But there is one fact that Chu Qiao is very sure about and is not so nervous anymore.
Although Chong Ximo had asked someone to investigate and found out that her identity was not Li Chunxiang, he didn't know that she was the fourth Miss Chu from Qingzhou. It seemed that Master Chong was not in the mood to know who his fiancée was, so naturally he didn't know who Chu Qiao was.
Master of fragrance.
but……
Chu Qiao didn't feel optimistic. If she didn't give him a good explanation now, and he would investigate further or send someone to the Chu family in person, the matter would really be out of control.
So any suspicion must end here. Chu Qiao must give Chong Ximo a reasonable reason to stop pursuing the investigation. Once this reason fails to convince him, she must...
She suddenly shuddered, feeling that Chong Ximo had grasped this handle, and she had to do whatever he asked her to do.
"Chong, Chong Ximo... let's talk, okay?" Chu Qiao breathed hard, with a hint of flattery and compromise in her eyes.
"You want to talk to me now?"
Chong Ximo got closer to Chu Qiao. This girl, when he wanted to have a good talk with her, she avoided him. Now that she knew that he controlled her secret, she gave in like this. It was really cunning.
A stream of hot air blew directly onto Chu Qiao's face. Chong Ximo looked at him angrily, almost suffocating her with his fingers.
Why did this woman hide her identity? How many secrets did she have that he didn't know about? He had broken all principles for her, but what about her?
Chong Ximo felt that there was an invisible wall between him and her. No matter how hard he tried, he could not overcome it. This feeling was driving him crazy.
Chu Qiao was really scared this time. She lowered her eyes and glanced at Chong Ximo, a little worried whether he would really strangle her to death.
"Chong Ximo, good, it hurts..."
It wasn't until bursts of pain came from her neck that Chu Qiao couldn't help but cry out.
Hearing her cry, Chong Ximo's fingers loosened slightly. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Chu Qiao opened Chong Ximo's hand, stepped back several steps, and hid behind the table to prevent him from coming again.
Drag her out.
It seems that it is safer to talk across a table.
Chong Ximo also started to cough. He had to turn around, pour water, and drink it in big gulps. It seemed that his illness was not serious. The hard blow she gave him in the garden induced his old illness.
Although she was afraid of him, Chu Qiao couldn't help but ask.
"Are you okay? Maybe you should go back and rest... This matter can't be done tomorrow..."
"No, tell me now, who are you?"
Chong Ximo wiped his mouth and sat down again. He seemed a little uncomfortable and shook his head hard. When his eyes were raised, they were filled with bloodshot eyes.
He really shouldn't have come out so late. The imperial doctor had already warned him to rest for a few days. Even if the folk prescription was effective, it wouldn't be able to withstand his fatigue.
But in the Chu Mansion, he heard that Li Chunxiang had been admitted to Tai Hospital, and a trace of worry came into his heart. What he worried about was not what the purpose of this woman was, but that she didn't know what kind of danger she was in. Once she took the risk
If she acted rashly, she might lose her life. After all, the protection he could give her was limited.
"Tell me your real name first..." Chong Ximo's voice became much deeper.
"Real name?"
Chu Qiao swallowed.
"Don't you have a name? Do you still need to hesitate to say your name?" Chong Ximo's tone sounded like he was interrogating a prisoner.
"Qiao, Xiao Qiao." Chu Qiao replied in a low voice.
"Where's your last name?" Chong Ximo asked impatiently.
"cold……"
The name that came to mind in such a cold weather made me feel cold. Chu Qiao raised her eyelids and found that Chong Ximo was still staring at her. She immediately lowered her eyes, showing an obedient and timid look.
Come as a compromise.
"Don't let me ask you all the questions, tell yourself."
Chong Ximo poured water again, took a sip, and pinched his forehead. His head must be hurting.
Chu Qiao wanted to go over and see him, but she didn't dare, so she could only ask in a low voice.
"You, you won't expose me, will you?"
"If you don't tell the truth, I will definitely." Chong Ximo answered simply, leaving no room for Chu Qiao.
Chu Qiao immediately shook her hand and said nervously.
"I said, I will tell you, I am not Li Chunxiang, I am just a poor person from Qingzhou. I am very poor and have no fixed place to live. My mother is sick and I need money. You also know that if I am not really forced to a certain amount,
, I will not rob on a snowy night, I have no choice... I almost froze to death that day."
Chu Qiao recalled her situation at that time. She couldn't use the word "miserable" to describe it. She was cold and hungry, and she didn't even have a thicker cotton-padded jacket. She stood in the wind and snow, almost freezing. If it weren't for his
The cloak, his money and medicine, maybe she died outside with her mother now. Chu Qiao will remember this kindness for the rest of her life.
But she didn't expect that the young master who came to help him in such a desperate situation was actually Chong Ximo, who had broken off the engagement with her.
An unbearable grievance rushed into her heart, and Chu Qiao's eyes became moist.
Chong Ximo looked at Chu Qiao, his eyes no longer as fierce as before.
"If it weren't for your kind charity, I wouldn't be standing here talking to you now." Chu Qiao wiped her nose and sobbed. When the tears flowed out, she didn't forget to take a peek.
Chong Ximo, Chong Ximo frowned and stared at the tea cup, not knowing whether to believe what she said.
"How did you get into the palace after that?" he asked in a low voice.
"My mother and I got separated later. I couldn't find my mother. I met Ye Yunfang and Mingzhu on the way, and a woman named Li Chunxiang who was very sick. They all had infectious diseases. At that time, I didn't know that they were from the palace.
Yes, I only know that their carriage is good, and they have food and drink. In order to survive, I lied that I was a doctor, but in fact... I only know a little bit of medical skills, I learned it when I was very young, and... with a doctor
.”
Chu Qiao didn't know how to make it up. She was afraid that if she didn't make up her mind, Chong Ximo would be suspicious of the Chu family, so she would go as far as possible.
"You said Empress Zhaoyi's people left the palace?" Chong Ximo asked in disbelief.
"I didn't know they were from the palace at that time. It wasn't until the death of Li Chunxiang that they became afraid and told me the truth and wouldn't let me tell anyone. In order to make a living, I also wanted to go into the palace and hang out.
So I pretended to be Li Chunxiang and entered the palace, but... Empress Zhaoyi didn't like me and talked about my face..."
Chu Qiao didn't want to speak too directly. I wonder if Chong Ximo could understand a woman's jealousy.
"You were sent to the imperial kitchen to work as a handyman because of this?" Chong Ximo had already guessed.
"Yes, yes, I learned my cooking skills from the old royal chef. You will know it after this. Master Chong, Chong, I beg you, please do me a favor. I am just a bastard, please give me a way to survive."