to her all the time and said after Xia Liang left, “I thought that you would enter the imperial palace with her at once.”
After all, Shi Qingxue cared about this cousin a lot.
Shi Qingxue smiled slyly. “I am not stupid. Baojing respects Father so much. Even if she really sends somebody to tell me that she is pregnant, she won’t forget to tell Father.”
“So…”
“So no matter who summoned me to enter the imperial palace in the name of Baojing, I won’t satisfy her easily.” Shi Qingxue raised her chin proudly.
Mo Junyang couldn’t help but laugh.
In fact, he had found that there was something wrong with this maid. She spoke too fluently in the beginning like reciting actor’s lines but then she was evasive. He saw that she had a guilty conscience at a glance.
However, he was afraid that Shi Qingxue would agree without thinking as she was worried about Shi Baojing.
Fortunately…
Shi Qingxue raised her brows and snorted. “Do I look like a thoughtless person?
“Moreover, Xia Liang has said that Baojing is fine. What would I worry about?”
If Xia Liang told a lie that Shi Baojing might have a miscarriage, Shi Qingxue might enter the imperial palace with her at once, but in that case, as soon as she reached there, the lie would be exposed.
The person behind the scenes probably didn’t want to make such big trouble, so she didn’t say that it was so serious.
As a result, Shi Qingxue was more unhurried than that person.
Anyway, even if Shi Baojing wanted to see her, it wouldn’t have an influence after she delayed it.
“Perhaps this maid would embellish the truth after returning to the imperial palace, and I don’t know how people will gossip,” Mo Junyang reminded.
He was familiar with such a trick to make mischief.
After the maid returned, she would tell Shi Baojing that Shi Qingxue refused to enter the imperial palace and that the sixth young lady was indifferent.
Once there was an opportunity that could be made use of between the cousins, others would stir up trouble.
Shi Qingxue pondered for a while and then said casually in the end, “I don’t care. Just imagine anything as they like.”
Although Shi Qingxue liked this cousin, she would have nothing to say if Shi Baojing misunderstood her because of the lowly trick to cast a bone between them.
Mo Junyang was more satisfied with Shi Qingxue’s attitude.
He had no objection but approved of it. “You don’t need to be so anxious indeed. Now we don’t know the situation in the imperial palace. Mo Junzhan has just returned to the capital…”
He suddenly stopped speaking and met Shi Qingxue’s eyes. They saw enlightenment in each other’s eyes.
“Right. Baojing is living in the Taole Palace now. No matter who came to see me in her name, it won’t escape from Concubine Tao’s eyes…”
Shi Qingxue murmured and seemed to find the clue. Then she continued to think. “Concubine Tao is the ninth prince’s mother, yet it must not be him. He won’t do something like this. Then…”
Mo Junyang listened silently in the beginning. After hearing that, he couldn’t help but ask gloomily, “Why can’t it be Mo Junzhan?”
“Because he is not this kind of person,” Shi Qingxue answered subconsciously.
In some sense, she and Mo Junzhan were friends since childhood.
Mo Junzhan was straightforward and would never do something like this.
Shi Qingxue could be sure about this point even though she was reborn.
Mo Junyang pursed his lips and looked at Shi Qingxue in silence.
His face was still expressionless, but why could she notice that he was unhappy?
He seemed to say, “You displeased me. Why not come to comfort me?”
Shi Qingxue was speechless.
Perhaps it was her first time to see that Mo Junyang acted like a child, although he didn’t look childish obviously.
Qingxue felt that it was laughable, and she was helpless. At last, she leaned forward automatically and kissed Mo Junyang’s cheek gently.
Then she turned away with shyness and asked in a soft voice, “Is it okay?”
Mo Junyang was affected and felt shy without precedent. He coughed in a low voice and expressed seriously, “I didn’t suspect Mo Junzhan, either.”
He was unhappy as Shi Qingxue trusted Mo Junzhan for no reason.
Shi Qingxue rolled her eyes secretly and didn’t bother about Mo Junyang who exposed himself unwittingly while trying to cover up his tricks, as she was magnanimous
She continued, “The ninth prince won’t do that, yet it has something to do with Concubine Tao, while I can’t figure out one thing…
“Why did she do that?”
Shi Qingxue had no contact with Concubine Tao, and they didn’t interfere with each other’s business, but why did Concubine Tao try to lure her into the imperial palace in Shi Baojing’s name?
“It must have something to do with Mo Junzhan,” Mo Junyang pointed out simply.
The person could make trouble when Mo Junzhan had just returned. Even if he didn’t do it, he wasn’t innocent.
Shi Qingxue was unable to reply.
Gee!
Mo Junyang really suspected Mo Junzhan.
Shi Qingxue didn’t know what was wrong with Mo Junyang.
After all, even if he was jealous, he should bother about Mo Junhao she had married in the previous life.
Unexpectedly, Mo Junyang seemed not to take Mo Junhao seriously but was annoyed by Mo Junzhan.
