Chapter 4: Ascending to the Position of Baique Concubine

The small house fanned the wind for Zhou Junyi and asked, "Your Highness, shall we return to the palace?"

Although there were differing opinions among the officials at court, they were all resolved one by one by Lord Zhou Junyi. With a smile, Lord Zhou Junyi said: "Ah, my ministers, you truly care for me. I have gained another favored concubine in my harem, and you should be happy for me. This way, I will have even more energy to govern the country and the world! I do wish for a little prince or princess; do you not hope for this as well?"

Yet not far away, in the Yan Ge Hall, the spring chamber is filled with enchanting beauty

He does not wish to marry another woman; he only wants to be with Wan'er

Hui Ying! You little girl! I heard your voice from far away! I asked you to come and apologize, why are you shouting like a ghost?" Li Lianyi scolded as she walked in from the moon gate, and upon seeing the scene inside the room, her gaze turned towards where Hui Ying was pointing.

Zhou Junyi lightly set down his pen in front of the desk, nodded slightly, and felt that this was not a significant matter.

"Are you saying that Li Liangren framed me?" Bai Wanlu asked

Outside the curtain, Zhou Junyi's gentle voice came through: "Wan'er, be careful, that bed is quite expensive"

Bai Wanlu silently clenched her fists, yet she felt powerless. At this moment, she was caught in a dilemma, unable to walk away or stay. She did not want to confront the scoundrel Jun Yu, nor did she wish to face his lewd expression.

What has happened to him? His expressions change as quickly as turning the pages of a book. He is so serious yet so gentle, and by chance, he has accurately guessed his own thoughts.

However, upon seeing the person on the couch, Li Lianyi hurriedly knelt down

"Lianyi will remember, Lianyi will not mess up again," Li Lianyi said hurriedly

After a while, Shu Mei dressed herself and got up to meet Li Lianyi

Having said that, he left the Mingyue Chamber

As for Zhou Junyi, let's temporarily forgive him

Returning to the moonlit chamber, Bai Wanlu removed her garments, leaving only a bellyband on her body. At that moment, the door was suddenly pushed open, startling her greatly

Bai Wanlu asked in surprise: "Your Majesty, at this very moment, you should not ... ... "

Bai Wanlu was in a very good mood, learning embroidery in the garden alongside the palace maids.

Nowadays, Mei'er has placed Li Lianyi beside the monarch, while on Zhou Jingyuan's side, Mei'er has a plan, though its feasibility is uncertain. Shu Mei obediently tilted her head, wearing a pleasing expression.

Zhou Junyi suddenly pushed Bai Wanlu aside and scolded, "Fool... fool!"

After listening to Shumei, Zhou Yueling's smile grew increasingly radiant. Unable to contain himself, he embraced Shumei, pressing her beneath him, and said: "Mei'er, you truly are my little strategist."

Having said that, Bai Wanlu turned to leave, but as she took a step, she bumped into a maid coming from the opposite direction. The teapot in the maid's hand was knocked over, splashing tea all over Bai Wanlu.

The two individuals on the bed were both taken aback, their faces displaying expressions of doubt

Wang Qiu accompanied Zhou Jingyuan for a walk while carrying a birdcage and encountered Bai Wanlu, who was picking fresh flowers in the Imperial Garden

Zhou Jingyuan, who had been drugged, was drenched in cold sweat and finally could no longer hold on, sliding to the ground. Bai Wanlu, quick-witted and swift, caught Zhou Jingyuan, who lay weakly in her arms

You! You never asked for my opinion!

Shu Mei rolled her eyes and said, "Fourth Master, I heard from Zi Xiu that she saw Zhou Jingyuan with that girl by the Emperor's side today, and the atmosphere was quite peculiar"

"Who is like him!" Bai Wanlu said indignantly

Zhou Jingyuan took Wang Qiu to a nearby pavilion to sit down and took out a book from his sleeve Bai Wanlu lingered among the flowers and picked the perfectly blooming fresh flowers into a basket

"That's right," Gu Ying said

None of the talented women in Lingxiu Palace met Zhou Junyi's satisfaction

Zhou Junyi lazily glanced at her and said, "Then, I will leave it to the beloved consort. I still have state affairs to attend to."

