"I have some matters to attend to today, Steward Liu. Please take good care of Xiao Anzi. I will send someone to fetch you if I return to the palace," Liu Liu waved, signaling Xiao Anzi to settle in. As an unfavored concubine, who would care about her? She had matters to handle.
Dai Mei must have discovered why Master Shi Bo wanted to kill the Emperor. Her figure shifted, bypassing Xiao Anzi. Xiao Anzi stood up, watching his departing mistress speechlessly.
The imperial concubine, having left the palace, was truly like a wild horse that wouldn't be reined in. He had heard she was missing early this morning and had been terrified. It was a relief when she finally returned, yet she was unwilling to go back to the palace. What was to be done?
Xiao Anzi rubbed his hands together. Steward Liu behind him spoke politely.
"Eunuch An, please feel at ease to stay. The concubine always acts with good judgment. Please don't worry," Steward Liu had watched the young lady grow up.
Although the young lady appeared to be a pampered darling before her parents, all the servants knew she was a mistress with great authority. She had her own way of doing things. While kind-hearted, she could be more ruthless than anyone when she set her mind to it.
At Ting Feng Pavilion, colorful banana leaves shaded the entrance, and crushed stones were piled up. Willow branches, adorned with golden strands, swayed gently in the breeze.
In the hall, Liu Liu sat at a high vantage point. Dai Mei, having disguised herself, looked like a middle-aged old woman. It was truly a feat, as she had managed to transform herself into a sallow-faced matron, making people reluctant to approach her.
"Dai Mei, what is it you wanted to see me about?" Liu Liu gestured for Dai Mei to sit beside her. The young maid, Cui Er, served tea and then retreated outside the door. She didn't understand most of what her mistress discussed, so it was better for her to stand guard outside.
Dai Mei raised an eyebrow. Despite her sallow complexion, her charming features remained alluring. If one looked closely, her features could still be discerned, but her jaundiced face deterred most people, making them think she was seriously ill and hesitant to approach.
A flicker of anxiety flashed in Dai Mei's dark eyes. She knew that the object her mistress had ordered her to investigate was her master's master, which was why she was worried.
"My Lady, I've sent people to investigate. The young Taoist nuns in that nunnery are all orphans of the previous dynasty. However, Dai Mei cannot ascertain the origin of Nun Ming Hui, as there are no clues."
As Dai Mei finished speaking, Liu Liu's face darkened. She had guessed correctly; Master Shi Bo was from the previous dynasty. Then why had she specifically taken her as a disciple? Was it to use her?
The thought sent a chill through her heart. If eight years of favor were only for a single purpose, it was truly difficult for her to accept.
"I understand. Accompany me to Shili Slope," Liu Liu's eyes could not hide the tempestuous waves within, and a hint of Ling Han adorned her brow.
If Master Wei Bo had indeed deceived her, what should she do? Eight years of favor had vanished into thin air, only for her to realize she was merely a pawn for revenge in her master's eyes.
"Alright," Dai Mei nodded. She could see that her mistress was deeply troubled. Though her mistress appeared indifferent on the surface, she was a person who valued family affection greatly.
Liu Liu called Cui Er in and had her change into men's clothing. Donning a human-skin mask, she transformed into the handsome young gentleman, Qi Ye. However, her expression was somewhat dazed, and Cui Er didn't know what was wrong with her mistress.
Seeing her cold, dark eyes and her reluctant demeanor, the intelligent Cui Er remained silent. Dai Mei signaled Cui Er to stay at the Prime Minister's residence, while she accompanied her mistress to Shili Slope.
The clouds were light, the wind was gentle, and the sky remained a brilliant blue. The village was still lush, the mountains covered in verdure. Sparrows darted through the clouds, chirping.
The nunnery was quiet, incense smoke curling upwards. There were guests seeking blessings. Sharp-eyed young attendants recognized Liu Liu and led her to the back courtyard.
On the lakeside embankment, willows gently swayed.
A woman in Taoist robes, holding a whisk, leaned against a willow trunk. Her expression was melancholic, and her watery eyes gazed wistfully at the distant mountains and waters, her thoughts drifting far away.
Liu Liu watched the slender, supple figure and walked slowly towards her, standing behind Master Shi. Nun Ming Hui did not turn around, but spoke gently, "Liu'er, why do you have time to visit?"
"I came to see if Master's injuries have improved," Liu Liu replied softly, gazing at her master in Taoist attire, who possessed a rather immortal aura.
She imagined that perhaps her master had been the daughter of some official from the previous dynasty. Because the previous dynasty was overthrown, many loyal officials were exterminated. Perhaps she truly had an irreconcilable hatred for the Emperor, but why would she use her?
These past few years, she had genuinely considered Master Shi as family. The thought sent a pang of pain through her, making her breath catch.
"This minor injury is nothing, Liu'er. Don't worry," Nun Ming Hui turned, looking at Liu Liu. Her crescent-shaped eyebrows and dark eyes were always filled with worry, making it impossible to discern her true feelings.
Only when looking at Liu Liu did these eyes reveal a bright, sparkling glow.
"Master, who exactly are you? What deep-seated hatred do you have with the Emperor?" Liu Liu walked closer and looked directly at her. Previously, she only knew how to act pampered before her master, but at this moment, her face was stern, deep suspicion glinting in her dark pupils, her lips curling in a mocking smile. She dared not imagine what she would do if this person had deceived her, how she would define their relationship.
"Liu'er, this is Master's family matter. Can you not ask, please?" Nun Ming Hui's eyes dimmed momentarily. She quickly turned to gaze at the lake, where a bird lightly touched the water's surface, creating ripples, much like her own unsettled heart.
Liu'er's questioning gaze pained her deeply. How could she explain things to her? Moreover, she had become the Empress of the Heavenly Phoenix Dynasty. Nun Ming Hui's thoughts churned. When she turned back, her eyes were clear, fixed on Liu Liu.
"Liu'er, Master is from the previous dynasty, but I have no enmity with the Emperor. The reason I made a move against the Emperor was because you suffered injustice, and I didn't want anyone to bully you, not even the Emperor," Ming Hui's words were spoken with sincerity.
Liu Liu carefully savored her master's words, feeling a sense of relief. She hoped it was as her master said. Why did she feel otherwise? Would she have the heart to kill the Emperor?
"Master, I respect and love you. Therefore, I hope I never hear that you used me as a pawn for revenge. If that happens, I will never forgive you."
Liu Liu did not look at her master, her gaze fixed on the lake. Fallen petals floated by, drifting downstream. A chill enveloped her, and a deep darkness flickered on her face.
She always opened her heart readily to those close to her, but she did not wish for this to become a weapon for them to exploit. If that were the case, she would never forgive them.
"Liu'er, how could you think that? Do you know that everything I do is for you?" Ming Hui seemed somewhat agitated upon hearing Liu Liu's words. She flicked her whisk and reached out to take Liu Liu's hand. Her fingertips were ice-cold and trembled slightly.
It was suppressed anger. Liu Liu secretly felt a pang of pity. Had she wronged her master?
Turning her head, she saw her master's face as warm as when they first met. Her eyes held a gentle glow, with a barely perceptible tenderness, devoid of any dark calculations. Should she believe her?