Wu Chengsi showed a pensive expression again. Behind him, Cheng Caiyi clasped his fingers tightly, his eyes full of joy.
Liu Qixian had his hands behind his back, and there was a cloud on his forehead.
After a long time, Liu Qixian suddenly said: "Your Highness, King Zhou, if it is really the Wei family and the Xiao family who are planning this behind the scenes, how did they do it?"
Wu Chengsi did not answer Liu Qixian, but asked towards the room: "Second Miss, when you saw Cheng Boxian, did you smell a special fragrance?"
"No...no."
Wu Chengsi frowned. Cheng Boxian had no reason to lie. He was in a very bad condition at the time. Even he could smell it. It was impossible for the second lady not to smell it.
Wait a minute!
"Second Miss, did you use a special kind of perfume that day?" Wu Chengsi asked urgently.
The room was silent for a while, then a soft "hmm" sound came from the room.
"Where did you get that fragrant powder?"
"Yes...it was given to me by Sister Wei."
Hearing that it was related to the Wei family, Liu Qixian's face turned gloomy again, and he said in a deep voice: "His Royal Highness, King Zhou, do you suspect that there is something wrong with the fragrant powder?"
Wu Chengsi narrowed his eyes and said, "It's very possible."
He said to the second daughter of the Liu family in the room: "Second Miss, can you take out the fragrant powder and show us a look?"
There was silence in the room for a while. Suddenly, the door opened a small crack and a powder box was handed out.
Wu Chengsi took the box and as soon as he opened it, a wonderful fragrance penetrated his nostrils.
Suddenly, he felt a little agitated and couldn't help but look at the eldest lady, and then looked at Cheng Caiyi.
After seeing their pretty faces, a desire to pounce on the two women arose in my heart.
But this desire was not strong, and he quickly calmed down.
Wu Chengsi frowned again. This fragrant powder did have an aphrodisiac effect, but the effect was so weak that it shouldn't make Cheng Boxian go crazy!
Liu Qixian also noticed the strangeness of the fragrant powder and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, King Zhou, could it be that Cheng Boxian did what he did because he smelled the fragrant powder after being drunk?"
Wu Chengsi shook his head, looked at the night sky and thought for a moment, then suddenly said: "Who was sitting next to Cheng Boxian at the banquet?"
Liu Qixian frowned and said, "It seems...it seems..."
He couldn't answer for the moment. He didn't treat Cheng Boxian as host and guest, and didn't pay much attention to him during the banquet.
Seeing this, Wu Chengsi said: "Forget it, I'd better ask Cheng Boxian this question face to face. Mr. Liu, can I take this box of fragrant powder away with me?"
"Of course." Liu Qixian said solemnly: "Your Highness, King Zhou, tomorrow is the winter hunt. Do you have time?"
Wu Chengsi said: "Don't worry, Prime Minister Liu. Regardless of whether their methods are discovered or not, I will go to the palace tomorrow morning and plead with Your Majesty to marry the second young lady to me."
Liu Qixian was surprised and happy. As long as Wu Chengsi was willing to come forward, he believed that Li Zhi would not refuse.
With a creak, the door was opened again through a gap. There seemed to be a pair of eyes peeking behind the gap, and the eldest lady also stared at Wu Chengsi.
Wu Chengsi did not stay any longer and left the Liu Mansion with Cheng Caiyi, Feng Wu and a group of personal guards.
It was already the time of Xu, and the curfew had already been put on the streets. From time to time, the patrolling Jinwu Guards would notice them and come over to inquire.
After discovering that the leader was Wu Chengsi, he quickly stepped aside, dismounted and saluted.
When he returned to the Tianlao again, Cheng Boxian was already waiting anxiously. As soon as he saw Wu Chengsi and his sister, he asked anxiously: "How is it? Did you find anything?"
Cheng Caiyi said happily: "Brother, Brother Wu has investigated clearly. The Wei family may be setting you up behind this matter!"
"Wei...Wei family?"
Wu Chengsi said in a deep voice: "Brother Cheng, when you attended the birthday banquet, who was sitting next to you?"
"One is the young master of the Zhang family, but we didn't talk much. The other is the young master of the Xue family. He is very enthusiastic towards me and keeps toasting to me."
"Xue Shao?"
"Yes, that's him."
Wu Chengsi took a deep breath. At this point, it was certain that the three families of Xue, Wei, and Xiao were planning this matter behind the scenes.
"Brother Cheng, just wait patiently in Tianlao and I will rescue you." He said slowly.
Cheng Boxian nodded vigorously, turned his eyes to Cheng Caiyi, and said with a smile: "Little sister, since His Highness King Zhou has promised to save me, you don't have to worry anymore. It's getting late, so hurry back with His Highness."