When Shi Qingxue spoked out this question, Mo Junyang took it for granted and answered,
“In the previous life, Mo Junhao did so much to harm you, and you have seen through him, so you certainly won’t be cheated by him again.”
Shi Qingxue was speechless. His words made sense, and she couldn’t find words to retort him.
So Mo Junyang took Mo Junzhan to heart because she hadn’t seen the boy’s true face clearly?
“Enough. Stop joking.” Shi Qingxue didn’t believe that Mo Junyang was really jealous.
She just took it as their joke. After laughing, she talked business again. “Your consideration is reasonable, so I decide to enter the imperial palace to surprise them in two days when they think that I won’t go there.”
Shi Qingxue narrowed her big eyes and smiled slyly.
Then she might find the evidence against those people who tried to scheme against her because they were caught off guard.
“You…”
Mo Junyang wanted to say that it was easy if she wanted to know what the people in the Taole Palace planned to do, and she didn’t need to take a risk.
However, he couldn’t speak it out after opening his mouth several times because he knew well about Shi Qingxue, and she wouldn’t leave everything to him.
It was not about whether she trusted him, but it was her pride.
Mo Junyang was clear about it, so he just reminded her seriously in the end, “Be careful.”
Shi Qingxue waved her hand indifferently. “Don’t worry. I will.”
On the third day, Shi Qingxue went to the Taole Palace with Dong Shuang.
It happened that other noble ladies came to the Taole Palace.
All of them seemed to have made an appointment and several ladies came one after another to visit the second prince’s wife who was pregnant.
The Chen family, Feng family, Leng family, Liang family…
The wife and daughters of each influential official at the imperial court came unexpectedly, no matter which side they were on.
The Taole Palace was lively, as if there were a banquet.
Logically, among all the princes, the powerless second prince Mo Junwen was least likely to inherit the throne, and he shouldn’t have attracted so much attention.
However, the baby in the womb of the second prince’s wife would be Mo Xiangbin’s first grandchild. If it was a boy, he would be the first grandson, and his status would be extraordinary.
Moreover, the second prince’s wife Shi Baojing was a member of Duke Shi’s family. At least, the crown prince’s followers would surely show concern for her.
As soon as Shi Qingxue walked into the Taole Palace, she saw so many people and thought that she came at the wrong time. She was about to go away sneakily, while Feng Mei who had sharp eyes found her.
Feng Mei shouted in a sharp voice, “Yo, isn’t it Lady Qingxue? Why do you want to go away as soon as you come? Don’t you want to see your cousin?”
Shi Qingxue didn’t have a chance to leave now.
She cursed secretly and changed the subject with a faint smile. “Your Highness, nice to see you. You look fantastic today.”
Feng Mei noticed that Shi Qingxue wanted to change the subject, while she didn’t let her go. “Huh! You don’t need to play up to me. You didn’t answer my questions? Are you feeling guilty?”
Shi Qingxue was helpless as Feng Mei pestered her endlessly.
She didn’t know what this woman thought about. Wouldn’t she be satisfied until she proved that Shi Qingxue and Baojing had conflicts?
The woman was so bored.
Shi Qingxue rolled her eyes in secret and retorted in a cold tone, “I came to visit the second prince’s wife today. Why would I feel guilty?”
“If you didn’t, why did you go out?” Feng Mei was aggressive.
Qingxue said impassively, “I just forgot something and wanted to go back and bring it to my cousin. Is anything wrong? Your Highness?”
Feng Mei was not as eloquent as Shi Qingxue. She couldn’t speak after a few words as the girl retorted her, so she could only glare at Shi Qingxue.
Shi Qingxue didn’t want to waste time on talking with Feng Mei. Seeing that the woman had nothing to say, she walked in.
“Stop.”
Unable to restrain her anger, Feng Mei stood with her arms akimbo and yelled at Shi Qingxue.
Shi Qingxue stopped and looked back in confusion. “Your Highness, what else can I do for you?”
Feng Mei snorted with displeasure. “Did I allow you to go?”
Shi Qingxue was speechless.
Feng Mei really felt good about herself.
Who did she think she was?
Would Qingxue ask her for permission before leaving?
Shi Qingxue couldn’t help but roll her eyes and say with sarcasm, “I don’t know when the fourth prince’s mansion moved to the Taole Palace.”
“What do you mean?” Feng Mei frowned and asked in doubt.
She thought that Shi Qingxue wouldn’t have a good word to say for her, yet she didn’t know what it meant.
At the moment, Chen Xiujiao who looked on cut in, “Your Highness, don’t you understand that somebody laughs at you as you are meddlesome and try to boss around in the Taole Palace?”
Feng Mei finally understood and her face darkened at once. She shouted at Shi Qingxue, “Shi Qingxue, how dare you satirize me? Aren’t you afraid that I will accuse you of being disrespectful?”
