Chapter 91

Qiao Jiaojiao thought carefully for a moment and felt that she shouldn’t have remembered wrong.

But the specific reason for Consort Yu Zhao’s execution was indeed not mentioned at all!

Mrs. Qiao couldn’t help but feel a trace of chill in her heart at these words.

At this moment, Consort Yu Zhao, who was so lively and beautiful, was still smiling charmingly and feeling pleased with herself. Little did anyone know that her death had quietly arrived…

After taking a look around, Qiao Jiaojiao had a rough idea of the people present today.

[Tsk tsk, truly a hall full of intriguing characters!]

The Emperor of Yong was speaking pleasantries, basically praising the peace and prosperity of the country, and then asking everyone not to be restrained.

Soon, the singing and dancing began, lively and enjoyable, but it was the same every year, and everyone had grown tired of it.

The Emperor of Yong also seemed disinterested.

“Your Majesty, during this period, I have arranged a new dance. Can I perform it for Your Majesty on this auspicious day of the Dragon Boat Festival?”

A gentle voice sounded slowly, and everyone turned to look, only to see Consort Yu Zhao slowly standing up, graceful and charming, her features delicate like a painting.

The Emperor of Yong raised an eyebrow at the words, indeed piqued with interest.

“Very well.”

Concubine Jing sat aside, seeing Consort Yu Zhao’s alluring demeanor, she couldn’t help but tug at her handkerchief in annoyance.

However, when her gaze inadvertently fell on the Third Prince sitting opposite, her whole demeanor deflated again.

Well, with such a son, she couldn’t turn things around no matter what.

The Third Prince’s brows furrowed deeply, seeing Concubine Jing’s disappointed and disgusted gaze. Although he had long been accustomed to the disappointment and disgust in her eyes, it still pained him deeply.

His breathing quickened slightly, and he quickly clenched his hands tightly.

He couldn’t afford to make a fool of himself at this moment. Otherwise, not only would his mother despise him, but he would also be utterly ashamed.

“In that case, I’ll go change first.”

A brilliant dance requires a matching costume, and now seeing Consort Yu Zhao, she was indeed well-prepared.

“Go ahead.”

There was a hint of anticipation in the Emperor of Yong’s eyes, and even his furrowed brows relaxed a bit.

The Empress observed this scene with calm indifference.

Her relationship with the Emperor had long been dead in name, as long as the Crown Prince and the Second Prince were well, she had no further concerns.

As for where the man’s heart lay, she had been hurt too deeply in the past to care anymore.

Qiao Jiaojiao glanced up slightly, seeing the Empress’s stable mood, she couldn’t help but grin.

[That’s right, worthless men aren’t worth worrying about! The Empress is truly the model for all women in the world!]

Consort Yu Zhao gracefully withdrew, leaving behind a lingering fragrance in her wake.

The courtiers all instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to look around.

In a side hall, as soon as Consort Yu Zhao entered, a palace maid immediately greeted her.

Once the door closed, Consort Yu Zhao’s gentle and docile demeanor completely faded away. She grabbed the palace maid’s wrist and asked urgently,

“How did it go, did you catch them?”

This palace maid was Consort Yu Zhao’s confidante, named Liu Lu.

“Consort, we caught them! They’ve been tied up and taken to a concealed location!”

Consort Yu Zhao relaxed her brows, feeling much lighter all of a sudden.

“Good, good.”

Liu Lu frowned with some concern, “Consort, you’re currently in favor, isn’t this too risky?”

Consort Yu Zhao was momentarily stunned by the words, not sure what she was thinking, a hint of infatuation appearing on her face.

“Liu Lu, some risks are worth taking, otherwise, I wouldn’t be content!”

Upon hearing this, Liu Lu dared not advise further.

“Concubine, you should change first, they are waiting for you outside.”

Consort Yu Zhao nodded joyfully at the words, “I’ve practiced so hard for so long, today I can finally perform for him.”

The singing and dancing in the hall had already stopped. While waiting for Consort Yu Zhao to change, the Emperor of Yong suddenly asked out of curiosity,

“Where is the Meng family’s daughter?”

Everyone turned to look towards the back of the hall.

Meng’s assistant minister was taken aback, and Meng’s wife’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly nudged Meng Guxue.

Meng Guxue respectfully stood up, “Replying to Your Majesty, I am Meng Guxue of the Meng family.”

The Second Prince had been bowing his head in silence, but when he heard the name “Guxue,” he immediately raised his gaze.

The girl had a melon seed face, fair skin, and curved eyebrows, but her most striking feature was her lively eyes.

With a name like Guxue and a familiar voice, this Meng Guxue should be the girl who held the recipes!

Thinking this, the Second Prince’s eyes revealed a hint of interest.

Qiao Jiaojiao was always observing the interaction between the male and female leads. Seeing the Second Prince looking over now, she couldn’t help but mutter to herself.

[“These two don’t seem very familiar. According to the original plot, when these two look at each other, their eyes should be sparkling!”]

[“It seems that the poetry session last time prevented them from falling in love, which was quite effective!”]

In fact, this was the first time the Second Prince had seen Meng Guxue.

During the full moon and Lantern Festival, the Second Prince had a strong premonition that he would meet his destined one.

But after being disappointed twice, that premonition never appeared again.

Now, seeing Meng Guxue for the first time, he didn’t find her particularly stunning. Instead, he was calculating.

Because he knew very well that Meng Guxue possessed three invaluable recipes. If used properly, it could bring him immense wealth!

The Emperor of Yong was somewhat surprised that Meng Guxue, being so young, could compose such poetry.

“I heard that you wrote a poem at the poetry session last time. After carefully reviewing it, it was indeed commendable.”

“Today, can you also compose a poem for this Dragon Boat Festival?”

When everyone heard the Emperor of Yong’s request, they secretly breathed a sigh of relief that this difficult task hadn’t fallen on their heads.

Meng Guxue was also very nervous, but in an instant, she was immediately delighted!

The Emperor of Yong had given her the chance to become famous!

She had always said that she was the chosen one in this world, and destiny would always favor her!

Qiao Jiaojiao, seeing this, shook her head secretly.

[“A question designed to be easily answered, just like giving away points! I said not to underestimate the female lead. Just like an indestructible cockroach, she rises whenever there’s an opportunity!”]

Meng Guxue suppressed her excitement, “Replying to Your Majesty, this humble maiden is willing to boldly give it a try.”

Everyone stared at her, which quickly inflated Meng Guxue’s confidence and vanity!

It should be like this. She should have become the center of attention long ago. This day had been postponed for too long, fortunately, she hadn’t waited in vain!

In the next moment, Meng Guxue opened her mouth and recited another poem.

“The auspicious day of the Precious Scripture is bright, the separation is clear at noon. The five stars represent the virtue of fire, and ten thousand longevities continue in heaven.”

Her voice was clear as a bell as she finished reciting. Meng Guxue’s eyes sparkled, feeling very proud.

She remembered many poems about the Dragon Boat Festival. This one wasn’t particularly relevant, but its meaning was good, and she subtly flattered the Emperor!

As everyone listened carefully, they couldn’t help but be amazed.

This Meng family’s daughter really had some talent!

The Emperor of Yong was greatly pleased and immediately exclaimed, “Reward!”

Meng Guxue was elated beyond words and knelt down to give her thanks, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Just at that moment, the sound of silk and bamboo music came from outside the hall, followed by a graceful figure making its way in.