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墨書 Inktalez
When Qing Wu heard the tone of the four words "Come quickly" as relayed by Uncle Yu, she knew that Huo Yun'ai was sulking again.
She couldn't understand why that usually steady and imposing young man, who had a presence beyond his years, would act so petulantly whenever he was around her, like any other boy his age.
Qing Wu sighed with a smile, quickly finished her tasks, informed her mother, and hurried into the palace with Uncle Yu.
Years ago, she had promised herself to treat him like family. That promise had always stayed with her.
On New Year's Eve, while she had her parents and brothers by her side, he was all alone.
Even if he occasionally spent time with Qin Shuying, what could two young boys do together?
They would drink a little and chat about matters of the court. Beyond that, they would just share some jokes, and before they knew it, the night would pass.
It was too late to enter the palace now. Since she could attend the midday banquet, it would be good to go and keep him company.
However, she still couldn't quite grasp the hint of resentment in his words.
The red lanterns in the palace had already been hung high. A place that usually felt so solemn and austere now added a touch of festivity, becoming softer and warmer.
Qing Wu stepped down from the sedan chair and walked slowly toward Zhaoning Palace. Before she could step inside, Uncle Yu had already rushed ahead to announce their arrival.
Li Zi had been waiting there for them.
He bowed to Qing Wu and pushed the palace door open slightly. Once Qing Wu entered, he slowly closed it behind her.
As Qing Wu stepped inside, she saw the Young Emperor leaning against the window, carefully reading a scroll.
Since lunch was about to begin, he was not wearing his usual casual attire but had changed into the Bright Yellow Silk Imperial Robe.
The bright and dazzling color was somewhat subdued by the cool demeanor of the wearer, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility and solemnity.
However, this indifference melted away in an instant when the young man turned his gaze toward her.
Huo Yun'ai smiled gently upon seeing Qing Wu. This smile made him appear much more amiable.
He placed the book on the windowsill and walked slowly toward Qing Wu. As he got closer, his smile suddenly faltered, and a hint of displeasure appeared on his face.
Qing Wu knew he wouldn't be angry with her but was puzzled by the source of his displeasure. She deliberately said, "What's wrong? Are you unhappy to see me? Then I'll just leave."
Just as she took a half step back, her foot had not yet touched the ground when the young man grabbed her firmly. No matter how much she tried to pull away, Huo Yun'ai stubbornly held on without loosening his grip in the slightest.
"How could I be upset with you? If I were upset, why would I invite you over?"
Qing Wu replied, "Then what was that about just now?"
Huo Yun'ai had always been relaxed in front of her and did not hide his emotions. However, he did not expect her to catch onto his fleeting thought. After pondering for a moment upon hearing her question, he decided to tell the truth.
"Listen, did the Heir Apparent from Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion save you yesterday?"
He frowned and said, "Since you are mine, I have my ways to protect you. Why should he meddle?"
Qing Wu smiled gently.
It turned out that he was upset with Wen Qingyue because she had saved her.
Seeing Huo Yun'ai's rare expression of frustration, she couldn't help but find it amusing. She neither defended nor comforted him, simply standing there with a faint smile, watching him.
Huo Yun'ai felt a bit embarrassed under her gaze and slightly turned his face away.
"Who said your people are useless?" Qing Wu laughed. "Isn't Brother San the one you sent to save him?" At that time, when Liu Anfeng passed by, there was a flash of movement, and then the Wenwu Brothers fainted. Qing Wu thought it was Huo Yun'ai's people who did it.
"That's true."
Huo Yun'ai murmured, and the knot in his heart finally eased a bit. He held her hand tightly, rubbing it in his palm.
Although he had guessed the identity of the person who saved Liu Anfeng, hearing him admit it now still stirred emotions in Qing Wu's heart.
He had gone to great lengths for her.
As the two were quietly talking in the room, suddenly outside came Li Zi's gentle call. It was clear that the banquet was about to begin, and they needed to head over there.
Huo Yun'ai had no choice but to release her hand.
Just as he was about to step outside, Qing Wu called out to him. He stopped and turned back to look; before he could ask anything, the girl had already come close to him, carefully adjusting his collar and hem.
Huo Yun'ai suddenly realized.
Just now, leaning against the windowsill, her clothes had become slightly disheveled.
Looking down at her busy figure around him, Huo Yun'ai felt a stir in his heart and couldn't help but say, "If it could be like this every day, that would be great."
Upon hearing this, Qing Wu's face flushed. She immediately wanted to throw her hands up and quit.
— What does "like this every day" mean?
Could he possibly still...
She turned to run, but he caught her in his arms, not allowing her to move an inch. He then leaned in close and chuckled softly in her ear.
"Why are you running? There will come a day like this. It's good to practice a little in advance."
Qing Wu was so embarrassed that she couldn't break free and could only let him lightly kiss the corner of her lips. Just then, Li Zi called out from outside, and he reluctantly released her. The two of them hurried toward the banquet area, one after the other.
As soon as they stepped out of the hall, Uncle Yu hurriedly ran up beside Huo Yun'ai. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said, "Your Majesty, the person you rejected for today's lunch banquet yesterday has just arrived."
