When Xiaowu saw Jie'er pounce on me, she tried to pull her away.
I quickly raised my hand to signal her not to come any closer, and waved her away to give Jie'er some space, since she had just escaped from prison. Xiao Wu looked at me with resentment, unwilling to leave, and radiated coldness in the direction of me and Jie'er. Jie'er had not yet recovered from the fear she had just experienced, so she naturally did not sense the unusual atmosphere in the air. I shivered and mouthed to her, "I'll be fine." She glared at me before slowly leaving.
"Waaah!" Jie'er hadn't finished crying yet, and I could feel my back was already soaked with sweat, but I kept patting her tirelessly. I closed my eyes, my helpless expression showing no doubt.
Looks like I'll have to change my clothes tonight. Jie'er's crying is like a tap that never stops!
The sobbing gradually subsided, and I knew she had vented enough. So I let go of her, wiped the tears from her face with a handkerchief, and said with a smile, "It's alright, it's okay now. Look at you, you looked awful crying."
Jie'er's eyes were unfocused, and the complex emotions in them flashed by in an instant, easily slipping away if you weren't paying attention.
Why are you looking at me like that? Jie'er is so strange. You say you understand me, but who really understands whom?
"Xue'er, I didn't poison her, I didn't." Her eyes were empty, like a deep, bottomless pit, making it impossible to understand what was inside.
"Okay, alright, you're tired of crying, I'll have someone take you home," I patted her shoulder.
"Someone come here!"
"This servant is here."
"Escort Consort Jie back to the palace"
"Yes, ma'am!"
The palace maid respectfully walked to Jie'er's side, gently helped her up, and led her out the door.
Jie'er walked to the door, looked at me hesitantly, then glanced at the palace maid beside her, and then followed me out.
Sigh, I walked wearily to a chair, rubbed my temples, and stared at the ceiling of the hall. The exquisite patterns beautifully displayed their splendor, and the rich colors gave people a comfortable feeling, but for me right now, I had no inspiration at all.
I felt someone massaging my shoulders. I turned my head and closed my eyes, which had been strained from working so hard. Plus, they had woken me up early in the morning, so I was tired but also a little sleepy.
Why? Who would be so foolish as to poison something they themselves delivered? Who would be so stupid? Jie'er may be naive, but how could someone trained in the palace make such a basic mistake? What could it be? Could it be...?
"Xiao Wu!" I opened my eyes in shock, calling out to Xiao Wu behind me with a pale face.
"What is it, Miss?" Xiao Wu's calm and composed tone truly impressed me.
"Go do something for me. Just..." I whispered in her ear for a while.
Xiao Wu looked at me in surprise after hearing this, but seeing my determined gaze, she didn't say anything more and went out.
Hopefully, it's not what I'm thinking. If it is, then I won't stand idly by anymore; I'm not someone to be easily bullied. I clenched my fists inwardly, weighing my options. It seems that without any action from me, someone has taken the initiative to approach me. Should I thank her for giving me this opportunity to demonstrate my intelligence?
In the evening, after taking a shower and letting my still-damp hair fall loose, I strolled to the window and looked at the gloomy moon. Unlike usual, the moon didn't have a soft glow tonight; it still emitted a faint light, but with a sharp glare that could burn one's eyes. There wasn't a single star in the sky, and the dark expanse seemed to be brewing a storm. A cold wind blew by, adding to the unease in my heart. It seemed that tonight wouldn't be as peaceful as usual; someone was starting to stir.
Some say that "the scenery you see changes with your mood," and that's absolutely true. In this peaceful night, a chilling cold seeped into my bones, making me shiver. I pulled my cloak tighter to keep the cold wind from seeping into my skin, and gazed hazily at the distant red walls. How many lonely souls wander here? How many deadly conspiracies haunt this place? What is the meaning of sacrificing one's vibrant life in this deathly palace just to win the emperor's favor?
"Miss, it's windy here." Xiao Wu's call interrupted my thoughts.
"Oh," she said, her voice trembling slightly, turning to look at Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu came forward and closed the window for me. The room was much warmer. I didn't know when, but charcoal had been added to the brazier. The flames that rose into the air were dazzling, dancing in the brazier like light sprites in the dark night, bringing light to people.
Xiao Wu touched my hand and exclaimed, "Miss, it's so cold! Really, how can you be dressed so lightly and standing there in the wind?"
"Xiao Wu, I've noticed you're getting more and more long-winded," she said, warming her hands over the brazier and feigning astonishment.
