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墨書 Inktalez
In Huo Yun'ai's question, there was unexpectedly a hint of caution.
He was a person of utmost nobility. Yet, when facing her, he restrained all his dominance and authority, showing such tenderness, such consideration, and such meticulousness...
Qing Wu slowly walked forward, getting close to him, wrapping her arms around him and holding tightly to his lean waist.
The crisp and faintly fragrant masculine scent suddenly enveloped her. So familiar, it made her feel completely at ease.
"Of course it's true," the girl said softly. "When have I ever lied to you?"
The chest pressed against her suddenly quickened its breathing. The heartbeat close to her ear also grew faster.
She felt warmth behind her, followed by a strong embrace.
It was him holding her tightly.
With an indescribable surprise and joy, he wished he could meld her into his body, holding her even tighter.
"Qing Wu, I am very happy. Really."
Repeatedly, it was just these few words being echoed back and forth.
The person who appeared so calm and composed in front of others was now stirred into incoherence by her brief promise.
He was so tall that when he slightly bent down, he had completely enveloped the delicate her in his embrace.
Listening to his repeated whispers, Qing Wu felt increasingly warm and grounded in her heart.
Feeling his joy, sensing his utmost care and affection for her, and recalling his previous despondent expression, Qing Wu felt a twinge of heartache.
Thinking back to her time at home, whenever she felt unwell, her mother would often sit by her bedside, gently stroking her back to comfort her.
Qing Wu wanted to do her best to console this boy who was hurt by betrayal, so she reached out her hand and lightly patted and stroked him within her reach.
She nestled in his tall embrace, feeling delicate. Straining to lean back, she could only pat his lower back.
The girl's soft hands seemed boneless as they soothingly rubbed against the boy's lower back.
The Young Emperor instantly tensed up, frozen in place. Then he shook his head with a bitter smile.
This girl… always underestimated her influence over him.
She had no idea that every place her hands touched ignited Tuan Tuan's fiery passion and sent waves of tingling sensations through him.
The boy dared not move, fearing she would notice something amiss. But that area was so hot and hard; how could he endure it?
Even with his steadfast nature, he couldn't help but show signs of distress.
…If this continued, he would lose control…
She was too much. Not yet.
They weren't married yet. No…
"Are you… sure you want to do this?" He lightly kissed her earlobe. Soft and tender, he couldn't bear to part with that gentle touch and couldn't help but nibble on it again. "Are you sure you want to continue?"
His breath was too hot, and his voice was hoarse and deep.
Qing Wu initially did not understand what he meant. She felt the tension in her fingertips, and the warmth of his skin seeped through their clothes. After a moment of hesitation, she finally realized. Her fingers trembled, and in that instant, she didn't know what to do. When she finally reacted, she quickly pulled back.
Huo Yun'ai noticed her nervousness and chuckled softly in her ear.
He slightly loosened his arm. But just when she thought she could escape, he suddenly exerted force, pulling her waist tightly against him.
The hardness of his body made her freeze, her thoughts blanking out in an instant.
With them pressed so closely together, he couldn't calm himself for a long time. He could only sigh quietly, reluctantly loosening his embrace. With a sense of unwillingness, he glanced at her moist lips, forcing himself to turn away.
He was no saint.
...If he kept looking, if he kept holding on, if he kissed her again, who knew if he could hold back.
As soon as the boy released his grip, warmth instantly left her.
Qing Wu felt a chill all over and quickly came to her senses. In a panic, she glanced at Huo Yun'ai and disregarded everything else as she rushed out the door.
Huo Yun'ai watched her retreating figure, his thin lips pressed tightly together, his dark eyes filled with a cold and stern expression.
He began to seriously contemplate a very serious and important question.
Should he negotiate the marriage with the Liufu Marquisate through reason and emotion or simply issue an imperial decree to make everyone shut up and comply?
That evening, it started to rain lightly.
The gentle spring rain can be the most annoying, falling continuously for several days. Yet it is also the most delightful. It is not heavy; even without an umbrella, one won't get completely soaked. It nourishes all things, washes away dust, and gradually makes the originally dry air moist and comfortable.
Qing Wu opened the window and looked at the droplets of water hanging on the newly sprouted green willow branches outside. She glanced at the dense rain in the sky and then frowned at the small puddles forming between the blue stone slabs on the ground. Just as she was wondering whether Yue Ying would come as promised today, she heard Azalea's cheerful voice at the door: "Miss, Yue Daifu is here!"
