THE CROWN PRINCE'S GOLDEN CONSORT

020

The western Courtyard.

"My lady the Crown Princess consort is here" Nuo Yi reported to a pale little beauty that was reclining on a couch while reading a poem book.

"Help me get dressed I best not keep her highness waiting" Shen Peizhi replied setting down her book and standing.
A few minutes later she was dressed and lead by Niu Yi into the room. Xu Mingzhu was already seated when she was lead in.

"Peizhi greets your highness" Shen Peizhi said.

"Peizhi Mei mei shouldn't stand on ceremony, have a seat" Xu Mingzhu replied. Madam Shen had always been pale but since that event had occurred she seems to have gotten much more frail. They had always gotten along well, one could say that they were allies of a special kind. Shen Peizhi was married into the crown Prince Haram to help her after all.

"Thank you Mingzhu mei mei" Shen Peizhi said and sat opposite Xu Mingzhu.

"I didn't see you this morning" Xu Mingzhu said softly. She and Peizhi has always talked comfortably.

"I was very cold this morning and i just recovered from a chill. I didn't wish to risk getting ill again" Peizhi replied smiling softly. She couldn't blame Xu Mingzhu for asking. The imperial physician did say that she was now much better.

"A new wife was married into the Haram, Madam Yang is now expecting. Peizhi will have to get better so as not to lose to anyone" Xu Mingzhu said watching Shen Peizhi's expression. She could already guess Peizhi's reluctance to coming out of seclusion but she couldn't run forever.

"I am not yet ready to come out" Shen Peizhi replied in a soft in audible voice.

"Peizhi hiding isn't going to change anything so I suggest you get yourself together. What happened to you though sad is a tragedy and you must live on. That is your duty as a member of the Haram. I expect to see you in two days time paying your respects" Xu Mingzhu said standing and walking out of the room.

                                 * * *

                  
Jang Suyin's rooms.

"Xu Mingzhu met with Shen Peizhi, pathetic. One is very stupid while the other is a timid little mouse. Good let them come, I will make them wish they never crossed me" Jang Suyin said seated behind a Guqin.

"what are your orders my lady" Luo Yu said from where she stood at Jang Suyin's right.

"Have someone watch her but for the time being let her be. I really want to see what they could possibly do"Jang Suyin replied smiling. 'Did Xu Mingzhu think she could possibly win this fight. They are many ways she could ruin their so called friendship that is clearly based on complete servitude in Shen Peizhi's case that is'

                                  * * *

Jiangxi casino.

"Welcome to Jiangxi casino your highness" The manager said bowing in greeting.

"Manager Li these are my good friends who just came into town and are interested in buying into the flower banquet going on this night" Zhongshan Shuang said.

"This way your highness I will lead you to your private room that overlooks the stage" Manager Li said pointing to the left.

"Hmm, lead the way" Zhongshan Shuang replied turning to the left. Walking infront the manager began leading them to a private room.

When they arrived at the room the manager paused to open the door and they all walked into the room and began taking their seats.

"Your highness and company can get comfortable here , I will send someone up to take your orders" Manager Li said from the door.

"Yes, thanks" Zhongshan Shuang said smiling widely. Manager Li bowed and walked out of the room leaving them alone.

Zhongshan Shuang stealthily checked for any spies before turning to his cousin Zhongshan Huang who had been quiet since they got in and said "Eh Huang ge aren't you going to say anything I promised to get you in and I did".

"Hmm" Zhongshan Huang replied.

"Just Hmm, you should at least buy me a drink. This wasn't easy to achieve, even you have to admit that only me could ever get you into this event" Zhongshan Shuang continued feeling wronged.

"Your right and only you is jobless enough to achieve this" Zhongshan Huang replied finally looking at his cousin.

"Hey, that not very nice. It wouldn't cost you much to but me a drink no will it" Zhongshan Shuang continued moving closer to Zhongshan Huang and holding onto his hands.

"Your right about that" Zhongshan Huang replied

"Yes, you should listen to me. I will call someone to take our orders" Zhongshan Shuang said raising up his hands signalling a server when Zhongshan Huang next statement left him speechless.

"it won't cost me much to buy you a drink after all you are lending me a hand that's why I will have sixth aunt regulate your monthly allowance as you clearly don't have anything useful you spend it on"

A few seconds later Zhongshan Shuang recovered himself and said "Huang ge you wouldn't be so heartless as to do that".

"What do you think" Zhongshan Huang replied looking straight at Zhongshan Shuang with a emotionless face.