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墨書 Inktalez
It turned out that this man was Dugu Hao, who was secretly visiting in disguise. This unfamiliar feeling of being out of control made him inexplicably anxious, and it had occurred more than once.
The guard standing behind him had a face full of black lines. Speaking of the emperor, how would a lifelong bachelor like him know what that feeling was like?
Fortunately, Dugu Hao did not expect him to answer anything and fell into deep thought.
Later, as he passed through the Imperial Garden, Dugu Hao inadvertently overheard two palace maids whispering behind the Rockery: "Did you hear? That Wang Eunuch is with our Hong Lian. I heard someone is jealous."
"But isn't it forbidden for eunuchs and palace maids to be together?" asked one maid, her face flushed.
In the imperial palace, if they were lucky, they would be sent out of the palace when they reached a certain age; if unlucky, they would remain in the palace for a lifetime, aging and losing their looks without anyone wanting them.
Thus, there was a phenomenon where certain favored palace maids and eunuchs would secretly form couples and meet in secret.
Of course, such matters could not be discovered by those above them; otherwise, they would face the fate of being beaten to death.
However, in this deep palace where hope was scarce and life dragged on without purpose, there were always some daring individuals who secretly got together.
It might be possible to hide for a while, but continuing to do so indefinitely was simply too difficult.
That was why there were quiet discussions after such things were discovered.
Dugu Hao stood in the shadows, frowning. He felt very disgusted by such matters, but he also understood the sorrow of these people. He wouldn't go so far as to take someone's life over it.
However, just as he was about to leave, the two palace maids began whispering again. This time, they were not talking about others but about themselves.
It turned out that one of them had taken a liking to a certain guard: "You still say you don't like him? Every time he patrols past here, you turn red and your heart races."
"Where do I have it?"
"Tch, do you think I believe that? It's a pity, our fate has been sealed since we entered the palace. We are destined to be lonely for life. Even if we like someone, we cannot be together. We are good friends, so let me remind you to be careful in the future. If someone discovers us, we're done for."
Dugu Hao didn't pay attention to anything else; he only focused on a few words spoken by the palace maid.
Like? Heart racing?
Like... He repeated these two words in his mind.
These simple words stirred up ripples in his heart, gradually dissipating. The overwhelming heartbeat filled him with realization.
Like? Could it be that the feeling he had after seeing Liu Qingxi was love?
Having never experienced affection in his life, memories from years ago became increasingly clear in his mind. He had deliberately hidden them away in a corner before.
Until he saw Liu Qingxi again in the capital, the girl who had once saved his life and cared for him for many days.
Although Liu Qingxi had not been gentle with him at that time and sometimes her attitude was quite harsh.
Looking back now, all he felt was warmth.
And that momentary smile on the street made his heart feel as sweet as honey.
Is this how he feels about Liu Qingxi? It seems this feeling is quite nice.
He had no idea when the two palace maids left; he was just lying on the wide Dragon Bed that almost took up half the room, still immersed in a feeling of joy that he couldn't shake off.
Is this what it means to like someone? Is this what love feels like? He had never experienced such emotions before, yet he inexplicably enjoyed this sensation.
That night, Dugu Hao dreamt of Liu Qingxi, recalling the days spent years ago at Ten Li Pu.
The smile from that time kept appearing in his mind, and his innate desire for control made him wish he could pocket that smile and treasure it.
That night, he slept soundly in his dreams.
That night, he did something he had never done in his life.
When the cleaning maids came to tidy up the sheets, their faces turned as red as peaches.
The next day in the court, both civil and military officials clearly sensed that the Emperor was in a good mood, wearing an uncontrollable smile throughout the proceedings.
Even when one or two people made mistakes, he remained unfazed and instead offered them a second chance.
The ministers couldn't help but pray that every day could be like this.
However, as he left the court, Dugu Hao caught a glimpse of Yang Yichen among the officials, and his expression immediately darkened.
Just thinking about how the girl who first stirred his heart was Yang Yichen's wife made him feel utterly frustrated.
He could only lament that they had met before she was married, which was the truest reflection of Dugu Hao's inner feelings.
If it were someone else, it would be fine, but Yang Yichen? This minister who had accompanied him until he ascended the throne, how could he possibly do anything else?
