L'hibiscus comme peinture - Chapitre 98
"Hehe... I really misunderstood. Then, may I ask the learned and knowledgeable strategist Mo, is someone who breaks promises and betrays commitments considered to have done something wrong, or is he considered to have acted with integrity?" Yelü Ying asked Ao Jun with a seemingly sincere and humble manner, but his tone was clearly one of pressing Ao Jun step by step, especially with the terrifying light flashing in his red eyes.
My heart is filled with such hatred! Do you know how much it hurt and how much I hated you when I came to find you full of hope, only to see you with Ouyang Jinxuan? I hated your heartlessness, your broken promise, and that you wouldn't even give me a chance. I attended the banquet tonight to see how you would react when you saw me. Seeing your flickering eyes, I kept telling myself that you still have feelings for me, that you still remember that promise, that you're not ashamed as before, that I still have a chance, don't I? My lord, I, Yelü Ying, never admit defeat, especially not to you.
A simple sentence shattered Ao Jun's feigned indifference. Though he remained expressionless as he looked at Yelü Ying, appearing to others as the aloof and detached Grand Tutor Mo, his hand under the table trembled involuntarily, and his heart trembled uncontrollably. Faced with his aggressive questioning, the courage he had finally mustered vanished. No matter what I did, I still hurt him, someone who deeply loved me. I didn't want to hurt anyone, I really didn't. Yelü Ying, if possible, I would rather you kill me than see you heartbroken…
“Your Highness Yelü is joking. I’m sure Your Highness knows the answer to this question. Why ask me?” Jin Xuan reached out and took Ao Jun’s trembling hand under the table, speaking politely but distantly.
From the moment Yelü Ying entered, Jin Xuan, who had been watching Jun closely, noticed something was off about her. Why did she seem so afraid of Yelü Ying? On the battlefield, she was a master strategist, defeating Yelü Ying time and again, her fame resounding throughout the Cangliao army. There was no reason for her to be afraid of Yelü Ying, unless… Yelü Ying was someone else in Jun's heart. He knew Yelü Ying liked Jun, even on the battlefield, but when did Jun develop feelings for Yelü Ying? They hadn't had much contact. When did they become so deeply connected? Was it during the time Jun was imprisoned by Yelü Ying? What exactly happened then? And what was their so-called promise? Only now did Jin Xuan realize that Jun was hiding many things from him, and a pang of sadness welled up in his heart.
"Hehe..." Yelü Ying just smiled without saying a word, staring intently at the two people who were standing very close together. His wicked smile deepened. For some reason, he could feel their hands clasped tightly under the table, and his red eyes became even more unfathomable.
Heh... My lord, do you still think you haven't hurt me enough? Do you still want to put on a show of your love with Ouyang Jinxuan in front of me? Since I've given up everything for you, and yet you treat me like this, then don't blame me for being impolite. To get you, I'm willing to pay any price and use any means necessary...
Faced with Yelü Ying's meaningful wicked smile and his burning gaze that felt like thorns in her back, as if it could pierce through the table in front of them and burn her clasped hands with Jin Xuan, Ao Jun instinctively pulled away from Jin Xuan's hand as if she had been burned. She picked up the wine glass on the table, lowered her head to take a sip, and avoided Yelü Ying's burning gaze and Jin Xuan's fiery eyes. Alas, Xue was right. She was such a stupid person. When it came to matters of the heart, she made a complete mess of things, and all she could do was cower like a turtle.
"Third brother, this person is so strange! Why are his eyes red?" Wu Ying asked innocently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she looked at Yelü Ying, yet she seemed to unconsciously move closer to Jin Xuan. Sitting beside her third brother, she had seen him holding Mo Jun's hand, and was both shocked and incredulous. Her usually aloof third brother was showing such possessiveness towards Mo Jun and such strong hostility towards Yelü Ying. This was so unlike her third brother. Could it be… No, impossible, Mo Jun is a man!
“He is the ‘Flame-Devouring Evil Lord’ of Cangliao, and his red eyes are a natural gift.” Jin Xuan turned around in a huff and gently explained to Wu Ying.
“Oh, I’ve heard my father mention it. Then why is he staring at Grand Tutor Mo?” Wu Ying asked softly.
"Hmph." Jin Xuan didn't answer, but just snorted coldly, his anger growing even stronger. Did they think he wasn't there? Was it necessary to be so obvious? Even Wu Ying could see it.
Prince Zhongwu watched the whispering couple with satisfaction, feeling even more certain of their mutual affection. He was more than happy to grant their wish; it seemed he could ask the Emperor for a marriage decree after the banquet. Haha…
On the dragon throne, Zhengxuan and Aoxue exchanged a glance. The turbulent emotions swirling below were most clearly visible to these two outsiders. They both saw the same meaning in each other's eyes: Yelü Ying was the other person in the Emperor's heart. And Wu Ying seemed no simple person either; her seemingly casual questions were all hinting at the undercurrent of feelings between the Emperor and Yelü Ying. Alas, things were getting more and more complicated. Wu Ying loved Jinxuan, Jinxuan loved the Emperor, the Emperor loved Jinxuan, and at the same time, he cared about Yelü Ying, who also loved the Emperor. It was like a tangled mess, impossible to unravel…
As Ao Jun watched Jin Xuan and Wu Ying chatting quietly and happily, she felt a dull and sour feeling in her heart. Yelü Ying's burning gaze from time to time, and the wicked smile on his lips, seemed so lonely and bitter to her. Her heart also felt uneasy. Under this double attack, she felt like she was sitting on pins and needles! She couldn't wait to leave this suffocating hall.
