She feigned anger to prepare for what was to happen the next day.
Coincidentally, the King of the Western Regions fell for this sort of act from her.
"Then tell me how I can make you forgive me. I'll do anything."
He lovingly tapped Concubine Rui on the nose and watched contentedly as the woman giggled and nestled into his arms.
"Your Majesty, can I request to leave the palace tomorrow?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the King of the Western Regions lowered his hand, and his expression grew increasingly gloomy.
Seeing this, Concubine Rui quickly grabbed his hanging hand.
"Your Majesty, don't misunderstand. I'm new here and not familiar with the layout around. Moreover, there are spies everywhere around Your Majesty. I hope I can do something for Your Majesty."
"Then how do you want to help me?"
"Your Majesty, I want to go out and see if I can find something useful for you. Although I've lived in the deep palace for a long time, I also want to do my part to defend the Western Regions."
She spoke sincerely, and gradually calmed the King of the Western Regions' anger.
"Well, I'm already satisfied that you have this kind of heart. But it's really too dangerous outside. If you, a weak woman, go out, no one can guarantee your safety."
"Your Majesty can send some palace servants with me. With them around, ordinary people won't dare to do anything to me."
As she spoke, a glint appeared in her eyes, trying to sway the King of the Western Regions.
He couldn't help but raise his hand and lift Concubine Rui's chin: "Then it depends on your performance to see if you can really make me feel at ease."
Concubine Rui wasn't a three - year - old child. Naturally, she understood the meaning behind his words, and her heart fluttered.
The two looked into each other's eyes. Concubine Rui slightly parted her cherry - like lips, and the King of the Western Regions couldn't resist leaning in.
The palace servants outside looked at the sun in the sky and felt a bit envious: "Sure enough, they're masters. We couldn't even do something like this in broad daylight."
Another eunuch glared at the one who spoke: "Do you want to lose your head? After staying in the palace for so long, don't you even know what to say and what not to say?"
"Forgive me, Eunuch. I was just feeling a bit emotional. I didn't mean anything else."
"Get out! Go to the Internal Affairs Office to receive your punishment. If I don't teach you a lesson, you'll lose your head next time."
"Yes, I'll go right away."
As soon as the words were out, the person who had just spoken immediately ran away. The eunuch looked back, his eyes full of mockery.
The next day.
Concubine Rui watched the man dressing and knew that her matter was settled.
To prevent someone from taking advantage of this man while she was out today, she stepped forward, looking reluctant.
"Your Majesty, why don't you accompany me out? Anyway, you're worried that I might encounter villains outside."
The King of the Western Regions lovingly smoothed her hair, his eyes full of helplessness: "I have a lot of things to deal with today. Don't worry. I've secretly arranged people to protect you. They won't let you get into any danger. I'll be waiting for your return."
"Alright then."
Finally, Concubine Rui watched him leave. But as his figure gradually faded away, she immediately changed her expression.
The palace maid beside her almost thought she was hallucinating.
"Your Ladyship, what shall we do next?"
"Don't you see that I've already talked it over with the King? Hurry up and pack our things. We're leaving the palace."
"Yes."
...
When Du Heng saw the carriage driving out of the palace, he leaped onto it unnoticed.
He keenly sensed another hidden presence and frowned: "Does Your Ladyship still suspect that I'll play tricks? Do you really need to bring a master with you?"
"Cut the crap. Don't let the person in the dark find out. That person was sent by the King. Also, is the place where Miss Qiao lives far from here?"
"Not far. But Miss Qiao hasn't said a word since I rescued her. I don't know if Your Ladyship has the ability to make her talk."
Concubine Rui's eyes turned cold: "General, you really know how to play your cards. You've dug such a big pit for me. If I can't make Miss Qiao willing today, I probably won't be able to take her away, right? I was just wondering why the general was so willing to give away such a valuable thing for free."
"Your Ladyship is overpraising me. I'm just following Miss Qiao's own wishes."
"You! How dare you! Aren't you afraid that I'll kill you today? Don't forget, there's the King's man in the dark. It'll be easy for me to kill you now."
Du Heng leaned against the inner wall of the carriage, looking relaxed. Dressed in a white robe, he looked like a handsome young master, making people's hearts flutter.
Even Concubine Rui was slightly absent - minded for a moment when she saw this scene. She felt annoyed.
"The general shows no sincerity at all. Then let's just call off this deal."
She issued an order to expel him, but Du Heng was unhurried: "Your Ladyship, don't be in a hurry. You've already got the jade bracelet. Miss Qiao values that jade bracelet more than her life. She used to keep it close to her body all the time. I've said all I need to say. Some things don't need to be said too clearly. I'm sure Your Ladyship understands."
With his almond - shaped eyes staring directly at her, Concubine Rui panicked and quickly averted her gaze.
"The general is a smart man. Fine, I'll give you one more chance. Well, are we there yet?"
As soon as she asked, the coachman's voice came from outside.
"Your Ladyship, we're here. But Your Ladyship just came to the Western Regions. How do you know such a remote place?"
The people living in the mansions around here were all either rich or noble. If someone hadn't lived in the Western Regions for a long time, they would never have known this place.
Concubine Rui let out a slight sigh of relief, and then her tone became very stern.
"What? Since when has it been a little coachman's business to question my affairs?!"
After all, she had been a grand concubine in the Great Liang for so many years. The authority she exuded at this moment was not something a little coachman could resist.
The coachman's face turned pale, and he quickly knelt on the ground.
"I've offended Your Ladyship. Please forgive me."
"Humph, you dog! If I were in a bad mood today, I wouldn't let you off so easily. Get out!"
"Yes, yes, yes."
After the coachman brought a chair, she slowly got off the carriage.
Du Heng disguised himself as a guard and wasn't suspected by anyone.
Even though the palace maids thought it was strange that there was suddenly such a person, after seeing what happened to the coachman, they swallowed all their doubts.
Concubine Rui didn't want these palace maids to know what she was going to do next, so as not to leave any evidence for others.
"Alright, I'll go in and take a look. You all stay here."
"But Your Ladyship, the King told us to stay by your side all the time. What if something happens to you inside?"
"Don't forget that you're all my people. When you're by my side, you have to do as I say. If anyone doesn't want to listen, I don't mind making her leave earlier."