I died tragically in my previous life, and I want to be an empress in my next life

After everyone entered the hall, they took their seats one by one, waiting for the arrival of the Queen Mother and the Queen.

Pei Zhiyan had just sat down when a discordant voice came from her.

"I haven't seen you for many days. Princess Jing looks very well today. I guess Prince Jing is very fond of you." Crown Princess Zhao Wanru, who was sitting above Pei Zhiyan, said in a slightly sarcastic tone.

Pei Zhiyan smiled faintly. Everyone in the capital knew that Prince Jing disliked her. Zhao Wanru said this just to embarrass herself.

She lowered her eyes slightly and said meaningfully, "Thank you for the Crown Princess's care. In fact, Prince Jing has been busy with official duties for many years. I haven't seen him for a long time. Unlike His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, he can accompany the Crown Princess in the East Palace every day."

When Zhao Wanru heard this, her face immediately darkened. Crown Prince Xuanyuan Zheng had made several mistakes recently and was punished by the Emperor to reflect on his mistakes in the East Palace. It was only during the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet that the Queen and the Empress Dowager pleaded for him, and only then was the ban lifted.

After Pei Zhiyan finished speaking, she leisurely picked up the wine glass in front of her and took a sip. This Zhao Wanru had always been at odds with her. In the past, she didn't want to offend her because she had to maintain good interpersonal relationships for Xuanyuan Ping. She would just endure what she said to her. Ha, things are different now. She no longer needs to worry so much and won't indulge her bad temper.

Zhao Wanru was the legitimate daughter of Grand Tutor Zhao's mansion. When Crown Prince Xuanyuan Zheng reached marriageable age, the Queen and Crown Prince had originally chosen Pei Zhiyan. If he married Pei Zhiyan, with the support of the General's Mansion, the Crown Prince's position would be as stable as a rock.

However, Pei Zhiyan only wanted to marry Xuanyuan Ping at that time, so Prince Xuanyuan Zheng had to settle for the second best and marry Zhao Wanru.

This incident has always been a thorn in Zhao Wanru's heart. Every time she meets Pei Zhiyan, she always feels a bit of hostility for some reason.

Hearing Pei Zhiyan say this, Zhao Wanru's face suddenly became a little ugly, thinking to herself, this Pei Zhiyan is really getting more and more outrageous! Who does she think she is, talking to me like this? !

The more Zhao Wanru thought about it, the angrier she became, and her face turned red.

Pei Zhixuan saw this and flattered Zhao Wanru with a smile on her face, "The Crown Princess is truly a natural beauty, like a fairy from heaven. I am so lucky to be able to see the Crown Princess's stunning beauty today."

Zhao Wanru's expression eased a little after hearing this. She chuckled, glanced at Pei Zhixuan, and said, "You must be the concubine that Prince Jing has just married. You are really good at talking. No wonder you are favored by Prince Jing."

"Thank you for your compliment, Princess." Pei Zhixuan's face flushed with pride, and she couldn't help feeling secretly happy that she had finally succeeded in gaining Zhao Wanru's favor.

"The Crown Princess is extremely graceful and has a deep relationship with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. They are a perfect match for each other, which is truly enviable." Pei Zhixuan added, trying to get closer to Zhao Wanru.

Although Zhao Wanru was somewhat disdainful of Pei Zhixuan's advances, she was able to annoy Pei Zhiyan, so she started chatting with her enthusiastically across Pei Zhiyan.

Pei Zhiyan watched the two of them flattering each other and chatting enthusiastically, and sneered in her heart. She sat for a while, and seeing that it was still early for the banquet to start, she felt really bored, so she got up and wanted to go for a walk in the Imperial Garden first.

In her previous life, she had spent five years in this palace, and knew every corner of it like the back of her hand. Pei Zhiyan walked through the corridors with ease, and finally arrived at this familiar yet unfamiliar imperial garden.

In the Imperial Garden, flowers are in full bloom, blooming in the sun, with colorful petals swaying gently in the breeze. The green trees are shady, and the lush leaves bring a cool feeling to the garden.

In this familiar yet unfamiliar imperial garden, memories of the past came flooding back like a tide. The stone table next to the rockery was still there. In her previous life, whenever she was upset, she would come here. What she liked most was to sit alone by the stone table and daydream. At that time, she could sit there for several hours alone and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

Pei Zhiyan walked over slowly, stroked the stone table, looked up at the sky, the sun shone through the leaves on her face, and she gently closed her eyes. At this moment, she no longer thought about the past, but just wanted to enjoy the present.

"Haha," suddenly a burst of laughter came from behind the rockery.

"Who?" Pei Zhiyan frowned slightly and asked vigilantly.

A figure slowly walked out from behind the rockery. Yin Liu quickly stepped forward and stood in front of Pei Zhiyan.

When she saw the person's face clearly, Yin Liu's vigilance immediately relaxed. It turned out to be Xuanyuan Che.

"The Emperor's sister-in-law has such a refined taste. How does it feel to revisit the old place?" Xuanyuan Che said with a chuckle.

Pei Zhiyan was shocked. Revisiting the old place? What did he mean?

She looked up at Xuanyuan Che, with a hint of doubt in her eyes, "Why do you ask this, Sixth Brother?"

Xuanyuan Che looked at her with a smile without saying anything, but glanced around. The scenery here was picturesque, but unfortunately time passed, things had changed and people had changed. She probably had forgotten what happened back then a long time ago.

Perhaps from that time on, her heart and eyes only had her third brother, so she didn't remember anyone else.

Xuanyuan Che laughed at himself, and then said, "Nothing, just asking casually. The scenery here is very beautiful. The emperor's sister-in-law often comes to the palace, so she must come here often to sit."

"I was just bored, so I came here for a walk." Pei Zhiyan said.

"Since you're here, let's sit down and have a cup of tea together." Xuanyuan Che sat down on the stone bench and motioned Pei Zhiyan to sit down.

Pei Zhiyan frowned and said lightly, "There are differences between men and women. I think you don't need to drink this tea. The banquet will start soon. I have to go back. Sixth brother, please do as you please." After that, she turned and left.

Xuanyuan Che opened his mouth, wanting to call her to stop, but in the end he didn't. Indeed, there are differences between men and women, and if someone with ulterior motives saw the two of them drinking tea here, it would definitely cause unnecessary gossip.

He has always been a man of his own accord, and his reputation has long been known far and wide. However, she is his sister-in-law, and he cannot allow her to be subject to gossip or any unwarranted criticism or attack.

Pei Zhiyan had already walked away. He quietly watched her departing back, with an indescribable feeling welling up in his heart.

This woman is beautiful and independent, smart and sharp, and every move she makes reveals her unique temperament and elegance.

Xuanyuan Che couldn't help but admire her silently in his heart, even though he knew that such feelings should not appear between them.