newbobooks Chapter 231 The Emperor's Suspicion is the Most Terrifying
Chapter 231 The Emperor's Suspicion is the Most Terrifying
As soon as she finished speaking, everyone's gaze followed her words and turned to Chu Qingyin's shoes and socks.
It really is the same as before, and hasn't been changed.
Pei Yuanling's gaze also lightly swept over Chu Qingyin's skirt.
If his memory serves him right, she was wearing these same shoes when she left.
It was obvious that she hadn't changed her shoes.
Where did she go during the time she was away?
Noticing the questioning look in the man's eyes, Chu Qingyin remained calm and simply said, "Thank you for your concern, Consort Qiao. The journey back is long, and I didn't want Your Majesty to wait too long, so I found a meditation room nearby to dry my shoes and socks before hurrying here."
As she said this, there was not a trace of panic in her charming eyes.
Seeing that Pei Yuanling was still frowning, her eyes darkened, and she said softly, "Does Your Majesty suspect me?"
Upon hearing this, Pei Yuanling's expression changed slightly, but he said, "How could I doubt you? I'm just worried that the roads are slippery in this snowy weather, and I'm concerned about you traveling alone."
As he spoke, he stepped forward, wanting to hold Chu Qingyin's hand, but she once again subtly avoided it.
Seeing this, Qiao Qingling was secretly delighted, but put on a concerned expression: "Sister, please don't misunderstand His Majesty's good intentions. It's just that your trip back and forth has indeed taken quite a long time, which inevitably makes people worry."
Chu Qingyin sneered inwardly, but her face remained calm as she looked at Qiao Qingling and said slowly, "I never expected that after all these years as sisters, Consort Qiao would show such concern for me today. I am quite flattered."
Qiao Qingling was speechless after hearing her words, her face turning pale and then red.
"Alright, alright, it's a rare treat to come out and appreciate the plum blossoms today, don't spoil the fun."
Pei Yuanling coughed lightly and looked at Chu Qingyin again: "Since you think it's better not to transplant the plum blossoms in the plum grove, then so be it."
He tried to ease the tension, but Chu Qingyin didn't take the opportunity to back down. "Since Your Majesty has already promised Consort Qiao, how can you go back on your word? Don't let Consort Qiao feel wronged because of me."
“Yinyin, you…” Pei Yuanling sighed helplessly.
He knew Chu Qingyin was angry, but he couldn't say much in front of everyone.
Seeing this, Qiao Qingling quickly pretended to be magnanimous: "Since you don't like transplanting plum blossoms, then forget it. You are the older sister after all, and I, as your younger sister, should follow your wishes."
Her words, though seemingly a concession, were actually an attempt to sow discord between Chu Qingyin and Pei Yuanling.
Chu Qingyin ignored her little tricks and turned to Pei Yuanling, saying, "Your Majesty, I am feeling a little unwell and would like to return to the palace to rest first."
Before Pei Yuanling could respond, she curtsied and turned to leave.
Gazing at that proud and stubborn figure, Pei Yuanling frowned.
He knew that Yinyin was always jealous.
It's probably because he saw him agree to Qiao Qingling's request earlier, and he's still angry about it.
Qiao Qingling stood to the side, a hint of barely perceptible smugness flashing in her eyes: "Your Majesty, now that my sister has left, then we..."
"Enjoy the view yourselves."
Pei Yuanling didn't even glance at her and chased after her.
His footsteps were hurried and heavy on the snow, each step shattering the surrounding silence: "Yinyin, slow down."
Hearing the call, Chu Qingyin paused for a moment, but did not turn around; instead, she quickened her pace.
Seeing this, Pei Yuanling felt even more helpless. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed Chu Qingyin's sleeve.
"Yinyin, listen to me."
Chu Qingyin stopped and slowly turned around, looking calmly at Pei Yuanling. "Is there anything else, Your Majesty?"
"Yinyin, I know you are angry. It is my fault. I shouldn't have let you see that scene."
Pei Yuanling held Chu Qingyin's hand tightly, afraid that she would leave again. "Consort Qiao was just acting on a whim, and I didn't take it to heart. Don't take it to heart."
