Changfei looked at Ji Mingfu coldly.
Ji Mingfu's hands trembled as she stood up. Her legs and feet were weak, but luckily, Shi Qin supported her.
The queen was worried and said, "Today, Longguo should rest well. This relocation matter will be handled tomorrow." Ji Mingfu's eyes were full of gratitude as she said, "Empress thanks for Your Majesty's concern."
Changfei smiled coldly without saying a word.
Seeing that the queen didn't say anything to Ji Mingxuan, she said, "Sister Ji can assist Lady Chang in handling this matter."
Ji Mingxuan was delighted and grateful. Changfei gripped her hands tightly. Ji Mingfu glanced at Ji Mingxuan; she had dragged her down.
The queen nodded faintly and turned to leave. "Return to the palace."
"Greetings to Your Majesty!" Everyone reformed their bows upon seeing the queen depart.
After the queen left, Changfei said, "Ji Xiuhua, return to the palace. The next day, Your Majesty will send someone to notify you."
Ji Mingxuan worriedly looked at Ji Mingfu. "How come, after one night, you're afraid Your Majesty will eat Longguo?" Changfei sneered.
Ji Mingxuan's smile disappeared as she said, "Lady Changfei, please don't exaggerate. I just want to talk to Longguo again." Changfei sneered and then turned around.
Ji Mingfu sighed and said, "Xiuhua, return to the palace!" Then, she gave Ji Mingxuan a reassuring look. Seeing them leave, Ji Mingxuan slowly turned around. Zi Zhu hurriedly supported her. Ji Mingxuan raised her head, and the bright sunlight made her squint.
"Master..." Zi Zhu was somewhat worried. Ji Mingxuan said, "Let's take a walk around."
Zi Zhu and Xiao Shuzi said in unison, "Yes."
The autumn sun warmed her body, and Ji Mingxuan's steps slowed down unconsciously. Looking around at the unfamiliar courtyard, she realized they had walked to a secluded place.
"What's ahead?"
Zi Zhu said, "It seems to be Seer Pavilion."
"Seer Pavilion?" Zi Zhu nodded. As a palace servant, she naturally knew about some places within the palace.
"It's Qin Guo's sleeping pavilion," Ji Mingxuan thought to herself. "Master, do you want to see Qin Guo?" After thinking for a while, she said, "Forget it, let's go back."
Suddenly, a melodious flute sound echoed from the courtyard ahead. Ji Mingxuan couldn't help stopping. Zi Zhu and Xiao Shuzi didn't dare disturb her. After a long time, the music stopped, and Ji Mingxuan still didn't move. Zi Zhu and Xiao Shuzi exchanged glances, and Xiao Shuzi shrugged his shoulders. Zi Zhu whispered, "Master..."
Ji Mingxuan snapped back to her senses. There used to be someone who could blow a flute that touched her heart. Although this person could inspire people, he was still inferior to him. Just about to turn back, suddenly, the gate of the courtyard opened, and a group of people walked out. In the middle was a beautiful woman in palace attire with a pale face, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs.
The palace-attired woman was extremely surprised and quickly bowed, "Princess Qin sees Ji Xiuhua." The palace maids behind her also knelt and paid homage.
"Ji Xiuhua, greetings."
Ji Mingxuan smiled and said, "Get up."
"Thank you, Princess Qin."
Seeing her frail appearance, she said, "It's my fault that I disturbed Your Grace's recuperation."
Qin Guo shook her head and smiled, "I haven't seen anyone here for a long time. It's my fortune that Xiuhua can come."
Ji Mingxuan saw her holding a bamboo flute and said thoughtfully, "Was that Your Grace playing earlier?"
Qin Guo's pale face flushed slightly, "I apologize."
Ji Mingxuan was suspicious but still smiled, "Your Grace is too modest." Qin Guo remained silent. Ji Mingxuan looked at the strictly dressed Qin Guo and said, "Where are You Grace going?" Qin Guo answered calmly, "The weather is nice today, and my body has recovered quite well. So, I'm planning to take a walk nearby."
Ji Mingxuan looked at Qin Guo's flute and said thoughtfully, "Really?" Qin Guo immediately lowered her head, but clearly replied, "Yes."