Yelü Ying tilted his head back and drank a cup of wine, his smile deepening: "My lord, you're uncomfortable seeing Ouyang Jinxuan with another woman? Heh... Actually, Ouyang Jinxuan and that woman are quite a good match, aren't they? She's not a simple person either; perhaps they'll even be allies! Haha..."
The program continued, and brilliant fireworks lit up the sky, heralding the arrival of the new year. At this joyous moment of welcoming the new year and bidding farewell to the old, several of the most outstanding people in the world gathered in the most authoritative place, the Imperial Palace. However, each had their own thoughts, and no one was in the mood to appreciate the wonderful program or feel the new atmosphere of the new year. They all had a premonition that this new year would not be peaceful...
After the New Year's banquet, Ao Jun moved into the palace because she didn't know how to face Jin Xuan and Yelü Ying. In the palace, Ao Xue could help her find the answers, so the two of them were together almost every day. However, someone was a little unhappy. Ever since Ao Jun came to the palace, he had been alone in his room every night, and even the thought of spending time alone with his beloved wife during the day had become a delusion.
"Xue, why did you make me dress like this for no reason?" Ao Jun emerged from behind the screen, dressed in women's clothing, and asked with a dark expression. Although she was a girl, she had always worn men's clothing since arriving in ancient times. Suddenly wearing women's clothing was really uncomfortable! It was so cumbersome and uncomfortable! Wearing men's clothing was much more convenient and comfortable.
A series of gasps filled the palace. 'Bang! Bang!'... Several of the Empress's personal maids dropped their trays and other belongings. Their eyes widened in disbelief, their mouths agape. Even those who had spent years in the harem, accustomed to seeing all sorts of beauties, were collectively petrified. Good heavens! Such a beauty existed in the world! Compared to the Empress, who was considered the most beautiful woman in the land, she was simply no less stunning! It was a different kind of serene, aloof beauty, distinct from the Empress's lively and vibrant charm...
Her flawless, fair face, long eyelashes, and slender eyebrows resembled the crescent moon in the night sky. Her large, bright, dark eyes were clear and calm, unfathomable yet drawing the eye in. Below her straight nose were pale pink lips, as delicate as rose petals, tempting one to taste them. Her fair skin was like a freshly peeled egg, and her casually tied hair danced freely in the wind. So beautiful! Her skin was like snow, her waist slender, her teeth like pearls. Especially the white and emerald green robe she wore suited her perfectly, making her seem like a fairy who had mistakenly descended to earth, untouched by worldly concerns. Her shoulders were like those of a sculpted figure, her waist slender, her skin like solidified cream, and her fragrance like a delicate orchid… In men's clothing, she was handsome and spirited; in women's clothing, she was charming and alluring. Every smile and frown was captivating, fresh and elegant, her complexion as radiant as the morning glow reflecting on snow…
Seeing everyone staring at her like she was a monster, Ao Jun felt a little uneasy. She walked up to Ao Xue and waved her hand to bring the dazed Ao Xue back to her senses. She frowned slightly and said, "Xue, do I look strange dressed like this? I'd better go change back." As she spoke, she turned and walked behind the screen to change back into men's clothing.
Ao Xue quickly grabbed Ao Jun, who was about to turn around, and said urgently, "Don't change! Tsk tsk..."
Ao Jun felt even more uncomfortable under Ao Xue's scrutiny. Just as he was about to speak, Ao Xue interrupted him, rattling off a string of compliments:
"So beautiful! There is a beauty in the north, peerless and independent, one glance could topple a city, a second glance could topple a nation. How could one not know that such beauty could topple cities and nations, for such a beauty is hard to find again? My lord, I never knew you were so beautiful, heavens! Even Xi Shi and Chang'e are no match for you! So beautiful, so beautiful... My lord, if you were in ancient China, all the Four Beauties would have to step aside, you are too beautiful..." Ao Xue kept circling around Ao Jun, praising her with admiration, her eyes full of amazement. Finally, she stopped in front of Ao Jun and scolded, "Why does such a beautiful person wear men's clothes all the time? What a waste!"
Hehe... I wonder if Jinxuan would still be able to find his soul upon seeing such a ruler. Should we call the imperial physician first and prepare for emergency treatment? If a ruler like this were to go out into the world, even calling all the doctors in the country wouldn't be enough to save so many people. Hehe... Our Ling family has such good genes, producing nothing but stunning beauties. (Being narcissistic)
"Won't it look weird? Wearing this is such a hassle! I don't want to! It's much more comfortable to go back to my old clothes." Ao Jun frowned as she looked at the floor-length dress, revealing her true feelings. Was it really as exaggerated as Xue made it out to be? Comparing her to the Four Beauties of ancient China.
