The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous Volume 1 Chapter 41 - Getting Married! Ziche Moyao

Volume 1 Chapter 41 - Getting Married! Ziche Moyao

Leng Jiu really wanted to say that the dead couldn’t see, but Long Yueli seemed eager for her to gain her mother’s approval, so Leng Jiu didn’t say much. She respectfully kowtowed three times, “Mother, my name is Leng Jiu, you probably haven’t seen me before.”

Long Yueli patted her head, “You got it wrong, you should call her mother.”

This time, Leng Jiu hesitated, meeting his eyes, “Um, can I call her that even though we’re not married?”

Long Yueli lowered his head and kissed her forehead, “Let’s kowtow three times together to Mother, to witness our marriage, okay?”

“Today is her death anniversary…” Leng Jiu wanted to say more but was interrupted by Long Yueli, “She would be happy, and there’s no better day than today!”

“Um…” Leng Jiu didn’t have much to say, and Long Yueli didn’t give her a chance to say more. He carried her and flew back to the Xuan Prince’s Mansion, heading to a courtyard that Leng Jiu had visited before. The courtyard was very quiet, with no one around at the moment, but it looked tidy, indicating it was regularly maintained.

Pus.h.i.+ng open the door, it was clearly a woman’s room, with light purple curtains, a white carpet, a carved bed, and a delicate dressing table.

Long Yueli let go of Leng Jiu’s hand and used his inner energy to pull out a box from under the bed, carefully placing it on the table and opening it.

Leng Jiu’s eyes flashed. Inside the box were two sets of bridal attire, complete with jade crowns and phoenix hairpins embroidered with dragons and phoenixes, very exquisite and obviously embroidered with great care.

Long Yueli took Leng Jiu’s hand, holding her shoulder with one hand, “These were prepared by her for me in her last year, completed only on the day she pa.s.sed away. I think she would want us to wear them for her today.”

Leng Jiu cupped his face with her hands, “You haven’t told me about your mother yet?”

Long Yueli took her hand and pecked it, “I’ll tell you tonight. Are you willing to wear it for me now?”

“Li!” Leng Jiu tiptoed and kissed his lips, “Don’t ask me such silly questions!”

Long Yueli’s demonic face was very serious at the moment, even sincere: “But I want to hear you say it!”

Leng Jiu’s heart stirred, taking a step back and holding his hand, smiling lightly, “I’m willing!”

Long Yueli finally smiled with satisfaction on his demonic face, embracing her tightly, sighing, “Jiu’er!”

Long Yueli personally dressed Leng Jiu in the intricate bridal attire. At this moment, he was very serious, even devout, with no hint of romantic thoughts, carefully dressing her and then styling her hair and putting on the hairpins, finally gently covering her head.

Leng Jiu didn’t interrupt, obediently following his movements to put on the attire, then waiting eagerly.

Long Yueli put on his own set, the bright red color seemed tailor-made for him, stunningly handsome.

Looking into Leng Jiu’s eyes, Long Yueli’s face softened, taking her hand, “Let’s go!”

The two flew to the cemetery, which was no longer empty as before. A red carpet was laid on the ground, offerings were placed in front of the tombstone, and two large red wedding candles were burning brightly.

Without a master of ceremonies, they didn’t kneel to heaven and earth, just bowed three times in front of the tombstone!

Standing up, Leng Jiu looked at the tombstone and smiled lightly, “Now I can call you mother.”

Long Yueli hugged her, “Jiu’er, thank you!”

Leng Jiu leaned over playfully, “Shouldn’t I call you husband now?”

Long Yueli chuckled, “Yes! My wife!”

Leng Jiu pretended to be shy and leaned over, coquettishly calling out, “Husband!”

The voice that would give people gooseb.u.mps sounded pleasant to Long Yueli’s ears, and he couldn’t help but smile to himself!

Long Yueli lifted her veil and took the wedding wine. The two drank it while holding hands, the bright red candlelight s.h.i.+ning on them, and two drops of candle tears flowed down, as if Madam Hua was shedding tears of joy for them.

