High-class Spring Joy

Song Yoon-ah's words immediately attracted the attention of many young ladies from wealthy families.

Jiang Qingge, in particular, had a gaze as sharp as a knife fixed on Song Yun'er, as if she wanted to shave a layer of skin off Song Yun'er.

Not to mention the girls next to Jiang Qingge, who all seemed to be very familiar with Song Yun'er.

Many young ladies from prominent families showed displeasure or disdain when they saw that it was Song Yoon-ah who spoke.

Zhou Xianxian glanced at Jiang Qingge's expression beside her, then sneered, "I didn't know that Miss Song Wu would like this embroidery? In the entire Bianjing City, everyone knows that Miss Song Wu is a good-for-nothing. She may be good at everything, but she's completely clueless about needlework and embroidery. For Miss Song Wu to appreciate such embroidery shows that it's truly ordinary. I think we should just give it to Miss Song Wu instead of fighting over it. Otherwise, if we try to take it from her, we'll only earn a reputation for bullying the weak. It's really not worth it to gain such a reputation for such a piece of embroidery."

Pear's words were sarcastic and unsettling, and almost every young lady present knew this. Upon hearing them, they all twitched their lips and revealed smiles that were neither friendly nor pleasant.

No one said a word for Song Yun'er. Just as Qinghe was about to speak to ease the atmosphere, Song Yun'er, who was usually timid and afraid to speak, smiled instead.

Song Yun'er smiled as she looked at the pear that had mocked her: "Sister Zhou, what you said is really inappropriate. Everyone in Bianjing City knows my reputation. I truly know nothing about embroidery, let alone the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I'm sure you're not surprised, and you all know this, so naturally you won't be surprised at all. But I'm a little puzzled by what you said, Sister Zhou. You're saying that only someone like me, who knows nothing about embroidery, would like this portrait? If I remember correctly… I wasn't the first one to bid?"

Song Yun'er's words made most of the ladies seem like they were just watching the show and didn't intend to get involved. However, Pear in front of her immediately changed her expression and realized what was going on.

Because the first bidder was not Song Yun'er, but Jiang Qingge, who was next to the pear.

The call was originally meant for Peach. Monkey shifted the blame, dragging Jiang Qingge into the mess. If Pear doesn't change her tune or react, does that mean Jiang Qingge is also someone she claims is unfamiliar with as an embroidery worker?

Pear instinctively looked anxiously at Jiang Qingge's reaction and expression, afraid that Jiang Qingge might show some bad signs, and hurriedly tried to say something.

To everyone's surprise, Jiang Qingge didn't get angry but instead smiled, her smile growing even calmer as she looked at Song Yun'er and said, "Look at what Fifth Sister Song said, those words are rather hurtful. Regardless of the quality of this embroidery, whether it meets the expectations of all the sisters, or whether it will satisfy everyone, at least... Qinghe and I have known each other for a long time and can be considered friends. Naturally, I can't bear to see Qinghe in such an awkward situation. No matter the quality of the embroidery, just out of friendship, I will naturally offer this price. Besides, there are so many sisters here, many of whom love embroidery, and quite a few have seen Qinghe's embroidery before. I'm just throwing out an idea to get the ball rolling; I'm waiting for the sisters to raise their bids."

Jiang Qingge's words were watertight, subtly silencing Song Yun'er's words while also expressing her own stance. To outsiders, it seemed as if Jiang Qingge and Qinghe had a very good relationship.

Song Yun'er's smile remained unchanged, still as calm and composed as ever: "Sister Jiang Qingge is absolutely right. We're just throwing out an idea to get the ball rolling, waiting for everyone to like it. You can certainly raise the price, but if no one likes it, then consider it a great bargain for me to have bought such a fine embroidery for only thirteen taels. As for the quality of this embroidery, I think it goes without saying. At least Qinghe's embroidery skills are beyond doubt. Many of you sisters have seen it and know about it, and it's understandable that some of you might be skeptical. This embroidery may seem ordinary now, but since the proprietress has already guaranteed that it will amaze us when it's revealed, then it all depends on individual preferences and whether you're willing to take the gamble."

