mesbooks Chapter 115 Kang Zhizhen's Close Relationship
Chapter 115 Kang Zhizhen's Close Relationship
"Are you sure the person in the palace now is Princess Shi herself?"
Kangxi stood by the window with his hands behind his back, thinking about the Western painting that Shi Rongyue had painted at the Crown Prince's birthday banquet that day.
The investigation clearly never mentioned that Shi Wenbing's eldest daughter also knew Western painting. Also, her sudden change in dress and personality clearly did not conform to the image of her being dignified, elegant, and polite as described in the investigation.
Thinking about it, I thought of the letter Shi Rongyue wrote to Mrs. Shi. Although he didn't say a word, every word expressed his vicious intention to push the little girl into the abyss.
There was also the incident of using aphrodisiacs to plot against the girl. On that day, he guessed that it might be the concubines in Chuxiu Palace who did it because of competition. He didn't expect that the real culprit behind the scenes was actually Shi Rongyue.
And judging by her behavior that day, she obviously wanted to frame the little girl and the prince. Fortunately, the little girl left as soon as she realized something was wrong, and the prince was not in trouble, otherwise... A hint of murderous intent flashed in his phoenix eyes.
Then he lowered his eyes and thought deeply. Was there something wrong with the other party's identity, or was his true nature so hidden that it was not discovered at the beginning?
Liang Jiugong bowed his head.
With a serious face:
"In reply to the emperor, I have had people carefully investigate these days and confirmed that the Grand Princess Shi who is now in the palace is me. It's just that she seemed to have had a quarrel with Lord Shi and Madam Shi a few days before the selection. But those who knew about it at the time were either sent away or died unexpectedly."
This was obviously problematic, but it also ruled out the possibility of being impersonated. Kangxi looked out the window with deep eyes, stroking the jade ring slowly without saying a word. After a while, he suddenly asked:
"The prince has been to Changyin Pavilion again recently?"
Liang Jiugong paused for a moment before replying, "I go there as soon as I get off school every day."
He was very close to Shi Da Gege and looked like he was trapped in it.
Kangxi's eyes deepened when he heard this. He knew his own son well and was still new to Shi Da Gege. If he suddenly stopped him from contacting Shi Da Gege, it would instead arouse his rebellion. He would be hit hard by her sudden death. Moreover, he always felt that Shi Rongyue had other purposes.
For example, the most important point is that he still hasn't figured out why the other party is plotting against his sister and the prince. From an outsider's perspective, the little girl poses no threat to her at all, and the two of them have no conflicts at home.
Thinking of this, he narrowed his eyes and ordered:
"Have someone keep an eye on Grand Princess Shi and find out her purpose first. Also, have a careful investigation of all the candidates for the Crown Princess. If there are no problems, return them to me."
"Whoo."
Liang Jiugong agreed immediately. At this time, Xiao Fuzi outside the door gave Liang Jiugong a wink. After Liang Jiugong saw it, he saw that the emperor had no other instructions, so he retreated quietly.
Kangxi was still standing by the window, looking towards the Chuxiu Palace. He didn't know how the girl was doing. The aphrodisiac was harmful to her body. She was weak to begin with, and he wanted to hurt her foundation.
Thinking of this, I thought of the recent visit of Khalkha envoys to Beijing, who brought Khalkha sheep from afar. Due to the water, soil and grassland conditions, Khalkha sheep are more delicious than those from other places, and are perfect for making soup to nourish the body. The wine is also helpful to health.
At this time, Liang Jiugong came back quickly and whispered the news he had just received to the emperor. After listening, Kangxi suddenly turned around and asked in a deep voice:
"Did Concubine Yi send someone to deliver rewards to Chuxiu Palace again today? And did she also invite Princess Shi Er to have dinner at Yikun Palace?"
Liang Jiugong took a step back.
Bowed and said:
"It's the Emperor. I heard from Xiao Ruzi that Princess Shi Er seemed to be worried. After hearing that Concubine Yi had sent someone, she became even more worried. But she quickly concealed it and said that she had to go and thank the Empress for the reward anyway."
That little girl is so cautious, polite and well-behaved, but this makes him feel even more distressed. Is she just worried?
Thinking of this, Kangxi couldn't help but think of the eldest lady of the Guo Luoluo Mansion whom he met in Changyin Pavilion that day, and his thin lips were pursed into a straight line.
"The eldest lady of the Guoluo Mansion has entered the palace again today?"
