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墨書 Inktalez
It had been seven days since I returned to the palace. Life continued to pass by without any waves.
That night, I got lost with Xiao Quanzi. It wasn't until later, when the crowd had thinned out a bit, that I found him crying and searching for me near the venue. He was still just a child, frightened and in tears at the thought of losing his master. As I took his hand to leave, I caught sight of Little Seven standing high on the stage, dressed in blue, quietly gazing at me. Her gaze was so calm that it pained my heart. I couldn't tell if it was just my imagination, but through the thick smoke left by the fireworks, I felt that her gaze held a hint of pain and sadness.
I steeled myself and turned away, waving goodbye to her. "Little Seven, forgive me. For the sake of our home, let me resolve everything first before we fight side by side."
On the way back, I fell into silence, perhaps due to the fleeting beauty of the fireworks. As I wandered through the winding alleys with Xiao Quanzi, a voice suddenly called out from behind me.
"Firefly, is that you?"
I froze in shock, my body stiffening at the sound of that familiar voice—it had truly been a long time.
However, I managed to remain calm as I turned around and said to Huan Wen, "You must have mistaken me for someone else."
To my surprise, he smiled charmingly, his already handsome face appearing even more radiant. He gentlemanly waved his fan (I glanced at my own fan with some disappointment; honestly, I had tried to imitate his dandy style today, but it seemed my imitation paled in comparison to the real thing). His eyes locked onto mine as he said, "I wasn't sure it was you at first—after all—" He paused as a flicker of pain crossed his eyes but quickly resumed his cheerful demeanor. "But hearing your excuse was just like how you used to expose my disguises. Besides, you haven't changed much today. I know it's you, Firefly."
Realizing I could no longer hide my identity, I shrugged and replied, "Huan Wen, long time no see. You're still as charming and dashing as ever. Here for the fashion show today to pick up women?" I teased him.
To my surprise, he didn't laugh; instead, he looked at me seriously. Then he dropped his previous carefree demeanor and quickly walked over to me. Before I could react, he pulled me into a tight embrace that left me breathless.
He held me like that for quite a while as I stood there in shock, allowing him to keep holding me.
"Firefly, I've missed you so much." Was it just my imagination? His tone sounded filled with pain and helplessness. We had always been playful with each other; what had changed today?
I pushed against him with all my strength; he was squeezing me too tightly for comfort. "Let go of me! I'm... I'm running out of breath!"
Seeing that he still had no reaction, I punched him in the stomach. He winced in pain and stepped back a few paces, groaning. I finally gained my freedom and took deep breaths, coughing for a moment as I struggled to catch my breath.
He looked at me with a sly smile and said nonchalantly, "Still the same as before, rough and merciless with your punches."
I gasped for air and replied, "That's what you get for trying to choke me."
He leaned in closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulder in a familiar way, saying sweetly, "How could I bear to let Firefly suffer?" But by the end of his sentence, his expression turned serious.
He turned my shoulder and asked me gravely, "Firefly, you’re not doing well in the palace, are you? I've heard them say that the Emperor doesn’t favor you at all and just leaves you there without care. Firefly, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I need to know—"
I looked at him in confusion; he was exaggerating. Although I had been neglected by the Emperor, it was something I accepted willingly. I didn’t want Brother Sima to think of me in such a desperate light.
"I need to know if you're not doing well; if I had known back then, I would never have given up—" What was he talking about? I couldn’t understand a word.
"Firefly, leave the palace with me. Let’s escape to a place where no one knows us. Firefly, let’s run away together."
I understood then. I broke free from his grip and calmly looked into his reddened eyes, saying seriously, "Huan Wen, I'm doing just fine. I don’t know how you heard those bad rumors, but I'm really okay. Thank you for your concern, but I'm not like other women; I can take care of myself. You don’t need to worry. Really, there’s no need to worry. It’s getting late; you know," I said playfully as I looked at him, but he didn’t smile. I continued, "I snuck out secretly; if I'm caught going back late, it’ll be terrible." Besides, I couldn’t forget that figure; there was always an unease in my heart that something would happen. Had Brother Sima seen me?
I waved goodbye to him. "See you."
He didn’t stop me. After walking a few steps, he suddenly asked casually from behind, "Firefly, do you really want to be just one of the Emperor's countless women? That’s not who you are."
I stumbled slightly; if it weren’t for Xiao Quanzi supporting me beside him, I might have fallen.
The world only knew Huan Wen as a good-for-nothing rich kid; no one realized he had eyes that could see into people's hearts and an unfathomable mind. Otherwise, he wouldn’t let people think he was just an ordinary wealthy heir to conceal himself. How else would he become a great general in the future?
I did not look back. However, I knew he had already seen through me.
This guy, I clenched my fists in silence. Why did he have to strike at my sore spot the moment he appeared?
Ever since that day I was falsely accused of practicing witchcraft, I felt as if I had been cast into the Cold Palace. Yet, this also proved that the Emperor had never loved Xie Weiying; he hadn't even given me the basic trust. Still, I should be grateful he didn't annihilate my family. In truth, I wasn't even sure if he had seen through the antics of those women. What saddened me was that since that day, Yun Ying had gone to the Ritual Palace and followed Consort Wang. Yun Ying had always been clever and understanding, and soon after, Xiao Quanzi came to tell me she had become a favorite of Consort Wang. When she said this, Xiao Quanzi looked furious and wanted to stand up for me. I smiled lightly. I was genuinely happy for her. After all, being with a noble consort was far better than being with a master who was always getting into trouble!
