Le charme d'une femme puissante se répand à travers le monde

Chapitre 125

Getting back to the main point, given the old man's current words and actions, and the fact that his deteriorating health, as perceived by many, is not actually the case, his initial cold that worsened daily was likely not a normal, natural occurrence. There might be some hidden secret or mystery behind it. What could it be? Can I deduce, using the most common and melodramatic plot, that it's related to my uncle, the Crown Prince, and Old Man Yun? If so, could the rumors about my identity be connected to the person before me? I always thought that only King Tianqing and Xilan knew about the rumors of being a descendant of the Fengshen Kingdom's royal family and my identity. But considering the journey so far, and combined with what the old man said when he asked me about Long Yao and the fox, perhaps the old man, Old Man Yun, even my uncle, the Crown Prince, and the fox, including Yun Feng, all know my identity. In this way, we can understand why Fox appointed Yunfeng as prime minister, why Yunyue took office in place of her brother, why Fox knew all this but did not expose it, and why Fox's attitude towards the Yun family when I went to Tianqing later. Fox's words, "Leaving the Yun family behind, I go alone with the night," can be understood. In fact, some things had already happened before I came to this corner.

Moreover, I've long suspected that the so-called secret of the imperial palace actually exists in all six kingdoms, and each kingdom only knows a part of it. For example, Tianqing knows only its own kingdom and Wangyue. Perhaps the secrets of the six kingdoms' palaces combined are the only complete secrets. Could the rumor about the connection between the descendants of the Fengshen Kingdom's royal family and the situation of the world be a part of what the six kingdoms' palaces know and are interconnected? If that's the case, it's more understandable that Old Man Yun requested that Yun Feng be made the heir apparent. If it's true that gaining one person means gaining the world, then with the emperor currently "seriously ill," it would undoubtedly be very beneficial for Yun Feng to have his status elevated and affirmed.

Moreover, everyone knows that Yunfeng and I are twins, so it wouldn't be surprising if the protagonist of the rumors were Yunfeng instead. This way, we can advance or retreat as needed. If I don't listen, the rumors might shift to Yunfeng. But whether it's me or Yunfeng, it's a good thing for Old Man Yun, especially at this time.

Of course, all of this is just my speculation, and no one will give me a definite answer.

"So what does Father need Yue'er to do now?" It sounds complicated, but these thoughts only flashed through my mind for a moment.

"How is Father Emperor's health now?"

"I am not a royal physician, but in my opinion, Your Majesty's physical and mental condition is not bad." I didn't hide anything and told the truth. Although the old man's health was a bit too good for attending court, it shouldn't be like this, where he can't even see his own son.

His eyes were fixed on me, cold and sharp, as if he were assessing the credibility of my words. I smiled calmly and asked, "What need does Father have for Yue'er in his next move?"

I know that Old Man Yun's initiative in coming to my door was definitely not just to ask about my health.

"It's enough that Yue'er has this intention." He finished speaking, stood up, and walked straight out without saying goodbye. I got up to see him off, thinking about his words. Undoubtedly, this was a pre-emptive notice; he wanted my help, but didn't trust me to leave without telling me the whole plan, fearing I'd have to rely on my own comprehension at the last minute. But doesn't Old Man Yun think too highly of me? If I misunderstand, will I suffer a terrible fate?

Two more days passed in the blink of an eye, but nothing happened. On the third day, the old man unexpectedly summoned Yunfeng, and even sent me away during the audience. I wandered around outside the old man's palace for a long time until my legs were weak, before Yunfeng finally came out of the palace with Chen Shou by her side. Before I could say anything to Yunfeng, Chen Shou bowed and said, "His Majesty is waiting for the princess inside."

When their eyes met, the twins' telepathic connection completely failed them—oops. I followed Chen Shou inside and saw the old man lying wearily on the dragon bed, his eyes slightly closed, seemingly deep in thought.

"Grandpa Emperor?" After waiting for a long time, he still didn't open his eyes or speak, so I had to try to speak first.

"Do you know why I summoned him?" He kept his eyes closed, his voice soft as if he were talking in his sleep.

Him? My brother Yunfeng? I glanced at the old man on the bed and asked softly, "Is it about the Censor-in-Chief?"

He didn't speak, but nodded slightly.

"Grandfather has agreed to let my brother serve as Imperial Censor?" Perhaps it's not just about that. The old man and Yunfeng talked for so long just now, perhaps they also talked about that memorial and the matter of the heir.

"Isn't this exactly what the girl wants?" He suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp.