Just thinking about it made him feel frustrated.
For some reason, Yang Yichen had clearly sensed a change in Dugu Hao's attitude towards him. Although they were in a ruler-minister relationship, he was not an ordinary minister.
The influence of the Inorganic Gate meant that no matter which faction he aligned with, he held absolute power in discussions.
However, Dugu Hao's behavior was too strange; he couldn't make sense of it.
Unable to understand, Yang Yichen set it aside for now. Once he finished his official duties, he hurried home to accompany his lovely wife, enjoying sweet moments that made others envious. It wouldn't be long before the Wen Family would become grandparents.
Just thinking about the little one who looked exactly like Liu Qingxi, beautifully crafted and sweetly calling him "father," filled Yang Yichen with joy.
Little did he know that in the future, the two of them would face a great calamity together.
Time passed quietly, and before long, autumn arrived. The autumn breeze carried a hint of chill, blowing through countless homes.
The Mid-Autumn Festival had come again! It was the annual day for family reunions.
For the people of Ten Li Pu, this year's celebration was particularly special. In the past, their whole family would sit together happily eating mooncakes and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
But this year, due to Liu Qingxi's needs, many young people from the village set out for the capital with aspirations of seeking broader futures.
Traveling thousands of miles with inconvenient transportation, this festival was naturally spent in the capital.
The people at home could only eat mooncakes together while missing their loved ones in the capital.
Meanwhile, the young people celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in the capital, all from the same place, a backward village, gathered together in this bustling imperial city to enjoy mooncakes and admire the moon.
Liu Qingxi provided them with the best treatment and had Zhang's Bakery deliver the most exquisite mooncakes.
"Today, I can't celebrate with you all. These mooncakes are prepared for everyone personally, so please enjoy yourselves."
"Madam Yang, you're too polite. We feel assured working with you. Hehe, we earn more money here, and we're still looking forward to marrying beautiful wives."
The young men laughed heartily, not feeling constrained by Liu Qingxi's special status.
Liu Qingxi joked with them like a friend: "Just wait; if there's a chance, I'll introduce you."
"We're looking forward to it."
Instantly, the large residence was filled with laughter and joy.
Liu Qingxi arranged for the Ten Li Pu people to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and hurried back home.
This year, due to Yang Yichen's change in status and their marriage, she was also invited to the palace's Mid-Autumn Banquet.
Although she had visited the palace several times before, it was during Dugu Han's reign when the Heating was built. That experience had left her with no fondness for the palace.
This Mid-Autumn Banquet would be her first time attending such a formal event.
Nature requires careful adornment, and fortunately, Nanny Wen from the Wen Family has exceptional skills. With a simple makeup application, she has enhanced Liu Qingxi's slightly youthful face to perfection.
Graceful and elegant, with a calm demeanor, she is perfectly suited for the occasion.
Once everything is ready, it is time to enter the palace.
When Yang Yichen saw Liu Qingxi approaching in a plain orchid long skirt, adorned with an emerald hairpin, walking gracefully like a lotus, he was completely taken aback.
Unlike Liu Qingxi's previous playful demeanor or the dullness often seen in the business world, she appeared dignified, gentle, and stunning. Each aspect of her presence was his favorite.
Her fair complexion with a hint of blush made him want to pinch her cheeks, and Yang Yichen thought about it and did just that.
He never expected his wife to have such a completely different side. Although she did not grow up in a wealthy family and had not received the textbook-like etiquette training they had, she performed even better than those noble ladies.
The stiffness often found in those molded by tradition was entirely absent in Liu Qingxi; instead, there was a spark of soul—yes, soul—rather than being like a carved puppet.
"Let's go!" Fearing to ruin Liu Qingxi's carefully arranged makeup, Yang Yichen forced himself to look away.
The carriage wheels rolled slowly forward, and after two moments, they arrived at the Palace Gate.
At this time, two teams of guards stood vigilantly at the palace entrance, expressionless as they inspected every passing vehicle.
Due to the Mid-Autumn Festival Full Moon Night today, many people were coming to the palace for the night banquet. For some, it was almost an obligation.