Song Yoon-ah's words brought the focus of the scene back to the embroidery, causing all the young ladies to once again turn their attention to the embroidery in front of them.

This embroidery is actually of very high quality, with tight and neat stitches, not a single loose thread in sight, and the embroidered pattern is incredibly lifelike. The butterflies and flowers seem almost alive, full of charm, and the needlework used is also extremely exquisite, showing that it took the embroiderer a great deal of time.

The reputation that Hongxiuzhao had previously built was so great that even the Empress Dowager praised it highly. The advantage of this method was that it could spread Qinghe's fame in a very short time, and it was based on real events, not falsehoods. Even if the Empress Dowager came, it could still be promoted with great fanfare.

The downside is that the fact that even the Empress Dowager praised it so highly raises everyone's expectations to an extremely high level. Ordinary people already have very high expectations, let alone these young ladies from noble families who have seen the world and seen many good things.

If you only look at Qinghe's embroidery, it is indeed an extremely fine piece, but it is naturally slightly inferior in the face of the infinitely inflated expectations in the hearts of this group of people.

Seeing that none of the young ladies present were bidding higher, Jiang Qingge was delighted. With a smile on her face, she glanced at Qinghe beside her without making a sound.

Seeing that Qinghe's expression remained unchanged, a cold glint flashed in Jiang Qingge's eyes, but her face still wore a perfectly measured smile: "Fifteen taels."

Ju Zi's eyebrows twitched, and she noticed the strange expression that flashed across Jiang Qingge's face. Her eyes were cold as she looked at Jiang Qingge. Of course, the woman understood that today's move was Jiang Qingge's doing, and she was just being used as a pawn.

Ju Zi wasn't quite sure what kind of grudges existed between Jiang Qingge and Qing He. She forgot to ask Qing He about it, and who would have thought that Qing He and Jiang Qingge had a connection?

Based on Ju Zi's understanding of Qing He, Qing He doesn't seem like someone who would actively cause trouble. Rather, it's Jiang Qing Ge. Judging from this incident, whether it's her speech, actions, or her control over people and pears, she's clearly not someone to be trifled with. So, after observing this small incident, Ju Zi is already biased towards Qing He.

Moreover, Orange and Green Grass are business partners. Putting aside their personal relationship, they are still business partners, and the most basic trust between business partners should exist, otherwise they cannot cooperate.

At this point, Jiang Qingge raised the price again, and the ladies present, who hadn't spoken or raised their prices before, fell even more silent.

Firstly, the atmosphere on the field was delicate; secondly, the embroidery did not meet their expectations in their eyes; and thirdly, it was only to give Jiang Qingge face.

It's obvious to everyone that this is a dispute between Jiang Qingge and Song Yun'er, yet no one is willing to get involved.

"Why are you trembling without her?" he sneered, then his gaze lingered on her face. "What a pity, such a beautiful face is no longer in Yikun Palace."

As she spoke, her chin was raised even higher, forcing Qinghe to meet his eyes, and a chill instantly spread through her.

His gaze was like that of a giant python lurking in the night, eyeing its favorite prey. Even the sandalwood scent that filled her nostrils felt like a glistening, red snake tongue constantly darting over her body.

Even though there wasn't much physical contact, she felt as if he had imprisoned her.

His eyes were exactly the same as when we first met in my previous life.

It's the way a man looks at a woman—dark and extremely aggressive.

In her previous life, she didn't know how to take advantage of things. She only felt that being noticed by the eunuch was not a good thing, so she tried her best to avoid trouble.

But in this life, she is determined to steal her elder sister's support and compete with her properly!

Qinghe swallowed hard. "Does Your Majesty like this face of mine?"

Her words were cryptic, but the person in front of her understood them instantly.

The next moment, her neck was completely in his large hand, and with just a little force, he could easily break her slender, fair neck.