Shi Qingxue glanced at Chen Xiujiao who tried to make it worse and then at Feng Mei who was furious and would rush to her at any time seemingly. Then she pouted and said flatly, “I dare not.”
Feng Mei thought that Shi Qingxue feared her honorable status and finally bowed down to her.
She wasn’t so angry anymore but still held her head high and said arrogantly, “Huh! You have said that. What is the point of saying that you dare not? I will still punish you.”
Gee, she really issued orders left and right.
What did Feng Mei think she was?
Not to mention that in Mo Country, before Mo Junhao was titled as a king, the fourth prince’s wife didn’t have a title, speaking of the status, Shi Qingxue was the wife of King Rui’s heir in name and wouldn’t be inferior to Feng Mei.
Why did Feng Mei have the confidence to order her and make indiscreet remarks?
Anyway, Shi Qingxue wouldn’t listen to her.
She glanced at Feng Mei coldly. “What do you want to do to punish me?”
“If you kneel down to kowtow to me for three times and admit your fault sincerely, I will spare you.” Feng Mei ordered Shi Qingxue as if to show mercy.
She was shorter than Shi Qingxue yet didn’t forget to raise her chin all the time, and she looked up haughtily.
Shi Qingxue wanted to laugh after seeing Feng Mei’s funny actions, but she tried to control herself and then asked indifferently, “What if I say no?”
“Huh, you have no right to say no here. If you don’t listen to me, I will tell the guards to force you to kneel to me.” Feng Mei threatened in a deep voice.
Perhaps she didn’t like Shi Qingxue since long ago, so she was determined to embarrass her in public.
All of them had entered the courtyard of the Taole Palace, and many noble ladies stood around them, while none of them dared to get involved and ask for trouble at the critical moment. They just whispered to each other and glanced at Shi Qingxue with sympathy from time to time.
Feng Mei was always bossy and unreasonable. Shi Qingxue was unlucky today and got caught by her. What a poor girl!
Shi Qingxue glanced around the crowd in the courtyard and saw many compassionate eyes, so she felt that it was laughable for no reason.
Why did all people believe that she would surely be bullied by Feng Mei?
However, it wasn’t the key point Shi Qingxue paid attention to. She was willing to confront Feng Mei in front of all people and even intentionally tried to irritate her with provocation because she wanted to do an experiment.
Now it seemed that the experiment result came out.
The mistress in the Taole Palace hadn’t shown up.
Shi Qingxue didn’t believe that Concubine Tao knew nothing about the situation. The woman just turned a deaf ear.
She didn’t know whether Concubine Tao was afraid of getting herself into trouble or wanted to indulge somebody.
Qingxue pondered for a moment and then suddenly laughed at leisure. “This is the Taole Palace here. Your Highness, even if you really think that I have done something improper, it’s not your job to punish me, right?”
Feng Mei’s face stiffened after she heard Shi Qingxue’s straightforward words. She hesitated, unable to speak a word.
Chen Xiujiao spoke for Feng Mei again all of a sudden. “Mei is the fourth prince’s wife, and you are just a noble lady. No matter when she disciplines you, you should accept it with no complaint.”
She would exert pressure with her status.
Shi Qingxue pouted and thought that these people’s method was so trite and they weren’t fed up with it after using it so frequently.
However, Feng Mei thought that she had found a reason and looked at her arrogantly. “Right, you are just a noble lady. I can discipline you at any time.”
Shi Qingxue was almost “scared” by Feng Mei’s bold words, but she wouldn’t let her get carried away.
Not to mention Feng Mei’s rank was equal to hers, the status…
Qingxue smiled and reminded casually, “Your Highness, have you forgotten that His Majesty has made an imperial edict and granted my marriage?”
Even though Shi Qingxue hadn’t married Mo Junyang officially, in Mo Country, after her marriage to King Rui’s heir was granted, it meant that she enjoyed the treatment of his wife.
She was equal to Feng Mei, the fourth prince’s wife, and the latter didn’t have the right to discipline her.
Feng Mei gritted her teeth so hard that she almost ruined them.
The emperor granted the marriage for both of them, yet they were treated differently.
When Shi Qingxue was titled as the wife of King Rui’s heir, she was rewarded with fertile farmland, shops, manors and so on, while Feng Mei appeared to enjoy more glory than her.
After all, the fourth prince had the right to inherit the throne, but all people with sharp eyes could see that the wife of King Rui’s heir Shi Qingxue was much more favored than the fourth prince’s wife Feng Mei.
How could Feng Mei not be jealous of her?
However, what could she do even though she was jealous?
As Shi Qingxue said, both of them were royal family members, so Feng Mei didn’t have the right to punish her for now.
Feng Mei was resentful and stared at Shi Qingxue.
They were in a stalemate for a while, and Liang Zixin walked forward to mediate as she saw something wrong. “All of us came to visit the second prince’s wife, and we don’t need to bother about who is superior.”
