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Because he was too surprised, when Liu Anfeng called out, his voice was somewhat harsh. Although he lowered his voice slightly out of consideration for the Imperial Guard, the strange tone that was different from usual still drew the attention of those around him who were familiar with him.
Liu An Ting supported the He Family and stepped forward, glancing a few times at the vague figure over there, murmuring, "It can't be."
His words carried seven parts doubt and three parts disbelief and astonishment.
Liu Anfeng caught this and pulled him, saying, "Second Brother thinks so too, doesn't he?"
Liu An Ting glanced a few more times, feeling increasingly uncertain. Looking around at the Imperial Guard...
His heart suddenly skipped a beat. Just as he was about to ask Qing Wu for clarification, a tall and robust man suddenly appeared, bowed to Qing Wu, and then addressed everyone, "Where is Lord Liu's family?"
There were two Lords Liu present. But seeing Meng Liang's attitude, it was clear he was referring to Qing Wu. However, since the Wen Family Ancestors and Descendants had already arrived at that location, he must be calling for the Liu Family now.
The previously silent Liu Fangyi nodded to his family. The Liu Family members gradually stepped out of the crowd.
Meng Liang made a respectful gesture of invitation to Qing Wu. Once Qing Wu moved forward, he led the Liu Residence people to follow.
Liu Anfeng intentionally ran ahead of his family, closely following Meng Liang, cautiously asking, "Is that person ahead His Majesty?"
Meng Liang adjusted his sword at his waist and replied with a simple "Mm."
His brief response made everyone feel a chill in their hearts and their expressions grew more respectful.
Since Meng Liang's appearance, everyone who came along had been holding their breath and paying close attention to the actions and words of this Imperial Guard leader. Now that they had not walked far, everyone heard Meng Liang's response clearly. Those who did not need to go meet His Majesty felt anxious upon hearing him so near and hurriedly knelt down.
Liu Fangyi observed Meng Liang's respectful demeanor towards Qing Wu and felt something was off. He sensed that something was wrong but couldn't pinpoint what it was.
The Imperial Guards, clad in armor and wielding sheathed blades at their waists, no longer fixed their piercing gazes on the Liu Family with Meng Liang in front of them. However, the chilling aura they exuded still sent shivers down the spines of those passing by.
Liu Anfeng also felt a chill run down his back. He peeked forward and saw that his sister remained calm and composed, which eased his mind slightly. His eyes darted around, but as he tilted his head, he caught the attention of an Imperial Guard beside him, who shot him a fierce glare. Liu Anfeng broke out in a cold sweat from that murderous look and dared not glance around anymore.
As they reached the end of the Imperial Guard's formation, they caught sight of the Marquisate's Grandfather and Grandson kneeling ahead. Everyone was taken aback and did not dare to look up closely; they all knelt down and shouted long live the emperor.
Qing Wu was no exception.
However, before she could bend her knees after lifting the hem of her dress, Huo Yun'ai had already rushed over in a few quick steps and grabbed her.
He held her arm firmly, stubbornly preventing her from bending down even slightly.
Qing Wu was astonished. If it were any other time, it would be fine, but at this moment, her family—her parents, brothers, and Grandpa Brother—were all kneeling on the ground. If she stood…
If she stood, wouldn’t that mean they would all kneel together with her?!
Last time at the Marquisate banquet, after experiencing such a terrifying event, her grandfather and brother knelt while she did not; it was because she was too unsettled to think clearly at that moment. How could she allow herself to do so again now?
Qing Wu panicked, beads of sweat forming on her forehead and nose. She hurriedly signaled him with her eyes, but he seemed oblivious to her distress. He turned her hand over and said, "Once we leave today, it may be a long time before we meet again."
Though his voice remained extremely cold, there was a hint of warmth in his words. Even Meng Liang and Mu Hai, who were used to seeing them together, were hearing their master speak like this for the first time and couldn’t help but tremble slightly.
If they reacted this way, how could others not be affected?!
The Wen Family Ancestors and Descendants had witnessed this person's thunderous methods and cold-blooded cruelty at the banquet. Although they had some understanding from what he just said, it was far from the shock of hearing and seeing it firsthand right now.
At the Liu Residence, everyone…
As soon as Huo Yun'ai spoke, they sensed something was off. Their astonishment was so great that one or two people looked up.