At first, when Azalea had just started following Qing Wu, she was a bit reserved and called her "My Lady" according to the rules. Occasionally, she would call her "Miss" along with Dou Mama. However, Azalea soon realized that her master was a very amiable person who rarely lost her temper and never made things difficult for others. This made her feel increasingly close to Qing Wu. Gradually, she began to call her "Miss" privately, just like Dou Mama did.
Qing Wu's previous meeting with Yue Ying did not take place in her Ningxin Pavilion.
Huo Yun'ai had set up a courtyard for Qing Wu to use when handling affairs.
Initially, Qing Wu thought it was unnecessary. After all, she still held the title of "Lady-in-Waiting," and during her free time, she needed to stay with Huo Yun'ai. However, she gradually discovered the usefulness of this courtyard.
As she began to handle matters related to managing the female officials, people from the Twelve Workshops started to interact with her more frequently.
At first, it was only Yen Mama and others whom she sought out herself. Gradually, after the New Year, many people came to seek her out—some wanting to build connections or gather information, while others came to share their own thoughts.
At this point, Qing Wu realized that the palace maids had long been dissatisfied with their current situation. However, because there was no mistress in the harem to address these issues, they had been left unresolved.
It was during one of these interactions that someone casually mentioned their interest in medical texts they had read before. Thus, when Qing Wu met Yue Ying last time, she proposed the idea of "finding those interested in medicine to learn medical skills."
Although this idea was ultimately rejected by Yue Ying, Qing Wu placed greater importance on communicating with the palace maids. After all, they had been in this palace for many years and knew better than anyone what the situation was like and what kind of environment they were in.
Ningxin Pavilion was where she lived; if someone came to see her and they were familiar faces, it was fine for them to meet there. However, if a palace maid came specifically to discuss serious matters with her, it would not be appropriate to do so in Ningxin Pavilion. The courtyard would be more suitable.
However, Qing Wu had many matters to attend to daily. She spent several hours each day accompanying Huo Yun'ai. Sometimes she also needed to review books and study historical texts. Therefore, she did not have much time to listen to everyone's thoughts individually. As a result, Qing Wu asked Mama Lu for help in selecting two stable and literate maids from among the older women to handle this matter in Falling Sunset Pavilion.
Both maids had very good temperaments. Their warm smiles and kind demeanor made people feel at ease just by looking at them.
When the palace maids arrived, they were greeted by a matron responsible for receiving guests. She inquired sincerely and kindly about the purpose of their visit.
Since it was not always possible to see Qing Wu, gradually, those who had come with the intention of getting close or seeking information became fewer. Most visitors were there to offer suggestions or share their thoughts.
The matrons carefully noted their comments and, when Qing Wu had some free time to visit Falling Sunset Pavilion, they presented them for her review.
Falling Sunset Pavilion was the name of this courtyard.
It was said that the view of the sunset from here was particularly beautiful, hence the name.
Huo Yun'ai chose this courtyard mainly because of its serene environment and the gentle flow of water. Moreover, it was very close to Zhaoyuan Palace.
However, Huo Yun'ai was not very satisfied with this name. While the sunset was indeed beautiful, she felt it carried a sense of melancholy, as if it signified dusk and fleeting moments. It lacked a sense of tranquility and permanence.
Qing Wu, on the other hand, did not mind. She found the sunset splendid and dazzling; calling it that made her feel much more spirited.
This was her courtyard, and since she felt this way, Huo Yun'ai naturally went along with her wishes. She immediately had the original plaque removed and personally wrote the three characters for Falling Sunset Pavilion, ordering a new plaque to be made for her.
Qing Wu was puzzled.
The previous plaque was quite nice and had an ancient charm. With just a little touch-up, it would look very proper and attractive. There was no need to change it.
Huo Yun'ai, however, rarely showed such strong opinions. A person who usually appeared so composed had completely dismissed the characters on the previous plaque as entirely inappropriate.
Qing Wu finally began to understand.
This fellow clearly wanted her to see his characters every time she came and went throughout the day...
Previously, he sent clothes and gifts, hoping that she would think of him at all times.
Now, he wouldn't even let go of a plaque...
Through the drizzling rain, Qing Wu glanced towards the Falling Sunset Pavilion, and her lips involuntarily curled into a slight smile.
Before the smile in her eyes could fade, she heard a familiar voice at the door.
"What are you thinking about? You look so happy."
The tone was cheerful, and the voice was bright. It was undoubtedly Yue Ying.
At this moment, she stood at the door with droplets of water on her, smiling as she looked over.
Qing Wu hurriedly got up to greet her.
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