Cheng Caiyi put his hand on Cheng Boxian's finger that was holding the bar, and said softly: "Brother, let's go then."
After leaving the third floor of the prison, Cheng Caiyi suddenly lowered his head and said: "Brother Wu, my brother's cell doesn't seem to be very warm... His prison uniform is also a bit thin..."
Wu Chengsi immediately called the warden of Tianya Prison and ordered him to add a stove to Cheng Boxian's cell and change him into cotton prison uniform.
The official thought to himself: "A death row prisoner is so particular about it." But he did not dare to disobey.
After leaving the prison, Wu Chengsi first sent Cheng Caiyi back to the Cheng Mansion, and then took the others back to his own mansion.
When we crossed the gate of the palace, it was already midnight.
"Dong-dong"
"Dong-dong"
"Dong-dong"
Miss Yu's family leaned against the table, listening to three beats, one slow and one fast, and gradually clenched her fingers.
She reached out and took off the lampshade from the lantern on the table, and the candlelight came directly, illuminating her cheeks a bright red.
Her eye sockets were redder than her cheeks. If you looked carefully, you could see tears rolling in her eyes, and there were two undried tear stains on her cheeks.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
She hurriedly wiped the corners of her eyes and said softly: "Come in."
A maid entered the house, followed by a man in black with long arms and legs.
Miss Yu's family didn't even raise her head and asked, "Guard Xin, how's the investigation going?" Although she tried her best to appear calm, there was still a slight tremor in her voice.
The man in black cupped his hands and said, "Go back to Miss Xue, and the people in Xiao's Mansion have all gone to Duke Xu's Mansion."
Miss Yu's teeth were gritted and she couldn't help but sneer: "Ha! It must be because Wei Bai went to Xu Guogong's mansion!"
"Yes."
Miss Yu said coldly: "Didn't they send anyone to Dali Temple?"
The man in black hesitated and said, "No."
"That's great! My father has no use value anymore, so he was abandoned by them like a worn out shoe. Haha, they probably only want to deal with Wu Chengsi now. How can they care whether my father is dead or alive?"
The man in black said: "Miss, if their plan succeeds, they will probably find a way to rescue the master later."
Miss Yu said angrily: "How do you know?"
"This... after all, we all belong to the Guanlong lineage, and the master was imprisoned just to help them. They won't just die without saving him."
Miss Yu said coldly: "I can see their faces clearly. They said before that there was no danger at all and they would help us solve it even if there was a problem. But what about now?"
"Yes, Miss, I think that even if they succeed, they will only go on to deal with the queen and not care about our life or death at all!" the maid said angrily.
Miss Yu gritted her teeth and said, "We can't count on them anymore. We have to rely on ourselves to rescue daddy!"
…
On December 20th, Chang'an City received its first heavy snowfall.
Wu Chengsi was still in bed when he heard the silver bell-like laughter of the maids coming from outside the door, followed by Qiu Chan's scolding, and the outside returned to peace.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, get up quickly!"
Not long after she was purified, Qiu Chan's gentle shout sounded in her ears.
In a daze, Wu Chengsi noticed something strange - Qiu Chan seemed to have not woken him up like this for a long time.
He propped himself up and looked up, only to see Qiu Chan's expression was very cheerful, and she said with a smile: "Your Majesty, I know that you didn't sleep well last night, but today is the day of winter hunting, you can't go late!"
Wu Chengsi looked at Qiu Chan's smiling face and felt a little happy in his heart. In his impression, it seemed that he hadn't seen this girl so happy in a long time.
"Okay, I'll get up right now."
Under the service of the maid, Wu Chengsi put on his clothes, opened the door, and his eyes suddenly lit up.
Everything you see is pure white, with snowflakes as big as goose feathers floating in the sky.
There is no wind, and the snowflakes float slowly and beautifully.
Wu Chengsi felt that he was in a happier mood, turned around and asked: "Where is the princess?"
Qiu Chan smiled and said: "Her Royal Highness is giving Miss Xu acupuncture in the hospital building."
Wu Chengsi felt a little strange. Aren't acupuncture usually performed at noon?
Ah, by the way, I have to be in the palace all day today. I was afraid that it would be inconvenient to give the acupuncture, so I gave the acupuncture in advance.
When I arrived at the medical building, I happened to see Li Zhiying and Xu Wenqing coming down from the second floor.
Xu Wenqing wore a blue cloak and held a white dog in her hands, supported by reeds. In front of her, Li Zhiying wore a white cloak and held a black cat in her hands.
