Chapter 43

  He brushed aside the fox fur and reached inside, where it was still dry and retained some of her body heat. His fingers untied the white silk ribbon at her chest, and he pulled off the outer layer of wet fur, revealing a brand new, soft pink blouse underneath. He wrapped his arms around her entire upper body, holding her tightly in his embrace.

  "Husband, let them off, okay?"

  His chest was comfortable, warm and clean, with a faint scent on his shirt. Xia Ziwei's entire face sank into it, close to his waist, her hands wrapped around his sturdy waist.

  Mo Yunxuan stared blankly at the person in his arms, who was being playful with him. The fire in the room was burning brightly, and the warmth of the person in his arms was scorching hot. Xia Zifu had just come in from the cold air outside, and the sudden warmth made her cheeks flush a deep red, which was incredibly intoxicating. Her body was like a lazy little cat, curled up in his arms, gazing up at him with eyes as clear and bright as crystal, filled with intense longing.

  She didn't know that as long as she made a request, he would generally not refuse her. He spoiled her, and it was to the bone.

  "Go out and run for a day, take a bath first, eat dinner, and then go to sleep obediently—"

  He lowered his gaze, speaking in a soft tone, his large palm enveloping her shoulder, patiently coaxing her as if she were a child. His other hand lazily combed through the damp strands of hair that clung together on her forehead.

  "Husband——"

  She wanted to persist, but saw that Moyun Xuan's eyebrows were about to furrow in a frown, and hastily shut her mouth.

  For several days in a row, the snow on the ground had melted almost completely. In the distance, bright green leaves carried the scent of snowmelt, and were particularly pleasing to the eye. On the long corridor of the Wang estate, a noble chair was placed, and Xia Ziyu lay lazily on it. Her light blue shirt, green skirt, and fine hair braids formed thousands of small braids that curved into locks, softly hanging down. A pearl earring made up of three pearls hung down beside her ear, matching her languid posture. Next to her, a low table held incense and tea. The tea snacks were placed on a white jade plate in the shape of a begonia flower.

  Eyes closed in a feigned sleep, the book scroll in hand lazily placed aside.

  "Miss..." whispered in her ear

  "What's wrong?"

  She opened her eyes and hastily sat up from the chaise longue——

  Zi'er's face was gloomy, wanting to speak but hesitating.

  "Empress Li was released, but before she could return to the palace, she had already passed away..."

  With a slight tremble, the book slipped off the chair and asked in a repeated voice

  "Dead? How did he die?"

  Zi'er fell silent for a moment

  "The imperial physician said the cause was unknown, but probably it was because the injuries were too severe. That kind of torture, even an ordinary woman couldn't withstand it, let alone a princess who had always been pampered and protected in the palace..."

  Xia Zi didn't speak, so Zǐ ér let out a soft sigh and said:

  "The Emperor dotes on the Imperial Concubine, and has never mentioned this matter, many officials are discontent in their hearts——"

  "Just think about it, that beautiful Princess also came from a renowned family. Previously, your maternal grandmother's family was connected to theirs through marriage. I heard that our mistress had an engagement with them when she was young..."

  Is that so? Xia Ziyou's eyes widened slightly, she only knew that her maternal grandfather's family was also a well-known aristocratic family, and her maternal grandfather had been an official for many years, but now it has basically declined, and she understood little else.

  "I've never heard anyone say that—"

  Zi'er gently leaned over and picked up the book scroll from the ground.

  "This is a taboo in the mansion, Miss, you certainly haven't heard of it."

  Taboo? She has grown up and never heard of any taboos in the Marquis's residence regarding her mother. Her parents' relationship had always been good, loving... As she pondered, she heard Ziyu continue to sigh:

  "The body of Empress Li is still warm, and yet the palace has already begun to prepare for a midnight banquet. The Emperor's heart is truly cold-blooded..."

  "Dinner party, what dinner party---" She slightly furrowed her brow

  "Miss, you probably don't know, but it's already spread outside that the celebration banquet of General Huangfu hasn't been held yet. Moreover, His Majesty has agreed to make peace with Xiyue Country and sign a treaty. Tonight's banquet is also for entertaining these few envoys from Xiyue Country. All officials will be accompanied by their families, so it should be a grand scene."

  No wonder, Xia Ziyu murmured, Mo Yunxuan returned so late from court today.

  "So, am I going?"

  "Miss, of course you have to go too—"

  "Oh—" As soon as she entered the palace, her heart was still a bit fearful. She tidied up her clothes and stood up "So, now, first accompany me to a place—"