in2ebook Chapter 11 Dance
Chapter 11 Dance
When the group of women returned, Xu Jiaojiao had been standing in the sun for almost half an hour.
When they turned back, the princess was not there, and Zheng Antong became even more unrestrained.
Just as Lianye had predicted, she stormed straight towards Xu Jiaojiao.
The main courtyard of Prince Chen's residence is the Mingqian Courtyard.
After all the women left, Yingyi immediately stepped forward: "Master, our people have found a suspicious person in the West Market."
Zhao Yunzheng's face was grim: "Go and take a look."
After changing his clothes and putting on his mask, Zhao Yunzheng saw Zheng Antong's maid throw a bucket of water at Xu Jiaojiao as he passed through the Prince's Garden.
He paused, stopping in his tracks.
"Oh, what are you doing here, Sister Xu?" Zheng Antong's smile didn't reach her eyes, her gaze full of contempt: "Oh dear, look at my memory, I've forgotten that the Prince made you stand here as punishment!"
Her sharp fingertips gently traced Xu Jiaojiao's cheek, brushing aside the strands of hair clinging to her cheek, and she smiled brightly: "I'm sorry, little sister, my eyesight isn't good, I didn't see you. You won't blame me, will you?"
In late spring and early summer, although the sun shines brightly, the wind is still chilly.
As soon as the water touched her body, Xu Jiaojiao felt cold.
She suppressed the hatred in her heart and smiled gently: "Of course I don't blame you."
Seeing her act so humble and submissive, Zheng Antong felt a sense of satisfaction.
But looking at Xu Jiaojiao's pitiful and charming face, Zheng Antong found it extremely irritating.
she thought to herself.
That bitch is a vixen!
She hasn't even won the prince's favor yet, and she dares to embarrass herself in front of him!
If they receive favor in the future, won't they climb over my head?
We can't let that vile woman seduce the prince!
Today is the day the prince returns to his residence, and she can't make things too ugly.
Consider this bucket of water a small lesson for that bastard.
If this vile woman knows what's good for her and behaves herself in the future, that's fine. Otherwise, don't blame her for being ruthless!
Zheng Antong patted Xu Jiaojiao's face playfully: "That's good. You can continue standing, little sister. I'm tired, so I won't keep you company."
In the shadows, Yingyi sensed his master's growing hostility and cautiously asked, "Should we send Steward Liu to handle this matter?"
Zhao Yunzheng's eyelashes trembled, and he looked away, saying coldly, "No need."
As long as the inner quarters are peaceful, he will not interfere in their affairs.
He didn't care whether Xu Jiaojiao lived or died, so he wouldn't make an exception for this woman.
He stopped to see if Xu Jiaojiao would retaliate.
As it turns out, Xu Jiaojiao was not as clever as she had imagined; she could only passively accept Zheng Antong's provocations.
He glanced at Eyeshadow One and said, "Let's go."
in the garden.
Only after Zheng Antong had walked far away did Xu Jiaojiao lower her gaze.
She rubbed her arms and couldn't help but sneeze: "Achoo..."
Lianye's eyes were filled with heartache. She quickly took off her outer garment and wrapped it around Xu Jiaojiao: "Consort Zheng is going too far! Knowing that you were being punished by the Prince to stand, she still deliberately splashed water on you! If you stand for these three hours, I'm afraid you'll fall seriously ill!"
Xu Jiaojiao pursed her lips: "Those who harm others will ultimately harm themselves, and those who do many unrighteous deeds will surely perish. Zheng Antong is so arrogant and domineering, he will eventually reap the consequences of his actions."
The sun sets in the west and the moon rises in the east.
The faint sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard coming from the banquet hall.
Lianye glanced at the moonlight and said softly, "Master, three hours have passed."
Xu Jiaojiao nodded slightly: "Go back to the courtyard immediately to do your makeup. You must make it in time for the welcome-home banquet."
With less than an hour until the start of the welcoming banquet, Xu Jiaojiao didn't have much time to prepare.
