Reborn as the Crippled King's Beloved
Chapter 382: Fu Heng is Actually Getting Married?

Chapter 382: Chapter 382: Fu Heng is Actually Getting Married?

Sikong Wan hosted a poetry gathering.

Her original intention was to invite a few friends before her departure from her family home, but unexpectedly, the Fifth Princess got wind of it. Intentionally, while Sikong Wan was out, she proposed to attend the poetry gathering that Sikong Wan was organizing.

Upon learning this, Madam Sikong immediately instructed Sikong Wan to send out a broader invitation, asking more ladies and wives to come to the poetry gathering.

On this day, the Fifth Princess was dressed exceptionally grand.

Although she no longer pined for Lou Zixi, she was a person who bore grudges. Since Lou Zixi would rather marry Sikong Wan than her, and their wedding dates were on the same day, the Fifth Princess wanted nothing more than to thoroughly outshine Sikong Wan.

After all, Ruan Hongwen was just a Tanhua, while Lou Zixi was a Top Scholar. Moreover, Lou Zixi’s appearance was considered the very best in the Capital City.

Even though the Fifth Princess had accepted Ruan Hongwen, deep down she still despised him for not being as good-looking as Lou Zixi, Fu Heng, and others.

Sikong Wan also invited Murong Jiu, but she had no interest in this kind of excitement, preferring to stay at home with the two little ones, Zhijin and Zhiyu, rather than watch a bunch of women vying for attention.

Who knew if the Fifth Princess would cause trouble at the poetry gathering?

She had wanted to lend Lou Zixi a few extra hands to keep an eye on things at the poetry gathering, but Jun Yuyan told her that Lord Sikong Fu had already sent a few trusted aides to assist Lou Zixi, and now Lou Zixi was not short of help.

Lord Sikong, as the Minister of Dali Temple, had quite a few tricks up his sleeve, so Murong Jiu was not worried at all. Su Kai and Lady Yao came to visit, and she enjoyed a sincere conversation with Lady Yao.

The poetry gathering organized by Sikong Wan was set in the Furong Pavilion on the outskirts, and now was the blooming season for the hibiscuses, their fragrance intoxicating and their beauty enticing.

She had people pick the most beautiful hibiscus flowers in advance. The basket full of flowers was then sent to Prince Ling’s Mansion, and when it reached Murong Jiu’s hands, the petals still glistened with delicate dew, a sight too beautiful for words.

Murong Jiu was quite fond of Sikong Wan, as she was always thoughtful in whatever formality she practiced.

Thinking that the hibiscus was delicate and perfect for wearing, Murong Jiu, along with Lady Yao, each adorned their hair with a hibiscus flower.

Looking at herself in the bronze mirror, she covered her lips and chuckled, "I’ve already given birth to children, yet today I’m dressing up like a young girl again."

Lady Yao laughed as well, "I’m the one who’s trying to look young. Princess Consort, you are at the perfect age for wearing flowers, it looks very pretty on you."

"Lady Yao looks very pretty too."

Both of them were still young, the perfect match for these tender flowers.

Although Murong Jiu was a Princess Consort, she also disliked colors that were too mature, and Jun Yuyan often had clothes made for her in these bright and delicate shades.

However, it was her first time wearing such a large hibiscus flower.

"Heir Su has been peeking over here dozens of times already, you should go out and talk to him," Murong Jiu teased Lady Yao.

But this was no joke. Su Kai and Jun Yuyan were playing chess in the courtyard, although their minds were not on the game, their thoughts had long since drifted over here.

Lady Yao’s cheeks reddened, and in a low voice, she scolded Su Kai for lacking restraint, only knowing how to stare at women.

Murong Jiu laughed so hard her stomach hurt, "He’s not staring at other women, just at you."

"That’s still no restraint!"

Despite saying that, Lady Yao’s demeanor was shy and coy, showing an affectionate heart behind her sharp words; the two of them appeared to be soaked in the sweetness of their relationship.

As soon as Lady Yao went out, Su Kai’s eyes could hardly leave her.

