NFBE Chapter 152 Anticipation and Delight
Chapter 152 Anticipation and Delight
Even so, Zhao Yunzheng still took two steps forward and carefully examined Xu Jiaojiao.
He breathed a sigh of relief upon confirming that she was indeed unharmed, but his eyes still showed concern: "The seating issue has been resolved. It's chilly outside, so go back to the Taihe Hall early. Don't worry, I will seek justice for you today."
It was indeed freezing cold outside, but Xu Jiaojiao felt warm inside because of Zhao Yunzheng's appearance.
Seeing that there was no one else around, she reached out and hugged the man's slender waist: "Your Highness has gone to great lengths. With Your Highness here, I feel very at ease."
Zhao Yunzheng's heart skipped a beat, and he raised his hand to gently stroke Xu Jiaojiao's soft, dark hair.
Yingyi was so jealous that he grimaced behind Zhao Yunzheng's back, where Zhao Yunzheng couldn't see.
Hearing the commotion, Xu Qingran, who was hiding inside, couldn't help but peek out.
Seeing Xu Jiaojiao and Prince Chen embracing intimately, she subconsciously exclaimed "Ah!" and her cheeks instantly flushed red.
There really is a secret between Xu Jiaojiao and Prince Chen!
The sound snapped Xu Jiaojiao out of her daze. Embarrassed, she quickly released her grip and coughed softly to cover her embarrassment: "Your Highness, then I'll take Qingran back to the Taihe Palace first..."
Zhao Yunzheng showed no embarrassment at being caught, but simply smiled and gestured for you to proceed: "I will escort you there."
Xu Jiaojiao nodded slightly, took Xu Qingran's hand, and followed Zhao Yunzheng toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Along the way, Xu Qingran couldn't help but secretly observe Prince Chen and Xu Jiaojiao, wondering about their relationship.
Although she was young, she could tell that Prince Chen's attitude towards Xu Jiaojiao was extraordinary, and the two had a very close relationship.
Thinking about their embrace just now, an inappropriate thought popped into my head.
Could Xu Jiaojiao be having an affair with Prince Chen?!
The moment the idea popped into her head, Xu Qingran shook her head to herself.
No, no!
She went to the bamboo courtyard every day to talk to Xu Jiaojiao. Although Xu Jiaojiao was a bit lazy and always nestled in the rocking chair with a blanket over her, she never left the bamboo courtyard, let alone had an affair!
They were probably mutually attracted, and couldn't help themselves upon meeting...
Seeing her dazed and confused, shaking her head, Xu Jiaojiao couldn't help but touch her forehead: "Qingran?"
Cool fingers touched her forehead, and Xu Qingran came back to her senses, awkwardly touching her nose and laughing: "It's nothing, I was just lost in thought."
Xu Jiaojiao's gaze was gentle: "Yes, if you feel unwell, you can lean on me and rest for a while. We'll go home as soon as the banquet is over."
The sweet and gentle voice made Xu Qingran's heart flutter slightly.
She nodded slightly, smiling sweetly, "Okay!"
Xu Jiaojiao is a really nice and gentle person. Although her behavior with Prince Chen is somewhat improper, the Xu family has strict family rules, and as Xu Jiaojiao's younger sister, she naturally cannot stand idly by.
It seems I need to find an opportunity to subtly remind Xu Jiaojiao to prevent her from making a serious mistake.
With this in mind, Xu Qingran made a decision in her heart, and her gaze became firm.
Lost in thought, the group unknowingly walked to the entrance of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Thinking that their going in together would cause unnecessary controversy, Zhao Yunzheng stopped and turned to look at Xu Jiaojiao, whispering softly, "Go in. Jia Rong has already had your seats rearranged, and no one will make things difficult for you."
Xu Jiaojiao nodded slightly and said softly, "Okay, thank you for escorting me all the way, Your Highness."
Zhao Yunzheng smiled faintly, watched them enter the main hall, and then turned and left.
