Chapter 723: 336 sets of burlap bags (one update)_2 Chapter 723: 336 sets of burlap bags (one update)_2 Perhaps feeling cooler, Gu Jiao’s furrowed brow relaxed.
Yao Family, who was picking vegetables in the front yard, saw this and gently stroked her slightly protruding belly, a soft look crossed her eyes.
Gu Jiao had a long sleep until Xiaoshun returned from the Guozijian.
As soon as the young horn arrived home, he began horn incessantly, making it impossible for Gu Jiao to stay asleep.
Luckily, she had slept enough
Gu Changqing had matters to attend to at the military camp, so he did not stay for dinner.
By evening, smoke curled up from the homes in the alley, and Xiao Liulang returned from his duties at the Hanlin Academy.
He had visited the old imperial counselor and discussed some matters. He arrived home to find Gu Jiao languishing in the east room.
She should have been well-rested after an entire afternoon of sleep.
Yet her long sighs and short gasps perfectly mimicked Xiaoshun mimicking old neighbour Zhao.
Xiao Liulang could not help but curl up the corners of his mouth in amusement.
After dinner, Gu Jiao returned to her room in a slump to continue languishing.
Xiao Liulang knocked on the room door: “It’s me.”
Gu Jiao sat up: “Come in.”
Xiao Liulang pushed the door open.
Gu Jiao assumed he was again coming to bring her green bean soup, and although she was not hungry, she cooperatively sat down by the table.
However, Xiao Liulang did not hand her a bowl of green bean soup, but just stared at her intently.
Gu Jiao gradually began to notice something was amiss.
She looked up at Xiao Liulang, and asked curiously, “What is it?”
In Xiao Liulang’s unfathomable eyes, bright lights flickered along with a hint of helpless mirth that even he did not recognize: “Don’t you want to try your hand at being a bag?”
“Huh?” Gu Jiao perked up her little ears! Then she blinked, looked towards the window and solemnly said, “I’m not that kind of person.”
Xiao Liulang almost believed her, with her knack for pushing everything onto someone else, truly, you’re not that kind of person.
Xiao Liulang held onto his composure and asked, “Then… do you want to visit your aunt in the palace?”
Gu Jiao sat up straight: “This… Of course!”
“Put this on.” Xiao Liulang conjured up a set of eunuch’s clothes.
After he left, Gu Jiao changed into the clothes and put on the hat.
The room door was opened, and out came a mischievous little eunuch.
Xiao Liulang was taken aback, his eyes nearly bulging out.
He had never imagined that when a woman put on a eunuch’s clothes, she would look so charming and cute. Her large, twinkling eyes were clear and bright, her small face as big as a palm, her features exquisitely beautiful. Even that red birthmark that people often complained about seemed to have a unique charm.
If all the eunuchs in the palace looked , who would need to accept concubines or select beauties?
“Do I look nice?” Gu Jiao asked.
“Not bad.” Someone said nonchalantly, “Let’s go.”
The two got into the carriage.
Nanxiang personally picked up Gu Xiaoshun and Gu Yan from the Qinghe Academy today, so Liao Quan had some free time. But now he wasn’t idle either, bringing these two into the palace.
Gu Jiao sat obediently in the carriage, stretching her legs, bouncing her toes up and down. It was clear she was in a good mood.
When the carriage arrived at the palace gate, Xiao Liulang very naturally presented his Renshou Palace token.
“Could you please check if there is anyone else in the carriage?” The guard said politely.
Xiao Liulang lifted the curtain, allowing the guard to have a look. However, he was blocking most of Gu Jiao, so only the eunuch’s attire could be seen.
Xiao Liulang said calmly, “He is a junior official from Renshou Palace.”
“Ah, I see. Please proceed, Mr. Xiao Xiuzhuan,” said the guard, who stepped aside to let them pass.
The carriage passed the Jinluan Hall and stopped near the Imperial Harem, as it could not proceed any further.
Xiao Liulang said, “Good, let’s stop here. Uncle Liu, you can go back first. We’ll find our own way back later.”
Liao Quan said, “I’ll wait for you!”
Xiao Liulang said, “No need, my aunt will arrange for someone to send us back.”
“That’s true.” Liao Quan laughed, “Then I’m going first!”
After Liao Quan left, Xiao Liulang accompanied Gu Jiao to the vicinity of the Huaqing Palace.
Summer days are long and nights are short. It was late now, but daylight was still lingering.
The Princess Taiping had a habit of walking after dinner. After her evening meal, she took Lady Cai and others to the Imperial Garden.
The events at the Huaqing Palace in the morning had somewhat affected her, and her complexion wasn’t very good.
Lady Cai was supporting her, with some palace maids trailing behind in silence.
“Let’s sit in the pavilion,” the Princess Taiping told Lady Cai.
“Yes”, Lady Cai helped her up the steps and onto a stone bench in the pavilion. Then she instructed a maid, “Go and make a pot of flower tea.”