"You," he tapped my head, helpless against my antics, and didn't play along with my foolishness.
Whoosh~~~ A gust of wind blew in, and when I looked up, I saw Xiao Qing standing outside the door.
I happily waved and called him over. It had been so long since I'd seen Xiao Qing. He always hid in the shadows. Why would he come looking for me today? What a miracle!
"Xiao Qing, why did you come looking for me on your own initiative?" He tilted his head and teased Xiao Qing.
Hearing my address, Xiao Qing's face twitched. It seemed this kid hadn't gotten used to the way I addressed him. (Leng Qing: Get used to my ass! Who can get used to that?! Zi Xue: Oh dear, Xiao Qing, how can you use such vulgar language! Author: Don't argue, this is a civilized society. Zi Xue, Leng Qing: Shut up.)
Xiao Qing walked in, swept her hand across the door, and closed it again. How cool! No hesitation at all. See? That's how a man should be.
"What's with that expression, Xiao Qing? Are you unhappy with how I call you?" I joked with him, seeing his grumpy look.
"Or how about Qingqing, or Xiao Qingqing? Which do you think is better?" She frowned, pretending to think hard.
Xiao Wu's hand was pricked by the needle, and Xiao Qing's mouth twitched even more. What, Qing Qing, Xiao Qing Qing? I'm still alive. If she calls me that, I might not see her again.
Okay, seeing their comical appearance, I laughed and stopped making things difficult for them.
"What's up?"
My smile stunned Xiao Wu and Xiao Qing. They stared at the smiling face before them, feeling a little dazed. It was a smile that warmed their hearts, but for them, who had lived on the brink of death and were struggling for their lives, such a smile was so precious and unattainable.
I stopped smiling and looked at them strangely. What's wrong with them? Why are they looking at me like that?
"Xiao Qing, what's wrong?" He walked up to Xiao Qing and shouted.
The kid snapped out of his daze when I called him, looked away a little embarrassed, then seemed to remember something and looked at me seriously.
"Miss found out, it's..." The whispers outside drowned out the voices inside.
Chapter Forty-Two
After hearing Xiao Qing's words, I looked at him intently and said, "So, I guessed right."
"Hmm," Xiao Qing nodded, beginning to acknowledge the woman in her heart. She seemed foolish, yet possessed a intelligence that others lacked. She had never imagined that this was the truth. At first, when Xuan Wu asked her to investigate, she was somewhat incredulous, but now it seemed that her guess was correct.
He nodded in satisfaction, then thought for a moment, a smile playing on his lips. "Then, Xiao Qing, do me another favor now."
When Xiaoqing and Xiaowu saw this smile, they felt a chill run down their spines. It was like a spider lily blooming in hell, a devil's gentleness, yet also strange and evil, like a black angel fallen from heaven, inspiring worship. What kind of woman was she, Zixue?
"Xiao Qing, go..." I whispered a few words in Xiao Qing's ear.
"Yes, Miss," Xiao Qing bowed respectfully to me and disappeared in a flash.
I don't understand Xiaoqing's sudden respect for me. I feel like there's something more to it, and it makes me feel like Xiaoqing and I are closer than before. Is it just my imagination?
Xiao Wu went into the inner room, made my bed, and came out to say, "Miss, it's time to sleep."
He yawned, rubbed his eyes which were almost closed, and walked groggily to the made-up bed, falling asleep in no time.
A lavish party show is about to begin.
Since Jie'er's poisoning incident, life has returned to its previous peaceful state, but this tranquility lacks the stability of the past. I always feel that this is the calm before the storm, giving me a sense of oppression and making me dare not relax for even a moment.
Calling out to Xiao Wu, I arrived at Lan's place with cheerful steps. It had been a long time since I'd seen her since Jie'er's incident. Today, I happened to have nothing to do, and the storm had passed. It's just that sometimes some people like to whisper and spread rumors. I didn't care too much; after all, people can say whatever they want. It didn't hurt me.
He pushed open the wooden door and rushed inside.
Strange, so strange. I feel really weird. Why didn't Lan come out to greet me? And the closer I get to Lan's inner room, the more uncomfortable I feel.
"I never expected the palace to have such an elegant place."
Ah! I'm petrified! I knew it! Why did the air feel different when I came in? Why didn't Lan come to greet me? It turns out, it turns out, a fox came here, an incredibly cunning fox.