Chu Jingxian looked down at her, licking his thin, scarlet lips: "What, you think you can become my woman just because of that face?"

"I am but a plain woman, of course I dare not." Qinghe's whole body tensed up. She was not so foolish as to think that she could get close to Chu Jingxian just by her looks. She mustered her courage and trembled her lips: "But... I know what Master wants."

"Hmm?" Chu Jingxian seemed to have heard words he had never heard before, resting his elbow on the armrest: "I am now second only to the emperor in the court, possessing both power and wealth. Tell me, what do I want?"

But that gaze gave her goosebumps. Qinghe suppressed her fear, mustered her courage, raised her chin, and stared directly into his eyes. "Please, sir, extend your hand."

He raised an eyebrow with interest and reached out his hand to her, as if bestowing charity.

She wasn't entirely sure, but Chu Jingxian's arrival and questions came suddenly, so she could only rack her brains to recall everything about Chu Jingxian from her past life.

In her past life, she knew that Chu Jingxian had feelings for her and tried every means to avoid him. She only knew a little about him from the mouths of the palace servants.

Is she left with no choice but to accept her fate?

Do not!

She must never repeat the same mistake!

Now, they had no choice but to take a gamble. Qinghe felt extremely guilty and secretly clenched her palms until her knuckles turned white before reaching out. She placed one hand on his large palm and used the index finger of her other hand to write stroke by stroke on his palm.

At this moment, large raindrops began to fall uncontrollably, pelting Qinghe's body and the warm, large hands she was holding.

The cold rain made his large hands appear even hotter and hotter. Qinghe felt as if she were holding a hot iron, her heart pounding heavily in her chest. Even though the words "throne" were so simple, she took a long time to write them down, her hand trembling as she finished: "This servant can help Master..."

Unexpectedly, the large hand that had been lingering and caressing her neck suddenly tightened, a tremendous feeling of suffocation washed over her, and her feet gradually left the ground. She was now being lifted up by the neck—

"Who sent you?!"

"No...no, really no! I only heard of your reputation in the manor. Someone like you deserves...the best...things in the world...cough cough cough..." Qinghe tried with all her might to pry his hand off, but the difference in strength was too great, and he was completely unmoved.

Chu Jingxian narrowed his eyes and scrutinized her.

The person in front of him appeared slender and delicate in his palm, with red eyes overflowing with glistening tears, like a rabbit suddenly encountering a predator, constantly shrinking and struggling. Those clear peach blossom eyes were filled with despair and panic, looking like a dodder vine about to wither, extremely pitiful.

But he showed no mercy, letting go of her as she fell to the ground in the cold rain, and pronounced a death sentence: "Kill her."

"She seems like a well-behaved person, but it turns out she's trying to curry favor with you!" Eunuch Gao glared at Qinghe and pulled her away.

The immense fear and despair she felt before her death in her previous life returned like a venomous snake. Qinghe struggled fiercely: "Master! To you, keeping me alive is more useful than killing me!"

Chu Jingxian remained unmoved, her expression unchanged, like a bystander watching a play.

It was raining, and Qinghe's clothes were already thin. As she struggled and pulled with all her might, her collar came undone, and in the cold rain, the begonia flower pattern on her collarbone was vividly beautiful.

Chu Jingxian frowned almost imperceptibly.

"Let go."

After realizing what was happening, Grandpa Gao had no choice but to release Qinghe.

"Umbrella." Chu Jingxian's gaze fell directly on Qinghe, who was sitting slumped in the water.

Grandpa Gao dared not ask and hurriedly handed over an oil-paper umbrella.

Qinghe collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. The actions of the master and servant jolted her back to reality. She almost knelt beside Chu Jingxian's palanquin, the fear of death and her burning hatred forcing her to reveal all her trump cards: "Your Excellency is my ladder to climb before the Emperor. Whatever Your Excellency desires, I will offer it with both hands!"

He didn't speak.

She knew this meant there was a possibility, and she grabbed the hem of his blood-red robe with both hands, her gaze growing even more determined: "Please, Master, have mercy on me."

