The sky was clear like a mirror, with only a few wisps of clouds drifting by in the gentle breeze, bringing a refreshing coolness that invigorated the lungs.
Cui'er watched her mistress's calm expression, feeling that the master was becoming increasingly ethereal and unpredictable. In the past, although she was also indifferent and distant, she would occasionally reveal a playful side, or the delicate demeanor of a young daughter before her father and mother. But now, she felt like a wisp of thin cloud in the sky, one wanted to reach out and grasp, yet it drifted away serenely. Perhaps it was the darkness of the imperial palace that made her unwilling to open her heart and trust anyone easily.
The imperial palace was a terrifying abyss, where one could be swallowed whole with just a moment's carelessness; it was a matter of life and death, and it often involved many innocent people. The mistress disliked owing favors, let alone owing lives, so it was no wonder she always maintained a distance from everyone. Just like before, the mistress had clearly explained things to Princess Jielan, and even mentioned her past desire to marry Prince Yan, a past that was painful to speak of. However, Princess Jielan had wasted the mistress's good intentions, and Cui'er felt a pang of bitterness, her eyes misting over.
The three returned to Huaqing Palace. Liu Liu walked directly into the sleeping quarters to rest, calling out from afar, "No one is to come in and disturb me." Cai Xia and Ming Yue, along with two young eunuchs, seeing the Empress's unhappy expression and Cui'er and Qiao'er's dejected looks, became anxious and gathered around Cui'er.
"What happened to the Empress? What happened to the Empress?"
Cui'er glanced at them and sighed softly, "Nothing serious. I don't know the specifics, but the Empress is unhappy, and I feel down too. I'm going to my duties, and none of you should call me." Cui'er walked away. Cai Xia and Ming Yue then turned their gaze to Qiao'er. Qiao'er, being young, did not fully understand many of the Empress's circumstances. Seeing everyone looking at her, she pretended to be profound and waved her hand, "Don't ask me either, I'm going to my duties too."
This left Cai Xia and Ming Yue and the two young eunuchs staring at each other in bewilderment. What was going on? Was the sky about to change? The thought made their faces turn grim, and they quickly hurried off to their tasks.
The moon was like a hook, its gentle light cold and piercing, the chill was heavy, and the night was breezy, but the hearts were even colder. The Emperor sat in his luxurious carriage, leaning back on a felt blanket covered with thick fur, lazily observing Liu Liu, who was huddled beside him. Her intentionally maintained distance lasted only a minute before it crumbled. A startled cry rang out, followed closely by an angry roar.
"Let go of me, what are you doing?" a delicate voice echoed in the night, incredibly alluring. Inside the opulent carriage, adorned with eight treasures and dragon motifs, was a world of its own, equipped with everything. The walls were lined with silk screens that glowed faintly in the dark, and the four corners were inlaid with luminous pearls, illuminating the carriage brightly. On a wide, soft couch covered with a thick felt blanket, Feng Xie reclined gracefully in his handsome and alluring manner, tightly embracing a clear and ethereal woman in his arms. The woman was trying to break free from him.
"Let me go," Liu Liu commanded in an embarrassed, low voice. She had never felt so soft before, lying in a man's arms. The feeling was unsettling no matter how she thought about it. Her outstretched hand touched his rock-hard chest muscles, startling her into quickly retracting it. She scanned him from head to toe, not knowing where to start pushing him away. Just then, a magnetic voice sounded from above her.
"Don't move. If you move again, I'll kiss you again," he threatened coldly. He now knew what this woman feared, so as long as he grasped her weakness, he could control her completely. As expected, Liu Liu stopped speaking, merely glaring angrily at his pointed chin. If looks could kill, she wished she could shoot a thousand holes into this man's chin. "You?" Liu Liu, after a period of gritted teeth, gasping, and helplessness, lay quietly in his embrace. He lay there quietly, as if asleep, so calm and silent.
The quiet Feng Xie was enveloped in an irresistible charm. His face was like a sculpture, with well-defined contours, prominent features, and smooth, radiant skin that was as clear as snow. His dark brows were as finely trimmed as willow threads, slanting up to his temples, and his long eyelashes thickly veiled his captivating eyes. His nose was aquiline. Below it were his thin, cool lips, with corners that seemed to curve into a smile, possessing a hazy, enchanting charm. Those lips were pleasant to the touch, carrying a mint-like fragrance. Only she knew that the thought of this made Liu Liu's face flush. She cursed herself, "Liu Liu, you're crazy, what are you thinking?" She knew this man was a sharp knife, capable of harming without anyone noticing. Thinking this, her heart felt more at ease. Her body stiffened slightly. His heart tightened, knowing she was starting to reject him again, but he remained composed, his lips curving into a faint smile.
"Have you seen enough?"
Liu Liu was startled and tried to struggle again, not expecting that this man was not asleep at all. However, the arm around her waist did not move at all. Liu Liu was furious, her face cold as she considered whether to punch him – should she hit his chin, or his eyes? The mere thought of this made her blood surge, filling her with an inexplicable excitement.
But at this moment, the carriage stopped, the sound of hooves faded, and Rixu's respectful voice came through. "Master, we have arrived." As Rixu's voice fell, Feng Xie slowly released his grip, finally freeing Liu Liu's body. He tidied his appearance and coldly commanded, "Go and knock on the door."
Upon hearing his master's command from inside the carriage, Rixu waved to his guards, signaling them to approach and knock. As they had arrived unannounced, they had not notified Prince Yan's manor of their arrival, so the people at Prince Yan's manor were unaware. The guards stepped forward and knocked lightly a few times. A head peeked out from the door, and a voice loudly asked the plainclothes guard, "Who are you looking for? It's the middle of the night and you're relentlessly knocking. Can it wait until tomorrow?!" As the servant finished speaking, he prepared to close the door. The guard used the precious blade in his hand to prevent the door from closing. The servant's expression changed, and he shouted, "How dare you! This is Prince Yan's manor. Who are you people? How dare you come here to cause trouble!" The guards ignored the man and turned to look at Rixu on horseback. Rixu dismounted his fine horse and walked to the door. The large red lanterns in front of the door illuminated Rixu's face. The servant immediately became flustered, quickly pulled open the large door, and shouted inside.
"Lord Rixu has arrived, quickly go and inform the Prince!" The gatekeeper recognized Rixu, knowing he was a capable subordinate of the Emperor and possessed considerable authority. Consequently, he pulled open the large gate and led the few guards standing at the entrance. Rixu and the guard who had knocked walked to the carriage and respectfully invited the Emperor to alight. Feng Xie flicked his black robe embroidered with dragon patterns and landed on the ground. He extended his fair, jade-like hand, his eyes shining as he looked at Liu Liu inside the carriage. Liu Liu was stunned for a moment, her small mouth pursed. She wanted to shake off the man's hand, but knowing it was inappropriate, she could only place her hand into Feng Xie's. He tightened his grip, lifting her entirely into the air, catching her in his arms, and then slowly setting her down. In the darkness, the sound of gasps could be heard. Liu Liu's flushed face was not clearly visible in the dim light, only a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes. This man was truly theatrical, hugging her in front of his subordinates. As soon as she reached the ground, she immediately struggled free.