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墨書 Inktalez
Zheng Ning, at the age of thirteen, had already passed the scholar examination. However, he had no interest in pursuing an official career and never participated in any further examinations.
Qing Wu did not understand why he suddenly made such a choice. But since it was Zheng Ning's own decision, she was naturally happy for him.
Yue Ying and Qing Wu walked together for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick before saying goodbye to each other.
After watching Yue Ying walk away, Qing Wu planned to head to Zhaoyuan Palace to add some ink for Huo Yun'ai and prepare some paper. Unexpectedly, before she reached the intersection, she saw Li Zi running towards her, indicating that His Majesty urgently needed to see her.
At this time, Huo Yun'ai should be handling state affairs in Zhaoyuan Palace. Without thinking much, Qing Wu said, "I was just about to go over." With that, she continued walking forward.
However, Li Zi quickly stopped her, shaking his head and pointing to another path beside them. "My lady has made a mistake. It is not that way; it is this way."
Looking towards the direction he pointed, Qing Wu felt somewhat puzzled.
If she remembered correctly, that path led to...
Seeing the hesitation in her eyes, Li Zi softly said, "I will guide you." Without waiting for a response, he headed in that direction. After taking a few steps, he paused and lowered his head respectfully, waiting for Qing Wu to catch up.
His actions indicated that Huo Yun'ai was indeed waiting over there.
Qing Wu slightly nodded to Azalea beside her. Azalea held up an umbrella for her as they walked in that direction.
This was a particularly secluded area of the palace. Although the path was clean and tidy due to regular cleaning by the maids, it was rarely visited on ordinary days, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the brick walls. The recent continuous rain made this place even more eerie.
Even though Azalea often walked around the palace, she couldn't help but shrink back a little when they arrived here, lowering her head even further.
As Qing Wu walked forward, her eyes constantly scanned the surroundings until she finally spotted that familiar figure at the end of the path.
The young man stood straight with his hands behind his back. In the misty rain, he appeared even more solitary and cold.
Huo Yun'ai had been practicing martial arts for many years, and his hearing was excellent. Upon hearing a sound, he turned around. Seeing it was Qing Wu, the coldness in his expression instantly warmed a bit as he gazed at her, waiting for her to come closer.
When the two were only a few feet apart, he took the umbrella from Azalea's hand and held it with Qing Wu, slightly nodding to her and saying, "Let's go." He then glanced back at Li Zi.
Li Zi stopped Azalea and the Maid who was following closely behind.
Qing Wu was puzzled and looked toward the nearby area, noticing the unkempt courtyard filled with newly sprouted weeds and the mottled courtyard wall. She confirmed she wasn't mistaken and couldn't help but ask him, "What are we doing here?"
"You'll know soon enough."
As they spoke, they had already entered the courtyard.
Huo Yun'ai walked with her to the corridor, casually placing the umbrella in a corner of the wall. Then, without hesitation, he took her hand and led her inside.
Usually, even when he made intimate gestures toward her, it was either in Zhaoning Palace or Zhaoyuan Palace. Otherwise, it was during the night when he escorted her back to Ningxin Pavilion.
Now, being outside in broad daylight, it was the first time it felt this way.
Qing Wu felt a bit flustered and wanted to pull her hand away. However, despite her efforts, he only tightened his grip further.
Just as she was about to speak, she felt a warm breath near her ear as he suddenly leaned down and whispered softly, "Don't move."
Qing Wu instinctively turned her head to avoid his breath. He disregarded her reaction and pulled her along, pushing open the palace door and walking inside.
This part of the palace was too secluded; just staying outside felt quite chilly. Now that they had entered, an immediate wave of coldness hit them.
Qing Wu didn't know why, but she started to shiver and couldn't help but huddle up a bit.
Huo Yun'ai quickly released her hand and wrapped an arm around her waist.
The palace was quite spacious. The two walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in the hall.
Huo Yun'ai's presence drew near once again.
"Whatever you see later, don't be nervous. With me here, you have nothing to fear."
Qing Wu nodded.
However, this time she did not try to hide; instead, she moved a little closer to him. It seemed that the vague feeling emanating from this place made her shiver.
Huo Yun'ai hesitated for a moment, wondering if his actions were too premature or excessive. He paused briefly in his steps.
Sensing his hesitation, Qing Wu gradually calmed down.
After some thought, she began to understand that their arrival here might be related to the events of the past few days.
