Chapter 209: Meeting the Noble Consort

Night fell.

After the carriage crossed the Yongong Bridge outside the city wall, it arrived before the palace gate.

Everyone got out of the carriage to undergo inspection.

The others from the Four Great Families had already entered ahead of time and had already informed the guards that more people would arrive later.

Therefore, after the group led by Bai Qingtong got out of the carriage, the guards did not ask much, letting them pass after a routine inspection.

The group boarded the carriage, passed through the heavy city gate, and entered the Royal Palace.

The speed of the carriage began to slow.

The wheels rolled slowly over the clean bluestone slabs, making a rumbling sound.

Inside the carriage.

After hearing what Luo Zijun said, Bai Qingtong only said one sentence: "Brother-in-law, we are family; if you need any help in the future, just say so."

After a long silence, Jia Tanchun expressed her stance: "After I return, I will secretly investigate the illegal things Lai Da has done over these years, as well as the embezzlement within my Jia Family. Young Master Luo, rest assured, I will not tell anyone about this."

Luo Zijun said: "I hope the two of you can help me first investigate Chai Jiu, the leader of the Qinghai Gang."

Both of them nodded.

Jia Tanchun's expression turned ugly as she said: "If this matter really has a connection to Lai Da, then it is truly terrifying. He is merely a servant in my Jia Family, yet he has secretly raised so many killers, knows so many martial artists, and even the maids and nannies of my Jia Mansion are secretly doing things for him. I do not know what kind of evil intentions he is harboring."

Luo Zijun did not comment.

Regardless of what evil intentions the other party had toward the Jia Family, it had nothing to do with him.

He only wanted to take revenge.

He had now revealed the other party's true face to this Third Miss of the Jia Family in advance; although it was for his own sake, it could also be considered helping the Jia Family, allowing them to be on guard, and could be considered returning the favor to this Third Miss.

Otherwise, who knows, the entire Jia Family might be hollowed out while they remained in the dark.

At this moment, the carriage stopped.

Outside came the voice of Hua'er: "Miss, the Madam asked this servant to wait here for you all. Everyone has already gone to the Jing'an Tower in the back. The stage has already been set up, and the Noble Consort has also arrived early."

Bai Qingtong and the others hurriedly got out of the carriage.

Behind Hua'er followed several palace maids and eunuchs, all holding lanterns in their hands.

After getting out of the carriage, Jia Tanchun said with a face full of joy: "Hua'er, has the Noble Consort already arrived?"

Hua'er said: "Yes, she is currently there talking with Jia Laotaitai."

Upon hearing this, Jia Tanchun was impatient to go over immediately.

Those eunuchs and palace maids hurriedly held up their lanterns to lead the way in front.

Luo Zijun asked in a low voice: "Have the Eldest Miss and Fenfen come?"

Hua'er shook her head and replied in a low voice: "The Madam tried to persuade her for a long time, but it was useless. The Eldest Miss said she was feeling unwell and did not want to go out."

Bai Qingtong laughed from the side: "With Liu here by your side, Brother-in-law can still think of my sister; it seems my sister still holds a significant place in Brother-in-law's heart."

Liu Chujian followed silently behind without speaking.

Luo Zijun said: "Third Miss is joking. The Eldest Miss and I are husband and wife; naturally, she has a place in my heart."

Bai Qingtong asked deliberately: "Then what rank does my sister hold in Brother-in-law's heart?"

Luo Zijun said: "Since Third Miss asks to my face, then naturally she ranks first."

Once these words were spoken, everyone let out a chuckle.

"Brother-in-law is truly frank."

Bai Qingtong looked back with a smile and asked again: "Then what about Liu? What rank does she hold in Brother-in-law's heart?"

Luo Zijun said: "Tied for first with the Eldest Miss."

The group laughed again.

Talking all the way, led by those eunuchs and palace maids, they soon arrived below the Jing'an Tower within the Fengyou Palace.

The entire pavilion was decorated with colorful lanterns, making it brilliantly illuminated.