Glancing at the flower basket in Bai Wanlu's hands, Zhou Jingyuan clasped his hands and said: "Miss Bai is busy, so I shall not disturb you. I will sit for a while in the pavilion next to Wang Qiugu. Miss Bai, please feel free to continue your work"

Little House! You are teasing me! Bai Wanlu used cups and bowls to scare Little House

Hahaha! Zhou Junyi laughed heartily, while behind him, Zhou Yueling clenched his fists, his expression dark and sullen

Bai Wanlu pointed at the fairy eight-colored thrush in the cage and said, "This bird is in a pitiable state, could the Sixth Prince possibly release it?"

Thank you very much, sister. Your hands are truly skillful, unlike my foolish girl." Li Lianyi exclaimed

After waiting in the palace for less than an hour, Gu Ying returned

Naturally, if Miss Bai has any needs, please feel free to mention them said Zhou Jingyuan

Shu Mei smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. Since Your Majesty thinks they are all beautiful, why not just randomly pick a card?"

"Father, please save me." Shu Yi knelt before Shu Guoyu.

Bai Wanlu was taken aback, momentarily gripping the edge of the bed, unable to utter a word

Zhou Junyi raised his head, and fortunately, the night was deep, making it difficult to discern the color of his face. He stammered, "You! Idiot!" After saying this, he hurriedly left the Mingyue Pavilion, and the small house quickly followed him.

Returning to Your Majesty, it naturally means letting them 'die'. As long as Your Majesty can make use of them one day, they will 'come back to life'. Gu Ying smiled with considerable depth.

Bai Wanlu shook her head, not paying any attention to the matter, and then left

"Rippling Maiden." Shumei took the sign and her gaze wandered among the group of beautiful women.

Bai Wanlu smiled gently and said, "I simply care for these little ones a bit more in my daily life, which has led to a certain closeness."

"Yes, yes, yes, I shall leave at once," the little house said cheerfully as it retreated.

Having said that, he left with a smile that carried profound meaning

Zhou Junyi announced that Bai Wanlu would become his favored concubine, with the title "Bai Que"

That is Zhou Junyi, lying on the bed in a captivating manner, her sharp gaze fixed on Li Lianyi

Hmm... at this moment, you are Lord Zhou, not the revered monarch of the nation, alright?" Seeing the despondent expression on Zhou Junyi's face, Bai Wanlu suddenly said this to him

The Sixth Prince truly has a kind heart, and I, a humble servant, thank the Sixth Prince on behalf of this little bird. Bai Wanlu slightly bent forward and bowed.

Good! Gu Ying, you are truly a treasure of solitude

Looking through the curtain at the woman lying on the dragon couch, Zhou Junyi adopted a cold tone and said: "Li Lianyi? I hereby designate you as Li Liangren. You shall receive your reward tomorrow; for today, you may return."

Zhou Junyi did not respond to Xiaofangzi's words, only asking: "What about Wan'er?"

Ah! Li Lianyi was also taken aback, staring in surprise at Bai Wanlu, "Miss Wan'er, are there other people here with you?"

Hui Ying rushed in recklessly and, upon seeing Bai Wanlu, hurriedly said: "I am sorry, I am sorry, Sister Bai. Liang Ren asked Hui Ying to come and apologize; it was not intentional just now."

Zhou Junyi turned his head and put on a serious expression: "Wan'er, there are people in the palace who want to harm you. Only by doing this can I ensure your safety. Do you understand?"

You honest fellow, sometimes you need to take the initiative; only then is it possible for you to reap the rewards of your own feelings said Zhou Junyi helplessly

Such a Zhou Junyi inevitably makes Bai Wanlu feel a bit heartbroken

Bai Wanlu presented the prepared rouge to the wives of the civil and military officials, stating that it was the Emperor's intention. The ladies were all very pleased to receive the rouge.

Shu Mei smiled and said, "Tonight, you must serve His Majesty well. To be chosen by His Majesty is a great honor for you"

Bai Wanlu turned her face away and still said, with a heart that contradicted her words: "That's not it at all, I just don't want to marry you!"

The woman on the bed shivered, her previously calm expression turned into one of panic. She clutched the red gauze on her body and sat up: "Your Majesty..."

