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墨書 Inktalez
In the evening, Qing Wu returned to the West Courtyard, intending to sleep, but she heard a series of gentle calls from outside the door.
Realizing it was Perilla from the He Family, Danqing hurried over to open the door. Once the He Family reached the table, they helped Jinwu seat their matriarch.
The He Family smiled and said it was unnecessary, holding the hand of their daughter who had come forward to greet them, explaining that they wanted Qing Wu to sleep with her tonight.
In the past, having such an opportunity to be close to her mother would have made Qing Wu very happy. But now...
She thought of the marks on her neck. After a few days, they had faded somewhat. She wondered if wearing a high-necked garment would cover them up.
Fortunately, it was still a bit cool at this time. Qing Wu put on a top with a button at the neck, which wouldn’t raise too much suspicion.
After blowing out the lamp, Qing Wu whispered with her mother and learned why the He Family wanted her to accompany them tonight.
It turned out that her mother had many worries about Tomorrow Brother's marriage.
She was uncertain about how things would be after her son got married, whether her daughter-in-law would still be the same after entering the family, and when she might get to hold a grandchild.
The first two concerns were understandable. However, when Qing Wu heard her mother's last worry, she couldn't help but laugh. "Mother, you're thinking too far ahead. Brother isn't even married yet, so how can you be thinking about grandchildren?"
"Why not?" The He Family spoke casually while whispering with Qing Wu. "At his age, some second or third children have already been born. The first ones are already in school."
What the He Family said was indeed true. If Liu Anzhi hadn't gone to the northwest for six years, he would have been married long ago. Why would he still be delaying until now?
The Imperial Teacher was currently at odds with His Majesty. The He Family had also sensed something regarding his departure from the capital years ago and his connection with Zheng An. Thinking of this made them sigh: "I once thought he was loyal; who would have thought..."
Later, however, that would no longer be possible.
He Family paused for a moment, gently embracing Qing Wu and saying, "In a few days, you will be getting married."
Her words were filled with reluctance.
Qing Wu hugged her mother's arm and smiled, "Even if I marry again, it will still be in the capital. Even if I marry again, it will still be Liu Family."
He Family knew that she was a person who valued emotions deeply, but as a mother, she was worried about other matters.
"How does His Majesty treat you?"
As soon as these words were spoken, it could lead to great trouble if overheard. Even though there were no outsiders in the room, the maid guarding outside was someone she trusted. However, He Family had whispered this question into Qing Wu's ear.
Qing Wu understood that her mother was extremely worried to have asked such a question and replied softly, "Very well."
Those two short words somewhat eased her mother's concerns. But He Family was aware of the reality. As an emperor, having three palaces and six courtyards was common. With her daughter's kind nature, living in the palace, one couldn't know if she might be schemed against.
...Forget it. No need to think too much. If she continued to dwell on it, she would almost want to defy the imperial decree.
He Family felt anxious and pulled the blanket over her daughter a little more.
The days when the mother and daughter could be so close together were decreasing with each passing day.
He Family steadied herself and began to carefully remind her of many things.
Before Qing Wu entered the palace to serve as an official, the He Family had advised her many things. Back then, it was about the ways of governance, but now the discussion was about how to relax her mind.
Liu Fangyi was a devoted man who did not take any concubines. Qing Wu's brothers were also good men. As for Wu Linxi, he was not bad either; he even promised not to take concubines for Qing Wu. But what difference did that make?
Once she entered the palace, she became powerless and had to obey the emperor's will. All the good plans from previous years had gone to waste.
Although Qing Wu did not understand why her mother suddenly brought up her situation today, she was aware of her mother's worries. While she trusted Huo Yun'ai, others might not share that trust. Wanting to reassure her mother, she nestled beside her and listened attentively.
The two of them were initially too excited about the next day's events to sleep. However, as they chatted, they unknowingly drifted into a deep slumber.
The next day, while it was still dark, Mama Huang came in to wake them.
After breakfast, everyone headed to Liu Anzhi's place.
The He Family had specially prepared a courtyard for the couple to live in. It had already been freshly painted and renovated. Now the courtyard was adorned with lanterns and decorated with large red double happiness characters, truly creating a festive atmosphere that made people feel joyful.
Before long, guests began to arrive one after another.
Qing Wu and her mother separated to attend to the ladies. The married women were hosted by the He Family, while the unmarried Young Ladies were taken by Qing Wu to play in the garden.
A few children around one or two years old also came with their families, wanting to join the Young Ladies in the garden. However, due to their young age, their elders were reluctant to let them roam freely and kept them close to the married women instead. The little ones felt wronged as they watched their older sisters leave happily.
The number of guests far exceeded expectations. Even some acquaintances who were not very familiar came to congratulate at the Liu Residence, bringing gifts along.
Having spent six years in the northwest before returning to the capital and entering the palace as an official, Qing Wu rarely had opportunities to attend banquets held by various families and knew very few women from those households. Now seeing so many people gathered, she truly felt a bit overwhelmed.
Fortunately, Shen Shuihua also came today.
She originally came to celebrate the Liu Family's joyous occasion and to chat with Qing Wu. Now seeing so many guests in the residence, with only the He Family and Qing Wu among the female guests, she decided to lend a hand and help Qing Wu with some chores.