Liang Jiugong replied cautiously:
"Yes, I entered the palace early this morning and went to Changyin Pavilion with Concubine Yi to listen to an opera and came back together. At this time, I should stay for dinner."
After the words fell, the palace fell silent instantly. The next moment, the emperor gave the order:
"Last time, Concubine Yi said that the dishes cooked by the chef from Jiangnan were first-rate. It was a pity that I didn't get to taste them. I will go and try them today when I have time."
Liang Jiugong understood immediately and said loudly: "Go to Yikun Palace."
On the other side, Shi Nanxi followed Qiaohui, who came to deliver the reward, to the Yiku Palace. At this time, she heard the sound of a whip and knew that a high-ranking concubine was coming. She and Qiaohui quickly retreated to the side of the corridor. Soon, a sedan chair was carried towards this side.
Defei was sitting in the sedan chair, deep in thought. At this moment, she caught a glimpse of Shi Nanxi and Qiaohui who had retreated to the side, and she could not help but narrow her eyes. The next moment, she knocked on the armrest of the sedan chair, and it stopped immediately.
"Is that Princess Shi Er in front of us?"
The tone was soft and gentle, as if a gentle spring breeze was blowing, making people feel that the person speaking must be a gentle and beautiful woman. Upon hearing the words, Shi Nanxi gathered her thoughts, lowered her head and knelt down in greeting.
"This humble servant pays respects to Her Majesty the Virtuous Consort. May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune."
"Please stand up, Princess Shi Er." Concubine De smiled slightly.
"Thank you, Madam." Shi Nanxi still performed the ceremony politely before standing up. Concubine De saw this scene and said softly:
"Ms. Shi Er, you are too polite. I heard that you fell into the water in Changyin Pavilion that day. I wonder if you are feeling better now?" She looked at him gently.
Shi Nanxi's eyes fell on Concubine De's chin and she pursed her lips nervously:
"Thanks to the care of Madam Lady, I am much better now."
Defei seemed very pleased to hear this. She then looked at Qiaohui who was standing beside her, and thinking of the news she had received, she asked knowingly:
"Qiaohui, why are you following Shi Ergege?"
Qiao Hui bowed quickly and replied:
"Replying to Her Majesty Defei, I am ordered by Her Majesty Yifei to deliver a reward to Shi Ergege. It just so happens that a new cook from Jiangnan has arrived in Yikun Palace this month. Her Majesty likes Shi Ergege and said that if Shi Ergege feels better, she will ask her to invite Shi Ergege to dinner."
"I see. Then go quickly and don't keep Concubine Yi waiting for too long."
"Yes, Madam Defei."
Then Shi Nanxi followed Qiaohui away. Defei, who stayed behind, looked at Shi Nanxi going away, her watery eyes deepened.
Aunt Cui beside the sedan chair asked softly:
"What is your Majesty thinking about?"
"I think Concubine Yi has a very good plan." Concubine De said lightly.
Aunt Cui thought for a moment after hearing this:
"Your Majesty, are you talking about the... eldest lady of the Guoluo Mansion?"
Concubine De hummed:
"That guard Jirgalang is a promising young man. Concubine Yi is trying to get close to the prince through marriage."
"That person is not always like this. He looks cheerful and straightforward, but he is actually very thoughtful. But Madam, the most important person to you now is not him, but..."
Nanny Cui did not say anything and turned her gaze towards the direction of Jingren Palace, which used to be the bedroom of Empress Xiaoyiren. Now there was a little Tonggiya in the palace, and she was the biggest threat to the Empress.
Defei followed Nanny Cui's gaze, and the long-forgotten memories slowly emerged in her mind. It was the scene of herself groveling and fawning on that man all those years. Her hands gradually tightened around the armrest.
After a while, the scene in her mind stopped at that day when Tong Jia Wanru in Changyin Pavilion followed the emperor with a red face. Her eyes became darker, but her hands suddenly loosened, and she suddenly asked:
"I remember that Jierhalang was working under Longkodo?"
"He is indeed under Lord Longkodo's command. I heard that he is highly valued by him." Aunt Cui narrowed her eyes, thinking of something, and asked tentatively, "What does the queen mean?"
"What could I possibly mean by that? I just thought that since we love each other so much, wouldn't it be more fun for everyone if we could have a closer relationship?"
After saying this lightly, Concubine De put her hands back on her knees and ordered softly, "Lift the sedan chair."
On the other side, Shi Nanxi finally arrived at Yiku Palace.