Liang Zixin wanted to make all people calm down and go in to visit Shi Baojing harmoniously who was pregnant.
However, Feng Mei was irritated by Shi Qingxue, so she didn’t listen to Liang Zixin but vented her anger on this girl.
“Do you qualify to interrupt when I talk with Shi Qingxue? Who the hell are you?”
These words were so harsh, and even though Liang Zixin was good-tempered, she turned ghastly pale involuntarily and looked at Feng Mei, unable to speak.
Feng Mei was still in a rage and raised her chin again, saying cockily, “Why are you looking at me? Can you look at me at will?”
Liang Zixin couldn’t say anything.
Shi Qingxue didn’t want to meddle, yet Feng Mei’s unreasonable action was really annoying.
She pulled Liang Zixin back and put on a faint smile. “Your Highness, have you heard such a story?”
Feng Mei had been fooled by Shi Qingxue for too many times. Seeing that the girl suddenly changed the subject, she was stunned and just looked at her alertly but didn’t dare to speak rashly.
Shi Qingxue continued casually, as if telling a story, “Once upon a time, there was a mynah. It gossiped endlessly all day long and thought that it was the most beautiful and noble bird in the world, yet it didn’t know that others just didn’t want to talk with it as they thought that it was too noisy.
“One day, this mynah talked too excitedly and fell from the tree. It happened to fall into mud, and the stinky and dirty mud sealed its mouth. From then on, the world became quiet again…”
Shi Qingxue was a good talker and showed her expression and tone perfectly while telling the story. It didn’t appear to be exaggerated but could make the audience seem to be personally on the scene.
After all people heard that, some of them couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Feng Mei’s face darkened at once, and she stared at Shi Qingxue angrily. “What do you mean?”
Shi Qingxue shrugged, pretending to be innocent. “I was talking about a mynah. Why are you so emotional?”
It was scolding a locust while pointing at a mulberry, yet the “locust” didn’t have a chance to retort.
Feng Mei stomped in a rage. Perhaps she finally realized that she could never defeat Shi Qingxue in an argument.
After weighing, she walked away resentfully at last.
Liang Zixin heaved a sigh of relief and looked at Shi Qingxue gratefully. “Thanks, Qingxue. If it weren’t for your help, I didn’t know what to do.”
Shi Qingxue smiled and expressed that it was nothing.
When she entered Shi Baojing’s room, most of the other visitors had left.
Seeing her, Shi Baojing waved away the others, and they were left alone in the room.
Baojing couldn’t help but ask, “Won’t you be in trouble after you embarrass the fourth prince’s wife in the courtyard?”
“What trouble can it be?” Shi Qingxue didn’t take it seriously.
Shi Baojing frowned worriedly. “Anyway, she is the fourth prince’s wife, and nobody knows the situation in the future. If he is in power someday, she won’t let you go easily.”
Shi Qingxue looked at Shi Baojing quietly, to see that the concern and worry in her eyes were sincere.
While thinking, she didn’t feel unhappy anymore.
Afterward, she asked Shi Baojing straightforwardly, “Baojing, did you send Xia Liang to see me in the Lanxun Villa two days ago?”
Shi Baojing’s face stiffened, and she looked at Shi Qingxue in embarrassment.
After a long time, she explained in a low voice, “In fact, it’s Mother who wants to see you, yet she was afraid that you would be unwilling to enter the imperial palace, so she told Xia Liang to send a message.”
However, Shi Qingxue found something wrong, so Concubine Tao didn’t achieve her goal.
Concubine Tao had lost temper in private for many times, while Shi Baojing was her daughter-in-law in name. When her mother-in-law blamed her, no matter if she was right, Shi Baojing had to bear with it obediently.
Nevertheless, Shi Baojing didn’t want to talk about something like this.
Shi Qingxue knew it and asked seriously, “Did she make things difficult for you?”
Shi Baojing shook her head. “No. Perhaps she thought that you and me are not close enough, and it’s normal that you didn’t come. She just rebuked me and then did nothing.”
It was just that those words with ridicule were offensive.
“Why did she tell me to enter the imperial palace suddenly?” Shi Qingxue still didn’t understand what Concubine Tao wanted to get from her.
“Perhaps…because of the ninth prince,” Shi Baojing said with uncertainty.
She just guessed because Mo Junzhan quarreled with Concubine Tao as soon as he came back.
The mother and son closed the door and had a quarrel, and the people outside could only hear some screams occasionally from the room but couldn’t hear what they were talking about.
Then Mo Junzhan left the imperial palace and went to Moon Mountain, while Concubine Tao looked worried and came to see Shi Baojing, asking her maid Xia Liang to go to see Shi Qingxue.
After hearing the cause and effect, Shi Qingxue still felt doubtful.
She pursed her lips and wanted to ask more, while a maid knocked at the door. “Your Highness, Concubine Tao asked you to see her.”