I... I don't know. " Bai Wanlu said in a daze.

Everything in the Bright Moon Chamber has been completely renovated, and Bai Wanlu sits bored at the table, watching the palace maids and eunuchs coming and going, observing the gold, silver, jewels, and silks they bring in, idly spinning the teacup in her hand

Zhou Junyi raised her head, her eyes filled with confusion, not understanding the meaning of Bai Wanlu's words

Li Lianyi arrived here at an unknown time, and the maidservants all greeted her respectfully

After speaking, a soft lip pressed against Bai Wanlu's lips, causing her to shiver all over, as an electric sensation coursed through her body

After the morning court, Lord Zhou Junyi stopped Gu Ying and said: "Bring that girl named Liu Xiaoyun into the palace, so she can reunite with Wan'er. I believe that with Miss Liu around, Wan'er will surely be happier."

Bai Wanlu smiled and turned her gaze to the cage that Qiu was holding behind Zhou Jingyuan. Inside the cage was a fairy-colored thrush, which was extremely restless and jumped around. Upon seeing Bai Wanlu, its emotions seemed to become even more agitated

Hui Ying sobbed softly and said, "I hope Sister Bai can speak on behalf of Hui Ying, otherwise, Hui Ying will be scolded to death by her beloved."

He got out of bed, turning his back to Bai Wanlu, with a hint of lightness in his tone: "It is true that I want to marry Wan'er, but of course, I must obtain Wan'er's consent. Well, starting tomorrow, you will be my noble consort. As for when to warm the bed and have babies, we will wait until Wan'er no longer resists me."

After Zhou Junyi left Lingxiu Palace, he kept fanning himself with his hand, exclaiming: "I am suffocating to death."

"Your servant... Your servant is present." Li Lianyi's voice trembled

Oh my! Who will come to save her?

Today, during the morning court session, Gu Ying mentioned that there was a way to inquire about why traps appeared in the encampment. Zhou Junyi believed that Gu Ying would provide him with the best answer

The most difficult dreams to cross, with you, I need not cross them

He does not see her often, but each time he encounters her, various kinds of birds always appear around her. This woman seems to have a significant background

Return to the sleeping quarters and wait for Gu Ying" said Zhou Junyi

Bai Wanlu shivered again and turned back to ask, "What is wrong with you now?"

In the quiet night, the palace of Lord Zhou Junyi is enveloped in a fragrant red hue

"Sixth Prince?" Bai Wanlu approached and asked, "What is wrong with you?"

Bai Wanlu was taken aback for a moment, then gritted her teeth and, with a faint sob, said: "That's not true! I never even thought about marrying you!"

After standing outside the sleeping quarters for a long time, he finally tidied his appearance and walked in

After the incident, he and all his subordinates unified their statements, not expecting that Gu Ying would take them to the enclosure to reenact what had happened that day

Zhou Junyi, in anger, flicked his sleeves, only to realize that the temperature on his face remained persistently hot.

I thought I was already prepared! Shu Yi's face turned pale, his fists clenched, creaking with tension

"It is ... ... it is ... ... I shall obey the command." When Li Lianyi stood up, her legs were still weak. Hui Ying supported her as they left, hearing the sound of her swallowing in fear.

"What Your Majesty says is indeed true," Gu Ying replied helplessly

Hui Ying patted her chest with relief and said, "Thank you, Sister Bai, thank you. Then I shall take my leave first."

Shu Guoyu said coldly: "I cannot save you, just stay at home obediently and wait to see what the monarch has to say"

Zhou Junyi finally relaxed, half-reclining on the pear blossom chair, smirking as he muttered to himself: "I wonder what the situation at the Shu family is like at this very moment"

For him, Bai Wanlu was merely a faint glimmer of light in his gray life, destined to be extinguished.

"You will know once you take a look." Li Lianyi quickly walked over and lifted the curtain at the resting area.

Zhou Yueling kissed Shu Mei's forehead, but his gaze remained fixed in the distance. He said: "Zhou Junyi has always harbored doubts about me, but he is just at a loss for evidence. If I am not mistaken, he will certainly transfer Shu Yi back to the Ministry of War, after all, he wants to see our fox tail."

