Section 2

Xiao Qi also stared at those phoenix-like eyes, clearly seeing the mockery within them

A single extra chess piece can also disrupt the rhythm

Xiao Qi hurriedly reached out to support her

I see. Liu Yu finally steadied his mind, though his gaze remained uncertain and suspicious

Liu Yu finally smiled: "After all, she is not Yue Xi Luo, I am fine."

Yan Chu made a sound of "hm" and continued to observe the surroundings

The commoner woman obeys the command

The concubine turned her face away: "Your Majesty has a new favorite, how can you still pay attention to this humble servant?"

Xiao Qidao: "I will indulge her a little."

Facing the results before her, Yan Chu was very satisfied

"Everything is at Your Majesty's discretion," Yan Chu appropriately lowered her head and said, "This humble woman truly does not recognize the Duke of Ding, so why must the Duke insist?"

"Yes, Yue Xiluo has long been dead, it is impossible for her to return," Liu Yu murmured to herself, seemingly trying to comfort herself. Then, in a panic, she said, "But she looks too much like her, you feel guilty towards Yue Xiluo, which is why you want her..."

With Xiao Qi present, Yi Ru did not dare to assert her authority over the maidservants as she usually did, but only intensified her tone slightly: "According to the rules of the household, one should pay respects to the madam."

Liu Yu anxiously pleaded, "Why not send her away, giving her to the Southern King?"

The Flame Emperor gestured for her to rise: "How did you manage to come out?"

Seeing Yan standing there without any reaction, the maid in charge, Yi Ru, reminded her: "This is Madam."

As the goose had just entered the residence, her status was yet to be determined, and she was unsure of what etiquette to follow. The corners of the goose's mouth slightly lifted, "Forcing a woman is already inappropriate; does the prince still expect me to perform the duties of a servant?"

In the end, Yue Xiluo is indeed the legitimate wife he has married, and with the shared wife of the monarch and his subjects, as steady as Xiao Qi, it is difficult to tolerate the Yunze family becoming the subject of such ridicule. Even though he knows he has been set up, he still enters the palace to demand someone, bearing the reputation of overstepping. These minor matters, once embellished by the mouths of many, are enough to deliver another blow to the sensitive relationship between the monarch and his subjects.

Noticing that he seemed to have no dissatisfaction, the shadow concubine began to act coyly, releasing him and saying: "I shall not hinder Your Majesty's good affairs, I will return to the palace first"

The surroundings were enveloped in silence, as Xiao Qi held the dazed Liu Yu and softly said, "You need not worry, I am here."

This woman has played too many tricks. In recent years, countless beauties have entered the palace, and without exception, those who stand out have encountered misfortune. As the supreme ruler of the Yan Kingdom, observing everything without any intention to intervene, is keeping a venomous beauty by one's side to watch her perform her acts not also a form of amusement

Yan Chu obediently followed Xiao Qi out of the palace and took a carriage back to the residence. The Duke's residence was built on the former site of the Qingyun Marquis's residence, in the same location, yet the scale and grandeur were entirely different. After a hundred years, whether by design or coincidence, the servants and maids in the residence had all changed, and no one recognized the former princess, naturally leading to no one paying attention to who resembled whom, although there were many astonished gazes.

A woman stirs up trouble out of personal grievances, yet this is insufficient to influence judgment. Currently, the power she has newly cultivated is far from being able to compete with the Southern King, and it is essential to win over Xiao Qi. As for which choice would better maintain the glory and status of the Yunze clan, Xiao Qi will understand on his own. In the present situation of mutual restraint with the Southern King, he cannot take any significant action; it is merely a matter of mutual concessions between ruler and subject. If he were to act rashly, it would provoke dissatisfaction from the Yue army, leading to complications.

Yan Chu could only respond in agreement and then withdrew with Xiao Qi

Liu Yu had long heard that Xiao Qi had returned to the residence, and she specifically waited at the back garden gate. Upon seeing him, she approached him. Xiao Qi glanced at Yan Chu beside him and merely nodded at her.

The white stone path is lined with flowers and trees, winding around the corridor. Approaching from the end of the walkway are several palace maidens escorting a beautifully dressed consort. This consort is exceptionally young and beautiful, with snow-white skin and a slender waist. Her face resembles a hibiscus, with delicate brows and enchanting eyes that conceal a hint of ruthlessness. Her high-arched chin exudes pride, and at this moment, she is striding towards us with a face full of anger

A cold smile flickered in his eyes as the Flame Emperor impatiently raised his hand: "There is a reason for this matter, and he cannot be blamed this time. You two need not say more; I have my own reasons."