Although they were officially married, Long Yueli didn’t take Leng Jiu back to their room. Instead, they went to the gra.s.sland on the other side of the hill, lying under the sky.

Leng Jiu rested on Long Yueli’s arm, looking at the starry sky, “You didn’t know I would come today, so how did you prepare all this?”

Long Yueli touched her face, “I went to the palace to find you today!”

Leng Jiu’s gaze slightly darkened. She knew what he meant without him having to say it. She wasn’t in the palace!

Long Yueli lowered his head and kissed her forehead, “I had already prepared to spend tonight with her as usual, but I didn’t expect you to appear suddenly like this. You are destined to be my wife!”

Leng Jiu turned to look at him, “You still haven’t told me about your mother yet?”

Long Yueli paused and said, “You should know about the matter of the Seven Tokens of the Shadow Guards!”

It wasn’t a question, but an affirmation. Leng Jiu nodded, “I know!”

Long Yueli looked up at the sky, “The Hua Family is the same family from hundreds of years ago. Over the centuries, they have experienced ups and downs. There were a few times when they faced extinction, but they managed to survive until now. However, they haven’t intervened in court affairs for two hundred years! Everyone knows that the emperor saved my grandfather back then, and because of grat.i.tude, my mother had to marry into the imperial palace. The old emperor favored her immensely…”

Long Yueli sneered, “But no one in the world knows that my mother, in order to avoid entering the palace, personally cut three gashes on her face, each one inch deep, revealing the bone. Even the best doctor couldn’t restore her appearance! Why do you think the emperor chose her, a woman whose face was ruined?”

Leng Jiu suddenly understood. Indeed, some historical truths were not to be easily verified. Behind those romantic tales of deep love, it was merely laughable self-interest! All those claims of extreme favor and undying love were just for the Hua Family!

“My mother was unwilling, but the emperor was cunning. In the end, for the sake of the Hua Family, she had to agree. She even gave birth to me. The emperor knew my mother wouldn’t abandon me, so he showed extreme favor to me, making everyone in the world praise the Xuan Prince for his deep affection. My mother had to stay in the palace for so many years for my sake, until the emperor pa.s.sed away, and Dragon Yi’s father ascended to the throne!”

“He is indeed the son of the old emperor. Both of them had the interests of the Hua Family in mind. He sent me back to the fief, while my mother was confined by him, using a fake death to deceive the world, all to obtain the Hua Family’s tokens. I struggled in the fief for five years without knowing if my mother was still alive. It wasn’t until the day I met my eldest uncle, who had lost his martial arts skills, that I learned my mother was imprisoned. My eldest uncle handed over the Hua Family tokens and the entire family to me. A year later, I rescued my mother, but her health was already very poor. She relied on medicine given by a divine doctor to live for just over four years, and finally died in my arms!”

Leng Jiu didn’t speak. She turned over and hugged his head to her chest. She couldn’t understand the feeling of losing loved ones before, but the last time she saw Leng Yirou almost dying in her arms, she understood how painful it was for loved ones to die. Even though Leng Yirou was just an ordinary relative to her, she was in so much pain, and now Long Yueli had watched his beloved mother die. How desperate must he have felt?

Neither of them spoke, just embraced each other quietly on this night until dawn. They returned to their room only when morning came. Leng Jiu slept with him until noon, then changed out of her wedding attire and folded it neatly. She walked to the bedside and looked at Long Yueli’s sleeping face. He was sleeping soundly, with a faint smile on his lips. Leng Jiu’s heart softened, and she leaned down to kiss him. This man, she couldn’t let go of him in this lifetime!

Just as Leng Jiu thought Long Yi would remain silent, suddenly an imperial decree broke the silence — appointing Hua Yuxuan as the Empress!

“Empress?” Leng Jiu lazily lay on the soft couch, smiling lightly, “Indeed, it’s time to appoint an empress!”

With seven days left until the Mid-Autumn Festival, Long Yi scheduled the Empress’s enthronement ceremony for that day. Seven days was not a long time, but for such a significant event, it was still rushed. So, everything was kept simple.

