Chapter 5, Meeting Again

"You have no choice but to trust me." Chen Wen'an suddenly stepped forward, exhaling a breath of warm air near Wang Qingjun's lips, and whispered, "Does it still hurt?"

Wang Qingjun allowed the grapes to receive the reward, opened the box to take a look, her eyes sparkling, and said to Eunuch Cao: "There is no need for you to say more, I understand everything. Thank you for the grace of Her Majesty the Empress!"

Wang Qingjun stared wide-eyed in astonishment, "Is this possible?"

The consul observed that the Xiangyun Hall was quiet and said, "It is now late at night, and it is impossible to summon anyone to serve you. I kindly ask you to make do for one night. Once the imperial decree is issued tomorrow morning, there will be palace maids and eunuchs to attend to you."

"How to earn money?" Upon hearing these words, Wang Qingjun found them to be very profound and could not help but fix her gaze on Ye Susu

Wang Qingjun's appearance resembles that of her mother, Madam Shang. She has delicate brows and a pair of autumn-like eyes that glisten when she looks at others, complemented by her fair and tender skin, which is so soft that it seems to break upon a gentle touch. When she cries, there is an additional allure to her.

Ye Susu smiled and said: "Why not? After the Emperor fell seriously ill, his actions became completely erratic. After deposing the Empress, he would certainly be capable of reinstating another. " Wang Qingjun has no children, no power, and no supporters. If she were to be granted the title of Empress, she could only rely on Consort Sun Shuxi, and they could only assist the Crown Prince in vying for the throne, thus creating a path for both of them.

The consul smiled and said: "The Emperor has conferred the title of a third-rank noblewoman upon the beautiful Wang, and tomorrow the imperial edict will be issued. This sister will have to change her address to 'noble lady' then."

My dear!

As the voice echoed, a female official entered the hall. Upon seeing the grape, the official stopped and said: "By the order of the noble Consort Shufei, I seek an audience with Lady Wang. Please inform the matron."

Su Su

Chen Wen'an released his hand, adjusted Wang Qingjun's posture, with one hand supporting her waist and the other hand helping to wipe her tears, while saying: "It is you who bullied me, not me who bullied you, so why are you crying?"

Wang Qingjun's attempt was unsuccessful, and this time she was truly heartbroken, tears streaming down her face. After a night filled with fear and anxiety, having narrowly escaped with her life, she now had to endure various threats again

She was crying when she suddenly heard footsteps, and without thinking, she ran forward, shouting: "Miss, Miss!"

The grape was sent out by Lord Cao, and just as Wang Qingjun was about to stand up, a shadow flashed by the window. A person leaped in and, before Wang Qingjun could scream, had already covered her mouth and said: "Don't shout!"

The ten skilled maidens summoned to the palace today were taken away one after another to serve in the emperor's chambers, and none returned. Although Grape harbored a glimmer of hope, after waiting for a full hour, she too began to feel anxious

Wang Qingjun waited for Chen Wen'an to lower his head, and had already reached out to strike at the back of Chen Wen'an's neck. Having barely survived, she could not allow this person to threaten her again and fall into danger once more. Her life still needed to be preserved to avenge her father and brothers

Chen Wenfeng heard a sound, pushed Wang Qingjun, then turned around, using his left hand to block, while his right hand employed an unknown technique to seize the grape. At the same time, he extended his leg to trip the grape, causing it to fall to the ground. He then stepped on the grape, making it roll a few times, before jumping onto the window. Turning back to Wang Qingjun, he said: "Follow my instructions, otherwise, you will bear the consequences"

He is the nephew of the Empress, Chen Wen'an" Wang Qingjun replied with a pained expression

Is this teasing or concern? Wang Qingjun pondered over Chen Wen'an's words and actions, her eyes reddening, lips pouting, tears streaming down her face, she choked out: "It hurts so much!"

Ye Susu's father, Ye Zhenben, was a military general who had a friendship with Wang Qi, and the two families maintained occasional contact. Later, due to certain matters, Ye Zhenben was convicted, and Ye Susu became a palace maid. Ye Susu was quite intelligent, and after entering the palace, she quickly became a capable female official by the side of Consort Sun Shufei, earning her great favor.