Liu Anzhi noticed that his Third Brother was quietly raising his head and felt a surge of panic, hurriedly trying to stop him. But it was already too late.
Liu Anfeng looked at the indifferent Huo Yun'ai and blurted out, "You are Lord Yun..."
The word "Yun" is a title reserved for emperors. How could others casually address him like that?
The Young Emperor's gaze instantly turned sharp, revealing a chilling aura.
Liu Anfeng trembled in shock and quickly lowered his head. His fingers dug into the table, and his limbs shook.
Qing Wu quickly pulled at Huo Yun'ai's sleeve, gently shaking it, wanting to say something but hesitating.
Huo Yun'ai understood that she wanted to plead for Liu Anfeng. His expression softened slightly as he tightened his grip on her hand and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead, smiling lightly, "As for matters in the harem, I will only oversee them for a few days. Those intricate details still need you to sort out when you return."
His words were different from what he had said before in the palace.
Qing Wu clearly remembered that when she worried about how things would be managed after she left, Huo Yun'ai had promised her that she could go with peace of mind; he would have someone oversee all matters of the Six Bureaus, ensuring nothing would go awry.
Now it seemed as if the situation had reversed—was he unable to handle those matters anymore?
Moreover, he appeared to be presenting himself as if he absolutely needed her, as if the harem would descend into chaos without her?
Qing Wu felt unclear in her heart, but she would not embarrass him in front of everyone. She simply responded with an "mm" and after a moment's thought added, "Thank you."
Her relationship with Huo Yun'ai had always been casual and equal. Even though she sincerely wanted to thank him, her wording and tone could not change the deeply ingrained habits accumulated over the years.
Hearing her casual and natural words, and then listening to Young Emperor's smiling remark, "You need not be so polite with me"...
Although Young Emperor smiled lightly, and although he was clearly much more pleased than he had been just moments ago when he appeared cold and stern, everyone kneeling on the ground felt even more alarmed, breaking into cold sweats.
Master Wen and Wen Qingyue were especially frightened.
When Huo Yun'ai had casually mentioned that matter earlier, they thought there was still room for negotiation and tried to argue a bit.
However, they forgot that this person was a cold-blooded, indifferent, and lofty emperor!
When he brought up that matter earlier, it was merely to keep the girl by his side, so he had shown a slight hint of approachability. But as soon as they displayed any unwillingness, he ceased to speak another word to them and directly called the girl over.
Now in this situation, it was clearly telling both families that his amiability towards them was merely because of the girl. Before him, only she could stand shoulder to shoulder with him. Others could only kneel on the ground, looking up at the two of them from below.
This was practically a roundabout way of telling them that she was the one he had chosen...
No.
Even more than that.
Even between an emperor and empress, how many could be as casual as they were?
Qing Wu was talking to Huo Yun'ai, but her eyes kept glancing at her family. Seeing everyone's reactions at that moment, she furrowed her brow slightly, showing her concern.
Huo Yun'ai naturally understood her thoughts.
Now, after a cold glance, seeing that both families had already understood his hint, the Young Emperor finally softened his expression a bit and said lightly, "Everyone, please rise."
The crowd felt as if they had received a great pardon and hurriedly thanked His Majesty.
Qing Wu wanted to step forward to help her grandfather and her parents up. However, Huo Yun'ai exerted force with his hand, preventing her from going over.
Qing Wu felt a bit annoyed and shot him a glare.
Huo Yun'ai pretended not to see it and only glanced at Mu Hai, Meng Liang, and Uncle Yu.
The three quickly stepped forward to assist the three elders.
After the people from the Liu Residence and the Marquisate stood up, they looked around and realized that the half-circle of the Imperial Guard had somehow formed a complete circle, enclosing them within.
It seemed that what had just happened could not be seen from the outside at all.
Both families became even more certain that the emperor's earlier actions were deliberately meant to "remind" them. They felt even more astonished and their attitudes grew increasingly respectful.
Ignoring their various thoughts, Huo Yun'ai gently brushed aside the hair at the girl's forehead and personally placed a Jade Ring on her thumb, saying, "This was left for me by Father Emperor. You should wear it."
The Jade Ring was meant for men; even when placed on her thumb, it was two sizes too large.
