Chapter 292 Meeting with Prince An
In the East Palace, the Ninth Princess questioned the Crown Princess Zhao Yanran angrily, "Sister-in-law, didn't we agree to just teach Princess Jingrou a lesson, and once she fell into the water, we would immediately send the eunuchs to rescue her? Why did that scumbag Li Mu appear in Ziyang Lake and jump into the water to rescue people first? Was Li Mu arranged by Sister-in-law?"
The Crown Princess coughed lightly, then said calmly, "Shiyao, I didn't expect Li Mu to appear there. This is purely a coincidence. I don't know Li Mu well, so how could he follow my orders?"
The Ninth Princess calmed down after hearing this. She held the Crown Princess's hand and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, sister-in-law. You are so kind-hearted that you wouldn't even step on an ant to death. I really shouldn't have misunderstood you."
The Crown Princess said hypocritically, "Shiyao, it's okay, we are all family, the Emperor's sister-in-law won't blame you."
"The Emperor's sister-in-law is so kind to me. Fortunately, the person Li Mu saved was Bizhu. If that scumbag had ruined the innocence of County Lady Jingrou, my cousin Yu would have skinned me alive. It's a pity that Bizhu had to marry a man like that as a concubine."
The Crown Princess actually didn't feel sorry for Bizhu. In her heart, Bizhu's incompetence ruined her plans, and she deserved this fate.
But she still said with a little sadness on her face, "Yes, Bizhu has served me since she was a child. Now she is betrothed to that lustful man who has no pity for others. I feel bad about it, but her reputation has been ruined. If she doesn't marry Li Mu, she will die."
The Ninth Princess comforted Zhao Yanran again after hearing this, "Don't be too sad, my dear sister-in-law. I'll tell the Crown Prince later and ask him to ask someone to pick a few more clever and obedient maids to serve you."
Zhao Yanran nodded, "Yes, Shiyao, thank you."
After the Ninth Princess left, Zhao Yanran couldn't help but reveal a sinister look in her eyes. This time, the little bitch was lucky, but next time she would definitely teach that bitch a lesson.
In Prince An's mansion, Doctor Bai finished giving Qianhuan her last acupuncture treatment. He patiently explained, "I have used acupuncture to gather the coldness in Miss Qianhuan's body. As long as Miss Qianhuan follows my prescription and takes a medicinal bath once in the morning and evening, her coldness will be gone in a month."
"Thank you, Doctor Bai. I will definitely follow your prescription and take a medicinal bath in time."
After Doctor Bai left, Qianhua also planned to say goodbye, "Zi Yu, I have been bothering you for three days. You have not attended court in these three days. I plan to take Yin Hua back with me."
"Don't worry. My father knew you were here and wanted to see you, but I saw you weren't in good condition these past two days, so I refused. You look much better today, so it's a good opportunity for us to have lunch with my father. I'll take you back after lunch."
Qianhuan was still a little nervous about meeting her elders. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I haven't had time to prepare gifts yet. Tell me what your father likes so I can quickly ask someone to prepare some gifts."
"My father doesn't have any special hobbies. He usually just knows how to wield swords and guns and train soldiers, and he has everything he needs." The prince smiled and comforted, "Don't worry, he will be very happy if you can stay and have dinner with him."
Qianhuan still felt that it was inappropriate. It would be unreasonable to go to the door empty-handed.
"It's the first time I meet an elder, so I can't go empty-handed. Why don't I make some food for him?" Qianhuan suddenly thought, "It just so happens that I have recently developed a new dessert called egg tarts, which tastes sweet but not greasy. I am planning to sell it in the store. Maybe the prince will like it!"
"Egg tart?" asked the prince in confusion.
"Yes, it is a kind of snack made with eggs. It is fragrant, soft and delicious." Qianhuan explained.
"Okay, since you have this intention, then do it."
Qianhuan took Yinhua to the kitchen, asked the cook for some eggs and tools, and started tinkering.
Before long, a large plate of golden and crispy egg tarts was ready.
"Huan'er, is this the egg tart you mentioned? It smells so good!" The prince couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
Qianhuan smiled proudly, "Well, this egg tart not only smells delicious, but also tastes delicious. Try one and see if it tastes good."