Below the building, many maids, nannies, eunuchs, and palace maids were keeping watch.

Liu Chujian stopped her steps and said in a low voice: "You all go in; Bi'er and I will wait here."

Bai Qingtong hesitated for a moment and said: "Going up to the building together shouldn't be a problem."

Liu Chujian hurriedly shook her head: "After all, I am the daughter of an official; without an invitation, it is not appropriate for me to go see the Queen and the Noble Consort."

Luo Zijun said: "It's fine, just let her wait here; she can stay with the maids and nannies of the Bai Mansion."

Seeing him say this as well, Bai Qingtong instructed Hua'er beside her: "Hua'er, you stay here and keep Liu company. If anything happens, come up and find me."

Hua'er said: "Yes, Miss."

Thus, only Bai Qingtong, Jia Tanchun, and Luo Zijun entered the pavilion.

At the entrance, another eunuch verified their identities before respectfully leading the three of them upstairs.

"Jia Family Miss, your family's people are on the fifth floor, and the Noble Consort is there as well. This servant will take you up."

When they reached the fourth floor, a eunuch bowed his head and said to Jia Tanchun.

The people of the Bai Family were all sitting in the private rooms on the fourth floor, so Bai Qingtong and Luo Zijun naturally had to stay on the fourth floor.

Jia Tanchun said a word to the two of them and then went upstairs under the eunuch's guidance.

Luo Zijun and Bai Qingtong entered the private room and found that although there were many people inside, everyone was quiet, and no one dared to speak.

Seeing the two enter, the Bai Family misses hurriedly stood up to greet them.

Seeing that the room was full of women, Luo Zijun felt somewhat awkward. After paying his respects to his mother-in-law, he did not know where he should sit.

The Eldest Miss had not come; if she had, he would naturally have sat with her.

The room full of Bai Family misses were all secretly looking at him, whispering to each other, not knowing what they were discussing, and occasionally covering their mouths to giggle.

Chu Meixiang was talking to Bai Third Miss: "Your grandmother does not like crowds, so she did not come..."

Luo Zijun saw Bai Yuning secretly laughing at him, so he immediately walked over, sat down with the little girl, and asked, "How did you do on your homework from last time?" Bai Yuning laughed, "I finished it all, and I remembered everything."

Just as Luo Zijun was about to have her recite it, a girl beside them laughed, "Teacher, from now on, should we call you Teacher, or should we call you Brother-in-law?"

The other girls nearby were all laughing, though it likely wasn't out of mockery for him marrying into the family as a brother-in-law.

Luo Zijun said, "Call me Teacher in the school, and Brother-in-law outside. Of course, you may call me whatever you like."

Bai Yuning laughed, "Brother Zijun?"

Luo Zijun said, "Of course you may."

A young girl nearby said, "Brother-in-law, I heard that Sister Bai Qiuning wanted to marry you before, but you didn't want her, is that true?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Bai Qiuning beside her immediately blushed with shame and went to pinch her mouth.

Another young girl said, "How come I heard it was Sister Yiyi, and Li'er?"

The girl whose name was mentioned also became anxious immediately, blushing as she spat, "It was clearly you!"

!

Just as everyone was frolicking, the maid guarding outside the door suddenly entered and said, "Madam, Young Misses, Noble Consort and the young ladies of the Jia Family have arrived."

Upon hearing this, everyone was startled and immediately quieted down.

Chu Meixiang hurriedly stood up and said, "Quickly, invite them in."

At this moment, several palace maids walked in first and stood in two rows on either side.

Then, the voice of a eunuch rang out at the door: "Noble Consort has arrived!"

Chu Meixiang hurriedly led the female relatives of the Bai Family and waited at the door with lowered heads.

Before long, the young ladies of the Jia Family, surrounding a woman dressed in a precious blue long gown with phoenix pearl tassels on her head, who appeared graceful and luxurious, walked in from the door.

Chu Meixiang and the female relatives of the Bai Family hurriedly lowered their heads and bowed, saying, "Greetings to Noble Consort, wishing Noble Consort a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"

Luo Zijun stood at the very back, also lowering his head and bowing, his eyes fixed on the ground.

