Chapter 117: Wishing You Well
What does it mean that even she belongs to him, and that her emotions are naturally his as well?
If Xue Ruo hadn’t been blinded by the white silk veil, she would probably have opened her eyes wide in disbelief and rolled them at him. “That’s sheer nonsense! Take off my clothes...” With that, she reached out and tugged at the garment he was wearing.
The robe wasn’t even finished yet, and unexpectedly, he had discovered it. This was far from what she had anticipated.
“What are you doing? Are you so angry you won’t even let me wear my clothes?” The king looked innocent, but his words left Xue Ruo at a loss for words.
“This is only half-finished. If you wear this out as it is, it’ll be a defective product.” Xue Ruo said sternly, her small hand already pulling at his robe, attempting to strip it off.
“You’re pulling off your husband’s clothes when I’m already wearing them. Can’t I just wear it out?” Ji Wuqing stood still, letting her do as she pleased. But his plaintive tone made him seem pitiful, as if she was unwilling to let him have even one robe.
“...” Xue Ruo fell silent and also stood still.
After all, he was leaving in a few days...
“Come, play chess with me.” Seeing her silent, his expression grew faint, tinged with a trace of melancholy. He couldn’t help but reach out and take her small hand, warming it with the heat of his palm.
Soon, someone brought over the chessboard and pieces. Ji Wuqing carefully arranged the black and white stones, the crisp sound they made accentuating the hushed atmosphere in the room.
“Do you still remember who told me back then not to mind the people around me, saying I would definitely meet someone better?” At the time, his heart broke. The woman he had cherished for so long had said such words to him.
“You’re dredging up old grievances.” Xue Ruo felt awkward hearing him say that, but it was true. Back then, eager to leave the palace in pursuit of freedom, she had tricked him into unconsciousness.
“That’s not it. How could I be so petty? I just get a little scared when I think of that time. Luckily, now you’re obediently held in my palm.” He finished setting up the board, his tone revealing a hint of satisfaction.
“...” Held in your palm?
Who was really holding whom in their palm?
Though she didn’t want to admit it, Ji Wuqing’s words made her heart feel a little sweet, like the pleasant mood after eating a sugary treat. His words lifted her spirits.
“Ziqing, let’s go for a walk.” With her mood greatly improved, a bright smile blossomed on her face.
“The board is set. Aren’t you going to finish the game?” He gently placed a stone. It was his turn.
“Don’t you know? This game takes a lifetime to play.” She stood, walked to his side, and pulled him close. “Alright, now it’s my move. Just wait and see.”
This was a lifelong duel...
In the garden, flowers of every color were tended with care, blooming brilliantly under the lavish sunlight.
The emperor and empress walked side by side, palace maids and eunuchs bowed their heads and respectfully stepped aside.
Her hand lightly tugged at the robe he wore—the one she had made. The fabric felt exquisite, yet somehow something was missing.
What to do? She longed to see Ji Wuqing wearing the robe she crafted. Thinking this, she reached out, touching her own eyes through the white veil, feeling a sudden pang of melancholy.
Should she do this?
The day was fine, and he noticed her furrowed brows. “Why the long face, Xue’er?” He stopped walking and looked at her. “Smile for me.” He pinched the corner of her mouth, as if truly wanting all her emotions to belong to him.
“As you said, I’ll manage the affairs of the harem. When... will you set off?” She patted his hand, her expression serious.
He was the emperor, bearing great responsibility. He should not be held back by personal ties. Defending the realm was his true duty.
“Soon. In just a few days. When I leave, don’t cry, okay?”
“How could I? You promised to return victorious.” She faced him, her head slightly raised, her pale complexion glowing softly, her lips lightly parting with a faint smile.
He looked at her, unable to resist taking her small hand and pulling her into his embrace. Lowering his head, his handsome lips gently pressed on her forehead, a natural intimacy crossing the thick fringe, a gentle kiss. Everything flowed seamlessly, intimately close.
The garden remained quiet; the palace staff bowed their heads, unable to look but sensing the deep affection between emperor and empress.
A dignified figure approaching from afar also stopped, halting her steps toward the garden.
Yu Xiao stood there, though distant and only catching a glimpse of the emperor and empress’s posture, she never imagined that the usually cold and distant emperor could show such warmth.
He smiled at the empress, held her tenderly; those deep, inscrutable eyes simplified, no longer so difficult to read, full of gentleness and affection, even the curve of his lips was natural and doting.
