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墨書 Inktalez
The news of the Matriarch's passing was conveyed to Qing Wu by Huo Yun'ai, but Huo Yun'ai was unaware of the details surrounding it.
The specific reasons were only revealed a few days later when Qing Wu met with the He Family. It turned out that the cause of Lady Liu's death was quite scandalous; anyone who spoke even a word about it would likely implicate the Liu Family's First Branch in the aftermath. Therefore, the people from the First Branch helped to cover it up, merely stating that she had suffered a sudden illness.
Later, when the He Family inquired about it during a visit to Madam Meng's family, the Meng Family felt uncomfortable but could not bring it up with others. They ended up vaguely mentioning it to the He Family.
It was revealed that after hearing of a major upheaval in the palace, Lady Liu had been gleefully chirping away, her eyes occasionally gleaming with schadenfreude. However, upon learning that the current Queen was safe and sound, and that His Majesty had favored the Queen even more after experiencing that upheaval while treating the Empress better, her demeanor changed drastically. She became increasingly agitated and began to express her outrage.
Liu Anyang and the Meng Family indulged her, merely ensuring her needs for food and clothing were met.
Later on, when the Queen successfully took control of the phoenix seal and accepted the kneeling tribute from the inner court ladies, the Matriarch found herself choking on phlegm that she could not expel no matter how hard she tried. Liu Anyang patted her back, and she began to mutter incoherently about Liu Fangyi's family, particularly cursing that "ungrateful dead girl." They were "disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unjust," disregarding their relatives' well-being and lacking understanding of propriety and ethics.
Sister Lan had passed away many years ago. There was only one girl from the Second House left. It was clear who the Matriarch was referring to when she pointed out that girl.
Liu Anyang was displeased and scolded the Matriarch a few times. Unexpectedly, she became unable to catch her breath as the phlegm thickened and completely blocked her airway, leading to her demise.
When discussing these matters with the He Family, the Meng Family spoke half-heartedly: "Originally we were sisters-in-law; I shouldn't speak ill of my mother-in-law in front of you. I just wanted to share this with you so you wouldn't feel burdened or think you owed anything."
After the Matriarch's death, the First Branch simply buried her without informing anyone else. By the time the Second House learned of this news, a month had already passed since her funeral rites.
Although the Meng Family knew that due to Sister Lan's incident, any familial ties between the Matriarch and Second House had been completely severed, they made it clear in their final words to her that there was no need to dwell on such a person in future days.
Madam Meng was known for her generous nature. While she occasionally looked out for herself, she never harbored ill intentions towards others. Even she had grown weary of the Matriarch by this point, which illustrated just how unbearable the old woman's behavior had been over time.
Because of this private conversation and with the troublesome old woman gone, two sisters-in-law who had not interacted for many years began to reconnect. The two families also started visiting each other from time to time. Although their relationship was not as harmonious or close as those of other families' brothers, it could still be considered amicable.
The He Family shared those whispered conversations from the Meng Family with Qing Wu because they noticed their daughter asking about it. They feared Qing Wu might worry again over that old woman’s affairs and wanted to clarify things for her.
The mother and daughter had a rare meeting, and after discussing the matter briefly, they turned their attention to the marriage between the Shen Family and the Marquisate.
Since Qing Wu could not attend their wedding, she inquired about various details with particular care. She also consulted with the He Family to see what else could be added.
On the day Shen Shuihua arrived, Qing Wu brought out the bridal gifts she had prepared for her.
Perhaps it was the joy of the occasion that made Shen Shuihua look even more charming than when they last met. However, upon seeing Qing Wu's smiling gaze, a blush crept onto her face, and she shyly lowered her head.
Qing Wu sent everyone else out of the room, and when it was just the two of them, she took out a box to present to her.
Shen Shuihua and Qing Wu shared a close friendship. Knowing this was a bridal gift from Qing Wu, she accepted it graciously without hesitation. But when she opened the box, she was taken aback and pushed it back slightly.
"How can I accept this?"
The rectangular box was two feet wide and opened to reveal three compartments. The left compartment held a set of gold hairpins inlaid with rubies, the middle compartment contained a set of sheep fat jade hairpins, earrings, and bracelets, while the right compartment held an entire set of rouge and powder.
Each item was already precious on its own, making for an eye-catching bridal gift. However, everything Qing Wu provided was imperial-crafted, even more valuable due to its rarity, and there were three complete sets…
"I cannot attend your wedding," Qing Wu said as she pushed the box back toward Shen Shuihua. "These are my heartfelt wishes. You should keep them; they will be useful in your daily life."
Upon hearing this, Shen Shuihua understood immediately and couldn't help but feel tears welling up in her eyes.