The Shen Minister's Residence usually had guests coming and going, and Shen Shuihua knew many Noble Ladies of the Capital. Today, she recognized some of the ladies that Qing Wu could not name.
Qing Wu recalled Wen Qingyue's earlier words and looked at Shen Shuihua, who was handling matters in an orderly manner, and couldn't help but smile. Just as she was wondering if her brother had arrived, she saw the two of them walking towards the garden.
One was gentle and elegant, while the other, who usually appeared lazy, was now neatly dressed and also exuded a refined demeanor.
Seeing Wen Qingyue and Zheng Ning, Qing Wu smiled and greeted them.
Shen Shuihua intended to move forward but met Wen Qingyue's smiling gaze. Her face instantly flushed, and she turned to run away.
Qing Wu noticed her brother's thoughts had already drifted to the charming figure in the pavilion. She cleared her throat and pretended to be serious as she said, "Shuihua mentioned that there weren't enough fruits and vegetables earlier; we need to have the kitchen prepare some more. Brother might as well go ask about it?"
Wen Qingyue glanced over and saw his sister mischievously winking at him. What else could he not understand?
He shook his head helplessly and whispered a "thank you" to Qing Wu. Seeing that no one else was paying attention, he headed in that direction.
Qing Wu smiled as she watched them, but then heard someone beside her say, "Girl has made quite a bit of progress lately. She's even learned to play matchmaker. Your discerning eye might not be enough for this."
Qing Wu usually tread carefully when speaking with Zheng Ning and immediately retorted, "How could it not be enough? One can tell between genuine feelings and false ones."
"Can you?" Zheng Ning scoffed lazily and murmured, "Others might be able to. I know you can't."
Qing Wu sensed a hint of loneliness in his words and couldn't help but look up closely.
After returning, Qing Wu had visited Zheng Ning a few times.
At first, when the teacher saw her, he greeted her with a warm smile like a spring breeze. However, after they exchanged a few words while standing face to face, for some reason, the teacher's expression suddenly changed, and he drove her away. For several days afterward, he refused to see her again.
To be honest, Qing Wu felt somewhat wronged and didn't understand what had upset Zheng Ning. Yet, the teacher occasionally wrote her notes and painted pictures as gifts, which didn't seem like he was very angry. Qing Wu thought for a moment that perhaps the teacher felt she had disturbed him while he was studying. So she decided not to visit anymore and often sent someone to deliver nourishing medicinal dishes to him.
Now, Zheng Ning spoke in such a tone that it seemed he had encountered something unhappy.
Qing Wu quickly asked, "What happened, Teacher?"
"Nothing."
In just a moment, Zheng Ning's expression returned to normal. As he spoke, his gaze flickered and shifted to the side of the girl's neck.
The marks under her collar had faded significantly and were not very visible anymore. However, the remaining trace was still quite noticeable.
He forcefully turned his gaze away and tried to smile slightly. "What's wrong? Did I lose my temper once, and now you won't come to see me?"
Qing Wu replied with a smile, "I was afraid of disturbing your studies."
As soon as she finished speaking, she received a light flick on her forehead.
Zheng Ning lazily said, "You certainly have many excuses. It's clear that you find my place boring, so you refuse to come."
Qing Wu only smiled and did not respond.
Zheng Ning stared at her for a while, then said, "I will go see your brother." With that, he turned and left.
Qing Wu hurried to greet the newly arrived young ladies.
As soon as they arrived, the bride's sedan chair also stopped outside Liu Residence.
The groom lifted the curtain of the sedan chair, and the bride in her bright red wedding dress was led toward the bridal chamber. She had a graceful figure and elegant demeanor, looking very beautiful.
After the wedding ceremony, just as the newlyweds entered the bridal chamber, there was a commotion outside. It was Li Gonggong bringing Your Majesty's Reward.
It was a pair of Jade Ruyi.
Earlier, His Majesty had bestowed gifts to Liu Residence for this marriage.
Now, this pair of Jade Ruyi was specially granted to the newlyweds.
Liu Anzhi and Xia Rusi did not expect such an honor and hurriedly expressed their gratitude for the imperial favor.
The guests were initially astonished but then secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
They had seen His Majesty reward Liu Residence before and understood that this was meant to elevate Liu Family. Today, they had indeed taken the time to come here to offer their congratulations.
Now it seemed that they had made the right decision.
The eldest of the Liu Family is quite the scholar; at a young age, he passed the imperial examination and is now studying in the Capital City, where he is also exceptionally talented. Currently, he has gained the favor of Your Majesty, and his future prospects are limitless.
After a moment of thought, the smiles on the faces of the guests became even more sincere.
Qing Wu did not expect Huo Yun'ai to come again this time.
Listening to the continuous praises and congratulations from those around her, she suddenly recalled her mother's words from last night.
"It's a pity that we can't support you much. In the future, you must be careful in the palace. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, even if I want to help you, I won't be able to."
Qing Wu's heart stirred.
His elevation of the Liu Family should not be just for her; perhaps it was to provide her with a stronger backing...
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