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墨書 Inktalez
Liu Fangyi was originally a military officer, and his children had learned some horsemanship. Recently, while making new clothes, Qing Wu remembered that the riding outfit from years ago would likely no longer fit, so she had someone make a new set. Since she would be living in the palace from now on, she naturally brought the riding outfit along.
Unexpectedly, it came in handy at this moment.
After Azalea brought the clothes, Qing Wu changed behind a screen while Azalea anxiously paced outside.
"Your Highness, if His Majesty returns and sees you dressed like this, he probably won't be pleased."
"It doesn't matter," Qing Wu replied. "I can just put on a skirt when I go outside."
As soon as she finished speaking, she stepped out.
Fortunately, the Queen's ceremonial dress was quite different from ordinary clothing; it was rather elaborate. Even with a lightweight outfit underneath, it was completely unnoticeable from the outside.
Azalea looked closely and smiled, "Luckily, Your Highness has a slender figure; it doesn't look bad at all."
Having been with Qing Wu for a long time, she knew her mistress had a good temperament and, since today was a day of great joy, couldn't help but tease her a little.
Qing Wu smiled back at her when someone came to report from outside; it was Granny Lu.
Granny Lu had been taking care of Huo Yun'ai for many years and was highly valued by the Emperor. Since she had arrived, Qing Wu certainly wouldn't keep her at the door. Naturally, she let Azalea invite her in.
"I was worried that Your Highness might feel unwell after drinking, so I specially brought some stomach-nourishing soup," Granny Lu said with a smile as she placed the bowl of soup in front of Qing Wu.
Qing Wu had not drunk any alcohol before; however, seeing that Granny Lu was unaware, she did not expose Huo Yun'ai's good intentions from earlier and said, "You can just set it down on the table."
She thought that after Granny Lu set down the items, she would leave. However, after placing everything down, Granny Lu pulled Azalea to sit beside her at the table and began to ask about Qing Wu's daily needs in detail.
Although Granny Lu was checking for any issues to make further arrangements, Qing Wu felt an underlying sense of unease.
The Six Bureaus have been properly arranged. Even if Granny Lu holds a position in the Six Bureaus, and even if she has served in the palace for many years, her previous role was in Huo Yun'ai's court. Now, meddling in the Queen's daily life seems a bit too intrusive.
For instance, she should not be here tonight.
Moreover, that bowl of soup, even if it was made, should not have been brought here by her.
If these tasks were handled by Dou Mama, it would be reasonable. But Granny Lu and Qing Wu are completely unrelated in this matter; continuing like this...
Suddenly, a dispute broke out outside the palace door.
Azalea peeked out and immediately released Granny Lu's hand. After asking a couple of questions at the door, she brought the newcomer to Qing Wu and reported, "Dou Mama is worried that the young lady is not good at drinking, so Deng Gonggong prepared some tea and snacks to bring over."
Deng Bu Wen respectfully placed the tea on the table.
Qing Wu was feeling confused due to an unclear sensation in her heart. Upon seeing this, she merely nodded, keeping her hands on her knees without moving. Listening to Granny Lu and Azalea's quiet conversation, she tried hard to clarify that strange feeling.
Unexpectedly, when Deng Bu Wen withdrew his hand after setting down the tea cup, he suddenly grasped her left hand. Before she could react from her shock, he quickly stuffed something into her hand and then stepped back two paces, standing with a bow.
Because the table was covered with a long tablecloth that blocked their view, no one else saw this action.
Qing Wu carefully felt the object in her hand. It was cool and pointed. It did not seem like a weapon but rather like a sharp spike made from a polished branch.
However, it was about the length of her palm, with the thickest end only as wide as her thumb. It could be hidden in her sleeve for self-defense when necessary.
Qing Wu's heart trembled violently as she casually tucked the spike into her sleeve alongside the hairpin she had prepared earlier when changing clothes. Then she calmly looked towards Deng Bu Wen.
Deng Bu Wen glanced at Granny Lu and subtly shook his head before continuing to look down at the ground.
His actions made Qing Wu's fingers tremble slightly, forcing her to confront a fleeting thought that had crossed her mind earlier—one she could hardly believe.
Granny Lu has ulterior motives!
Qing Wu was startled by the chilling thought that emerged from her mind.
Granny Lu has been in the palace for many years, alongside Dou Mama, watching Huo Yun'ai grow from a child into the formidable emperor he is today.
Even if Huo Yun'ai harbored doubts or suspected there were spies around him, he had never considered those who had served him for many years.
If he truly had even a hint of suspicion about Granny Lu, he would not have allowed her to approach Qing Wu at such a critical time. Even if Qing Wu agreed, Mu Hai and Meng Liang would have stopped her.
But if Granny Lu were disloyal, how many of the many confidants she cultivated could be trusted?
Who else, who else is connected to Granny Lu?
...Li Zi.
Uncle Yu was busy with affairs and had no patience to take on a disciple. However, since Li Zi was a distant cousin of Granny Lu, and with his family gone, Granny Lu personally sought out Uncle Yu, who then allowed Li Zi to follow him.
Qing Wu felt anxious and said to Deng Bu Wen: “You should go check on His Majesty. If he drinks too much, it might not be good for his health.”