His entire heart belonged to one person, while with others he always wore the same expression—distant and gentle, alienating and intimidating.
Her heart couldn’t help but turn bitter. What had she been clinging to all these years?
She turned away with her entourage but found nowhere to go. The Jade Beauty Palace was always cold and unwelcoming; she had counted the red tiles in the courtyard countless times, and Hui Zhai was under the emperor’s control. She was truly alone.
“When I leave, Miao Jian and Qing He will remain. If you need anything, just send word to them.” He held her gently.
“Aren’t you worried about me?” Xue Ruo leaned into his embrace, inhaling the fresh scent on his robe. It was a fragrance she had carefully applied, long-lasting and refreshing, clearing the mind.
“Not really. Miao Jian can help you manage Xiao Xi well, which will save you a lot of effort.” Ji Wuqing said seriously.
“...Really?” She hadn’t seen that Miao Jian was managing Xiao Xi obediently; in fact, it was Xiao Xi who was tightly wrapped around Miao Jian.
Every day, Xiao Xi insisted on playing with Miao Jian for a long time, seeming to spend more time with her than with Xue Ruo.
In recent days, Ji Wuqing had clearly spent more time with her. She knew all of this; he must be leaving the palace soon, the time of departure drawing near.
That day, dawn barely broke.
The horizon was faintly lit. Within layers of sheer curtains, he held her as they woke. After lying together for a while, he prepared to get up and dress.
“Are you leaving now?” She grasped his hand, having woken early these days, always feeling that once she woke, he would be gone, unable to sleep well.
Perhaps it was better if he left, so she could finally sleep peacefully without worrying whether he would still be by her side upon waking.
“Go back to sleep a little more.” He bent down, hugged her, and nuzzled her neck.
How could she sleep?
Naturally, she rose with him and donned a deep blue embroidered palace gown. Her hair was yet uncombed as she personally helped Ji Wuqing dress. But this time he was to wear heavy armor—how could she help with that?
Touching the cold armor, she finally felt that he was truly leaving.
“This journey, may you be safe.” She held his hand earnestly.
Her delicate makeup was flawless; red lips, a hint of red on her forehead, adding a majestic air. Though her eyes were veiled in blue silk, it only deepened her solemn mystery.
The palace consorts all came to see the emperor off, heads bowed, their expressions unreadable.
Soldiers assembled beneath the city walls, marching with grand vigor, their unified shouts stirring the soul—this was the masculine energy of a thriving world.
The emperor personally leading the expedition was the greatest morale boost.
“Silly Xue’er, my only wish is to defeat Zuo Qiu Liye utterly and then return to your side, so we may live in harmony.”
After Ji Wuqing’s departure, Xue Ruo formally took over the management of the harem, and Consort Yu’s temporary stewardship ended.
Upon taking charge, Xue Ruo discovered many happenings within the harem, such as the incidents in Yanxi Palace.
Lady Yan’s personal maid, who had been promoted to Yun Ji, named Lian Yunji, had accidentally drowned and died a month ago. Rumors in Yanxi Palace said Lian Yunji was frequently scolded and beaten by Lady Yan. After drowning, her face was unrecognizable; despite being submerged for so long, fingernail marks and swelling were still visible.
Moreover, Lian Yunji died with unresolved grievances.
Consort Yu, who had been managing the harem temporarily, judged it to be Lady Yan’s fault since Lian Yunji resided in Yanxi Palace. Accordingly, Lady Yan should have been punished. However, for unknown reasons, the matter was suddenly suppressed, and neither Lian Yunji’s death nor Lady Yan’s punishment was pursued.
This made Xue Ruo think of someone in Hui Zhai.
It was likely that person operating behind the scenes, stirring Lady Yan’s father to stand with her, leading to the recent confusion over the true and false emperor’s return to the palace.
“Yu Zhi, has Lady Yan been behaving properly lately?” After some thought, she summoned Yu Zhi to ask.
“Your Highness, Lady Yan has been much quieter recently. She no longer exchanges cold sarcasm with Concubine Jin, which is unusual. I feel something is amiss.” Yu Zhi replied honestly.
“Hm.” Xue Ruo nodded and began reviewing documents on harem affairs. Aside from Lian Yunji’s case, the palace seemed peaceful.
Even the feud between Concubine Jin and Lady Yan appeared to have cooled down, though it was unclear if this peace was temporary. As queen, once she stepped out, they would likely scheme anew.
End of excerpt.