Therefore, for safety reasons, every passing vehicle and individual had to be thoroughly checked.
Without a waist badge to prove identity, one cannot enter.
However, Yang Yichen was a favored individual in front of Dugu Hao, and the guards did not make things difficult, allowing entry.
This time, Liu Qingxi came to the palace with a completely different mindset.
With Yang Yichen by her side, it felt as if there was nothing to fear; the haunting memories of that night in the palace had faded away.
She encountered several colleagues who were close to Yang Yichen, greeting them one by one as they made their way to the banquet location, the Imperial Garden.
Compared to last year's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, this year's was even more extravagant.
In the Imperial Garden, flowers bloomed abundantly, creating a vibrant scene. Amidst the sounds of singing and dancing, it was a magnificent affair. To Liu Qingxi, a modern person, it seemed grand beyond measure, let alone for someone from this era.
The palace staff had spent two full months preparing for this banquet, using only the finest materials.
This banquet marked Dugu Hao's first since ascending the throne, and it had to be perfect.
Of course, there was another reason; everyone secretly speculated that Dugu Hao currently had only a few inconsequential women in his harem, making this a prime opportunity for someone to stand out.
The noble ladies were dressed in flower-like attire—charming, stunning, and delightful—each displaying various postures as if competing to see which style Dugu Hao would favor most.
This was Liu Qingxi's first time witnessing such a gathering of beautiful women; each one could easily be considered a national treasure. It was almost too extravagant to believe!
At that moment, a palace attendant approached and arranged Liu Qingxi at her designated seat according to her rank.
On her left and right, several ladies had already taken their seats with their respective daughters.
The ladies were fine, chatting softly among themselves, while the unmarried young women lowered their heads in silence, shyly glancing at the main seat, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Dugu Hao.
Although the eloquent Emperor Dugu Hao appeared cold and distant, he possessed a strikingly handsome face and a sovereign status that made him incredibly desirable.
Even if they could only hold the position of a beauty for a lifetime, they would be content.
However, this was a realistic world. When Dugu Hao was just an unaccomplished prince, no one wanted to marry someone with no future.
But now? Under the throne that countless people dreamed of and went crazy for, Dugu Hao had become the best husband candidate for all the unmarried young women in the capital.
Well, Liu Qingxi observed the entire scene with boredom, taking in everyone's expressions.
Finally, amidst the anticipation of thousands, the youngest and most handsome Emperor Dugu Hao of the Western Moon Kingdom made his grand entrance.
Unlike Dugu Han, who was accompanied by numerous consorts, Dugu Hao had only one person with him.
Yes, just one person, followed by a few eunuchs and palace maids.
He strode confidently toward the central dragon throne. The powerful figure beneath the bright yellow dragon robe captivated everyone, his commanding presence perfectly complementing the robe.
His cold face bore no expression as his deep gaze casually swept across the room. The young women inside were screaming internally, each one mesmerized by the person in the main seat.
Liu Qingxi clearly noticed that some were on the verge of drooling.
Alright, she admitted that Dugu Hao was handsome, but it wasn't to that extent, right?
After all, he couldn't compare to her own husband, who was unparalleled in beauty, nor did anyone have the gentle and refined look of Yang Yichen.
Well, it was probably only Liu Qingxi who thought so, because in others' eyes, there wasn't much difference between Yang Yichen and Dugu Hao's cold expressions.
This is what they call "beauty in the eyes of the beholder."
She glanced across the room, her gaze meeting Yang Yichen's in the air, a lingering love filled with sweetness.
Dugu Hao suddenly turned cold, seeing the affectionate looks in the air; his icy heart sank to the depths.
He quickly spotted Liu Qingxi among those attending the banquet. Unlike her plain appearance on the street, she looked even more beautiful now with light makeup, making it hard for anyone to look away.
Unknowingly, Dugu Hao became entranced by her exquisite face, memories flooding back to their first encounters.
His gaze towards Yang Yichen turned somewhat unfriendly.
Fortunately, he concealed his emotions well; no one noticed anything amiss.
At his side, Grandfather reminded him, and Dugu Hao finally spoke: "Today marks my first banquet since ascending the throne. I have prepared fine wine and delicacies for all my ministers and their wives. Let us begin!"
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