Chu Jingxian didn't speak, staring for a moment. Just when Qinghe was about to despair, the oil-paper umbrella in his hand finally tilted towards her, and the wind and rain fell on him.

"Take it back."

……

The Governor's Office.

Qinghe was immersed in hot water. She didn't know how much strength she had used to dare to say those words, nor did she know how Chu Jingxian had covered up her failure to go to Qianqing Palace, but she knew that she had to seize this excellent opportunity.

The hot water made her feel a little more relaxed. Just as she was thinking about what to do next, a maid knocked on the door and said that the supervisor had returned and wanted to see her.

Qinghe was served by several maids as she changed clothes, was perfumed, and had her makeup done. She was so serious and solemn that it seemed as if she was going to serve the emperor.

She looked at her own reflection in the bronze mirror, who was ready for battle, and thought to herself that it was indeed about serving the emperor in bed, only... the object of her affections had changed to Chu Jingxian.

Qinghe was led into Chu Jingxian's courtyard by a maid, and was pushed into a side room before she could react.

She clenched her fists, only to find that there was no one in the room. She didn't know what kind of incense was burning, but she knew that it smelled very good and tempting. After a while, she felt a little dizzy and lightheaded.

"Creak..."

The door opened and then closed again, signaling that Qinghe had no chance to turn back.

The tall, dark shadow instantly enveloped her, and the sandalwood scent mixed with the aroma of wine made Qinghe's mind even more hazy.

He drank alcohol.

Qinghe stole a glance at him. He had changed out of his crimson flying fish robe and into a dark black robe. His figure was as upright as a mountain, tall and imposing.

"Go lie down on the tatami mat."

Until he parted his thin lips, it was an order.

His deep voice struck Qinghe's heart. Her heart pounded. Although she had expected this, she still trembled nervously and did as he said.

He walked towards her unhurriedly, stood in front of her, and looked down at her as if she were an ant. His blood-red lips parted slightly: "Take it off."

Qinghe felt as if her blood had frozen. A wave of shame was swallowed and buried by the hatred in her heart. With trembling hands, she took off her clothes and finally closed her eyes.

"Ha, that's all the courage you have."

Chu Jingxian seemed to be mocking her, but she didn't open her eyes, only clenching the blankets in her hands.

The hot, rough touch on her neck made Qinghe shudder instinctively. She gritted her teeth and resisted the urge to dodge, already prepared to be thoroughly examined by him.

Unexpectedly, she felt a cool, moist touch on the painful scars on her neck. Qinghe couldn't help but open her eyes and saw Chu Jingxian holding a white jade ointment in his hand, applying it little by little to the wounds on her neck.

The pale candlelight fell on him, illuminating his pale profile, like a thin veil filtering away most of his cold and fierce aura. It even made his sharp and deep features appear strangely soft. His gaze fell on her skin, as if at this moment only her wounds remained in his eyes.

Qinghe had to admit that seeing Chu Jingxian's strangely gentle demeanor made her even more uncertain. She didn't dare to breathe loudly, and her voice trembled slightly: "What is the Grand Eunuch doing..."

Chu Jingxian didn't look up at her, as if his eyes were only on her injuries. His fingertips, covered in a sticky white ointment, rubbed the bruises on her arm. "Didn't you ask for this yourself?"

It took Qinghe two breaths to realize that he was referring to her last words.

"Slave..." Qinghe opened her mouth, wanting to say that he didn't have to do this, but when she met his cold and deep gaze, all her words were blocked on the tip of her tongue and she swallowed them back.

"Once you enter the palace, anyone who serves the Emperor is considered a concubine."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, while his subordinate continued applying the ointment to her.

Perhaps it was because his large hands were too hot, or perhaps she was a little dizzy at the moment, but it took her a moment to realize that he seemed to be teaching her.

Qinghe's lips moved slightly: "Thank you, Supervisor."

He didn't speak, leaving only Qinghe's somewhat uncontrollable breathing.

