Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Huo Yun'ai's concerns were indeed not unfounded.
After receiving the imperial decree, the He Family and the three brothers were left in confusion.
...Lady-in-Waiting?
What is that?
In this dynasty, no, in the past hundred years, this position had not appeared in the inner palace.
However, regardless of what this position entailed, it certainly required entering the palace.
The He Family held the imperial edict, feeling as if what they held was as heavy as a thousand pounds.
"This Eunuch Yu," she smiled and addressed Uncle Yu, "this matter... could it be a mistake? My daughter is only eleven; entering the palace to serve as an official seems too much."
Uncle Yu smiled humbly, "Madam worries too much. Since His Majesty believes that Liu Young Lady is the best candidate, then she will certainly excel. If it were someone else, it would be a different story."
The more polite he was, the more uneasy the He Family felt.
—They had no ties to the royal family. If there was any urgency, it would likely only be from General Qin, who had saved Qing Wu. But today, the great general was absent; why was this Eunuch Yu still so kind to them?
This simply did not add up.
Moreover, the imperial decree that had come down was even more perplexing, leaving them feeling uncertain.
Liu Anzhi noticed her mother's poor complexion and hurriedly stepped forward to support her.
Liu An Ting took out a silver coin, covered it with his sleeve, and quietly slipped it into Uncle Yu's hand, lowering his voice to ask, "I wonder what exactly is going on with my sister going to serve as a lady-in-waiting this time?"
The silver was right at hand, and Uncle Yu instinctively reached for it. Just as his fingers touched the cold hard object, he suddenly recalled the events of today, and cold sweat broke out all over him.
He stole a glance at the White-Clad Youth not far away.
Although the youth's gaze had not fallen on him, he felt that the boy must be fully aware of everyone's actions here.
Thus, he hurriedly declined, "This won't do."
Liu An Ting's face turned slightly pale, and his voice trembled as he said, "Then why can't you tell me the reason?"
Uncle Yu realized he had misunderstood and wanted to explain. However, Huo Yun'ai was not far away; even if he had the intention, he didn't have the courage!
The two of them stood there in a stalemate with different thoughts when a soft and delicate female voice came from beside them: "Eunuch Yu, don't worry. It's fine."
Uncle Yu knew that Qing Wu was trying to reassure her brother, so she urged him to accept it.
But given the situation...
Uncle Yu smiled bitterly at Qing Wu and quickly glanced toward Huo Yun'ai, making his meaning very clear.
— The Emperor is watching. Please spare us, young lady.
When Qing Wu was in the palace, she often chatted with Uncle Yu. Sometimes Qin Shuying would also discuss some matters inside and outside the palace with her.
She knew that when Maids went out to deliver imperial edicts, whether for good fortune or to build good relationships with other Maids, those receiving the edict would usually give some silver or jewelry as a token of appreciation. It was quite normal for her brother to give a silver coin now.
She smiled softly and said, "It's okay. I'm here."
As soon as her words fell, Uncle Yu saw the White-Clad Youth suddenly turn around and glance over here with indifference.
That gaze was cold and detached, causing Uncle Yu's back to become drenched with sweat.
Just as he was about to push the silver back, he noticed the young man slightly lowered his eyes, concealing all emotions within them. He nodded imperceptibly.
Uncle Yu was momentarily stunned, then stunned again.
...Huh? Does His Majesty agree?
Recalling Qing Wu's brief words from earlier, Uncle Yu suddenly understood.
—His Majesty must have heard Liu Young Lady's words and decided to let him off the hook!
With trembling fingertips, he quickly took the item, secretly relieved, and thought that he must treat the young lady better in the future. However, he maintained a warm smile as before and said, "May I ask what this young master wishes to convey?" He knew this was the second young master of Liu Residence but could not address him directly to avoid raising suspicions from Liu Family.
Liu An Ting felt somewhat reassured seeing him take the item and asked, "May I inquire what kind of position 'Lady-in-Waiting' is? What duties does one typically perform?"
Just as Uncle Yu was about to respond, he caught sight of the tall figure standing under the tree and suddenly changed his mind, smiling as he said, "I'm not too familiar with it myself. If you wish to know, why not ask this gentleman?"
Everyone had already seen the young man in the White Brocade Robe. They hadn't had a chance to ask Qing Wu who he was before the decree was announced.
Now that there was a moment of leisure and seeing Uncle Yu mention him, everyone's curiosity was piqued once again.
Especially Liu Anfeng.
He clearly saw Second Brother talking with Sister over there while doing something with his hands. He wanted to go over and take a look, but his older brother, while supporting their mother, managed to grab him, preventing him from doing so.
In the past, he would have struggled and protested loudly. But today, since the people from the palace were present, he restrained himself and waited quietly.