Jia Yuanchun laughed, "Aunt Chu, no need for such formalities, and you sisters need not be so formal either. This palace just came to look around casually; there is no need for so much ceremony."

Chu Meixiang hurriedly invited her to sit in the seat of honor, while she herself sat to one side to accompany her.

Jia Yuanchun first inquired about her health, then asked about the second aunt who had married into the Jia Family of Su Guo Fu, and then chatted about some other matters.

After some small talk, Jia Yuanchun suddenly laughed, "By the way, Aunt Chu, has Young Master Luo arrived?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Chu Meixiang hurriedly said, "He has, he has!"

Immediately, she added, "Zijun, why don't you come over quickly to pay your respects to Noble Consort!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Zijun immediately lowered his head and stepped forward, looking straight ahead, and bowed: "Luo Zijun pays respects to Noble Consort, wishing Her Highness a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years!"

Jia Yuanchun stared at him, looking him up and down, and couldn't help but praise, "I didn't expect Young Master Luo to not only be full of talent but also to be such a handsome man. Rare, truly rare."

She then smiled at Chu Meixiang and said, "It is a pity that my Jia Family does not have that fortune; instead, Aunt Chu has picked up a bargain, gaining such an excellent son-in-law for nothing."

Chu Meixiang also humbly said, "It cannot compare to the fortune of your Jia Mansion; with Noble Consort there, who could compare?"

Jia Yuanchun smiled, then looked at the young man before her and asked, "Young Master Luo, since you finished writing that volume of 'Love Dreams of Shen Yuan', why haven't you written any more books? This palace has been waiting eagerly to read them."

Luo Zijun lowered his head and said, "I have been busy studying for the examinations recently, so I have had no time to write. If Noble Consort enjoys reading them, I shall carefully conceive another one after I return."

Jia Yuanchun laughed, "This palace was just speaking casually; of course, studying for the examinations is more important. With Young Master Luo's talent, I am sure you will surely pass the Autumn Examination next year."

Luo Zijun said, "I accept your kind words, Your Highness."

At this moment, a palace maid came to report: "The Queen has already departed."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expression became stern.

Jia Yuanchun hurriedly stood up and said, "Let us go, we shall go downstairs to welcome her."

Everyone hurriedly followed behind her and went downstairs.

The other female relatives of the Four Great Families had also received the news and hurriedly tidied their clothes and hair, going downstairs together.

The current Queen was the existence who controlled the greatest real power in Daliang, much like a king.

The Four Great Families stood separately on both sides.

The members of the Jia Family crowded behind Noble Consort, all with their heads lowered and faces full of respect.

Noble Consort supported Jia Mu.

The other female relatives also lowered their heads and bowed, not daring to make any sound.

At this time, eunuchs and palace maids arrived first.

"The Queen has already left Yaohua Palace!"

After another while.

"The Queen has already crossed Baiyu Bridge!"

Another half an incense stick of time passed.

"The Queen has already entered Jingan Palace!"

At this time, a large group of palace maids and eunuchs arrived; the ground was covered with velvet carpets, scattered with fresh flowers, and bright yellow phoenix umbrellas were raised on both sides.

At this moment, Jia Yuanchun immediately supported Jia Mu and knelt on the ground.

Seeing this, the others also hurriedly knelt down, lowering their heads and keeping silent.

Under the stage not far away, those actors who were preparing to perform were also dressed in colorful costumes, kneeling respectfully on the ground.

The entire surroundings of Jing'an Tower were suddenly silent, as if one could hear each other's breathing.

Luo Zijun also followed the Bai Family members and knelt at the very back, thinking to himself: The Noble Consort was close just now, and with so many people watching, I didn't dare to look up at her appearance. Now that I am hiding behind the crowd, I can take the opportunity later to see what the Queen, who is hailed as the greatest beauty of Daliang, actually looks like.

Another moment passed.

Suddenly, a eunuch shrieked, "The Queen has arrived—"

(End of chapter)