Oh no, Lan is in danger! Lan is so beautiful, it's no wonder that fox is lustful. Most men are driven by their lower instincts, especially this big stallion. Lan, Xue'er is here to save you.
I kicked the door open and stormed in. Seeing that man sitting opposite Lan, using a fake smile to lure this little lamb, I was even more furious. I put my hands on my hips, looking like a shrew. (Author's note: Hmm, very apt description. Zi Xue clenched her fists: Do you want to die? Author panicked: Hitting people is illegal. Zi Xue giggled: It's okay, I'll be gentle. Ah~~~~)
"What are you doing?" I yelled at Xingyi, pulling Lan behind me.
"What can I do?" he said, leisurely sipping his tea, looking completely at ease.
Grinding his teeth, he asked, "How did you get here?"
"I've heard that Zixue likes to come here, so of course I have to see what's so attractive about this place!" He leaned lazily against the table, smiling at me with his charming eyes.
If it weren't for that irritating smile, I would find Xingyi to be a really tempting guy. But seeing that smile, I always have an urge to go up and tear him apart.
Bullshit! What do you mean by "hearsay"? You've clearly had someone spy on me, you old fox! You're such a hypocrite! Ha, I've found another word to describe him. Honestly, ever since I entered the palace, I've never seen a side of him that makes me feel comfortable. He always acts like he's playing with other people's feelings.
I almost swore, but I took a deep breath and smiled faintly. "Since you've already seen Xingyi, then," I said, walking away from the doorway and gesturing for them to leave, "please go ahead!"
"No, no, no, since Zixue is here, I must stay and keep Lady Jue company."
My face twitched. I heard it. That guy deliberately emphasized "Lady Jue" to make it clear to me that I was a distinguished guest in his palace and that he should "take care" of me here.
I almost lost my temper, feeling my smile was completely forced. "No need, this is Lan's residence, it's Lan's place to entertain me."
"This entire palace grounds belong to me, Zixue is quite wrong."
"Xingyi, be direct. I, Zixue, am kicking you out." I can't play any language games with this guy; I don't think I can win. Being direct is the best approach. I'm sure he won't touch me.
“Since Zixue has said so, how can we not leave?” Xingyi stood up, walked to the door, and looked at Lan with a strange look.
I quickly blocked his gaze, my face stubborn. His eyes flickered like ghostly flames, emitting a dim light, like a black rose in the darkness, looking at me eerily and alluringly, making my heart tremble with fear.
He left without hesitation, along with his oppressive aura, as if he had never been there at all. What a terrifying man.
"Lan, don't let him in again," I warned Lan, who was still stunned.
"Xue'er, he is the Emperor, it's alright." She looked at me with sad eyes, a little forlorn. I didn't know what to say.
Was she pitying her own situation?
"Xue'er, are you alright?"
Still lost in Lan's sorrow, I stared blankly at her.
"I heard from Xiaoying that someone poisoned you. Are you alright?" Dai held my hand, looking at me with concern.
"It's alright. Can you sit here if you need anything?" He waved his hand to reassure her.
"Things haven't been peaceful lately, be careful," she said, then fell silent and went to the zither to play for me.
Lan is truly a woman of noble character and wisdom; whoever possesses her is like possessing a priceless, translucent piece of jade.
After returning from Lanna, Xiaowu told me some news: Jue was back. This made me so happy I couldn't sleep all night, waking up with dark circles under my eyes. I still remember when the palace maid came to help me change, I screamed "A ghost!" and ran away—it really hurt my pride!
I don't know what Xiaowu put on me, but the dark circles under my eyes in the mirror disappeared, and I looked normal again. Xiaowu hid it as soon as she finished applying it, not even willing to show it to me. So stingy! (Author's note: Of course, she was worried you'd use it to buy other products. Zixue: I call this having a good head for business; if you don't understand, don't talk.)
I hurriedly told Xiaowu and slipped out. Before I knew it, I had arrived at the Empress Dowager's palace. I was startled. I didn't want to run into her here, or I would be tortured to death.
I tiptoed out of here, but I forgot that I, Zixue, am terrible with directions. The more I walked, the more I felt like I hadn't left the Empress Dowager's palace grounds.
"Empress Dowager, what have you decided to do?"
I heard an old voice coming from a door. I carefully walked to the bushes next to it and hid, listening carefully. Curiosity really kills. I wanted to leave, but my brain acted before I could.
"Hmph, I truly never expected that Madam Jue would dare to show me such contempt."