She thought this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival would be very quiet, but suddenly this happened, and the palace immediately became busy. As the head of the harem, all of this should have been managed by Leng Jiu, but Long Yi didn’t give it to her, and she didn’t care, so she let Consort Yuan and Consort Xue take care of it.

Everywhere was bustling, but Leng Jiu was the most idle, oh, and Long Yueli. He wandered around during the day, and came to the Wanyang Palace at night, where the two of them paid no attention to outside matters, living in their own carefree world.

However, leisurely days were always limited because there were always some people who, if you didn’t provoke them, would still find some trouble. Like the Minister of Rites now.

“Your Majesty! Since ancient times, the residence of the Empress has been the Wanyang Palace. It was fine when there was no empress, and it was also appropriate for the Empress Dowager to reside there. But now that there is a new empress, should we invite the Empress Dowager to reside in the Cian Palace?”

At the morning court, the Minister of Rites’s words surprised everyone, but what he said was not unreasonable. The Wanyang Palace and the Changle Palace were originally the residences of the emperor and empress. Now, the Empress Dowager lived in the Wanyang Palace, which indeed seemed inappropriate. Just as someone was about to agree, Long Yi waved his sleeve and announced the end of the court session, leaving a group of officials looking at each other in bewilderment.      

The Minister of Rites glanced at the Duke of De, and after everyone else had left, he approached and asked, “Your Highness! What does His Majesty mean by this?”

The Duke of De glanced at the dragon throne and replied, “These days, officials have been summoned to submit memorials to His Majesty. You should know what to say. It’s imperative to make the Empress Dowager move out of the Wanyang Palace!”

“Yes!”

While the Duke of De was still planning, unaware that their actions were all under Leng Jiu’s control, she lay lazily on the couch with Canno in her arms, looking boneless. Leng Jiu suddenly called out softly, “Lu Chang!”

“Here!” Lu Chang had been standing by.

Leng Jiu lowered her eyes, “I feel like you haven’t had much to do lately!”

Lu Chang smiled, “Does Your Highness want me to find something to do?”

“That’s a good idea!” Leng Jiu nodded with a smile. “I want to take inventory of the personal treasuries of our ministers in Fengyu these days!”

Lu Chang understood, “Then I’ll help Your Highness count them carefully!”

“Good! But there’s nothing interesting about the treasuries. Remember to also count the concubines of each household. That’s what I’m more interested in!” Leng Jiu said softly.

“I understand!”

Leng Jiu waved her hand with a smile, “Go quickly! Don’t linger here bothering me!”

Lu Chang remained unchanged and smiled as he stepped back, “I’ll take my leave, Your Highness!”

That night proceeded as usual, but most of the court officials received a brand new account book. It clearly recorded the silver in their personal treasuries, as well as the backgrounds of each concubine and their own secrets they thought were well hidden. On the last page, it was clearly written — “Lu Chang of the Wanyang Palace pays respects to all the ministers! If there are any omissions, please point them out, and we will correct them!”

Countless officials were internally injured and felt like spitting blood when they saw this. They were practically digging up their ancestors, and they were expected to correct them? Wasn’t this asking for their lives? However, the five words “Lu Chang of the Wanyang Palace” were enough to sound the alarm for all the ministers. Today, the Duke of De just asked them to submit memorials, and tonight they received this kind of thing, and it was the steward of the Wanyang Palace. They all understood what this meant. The person in the Wanyang Palace knew everything. They wanted to help the Prince, unless they didn’t want their official hats or their lives!

So, the next day, the court session proceeded very smoothly, and the group of ministers dealt with state affairs very seriously. While the Duke of De stood at the forefront, almost squinting his eyes, no one paid him any attention!

“Minister Chen!” After the court session, the Duke of De called the Minister of Rites with a gloomy expression. Other officials knew that the Duke of De was going to question him and quickly slipped away.

“Hehe! Your Highness! There are still some matters in my family that need to be dealt with. I dare not delay. Please forgive me!” the Minister of Rites chuckled.