"Aren't you a woman? How is that strange? You look so beautiful! What kind of woman are you, wearing men's clothes all day long? Do you want to be a man so badly? Really, whatever, from now on you have to wear women's clothes again, and you're not allowed to wear those stinky men's clothes anymore." Ao Xue tapped Ao Jun's head with dissatisfaction, ordering him with the air of an older sister.
"I don't want to!" Ao Jun protested, pouting. She'd rather be killed than have to wear these awful women's clothes forever. Besides, her current identity was the Crown Prince's tutor; if she wore women's clothes all the time, people would think she was crazy and had a cross-dressing fetish! And her brothers in the army would be terrified of her; that would be too much trouble. She didn't want to!
"You have no choice but to comply. Stop talking nonsense. It's almost time. Come with me." Ao Xue said firmly, ignoring Ao Jun's muttered protests, and pulled her hand to leave.
That's so domineering! Ao Jun was being pulled along and couldn't shake him off. He could only complain in his heart with dissatisfaction.
The palace maids following behind kept covering their mouths and giggling. They thought that the usually cold and aloof Grand Tutor Mo only showed this childlike side in front of the Empress, and that he was always completely under her thumb, utterly helpless. They were the Empress's personal maids and confidantes, and that's how they learned that the renowned Young Master Mo was actually a woman. Their hearts shattered instantly; Young Master Mo was their dream lover! Now… *sobs*… However, with the Empress's encouragement, they were able to let go, their initial infatuation turning into adoration…
In the Emperor's study, Ao Jun and Ao Xue, hidden behind a screen, sat on the dragon throne, heads bowed, reviewing memorials. But their minds were clearly elsewhere. Sure enough…
Eunuch Li entered the Imperial Study and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, Prince Zhongwu and Princess Wuying request an audience."
"Summon him." Zhengxuan quickly raised his head, put down his vermilion brush, and smiled. Jinxuan should be here by now!
"Your Majesty, I (Wu Ying) pay my respects." A majestic voice and a gentle voice spoke respectfully at the same time.
"Please rise and take a seat." Zhengxuan walked up to King Zhongwu and helped him up.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Prince Zhongwu and Wu Ying as they stood up.
"Your Highness, what brings you to the palace this time?" Zhengxuan asked gently, not like an emperor asking a subject, but rather like a junior being polite.
"I have come to the palace today to ask Your Majesty for permission to do something," said Prince Zhongwu, his wise eyes gleaming as he looked at Zhengxuan. Wu Ying, standing beside him, blushed and lowered her head.
"Your Highness is too kind. You are my elder, please speak freely! I will certainly grant any request I can," Zhengxuan said with utmost sincerity. He added in his heart: Whom Jinxuan loves is beyond my control, so I am powerless to change anything.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm sure Your Majesty has long noticed that Wu Ying has been in love with Prince Jin since she was little, and Prince Jin has also been very fond of Wu Ying. This old minister has always wanted them to be together, but they were both too young then, so I didn't bring it up. Now that they've both grown up, I would like to request Your Majesty to grant Prince Jin and my daughter a marriage, so that they, the lovers, can finally be together." Prince Zhongwu stated his intentions clearly in one breath. He truly lived up to his military background, speaking frankly and directly, unlike civil officials who would take a long time to finish a sentence, leaving people confused.
Hidden behind the screen, Ao Jun frowned slightly: She knew from that day that Wu Ying liked Jin Xuan, but she didn't expect her to come so soon to ask her brother-in-law for a marriage decree. Lovers? Does that mean Jin Xuan and Wu Ying? What does Jin Xuan mean by that?
Ao Xue reached out and smoothed Ao Jun's furrowed brows. She didn't like seeing her sister frowning all the time. She gave her a reassuring smile, then turned to look at Wu Ying outside, whose face was flushed red. She gave a cold laugh: "So quick. It seems she can see that Jin Xuan has someone in his heart and has realized the crisis. Heh... But no matter how fast you act, it's useless. Even if you drag your old man into it, it won't help..."
Upon hearing this, Zhengxuan feigned reluctance: "Although I am the emperor, when it comes to matters of marriage, I must respect Jindi's wishes." He knew Jindi's meaning all too well, hehe...
"This old minister understands, but this old minister believes that Prince Jin will also be happy with this marriage. This old minister firmly believes that Prince Jin is also interested in Wu Ying." Prince Zhongwu said confidently. In his eyes, the two juniors have always harbored feelings for each other. Moreover, this time when he returned, Jin Xuan was obviously different from before. He was no longer the indifferent person who was only interested in martial arts and military strategy. This was exactly the same as when he fell in love with Wu Ying's mother. His insecurity was the best proof that he had fallen in love. Wasn't this a sign that he was interested in Ying'er? And Ying'er was even more so.
Zhengxuan and Aoxue chuckled inwardly at the same time: Isn't he being a bit too confident? Jinxuan would only agree to this marriage if he were out of his mind.