However, after a moment, Zhou Junyi mischievously blinked and said, "I still have two memorials to review. You lie here well, and I will be back shortly."

Bai Wanlu smiled and suddenly took a step back, stepping onto the threshold. She held Zhou Junyi's head in her hands, embracing him in her arms. Then, with a tenderness akin to that of a mother, she gently stroked his hair and said: "Third Master, be good, let me pat your head, and all the unhappy things will fly away."

"What if I do not agree?" Bai Wanlu gave up struggling, letting her arms hang down, her head also deeply bowed.

"Your Majesty, what about the talented lady?" The small house saw Zhou Junyi stepping away and hurriedly followed after him

"Observe the changes quietly." Zhou Yueling revealed a charming smile

You have disturbed my mood; you should go back and reflect on it properly. If your reflection is not satisfactory, then do not go out.

Zhou Jingyuan looked at the white evening primrose among the flowers and asked Wang Qiu beside him, "Wang Qiu, what do you think of Miss Bai?"

Zhou Junyi did not respond

In that instant, the small house widened its eyes, and Zhou Junyi, buried in the embrace of Bai Wanlu, felt her face turn crimson. It was also at that moment that Zhou Junyi seemed to hear a strong heartbeat, a sound emanating from her own chest

He had indeed made all the preparations, originally intending to trap Zhou Junyi and then frame Zhou Jingyuan, but he never expected things would turn out this way

Bai Wanlu said helplessly: "You should avoid it for now, regarding Li Liangren, I will speak on your behalf later."

Observing Zhou Junyi's furrowed brow, Shu Mei took his hand and, in a playful tone, said: "Your Majesty, the ladies below are all charming and beautiful, is there not a single one that catches your eye? I have painstakingly searched for half a month, specifically selecting the most outstanding beauties for you. If you find none to your liking, the civil and military officials will surely blame me for not being virtuous and proper. Your Majesty..."

What shall we do next? Shu Mei asked

I miss you, so I came to see you. I originally intended to hide here and give you a scare, but I didn't expect you to have so many guests. " Zhou Junyi jumped down from the bed and waved her sleeves, saying, " Li Liangren.

Inside the house, Bai Wanlu heard a sound and hurried over to open the door. Upon seeing Zhou Junyi, she was about to pay her respects, but Zhou Junyi stopped her, saying: "No need for excessive formalities"

A solitary talent does not require a harem of three thousand beauties! Zhou Junyi interrupted Bai Wanlu's words, resembling a child dissatisfied with the arrangement of his life, as he grasped one of Bai Wanlu's hands and said, "I only wish to choose one person to grow old with; whoever desires the harem of three thousand beauties can take them, I do not want any of it"

In that moment, the seemingly invincible Zhou Junyi, who buried his thoughts deep within, revealed his charm to Bai Wanlu, showing her a side of him that was unknown to others

Bai Wanlu then realized that although Zhou Junyi was a ruler of a nation, there were many matters beyond his control. He possessed a coveted noble status, able to command respect and influence in the eyes of others, yet in reality, he did not even have the right to choose whom to love.

Bai Wanlu, perplexed and not understanding the situation, looked towards the small house, which curled its lip in response

The little house chuckled, "My dear lady, please do not be angry. Look who I have brought to meet you!"

Upon witnessing this scene, Zhou Jingyuan's gaze softened further as he remarked, "Miss Bai seems to share a deep connection with this bird."

Zhou Junyi furrowed his brows, rushed over to embrace Zhou Jingyuan, and glared at Bai Wanlu: "Besides me, you are not allowed to have any physical intimacy with other men"

Zhou Jingyuan shook his head and said, "Miss Bai is not suited to stay in the palace"

Many years ago, when Shu Yi was rescued from the cold pond by Zhou Yueling, he had been thinking of repaying Zhou Yueling by doing something for him. However, he did not expect that this time he would mess things up completely

"Wan'er is lying." Zhou Junyi still wore a calm and gentle expression as he said, "Wan'er is just upset that I treated you like those talented women. In fact, if I were to ask Wan'er properly, she might just agree to marry me."

Alright, now that there is nothing wrong, hasn't my Wan'er come to see me? Liu Xiaoyun gently wiped away the tears on Bai Wanlu's face, comforting her.