“What exactly happened today?” the Duke of De walked over to press him.

The Minister of Rites stepped back a few steps, “I really have urgent matters to attend to, Your Highness, please forgive me! Farewell!”

He hurriedly bowed a few times and then ran away!

“d.a.m.n it!” The Duke of De was furious, not knowing how they had changed their minds.

Furui Palace

Watching the Duke of De walk in angrily, Hua Yuxuan couldn’t help but wonder, “Father, what’s wrong? Who made you angry?”

The Duke of De slammed his hand on the table, glanced around, then leaned close and told Hua Yuxuan about the situation. After he finished, he was about to explode again.

Hua Yuxuan grabbed his hand, “Father! Let it go! We can’t compete with her!”

The Duke of De paused, “Are you talking about the person in the Wanyang Palace?”

Hua Yuxuan smiled bitterly and sat down, “Who else has such ability? I’ve been in the palace for so long, have I suffered any less from her?”

“Unbelievable!” The Duke of De didn’t calm down because of her advice. Instead, he became more angry, “She’s already the Empress Dowager, why is she still occupying the Wanyang Palace? Does she still want to do those dirty things? With me here, she can forget about it for the rest of her life!”

Hua Yuxuan clenched her hands and after a moment, she let go, “Father! Let’s not talk about this. How is Jinzhi doing recently?”

Speaking of his own son, the Duke of De softened slightly, “He’s fine! With the two tigers fighting on the gra.s.slands, his side is relatively peaceful!”

“Has the Empress Dowager found a suitable consort for him?”

The Duke of De looked at her, “Your enthronement ceremony is coming soon. You should think more about yourself!”

Hua Yuxuan sighed and looked hesitant.

The Duke of De was suspicious, “What is it that you can’t tell your father? About Jinzhi?”

Hua Yuxuan remained silent for a long time before saying, “Father, do you remember the autumn hunt at the palace last year?”

“Yes!”

“At that time, Jinzhi almost shot her with an arrow. Later, he used light skills to save her, then sent her back, and encountered an a.s.sa.s.sination attempt. It wasn’t until more than two hours later that they returned!” 

The Duke of De looked incredulous, “You mean Jinzhi and her?”

Hua Yuxuan shook her head, “I don’t know! But since I entered the palace, Jinzhi hasn’t come to see me much. Every time he comes, he goes to the Wanyang Palace first. I’ve been worried about it, but fortunately, he went to the military camp later, and now he’s at the border, so it’s better! But I’ve always been worried, so I want Father to settle Jinzhi’s matters sooner. Once he has a consort, he’ll be more settled, and I can be at ease!”

The Duke of De nodded solemnly, “Don’t worry! I will discuss this matter with your mother as soon as possible. Whether he likes it or not, he must marry the consort first!”

Tomorrow is the enthronement ceremony, and almost everyone is thinking about that matter…

Except Leng Jiu, who is thinking about the arrangement with Gongyu Wei. As the Prime Minister and the Empress Dowager, they certainly can’t be absent from tomorrow’s event. The affairs of the enthronement will likely last from morning till night, making it difficult for them to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival together.

Lu Chang came in and saw Leng Jiu lost in thought. He smiled and said softly, “Your Majesty, Emperor Liang seeks an audience!”

Leng Jiu snapped out of her thoughts, “Who?”

“Emperor Liang, Xiao Yan, seeks an audience!”

Leng Jiu poked Canno’s b.u.t.t in her arms and her eyes flashed, “Let him in!”

“Yes!”

Not long after, Xiao Yan, dressed in vermilion robes, walked in. With a high crown and graceful steps, his n.o.ble demeanor dimmed the radiance of the room. His eyes were calm with a faint smile, exceptionally handsome, exuding elegance without oppression, a man who couldn’t be ignored or refused.

“I’m presumptuous to visit like this. I wonder if I’m disturbing Your Majesty?” Xiao Yan walked to a spot not far from Leng Jiu, smiling gently at her.

Leng Jiu remained in her lazy posture and gestured to a nearby seat, “Please, sit!”