The Flame Emperor paused in silence and then smiled: "How could I disappoint you for the sake of a woman?" He looked at Yan Chu and said: "The Duke has been missing his late wife, and he is moved because your appearance closely resembles that of the deceased queen. Today, I shall grant you to him, how does that sound?"

This woman is both intelligent and cunning, differing from the person in his memory, which has made him somewhat uncertain

Liu Yu understood and embraced his waist: "It is I who have implicated you"

The Flame Emperor gazed deeply at Yan Chuqing and said: "Ding Wang is a crucial minister to me; you must serve him diligently and alleviate my worries."

"Miss Yan Chu is an esteemed guest, there is no need for excessive formalities," Xiao Qi finally spoke, instructing Yi Ru, "Take Miss Yan Chu to the Maple Garden to settle in, and arrange for someone to attend to her needs properly"

The attendant hurriedly greeted her as "Your Highness the Shadow Concubine," and the Shadow Concubine also bowed in return.

"Yuer!" Xiao Qi interrupted her, "How could I be so foolish?"

Without a veil to conceal her, her beauty is fully revealed. Even though the Emperor has seen countless beauties in the harem of three thousand, he is still taken aback, and after a long pause, he finally speaks: "The Duke has requested you for me, what are your thoughts on this?"

After the two of them left, Flame Emperor finally walked back to the inner palace. Seeing his expression gradually turn cold and somber, the attendants dared not make a sound

"He actually asked His Majesty for someone?" the Shadow Concubine hurriedly said, "I heard that he visited the Southern King last night; Your Majesty must pay attention to this matter."

Mentioning the past, the shadowy concubine appeared somewhat uneasy and quickly changed the subject

Yiru agreed, and Yan Chu did not express her gratitude, following along.

Yan Chuxiao said: "Does the new madam also know the princess?"

The Flame Emperor smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist: "I shall return with you."

Seeing his unusual expression, the Shadow Concubine quickly suppressed her anger, supporting his arm and reproaching him: "I have heard that the Southern King has presented a renowned beauty, and I was just about to go and take a look, but I did not expect that she has already been summoned by Your Majesty"

Xiao Qi seemed not to hear: "I humbly request Your Majesty to bestow your grace."

It is not the season of red maple leaves; the newly sprouted leaves are green and tender, which indeed catches the eye. The entire maple garden is filled with greenery and vitality. Judging by the rust on the gate, this place has been vacant for many years, but fortunately, it was not demolished during the expansion of the royal residence

Xiao Qi paid his respects: "I thank Your Majesty for your grace, and I take my leave."

Rest assured, the Flame Emperor said lightly, I have already bestowed her upon the Duke of Ding.

Her face was pale, and Liu Yu anxiously shifted her gaze towards Xiao Qi, who held her hand and said in a deep voice: "This is Miss Yan Chu, a gift from His Majesty"

Xiao Qidao: "Our wedding is too extravagant, General Lu Shan is extremely dissatisfied, and General Wu and the others hold him in the highest regard, so I cannot leave without making a gesture"

Noticing that he was not as affectionate as usual, Liu Yu first felt puzzled, and then her expression changed drastically. She stared fixedly at Yan Chu, nearly losing her balance, her voice trembling: "She... she is..."

Before long, a beautiful woman in white indeed approached, accompanied by her attendant

If she truly is the setting sun, then she is his first wife, his queen. How could he allow her to pay respects to a concubine? She had long anticipated this victory

The Shadow Concubine, understanding the situation, restrained her temper, took his arm again, and, suppressing her joy, said, "There is no merit to speak of, so what is there to reward? I see that he is becoming increasingly audacious, relying on His Majesty's favor."

The confidant attendant beside him seized the opportunity to interject: "Indeed, just a moment ago, he entered the palace to request His Majesty to bestow the new beauty upon him. Although His Majesty is considerate of his subordinates, the ruler is the ruler, and the minister is the minister. Since ancient times, it has only been the case that His Majesty grants favors and rewards; how can a minister take the initiative to request someone? If this were to spread, it would be a breach of propriety"

Upon seeing Xiao Qi, Yan Chu subtly curved her lips and stepped forward to perform a kneeling salute

The Flame Emperor's mood improved, and he casually remarked: "What a coincidence, it is said that this woman bears a striking resemblance to the late Princess Consort of the Ding Kingdom"

Flame Emperor raised an eyebrow: "Oh?"

Even if he is not a servant, it is unlikely that his status could surpass that of the lady. All the maids and servants looked at Xiao Qi, and seeing that he showed no sign of anger, they were even more astonished