Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping - Chapter 76
There were two thick stacks of memorials on the table, along with pen and ink. Of course, you couldn't expect that lazy fox to do anything, so I resigned myself to writing my comments on each memorial the fox had read and affixing his official seal. Sigh, looks like tomorrow will start my early morning court session again.
"Brother, I should go back." It was already quite late, and I had finished reviewing all the memorials on the table. I said to the fox. I couldn't possibly spend the night in the palace, could I?
A hint of hesitation flashed across the fox's face, but he finally nodded, then got up, pulled me along, and walked outside, instructing Li Fu to prepare the carriage.
"Brother, I'll go back by myself." I saw that Fox also wanted to get into the carriage, so I quickly pulled him back and said, "I'll go back to Qianzui Residence first tonight, so you don't need to worry, brother."
I will have to face the Yun family's affairs myself. Besides, the fox can't possibly follow me into the Yun family, can he? He's been away for a while, and there are things to do in the palace. It's getting late, so let's not bother with all this back and forth.
The carriage sped through the night streets, the night wind still blowing around me, but Ruochen had vanished without a trace.
"Night Wind, I can go in by myself. You all go back first." The carriage stopped in front of Qianzui Residence. I helped Night Wind out of the carriage. When the guards at the entrance of Qianzui Residence saw me, they quickly bowed to me and then opened the gate.
Night Wind signaled for the carriage to return to the palace, but he himself stayed by my side the whole time.
"Xiaoye?" I called him, slightly confused.
"From now on, your subordinate will protect you, young master."
Huh? I thought that once I returned to Longzhou, Night Breeze's mission would be complete, and I should be back with Fox. Did Fox assign him to me? Would he really give up such a good talent? Besides, I shouldn't be in any major trouble in Longzhou.
I reached out and patted Ye Feng on the shoulder, saying with a regretful look, "Then I'll have to work hard for you from now on, Ye Feng."
After saying that, I walked inside. Ah, what a pity about Xiaoye's excellent martial arts skills. Now that he's by my side, he'll probably only be a lowly servant.
Manager Mo Yan had already jogged out to greet me. I nodded to him and headed straight for my "lightly intoxicated rest".
Cui'er was nestled on the soft couch in front of my bed in my room. She was startled awake by the sound of the wind. When she saw me, she was stunned for a moment, then rubbed her eyes in disbelief. She then rushed forward and hugged me, crying and laughing, calling me "Miss" and "Young Master" in a jumbled mess.
The housekeeper arranged for Ye Feng to rest in the guest room closest to me and then left. I reached out and hugged Cui'er, and tears streamed down my face.
"It's good that you're back safe and sound, young master. It's good that you're back safe and sound." Cui'er wiped her tears with her sleeve, sniffed, forced a smile, and reached out to wipe away my tears.
“Cui’er…” My tears flowed even more fiercely. Cui’er must have known about Hong’er’s situation all along, which is why she is now comforting me. My relationship with Hong’er is certainly not as close as Cui’er’s, but at this moment, no amount of apology or comforting words can change what has already happened. Moreover, Cui’er seems to be much more mature and stronger than I imagined.
Cui'er helped me wash my face and helped me to bed. I held her hand and talked for a while. It was almost dawn when I fell asleep, but Cui'er woke me up again soon after. After washing up and changing into my court clothes, I went outside and saw Ye Feng already waiting for me. The three of us got into the carriage and headed towards the palace.
Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Three: If Life Were Only Like Our First Meeting Emerges from the Water (Part Two)
Chapter word count: 4783 Update time: 08-12-23 14:39
Emerging from the water (Part 2)
Night Wind was still dressed in black, and it took me a long time for him to finally get into the carriage. Sigh, I'm someone who values talent, and Night Wind had already been a coachman for several days. I was afraid that if he went back to driving the carriage, he might forget that he was once a top-notch master.
The carriage stopped outside the second palace gate. I helped Cui'er out of the carriage and looked up to see several people standing in front of it. They all bowed and greeted me in unison, "Prime Minister Yun."
I nodded, a smile involuntarily curving my lips. Several months had passed, and these four seemed to have matured considerably. But Bai Xuyang was here too! Wasn't that kid supposed to be looking for a wife for the fox? He's back so soon? Soon, more people gathered around. Sensing the situation was turning against me, I didn't have time to speak to the four. I nodded and greeted them as I headed towards Chaoqing Hall. Gu Wenxiu, as usual, was already waiting outside. He paused slightly upon seeing me, and we nodded in greeting almost simultaneously. The doors of Chaoqing Hall opened, and everyone filed in. I stood on the left, at the head of the table. The spot opposite me was now empty—Er Linzi wasn't there!
The fox sat lazily on his dragon throne, accepting everyone's kneeling obeisance. I pursed my lips and got up from the ground. Then everyone went through the routine of "report if you have something to say, otherwise leave court." I had nothing to say, of course; he was only "recovering from a serious illness"! However, I strongly suspect that the currently popular "Legend of Yunyue" has seriously influenced everyone's judgment of me. Although the rumors mention "Yunfeng's mission to Hanxing," I think those four young men plus that old fox Gu Wenxiu have probably guessed something. Judging from their expressions just now, 555, they must have already figured out the secret.