Now that his older brother had finally let go of him, he ran over to Qing Wu and asked, "Who is that?"
Previously, Huo Yun'ai had not revealed his identity before the decree was announced, so Qing Wu knew he did not intend to disclose his identity to the Liu Residence. She had no idea what he was planning. When she heard her family ask, she could only vaguely reply, "You might as well... ask him."
As she spoke, she looked towards Huo Yun'ai.
The young man had already heard the commotion and walked over slowly. He carried himself with grace and composure. Although his expression was cool, he exuded an air of openness and confidence.
When he reached everyone, he slightly nodded towards the He Family and said, "Lady Liu?"
The young man was quite tall. The He Family initially looked up at him but for some reason felt an inexplicable fear and hurriedly lowered their heads. However, the sense of pressure surrounding them lingered.
Qing Wu naturally noticed her mother's tension. Not knowing the reason, she looked at Huo Yun'ai in confusion.
Unexpectedly, Huo Yun'ai happened to glance back at her.
As their eyes met, the young emperor's mood suddenly brightened, and he couldn't help but smile slightly.
With that smile, much of the coldness around him dissipated.
The He Family did not understand why the oppressive atmosphere suddenly vanished. When they looked up again, they saw Huo Yun'ai wearing a faint smile.
She secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that perhaps she had been overly concerned before.
The He Family has always been known for their propriety. Since there was a matter to discuss, they could not let their guest stand outside like that. They immediately invited Huo Yun'ai inside to talk.
Huo Yun'ai nodded in agreement and glanced back at Uncle Yu.
Uncle Yu quickly took his leave with a few eunuchs.
Once inside, Huo Yun'ai instinctively chose the seat at the very center of the room.
The He Family, Liu Anzhi, and Liu An Ting were taken aback. It wasn't because they thought he was rude or uncouth.
—Anyone who saw this poised and dignified young man would not have that thought.
What they were thinking was about his identity; how could he so naturally take a seat there? It was as if he had sat in that position countless times before, and this habit had become second nature to him.
Liu Anfeng, however, did not think as much as they did.
As soon as both parties were seated, he stood up and cupped his hands in greeting towards Huo Yun'ai.
"I am Liu Anfeng, the third brother of the girl. Others call me Liu San Shao; you can call me that or just Liu San. May I ask your name?"
The fourteen-year-old boy appeared somewhat naive but exuded a sincere and straightforward aura.
Huo Yun'ai smiled and also stood up slightly, nodding at him. "My surname is Yun. I am the only child in my family."
Liu Anfeng found it difficult to address such an elegant young man as "Yun Yi" or any other title. After thinking for a moment, he clasped his hands and called out "Young Master Yun." He then introduced his family members to Huo Yun'ai.
After the introductions, both parties resumed their seats.
Liu Anzhi asked Qing Wu about the "Lady-in-Waiting" matter.
Huo Yun'ai replied, "That is a close attendant to the emperor. Usually, she just needs to accompany the emperor while he reads and practices writing."
He did not follow the duties of female officials as recorded in ancient history but based it on what he intended for Qing Wu to do. This way, it would be more leisurely and wouldn't frighten the Liu Family.
"How do you know this, Yun Brother?" Liu Anzhi asked. "I have never heard of this official position."
"I read about it in ancient history, so I know a little," Huo Yun'ai thought for a moment and added, "That's why Qin Shuying asked me to help clarify things for everyone."
Only then did they realize that it was General Qin who had sought help, which made them even more grateful to Qin Shuying.
Although Huo Yun'ai understood what Qing Wu was going to do, Mother He Family was still very worried.
What kind of place is the palace?
It is a place that devours people without blinking!
The emperor holds immense power; with a single word, he can determine life and death. Moreover, it is said that the current emperor is cold-hearted, showing no mercy even to his long-time Imperial Teacher, capable of turning against him on the spot.
With such an emperor, if Daughter were to accompany him, wouldn't there be a sharp blade hanging over her head, ready to take her life at any moment?
But the imperial decree cannot be revoked...
Thinking about her daughter's future situation, even though the He Family understands propriety, they were on the verge of tears in front of their guests due to their overwhelming concern.
Huo Yun'ai noticed that the He Family's expression was off and wanted to show some concern but didn't know how to start. After a moment of hesitation, he could only gently ask Qing Wu while she was serving him tea, "How is your mother?"
Qing Wu paused for a moment and decided to speak honestly, "Mother is afraid that I will be bullied in the palace, so she is very worried."
"Bulled?" Huo Yun'ai frowned, "By whom?"
Qing Wu blinked and looked at him, the meaning was quite clear.
It was only then that Huo Yun'ai, who was slow to realize, reacted and stiffened in disbelief.
Could it be that it was him?
But, was he really that frightening?!
Comment 0 Comment Count