In the heavy snowfall, both of their cheeks were red, making them even more attractive. Wu Chengsi smiled and said, "How is the acupuncture going?"
Li Zhiying handed the black cat to Hong Ming and said with a smile: "It went very smoothly."
Xu Wenqing's face was cheerful but a little uneasy, and said: "Your Highness, is it appropriate for someone to dress like this?"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "It couldn't be more appropriate. You go and have breakfast first. I want to go to the palace."
On the street, Wannian County government officials were clearing the snow on the street, and many people were also helping.
Although everyone's hands and faces were red from the cold, they all had smiles on their faces and were beaming with joy.
Although they cannot participate in the winter hunting ceremony held by the emperor, they will still celebrate it.
Entering the Daming Palace and arriving at the Jinluan Courtyard, after the announcement, Wu Chengsi came to Li Zhi's bedroom.
I saw him sitting on the edge of the window, his face looking much better than usual.
Wu Chengsi was secretly happy for him, cupped his hands and said, "My nephew, I pay homage to your majesty."
Li Zhi waved his hand and said with a smile: "Chengsi, why are you here so early?"
Wu Chengsi said: "I have something to plead with Your Majesty."
"Tell me, what's the matter?" Li Zhi said gently.
Wu Chengsi said: "I heard that your Majesty originally planned to marry the two daughters of the Liu family to me and His Highness the Crown Prince as concubines."
Li Zhi's face sank, and he frowned and said, "There is such a thing. You have heard about Cheng Boxian, right? You don't have to worry, I won't force you to marry them."
Wu Chengsi hurriedly said: "That's not what I meant, but..."
"What's more, if you have anything to say in front of me, just say it."
Wu Chengsi hesitated for a moment and said: "I have always been in love with the second lady of the Liu family, and I hope that your majesty will be kind enough to marry her to me."
Li Zhi was slightly startled and said: "Is the second young lady you are talking about the one who was insulted by Cheng Boxian?"
Wu Chengsi nodded and said: "Yes, please give me your Majesty's permission."
Li Zhi frowned and said nothing.
Suddenly a charming voice came from the bright yellow tent: "Your Majesty, you have already promised the Dong family." It was Concubine Xue Xian's voice.
Wu Chengsi said sincerely: "Your Majesty, what happened to the second young lady has been a big blow. I am worried that she will seek death, so please grant your permission."
Concubine Xue Xian's voice came from the tent again: "King Zhou, this matter is not only your business, but also related to the dignity of the royal family. Your Majesty personally presided over the marriage, how could you choose a woman with a tarnished reputation?"
Li Zhi said calmly: "Concubine Xian, please don't interfere in this matter."
Concubine Xue Xian was taken aback and hurriedly agreed.
Li Zhi looked at Wu Chengsi and said, "Since you said so, if I don't have the beauty of a man, I'm afraid you will still blame me."
"I don't dare."
Li Zhi smiled and said: "Okay, actually I have met Liu Qing's two daughters. They are both good-looking and good-looking women, and I like them more. Dongfu, pass the order and declare Liu Qing and Dong Qing to visit."
Not long after Wu Chengsi left the Jinluan Villa, the attendant Liu Qixian and the Taipu Temple Minister Dong Jin came to the Jinluan Villa together.
There was a distance between them, both looking intently. Dong Jin was half a step behind with a faint smile on his face, while Liu Qixian was expressionless.
After a stick of incense, the two came out of the main hall. Dong Jin's face turned the color of pig liver, while Liu Qixian put on a faint smile.
Although Dong Jin was extremely angry, he thought that the Liu family would be extremely wealthy in the future, so he had to force a smile and said: "Mr. Liu, what happened this time was not my idea. I hope you will forgive me."
Liu Qixian said calmly: "I know the truth."
Dong Jin sighed, knowing that it would be useless to say anything at this time, he cupped his hands and walked quickly towards the palace gate.
Liu Qixian, with his hands behind his back, slowly returned home.
Back home, the two daughters were already dressed in costumes and ready for everything.
"Dad, how is the situation?" the second daughter Liu Lanli asked in a low voice.
Liu Qixian smiled and said: "His Royal Highness King Zhou is true to his word. You two should be ready to get married."
The eldest daughter suddenly said: "Does His Highness King Zhou want to marry his sister?"
"That's natural."
After saying this, Liu Qixian found that both daughters seemed a little unhappy, and said in surprise: "Aren't you willing to marry His Highness the King of Zhou and His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Neither woman spoke.
Liu Qixian frowned and looked at the two of them for a while, then said: "Are you not willing to be their concubines? But after all, they have different identities and they are already married. It is not a shame to be their concubine."
The two girls still didn't speak.