Xiao Yan’s eyes flickered. He gracefully sat down where she indicated and took out an exquisite jade jar, “I’ve said I would send this to Your Majesty earlier, but I’m only bringing it now. Please don’t mind!”

Leng Jiu smiled, “I almost forgot about it. It’s surprising that you still remembered. But for such a small thing, did you have to come personally to deliver it?”

Xiao Yan placed the jade jar down, “I indeed have something to ask for advice from Your Majesty. I hope you can enlighten me!”

“Go ahead!”

Xiao Yan took out a piece of exquisite blood jade from his sleeve. There were no special patterns on it, nor any cuts. It looked like a complete piece, “Has Your Majesty ever seen a jade identical to this one?”

Leng Jiu shook her head, “No.”

Xiao Yan put away the jade upon hearing this, “I’ve troubled Your Majesty!”

Xiao Yan didn’t stay long and took his leave. Leng Jiu looked at the tea canister on the table, feeling somewhat puzzled, “Did he come just to ask about that jade?”

Lu Chang seemed to know more and smiled, “Your Majesty is now twenty years old. In three months, you’ll be twenty-one!”

Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow, “My birthday is in November? But what does that have to do with anything?”

Lu Chang walked over and put away the jade jar, “The fiancee of Emperor Liang, also the daughter of the Ziche family, is about the same age!”

“And then?”

“Miss Ziche disappeared eighteen years ago. Although the Ziche family has been hiding this news, I still know a thing or two!”

Leng Jiu smiled, “Does he think I’m the daughter of the Ziche family?”

“Given Your Majesty’s age, it’s not surprising that he has such suspicions!”

“Eighteen years ago!” Leng Jiu tapped her lips, “Truly an intriguing number!”

After leaving the Wanyang Palace, Xiao Yan paused for a moment, opened his palm, and the blood-red jade looked even more translucent and radiant against his fair palm. He closed his fingers around it, and his purple robes drifted away as he walked.

The palace was bustling with people coming and going, all busy with preparations for tomorrow’s ceremony, but only the Wanyang Palace remained so quiet!

“Young Master, where are we going now?” 

Xiao Yan leaned against the carriage wall, his eyes slightly closed, “To the teahouse!”

Yun Shan was not surprised and drove the carriage to the back door of the teahouse. The two of them went upstairs to a private room Xiao Yan had already reserved. Inside, there was a table set up with exquisite tea sets, but unlike before, there was one tea cup placed separately from the others, looking quite conspicuous.

Yun Shan felt a bit regretful when he saw his young master’s indifferent expression. He couldn’t discern anything, so he asked, “Young Master, did you find anything?”

Xiao Yan scooped out some tea leaves and shook his head slightly.

Yun Shan felt a bit disappointed but let out a sigh. Although the Empress Dowager was the most likely candidate, her ident.i.ty was there. If it really was her, it would be even more troublesome! But this last clue was also ruled out, making the search even more difficult. He also didn’t know what the Ziche family wanted to do. Clearly, it was a marriage they agreed to, but it caused so much trouble!

Yun Shan retracted his thoughts and inquired, “Is the young master planning to return to the country? It is said that things have been unsettled recently, and your presence is needed to remind them of their place!”

Xiao Yan finished brewing the tea and poured it, responding lightly, “Let’s wait for another two days.”

Yun Shan pressed his lips together and said nothing more.

This teahouse was secluded and not very busy, which was why Xiao Yan liked to visit. Opposite the teahouse, at a street corner, there was a bustling tavern. As lunchtime approached, it became even more crowded and lively.

A dark green carriage stopped in front of the tavern, and a lively young woman with a neutral appearance jumped down. After surveying her surroundings, she turned to the carriage and said, “Miss! Let’s have lunch here.”

“Okay,” a gentle voice responded from inside the carriage. The curtain lifted, and a woman dressed in pure white stepped out with the help of the young woman. Her appearance stunned the pa.s.sersby: white as falling snow, beautiful as summer flowers, a truly stunning sight.

Her expression was soft, with a hint of melancholy in her brows, evoking sympathy from those who saw her.