As soon as Xu Jiaojiao led Xu Qingran into the main hall, Jia Rong rushed forward, grabbed her hand, and pulled her aside, apologizing softly with a face full of remorse: "Sister Jiaojiao, I'm so sorry, I really didn't expect there to be such a villain causing trouble in the dark."
As she spoke, Jia Rong gritted her teeth, her brows furrowed in exasperation: "I already know who did it! Don't worry, Sister Jiao Jiao, I'll definitely teach her a lesson! Anyone who dares to touch my people is asking for death!"
Xu Jiaojiao's lips twitched, somewhat amused and exasperated: "Luckily, we discovered it early. I'm sorry to have worried Your Highness."
Jia Rong wrinkled her nose, about to say something more, when a maid hurried forward and whispered a few words in her ear.
Upon hearing the maid's words, Jia Rong's expression changed, and she hurriedly turned and walked out of the hall: "Sister Jiao Jiao, please sit down first. I have something to attend to and will be leaving for a while!"
Xu Jiaojiao nodded slightly and watched Jia Rong leave.
As Jia Rong and Prince Chen said, a young eunuch led Xu Jiaojiao and Xu Qingran to their new seats.
The new location is at the back and not very conspicuous, but the view is very clear, which shows that the person who arranged it put thought into it.
After taking her seat, Xu Qingran breathed a sigh of relief, a huge weight lifted from her shoulders: "Phew~ thank goodness, nothing serious happened~"
Xu Jiaojiao remained silent.
Surprised?
That's not necessarily true...
The banquet tonight hasn't even started yet, and she doesn't believe Xie Peining doesn't have a backup plan. If she really doesn't, then she doesn't know whether to say that Xie Peining underestimated her or that she was really too short-sighted.
Not long after I sat down, it was already 7 PM.
Accompanied by the distant sound of bells, the hall was filled with melodious music and graceful dances, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Before long, a eunuch waiting outside the main hall announced that the emperor and empress had arrived with the princesses, princes, and concubines.
Everyone in the hall rose and bowed, and the palace banquet officially began.
Amidst the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments, the hall was filled with singing and dancing, and fine wines and delicacies were continuously served. Xu Jiaojiao took only small sips and kept a close eye on her surroundings.
On the other side, Xie Peining's gaze kept lingering on Xu Jiaojiao.
Since Prince Chen helped that bitch Xu Jiaojiao with the seating arrangement, she'd like to see who else will help her next...
Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in Xie Peining's eyes. She turned her head slightly and looked at Wang Mama beside her.
The latter understood and immediately stepped forward, bending down to get closer.
After Xie Peining whispered a few words to her, Granny Wang quietly withdrew and quickly disappeared from the main hall.
After Granny Wang left, Xie Peining looked up at Xu Jiaojiao, her gaze becoming meaningful, a subtle mockery playing at the corners of her lips, revealing her inner anticipation and pleasure…
……
The palace banquet was in full swing, with dancers gracefully performing, guests toasting and drinking, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.
Although Xu Jiaojiao was sitting in an inconspicuous back row, she still felt the gazes from all directions, especially Xie Peining's subtle stare, which made her feel uneasy.
"Miss Xu, this is wine from the Western Regions. Would you like a glass poured for you?"
Xu Jiaojiao, who was whispering with Xu Qingran, stopped talking and looked up.
A maidservant stood beside the seats, holding a wine pot, her head bowed, obedient and respectful.
The cautious Xu Jiaojiao wanted to refuse, but seeing the expectant look in Xu Qingran's eyes, she changed her mind and said instead, "Just pour a cup for Qingran."
"Yes." The maid bowed slightly and bent down to pour wine for Xu Qingran.
As she poured the wine, the maid's body gradually leaned towards Xu Jiaojiao and the other girl, a strange and awkward posture.
Xu Jiaojiao frowned, her heart filled with alarm. Just as she was about to whisper a warning, she saw the maid suddenly slip and fall headlong towards her…