Qing Wu was now a Queen, her status different from before. Even though it was her own brother marrying her dear friend, she could not lower herself to attend a subject's grand wedding. At most, she could send some gifts as a sign of importance. Later on, she would meet with the newlyweds in the palace to express her gratitude.
Qing Wu felt regretful about this situation; hence she specially prepared these gifts. Each item was personally chosen by her and was both splendid and precious.
How could Shen Shuihua not understand her friend's intentions? To refuse would only betray Qing Wu's heartfelt gesture. She could only accept the gifts and then took Qing Wu's hand, saying, "From now on, I will come to see you often."
In the future, as the Heir of the Marquisate, her interactions in the palace would be easier than those of a legitimate daughter from the Minister's residence.
Qing Wu smiled and held her hand back, saying, "You have made your decision; you cannot go back on it."
The two were quietly chatting in the room and did not notice the tall figure standing at the shop entrance.
Huo Yun'ai watched the two girls laughing and holding hands, waving to the Maid to indicate that there was no need to report. After standing quietly for a while, she quietly left.
...
Qing Wu was surprised to find that Huo Yun'ai had recently begun to change slightly.
She wasn't sure what exactly had changed, but there were always some vague details that made her pay attention.
For example, he would deliberately clear all his time after dinner to accompany her in writing and painting, and to walk with her in the palace.
Another example was when they were both working in the same room; occasionally, when she looked up at him, she would find him staring at her in a daze, as if he were struggling with something. However, as soon as her gaze shifted to him, he would hurriedly look away, as if her discovery just now had been an illusion.
But upon careful reflection, it was clearly not an illusion. She had truly seen his gaze; it was just like that.
Qing Wu felt somewhat puzzled.
She was not one to enjoy guessing games. It was even more so when she was with Huo Yun'ai.
So one day, when Huo Yun'ai neglected to eat lunch and insisted on handling all matters before dinner, Qing Wu finally voiced her doubts.
Huo Yun'ai appeared very nonchalant, his expression unchanged, and smiled lightly as he said, "Isn't it good to be together every evening?"
"That's true. But what you're doing is harmful to your health."
She was also very busy. Lunch was taken at Falling Sunset Pavilion. By the time all the tasks were completed and she returned to Zhaoyuan Palace, preparing to have dinner with Huo Yun'ai, she learned from Uncle Yu that Huo Yun'ai had not had lunch.
Qing Wu, feeling worried, became extremely angry. Thinking about Huo Yun'ai's unusual behavior in recent days, she decided to ask directly, "Are you hiding something from me? What has happened recently that makes you skip meals and clear your evening schedule?"
In comparison, she would rather he have a proper lunch and take a little longer in the evening to handle his affairs. As long as it didn't interfere with his sleep and rest, this schedule would be more reasonable.
Huo Yun'ai saw that she was genuinely upset and sighed quietly as he pulled her into his arms. After pondering for a long time, he finally sighed and said, "I'm sorry."
"What good does apologizing do?" Qing Wu nestled in his embrace, her voice muffled as she said, "It's your health that's suffering; what does it have to do with me?"
The girl's words clearly showed her concern for him, but it was just a matter of being stubborn.
Huo Yun'ai felt warmth in his heart. After hesitating for a moment, he finally whispered in her ear, "Is it very hard for you to be married into the palace?"
Qing Wu was puzzled. "What do you mean by that?"
"Being in the palace comes with many restrictions. If you weren't married into the palace, you wouldn't have to deal with so many difficulties."
If she weren't married into the palace, she wouldn't have to worry about the vast harem. If she weren't married into the palace, she could attend her brother's wedding openly.
Qing Wu didn't understand why he thought this way, but seeing his serious expression made her think carefully. Then she smiled and said, "Are there really so many troubles in the palace?" She added candidly, "Because you treat me so well, I've never felt it was hard. Recently, I'm very happy that you can spend more time with me. I just care more about your health and don't want you to tire yourself out like this."
Her straightforward words stunned Huo Yun'ai.
He hadn't expected that what Qing Wu wanted was actually so simple.
Yes. In fact, it has always been this way. No matter how difficult it is, every time she sees him, she breaks into a sweet smile, leaving no trace of gloom.
Huo Yun'ai's heart trembled. Holding the girl tightly, he increased his grip slightly.
Though he did not say a word, she had already understood his feelings; there was no need for more words.
Qing Wu relaxed her body and nestled in his embrace.
He was slender but definitely not weak. Nestled in his warm embrace, she felt very secure and calm.
"Don't worry. Marrying you is the most correct decision of my life."
Because it is you, I am willing.
Because it is you, I will never regret it.
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