“Let’s go in,” she said gently, her voice as soft as her demeanor.

“Okay!” The two of them were about to enter the tavern when a disheveled man recklessly ran into them, not looking where he was going. The white-clad woman stumbled and nearly fell, but her quick-witted maid caught her in time, preventing an embarra.s.sing fall.

“Watch where you’re going, you dirty beggar!” the maid angrily scolded.

“It’s okay, Qi’er. Let’s go in,” the woman gently persuaded her maid, showing her kind nature, which won the admiration of the onlookers.

“Young master…” Yun Shan, watching from the upper floor, widened his eyes. What he noticed was not the woman’s beauty or kindness, but the red jade that had slipped out of her clothing when she stumbled. It matched the jade in his master’s possession exactly: “Blood… blood jade…”

Xiao Yan had also noticed. His hand paused on the teacup before calmly returning to it, his expression unchanging.

“Young master! I’ll go investigate right away!” Yun Shan, excited, left in a flash.

Xiao Yan turned the teacup in his hand, glancing at the tea cup set aside. His eyes flashed with deep, unreadable emotions.

It wasn’t long before Yun Shan returned, looking excited, “Young master! She is Ziche Moyao, the person we’ve been looking for!”

Xiao Yan set down the teacup, “Let’s go back.”

“But, young master! We’ve finally found her. Shouldn’t we approach her? I will find out where they’re staying to make sure they don’t disappear again!”

Without looking back, Xiao Yan’s vermillion robes disappeared around the corner. He had just learned about Leng Jinghua’s connection to the Leng family, and now Ziche Moyao appeared. How could there be so many coincidences in this world?

In the tavern, Ziche Moyao and Qi’er sat by the window and ordered their meal. Ziche Moyao was quiet, resting her head on her hand as she gazed out the window with a hint of sadness. Suddenly, a carriage pa.s.sed by, and the wind lifted its curtain. She caught a glimpse of a dignified, handsome face, stunning her. She stared in disbelief even after the carriage had left.

“Miss! Miss?” Qi’er called out several times, shaking her hand, “What’s wrong?”

Ziche Moyao, still dazed, responded, “I think… I just saw him!”

“Who?” Qi’er looked outside, puzzled.

Ziche Moyao, her previously calm demeanor now filled with life and a slight blush, looking like a lovesick girl, said, “It was him, the man from the portrait. He just pa.s.sed by in that carriage. Even though it was just a glance, I’m sure it was him!”

Qi’er didn’t believe it, “Miss, you must be imagining things. Someone of his status wouldn’t just be riding in a carriage down the street.”

“No! It was him!” Ziche Moyao clutched her handkerchief tightly, “I could draw his face in my sleep. I couldn’t have mistaken him!”

Qi’er sighed, knowing her mistress was obsessed, “Since he’s here, you’ll see him eventually. Let’s eat something first; we’ve been traveling all day and must be starving.”

“Alright,” Ziche Moyao reluctantly let go of her urge to run after the carriage. She ate a bowl of rice, her appet.i.te returning after many days.

After their meal, as they were about to board their carriage, they saw a waiter kicking a female beggar. The beggar was dirty and weak, collapsing to the ground with each kick, looking pitiful. Ziche Moyao, feeling compa.s.sion, asked the waiter to give the beggar some buns. She stepped forward, shooed away the waiter, and offered the buns to the beggar, “Take these and eat.”

The beggar looked at the buns, then slowly raised her head. Instead of taking the buns, she grabbed Ziche Moyao’s hand, “Help me! Help me!”

“Let go of my mistress!” Qi’er tried to pry the beggar off, disgusted by her filth.

“Qi’er!” Ziche Moyao stopped her maid, though she also felt a bit repulsed. “Take her with us. We’ll find a place to stay first.”

Qi’er protested, “Miss, why are you rescuing a beggar for no reason?”

Ziche Moyao stood up, and the beggar followed her. She smiled indifferently, “Let’s consider it a good deed!”

