After some deliberation, Feng Xie's expression improved slightly, though he still felt a knot of frustration.
The Empress Dowager gazed at her imperial son. His expression had shifted several times within moments, and he had actually forgotten her, his mother, in his thoughts.
The Empress Dowager couldn't help but secretly rejoice. It seemed her son had finally opened up and knew how to like women. She was also fortunate that the woman he cared about was Liu Liu, which meant she would fulfill the late emperor's final decree.
"Is my son hiding something from his mother?"
A familiar cold and charming smile played on Feng Xie's handsome lips. He responded in a deep voice, "Qing'an, do you wish to be sent to the Imperial Registry?" Qing'an's face immediately turned pale. The hand that was styling the Empress Dowager's hair trembled as he pleaded in a quivering voice,
"Your Majesty, please have mercy on your humble servant. It is time for breakfast."
The Empress Dowager was furious. She shot Feng Xie a cold glare in the bronze mirror. Her son had always been autocratic. He was an excellent emperor, never hesitating to be ruthless when necessary, and showing a sliver of concern when appropriate.
Though that concern was pitifully scarce, what was wrong with her asking? She looked up and saw Qing'an's trembling hand, and couldn't help but let out an annoyed huff.
"Very well, Emperor. You should return to attend to state affairs. This Empress Dowager is fine."
"Then your son takes his leave," Feng Xie said. Having achieved his goal, he stood up, gave a slight bow, and walked towards the exit.
His tall figure was like a resilient green bamboo, graceful and elegant – a man any woman would fall in love with. Yet, he was fastidious and inaccessible to ordinary women. xxs壹贰
She had secretly asked Nangong Yue, who said His Majesty did not have an illness, but rather some peculiar tendencies that would improve with time.
She wondered if His Majesty and Liu Liu could coexist peacefully. Although the Emperor had favored Consort Shu and Consort De, she secretly wished for a child of the Liu family to become the Crown Prince.
She truly didn't know how long she would have to wait. The Empress Dowager's face was clouded with worry, and the chief eunuch, Qing'an, spoke cautiously.
"Your Majesty, please go for breakfast, or His Majesty will surely not spare this servant." His voice was slightly choked. The Empress Dowager turned and patted Qing'an's hand. "Alright, don't worry. His Majesty was merely scaring you."
The Empress Dowager knew that while the Emperor was indeed scaring Qing'an, if she insisted on not eating, the Emperor would certainly send Qing'an to the Imperial Registry for duty.
"Fine, let's go," Qing'an helped the Empress Dowager out of the sleeping quarters, to attend to her meal. Otherwise, he would be in trouble.
In the Huaqing Palace, Liu Liu was reclining on a soft couch, reading. Her gaze passed through the window, observing the few chrysanthemums outside the corridor pillars. The chrysanthemums were elegant and fresh, unlike the alluring beauty of other flowers. Some were shaped like eagle claws, others like璎珞 (yīngluò - a string of pearls or jade pendants).
Although there were only a few plants, each had its own unique form, stretching out freely. Liu Liu was engrossed in her observation, a half-read book clutched in her hand. She hadn't moved in a long time, not even noticing Cui'er entering. Cui'er looked surprised.
"What is Your Ladyship thinking about? You didn't even notice me enter?"
Cui'er poured a cup of tea and handed it to Liu Liu. Liu Liu came back to her senses, pulling her gaze away from the window. For some reason, her heart felt uneasy.
Ever since returning from the Empress Dowager's chambers, she couldn't stop thinking about Feng Xie's meaningful eyes, which held a hint of calculation. She had tried to decipher his thoughts for a long time but couldn't, only making herself feel more unsettled.
Liu Liu held the fragrant tea and took a deep breath. The aroma was so mellow. White Downy Silver Needle tea was indeed excellent. The leaves were as fine as needles, each petal curled into a needle shape, verdant and tender. As they tumbled in the hot tea, a fragrance wafted out.
Life like this, holding a cup of fragrant tea, reading, and enjoying the flowers, was actually quite good. But was this deep palace truly where she belonged? A hint of mockery touched her lips. She hadn't forgotten the man who had always found her displeasing.