Qing Wu was even more confused, but since he was speaking in public like this, she naturally wouldn't contradict him and just smiled, saying "Alright."
However, she shook her fingers, feeling a bit troubled.
Just as they were about to set off, he suddenly took out such an item; wasn't that putting her in a difficult position?
If she kept it on her body, she was afraid it might get damaged. If she wore it on her hand, it would definitely fall off.
While Qing Wu was secretly entangled in her thoughts, the young man smiled gently and unfastened the thin string made of Braid of White Silk that she had always worn around her neck.
On the chain was the Eagle-Shaped Jade Pendant that he had given her years ago, which he had obtained from the Grand General.
The young man's slender fingers moved slightly, hanging both the jade ring and the pendant back on the string before placing it around her neck again.
Watching this scene unfold, the He Family felt a deep sense of sorrow, almost to the point of tears.
How could the royal family be easy to deal with? Each one of them was clever and cunning, with thoughts that twisted and turned.
Their daughter was naturally simple-minded and had been easily deceived by that person; unfortunately, that foolish girl hadn't realized it herself...
Liu Fangyi noticed his wife's change in emotions and quietly squeezed her hand, shaking his head to signal her not to worry.
Having served under General Qin in the past, he naturally understood how this emperor operated.
The emperor was known for being ruthless and decisive. Now that he was willing to spend effort hinting at them and coaxing their Daughter, it clearly showed that he was genuinely concerned.
Moreover, he gave the item of the Former Emperor to the Girl, undoubtedly assuring them that even if there were not just one woman in the harem, his Daughter would be the first.
Master Wen, however, showed a slight change in expression upon seeing the Sheep Fat Jade Pendant.
Huo Yun'ai was busy with affairs and had decided to come at the last minute. Now that her purpose had been achieved, she rode away. Once the Imperial Guard had completely withdrawn, everyone gradually returned to their previous casual demeanor.
When Qing Wu said goodbye to her friends, she suddenly noticed someone was missing. After searching around, she found Shen Shuihua talking under a willow tree with Wen Qingyue.
Wen Qingyue seemed to have said something that made Shen Shuihua blush. She ignored him and turned to run over in this direction.
Qing Wu watched curiously, glancing back and forth between the two.
Shen Shuihua's face grew even redder under her gaze, and she waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "He is just with me; he will come to the capital again after some time. That's all."
"It should be so. My brother will personally escort me back," Qing Wu said, not understanding why Shen Shuihua was so nervous. Thinking about her own brother's imposing presence, she added, "You need not be afraid. Once you get familiar with him, he is very kind."
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Shen Shuihua not only did not relax but became even more bashful.
While the two were whispering here, Master Wen called Liu Fangyi over and quietly asked, "That Jade Pendant, when and where did you get it?"
After he described it briefly, Liu Fangyi realized that it was the same pendant that Old Marquis had given to Qing Wu. After thinking for a moment, he recalled that the pendant had existed before they left the capital and truthfully replied, "I heard it was given by the General."
Liu Fangyi thought it must have been a gift from General Qin.
But Master Wen's eyes flickered as he finally remembered that many years ago, they accompanied the Former Emperor and Grand General to a temple to pray for blessings, where the Grand General received such a pendant.
Later... the Grand General gave that pendant to His Majesty, as a protection for his safety...
After realizing this, even the seasoned Zhenyuan Marquis, who had been tempered by countless battles, could not help but feel a great shock in his heart.
He suddenly understood that the Liu Family must have made a mistake.
His own Girl and His Majesty's entanglement must have shown signs many years ago. It's just that the Liu Family did not see through it.
Thinking of this, Master Wen no longer felt the previous worries.
He was originally afraid that His Majesty would hold her in higher regard because of Girl's stunning beauty. Now that he understood the bond between the two, the old man felt relieved instead.
Due to Huo Yun'ai's arrival, they had delayed quite a bit of time. If they were any later, they might not reach the next town before dark and would have to spend the night in the countryside. After a hurried farewell, everyone got into their car and left.
Once Qing Wu left, it would be a full three months. When she returned, the ladies of Capital City had already donned their light summer garments to enjoy the lotus flowers.
And she was no longer just the Daughter of the Liu Family, but also the legitimate daughter of the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion.
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