Murong Jiu couldn’t help but chuckle, not even noticing when Jun Yuyan came in.

"Ah Jiu, you look so beautiful."

His voice was low, his eyes were deep, fixated on her without blinking an instant.

Murong Jiu’s face turned an even deeper shade of red.

Turning her head, she noticed that Chun Tao and Hong Yi had already left.

Jun Yuyan approached, hooked his arm and easily swept her into his embrace, lifting her sideways.

"What are you doing, Husband, there are still people outside," she whispered urgently.

"What are you thinking? I was just worried you were tired, asking you to sit down," he said.

Jun Yuyan smiled as he placed her on the chair, straightening the Fu Rong flower that had gone askew during her struggle.

"Our Ah Jiu suits wearing flowers so well. From now on, your husband will personally pick flowers for you. Ah Jiu, with your beautiful looks, peony flowers will certainly suit you even more."

Murong Jiu’s eyes widened in shock. Peony flowers?!

"You dare to say such things? Be careful in case someone overhears!"

In Great Yan, the peony symbolizes the mother of the nation, and only the Empress can wear it.

Ladies and young misses dare not use phoenix or peony patterns on their dresses, all for fear of committing a taboo.

"In the future, Ah Jiu will become the Empress, your husband will not let you wait too long," he declared.

Murong Jiu saw a strong confidence in his eyes.

These past days, Jun Yuyan had been busy with matters that she now understood – he might have been occupied with plotting to take over the throne.

Murong Jiu extended her arms to wrap around his neck: "Husband, you must be careful."

Jun Yuyan tenderly pressed a kiss onto her lips: "Rest assured, Ah Jiu."

The poetry meeting at Madam Sikong’s ended at sunset, and although there was a minor incident, fortunately, it did not escalate into something serious.

However, the Fifth Princess, despite having drawn much attention, did not look good when she returned.

The reason was that she had seen Fu Heng walking on the main street with a beautiful young girl. On Fu Heng’s face, she saw a smile she had never seen before, one that even carried a hint of doting.

The Fifth Princess felt puzzled.

She had liked Fu Heng for so long, and he had been unmoved by her. She hadn’t given up on him for long, yet he had actually come to like another girl!

The girl’s features clearly suggested she was from the Western Regions!

He didn’t favor her noble imperial blood, yet he fancied a woman from the Western Regions!

Today, she had faced frustrations at Sikong Wan’s, feeling as though her attacks were akin to punching cotton. And then, to see Fu Heng strolling with the girl from the Western Regions, how could her heart not ache?

Upon seeing Ruan Hongwen, she immediately ordered him to find out the relationship between Fu Heng and that girl from the Western Regions and the girl’s background.

In front of the Fifth Princess, Ruan Hongwen bowed and served obediently, offering all sorts of comfort and care. But as soon as he left, his expression turned dark and grim.

Of course, he did not like the Fifth Princess, but as a man, he could not stand his woman being fickle, now longing for Lou Zixi, then for Fu Heng.

Such a flirtatious nature!

No wonder he got her in bed with such ease!

Ruan Hongwen was utterly unwilling in his heart, yet he still went to gather the information.

They weren’t married yet, he hadn’t become the Prince Consort, and he still had to treat the Fifth Princess with the reverence due to an ancestor.

"Princess, I’ve found out. The girl’s name is Ya Fu, an orphan who once saved Young Master Fu’s life. They have developed feelings for each other and are planning to marry. The wedding is set for next spring," he reported.

The Fifth Princess nearly crushed her silver teeth in anger upon hearing this.

She had thought that Fu Heng was uninterested in women, which was why he didn’t fancy her. But who could have expected that he would marry so soon!

An orphan girl, how could she compare to a princess like herself?

He must be blind!

With the Fifth Princess in a bad mood, she took out her troubles on Ruan Hongwen, making this period extremely unpleasant for him.

Fortunately, the wedding date was drawing near, and soon he would marry the princess and become the Prince Consort.

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