Shi Qingxue lowered her head and pondered for a moment till Xia Liang looked at her with anxiety in her eyes.Then she said unhurriedly, Go back first and tell Baojing that I will enter the imperial palace to visit her in two days.Perhaps Xia Liang hadn't expected that Shi Qingxue would refuse to enter the imperial palace at once, so she looked surprised involuntarily and stared at the young lady blankly.Shi Qingxue smiled bitterly in secret yet didn't show any emotions on her face. She just asked, Is there anything else?Xia Liang looked at Shi Qingxue hesitantly and it seemed that she wanted to say something but didn't speak it out. She just stared at the young lady with expectancy.Shi Qingxue pursed her lips and looked at the maid, with her deep and emotionless eyes, as if she didn't see that Xia Liang wanted to speak but stopped herself.Xia Liang paused for about fifteen minutes and surrendered in the end. She had to say goodbye and leave with disappointment.When the maid walked to the door, Qingxue's voice came from behind.Father also misses Baojing. Since you have got out of the imperial palace, remember to go to his mansion and tell him.Xia Liang stopped walking and turned around after a few seconds. Then she bowed to Shi Qingxue again, replying, Yes.Mo Junyang stood next to her all the time and said after Xia Liang left, I thought that you would enter the imperial palace with her at once.After all, Shi Qingxue cared about this cousin a lot.Shi Qingxue smiled slyly. I am not stupid. Baojing respects Father so much. Even if she really sends somebody to tell me that she is pregnant, she won't forget to tell Father.SoSo no matter who summoned me to enter the imperial palace in the name of Baojing, I won't satisfy her easily. Shi Qingxue raised her chin proudly.Mo Junyang couldn't help but laugh.In fact, he had found that there was something wrong with this maid. She spoke too fluently in the beginning like reciting actor's lines but then she was evasive. He saw that she had a guilty conscience at a glance.However, he was afraid that Shi Qingxue would agree without thinking as she was worried about Shi Baojing.FortunatelyShi Qingxue raised her brows and snorted. Do I look like a thoughtless person?Moreover, Xia Liang has said that Baojing is fine. What would I worry about?If Xia Liang told a lie that Shi Baojing might have a miscarriage, Shi Qingxue might enter the imperial palace with her at once, but in that case, as soon as she reached there, the lie would be exposed.The person behind the scenes probably didn't want to make such big trouble, so she didn't say that it was so serious.As a result, Shi Qingxue was more unhurried than that person.Anyway, even if Shi Baojing wanted to see her, it wouldn't have an influence after she delayed it.Perhaps this maid would embellish the truth after returning to the imperial palace, and I don't know how people will gossip, Mo Junyang reminded.He was familiar with such a trick to make mischief.After the maid returned, she would tell Shi Baojing that Shi Qingxue refused to enter the imperial palace and that the sixth young lady was indifferent.Once there was an opportunity that could be made use of between the cousins, others would stir up trouble.Shi Qingxue pondered for a while and then said casually in the end, I don't care. Just imagine anything as they like.Although Shi Qingxue liked this cousin, she would have nothing to say if Shi Baojing misunderstood her because of the lowly trick to cast a bone between them.Mo Junyang was more satisfied with Shi Qingxue's attitude.He had no objection but approved of it. You don't need to be so anxious indeed. Now we don't know the situation in the imperial palace. Mo Junzhan has just returned to the capitalHe suddenly stopped speaking and met Shi Qingxue's eyes. They saw enlightenment in each other's eyes.Right. Baojing is living in the Taole Palace now. No matter who came to see me in her name, it won't escape from Concubine Tao's eyesShi Qingxue murmured and seemed to find the clue. Then she continued to think. Concubine Tao is the ninth prince's mother, yet it must not be him. He won't do something like this. ThenMo Junyang listened silently in the beginning. After hearing that, he couldn't help but ask gloomily, Why can't it be Mo Junzhan?Because he is not this kind of person, Shi Qingxue answered subconsciously.In some sense, she and Mo Junzhan were friends since childhood.Mo Junzhan was straightforward and would never do something like this.Shi Qingxue could be sure about this point even though she was reborn.Mo Junyang pursed his lips and looked at Shi Qingxue in silence.His face was still expressionless, but why could she notice that he was unhappy?He seemed to say, You displeased me. Why not come to comfort me?Shi Qingxue was speechless.Perhaps it was her first time to see that Mo Junyang acted like a child, although he didn't look childish obviously.Qingxue felt that it was laughable, and she was helpless. At last, she leaned forward automatically and kissed Mo Junyang's cheek gently.Then she turned away with shyness and asked in a soft voice, Is it okay?Mo Junyang was affected and felt shy without precedent. He coughed in a low voice and expressed seriously, I didn't suspect Mo Junzhan, either.He was unhappy as Shi Qingxue trusted Mo Junzhan for no reason.Shi Qingxue rolled her eyes secretly and