I respectfully bid farewell to Your Majesty, and I assure you that I will handle the matters of the harem well.

Zhou Junyi said with annoyance: "Wan'er, do you also think I should go to favor that Li Lianyi?"

"What are you shouting about?" Shu Guoyu walked into the room with a face full of anger and said, "If it weren't for your unilateral decision, how could Gu Ying have found this place?"

"Damn it, Lianyi." Li Lianyi hurriedly bowed her head to plead guilty

Bai Wanlu took a deep breath and looked towards the screen, only to see Zhou Jingyuan emerging with his upper body bare, leaning against the screen, his forehead glistening with beads of sweat

The favored beauty Li Lianyi, after bathing, was sent to the dragon bed, her body draped only in a light red gauze.

"Silly girl, I made you worry." Liu Xiaoyun said, gently stroking Bai Wanlu's head and holding her close with a heart full of tenderness

Having said this, he fell silent, turned the pages of the book, and began to read quietly

"Just as Your Majesty thought," Gu Ying said, "I brought back the subordinates of Shu Yi to the encampment, and they each demonstrated to me the situation of inspecting the dense forest on that day. As a result, we discovered more than one flaw.

I am truly fearful and trembling, thank you for your great kindness. Li Lianyi knelt on the ground

Your Excellency..." Fang was about to call for Your Excellency to arrive at the small house when Zhou Junyi signaled for him to be quiet, hurriedly swallowing his words back.

Bai Wanlu, unaware of the scheme, hurriedly withdrew her hand and said: "My husband is the master, and I am but a servant; how could I dare to be called 'sister'? Since Li, my husband, enjoys the rouge made for servants, I happen to have two extra boxes; I will go fetch them and present them to my husband."

"Hui Ying! Just as I said you were foolish, you got into trouble again!" Seeing her own maid so reckless, Li Lianyi was so angry that she slammed the table and stood up. Hui Ying was so frightened that she immediately knelt down and said, "My lord, please do not be angry. Hui Ying did not mean to. Hui Ying was just afraid that my lord would be thirsty."

Just as the joy was about to unfold, Zixiu suddenly knocked on the door and reported to the inner hall: "Your Highness, Miss Lianyi has returned"

With the matter of the encirclement coming to light, those who deserved to die have perished, and thus, the wronged shall naturally be set free

Zhou Yueling must be very disappointed in him

Gu Ying restrained his smile, and then a layer of tenderness enveloped his face: "Your Majesty, this strategy was actually devised by Miss Liu."

Indeed, it is related to Shu Yi?" Zhou Junyi mused, stroking his chin

Sigh. Zhou Junyi let out a breath and said, "Forget it, I will choose alone."

Shu Mei helped Li Lianyi up and said: "For now, I will not blame you. Come here, I have something to discuss with you."

Your Majesty ... ... " Shu Mei once again acted coyly

The entire court of civil and military officials dared not voice any dissent and could only congratulate His Majesty

In this way, Bai Wanlu was satisfied

Sister Yun! Bai Wanlu hurriedly got up and rushed over, throwing herself into Liu Xiaoyun's embrace, tears streaming down her face. "Sister Yun, I miss you so much, I finally get to see you."

"Very well! Now that you have become a good man, you must showcase your abilities and once again earn the favor of His Majesty! If you dare to mess it up again, do not blame me for being unable to keep you!" Shu Mei said angrily

Bai Wanlu, holding the waist seal, asked in confusion: "Your Majesty, why are you here?"

Zhou Junyi smiled and shook his head, saying: "If Gu Ying has feelings and Miss Liu has intentions, I will certainly take charge for you both"

Zhou Junyi's warm breath brushed against Bai Wanlu's lips, and he said: "But I want to marry Wan'er, and those people, I have never thought about..."

"Do not harm your sister any further, stay at home honestly. Fourth Master is already very angry." Shu Guoyu said earnestly as he pried open Shu Yi's hand.

"Your Majesty, please do not make jokes about Gu Ying." Gu Ying, the esteemed General of the State, suddenly lowered his head at that moment, revealing a bashful expression on his face

Bai Wanlu could not break free from his constraints and could only reluctantly say: "You are a sovereign of a nation; what kind of woman do you not desire? Without any regard for my opinion, you demand, 'Marry me.' Do you treat me the same as you do them?"