Then I will speak frankly. Ye Susu looked at Wang Qingjun and said formally: Since you have successfully served the Emperor, you are now one of his women. Regardless of whether you are willing or not, you can no longer escape the disputes within the palace. Now that the Emperor is gravely ill and the position of Crown Prince has not been established, the Noble Consort hopes that you will stand by her side and assist the First Prince in obtaining the imperial edict. As long as the First Prince ascends to the throne, you will be a meritorious minister, and the Noble Consort and the First Prince will not treat you unfairly.

"Why should I trust you?" Wang Qingjun said

Grape found the voice of the female official somewhat familiar, and could not help but feel puzzled. She quickly invited the female official inside and said to Wang Qingjun: "Miss, she is someone sent by Empress Shu."

Ye Susu fell silent for a moment before saying: "Once the Third Prince ascends to the throne, the Empress will undoubtedly not let you off."

Who is Sun Shufei? What brings you here so late? Wang Qingjun was taken aback, but smiled and said: "Please come in quickly!"

Wang Qingjun gasped in shock, hurriedly went to help the grape, and asked: "Are you hurt?"

Since they were acquaintances, Ye Susu no longer observed formalities. She sat beside Wang Qingjun and sighed, "It has been six years since we last met; I almost didn't recognize you."

While at the Sanqing Hall, Chen Wen'an personally experienced the fierce demeanor of Wang Qingjun at that moment. Unexpectedly, Wang Qingjun suddenly began to cry, her face resembling a pear blossom in the rain, transforming into a delicate and fragile figure, which startled him. In a moment of impulse, he reached out to lift her chin and gently asked, "Where does it hurt?"

The grape did not care about the status of the noble; it helped Wang Qingjun down from the palanquin, holding her tightly and not letting go. It then reached out to touch Wang Qingjun's face and ears, confirming that she was whole and unharmed, before finally feeling at ease.

"How can I not be treated unfairly?" Wang Qingjun said with a bitter smile, "I was living well, suddenly summoned to the palace, and nearly lost my life. After barely saving my life, now you come to persuade me to engage in activities that could easily cost me my life?"

"I am fine, don't cry." Wang Qingjun embraced Putao, patting her back to comfort her, while her own eyes turned red, holding back tears.

The two of them reminisced for a while, and Wang Qingjun could no longer hold back, directly saying: "Sususu, just speak your mind!"

I take a look! Chen Wen'an lifted Wang Qingjun's collar, leaned down to examine her collarbone, and was astonished to see the bruises of various shades. Is the injury this severe?

The court lady Ye Susu and Wang Qingjun had a brief encounter, and both exclaimed in surprise at the same time

Chen Wen'an observed that Wang Qingjun had calmed down before releasing his grip. He then grasped her chin, lifted her face, and said: "How do you intend to repay the life-saving grace from tonight?"

Upon hearing the name Chen Wen'an, Putao could not help but exclaim, "So he is the prospective son-in-law, Chen Siyi."

The Empress Dowager has decreed to bestow two pearls and two pieces of jadeite upon Noble Consort Wang. ... Therefore, Master Cao should not persuade or tempt, but first have someone present the rewards.

The female official entered the inner chamber with grapes, bowed, and said: "Ye Susu has come with the Empress Shu's decree to see Lady Wang."

Wang Qingjun sat in the palanquin, hearing the shouts of "grapes," feeling as if she had narrowly escaped death. Overwhelmed with mixed emotions, she also called out, "Grapes, I am here."

Ye Susu took a deep breath and said softly: "When you next serve the Emperor in bed, request him to issue an edict to depose the Empress and appoint you as the new Empress."

Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency." Wang Qingjun turned back to express her gratitude, watching the consul depart before finally leaning on the hand of the grapevine to enter the hall

Lord Cao saw Ye Susu coming out of Wang Qingjun's chamber, and his expression changed slightly, realizing that he had indeed arrived too late. However, he quickly regained his composure and observed Ye Susu's expression; she seemed not to have succeeded after all

Grape shook her head and said, "No." As she looked at the windowsill and saw no trace of Chen Wen'an, she then asked, "Miss, who is he?"