At the inn, Ziche Moyao asked for water so the beggar could wash up. When the beggar emerged, both women were stunned. Qi’er could hardly believe her eyes at the sight of the once filthy beggar, now a delicate and lovely girl, though still somewhat pale.

This girl was none other than Hua Rui’er, who had been thrown into the beggars’ den by Jin Yu. Due to Jin Yu’s drugs, Hua Rui’er had been entangled with those filthy beggars for five days. When she finally regained consciousness, her martial arts were gone, and her body was covered in filth. The beggars, having had their fill, saw that she couldn’t resist and tortured her in various ways. She had tried to escape several times but was always caught and brought back. Today, she took advantage of their absence and escaped. If not for Ziche Moyao’s intervention, she would have been captured again soon.

“What is your name?” Seeing that she was not unattractive, Qi’er was less repulsed. Such a beautiful girl becoming a beggar must have a story behind it.

Hua Rui’er looked at them and suddenly knelt on one knee, “Please, sister, take me in!”

Ziche Moyao hurriedly helped her up, “Stand up, and we’ll talk slowly.”

Hua Rui’er lifted her head, tears streaming down her face, “My name is Hua Rui’er. I am the cousin and betrothed of an official’s son. But my cousin was bewitched by a vixen and wanted to break off the engagement. They drove me out, leaving me homeless, which is why I ended up like this! Please, sister, take me in. I will repay you in the future!”

Both women were moved by her story. They helped her up, and Qi’er, no longer repulsed, was full of sympathy, “Don’t worry, if you stay with us, no one will dare to bully you!”

Hua Rui’er immediately wept with grat.i.tude, “Thank you!”

Qi’er handed her a handkerchief, “Wipe your face.”

“Thank you, sister!” Hua Rui’er accepted the handkerchief gratefully.

Qi’er smiled, “We’re about the same age. Just call me Qi’er.”

Ziche Moyao also smiled, “I’m Ziche Moyao. I’m a bit older, so you can call me Sister Moyao.”

Hua Rui’er’s eyes flashed upon hearing the surname Ziche, but she wisely suppressed her thoughts, smiling sweetly, “Sister Moyao, Qi’er!”

While Xiao Yan was looking for the Ziche family’s young lady, Long Yi was also searching, and much more diligently. Before Ziche Moyao had even entered the capital, his men had found out. He rushed to report to the palace, and Long Yi quickly sent people to bring Ziche Moyao to the palace. He wasn’t afraid of making a mistake because the Ziche surname was rare. Although Ziche Moyao seemed to be traveling with only one maid, a large caravan secretly followed her for protection. This kind of arrangement was exclusive to the Ziche family.

Ziche Moyao had just finished talking with Hua Rui’er when Long Yi’s men arrived. She was a little surprised but did not refuse. Going to the palace meant she could see that person!

“Sister Moyao, who are you? Why did the emperor send someone to fetch you?” Hua Rui’er asked innocently and curiously.

Qi’er threw her a maid’s outfit, “Change into this. You’ll find out when we get to the palace.”

The carriage sent by the palace was large enough for the three of them. Fifty imperial guards escorted them to the palace.

The next day was the Empress’s coronation ceremony, and the palace was too busy to prepare a grand banquet. However, a small banquet was arranged in the Imperial Garden. Yuan Fei and Xue Fei accompanied them. To make Ziche Moyao feel more comfortable, they even called out the long-forgotten Seventh Princess. To avoid rumors, Xiao Yan was also invited, mainly to confirm something.

“The young lady of the Ziche family is really here?” Leng Jiu was surprised. The Ziche family was the most secretive among all the n.o.ble families. The two emperors had been searching for a long time without success, so how did she suddenly appear?

Lu Chang replied, “Indeed, she is the young lady of the Ziche family. She seems to be the one Liang Emperor is looking for. But the details are probably only known to the Ziche family.”

He continued, “According to the scouts, this Ziche young lady is quite beautiful. Is the Empress interested in seeing her?”

“What’s so interesting about looking at women?” Leng Jiu sneered, but then her red lips curved into a smile, “The real spectacle is two emperors vying for one woman. This Miss Ziche is Xiao Yan’s fiancée, and Long Yi wants her for the wealth of the Ziche family. Tonight’s banquet will certainly be interesting!”