Waving his hand, Zhou Jingyuan said: "Miss, kindness knows no rank, so I hope you will not refer to yourself as a servant in my presence."

Shu Yi knelt weakly on the ground, a trace of regret creeping onto his cheeks

You ... ... '' Bai Wanlu gritted her teeth in anger, what does he mean by this, is he toying with her in circles

Oh? Bai Wanlu's friend?" Zhou Junyi asked curiously

Nowadays, marrying her is just as casual... What exactly does he consider her to be?

He knows that although he is a prince, he holds no real power and cannot interfere in the affairs of others

Wang Qiu felt that Sister Bai was different from the other sisters in the palace

Bai Wanlu smiled slightly: "Li Liangren, you flatter me. Li Liangren, please wait a moment, I will go fetch the rouge right away."

"Yes." Li Lianyi humbly bent down, leaning closer to Shu Mei, who whispered a plan in her ear

The fairy thrush reluctantly nudged its head against the fingers of the white evening reed before flying away from this place

Bai Wanlu angrily struck the bed with a fist, exclaiming, "This Zhou Junyi! How many faces does he have, after all?"

"It’s nothing, Li Liangren," Bai Wanlu said as she helped Hui Ying up. "I just happen to be going back to help Liangren get some rouge and to change my clothes in the process."

"Then can you let my sister save me?" Shu Yi clung to his father's thigh, as he truly wished to do something for the Shu family, to do something for his benefactor

Zhou Junyi patted Gu Ying on the shoulder, raised an eyebrow, and smiled, "You need to work hard too"

"It is not up to you." Zhou Junyi said

"Alright, alright, we won't part ways anymore," Liu Xiaoyun said with a smile

This matter has already been handled by Gu Ying; the substitute for the deceased is a prisoner who has committed a capital offense in the dungeon. Gu Ying has taken this into consideration

Looking at the cold and sarcastic smile on Gu Ying's face, Zhou Junyi set down the brush in his hand and asked, "How is it?"

Bai Wanlu raised her head and complained, "It's all those two guys' fault for keeping us apart for so long! I absolutely hate them!"

"Fourth Master, do not blame A Yi. A Yi has also noticed that the recent situation is not favorable and wants to lend you a hand." With her body completely bare, Shu Mei leaned against Zhou Yue Ling's embrace, her fingers tracing up his smooth chest

Zhou Jingyuan opened the cage, and the freed fairy eight-colored thrush immediately darted out. After flying in a circle high in the sky, it chirped and landed on Bai Wanlu's shoulder. Bai Wanlu gently poked its beak with a finger and said tenderly, "Go on, be careful, and don't let anyone catch you again in the future."

The young lady is making rouge.

At the end, Zhou Junyi suddenly stood up, unceremoniously hoisting Bai Wanlu onto his shoulder, and walked straight to the dragon throne, pressing Bai Wanlu beneath him and firmly pinning her hands on her head.

However, he is unable to provide any practical assistance to this faint light.

"White girl." Zhou Jingyuan quickly stepped forward

Zhou Junyi's expression softened, and he gently said: "So Wan'er is just blaming me for treating you the same as them"

Alas, I am but a man, and my perspective on women is nowhere near as profound as that of a beloved consort. To me, these women all appear equally beautiful, and I truly do not know how to choose.

"Where... where is it?" Bai Wanlu quickly put on her clothes and said, "I don't know what that is."

Your Majesty?" Bai Wanlu asked in surprise as she walked over, "What are you doing here?"

As she spoke, Hui Ying turned to leave, but just as she turned around, she was startled and exclaimed again

Bai Wanlu then realized that the sovereign was still the sovereign, no matter how he treated her, he remained the sovereign. Even when she was angry, she could not act out casually, because he was the sovereign

You..." Bai Wanlu was left speechless, and the serious and solemn gaze of Zhou Junyi made her feel somewhat alarmed

Gu Ying received the order and said: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, for having resolved the long-held concerns."

At the same time, Shu Yi was throwing a tantrum in the room, knocking the teapot and teacups off the table onto the floor, and roaring, "Why does he have the right to kill my people? Why?"