Since the banquet at the Marquisate ended and they returned to the palace, Qing Wu had not ceased her investigation into the Zheng Family's infiltration.
She could no longer tolerate the malicious and watchful eyes of those people. However, some matters were always vaguely sensed but never clearly understood.
She wanted to ask Huo Yun'ai, but even though he had connections, he might not know all the intricate details of the inner palace.
At that moment, Dou Mama suggested to Qing Wu that it might be better to inquire about Zheng Young Master and Zhu Minran.
Qing Wu initially dismissed it. After all, those two were outside the palace and could not know many things. However, Dou Mama disagreed.
"One must consider that those two families allowed them to carry messages and poison; they must have informed them of quite a bit. Even if they didn't tell them everything, being within those families means they would inevitably hear and discover something. It all depends on whether they are willing to come forward."
After hearing her analysis, Qing Wu decided to discuss with Huo Yun'ai their plan to meet with them.
After all, the years of scheming by those two families were all related to Huo Yun'ai's safety.
Huo Yun'ai thought for a long time before finally agreeing. However, since there had been no movement for several days, she did not expect that today's visit would be related to this.
Now that she realized this, Qing Wu quickly said softly, "Actually, it's nothing." She smiled lightly, "I was just a bit nervous because you didn't tell me in advance."
Seeing him still hesitating, she bit her lip and shyly tugged at his sleeve, "You trust me, right? With you by my side, what do I have to be afraid of?"
The girl's voice was both delicate and gentle, striking a chord deep within him.
He let out a long sigh and raised his hand to ruffle her hair.
Qing Wu then relaxed, knowing that he had agreed.
Recently, she had vaguely noticed that he was gradually bringing her into the palace. It was no longer like before when he simply kept her safe and allowed her to play innocently. Instead, he was letting her truly understand this place little by little.
Sometimes Granny Lu would come to chat with her about the personalities, preferences, and characteristics of the people around them.
At other times, Uncle Yu would casually mention some events that had happened here while guiding her.
The palace was vast and complex.
Even if he wanted to protect her for a lifetime, he could not always be by her side; many things she had to face on her own.
Otherwise, in her ignorance, it would be she who got hurt.
It was precisely because of this that when she arrived at this secluded place, she could think that today he must be taking her to meet those two people.
He respected her opinions and was willing to let her begin facing all the good and evil within the palace.
Actually, Huo Yun'ai was quite worried about Qing Wu's request.
The two individuals had attempted to harm him, which was a serious crime. He had temporarily spared their lives, but he had other plans in mind.
Given the current state of those two, if she were to confront them directly...
His heart tightened instantly.
Seeing how those two looked after being tortured, would she be afraid of his methods and consequently fear him as a person?
Every time he thought about it, he couldn't help but recall the first time they met years ago.
She was such a fragile girl, yet so strong. Even in terrifying situations that adults couldn't face, she managed to survive, endure, and fought hard for a glimmer of hope.
How could such a girl be content to remain just a thin shadow behind him?
After tossing and turning with these thoughts for a long time, Huo Yun'ai finally made up his mind.
So be it. He was indeed a ruthless person.
If she feared him, he would find a way to help her gradually lower her defenses.
Ultimately, he had set his sights on her for this lifetime; even if it meant using forceful methods, he wouldn't let her leave him.
Thus, it was only today that Huo Yun'ai brought Qing Wu here.
However, upon reaching the heavy iron door, he did not allow Qing Wu to enter immediately. Instead, he signaled Meng Liang, who was guarding the door, to accompany Qing Wu and wait outside for a moment.
Then he stepped inside and walked solemnly toward the two individuals who were being held captive.
Qing Wu only heard the clanking of chains and had not yet discerned anything else when the iron door slammed shut, completely isolating her from the room inside.
Huo Yun'ai stood with her hands behind her back, her expression icy as she looked at the two people before her. There was no warmth in her gaze, which made Qing Wu want to see them face to face.
The two individuals immediately became agitated. The cloth stuffed in their mouths emitted muffled cries.
Suddenly, a whip cracked and struck the ground.
The two quickly glanced at the nearby Disciplinary Matron, shivering all over, and dared not make another sound.
"In the harem, she is to be respected above all. No matter what she asks, you must answer without holding anything back."
The Young Emperor's voice suddenly echoed coldly in the chilling atmosphere, "If you show her even a hint of disrespect—"
His eyes turned sharp, like blades that cruelly sliced through the flesh of the two. Yet, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
"Then your fate will be far more than just 'death'."
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