didn't bother about Mo Junyang who exposed himself unwittingly while trying to cover up his tricks, as she was magnanimousShe continued, The ninth prince won't do that, yet it has something to do with Concubine Tao, while I can't figure out one thingWhy did she do that?Shi Qingxue had no contact with Concubine Tao, and they didn't interfere with each other's business, but why did Concubine Tao try to lure her into the imperial palace in Shi Baojing's name?It must have something to do with Mo Junzhan, Mo Junyang pointed out simply.The person could make trouble when Mo Junzhan had just returned. Even if he didn't do it, he wasn't innocent.Shi Qingxue was unable to reply.Gee!Mo Junyang really suspected Mo Junzhan.Shi Qingxue didn't know what was wrong with Mo Junyang.After all, even if he was jealous, he should bother about Mo Junhao she had married in the previous life.Unexpectedly, Mo Junyang seemed not to take Mo Junhao seriously but was annoyed by Mo Junzhan.When Shi Qingxue spoked out this question, Mo Junyang took it for granted and answered,In the previous life, Mo Junhao did so much to harm you, and you have seen through him, so you certainly won't be cheated by him again.Shi Qingxue was speechless. His words made sense, and she couldn't find words to retort him.So Mo Junyang took Mo Junzhan to heart because she hadn't seen the boy's true face clearly?Enough. Stop joking. Shi Qingxue didn't believe that Mo Junyang was really jealous.She just took it as their joke. After laughing, she talked business again. Your consideration is reasonable, so I decide to enter the imperial palace to surprise them in two days when they think that I won't go there.Shi Qingxue narrowed her big eyes and smiled slyly.Then she might find the evidence against those people who tried to scheme against her because they were caught off guard.YouMo Junyang wanted to say that it was easy if she wanted to know what the people in the Taole Palace planned to do, and she didn't need to take a risk.However, he couldn't speak it out after opening his mouth several times because he knew well about Shi Qingxue, and she wouldn't leave everything to him.It was not about whether she trusted him, but it was her pride.Mo Junyang was clear about it, so he just reminded her seriously in the end, Be careful.Shi Qingxue waved her hand indifferently. Don't worry. I will.On the third day, Shi Qingxue went to the Taole Palace with Dong Shuang.It happened that other noble ladies came to the Taole Palace.All of them seemed to have made an appointment and several ladies came one after another to visit the second prince's wife who was pregnant.The Chen family, Feng family, Leng family, Liang familyThe wife and daughters of each influential official at the imperial court came unexpectedly, no matter which side they were on.The Taole Palace was lively, as if there were a banquet.Logically, among all the princes, the powerless second prince Mo Junwen was least likely to inherit the throne, and he shouldn't have attracted so much attention.However, the baby in the womb of the second prince's wife would be Mo Xiangbin's first grandchild. If it was a boy, he would be the first grandson, and his status would be extraordinary.Moreover, the second prince's wife Shi Baojing was a member of Duke Shi's family. At least, the crown prince's followers would surely show concern for her.As soon as Shi Qingxue walked into the Taole Palace, she saw so many people and thought that she came at the wrong time. She was about to go away sneakily, while Feng Mei who had sharp eyes found her.Feng Mei shouted in a sharp voice, Yo, isn't it Lady Qingxue? Why do you want to go away as soon as you come? Don't you want to see your cousin?Shi Qingxue didn't have a chance to leave now.She cursed secretly and changed the subject with a faint smile. Your Highness, nice to see you. You look fantastic today.Feng Mei noticed that Shi Qingxue wanted to change the subject, while she didn't let her go. Huh! You don't need to play up to me. You didn't answer my questions? Are you feeling guilty?Shi Qingxue was helpless as Feng Mei pestered her endlessly.She didn't know what this woman thought about. Wouldn't she be satisfied until she proved that Shi Qingxue and Baojing had conflicts?The woman was so bored.Shi Qingxue rolled her eyes in secret and retorted in a cold tone, I came to visit the second prince's wife today. Why would I feel guilty?If you didn't, why did you go out? Feng Mei was aggressive.Qingxue said impassively, I just forgot something and wanted to go back and bring it to my cousin. Is anything wrong? Your Highness?Feng Mei was not as eloquent as Shi Qingxue. She couldn't speak after a few words as the girl retorted her, so she could only glare at Shi Qingxue.Shi Qingxue didn't want to waste time on talking with Feng Mei. Seeing that the woman had nothing to say, she walked in.Stop.Unable to restrain her anger, Feng Mei stood with her arms akimbo and yelled at Shi Qingxue.Shi Qingxue stopped and looked back in confusion. Your Highness, what else can I do for you?Feng Mei snorted with displeasure. Did I allow you to go?Shi Qingxue was speechless.Feng Mei really felt good about herself.Who did she think she was?Would Qingxue ask her for permission before leaving?Shi Qingxue couldn't help but roll her eyes and say with sarcasm, I don't know when the fourth prince's