Bai Wanlu raised his head in anger, tears welling up in his eyes! How dare he act on his own accord? Is it simply because he is the sovereign? Clearly, it was he who bound her to the palace without her consent, and he even forced her to stay by his side.

Zhou Junyi shook his head and sighed, saying: "Lao Liu, come out."

At this moment, the noble consort Shu Mei of Zhou Junyi is lying in the arms of a man. The candlelight draws closer, revealing the man's face, which turns out to be the Fourth Prince of the Jiguo, Zhou Junyi's younger brother, Zhou Yueling

A woman with a gentle and delicate appearance walked out from the group of beautiful maidens, bowed slightly to Shu Mei, and said: "Noble Consort Shu"

"Ah, I am disliked again," Zhou Junyi said helplessly to Gu Ying at the Moon Gate

Zhou Junyi let out a cold laugh and said, "She doesn't have the courage; there are people behind her instigating her."

Hmph, isn't it quite obvious who the Shu family supports? By the way, how did you deal with Shu Yi's subordinates?

Bai Wanlu was taken aback and hurriedly turned her head to look. Liu Xiaoyun, dressed in a blue outfit, stepped up the stairs and leaned against the door frame, gazing at Bai Wanlu

Li Lianyi knelt on the ground, clearly explaining the ins and outs of the incident. Shu Mei looked at her coldly and said: "If you lack ability, even if you get into bed with someone, you won't gain anything!"

The little house busily covered its head, grinning foolishly: "Why does the empress throw cups just like the monarch?"

Zhou Junyi realized that he had developed feelings for Bai Wanlu, and it had become uncontrollable

Gu Ying further stated: "Shu Yi's actions this time must have been instigated by someone, but Gu Ying does not dare to make rash judgments about who the mastermind is"

The spring colors are still vibrant, and the royal city is filled with a sense of flourishing prosperity

Bai Wanlu looked at Zhou Junyi's reaction in surprise and asked, "Are you shy?"

Oh dear, sister! I apologize!" That girl hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe the water for Bai Wanlu

Thank you, Your Majesty, but Gu Ying will not force Miss Liu

"Go back, I still have state affairs to attend to." Zhou Junyi waved his sleeve

Zhou Junyi raised his head, his gaze cold: "As a sovereign of a nation, do I still need to seek your opinion on marrying a concubine?"

"By the way, since someone around Shu Yi suddenly 'died', there must be someone who really dies for him to see," Zhou Junyi reminded Gu Ying

"Will the Sixth Prince repay the servant's kindness?" Bai Wanlu suddenly changed the subject

Zhou Junyi knocked on the door and called out: "Wan'er."

Zhou Junyi lingered outside the palace chamber, sighing repeatedly. The small room understood Zhou Junyi's thoughts and could only accompany him in his sighs: "Your Majesty, it is time to retire for the night"

However, Zhou Junyi, who remained here, let out a heavy sigh. That group of people actually extended their claws towards Wan'er, and as a result, Wan'er is likely to be in danger.

Zhou Junyi smiled with a hint of meaning: "Just a few days ago, I mentioned that you should start a family, and now it seems that you are not far from doing so."

Zhou Junyi's gaze remained fixed on Bai Wanlu, observing as she gritted her teeth and frantically wiped her eyes with her sleeve, her face filled with unwillingness

Bai Wanlu, still shaken, used the clothes she had changed out of to cover her body, and after a long while, she blankly said: "It's... it's fine."

Lonely wants to see her

Li Lianyi had a mysterious look and asked, "Miss Wan'er, you wouldn't have hidden a man in your room, would you?"

Watching Zhou Junyi flee in a panic, Bai Wanlu crossed her arms and said, "Quite adorable."

Bai Wanlu had not yet had the chance to speak when a waft of fragrance brushed by, and a long-missed voice sounded at the door: "Wan'er—"

"Speak and let me listen." Zhou Yueling finally turned her gaze to Shu Mei.

Li Lianyi waved her sleeve to dismiss them, leaving only Bai Wanlu alone. She feigned familiarity as she took Bai Wanlu's hand and said, "Sister, I heard that you delivered some rouge to the ladies yesterday, and the color is exquisite. Seeing how much the ladies adore it, I would also like to ask you for a box to use. I wonder if you would be willing to oblige?"

