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墨書 Inktalez
Although Huo Yun'ai was extremely close to Qing Wu, he knew that the idea and actions of being "as close as family" could only be carried out in private. If they were to appear too intimate in front of others, it would only bring endless trouble to both him and her.
This was one of the most important reasons why he had not revealed his identity in front of everyone at Liu Residence.
Years ago, Zheng An had caught a glimpse of their relationship from a hug he gave her, which led to their separation for several years. Although he no longer had to act according to Zheng An's mood, Zheng An had many disciples, and his influence was deeply rooted.
He could protect her, but he could not guarantee that he could always keep the Liu Family safe. If someone harbored malicious intentions and used the Liu Family to create trouble, it would inevitably lead to endless complications.
It was better to express his willingness to protect her in front of outsiders, making them think twice before acting rashly. At the same time, he should not appear too intimate, so that no one would think of using her and her family as leverage.
Fortunately, the position he chose for her as Lady-in-Waiting was just right for serving the emperor closely with administrative affairs.
While handling state matters, Huo Yun'ai sent everyone else away, leaving only Qing Wu behind. Without others present, they felt more relaxed.
Huo Yun'ai reviewed memorials at the desk while Qing Wu sat beside him carefully grinding ink.
The serious Huo Yun'ai was completely different from the usual demeanor Qing Wu saw. He rarely smiled,
The Young Emperor had exceptionally refined and delicate features, with very fair skin that made him look even prettier than a girl. However, due to the coldness in his expression, which conveyed authority without anger, few dared to take a close look at his appearance.
Years ago, Qing Wu had indeed looked at him seriously. But now, upon closer inspection, he seemed somewhat different from before.
Overall, he had not changed much. Many aspects had simply matured; the childishness he once had had completely faded away, and he had grown into a handsome young man.
By all accounts, he was truly pleasing to the eye.
After seeing him, anyone else's appearance seemed rather ordinary in comparison.
Only...
Why were the young man's thin lips pressed tightly together?
However, at this moment, his cheeks were tinged with a slight blush, adding a bit more color to his appearance, making him even more attractive...
Uh... blush?
Shy?
Qing Wu paused for a moment, suddenly realizing that she had been staring for too long. She hurriedly turned her face away, focusing her eyes on the ink stick in her hand.
Seeing her avert her gaze, the Young Emperor secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He subtly relaxed his fingers, only to discover that the part of his hand holding the pen had already started to sweat. He quickly shook his hand and took a deep breath to calm himself. Once he felt composed, he continued reviewing the documents.
After grinding the ink, Qing Wu quietly stepped out to find Dou Mama to prepare a cup of tea for Huo Yun'ai.
Dou Mama had originally served in the palace and was an elderly woman who was very useful to Huo Yun'ai.
Now that Qing Wu spent most of her time by the Emperor's side, Dou Mama found herself with little to do and was idle. She would lend a hand when Uncle Yu and Qing Wu were busy.
Her skills in making snacks were top-notch, and she was also quite adept at brewing tea. Compared to her, Qing Wu's abilities seemed insufficient.
Moreover, Qing Wu did not know Huo Yun'ai's taste in tea. Since Uncle Yu was busy with other matters, this task had to be handled personally by Dou Mama.
Qing Wu stepped outside and looked around but did not find Dou Mama, who had been guarding the door earlier. After walking a bit further and asking Uncle Yu's apprentice Li Zi, she learned that Dou Mama had gone ahead to another hall. She instructed Li Zi to keep an eye on things here while she prepared to go take a look.
Unexpectedly, Li Zi called out to her, signaling that she need not go over.
Qing Wu was puzzled and saw that Li Zi seemed hesitant to speak. She quickly asked, "What's going on? Did something happen?"
Li Zi noticed Qing Wu's anxiety and hurriedly waved her hands. "No. A palace maid went too far, and Dou Mama went over with Granny Lu to reprimand her."
Granny Lu was another elder serving Huo Yun'ai in the palace but was only responsible for her daily needs. She did not involve herself in matters concerning the Imperial Study.
Granny Lu was very easygoing and spoke little, always smiling when she met people. Usually, when the eunuchs made minor mistakes, she would turn a blind eye. Later on, she would point out their errors and urge them to correct themselves.
How could such a gentle grandmother become angry and even go with Dou Mama to reprimand someone?
Li Zi, being Uncle Yu's most capable disciple, naturally knew that Qing Wu was someone of great importance to His Majesty. Although he was unaware of the long-standing entanglement between Qing Wu and Huo Yun'ai, he understood that this young lady was someone His Majesty trusted immensely.
Moreover, when had there ever been a woman by His Majesty's side? Even if she were just an official, it would be enough to draw attention.