If he found her displeasing, why not depose her? Why look at each other like enemies and get angry?
This was the reason she couldn't figure out even after thinking for an entire afternoon. Logically, he should have been the happiest if she left the imperial palace. That way, he could enthrone a woman he deemed worthy of him as Empress, and she could roam freely in the martial world.
Don't think she didn't know his thoughts. He detested her, believing she was unworthy of being Empress. The world would mock him if an ugly woman became Empress.
Liu Liu couldn't help but smile as she pondered this. She wasn't angry at all; getting angry over that man would only be a waste of her energy. She took a sip of tea. Brewing White Downy Silver Needle with snow water indeed made it clear, pure, sweet, and mellow. She had thought of this idea herself. The tea's fragrance rolled on her tongue, then slid down her throat, making the pure scent extend throughout her body, leaving her feeling comfortable and light.
The entire afternoon had been wasted. After much contemplation, her head began to ache. She didn't even want to eat dinner and sat on the swing, swaying back and forth.
The moonlight was like a jade hook, and the night air was thin as ice. She wore only a long skirt, and the slight chill penetrated her skin, causing goosebumps to appear. She reached out and rubbed herself carefully.
With a flick of her wrist, the swing flew out, soaring through the air without anyone pushing it. It swung high into the sky. Cai Xia and Cui'er stood at a distance, perplexed by their mistress's demeanor today, as if she had something on her mind. They dared not speak casually.
However, Cai Xia found it strange. Why could the swing fly so high without anyone pushing it? She was truly amazed. Only Cui'er was unfazed. Let alone the swing frame, her mistress could also fly around in the air.
Liu Liu, caught up in the momentum, kicked off her embroidered shoes, revealing her jade-like fair feet as she swung. She felt completely unrestrained, enjoying a simple pleasure. A smile bloomed on her lips, turning faster and faster, making Cai Xia and Cui'er dizzy.
From afar, Xiao Anzi ran over quickly, panting, and exclaimed, "Your Ladyship, great news! Great news!"
Her heart sank. Living in the palace, what was joy or suffering to her? However, Xiao Anzi and the others' joy was clearly intended: any favor from the Emperor was considered joy. Thus, her expression turned cold, and a chilling aura enveloped her.
If he truly felt that way, then she would not allow anyone to bully her casually.
"What is it?" Her voice was somewhat harsh. Xiao Anzi was taken aback but was quickly overwhelmed by joy. He spoke rapidly.
"Your Ladyship, the Emperor has sent Eunuch Xiao Wanzi with an imperial decree. Tonight, the Empress will serve His Majesty at Yongyuan Hall." Xiao Anzi was full of excitement because once her Ladyship served His Majesty, everyone in Huaqing Palace could return to Weiyang Palace. That was the center of the three palaces, a symbol of the highest status for women, far superior to Huaqing Palace.
Upon hearing Xiao Anzi's words, Cai Xia rushed over, and the two hugged each other and jumped for joy. Only Cui'er looked at her mistress with worry. She knew her mistress well; she did not desire this honor.
Conversely, she might disobey the decree. If she did, it would plunge her father and brother into dire straits. The more Cui'er thought about it, the more her head ached.
Liu Liu remained silent for a long time, her expression growing darker. Xiao Anzi and Cai Xia finally realized belatedly that their mistress was angry, utterly cold, with a chilling aura surrounding her. A fierce intensity filled her entire face, as if she was ready to fight someone.
Her deep pupils held a murderous glint. Xiao Anzi and Cai Xia trembled slightly, quickly lowering their heads, not daring to say another word.
Cui'er walked over, reached out, and helped her Ladyship down from the swing frame, whispering, "Does Your Ladyship wish to serve His Majesty?"
"I must. How can I not? Not going would only make Father and brother face difficulty."
In the dark night, a sharp glint flashed in her eyes. She scoffed inwardly, "Feng Xie, you are afraid I will get entangled with Feng Lie, aren't you?
In reality, I never intended to harm Feng Lie. He is at least a sincere person, while you are nothing. So tonight, let us have a showdown."