Hui Ying covered her mouth with one hand and pointed to the place where Bai Wanlu lay with the other, saying: "There is a person lying there!"

"Miss Wan'er, I sincerely apologize," Li Lianyi said with a sense of guilt

The atmosphere at Mingyue Xiang is particularly pleasant; on that day, it seemed as if the sunlight favored this place even more.

Bai Wanlu turned around and, upon seeing Zhou Jingyuan, performed a bow and said: "Your Highness, the Sixth Prince"

Gu Ying smiled and waved his hand: "Gu Ying is not as good as Your Majesty."

Zhou Junyi could not help but reveal a satisfied smile: "With Gu Ying around, everything is well taken care of."

Passing through the palace walls and deep alleys, Zhou Junyi arrived at Bai Wanlu's residence—Mingyue Xiang. The night was already deep, yet the lights in Mingyue Xiang were still brightly lit

Shu Mei got up and leaned close to Zhou Yue Ling's ear

Bai Wanlu smiled and said, "It is only right for me to save His Royal Highness the Sixth Prince. Your esteemed status is such that I cannot bear this burden."

The chief eunuch brought forth the placards of the talented women, and Zhou Junyi looked at the twenty displayed placards. As he casually flipped through them, he came across a name: "Li Lianyi".

Zhou Junyi left behind a remark: "Let her wait."

Is that so? Zhou Yueling raised the corners of her mouth, and the image of Bai Wanlu resurfaced in her mind

The following early morning

"You... do you want to marry me?" Bai Wanlu, who was serving Zhou Junyi, was so startled that she dropped the plate in her hand.

"Hey, my lord, the little house's lady!" The little house cheerfully ran in from outside and respectfully bowed to Bai Wanlu, saying, "I am the servant of the little house, paying my respects to the noble concubine."

Zhou Jingyuan was taken aback for a moment, then he smiled. He took the cage from Wang Qiu's hands and looked at the beautiful fairy thrush inside. He said, "A few days ago, I thought it was beautiful and wanted to keep it by my side to admire. Later, I felt that this little creature was too pitiful being kept in a cage, so I planned to let it free today. I didn't expect that Miss Bai had the same thought as I did."

At this moment, the quiet night has truly become desolate.

Bai Wanlu looked at him with a sense of gloom, then stood up and said, "I will go find Wang Qiu"

Scratching his head, Bai Wanlu said: "Since ancient times, it has been a common occurrence for the sovereign to have three thousand beauties in the harem, therefore ... ... "

Yes. Bai Wanlu bowed slightly.

On the way back to the sleeping quarters, the little house laughed all the way, infuriating Zhou Junyi to the point of stamping his feet, saying: "Little house, you are still laughing! Get lost!"

Bai Wanlu embraced Liu Xiaoyun and said in a spoiled tone, "Whoever dares to separate us again, Wan'er will not spare them with her fists!"

The Sixth Prince raised his weak gaze towards Zhou Junyi. Zhou Junyi said, "My people saw someone sneaking in with a burlap sack into your room. I was worried that something might happen, so I came in to take a look, and I found the Sixth lying on your bed in this state. You, girl, have been set up and still do not realize it."

This is what Gu Ying should do

Zhou Jingyuan also greeted Bai Wanlu, saying: "Miss, there is no need for excessive courtesy; you are my lifesaver"

Suddenly, Zhou Junyi released his hand and slowly climbed up from Bai Wanlu's body

Fortunately, those few individuals did not betray Shu Yi, but given the circumstances, Zhou Junyi and Gu Ying will certainly have their suspicions about Shu Yi. After all the effort Shu Yi put into reaching the Ministry of War, it is imperative that this minor issue does not lead to a complete failure!

Zhou Junyi turned Bai Wanlu's face to face him, suddenly leaning in close to her, and at once, Bai Wanlu's entire body became rigid as if she had been struck by a pressure point

Zhou Junyi looked at Bai Wanlu's stubborn eyes and the tears that slipped past the corners of her eyes, and softly asked: "Are you very unwilling to marry me, Wan'er?"