Just then, a breeze came, and Ji Mingxuan felt a chill. She said, "Although it's warm, the wind is strong. Please take care of Your Grace, I'll not disturb You Grace." Qin Guo hurriedly said, "Thank you, Xiuhua."
Ji Mingxuan waved her hand and turned around, addressing the servants in front of her, "We'll go now." "Greetings to Princess Xiuhua." Ji Mingxuan didn't turn back. Life in the palace wasn't something one could escape to cleanse oneself. These days were short, and she could enjoy this momentary peace. Once the days grew longer, if she didn't want to become a skeleton, she would have to integrate into the palace.
And Ji Mingxuan felt that with the ability to blow a flute that contained profound meaning, there was a mountain in her chest, and she wouldn't quietly pass away.
"We'll return to the palace," Xiao Shuzi hurriedly led the way in front, and Zi Zhu carefully supported her. Soon, Ji Mingxuan saw the familiar path. Xiao Shuzi retreated behind Ji Mingxuan. Returning to the palace, Ji Mingxuan changed clothes and went to rest, not mentioning anything else.
The sky was clear.
Ji Mingxuan's pupils narrowed as she saw that Yu Liangyuan was standing next to a thousand-year-old plant in the corner. Although the thousand-year-old plant was long-lasting and had good auspicious meanings, Ji Mingxuan knew very well that it could have a significant impact on the fetus.
Was this a coincidence or intentional? Ji Mingxuan became increasingly anxious.
She looked at the small stage, where Chang Fei continuously performed several plays before giving them to Yun Ping. Yun Ping also gave a few performances before passing them to Ning Jiejue.
On the other side, Ning Jiejue received the music from a palace maid but immediately passed it to Yu Liangyuan first.
Yu Liangyuan hurriedly declined, saying, "Big sister can go ahead, I'll watch anything."
Ning Jiejue smiled and also chose a performance.
Someone unknowingly passed over a book of plays. Ji Mingxuan didn't like watching plays, but at that moment, looking at the plays seemed like watching a movie briefly. So, she randomly selected one and touched the playbook. Ji Mingxuan's eyes flashed slightly, but she still nonchalantly selected a play.
Thus, she randomly chose a play. She did not notice that the play she selected was not among those handed down to the palace maids; instead, it was directly taken to Chang Fei's side.
Since the palace maid stood behind her, Ji Mingfeng was holding another playbook and selecting it when they were unaware.
Chang Fei looked at the plays presented by everyone and smiled, saying, "Ji Xiuhua is different; she selects plays differently than ordinary people."
Everyone was stunned. When Chang Fei opened the book, she discovered that Ji Mingxuan had chosen a play called 'Ding Jun Shan', which was different from the romantic plays that others had chosen, such as 'Good Marriage for Beautiful Women'.
This play was listed in some books but not in others. Upon hearing this news, many people looked at it with interest.
Ji Mingxuan directly said, "I always fall asleep during plays, so I quickly browsed through these plays. 'Ding Jun Shan' has a great atmosphere, and it will help me stay awake."
Many laughed out loud, including Chang Fei. As expected, according to the rumors, she was a playblind.
"Princess Rong and Princess Ji are truly different. Remember, I remember that Princess Rong loved watching plays?"
Ji Mingfu quickly lowered her head, apologizing, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Chang Fei asked, "What do you think about Princess Xiuhua's choice of play?"
Ji Mingxuan looked at Ji Mingfu.
Ji Mingfu's heart trembled. If she said that Ji Mingxuan had chosen well, the play was usually something men would choose, and it talked about national affairs! Choosing it as a woman would be considered restless within the household, and if she didn't understand the rules, it would make her seem ignorant. The manageress who handled the theater was deliberately bringing this play up, trying to deceive people.
If she said it wasn't good, it would seriously damage their sisterly relationship.
Fearful that the entire palace would ridicule Ji Mingxuan and that she would inevitably create a rift with her, Ji Mingxuan wanted to see how Ji Mingfu would react. If she reacted badly, she could reveal the information and embarrass Chang Fei.
"I've always admired brave soldiers who protect the country and home. 'Ding Jun Shan' has a name that reflects its essence. Since I haven't seen this play before and it resonates with my feelings, it doesn't matter whether it's good or bad."