“I will prepare clothes for the Empress right away!”

Leng Jiu stood up, “No need! This outfit will do. I’m going to watch the show, not perform in it. Why dress so fancily?”

Lu Chang smiled, “That’s true! Besides, the Empress is already stunning enough to outs.h.i.+ne everyone.”

Leng Jiu was used to Lu Chang’s occasional flattery and didn’t even bother to kick him anymore.

“Moyao greets the Emperor!” Xiao Yan hadn’t arrived yet; only Long Yi and the other three were present.

Long Yi’s eyes flashed when he saw Moyao, not because he was struck by her beauty, but because her refined demeanor confirmed she was from a prestigious family. This made him even more certain.

“Miss Ziche, you may rise. Please take a seat!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Ziche Moyao thanked him and took her seat, with Qi’er and Hua Rui’er following behind her.

Long Yi looked at her and pointed to the Seventh Princess beside him, “This is my seventh sister. You can keep each other company since you’re both young ladies.”

Ziche Moyao curtsied slightly, “Greetings, Princess!”

The Seventh Princess smiled shyly, “Miss Ziche, you are too kind!”

Long Yi signaled for the attendants to bring fruits and then asked, “Miss Ziche, are you in the capital on an errand for your family, or is it just for leisure?”

This question was probing! Before Ziche Moyao could answer, a eunuch announced from the doorway, “Emperor Liang has arrived! The Empress Dowager is here!”

As soon as the announcement was made, two figures walked in side by side, one in dark purple and the other in light gold. One was elegant and n.o.ble, the other proud and stunning. Their equally striking appearances and regal auras left everyone momentarily dazed.

However, one person was so shocked she almost jumped—Hua Rui’er. She never expected Leng Jiu to be the Empress Dowager!

“Greetings to Emperor Liang!”

“Greetings to the Empress Dowager!”

The sound of salutes pulled Hua Rui’er out of her thoughts. Knowing this wasn’t the place to speak, she suppressed her hatred and bowed her head.

Leng Jiu looked at Long Yi, then glanced at Ziche Moyao, smiling, “I was taking a walk and ran into Emperor Liang. I heard that Emperor Liang’s fiancée had arrived, so I came to see what kind of beauty has captivated Emperor Liang for so long!”

Ziche Moyao’s heart pounded when she saw Xiao Yan. So it really was him she had seen today. She turned her attention back to Leng Jiu’s words and responded with a shy smile, “Your Majesty jests. I am but a humble woman and not worthy of Emperor Liang’s attention.”

She sneaked a glance at Xiao Yan, her feelings and shyness evident on her face.

Xiao Yan’s expression remained indifferent, but he politely said, “Miss Ziche, do not belittle yourself.”

Leng Jiu smiled and took a seat at the head of the table. Yuan Fei and Xue Fei moved to one side to make room for her, while Xiao Yan sat at his designated seat, barely glancing at Ziche Moyao.

The banquet was somewhat stiff, but Leng Jiu, ever the instigator, looked at Ziche Moyao and asked, “I’ve heard the Ziche family controls vast wealth. I’m curious, is it true that your family is as rich as a nation?”

Ziche Moyao smiled politely, “Your Majesty jests! The Ziche family is merely engaged in some business ventures. Those are just rumors.”

Leng Jiu smirked, glancing at Long Yi and then at Xiao Yan, “Emperor Liang traveled far to Fengyu to find Miss Ziche. Now that she is here, it seems I’ll soon be able to toast at your wedding!”

Ziche Moyao blushed and glanced shyly at Xiao Yan, “Your Majesty is teasing me!”

Leng Jiu ignored her shyness, keeping her eyes on Long Yi and Xiao Yan. Long Yi seemed to be plotting something, while Xiao Yan, the one with prospects, appeared uninterested and expressionless. Amusing indeed!

—

*Author’s note:* Here’s a little teaser to see how many readers it can draw out, hehe!