Do you think the fox is reliable? What if one day everyone gangs up on me and exposes me? Can that fox, that devil, be trusted? Just thinking about it makes me shudder. Looks like I need to be careful. I must build good relationships with the masses. Only by cultivating good feelings among my colleagues and establishing deep friendships can my life be a little safer.
The frontline battle report didn't mention a major victory, but the absence of bad news was good news in itself.
As usual, after court, we went to the Hall of State Affairs to handle government affairs. Fox followed us in again, still sitting in my seat, idly watching our discussion without saying a word or asking any questions. The four young men were much more at ease around Fox now than when I went out; they stood up straight when speaking and acting, their respectful expressions undiminished. Gu Wenxiu, on the other hand, returned all the government affairs he had previously handled for me to me. I, of course, roughly understood Fox's intentions, and then, not long after, he stroked his chin and said casually, "That's enough for today. Minister Yun, you must be tired from your long journey; you only returned late last night. You should all go back now!"
Those others had no objections, and suddenly only Fox and I were left in the council hall. I rubbed my forehead, glanced at Fox sitting there grinning broadly, and felt depressed and powerless. It seemed like every day was getting harder than the last. Before our identities were revealed, even when we were alone, Fox wouldn't act so inappropriately. Now that we've crossed that line, he doesn't need a reason or excuse; I have to be at his beck and call. And if he takes advantage of me, I probably can't resist. 555, how did this happen?
"Don't come any closer!"
"come over."
The two of them were speaking at the same time. I stepped back, signaling the fox not to come any closer, while the fox shifted slightly, seemingly to make himself more comfortable, indicating that I should move over to him.
Do you expect me to offer myself up for him to take advantage of me? No way! Besides, this is the Hall of State Affairs, such a solemn and sacred place.
"Qianqian." The fox sat there, his peach blossom eyes half-closed, his tone gentle, the last syllable rising slightly, clearly a threat and warning!
"You can't do this," I said righteously. Honestly, that's the kind of person who's always eager to climb up the ladder. Only when I'm sure you won't do anything to me will I dare to swagger over you. If the enemy is stronger or more ruthless than me, I'd be lying on the ground pretending to be dead long ago.
"Qianqian doesn't want to attend court anymore?" The fox crossed his arms, looked at me leisurely, and smiled smugly.
Bastard! Treacherous villain! Shameless scoundrel! I was moving forward at a snail's pace, and this stinking fox actually used this to threaten me? Does this mean I'll have to be at his beck and call every time I go to court? Wouldn't that make me like "a fly stuck on a windowpane—bright future, but no way out"?
I obediently climbed onto the fox's lap, deciding to use gentleness to overcome strength this time. I put on what I thought was my sweetest smile and said ingratiatingly, "Big brother, let's make a deal?"
The fox didn't say anything, but put its arms around me and looked at me with great interest, as if gesturing for me to continue.
Seeing that there was a chance, I immediately suggested with great enthusiasm, "Brother, when we wear these clothes, let's still observe the proper etiquette between ruler and subject, shall we? I think that would be better."
"Why?" he asked, seemingly curious.
"Why? Why else? It's sacred, it's solemn! We must be worthy of this court dress, worthy of the court, and worthy of the etiquette established by our ancestors!" I said it as a matter of course, completely forgetting that the rules set by our ancestors did not allow women to attend court.
"Qianqian seems to have made a mistake." The fox chuckled, his smile lewd and shameless, and said coolly, "I just don't understand why I need to discuss this with Qianqian? I'm very satisfied with the current situation and don't see any problems."
The fact that I didn't vomit blood on the spot is definitely because I'm in great shape, and the fact that I didn't strangle the fox on the spot is also because I have great patience. Could that fox be born to be my nemesis? My proud wisdom, which is "unrivaled in the world and a heartbreaker in love", seems to have suddenly failed me when I encounter this guy.
"Brother, if you keep doing this, I'll be dragged out and beheaded the day everyone signs a petition against me." I couldn't help but complain. Given my current situation, doesn't Fox know that the more low-key he is, the better? He treats me differently, as if he's afraid people won't know about our "special relationship." Is he really that confident in his imperial status? But even if he's confident he can protect me, I still feel guilty.
"What nonsense are you talking about!" The fox patted my head helplessly and laughed, "Rules are made by people, and the person who can change the rules is right in front of you. You and Yunfeng are both great contributors this time. When Qinglin returns in triumph, you will attend the celebration banquet together. Who would dare to make a fuss about you then?"
That's true. As long as Yunfeng comes out for a stroll, and the fox cooperates, who will have anything to say? Surely no one would dare to strip me naked and expose me to my face, right? Besides, even if they expose me, I still have a death-exempt decree. At worst, I can keep my life and roam the martial world, hehe.
“But my brother’s health…” I said, extremely troubled.