After making breakfast, I took a few tasteless bites and lost interest.
After the meal, I took Xiao Quanzi for a stroll. Due to the restrictions, I could only sneak out.
My chances of coming to the Imperial Garden were probably once a month, but it seemed like I was cursed; that little over 3% chance still led me to encounter the arrogant Consort Wang and her entourage, which included several other concubines I had seen once or twice or never at all. It was said that Consort Wang was the most cliquish in the harem. After returning from outside, I had been anxiously waiting for Brother Sima to come and question me. However, strangely enough, he hadn't appeared in Jiu Nian Xuan these past few days. So now people in the palace were saying that this "sly fox" had fallen out of favor. Xiao Quanzi's anger was almost enough to set Jiu Nian Xuan ablaze. At such a young age, she hadn't learned the art of deception or how to wear countless masks; she remained adorably genuine.
Just as I intended to bypass those women to avoid trouble, my spirit of humility clearly did not suit their taste.
Before I could step out completely, a cold voice rang out rudely: "Stop! When you see Consort Wang, how dare you not kneel?"
I retracted my foot and put on a somewhat obsequious smile as I approached them. Bowing slightly, I greeted them: "Firefly pays her respects to you sisters. Firefly did not see you earlier; please forgive me."
Before I could gather my thoughts, a fierce old maid suddenly approached from behind and kicked my knee joint. I stumbled and fell awkwardly to the ground; my prostrate position concealed my icy expression. I clenched my fingers tightly, my nails nearly embedding into my palm.
At that moment, the old maid said fiercely: "Today you'll learn how to properly pay your respects."
The group of women watching laughed softly among themselves. Their laughter was delightfully charming!
One of the beauties walked over disdainfully and pointed at my cheap white clothes, mocking: "Look at our Jieyu sister; she's wearing something picked up from some maid's quarters."
Around me, there was a wave of snickering. The women here were truly accustomed to kicking someone when they were down. Knowing I had fallen out of favor, they dared to humiliate me like this.
Behind me, Xiao Quanzi was completely stunned, rushing over to help me up, glaring fiercely at those people like an injured little beast.
I shrugged off his support and stood up straight, coldly staring at the woman who had just mocked my clothing. She was wearing last year's Jun Jin collection. No wonder; Jun Jin's high-quality clothes were reserved for the wealthy elite. It seemed this woman couldn't afford the new styles and wore outdated clothing in an attempt to shame me. Looking at the other gloating women, including Consort Wang, they were all dressed in Jun Jin as well. In recent years, the palace's clothing had been provided by Jun Jin. These women often compared who wore Jun Jin's clothes, who had the latest styles, and who owned limited editions!
I noticed Yun Ying silently following behind me, her eyes filled with pain as she moved her lips, wanting to say something. I knew she wanted to mention that those clothes were designed by me personally and that she wouldn't want to wear them herself. I shook my head at her; there was no need to compete with them. I had no desire to flaunt the clothes I designed every day. I coldly surveyed those ignorant women.
Suddenly, a familiar sharp voice characteristic of Gao Lu rang out: "The Emperor has arrived."
Everyone present knelt down in greeting.
I knelt on the ground, feeling a chill run down my spine—this was bad.
Sure enough, the Emperor merely said, "Consorts, rise."
Consort Wang rushed forward, almost throwing herself into his arms as she pitifully said, "Your Majesty—"
Sima Rui gently embraced her and softly asked, "Who dares to offend our Consort Wang? Speak up; I will take care of it for you."
She pointed at me without hesitation and complained, "Your Majesty, Xie Jieyu was supposed to be confined for three months. Today, I saw her defying your decree and scolded her a few words. Who would have thought she not only refused to bow but also spoke disrespectfully to me, looking at me with those cold eyes? I was so scared, Your Majesty." She choked up at the end.
I wanted to call upon the heavens. This woman truly knew how to stir up trouble.
The Emperor turned his cold gaze toward me upon hearing her words: "Who gave you the audacity to defy my orders?"
I looked at him, and I could say that I had been feeling a bit dazed these past few days. Had I forgotten that so-called prohibition? I was at a loss for words.
"Get lost. I don't want to see you. Don't show your face for the next six months," he said, turning to embrace Consort Wang and continue enjoying the Imperial Garden.
"Your Majesty," I suddenly called out. Taking a deep breath, I respectfully knelt down and offered my most sincere bow, then looked straight at him, my eyes devoid of emotion, my voice steady as I said, "Your Majesty, this servant is aware of her deep transgressions and humbly requests that you banish this servant to Frostfall Palace. This servant has no complaints." I was somewhat exhausted and decided to take this step. Brother Sima, let your woman continue to humiliate me!
A gasp echoed around me; all the women were stunned. Throughout history, has there ever been a woman in the harem who voluntarily requested to be banished to the Cold Palace? Everyone looked at me as if questioning whether I had lost my mind! Only I knew how clear-headed I was at this moment.
He narrowed his eyes, gazing at me dangerously as if assessing the truth of my words or perhaps considering some ulterior motive. I closed my eyes and let him scrutinize me; ha, I just didn't want to face it. Finally, he coldly replied, "I do not permit it."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me kneeling on the ground in a daze. Did he not want to see me? Then why did he refuse my request? Why not simply send me to the Cold Palace?
Xiao Quanzi crawled over with tear-streaked cheeks, hugging me as I knelt there in a stupor, crying out, "Master, what happened? Don't scare Xiao Quanzi!"
I pushed him away and calmly stood up. Without looking back, I left the Imperial Garden.
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