Qianhuan picked up an egg tart and fed it into the mouth of the prince. After eating it, the prince praised it highly. "Well, this snack is really delicious. I have participated in many banquets in the palace. I have tasted almost all the snacks made by the imperial chef, but I have never eaten such delicious snacks. I am sure that father will like it too."
Qianhuan was also very happy to hear the prince's words, "It would be great if your father likes it."
Near noon, the prince brought Qianhuan to the front hall, and the butler had already ordered people to prepare the meal.
Prince An had already arrived at the front hall, followed by Li Yutong.
Qianhuan bowed without being servile or overbearing as she entered the room, "Qianhuan pays respects to Prince An."
"No gift."
When Qianhuan stood up, Prince An looked at her face and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
No wonder his Yu'er insisted on marrying Miss Qianhuan. She turned out to be such a stunning beauty. Moreover, she had a dignified figure and spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly. She didn't look like a peasant girl who had never seen the world at all. Before, he thought she was a country girl who was not presentable. Now it seems that the rumors are not true.
Li Yutong was also very surprised when she saw Qianhuan's appearance. She had long heard that the Princess Jingrou, who was personally conferred the title by the Emperor, was very beautiful, but she felt that rumors were sometimes exaggerated. Now that she had seen her in person, she realized that this woman was even more stunning than the rumors said. She felt both hatred and jealousy in her heart.
Prince An had no idea of Li Yutong's thoughts. He even specially introduced Li Yutong to Qianhuan, "Qianhuan, this is Yutong. She grew up with me in the northwest. I have always treated her as my daughter. She is a little older than you, so you can call her Sister Yutong."
Qianhuan had noticed the woman behind Prince An a long time ago. It turned out that this was the woman that the emperor had arranged for Ziyu to marry. She was not bad looking, and seeing how gorgeously she was dressed, she must have been very favored.
Qianhuan bowed and said generously, "Hello, Sister Yutong."
Li Yutong helped Qianhuan up and said affectionately, "Sister Qianhuan, you don't have to be polite. The emperor had previously arranged a marriage between me and Brother Ziyu. I hope Sister Qianhuan will not blame me."
Qianhuan saw that Li Yutong was smiling so brightly and acting so innocently. Anyone who saw her would think that such a person was simple-minded. However, Qianhuan didn't quite believe that she would not mind at all if she took away her position as the Crown Prince's Consort.
But since the other party appeared to be so generous, I shouldn't be petty. "Sister Yutong, don't worry. The marriage has been called off now. Qianhuan is not angry at all."
Prince An was relieved to see how the two of them were getting along so well. He smiled at Qianhuan and asked, "I heard from Yu'er that you made some snacks especially for me. Bring them here for me to try."
"This is the egg tart that Qianhuan made specially for His Majesty. I hope Your Majesty likes it." Qianhuan handed over the plate with the egg tart.
Prince An tasted one and nodded with satisfaction, "Not bad, this egg tart you made is indeed unique in flavor. I like it very much. You are thoughtful."
"As long as His Majesty likes it." Qianhuan breathed a sigh of relief.
Prince An had the egg tarts placed on the table and then invited everyone to eat. "Sit down and eat. We are a family from now on. There is no need to be so reserved."
Li Yutong's face turned very ugly when she heard Prince An's words. It seemed that Prince An had already recognized Qianhuan as the future Crown Prince's Consort. She really had no hope at all.
After lunch, the prince and Qianhuan stood up to take their leave, "Father, I will send Qianhuan back first."
"Well," Prince An looked at Qianhuan lovingly and said, "Yu'er likes you and is determined to marry you. As his father, I only hope that he will be happy. This child lost his mother when he was very young. I will have to return to the northwest in a few days and cannot always be with him. I hope you can take care of him more."
"Yes, Your Highness. Please rest assured, Qianhuan knows about it." Qianhuan replied.
On the way back in the carriage, the prince smiled and said, "It seems that my father is very satisfied with you."
"I didn't expect that Prince An was so easy to get along with. I originally thought he would mind my background."
"You don't have to worry. Actually, my father is not a snobbish person. He opposed it before because he was worried that a woman from a humble family could not support such a big palace. Now that he has met you in person, he should be relieved." The prince said, holding Qianhuan's hand.
Qianhuan also nodded happily, "Yeah."