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墨書 Inktalez
Looking at that small face filled with surprise, especially those striking black and white eyes shining brightly, Xiao Luo felt a stir in her heart, and a hint of astonishment flashed through her previously disdainful gaze.
Without the coveted Phoenix Throne and being sent to the Cold Palace, this would be unbearable for any woman! Moreover, she came from a prestigious family; under such a blow, how could she remain indifferent and even appear grateful?
Beside her, Mei Ru felt a heaviness in her heart; this was not the outcome she desired.
But the imperial decree had been issued, and there was no choice but to make plans. She composed herself and gently reminded, "Sister, the Cold Palace is not the same as the sleeping quarters; please prepare yourself well."
Mei Shuang lowered her head in silence.
The Cold Palace was just the Cold Palace; as long as she could leave this place, her chances of survival would increase.
However, Mei Ru's words did serve as a reminder. She couldn't be too emotional, as it might make the one who issued the decree uncomfortable. If he thought the punishment was too light and changed his mind, sending her to receive a hundred lashes would be counterproductive.
Mei Shuang quickly composed herself and solemnly said, "Thank you for sparing my life, Your Majesty. I am willing to serve you like an ox or horse for the rest of my life!"
Xiao Luo coldly sneered inwardly; it seemed that this woman valued her life more than her pride.
Sparing her was also a way to appease the Empress Dowager; if execution were necessary, it would be best if the Empress Dowager personally issued the order.
"I am tired..." he turned and left.
Mei Ru had no choice but to swallow her words. As he departed, she shot a fierce glare at Mei Shuang before gracefully following Xiao Luo.
The weather remained bitterly cold. The tears at the corners of Mei Ru's eyes quickly dried in the wind as she recalled him calling her Empress, filling her heart with sweetness.
Now that it was past midnight, it was time for them to head to Weiyang Palace to rest; she was tired too.
When she shyly lifted her gaze towards the tall and handsome man ahead, a deep blush instantly spread across her face. Fortunately, her hood concealed it as she lowered her head and smiled lightly.
Xiao Luo walked with a gloomy expression.
When he reached the fork in the road, he stopped, turned around, and coldly said to Mei Ru, "I am going to the Empress Dowager. The Empress can return to the palace on her own."
Without looking back, he strode down the left path.
Watching the cold figure beneath the black mink cloak disappear around the corner of the palace wall, Mei Ru stood frozen in place, feeling a chill run from her head to her feet.
The maid Lianxin, seeing this, hurriedly stepped forward and gently advised, "Empress, His Majesty is going to see the Empress Dowager now; it must be important. You should return to the palace quickly."
---
After a day of revelry, the Great Qin Empire's palace finally began to quiet down amidst the laughter and fireworks.
It was past midnight, and the Cining Palace where the Empress Dowager resided was still lit by candlelight.
Outside, the biting cold wind blew fiercely, but inside, the charcoal fire burned brightly. The faint scent of sandalwood wafted through the warm air, making one feel increasingly drowsy.
Such weather was perfect for sleep, and with such a grand event taking place, everyone had been busy all day. Even Aunt Yu, who sat by the Empress Dowager's bed, couldn't help but doze off.
However, just a few seconds later, she quickly woke up after pinching her arm hard to shake off her drowsiness.
Then she gently leaned forward to check on the bed.
On the intricately carved and gilded bed, separated by a beaded curtain, lay a woman of dignified posture and fair complexion with her eyes slightly closed, seemingly sound asleep.
She was none other than Mingxi Empress Dowager, the biological mother of Xiao Luo, the newly ascended emperor of the Great Qin Empire.
Though she was nearing fifty, she still appeared youthful and beautiful.
At this moment, her face was turned inward, against the candlelight, with half of her visage hidden in shadow. Yet, one could discern her slightly furrowed brow, indicating that she was not sleeping peacefully.
Aunt Yu paused for a moment, letting out a quiet sigh within her heart.
Just as she was about to turn and extinguish the candle, she heard a faint sigh.
From behind the beaded curtain in front of the bed, Aunt Yu gently asked, "Empress Dowager, are you still unable to sleep?"
Empress Dowager Mingxi simply opened her eyes and sat up. "I might as well get up and sit for a while."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Yu quickly parted the curtain and carefully helped her sit up, placing a pillow behind her before advising, "Empress Dowager, are you still troubled by your thoughts?"
Empress Dowager Mingxi let out a slight sigh and smiled bitterly. "Jade, you have been in the palace for many years. Have you ever seen anything so strange during your time beside me? It would be odd if I could sleep!"
Aunt Yu did not dare to respond immediately; instead, she hurriedly turned to light the candles one by one while pondering how to reply later.
Since the alarming news from Weiyang Palace in the afternoon until now, everything that had transpired was overwhelming. No one could digest such information in a short time.
Everyone knew how significant today was.
The new emperor had ascended the throne and conferred titles upon the Empress. The harmony between the emperor and empress was crucial for the well-being of the common people. Who would have thought that such chaos would arise at the last moment?
This kind of chaos was unheard of even after more than thirty years in the palace. It would not be an exaggeration to say that there had never been anything like it before or would be again.
Mei Manor's Qianjin Meishuang was personally betrothed by the current Empress Dowager to the Current Emperor, awaiting today's grand ceremony. She was also the beloved daughter of Left Chancellor Mei, cherished above all else by Chancellor Mei.
The grandeur of such a door frame is shocking just to hear about, let alone the fact that the Empress Dowager has always had high standards and has never shown interest in any young lady from a noble family. Especially since the young lady from Mei Manor is not only beautiful and gentle but also serves the Empress Dowager diligently. She has a talent for calligraphy and often copies scriptures for the Empress Dowager, who practices Buddhism, earning her deep affection. In this regard, such honor and favor are indeed far more precious than ordinary noble daughters.
However, this golden branch, cherished like a star among many, was exposed on her wedding day for a scandal that could shock the world!
Wasn't that a slap in the face for the Empress Dowager? Aunt Yu naturally understood.
So when the Empress Dowager finally came to her senses after the initial shock, she only sent a message to the palace maid beside the Emperor saying, "Let the Emperor handle it," before falling into silence. She kept turning her prayer beads in her hands and did not speak again, remaining seated on the couch until late at night.
As soon as she lay down, she suddenly spoke, which certainly had its deeper meaning. Moreover, Aunt Yu had clearly heard the Empress Dowager refer to it as "strange."
After lighting each candle, Aunt Yu turned around and gently comforted her, "Empress Dowager, I believe the Emperor will make a wise decision regarding this matter. You should not worry too much; your health is important. The red date honey soup is still warming on the stove; I will bring it to you right away so you can eat something first."
As Aunt Yu turned to leave, Empress Dowager Mingxi bitterly smiled to herself. Did she even have an appetite?
Upon hearing the shocking news reported by the palace maid, she was stunned at that moment.
Fortunately, having spent many years in the palace and weathered numerous storms, she had long learned to hide her emotions. As an Empress Dowager, she managed not to lose her composure at that time; otherwise, she might have dropped her prayer beads.
Her first instinct was to think there had been a mistake. But with such a significant matter at hand and no crucial evidence, who would dare to act recklessly? Moreover, Mei Shuang's dowry box contained thin letters that served as undeniable proof—complete with names and details that were irrefutable evidence. Especially those familiar handwriting and signatures made her vision blur; she nearly spat blood.
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