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墨書 Inktalez
Thinking this, Mo Xier let out a light sigh. Just as he was about to go out to greet him, he was pulled back and held tightly in his embrace. With an elegant voice, he said, "Wait here, I will go take a look."
After saying that, he stood up and walked out. Mo Xier remained in place, suddenly feeling a sense of being protected. It felt incredibly comforting and reassuring.
Outside the door, a handsome man stood tall, with clear brows and eyes, and red lips like cinnabar. He looked at Night Star with a smile in his eyes, appearing like a warm spring breeze, bringing joy to one's heart.
However, deep within that smile was a coldness that only the emperor could feel, devoid of any warmth, exuding an endless chill.
"I did not know His Majesty had graced us with his presence. I apologize for not welcoming you properly," Night Star said as he bowed deeply, wearing a smile that came from the depths of his heart—a warm smile that felt as gentle as the spring breeze, without a hint of falsehood.
"Get up, get up." The emperor smiled brightly, feigning concern as he reached out to support Night Star from kneeling. "You are still injured; there is no need for such formalities. I came today incognito for a casual visit and happened to arrive here."
As he spoke, his gaze wandered behind Night Star, and he felt a sudden emptiness in his heart.
"Is that so? I am truly honored," Night Star replied with a raised eyebrow and a cold smile.
Watching the emperor's constant glances around made him feel suspicious. A chill surged from deep within him; he felt somewhat disappointed in this good brother's intentions.
Unexpectedly, it turned out that the emperor was here to covet his woman.
Night Star spoke coldly, "Your Majesty, what are you looking for?"
The Emperor's body trembled slightly, and he smiled awkwardly. "I see that your residence is uniquely decorated; take me for a stroll in the back garden."
"At your command," Night Star respectfully lowered his head and turned to instruct the servants to lead the way toward the Imperial Garden.
In the back garden, Mo Xier happened to be carrying a clay pot, preparing to head toward the Small Kitchen. She passed through an area filled with flourishing flowers and plants, dotted with rock formations, and a small lake rippling gently, occasionally graced by a cool breeze.
Although it could not compare to the grandeur of the palace, it was still quite tranquil and pleasant.
Especially when he saw the beauty moving gracefully among them, he felt a sudden rush of emotions.
Mo Xier was dressed in a short top today, with a colorful short jacket over it, and white trousers that reached her calves, revealing half of her lower legs in a subtle manner.
Her calves were fair and toned, with curves that were undeniably alluring.
In such a moment, he found himself somewhat distracted.
Noticing the Emperor's unnatural expression, Night Star lightly cleared his throat twice. "Your Majesty, there is a Pavilion over there; shall we sit there for a while?"
"Good, I was thinking the same."
Li Ye withdrew his gaze, realizing he had been somewhat inappropriate, and chuckled softly.
His purpose today was to visit Mo Xier. After several days apart, he truly missed that little woman.
None of the concubines around him in the palace could compare to her. Recently, for some reason, Green Wisteria had been flitting around him constantly, troubling his heart.
The Empress Dowager actually turned a blind eye, which truly troubled him.
"Star, the Emperor has arrived. Why didn't you inform this old woman? Isn't this losing face for our Night Family?"
Suddenly, a voice came from behind. Both of them turned around to see a servant softly saying, "Greetings, Old Madam."
"Mother?" Night Star said respectfully, with a hint of surprise in his eyes. In the past, the Old Madam never concerned herself with such matters, and even her attitude towards him had been somewhat cold.
"Well. Do you still see me as your mother?" The Old Madam's expression was not pleasant; she seemed a bit angry. "You didn't even tell me when the Emperor arrived. You really don't understand etiquette."
Night Star was taken aback by the reprimand and momentarily didn't know how to respond. He could only lower his head and say, "I'm sorry, Mother," though there was not a trace of guilt in his voice.
The Emperor was somewhat surprised but did not feel anything was amiss. He simply said, "No need for formalities. I understand that Old Madam is of advanced age and won't fuss over these matters; I am not one to be unreasonable."
"Yes." The Old Madam then respectfully replied, dropping her sharp tongue. She turned to the Emperor and said, "Do you enjoy tea? I have some fine fragrant tea that this Old Madam received from trusted friends who came from afar recently; it has a good flavor."
"Fragrant tea?" The Emperor showed a strange expression, feeling puzzled. He wondered what the Old Madam was up to and why she suddenly wanted to host him, the Emperor.
He had heard some things about the awkward relationship between the Night Family's Old Madam and Night Star. Seeing it firsthand today, he didn't expect it to be so tense. Could it be...
His gaze shifted slightly as a thought suddenly arose in his mind.
Could it be that the Old Madam was also on his side, wanting to get rid of her own son?
This thought startled Li Ye, causing a thin layer of cold sweat to form on his forehead. He was shocked by his own idea and couldn't understand why he would think such a thing.