mansion moved to the Taole Palace.What do you mean? Feng Mei frowned and asked in doubt.She thought that Shi Qingxue wouldn't have a good word to say for her, yet she didn't know what it meant.At the moment, Chen Xiujiao who looked on cut in, Your Highness, don't you understand that somebody laughs at you as you are meddlesome and try to boss around in the Taole Palace?Feng Mei finally understood and her face darkened at once. She shouted at Shi Qingxue, Shi Qingxue, how dare you satirize me? Aren't you afraid that I will accuse you of being disrespectful?Shi Qingxue glanced at Chen Xiujiao who tried to make it worse and then at Feng Mei who was furious and would rush to her at any time seemingly. Then she pouted and said flatly, I dare not.Feng Mei thought that Shi Qingxue feared her honorable status and finally bowed down to her.She wasn't so angry anymore but still held her head high and said arrogantly, Huh! You have said that. What is the point of saying that you dare not? I will still punish you.Gee, she really issued orders left and right.What did Feng Mei think she was?Not to mention that in Mo Country, before Mo Junhao was titled as a king, the fourth prince's wife didn't have a title, speaking of the status, Shi Qingxue was the wife of King Rui's heir in name and wouldn't be inferior to Feng Mei.Why did Feng Mei have the confidence to order her and make indiscreet remarks?Anyway, Shi Qingxue wouldn't listen to her.She glanced at Feng Mei coldly. What do you want to do to punish me?If you kneel down to kowtow to me for three times and admit your fault sincerely, I will spare you. Feng Mei ordered Shi Qingxue as if to show mercy.She was shorter than Shi Qingxue yet didn't forget to raise her chin all the time, and she looked up haughtily.Shi Qingxue wanted to laugh after seeing Feng Mei's funny actions, but she tried to control herself and then asked indifferently, What if I say no?Huh, you have no right to say no here. If you don't listen to me, I will tell the guards to force you to kneel to me. Feng Mei threatened in a deep voice.Perhaps she didn't like Shi Qingxue since long ago, so she was determined to embarrass her in public.All of them had entered the courtyard of the Taole Palace, and many noble ladies stood around them, while none of them dared to get involved and ask for trouble at the critical moment. They just whispered to each other and glanced at Shi Qingxue with sympathy from time to time.Feng Mei was always bossy and unreasonable. Shi Qingxue was unlucky today and got caught by her. What a poor girl!Shi Qingxue glanced around the crowd in the courtyard and saw many compassionate eyes, so she felt that it was laughable for no reason.Why did all people believe that she would surely be bullied by Feng Mei?However, it wasn't the key point Shi Qingxue paid attention to. She was willing to confront Feng Mei in front of all people and even intentionally tried to irritate her with provocation because she wanted to do an experiment.Now it seemed that the experiment result came out.The mistress in the Taole Palace hadn't shown up.Shi Qingxue didn't believe that Concubine Tao knew nothing about the situation. The woman just turned a deaf ear.She didn't know whether Concubine Tao was afraid of getting herself into trouble or wanted to indulge somebody.Qingxue pondered for a moment and then suddenly laughed at leisure. This is the Taole Palace here. Your Highness, even if you really think that I have done something improper, it's not your job to punish me, right?Feng Mei's face stiffened after she heard Shi Qingxue's straightforward words. She hesitated, unable to speak a word.Chen Xiujiao spoke for Feng Mei again all of a sudden. Mei is the fourth prince's wife, and you are just a noble lady. No matter when she disciplines you, you should accept it with no complaint.She would exert pressure with her status.Shi Qingxue pouted and thought that these people's method was so trite and they weren't fed up with it after using it so frequently.However, Feng Mei thought that she had found a reason and looked at her arrogantly. Right, you are just a noble lady. I can discipline you at any time.Shi Qingxue was almost scared by Feng Mei's bold words, but she wouldn't let her get carried away.Not to mention Feng Mei's rank was equal to hers, the statusQingxue smiled and reminded casually, Your Highness, have you forgotten that His Majesty has made an imperial edict and granted my marriage?Even though Shi Qingxue hadn't married Mo Junyang officially, in Mo Country, after her marriage to King Rui's heir was granted, it meant that she enjoyed the treatment of his wife.She was equal to Feng Mei, the fourth prince's wife, and the latter didn't have the right to discipline her.Feng Mei gritted her teeth so hard that she almost ruined them.The emperor granted the marriage for both of them, yet they were treated differently.When Shi Qingxue was titled as the wife of King Rui's heir, she was rewarded with fertile farmland, shops, manors and so on, while Feng Mei appeared to enjoy more glory than her.After all, the fourth prince had the right to inherit the throne, but all people with sharp eyes could see that the wife of King Rui's heir Shi Qingxue was much more favored than the fourth prince's wife Feng Mei.How could Feng Mei not be jealous of her?However, what could she do even though she was jealous?As