After washing away the stains on her body, Xu Jiaojiao sat in front of the dressing table with a bowl of hot ginger soup, letting Lianye do her makeup.
With her skillful hands, Lianye quickly and gracefully styled a bold and lively "Jinghu" bun.
When applying powder to Xu Jiaojiao, Lianye vaguely felt that Xu Jiaojiao's cheeks were unusually hot.
Upon closer inspection, Lianye exclaimed in alarm, "Master, you have a fever!"
The drowsy Xu Jiaojiao had naturally already noticed something was wrong.
With the welcoming banquet about to begin, the princess is asking her master to perform a dance. Will her master be able to perform the dance smoothly under these circumstances?
Lianye's eyes reddened with anxiety, and her voice trembled with tears: "My lady, why don't I go and beg the Princess Consort to withdraw her favor?"
Xu Jiaojiao shook her head, smiled gently, patted Lianye's hand, and comforted her, "A crisis may not be an opportunity. Don't be afraid, I know what I'm doing."
She got up, took a box from the cabinet and handed it to Lianye: "Go, light this camphor incense."
In her previous life, the princess also organized a welcome-home banquet.
During the banquet, Prince Chen was assassinated.
This matter caused a great uproar. Even in the most remote slave quarters of the West Courtyard, she had heard about it. The entire household was busy all night, and everyone was in a state of panic and fear.
As the saying goes, fortune may be the harbinger of misfortune, and misfortune may be the harbinger of fortune.
She absolutely cannot be absent from such an important moment!
When Xu Jiaojiao arrived at the banquet hall, the two concubines and the two secondary concubines had already arrived.
Upon seeing her arrive, Zheng Antong slammed down her teacup to vent her frustration.
That bastard is quite healthy; he's been out in the wind all afternoon and hasn't even collapsed yet.
Xu Jiaojiao didn't care what Zheng Antong thought, and still sat down at her own table under the guidance of her maid.
At the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), Prince Chen and the Prince entered the banquet hall together, and everyone in the hall stood up to pay their respects.
Since everyone present was a member of the royal family, there weren't many rules.
After Zhao Yunzheng made a few routine remarks, everyone started eating and drinking, and the singing and dancing continued one after another.
Halfway through the banquet, the princess sent someone to inform Xu Jiaojiao that it was time to prepare for her dance performance.
Seeing her get up to leave, Zheng Antong gently waved to Caique, the maid beside her.
The colorful bird leaned close and approached.
The two exchanged a few words, and after Caique nodded, she left the banquet hall with her head bowed.
Before setting off, Xu Jiaojiao had instructed Lianye to keep a close eye on Zheng Antong.
This person is jealous and petty. Seeing her appear at the welcoming banquet, he will surely try again to prevent her from dancing in front of Prince Chen.
As Xu Jiaojiao predicted, Zheng Antong couldn't hold back and indeed made a move.
Sensing someone following them, Xu Jiaojiao and her servant exchanged a glance. Lianye turned and disappeared without a trace.
In the side hall, Xu Jiaojiao changed her clothes and did her makeup.
If someone were to pay close attention at this moment, they would notice that Lianye was not serving Xu Jiaojiao.
When Lianye returned, Xu Jiaojiao had already made all the preparations.
Lianye nodded silently to Xu Jiaojiao.
The latter gave a barely perceptible smile: "It's time for the dance..."
Accompanied by the sounds of bamboo string and wind instruments, a woman dressed in a floral dress embroidered with gold butterflies swayed her slender waist and lightly lifted her jade feet, dancing gracefully to the rhythm, as ethereal as a fairy.
Upon seeing this familiar figure, Zhao Yunzheng, seated at the head of the table, remained motionless. His slender fingertips gently tapped the wine cup in his palm, and he unexpectedly recalled the woman's delicate, soft red lips and her fair, jade-like skin.
Heartbeats, a topic best left unsaid.
Zheng Antong was also staring intently at Xu Jiaojiao.
Her hands tightened suddenly, and her heart raced.
Xu Jiaojiao!
Why did she show up again?!
Where's the rainbow sparrow?!