Everyone nodded in agreement. No one dared to criticize the bravery of soldiers, as that would lead to big trouble.
Chang Fei said, "Princess Rong truly understands Princess Xiuhua."
Ji Mingxuan was also impressed and said, "I understand your Excellency too!"
Chang Fei's smile froze. There was such an idiotic person in the world who didn't care about what others thought.
Those who understood bowed their heads, while those who didn't understand were envious of their deep sisterly bond. Entering the palace was like entering a sea, and having a close sister to support each other was better. Moreover, both women were favored by the emperor.
As the play progressed, Ji Mingxuan found the acting boring.
When bored, Ji Mingxuan often found something else to look at, such as beautiful ladies.
Yu Liangyuan frowned, clutching her chest as though she was struggling hard. Ji Mingxuan smiled inwardly; she wouldn't help her. Although she needed her to share the burden, she couldn't expose herself lightly either.
Two hours later, many palace ladies were already feeling somewhat fatigued.
Yu Liangyuan's face was pale.
Seeing this, Ning Jiejue quickly said, "Your Majesty, Yu Liangyuan seems uncomfortable."
Chang Fei turned around and indeed saw Yu Liangyuan's pale face. She frowned and then said, "Since that's the case, let Yu Liangyuan return. Send Ning Jiejue to take her back. Zhubu, announce a doctor to the Xi Fang Pavilion."
Zhubu hurriedly obeyed.
Yu Liangyuan expressed gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Chang Fei said, "Don't force yourself if you're not feeling well. Alright, no need to bow. Ning Jiejue, send Yu Liangyuan back to rest in the palace."
Ning Jiejue nodded eagerly.
Once Yu Liangyuan left, there was no longer any interest in watching the play.
They only heard another performance, but it hadn't reached the play Ji Mingxuan had chosen, 'Ding Jun Shan.'
Seeing this, Chang Fei said, "That's all for today."
Everyone got up.
Ji Mingxuan and Ji Mingfu walked in the center.
Soon, they noticed that Ning Jiejue and Yu Liangyuan were still resting in a small pavilion in front. Yu Liangyuan's face had improved, but Ning Jiejue was very worried.
Seeing the group come out, they were startled.
They walked over.
After exchanging greetings, Chang Fei said, "Since you're uncomfortable, rest more. Your body is precious."
Yu Liangyuan's face paled. She knew that Chang Fei was unhappy with her. Even though she had been uncomfortable earlier and interrupted Chang Fei's mood, now she was outside without returning to the palace, making Chang Fei unhappy.
"Myself, I'm much better. I can accompany Your Majesty back to the palace."
Chang Fei coldly hummed. She really was spoiled.
At that moment, Chang Fei continued walking forward.
Passing through Qing Ya Yuan, they arrived at the Imperial Garden, where several paths appeared in front of them.
Chang Fei led the way first.
The other palace ladies exchanged glances and followed their own paths back to their respective palaces.
Static An Palace and Xi Fang Pavilion were on the same path temporarily.
Ming Yi Pavilion was on another path.
Yun Ping went in front, Ning Jiejue and Yu Liangyuan in the middle, and Ji Mingxuan and some other palace ladies at the back.
A short distance later, they entered a garden with artificial mountains. For some reason, Ji Mingxuan felt a sense of unease.
Scanning the surroundings, she saw the beautiful stone walls of the artificial mountain and became even more alert.
Suddenly, a strong force pushed her from behind. Ji Mingxuan had always been cautious, so she had been leaning against the artificial mountain, ready to grab it to stabilize her footing.
Who knew that the artificial mountain suddenly shook, causing a small piece of stone from above to fall.
Everyone gasped. The direction of the falling stone happened to be Ning Jiejue and Yu Liangyuan.
It was a complete conspiracy.
She must act fast. She didn't want to be suspected, especially since revealing her pregnancy might not get her the outcome she desired.
"Be careful," she said as she stopped grabbing the artificial mountain to steady herself. Instead, she fell towards Ning Jiejue and Yu Liangyuan, using the momentum to push them away from the stone. Then, she rolled onto the ground.
"Pang," the stone landed heavily on the ground.
Holding tightly... don't let go!