She could feel him getting close.

The distance suddenly closed, and Qinghe was like a fish on a chopping board, not daring to move. His hot breath licked her like a snake's tongue, entwining with her breath...

The scent of sandalwood mixed with alcohol lingered around her nose, and his warmth enveloped her completely. Qinghe felt as if she had been completely locked onto by him.

The calluses on his fingertips, worn from the swords, were so prominent that they seemed to hold her already hazy thoughts, making it appear as if he could easily turn her into his possession.

When his fingertips rested on her collarbone, Qinghe subconsciously looked at him and found him staring intently at the crimson begonia flower on her collarbone.

"Where did this flower come from? A birthmark?" he asked in a deep voice.

Qinghe shrank back and answered truthfully, "It's because I was injured when I was a child and had a scar. My mother used this crabapple blossom to cover it up."

She sensed that his gaze had become dark and unfathomable, as if he were looking at her through something, flickering with emotions she couldn't understand at all. She could only sense that his movements as he applied the medicine seemed a little lighter.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Gao Gonggong's voice came through—

"Your Majesty, it's nighttime, and they're urging us from the Qianqing Palace."

Qinghe immediately came to her senses and looked at the person in front of her with some unease.

Chu Jingxian suddenly stood up, threw down a sentence, and left: "No one else is allowed to touch my things, remember that."

Qinghe's Adam's apple bobbed, and she softly replied, "Yes."

After Chu Jingxian left, the maid who had served her came in and helped her change her clothes and do her makeup. Then, an eunuch came and led her to the Qianqing Palace.

Before her stretched an endless palace wall, like an abyss with no end in sight. Qinghe had no idea what awaited her on this path.

It wasn't until she stood at the entrance of the Qianqing Palace that Qinghe came back to her senses. She looked at the eunuch, her lips moved as if she wanted to ask Chu Jingxian, but in the end she didn't ask anything.

"Please come in, Your Highness. The Emperor is already inside." The eunuch outside the palace gestured for them to enter.

As she spoke, Qinghe was led into the Qianqing Palace. As soon as she entered, she heard the sounds of men and women laughing and entwining in the hall. The palace gates were tightly closed, and only the candlelight could be seen reflecting several intertwined figures on the door.

"Chun Changzai is inside." The eunuch was most likely one of Chu Jingxian's men, and he reminded her softly.

Once inside the palace, Qinghe saw the emperor and Consort Chun entangled together, with palace maids standing beside them who dared not raise their heads.

Chun Changzai looked at Qinghe with a hint of mockery and contempt in her eyes, then immediately started to fawn over the emperor.

She knew Chun Changzai. She came from the imperial kitchen, was skilled in singing and dancing, and was arrogant and foolish.

In her previous life, after Qinghe entered the palace, although all the favor was taken away by Consort Shu, on the surface, others only knew that she was favored. There were few in the vast harem who were not jealous of her. Consort Chun once poisoned her out of jealousy, but fortunately, it was discovered in time.

Just then, Qinghe heard footsteps. The little eunuch who had brought her earlier came in carrying a tray. "Your Majesty, it's time to take your medicine. The Chief Eunuch instructed that you must take your medicine on time."

"This Chu Jingxian... is truly loyal..." the emperor said hoarsely as he drank his medicine and then got entangled with Chun Changzai again, seemingly unaware of Qinghe standing at the door.

Qinghe's eyelashes trembled. Without the emperor's order, she dared not easily disturb his interest, and pondered in her mind what to do.

suddenly!

A loud crashing sound rang out in front of her. Qinghe panicked and immediately knelt down with the palace servants, not daring to look up at all.

But... after all the smashing and thrashing, there was a very clear sound of a sword being drawn!

Qinghe looked up in panic, her pupils wide with terror, her whole body shrinking back—

Just moments before, Consort Chun, who had been playfully cuddling Emperor Jing, was beheaded in an instant, her blood splattering all over the ground... even landing on Qinghe.