The concubine was charming and alluring, and the ruthless prince coaxed her day and night.

Chapter 24 From then on, that concubine truly became less polite.

"The Dragon Boat Festival will be in two days. On the day of the festival, the government will hold a dragon boat race on Taiping Lake. At that time, officials and people will enjoy themselves together and the event will be very lively."

The Dragon Boat Festival was a very important festival in Yan Dynasty. On this day, people would go on pilgrimages to ward off diseases, wear sachets, race dragon boats, compete in martial arts, play ball games, apply realgar, drink realgar wine, eat five-poison cakes, salted eggs, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and so on. The whole of Yan Dynasty would be bustling with activity on this day.

At this time of year, Zhao Yunzheng would either be spending time with his mother or the Crown Prince.

This year......

Zhao Yunzheng glanced sideways at Xu Jiaojiao, who was intently weaving a colorful rope beside him.

When the latter heard him mention the Dragon Boat Festival, he stopped what he was doing, and a hint of longing appeared in his eyes.

Seeing this, Zhao Yunzheng couldn't help but smile and say, "How about I take you to watch the dragon boat races this Dragon Boat Festival?"

Xu Jiaojiao immediately exclaimed happily, "Of course it's good!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Xu Jiaojiao belatedly realized her mistake and her expression changed. She immediately knelt down and admitted her error: "This concubine has been impolite, please punish me, Your Highness..."

Zhao Yunzheng, on the other hand, thought that Xu Jiaojiao was not pretentious at all and was extremely cute.

He helped Xu Jiaojiao up: "You don't need to be so formal in front of me. Just be as natural and casual as you were just now."

Xu Jiaojiao looked up in surprise. Although she remained obedient and respectful, her eyes were filled with undisguised joy.

Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she smiled sweetly, blushing, "Then I certainly won't hold back from now on!"

Zhao Yunzheng couldn't help but smile.

I wonder how impolite Xu Jiaojiao will be...

Xu Jiaojiao sat back down and continued weaving the colorful rope. She asked casually, "Your Highness, are the other ladies going too?"

Zhao Yunzheng paused slightly as he reviewed the official documents, a strange emotion flashing in his eyes.

Xu Jiaojiao asked this question to test whether he would bring other women with him.

If he says he'll bring it, will Xu Jiaojiao, like other women, get jealous and make a scene with him?

As a prince, having multiple wives and concubines is inevitable. Balancing the power of various factions and stabilizing the court will always take precedence over romantic love.

Although Xu Jiaojiao's feelings for him were deep, she was ultimately short-sighted.

Zhao Yunzheng spoke calmly: "Is there a problem with me taking you all out of the manor with me?"

"I am of lowly status and should not be qualified to accompany you to watch the dragon boat race. I am just worried that my sisters will blame me for overstepping my bounds."

Xu Jiaojiao's words were humble and respectful, but she was thinking to herself.

Tsk, indeed, the emperor's heart is as unfathomable as the sea; Prince Chen's tests are everywhere.

Those in positions of power always weigh the pros and cons. Since Prince Chen's feelings for her are not yet deep, if she shows even the slightest desire to monopolize his favor, Prince Chen's favorability will likely drop immediately.

Besides, she understands the principle that a tall tree catches the wind.

Before she could fully develop her skills, she didn't want to become a thorn in the side of too many people.

Besides, it's easier to get things done with more people...

Seeing Xu Jiaojiao's open and honest gaze, Zhao Yunzheng's eyes deepened: "It's alright. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, all the women in the inner quarters can go out to play. In that case, you don't have to worry about anyone blaming you."

Xu Jiaojiao put on a gentle and pure smile, her eyes full of admiration for Prince Chen: "Your Highness is so considerate of me, I am deeply grateful."

Zhao Yunzheng was surprised that Xu Jiaojiao actually didn't cry or make a fuss.

But the fact that she was so sensible made him feel even more uncomfortable.

At this moment, he wished that Xu Jiaojiao wouldn't be so obedient and could act like an ordinary woman would with her husband, and be affectionate with him.