Liu Qixian had no choice but to order his subordinates to prepare for departure.
After a while, Liu's carriage came out of the second gate and headed southeast.
On the carriage, the second young lady glanced at the eldest lady and saw her opening a corner of the curtains and looking out the window silently. She touched her with her elbow and whispered, "Sister, why are you not happy?"
The eldest lady lowered the car curtain, turned around and said, "Why should I be happy?"
The second young lady pursed her lips and said: "How wonderful it would be to marry His Highness the Crown Prince. In the future, when His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you will be the imperial concubine, the most respected woman in the world, and you can also live in the Daming Palace!"
The eldest lady said: "Do you know what kind of person the prince is?"
The second young lady smiled and said: "He is the crown prince, the future emperor."
"I mean his character."
The second lady thought for a while and said: "I heard that he is very filial and kind. He often advises His Majesty not to go to war. In contrast..."
"How does it compare?" the eldest lady asked.
The second lady sighed and said: "In comparison, His Highness King Zhou is more violent. I heard that he massacred everyone in a small country."
The eldest lady looked at her sister silently without saying a word.
"Sister, what's wrong with you? Why are you looking at me like this?"
"nothing."
…
Wu Chengsi returned to the palace and came to the Ermen Courtyard. He saw Li Zhiying and Xu Wenqing dressed neatly, each standing next to a carriage, waiting for him.
"Why did you bring your pets with you?" Wu Chengsi looked at the cats and dogs in their hands.
Li Zhiying said: "Husband, you don't know something. In the past, when the late emperor went hunting in winter, the imperial concubines would hold a "pet competition" to let the pets compete in some small games. Each family asked to bring a pet."
Wu Chengsi frowned and said, "Could it be that my aunt also wants you to compete for favors?" He felt that Wu Zetian should not be interested in doing such a thing.
Li Zhiying said: "It is not the will of Her Royal Highness the Queen, but the will of Her Royal Highness the Concubine Xian."
Wu Chengsi nodded and said: "Then just bring one, why bring two?"
Li Zhiying smiled and said: "Mao Gu and Hei Ji are inseparable now. If we forcefully separate them, it will roll on the ground."
Qinghe pinched the corner of her skirt and whispered: "It's all because the servant didn't train them well."
Wu Chengsi waved his hand and said with a smile: "Don't worry about such a small thing." He waved his hand and said: "Let's go."
After saying that, he got on his horse, waited for everyone to get on the carriage, and then led the whole family towards Furong Garden.
The road was covered with heavy snow and the carriage moved very slowly. After a short while, they met Princess Taiping's motorcade on the road.
Princess Taiping got off the carriage. She was wearing a light yellow palace dress today.
Wu Chengsi got off his horse and was about to say hello to her when he found her walking past him quickly, walked to Li Zhiying's carriage, and said with a smile: "Second cousin, you are so beautiful today."
When he looked at the black cat, he clapped his hands and said, "Ah, isn't this Hei Ji? Someone clearly promised to give you to me, but then turned around and forgot about it."
Wu Chengsi came to her side and said with a smile: "Are you just unhappy about this? Well, just take it away."
Princess Taiping took the black cat, snorted and said: "Some people only care about their own happiness and have two concubines at a time. How can they care about whether others are happy or unhappy."
Wu Chengsi touched the bridge of his nose and said: "Your Majesty decided this matter, and I have nothing to do. You are my sister, so naturally I care about you."
"It's my cousin!"
Princess Taiping corrected her, and finally turned her head and said with a flat mouth: "I'm not angry with you, it's just that such a big thing happened, and you didn't come to tell me in person!"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "I understand, I will definitely go to you to discuss such matters in the future before making a decision."
Princess Taiping smiled sweetly, returned the black cat to Li Zhiying, and said with a smile: "The second cousin seems a little reluctant to let go, so I won't take it away from you!"
After a pause, he added: "By the way, second cousin, where is your newly married sister-in-law? Why don't you introduce her to me?"
Xu Wenqing, who was in the distance, had already got off the carriage, walked over with the support of Reed, bowed and said: "Meet Her Highness the Princess."
Princess Taiping smiled and said: "Sister-in-law, there is no need to be so polite. We will be a family from now on. It is best to be in harmony with each other, otherwise my second cousin will have a headache."
Wu Chengsi was secretly shocked. Princess Taiping's words seemed to contain a warning. Looking at Xu Wenqing again, she smiled slightly, not sure if she heard it.
The two convoys merged together, with Wu Chengsi riding at the front, leading the team, which had more than doubled in size, to continue towards Furong Garden.
Halfway through the journey, the heavy snow suddenly stopped and the sun appeared from behind the clouds.