I lowered my head and smiled, "Yue'er was just offering a suggestion, and Grandfather Emperor decided to adopt it after weighing the pros and cons, which shows that Yue'er's suggestion was good. Of course, it is a happy thing for Brother to be promoted three ranks in a row."

"The Lantern Festival is in two days." His eyes held an inscrutable expression.

"Lantern Festival?" I repeated softly. There's Lantern Festival here too? I've been here for almost two years and have spent two Spring Festivals. The first Spring Festival was spent in a daze in Ruochen's little courtyard house. This time, I spent the Spring Festival in a carriage on my way back to Xiuruo from Cangqi Pass.

"Yes, it's the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month."

Wow, the time is exactly the same, so what about the customs? It's the same old lantern festival, riddle-solving, and eating glutinous rice balls, isn't it? Time flies. I remember all the big and small festivals back home, the whole family gathering together in joyful harmony. But here, it seems I'm always busy running around, never paying attention to any festivals, and losing the joy of celebrating. Now, with the festival approaching, it's only when the old man brings it up that I remember. While my short trip back was partly due to many things, a crucial reason is that the old man is "seriously ill." Let alone the Lantern Festival, when I returned to the palace it was New Year's Day. Perhaps the Empress didn't give any instructions, so everyone could only wait, no one daring to cause trouble. Or perhaps the Empress had given special instructions beforehand, so the entire palace was just like any other day, without any festive atmosphere.

"Grandpa Emperor, what are the customs for the Lantern Festival in Xiu Ruo?" Anyway, I'm new here and haven't been here long, so it's normal that I don't know these things.

He didn't suspect anything, his expression was tired, and there seemed to be some unspeakable emotions in it, which unexpectedly made people feel a little lonely and desolate. His voice was slow like a drum at dusk as he said, "The Lantern Festival is a day for families to reunite and have a reunion dinner."

Just the family having a reunion dinner? No other activities, like lantern festivals or something? I thought family reunion dinners were for New Year's Eve. Does this mean in Xiuruo, family banquets are held on the Lantern Festival? But putting aside other activities and rituals, and regardless of whether the family reunion dinner is on the Lantern Festival or New Year's Eve, the old man is currently "seriously ill" and bedridden, and no one is allowed near him. How can he attend the reunion dinner? If he doesn't attend, is it still a reunion dinner, or will there even be a reunion dinner? No wonder the palace is so quiet as the Lantern Festival approaches; everyone is probably waiting for the old man's reaction.

"So this year... old man, are you going to attend or not? Are you going to hold this reunion dinner or not? At least say something."

What do you think, little girl?

"My imperial grandfather is unwell, and the army is on a campaign. Although it's a custom, what we really want is for family reunion and celebration. In that case, how about we wait until my imperial grandfather recovers before holding a family banquet?" He answered while feeling guilty; I couldn't fathom the old man's current state of mind.

"This is the first formal family banquet since the girl returned to Xiu Ruo to acknowledge her ancestors."

That's true. Although the ceremony of recognizing one's ancestors and bestowing the title of princess was solemn and grand, and all those who were supposed to attend were there, it was still different from a family banquet—a family banquet was the most familial and ordinary occasion in the palace. Moreover, Yunfeng had already recognized her ancestors, so she should have a place in the palace. However, the old man's words were a bit strange. Perhaps people in the palace paid special attention to these things, but for me, it's best if I'm not involved in any kind of banquet, whether it's a family banquet, a state banquet, or any other kind of banquet.

"Grandpa, you love Yue'er too much. Yue'er only wishes for Grandpa to recover soon."

His eyes were clearly looking at me, but the focus seemed to pass over me, lingering on some unknown place. After a long while, he sighed and said, "The Lantern Festival family banquet will proceed as usual, and I will try my best to attend. I am tired, so you may leave, maid."

I accepted the order and withdrew, stroking my chin as I pondered the old man's expression and words. Why did he tell me this? The affairs of the inner palace have always been managed and decided by the Empress Dowager. The Lantern Festival family banquet will be held as usual, and the old man will attend. He should have told his legitimate wife this.