Seeing that it was getting late, Zhao Yunzheng suppressed his discomfort and got up as usual: "You should rest early. I still have state affairs to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

Seeing this, Xu Jiaojiao stepped forward, stood on tiptoe, and raised her hand to straighten Zhao Yunzheng's collar: "This concubine respectfully sees Your Highness off."

This sudden display of affection made Zhao Yunzheng, who was in a bad mood, freeze.

Seeing the anxiety and anticipation in Xu Jiaojiao's bright eyes, Zhao Yunzheng realized that this was what Xu Jiaojiao meant by "you're welcome".

In an instant, the pent-up emotions in his heart dissipated, and his gaze softened.

After watching Prince Chen leave, Xu Jiaojiao sat back down in her chair and continued weaving the colorful rope at a leisurely pace.

In the days to come, she would, just like before, gradually push Zhao Yunzheng's limits through various trivial details, so that Zhao Yunzheng's tolerance for her would increase imperceptibly until she could do whatever she wanted.

And this Dragon Boat Festival, she naturally wouldn't let such a good opportunity pass her by.

She was determined to make Prince Chen have an unforgettable memory of this Dragon Boat Festival, and to make his love for her even stronger!

……

Two days later, early in the morning.

Steward Liu personally delivered a dress.

Going out is different from being in the palace, so Xu Jiaojiao naturally had to wear clothes that were easy to move in.

In a short while, Xu Jiaojiao changed her clothes.

This is a lake-blue, floral-patterned, solid-textured pleated skirt. When Xu Jiaojiao wears it, she looks beautiful and serene, inspiring endless imagination and making her stand out.

With every smile and frown, she was charming and beautiful, like a bewitching enchantress who stepped out of a painting, making one's bones melt even before drinking any wine.

Xu Jiaojiao was very satisfied with her outfit.

Following Steward Liu, Xu Jiaojiao soon arrived at the main gate of the Prince's Mansion.

At that time, Prince Chen had not yet arrived, but all the wives and concubines in the inner quarters were already waiting there, except for Zheng Antong, who was still under house arrest.

Three years after establishing his residence, this was the first time Prince Chen had taken the women of his household out for a day out.

Apart from the Princess and Bai Yiru, who were still somewhat reserved, Zhou Yingyue, Cao Lingyun, and the other concubines were all beaming with joy.

Upon seeing Xu Jiaojiao arrive, the expressions of everyone who had been chatting and laughing changed.

Xu Jiaojiao seemed not to hear, stepped forward and bowed slightly to the sisters.

"This concubine greets my elder sisters."

Her face wore a kind and innocent smile, so natural and approachable that it was impossible to find fault with her, and even her hostility seemed to diminish.

The princess's deep gaze fell on Xu Jiaojiao, revealing no emotion.

The prince never used to celebrate festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival at his residence, but this year is different.

The only variable in this mansion is the stunningly beautiful woman before us…

I really want to know how Xu Jiaojiao will win Prince Chen's favor next.

The princess withdrew her gaze and said gently and kindly, "Sister, please get up."

Having received the message, Xu Jiaojiao got up and silently walked to the very edge of the crowd, obediently lowering her head and standing quietly waiting for Zhao Yunzheng's arrival.

Before long, Zhao Yunzheng arrived.

From afar, he saw Yingying and Yanyan standing at the door.

When the women saw him arrive, they excitedly rushed forward to greet him, but a barely perceptible hint of annoyance flickered in Zhao Yunzheng's eyes.

Although there were many women, his gaze immediately fell on the graceful woman in the lake-blue pleated skirt.

Xu Jiaojiao, with her delicate features and graceful figure, eagerly awaited the arrival of her beloved, her eyes brimming with longing.

Her eyes were full of deep affection, yet she remained dutiful and never overstepped her bounds, silently and unblinkingly watching him.

Such a captivating gaze made Zhao Yunzheng unable to look away, leaving her waiting in vain…