Yikun Palace
Queen Zhu sat at the top, her expression a little solemn, and she looked at the young man in front of her quietly.
Yuan Chen sat down below, his face still stern, his hands hidden under his robe had already been clenched into fists, and he was in a stalemate with Queen Zhu.
Finally unwilling to see her son like this, Queen Zhu sighed and spoke quietly, "How long will you stay here with your mother?"
Yuan Chen's expression moved slightly, and his voice was low and hoarse, "The queen should know what her son is thinking."
Queen Zhu glanced at him and her eyes darkened, "Chen'er, my mother knows your intentions, but it's a pity that you can't force this thing. That girl Wanzhou... has no intention of you."
Yuan Chen's heart became empty, his eyes dimmed, and he said in a deep voice, "I only hope that my mother can persuade my father to keep her."
Queen Zhu closed her eyes gently and ran her fingers over her sleeves, "Your father has made up his mind, how can your mother intervene?"
A trace of disappointment flashed across Yuan Chen's face, and he whispered, "Erchen just wants to help her, but I don't want... Lian Yan is always standing next to her."
"Obviously I can protect her..."
Yuan Chen's face showed pain, and his eyes were full of tangles, "I don't know where I lost. I am the legitimate son of the middle palace, how can I be inferior to a young master from a noble family?"
After hearing this, Queen Zhu hesitated for a while and whispered, "On the day of the autumn hunting, those gangsters ignored the emperor's authority and broke into the paddock without authorization. Your father was furious and ordered people to investigate, and I also learned about it. Some news."
"Wan Zhou was trapped in the mountains. Her maid asked you for help. Is this true?"
Yuan Chen froze on the chair, lowered his eyes, and said nothing.
Queen Zhu sighed softly and said slowly, "Did you know that the situation was critical that day? It was Lian Yan who rushed into the mountain alone and saved Wan Zhou regardless of his own safety."
Yuan Chen's pupils trembled slightly, and he murmured softly, "I have difficulties..."
Before he finished speaking, he saw Grandma Chang walking into the hall quickly, with an anxious look on her face, "Your Majesty! I even ask to see you!"
Queen Zhu was stunned for a moment, with surprised eyes, "Cousin sister-in-law? Why is she here..."
Aunt Chang couldn't catch her breath, and said at the top of her voice, "The news that the emperor wanted to select Miss Xie from the Yongcheng Marquis to marry was spread outside. Even the young master heard about it and rushed directly to the outside of Yangxin Hall, took off his coat and knelt down. It’s been an hour and a half!”
"Master Lian refused to give in and openly opposed the emperor. When the Lian family heard the news, they were extremely anxious and came to look for the empress."
Yuan Chen's expression gradually stiffened, and an indescribable emotion rose in his eyes, like suspicion and disbelief.
"This kid Lian Yan actually dares to do this." Queen Zhu looked surprised, glanced at Yuan Chen, and said quietly, "Do you know where you lost now?"
"Chen'er, you are no longer a child, you should know your future path." Queen Zhu turned the beads in her hand and said softly, "Wanzhou is gentle and soft, and treats people kindly. Such a temperament is not suitable for staying in the palace. .”
Yuan Chen's body stiffened and his voice trembled a little, "My son... I know."
Queen Zhu pinched the bridge of her nose, her mask looking tired, "That's all, please step back."
"...Yes." Yuan Chen stood up in despair, his face was defeated and his steps were a little sloppy.
Looking at Yuan Chen's figure, Grandma Chang's eyes were full of unbearability, "Your Majesty..."
"Don't pay any attention to it. He will have to experience this scene sooner or later. It's better to stop thinking about it as soon as possible." Queen Zhu waved her hand and said softly, "Go and welcome my cousin sister-in-law in."
"Yes." Grandma Chang was ordered to go out. After a while, she led a woman into the hall.
"Cousin..."
As soon as Queen Zhu smiled, before she finished speaking, Madam Lian knelt down and said, "I have seen the Queen, and wish the Queen well."
"Sister-in-law, please get up!" Queen Zhu looked blank for a moment, then sat upright, her tone sad, "We haven't seen each other for many years, but we are so different..."
"The Queen is the current mother of the country and must not break the rules." Mrs. Lian slowly stood up, her face pale and her lips lost color.
Empress Zhu noticed her fatigue and glanced at the palace maid on one side, who immediately helped Mrs. Lian to the seat obediently.
Queen Zhu pursed her lips, pinched the beads on the string, and said softly, "Sister-in-law, you came to the palace today, but for Brother Yan?"
Madam Lian was quiet for a few seconds and said truthfully, "The Queen is as careful as her hair, so she naturally knows the purpose of my visit."
Empress Zhu raised her eyebrows and lowered her eyes and said, "Sister-in-law, this matter was decided by the emperor. Since the emperor ordered it, it is state affairs. How can the harem interfere?"
"Empress, since you became the mother of the country, in order to avoid suspicion, the Lian family rarely goes out with you. You and my wife used to be the best playmates, but now we are also strangers." Mrs. Lian pursed her lower lip and whispered, " Your Majesty also knows that the master and I have been waiting for a son like this for many years..."
"You also know Lian Yan's temperament. If you know something for sure, you won't look back even if you beat him to death." Mrs. Lian sighed softly, "He likes Miss Xie from Yongcheng Marquis, very much. If Miss Xie marries far away from the northwest, , I can’t imagine what Lian Yan would do..."
After finishing her words, Madam Lian knelt down again, ignoring Queen Zhu's exclamation, and whispered, "My Lady, I have never asked you for anything. I only ask that this time... you can persuade the Emperor..."
"Sister-in-law..." Queen Zhu struggled on her face and looked at Mrs. Lian's pale face. After a while, she finally compromised and said softly, "Sure, I will go to the Yangxin Hall to persuade the emperor to bring Yan back. brothers!"
Madam Lian was in a daze for a moment, then she smiled with great effort, "Thank you, Queen..."
Two words
Everyone knew that the Yongcheng Marquis had sued the Shao family to the government. Before the ceremony, many people gathered outside the government office to watch the excitement.
Fang Xu arrived at the government office early and sat comfortably on the lower wooden chair.
The magistrate sat at the top, stared at Fang Xu with an easy-going look, and whispered, "Mrs. Yongchenghou, do you think these tea snacks are to your taste after you try them?"
Fang Xu held a cup of tea and said with a gentle smile, "Thank you, Lord Magistrate."
The magistrate curled his lips and smiled, looking outside. His tone seemed to be discussing, "Mrs. Hou, this time has passed and the Shao family hasn't come yet. Look..."
"It doesn't matter, I have plenty of time." Fang Xu took a sip of warm tea, his eyes full of smiles, "If the Shao family doesn't come for a moment, I will keep waiting here."
The prefect looked embarrassed and could only nod in agreement.
About an hour after the incense was poured, bursts of exclamations came from outside.
The servants of the Shao family pushed aside the crowd and made a clear space for their master.
Mrs. Shao stepped out of the carriage, held on to her lower back that was injured in the fall yesterday, endured the pain, and walked into the government office.
As soon as he entered the house, he saw Fang Xu sitting there drinking warm tea and eating snacks, looking like he was fine.
Fang Xu also saw her and raised his eyebrows, "Oh, someone from the Shao family is here. Please tell me, Madam, to wait."