Pity the hearts of parents everywhere. Even if the Old Madam harbors resentment towards her son for the death of the Old General on the battlefield, she should not harbor thoughts of murder.
With this thought, a sense of curiosity suddenly arose in his heart. He glanced at Night Star and nodded slightly, saying, "Take me to taste it. I have yet to drink fragrant tea. I have long heard of its deliciousness, and now it seems that the Old Madam has enjoyed it first."
The Old Madam smiled and said, "Not at all." She then signaled to a maid beside her.
"Just wait here for me. You are injured and need to rest more!" The Emperor patted Night Star's shoulder, his gaze landing on his face as he spoke insincerely.
Night Star nodded and said nothing further. This was exactly what he wanted; he had no desire to accompany the Emperor any longer. Moreover, this good brother who had grown up with him was here for his woman—how could he be willing? Besides, that cold woman...
It was better for these two like-minded individuals to stay where it was cool; this was a good thing for him!
Thinking this, he turned to Qinglong and asked, "Where is Mo Xi'er?"
Qinglong lowered his head and replied, "In the Small Kitchen." After that, he fell silent, waiting for the next command or task.
"Alright, let's go take a look." His voice instantly softened, revealing a smile he wasn't even aware of. Just thinking about that little jade-like woman made his heart melt.
Inside the ancestral hall, the light was dim. A pot of white porcelain tea was slowly poured out, and a faint fragrance filled the air.
The Old Madam sat quietly on a stool, carefully handing a cup of tea to the Emperor. Her gaze scrutinized the young man before her. He was youthful and handsome, about the same age as Night Star.
With refined features and an elegant stature, his clear eyes and sword-like brows resembled those of the general from years ago! From the Emperor, she seemed to see the man she had deeply loved back then. Her body trembled slightly with excitement.
As she held the teacup, her hand inadvertently shook at the moment it met the Emperor's, causing her to spill the tea. Instantly, the fragrance spread as scalding hot tea spilled out.
"You!" The Emperor looked at Old Madam with some annoyance, unsure whether to blame her.
Old Madam was startled and hurriedly took her handkerchief to wipe the Emperor, her tone filled with worry and concern. "How are you? Did I burn you? Let me see."
Her tone was kind, and her voice carried urgency and care, as if his well-being mattered more than her own.
Li Ye felt surprised. As the Son of Heaven, he should naturally carry himself with dignity, but Old Madam's concern for him, even more than for her own life, made him feel uncomfortable, almost reminiscent of a maternal feeling.
Why?
In the past, those who had offended his imperial authority appeared terrified, but from the depths of their eyes, he could see that they were only afraid for their own lives.
However, Old Madam was different—very different. He furrowed his brows, wanting to say something.
But Old Madam spoke first. "I have some excellent ointment in my room. I'll have someone bring it to apply on you."
The Emperor frowned. "There's no need; I'm fine." He coldly waved his hand, feeling somewhat annoyed.
"Child... let's take a look anyway, Your Majesty," Old Madam called out, almost calling him Child at first. Pausing for a moment, she hesitated and recalled Jiang Huai's face. "Do you remember the jade pendant you have? You've been inseparable from it since you were little."
Her voice was excited and slightly trembling.
"How do you know?" The Emperor frowned and said coldly. He was a very indifferent ruler, high above others, but the teachings of the Empress Dowager kept him maintaining his inherent grace.
Although he was dissatisfied with Old Madam's attitude towards him, he still felt he should respect the elder.
"The jade pendant is carved from Flawless Jade, with intricate hollow patterns in the middle. In fact, there are two pieces, and the hollow part is right here."
As she spoke, Old Madam took out an identical jade pendant and another one that had fallen from Mo Xier during the last incident when she had someone confront Mo Xier.
Placing them in front of the Emperor, Li Ye was so astonished that he didn't know what to say. He took the pendants and incredulously asked, "How did you know there are two pieces? Where did you get them?"
He carefully aligned the two pendants, which perfectly formed a circle, flawless like an uncarved piece of jade, only with different patterns drawn on top.
Old Madam chuckled lightly, her expression meaningful. She wasn't sure if she should continue revealing the truth, but she felt it was necessary to give the Emperor some time to think. She needed to discuss with the Chancellor how to avoid harming the Emperor and how to protect his position.
After all, he was her own son, flesh and blood!
"Your Majesty, this tea has cooled. I will go brew a new pot."
Old Madam looked at the Emperor with a half-smile and did not answer his question as she quietly walked out. Before leaving, her hand holding the teapot trembled slightly, as if her emotions were extremely stirred.
The Emperor sat silently on the stool, suddenly overwhelmed by countless thoughts that he couldn't comprehend.
He recalled Old Madam's attitude and demeanor earlier and felt that this matter was significant. He toyed with the jade pendant in his hand and thought, "It seems this requires careful consideration."
He pondered over his thoughts and remained in the ancestral hall until dark. Old Madam did not appear, which made him somewhat irritated as he suddenly remembered an event from a long time ago.
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