"Thank you, I don't even know how many times," she sighed, time and time again, this person who disliked adults, how many times had she repaid him.
"Then I'll owe you, and I'll ask for it when I need it."
His usually impassive face rippled, a smile blooming at the corners of his lips. Thinking that he owed her, he felt incredibly pleased.
It turned out that owing someone else felt so good. Liu Liu looked at his strong presence outside the silken curtains and gazed at him helplessly, "You should go back, it's getting late."
"Alright." He agreed, turning to leave, so dashing.
At any time or place, he was always as fluid as flowing water, like a pristine drop of pure land in the heavens and earth.
As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned back gracefully, "If you need anything, you can find me. I'll make that favor even bigger, and then we can repay it together."
He then walked out with a smile.
Jin Jiali was secretly brought back to the Jin family by Ling Shaoyuan, while the Emperor announced to the outside world that Consort Shu had died of sudden illness.
In the harem, this sudden news brought joy to some and sorrow to others. The fate of Consort Shu seemed to be their own tomorrow, how could they not tremble with fear?
As for Jin Jiali's pregnancy, Feng Xie investigated and found that Nangong Yue was the most likely culprit, as he could move freely in the palace and was very protective of the Empress.
He knew how furious Nangong Yue had been last time Liu'er was drugged. Therefore, he might have fought evil with evil, drugging Jin Jiali and then finding a man to enter the palace.
Although this was his own speculation, as that place was usually deserted, evidence was hard to find, Feng Xie still warned Nangong Yue.
"I don't want any more inappropriate things to happen in the future, otherwise, don't blame me for being heartless." Feng Xie was extremely disappointed with Nangong Yue's actions.
When he first met Nangong Yue, he was attracted to his ethereal demeanor. Although he was only a few years old then, he kept him by his side for companionship, unlike Zhan Yun and Ri Ying, to whom he assigned tasks.
Because he loved medicine, he sent him to study with Wu Yazi. Upon his return, he became an imperial physician in the palace. To his surprise, for the sake of a woman, he had committed such a rebellious act.
Nangong Yue remained silent. He harbored a complex mix of love and hatred towards Feng Xie. He felt a familial dependence but also resented Feng Xie's noble birth, forever his master, while he was merely a plaything by his side.
He bore Feng Xie's harsh words silently, not refuting them. He knew that if Feng Xie truly investigated, he would find out.
"You may go, I am tired." Feng Xie closed his eyes, a sense of desolation suddenly rising in his heart.
Because of his high position, even if he treated people sincerely, they might not be willing to truly rely on him. Nangong Yue withdrew. What could he say at this moment?
In Weiyang Palace, Cai Xia, Ming Yue, and a few palace maids and eunuchs who had been punished by Ling Jiali were neither happy nor sad.
While they were pleased with her punishment, they also felt sad to know she was truly dead. Life in the palace was truly difficult. Who wouldn't want the Emperor's favor? That's why they ended up like this.
Seeing the timid and shrinking figures of the young maids in the hall, Liu Liu waved them away, "Go do your work, don't overthink. Everyone has their own destiny."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone retreated. Cui'er stood behind Liu Liu, watching her mistress's distant and indifferent expression. She knew her mistress must be thinking of something unhappy again and quickly tried to comfort her, "Your Majesty, why don't we go out for a walk? Didn't the Princess want to go to Tianxiang Temple to pray for blessings? It's a good opportunity to go out and clear your mind."
"Hmm, I'll ask the Emperor," Liu Liu didn't know if the Emperor would agree to them going together.
To her surprise, Feng Xie agreed. His majestic face flashed with a dazzling brilliance, and the corners of his lips curved into a smile as he dotingly said, "Good. I'll have Ri Ying and Yue Ying escort you, to prevent any hidden dangers."
Liu Liu remained silent. The moment she heard this, she felt uncomfortable. Her face fell. If he hadn't sealed her inner energy, what would she have to fear? Her complexion turned pale as she stood up, "Liu'er needs to rest. Your Majesty, please leave."
"Alright, I'll be in the Imperial Study today. Empress, get some rest early." Feng Xie didn't care about her attitude. He knew she was sulking, after all, he had sealed her inner energy. How could she not be angry?
The night was as cool as water, with countless stars dotting the sky like a thick velvet curtain. The wind blew in through the window, bringing a deep chill. Liu Liu turned and signaled to Cui'er.
"Close the window."
"Yes, Mistress."
Cui'er walked over and closed the window. Her mistress seemed a bit sensitive to the cold. Could it really be because her inner energy was sealed? Even an ordinary person wouldn't be like this. She always felt that her mistress was ill.
But her mistress insisted she wasn't sick. Cui'er sighed and walked to her mistress's side, helping her lie down.
Before sleeping, Liu Liu did not forget to remind Cui'er, "Later, send someone to Linghua Palace to tell the Princess that we will go to Tianxiang Temple to offer incense tomorrow. The Emperor has already agreed."
"Alright, Your Majesty, sleep peacefully. I'll have someone report to the Princess shortly."
Liu Liu hummed and closed her eyes to rest, not wanting to think about those troublesome matters.
The sky was clear and cloudless. Early in the morning, the imperial carriage waited at the main gate of Weiyang Palace, followed by a team of guards and attendants in plain clothes.
Feng Wuyang had already dressed and was waiting at the palace gate. The moment she saw Liu Liu, she excitedly waved, her inner pain having lessened, allowing her to control herself better.
Although she still felt sad at times, she no longer showed it easily. Liu Liu could feel that through emotional refinement, Wuyang had matured.
Today, Liu Liu wore a white robe with delicate flowing clouds embroidered on the cuffs, paired with a flowing pink gauze skirt. Her sleeves were adorned with brocade gauze, her hair accessorized with a phoenix hairpin, emitting a dazzling light.
She was resplendent, bright, and moving. Her face was veiled, inviting imagination, and her every gesture exuded nobility without being stiff, revealing a light and ethereal grace.
Princess Wuyang wore a robe with a large butterfly knot tied at her waist with a luxurious silk sash. Her hair was adorned with a ruyi hairpin, and a playful hairpin was tilted askew, adorned with pink plum blossoms, making her look like a charming and lovely little butterfly.
When Liu Liu approached, she stepped forward, took Liu Liu's hand, and together they boarded the imperial carriage in front. The maids rode in a carriage behind them.
The group majestically departed the imperial palace and headed towards Tianxiang Temple.
Tianxiang Temple was located on Yunshan Mountain not far from the city. A wide and straight bluestone path led directly up the mountain. The imperial carriage traveled without pause to the summit of Yunshan Mountain, stopping in front of Tianxiang Temple.
Liu Liu lifted the curtain to look outside. She saw that within the myriad rays of golden light, Tianxiang Temple stood majestically, grandly, and luxuriously, exuding the noble aura of royalty. The glazed tiles shone with a brilliant glow.