He knew that the Emperor and that person were currently at odds and that he had just been furious with them the day before. Now, mentioning it could only be done in a veiled manner.
Sure enough, even with such a subtle approach, upon hearing this, Huo Yun'ai's already cold expression became even colder.
"...They've arrived?" he asked coldly. "What a coincidence?"
Uncle Yu secretly smiled bitterly and said, "Yes."
Huo Yun'ai immediately felt a surge of impatience. After thinking for a moment, she said to Qing Wu, "You sit next to me later. Don't go sit in the crowd."
With the girls around him, it wouldn’t be inappropriate for her to stay by his side.
Qing Wu was momentarily confused and responded with a dazed acknowledgment. Then, recalling Uncle Yu's words about someone daring to refuse Huo Yun'ai's invitation, she suddenly realized and quietly asked Uncle Yu, "Imperial Teacher?"
"Indeed," Uncle Yu sighed.
"Be careful. Don't leave my side later," Huo Yun'ai whispered to Qing Wu. "Once the banquet starts, you can find an excuse to return to Zhaoning Palace. This place is filled with my people guarding it; as long as you stay inside, he won't be able to touch you."
Hearing his solemn instructions, Qing Wu couldn't help but ponder.
—Zheng An had refused to attend the lunch banquet before; now that she had just arrived, he followed closely behind, which was indeed suspicious.
Huo Yun'ai's arrangement was also for her sake.
But...
"Should I avoid him?" Qing Wu hesitated. "If I go over, it might not be appropriate."
"No need for that," Huo Yun'ai replied. "Your entry into the palace is not a secret. Since they are here, just face them head-on."
With that, Qing Wu suddenly understood.
Avoiding confrontation and being criticized behind one's back is not as good as facing it head-on.
She had made up her mind and felt increasingly calm inside.
The banquet was arranged in Serenity Hall.
Everyone had gathered, excitedly discussing the festivities of the New Year.
When Eunuch Yu announced the arrival of His Majesty, the hall fell silent. They bowed and waited for the emperor to enter.
Huo Yun'ai stepped forward and took her seat amid the respectful stance of the officials.
After the crowd cheered for long live the emperor, they rose to take their seats at the Young Emperor's signal.
Upon raising her eyes, she saw that the emperor was not alone. Beside him stood a remarkably beautiful and delicate girl.
Moreover, there was clearly a table and chair set up on the left side of the emperor's seat. It seemed that was where the girl would sit.
Everyone quickly pondered and realized that this young lady was likely the young official appointed by His Majesty.
However, they did not expect her to be so young. She looked so delicate; could she really handle such an important position?
With this thought, whispers began to circulate among them.
In this situation, Zheng An stroked his beard and stood up again.
He quietly glanced around, his expression stern as he bowed to Huo Yun'ai and said, "I urge Your Majesty to establish a consort soon and select a suitable person to calm the hearts of those who are eager for this matter!"
Suddenly, the hall fell silent.
After a while, the emperor's indifferent voice broke the stillness: "I am aware of this matter; there is no need for further discussion. Today is the New Year's Eve banquet, which is unrelated to this."
His tone was frosty, clearly indicating some anger.
The others dared not speak further. Even their breathing unconsciously slowed.
In this hall, only the voice of the Imperial Teacher resonated with gravity.
"Is Your Majesty's delay in establishing a consort because of this young lady? No... perhaps it should be this Lord Liu?"
Before Huo Yun'ai could respond, he continued, "Since the Floral Banquet, I have not seen this young lady again. The events of that day remain vivid in my memory. I know Your Majesty's protective heart; I heard you intended to appoint her as an official, but despite my strong objections, it could not be changed. I initially thought she would only assist with some matters in the study, but who would have thought that Your Majesty would unilaterally decide to let this child assist in managing the harem without consulting anyone else!"
The matter of Qing Wu assisting in the harem was not widely known.
When Zheng An spoke these words, the entire assembly was in an uproar.
Zheng An let out a long sigh at the right moment.
As the others gradually quieted down, he spoke again, his expression filled with pain and disappointment. "I do not wish to pressure Your Majesty. It’s just that you... you always act so thoughtlessly and impulsively; is it not too frivolous?"
Huo Yun'ai quietly watched Zheng An making a scene over there, her lips curling into a faint cold smile.
He had long anticipated that Zheng An would make a move against him. He had been waiting for this moment to arrive.
Little did he expect that it would be today.
The Young Emperor suppressed the anger within him and was about to confront Zheng An in a low voice when suddenly, a girl's voice rang out beside him.
Though the voice was soft, it carried an undeniable firmness that made one unconsciously overlook its gentleness, focusing instead on its determination and clarity.
"The Imperial Teacher is mistaken. Since the Imperial Teacher has taught His Majesty for many years, how could he not understand His Majesty's character? His Majesty chose me for an official position not out of a moment's impulse. Now, allowing me to assist in managing the harem is even more so."
Qing Wu slowly stepped forward and then paused, smiling lightly with neither arrogance nor servility.
"The entire situation arose from an opportunity to meet the sage."
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