Clouds Drunk and the Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Four: A Hidden Melancholy and Resentment Arise at the Lantern Festival Family Feast

Chapter word count: 7250 Update time: 08-12-24 13:02

Lantern Festival Family Feast

Driven by a strong sense of responsibility and mission, I first went to the Empress's palace to convey the old man's wishes. By the time I returned to Zuiyue Palace, it was nearly evening. Bored, I fed Yaoyao a large bone, but I myself had little appetite. I wondered how the battle was progressing. Of course, I wasn't referring to Xiu Ruo. Xiu Ruo and Ye Cang had dispatched their troops much earlier than Long Yao and Tian Qing. Judging by the timeline, even if Han Xing only came to request aid when their army was at the gates, it must have taken considerable time, considering the timing of Tian Qing and Long Yao's deployment. Perhaps they needed time to regroup, or perhaps Tian Qing's army needed to negotiate before crossing Long Yao's border. There were many possible reasons. I only knew that by the time Tian Qing and Long Yao's armies reached the outskirts of Cangqi Pass, Ye Cang and Xiu Ruo had advanced rapidly, reaching nearly half of Han Xing's borders. Facing natural disasters, famine, and two powerful enemies, Han Xing's resistance seemed weak and ineffective, and the entire nation was filled with anxiety. Even though the pace of the invasion has slowed due to Ye Cang's withdrawal, judging from the old man's unwavering confidence in the war, it wouldn't be too surprising to take Hanxing. What I'm really concerned about is Ye Cang's side. How is Qinglin doing, and what about Xilan? Although Cangqi Pass has been breached, Ye Cang has been the strongest of the six kingdoms for hundreds of years. Even with some of his troops abroad, he won't be easily taken over.

More than the success or failure of the battle, I'm worried about the safety of Qinglin and Xilan. Fortunately, Xiu Ruotian and Qinglongyao are true allies in this war, so they will definitely send spies to investigate Ye Cang's situation carefully. Since Xiu Ruo hasn't made any unusual moves, Ye Cang's side should be doing relatively well. Even so, I still want to verify it myself.

That night, after everyone had almost rested, I comforted Yaoyao for a while before opening a window, taking out the seven-colored glass bracelet that Qinglin had given me, and gently blowing on it to make it ring.

Just as Yao Yao was about to pounce, a black figure appeared in front of me. I stopped Yao Yao and sent Yan'er, who had been sent to the outer gate earlier and was now running to my door with some nervousness, asking if I had something to do, away. Then I signaled Ye Feng to get up.

"Yaoyao, he's Yefeng, the one who protects me. When you see him, be good, don't be so nervous, okay?" Although I told Yaoyao many times not to make a fuss when someone comes, it's just her instinct; she'll act the same as always when Yefeng arrives. In my memory, Yaoyao is only quiet when she sees Xilan and Yunfeng. Xilan was quiet because of the protective spirit he possessed back then, but what about Yunfeng? Is it just because he looks too much like me?

Yao Yao nodded obediently, and I reached out to stroke its long golden fur. It then lay down obediently at my feet.

"Night Wind, how is General Mu's situation? And how is Marshal Tian's situation?" Night Wind is so trusted by Fox, having been by his side for quite some time. When Fox was trying to poach him, he hesitated and fussed over it. This is not only because Night Wind is skilled in martial arts and doesn't talk much, but also because Night Wind is very self-disciplined. You don't need to ask him about everything; he will prepare in advance and give you the answer before you even ask, without acting rashly.

"General Mu has captured Cangzhou and is now in Lanzhou. Marshal Tian has passed through Quanzhou and Yuzhou and is now in Anzhou." He bowed and replied calmly. Sure enough, he had already thoroughly investigated all the matters I cared about and would care about.

"The most important thing is that they're both alright." I breathed a sigh of relief. Judging from the two armies' routes, Ye Cang's forces seemed to be focusing more on direct confrontations from beginning to end. Or rather, Long Yao's marching route was precisely Ye Cang's defensive route, which meant Qing Lin's side would have a tough time. As for Xi Lan, they took a detour through Cangzhou and headed south, which did seem to be avoiding the main battles. Of course, in war, neither side is perfunctory or careless. So Xi Lan's journey wouldn't be easy either.

There was a moment of silence between us. My mind was in turmoil, and I was feeling quite anxious. After thinking it over and over again, I finally asked, "How is things going with my older brother?"

Sigh, I'm useless, I'm hopeless. That damned fox, that stinky fox, I haven't heard a word from him at all. Why am I still thinking about him like this? If he can stand not contacting me, why can't I let him go?

The night breeze remained silent, only reaching into its bosom to hand me a letter. By the light of the palace lanterns in the room, the four characters "Qianqian, my wife" on the envelope were glaringly obvious. I flew into a rage, slamming the letter onto the table with a "bang." Then, I rummaged through the dressing table, finding the enormous luminous pearl, ran back to the table, and placed it on top of the envelope. Examining it closely, I saw it was indeed the fox's handwriting, and indeed, the words "my wife" were present.