What she meant was for Deng Bu Wen to inform Huo Yun'ai.
However, Deng Bu Wen replied: “His Majesty is fine. My duty is to protect you, my lady, and that is what I will do.”
Qing Wu was both angry and anxious.
It was clear that Deng Bu Wen was determined to stay by her side. No matter how she signaled, he ignored her.
But at this critical moment, if she forced him, it would be better to let the loyal Mu Hai or Meng Liang take action.
However, they must not alert Granny Lu. If Granny Lu discovers that something has changed, Li Zi and the others will have to alter their actions and plans, which could lead to even worse outcomes.
Qing Wu worked hard to slow her breathing.
Suddenly, a cool sensation against her chest reminded her.
Around her neck hung two pendants.
Both were gifts from Huo Yun'ai. One was the Jade Ring left to Huo Yun'ai by the Former Emperor, and the other was a Sheep Fat Jade Pendant that the Grand General had obtained long ago while praying at a temple for Huo Yun'ai's well-being.
The Sheep Fat Jade Pendant was given to her by Huo Yun'ai when she was still young and had not yet left the capital. The Jade Ring was presented to her by Huo Yun'ai when she returned to the Southwest Town Yuan Marquis Mansion to acknowledge her ancestry, during their farewell in the Suburbs of Beijing.
Moreover, when they parted in the Suburbs of Beijing, Mu Hai and Meng Liang were not far away.
Qing Wu steadied herself and pointed to the door, saying, "You go and invite the two gentlemen over."
This place was originally the bridal chamber for the Grand Wedding of the Emperor and Empress. Only palace attendants were allowed to enter and exit; as normal young men, they should not be allowed inside.
Granny Lu advised, "Your Highness must not act so recklessly. It is truly improper for them to come here."
She spoke quite loudly, but Deng Bu Wen disregarded everything and opened the palace door.
Deng Bu Wen paid no heed to anyone's words, only listening to Qing Wu's command.
Seeing this, Granny Lu maintained a calm expression, her gaze gentle and amiable.
With Deng Bu Wen opening the door as Qing Wu intended, Mu Hai and Meng Liang lowered their heads, only looking at the ground two feet in front of them as they entered one after another and bowed in greeting.
Qing Wu slowly took out a silk cord from around her neck, removed it, and placed it on the table. She pointed to one of the pendants and asked, "Do you remember when His Majesty gave me this item left by the Former Emperor? He said that with it, you could command both of you to do anything, correct?"
As soon as she spoke, Mu and Meng looked up. Upon seeing the Jade Ring, Meng Liang was momentarily taken aback and quickly lowered his gaze. Mu Hai merely glanced at it casually, his expression unchanged.
Qing Wu knew that her move was somewhat risky. However, in order to keep Granny Lu from becoming suspicious, she suddenly blurted out something that Huo Yun'ai had never said before. At this moment, she didn’t even dare to grip her hands too tightly, fearing that it would reveal her current nervousness.
She looked at the two with a calm expression, hoping that at least one of them would understand.
To her surprise, both of them clasped their fists and responded loudly, "Yes! This humble servant will act on the orders of the princess!"
Qing Wu's heart raced suddenly.
She hadn’t expected that Huo Yun'ai's trusted subordinates would actually trust her to this extent. Just with a hint from her, they followed her "instructions."
Qing Wu quickly took a deep breath to steady herself and sighed, "I heard that His Majesty is having a dispute with someone ahead. The other party is a high-ranking official; Li Zi and the others might be powerless. You should go and persuade His Majesty."
Granny Lu laughed and said, "Those two probably won't be effective either. His Majesty wouldn't listen to their advice."
"It's worth a try," Deng Bu Wen suddenly spoke up. "Perhaps if he hears that it was the princess who sent someone, His Majesty might cool down."
"Exactly," Azalea agreed, although she felt something was off about the situation; she instinctively followed Qing Wu's lead: "When the princess speaks, it’s always different from others."
Mu and Meng naturally complied.
"You may go," Qing Wu said lightly as she personally reached out to tidy up the two pendants.
From the moment Mu Hai and Meng Liang heard her earlier words, they sensed that something had changed and had been closely observing her every move.
After hearing her speak again, they noticed her starting to handle the ring, and their hearts tightened as they discreetly assessed the situation.
They saw Qing Wu first take the Jade Ring and then pick up the Golden Eagle-shaped Sheep Fat Jade Pendant.
During the process of picking it up, due to the tug of the silk rope, the Sheep Fat Jade Pendant flipped over, and the Golden Eagle spread its wings and claws, turning upside down. Qing Wu then directly picked it up with its back facing down and belly facing up.
Looking at the eagle's head...
Although it was only for a moment, when Qing Wu held the Golden Eagle upside down, the eagle's head was unmistakably facing Granny Lu!
Granny Lu was turned upside down!
Both of them were shocked.
After quickly exchanging glances, Mu Hai decided to stay and protect Qing Wu. Meng Liang hurried to inform Huo Yun'ai.
After Meng Liang's figure disappeared, Mu Hai tensed up, raising his alertness to the highest level. After a moment, he sensed something was off and began to carefully perceive his surroundings. Soon after, his expression suddenly changed drastically.
He distinctly smelled blood.
Not far away.
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