Shi Qingxue said, both of them were royal family members, so Feng Mei didn't have the right to punish her for now.Feng Mei was resentful and stared at Shi Qingxue.They were in a stalemate for a while, and Liang Zixin walked forward to mediate as she saw something wrong. All of us came to visit the second prince's wife, and we don't need to bother about who is superior.Liang Zixin wanted to make all people calm down and go in to visit Shi Baojing harmoniously who was pregnant.However, Feng Mei was irritated by Shi Qingxue, so she didn't listen to Liang Zixin but vented her anger on this girl.Do you qualify to interrupt when I talk with Shi Qingxue? Who the hell are you?These words were so harsh, and even though Liang Zixin was good-tempered, she turned ghastly pale involuntarily and looked at Feng Mei, unable to speak.Feng Mei was still in a rage and raised her chin again, saying cockily, Why are you looking at me? Can you look at me at will?Liang Zixin couldn't say anything.Shi Qingxue didn't want to meddle, yet Feng Mei's unreasonable action was really annoying.She pulled Liang Zixin back and put on a faint smile. Your Highness, have you heard such a story?Feng Mei had been fooled by Shi Qingxue for too many times. Seeing that the girl suddenly changed the subject, she was stunned and just looked at her alertly but didn't dare to speak rashly.Shi Qingxue continued casually, as if telling a story, Once upon a time, there was a mynah. It gossiped endlessly all day long and thought that it was the most beautiful and noble bird in the world, yet it didn't know that others just didn't want to talk with it as they thought that it was too noisy.One day, this mynah talked too excitedly and fell from the tree. It happened to fall into mud, and the stinky and dirty mud sealed its mouth. From then on, the world became quiet againShi Qingxue was a good talker and showed her expression and tone perfectly while telling the story. It didn't appear to be exaggerated but could make the audience seem to be personally on the scene.After all people heard that, some of them couldn't help but burst into laughter.Feng Mei's face darkened at once, and she stared at Shi Qingxue angrily. What do you mean?Shi Qingxue shrugged, pretending to be innocent. I was talking about a mynah. Why are you so emotional?It was scolding a locust while pointing at a mulberry, yet the locust didn't have a chance to retort.Feng Mei stomped in a rage. Perhaps she finally realized that she could never defeat Shi Qingxue in an argument.After weighing, she walked away resentfully at last.Liang Zixin heaved a sigh of relief and looked at Shi Qingxue gratefully. Thanks, Qingxue. If it weren't for your help, I didn't know what to do.Shi Qingxue smiled and expressed that it was nothing.When she entered Shi Baojing's room, most of the other visitors had left.Seeing her, Shi Baojing waved away the others, and they were left alone in the room.Baojing couldn't help but ask, Won't you be in trouble after you embarrass the fourth prince's wife in the courtyard?What trouble can it be? Shi Qingxue didn't take it seriously.Shi Baojing frowned worriedly. Anyway, she is the fourth prince's wife, and nobody knows the situation in the future. If he is in power someday, she won't let you go easily.Shi Qingxue looked at Shi Baojing quietly, to see that the concern and worry in her eyes were sincere.While thinking, she didn't feel unhappy anymore.Afterward, she asked Shi Baojing straightforwardly, Baojing, did you send Xia Liang to see me in the Lanxun Villa two days ago?Shi Baojing's face stiffened, and she looked at Shi Qingxue in embarrassment.After a long time, she explained in a low voice, In fact, it's Mother who wants to see you, yet she was afraid that you would be unwilling to enter the imperial palace, so she told Xia Liang to send a message.However, Shi Qingxue found something wrong, so Concubine Tao didn't achieve her goal.Concubine Tao had lost temper in private for many times, while Shi Baojing was her daughter-in-law in name. When her mother-in-law blamed her, no matter if she was right, Shi Baojing had to bear with it obediently.Nevertheless, Shi Baojing didn't want to talk about something like this.Shi Qingxue knew it and asked seriously, Did she make things difficult for you?Shi Baojing shook her head. No. Perhaps she thought that you and me are not close enough, and it's normal that you didn't come. She just rebuked me and then did nothing.It was just that those words with ridicule were offensive.Why did she tell me to enter the imperial palace suddenly? Shi Qingxue still didn't understand what Concubine Tao wanted to get from her.Perhapsbecause of the ninth prince, Shi Baojing said with uncertainty.She just guessed because Mo Junzhan quarreled with Concubine Tao as soon as he came back.The mother and son closed the door and had a quarrel, and the people outside could only hear some screams occasionally from the room but couldn't hear what they were talking about.Then Mo Junzhan left the imperial palace and went to Moon Mountain, while Concubine Tao looked worried and came to see Shi Baojing, asking her maid Xia Liang to go to see Shi Qingxue.After hearing the cause and effect, Shi Qingxue still felt doubtful.She pursed her lips and wanted to ask more, while a maid knocked at the door. Your Highness, Concubine Tao asked you to see her.