Thus, Li Zi took half a step forward, getting a little closer to Qing Wu, and lowered his voice, saying, "My lady, that palace maid is wearing colorful clothes and has put on makeup, deliberately lingering outside His Majesty's chamber. Granny Lu was furious and knowing she couldn't speak harshly herself, specifically came to ask Dou Mama to accompany her."
In just a few brief sentences, Qing Wu began to understand; it turned out to be a palace maid trying to get close to Huo Yun'ai.
Even if Granny Lu was gentle, she would not go easy on someone who harbored intentions against her master.
Qing Wu understood that going over at this moment wouldn't help much; instead, it would only create more chaos. So she thanked Li Zi and prepared to return to her study.
Li Zi did not expect that Lord Liu would have such a pure and gentle nature.
He sincerely informed her, and she believed him without asking any further questions.
It must be because she trusted His Majesty and her master Uncle Yu, which is why she treated him the same way.
Li Zi felt a stir in his heart and quickly added a few more words before Qing Wu took her leave.
"There are many people in the palace, and with them come many rumors. I hope you can protect His Majesty well. Do not let certain individuals gain power."
Huo Yun'ai was not one to procrastinate; with memorials in hand, he would not stop until they were all reviewed. By the time he set down his brush, it was already past noon.
Lunch had long been prepared and kept warm in the Imperial Kitchen. Once Qing Wu signaled that everything was ready, everyone began to busily arrange the meals under the supervision of Granny Lu and Uncle Yu as they carried them into the sleeping quarters.
Qing Wu then started tidying up the desk.
The Young Emperor was extremely organized in his work. Although he had gone through several books and reviewed a stack of memorials, the desk remained relatively tidy. Only the books were somewhat haphazardly placed; everything else was in its original position. Qing Wu tidied it up with minimal effort.
She was busy with her own tasks over there, and Huo Yun'ai looked at her delicate figure, feeling a bit guilty inside.
He had always been accustomed to being busy, working from morning until noon, only stopping once he finished everything.
But now that there was a girl by his side, he was so focused on his work that he forgot to have someone prepare more food.
She must be starving, right?
Once Qing Wu finished tidying up, Huo Yun'ai stepped forward to hold her hand, apologizing for the oversight.
"Who would be hungry?" Qing Wu smiled and said, "Granny Lu and Dou Mama, as well as Uncle Yu and Li Zi, who wouldn't often bring me fruits and snacks? I just didn't want to disturb you, so I dared only to leave them in the side hall. If I wanted to go over, I could just let them know, and they would help keep watch here."
Huo Yun'ai heard this and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled at her and said, "Lunch must be ready by now. Let's go."
As they reached the entrance of the hall, the two released their hands and walked one after the other toward the sleeping quarters.
Huo Yun'ai was extremely busy every day. Occasionally, when he was particularly swamped, he would eat while flipping through books. Therefore, he had Qing Wu stand by while he ate, and no one thought much of it.
However, once all the attendants were sent away, Huo Yun'ai no longer cared about anything else and pulled Qing Wu to sit beside him. He personally took the bowls and chopsticks and handed them to her with a gentle smile in his eyes.
"The dishes prepared by the Imperial Kitchen today are all your favorites from before. I heard from Dou Mama that your tastes haven't changed over the years? Try them and see how they taste. If there's anything you don't like, let me know. I can have them change it for dinner."
As he spoke, he conveniently poured two cups of wine.
Qing Wu knew that ever since Huo Yun'ai and Qin Shuying were saved by the Former Emperor and Grand General, they had been following the two around. The two had fought in harsh lands for many years and often drank wine to ward off the cold, so the children also drank some along with them.
Thus, both Huo Yun'ai and Qin Shuying had quite a tolerance for alcohol.
As for her—
Qing Wu felt a bit embarrassed and awkwardly tugged at the corner of her mouth. "I... I can't handle it. I get drunk easily..."
Huo Yun'ai raised her eyes to look at her, a gentle smile on his lips, and spoke in an extremely mild tone, "It's fine."
"But..."
"Today, since you have just arrived, we should celebrate a bit. Just drink a little; it won't hurt."
Qing Wu was thinking about how to continue refusing when she suddenly felt a coolness in her hand followed by a heaviness, as he directly placed a wine cup into her hand.
The cup was filled with fragrant brew. The liquid swayed slightly, creating faint ripples that reflected her lightly furrowed brows.
The young man leaned closer, extending his long fingers to gently trace along her brow, helping to ease the frown on her forehead.
"I'm here; there's no need to worry. Even if you get drunk, it won't matter."
He smiled lightly as he said this.
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