It was she who came up with the idea that finally managed to appease Chu Qingyin.
The more this happened, the more he wanted to see Chu Qingyin jealous of other women, but he never expected her to get so angry.
"Your Majesty is too kind. How could I possibly get angry over such a trivial matter?"
Chu Qingyin gently withdrew her hand: "But Your Majesty, as the ruler of a country, should think more carefully before acting, lest you become a laughing stock in the eyes of others."
Her words carried a hint of coldness, leaving Pei Yuanling speechless.
"Yinyin, I will never let you suffer such injustice again."
Pei Yuanling said earnestly, "No one can match your position in my heart."
Chu Qingyin listened to his words without any emotion, only finding them laughable.
He was clearly having a passionate moment with another woman just a moment ago, yet now he has the nerve to say that his status is unmatched?
"Your Majesty, I am truly tired and wish to return to rest."
Although Chu Qingyin's tone was calm, Pei Yuanling could sense the coldness in it.
He knew very well that with Chu Qingyin's personality, the calmer she appeared, the harder it was for her to express her resentment.
However, he didn't know that she had long since stopped caring.
Even the most powerful king felt a pang of regret at this moment.
He shouldn't have let Chu Qingyin see his intimacy with the other concubines, and he certainly shouldn't have shown favoritism towards Consort Qiao in front of her.
"Since you're tired, I'll accompany you back," Pei Yuanling said gently, softening his tone.
Chu Qingyin shook her head. "Your Majesty need not spoil your enjoyment of plum blossoms for my sake. I can go back by myself."
Seeing her resolute attitude, Pei Yuanling knew that it was not advisable to force her at this moment.
He could only say, "Alright, I'll have a eunuch escort you back. Be careful on your journey."
Chu Qingyin nodded slightly, then turned and left.
As he watched her retreating figure, Pei Yuanling's eyes darkened.
Qiao Qingling, who was not far away, watched all this and felt secretly pleased with herself.
The more impulsive Chu Qingyin became, the more displeased the men were with her.
When she exhausts His Majesty's last bit of patience, she will suffer the consequences.
***
Chu Qingyin returned to her residence and sat alone by the window, gazing at the plum blossoms falling outside, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
"Your Majesty still values you the most; Consort Qiao is nothing to him."
Xianglan couldn't bear to see Chu Qingyin angry, so she whispered words of comfort.
Chu Qingyin sighed softly but did not reply.
Having shared a bed for so many years, she naturally knew what Pei Yuanling was thinking.
It was simply because he had promoted Qiao Qingling's rank last time, and she had reconciled with him.
Having tasted the sweetness, he couldn't resist using the same trick again, trying to make her jealous once more.
Chu Qingyin remained calm and unmoved by this, showing no particular emotion.
Since she has already decided to leave, nothing else matters to her anymore.
As Xianglan spoke, she observed Chu Qingyin's expression and, noticing that there was no displeasure in her eyes, she continued speaking with peace of mind.
"This servant saw it clearly from the side; His Majesty is still most concerned about you."
Chu Qingyin remained silent.
This left Xianglan somewhat at a loss.
As a maidservant by her master's side, she couldn't help but feel unhappy seeing Qiao Qingling gain power.
"Your Majesty, if you have anything on your mind, please feel free to speak it to me. Although I am foolish, I am willing to do my best to help," Xianglan suggested cautiously.
Chu Qingyin shook her head slightly, looking out the window at the plum blossoms. "I'm fine, you can go down now."
Seeing this, Xianglan had no choice but to silently leave the room.
Chu Qingyin was alone, her thoughts drifting away like plum blossoms fluttering outside the window.
She did these things not because she cared about Pei Yuanling, but because she realized he had become suspicious of her changing her shoes and socks.
The emperor's suspicion is the most terrifying thing.
Her plans absolutely could not be disrupted by these trivial matters.
Knowing Pei Yuanling as she did, she naturally knew how to handle it. It was nothing more than throwing a little tantrum to let him know that she still valued his affection.