Wang Qingjun shuddered and asked, "What do you want to do?"

Ye Susu, upon hearing Wang Qingjun's words and recalling their previous relationship, said: "If you do not trust Empress Shu, then you must carve out a path for yourself."

As soon as the master and servant took their seats in the hall, they heard a eunuch outside proclaiming: "The noble consort of the Fragrant Brocade Hall has sent someone to inquire after Lady Wang."

In the silence, a heart like a grape sank deeply, but within the palace, it was unripe. Aside from Li Songbai, there was no one else to turn to. In that moment, I could no longer hold back and began to choke with sobs

"Master Cao from Qingning Palace requests an audience!" The voice of the eunuch outside grew louder.

"How could I bear to kill you?" Chen Wen'an raised his handsome face and said, "If the plan succeeds, I will find a way to send you out of the palace."

This is the sentiment of Her Majesty the Empress! Chief Eunuch Cao was quite pleased and, after bowing, said: "In that case, I shall no longer disturb Your Excellency. You have worked hard tonight, so it is advisable to rest early"

"Qing Jun, Grape!" Ye Susu, illuminated by the candlelight, clearly saw the appearances of Wang Qingjun and Grape, and could only widen her mouth in astonishment, saying: "It is actually you!"

The palanquin came to a stop in front of the palace, and the grapes had already rushed forward, tightly embracing Wang Qingjun, saying: "It is good that you have returned, Miss." As she spoke, tears fell like rain.

My whole body hurts!" Wang Qingjun sobbed.

Wang Qingjun gazed intently at Chen Wen'an and softly said, "Once the imperial edict is in hand, you will kill me, won't you?"

Chen Wen'an heard the sound of wind behind his neck, suddenly bent down, half-squatting, and with a swift kick, swept at Wang Qingjun's ankle. Then, he reached out and caught Wang Qingjun, who was falling to the ground, gripping her by the neck. He stood up and said: "Are you trying to murder your husband so soon?"

The Xiangyun Hall was originally inhabited by the beautiful maidens, but it has been vacant for several years. Only today did it welcome ten skilled maidens, which brought some liveliness to the place. However, due to the haste of the situation, no attendants were assigned to serve them. As a result, after the eunuchs carried away the ten skilled maidens, the entire hall was unexpectedly left with only Grape.

I am merely a minor concubine, having entered the palace not long ago, with no foundation whatsoever. Why would Her Majesty the Empress wish to harm me? Moreover, now that the Crown Prince has ascended the throne, does that mean Consort Sun will definitely let me off? Wang Qingjun retorted. In just one day in the palace, all she encountered were ruthless individuals who would devour a person without leaving a bone. If she thought that Consort Sun was a good person, then she must be out of her mind

As the grapes sent away the eunuch Cao, thinking that Wang Qingjun had been restless all night and must be tired, they lightened their footsteps and quietly returned to the dormitory. Just as they reached the door of the dormitory, they heard Wang Qingjun's sobbing. Just as they were about to speak, they suddenly heard another man's voice from inside the room, which startled them greatly. Without thinking, they lifted the curtain and rushed in, demanding, "Who are you?" As they spoke, they had already reached out to grab Chen Wen'an's back.

Wang Qingjun had just heard the name Ye Susu, which sounded familiar, but he did not think much of it. When he finally came face to face with her, he saw that she had slender eyebrows and thin lips, with a slightly darker complexion, yet she exuded a certain charm. It was none other than his childhood friend Ye Susu, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"Hehe, those who should come have all arrived!" Ye Susu stood up and said, "Eunuch Cao is a person of the Empress, and since he has come, I should take my leave. Please consider my words carefully. Even if it is not for Concubine Shu, I would still wish for you to have a way out."

Wang Qingjun was about to bite the other person's hand, but upon hearing the voice of Chen Wen'an, she ceased her struggle

Chen Wen'an curled the corner of his lips and said: "Next time you serve the emperor at night, bring in the spring pill to enchant him to the point of distraction, and then coax him into writing a will. Let him pass the throne to the Third Prince, and that will be sufficient"