Emperor's Favored Concubine 069 Past Events in Prison, Chu Yi's Different Style Full Version

  The sky is bright and the water is white, the green grass all over the mountains and fields is like a vast ocean with waves of jade, the summer wind on the high plateau blows open the blue-black hair, swirling around in circles, suddenly a figure appears on the green plain, her eyes shine brightly for an instant!

  "Empress Dowager!"

  That figure paused, stopped in its tracks and stood still, with He Lianjiao's hands full of colorful flowers. At this time, she patted the bright blue skirt and ran towards the waiting figure with quick steps.

  The sunset was setting, her smile was like a flower, but the figure waiting at the end of the field seemed to be very far away from her. Helianthus blue kept running and running, the smile on her mouth sank down, and slowly the two wildflowers were also thrown aside by her. She gathered all her strength, but the figure in the distance seemed to think she was running too slow, and turned around to leave.

  He Lianjiao was shocked, "Empress Dowager, wait, Jiao Lan——"

  Her call finally made the man pause, her mother-in-law was wearing a bright red cheongsam with a large skirt that day, and the big hem of the skirt reflected on the grass, exceptionally bright and beautiful.

  As the person got closer and closer, a joyful smile finally appeared on He Lian's face. The person also smiled and opened their arms to hug her, "Jielan——"

  He Lianjiao's smile grew deeper, but suddenly her bright eyes were as if struck by lightning. Her steps became disordered and difficult to walk, just as she was about to reach the person's hand. But she stopped moving forward, the joyful smile disappeared, and a huge shock appeared in her eyes. Her eyes were fixed on the hem of the opposite person's skirt.

  No, that wasn't the hem of her skirt, but rather a vibrant red that seemed to flow, carrying with it a choking bloody smell that slowly spread out from under her feet, creeping inch by inch up to her ankles. She raised her head, and the eyebrows and eyes of the person in front of her gradually became blurry, and then her face full of kindness suddenly disappeared, leaving only that neck spurting blood bubbles.

  "Empress Dowager!"

  Gu Yunxi suddenly sat up, and in the darkness where her hand couldn't see five fingers, a pair of dark green eyes were staring at her. Gu Yunxi's heart tightened, and a fluffy figure had already pounced into her arms.

  "Waaaah——"

  A low, muffled sob, Gu Yunxi deeply exhaled, her hand gently patting Chu Yi's back, calming herself before softly asking, "How did you come here?"

  As soon as the voice fell outside the curtain, the lamp lit up, and it was Yu Niang who walked in. "The guards from the Shangwu Hall came to say that Chu Yi has been making a big fuss all day today, don't know if she's sick or what, afraid of making mistakes and you blaming them, so they sent her to Su Yue Xuan."

  Gu Yun Xi's mouth curved into a slight smile as he looked down at Chu Yi's obedient appearance and said in a low voice, "Even you know I've had a bad day?"

  The maid outside the curtain sighed and turned to look at the sky outside, which was still pitch black. "Miss, it's only five o'clock in the morning, why don't you sleep a bit longer?"

  Gu Yunxi didn't make a sound, as if she was calming herself down again, forcibly waving away the images in her mind before wiping the sweat that had suddenly appeared on her forehead. She pushed open the bed curtains, "I'm not sleeping anymore, later Wang Ye will come to fetch me. I hope to see Mother today."

  Yuanniang hurriedly went out to fetch water and soon came back with a basin of water. Taking advantage of Gu Yunxi going to wash up, she softly spoke up, "Miss, the old master has gone to Xuege, he was furious and hit both the eldest miss and second miss."

  Gu Yunxi wiped the water off her face, "Then what?"

  Then it was unknown, and the old man seemed to have returned to the Jingxin Pavilion.

  Gu Yunxi's mouth curved into a cold smile, "It seems that this time even he can't do anything about it. Even if he had a way to deal with it, he wouldn't bother, because this matter has nothing to do with the Xiangfu."

  Pausing for a moment, Gu Yunxi's eyebrows and eyes deepened, "Gu Yingxue, how can that little bit of pain be enough?"

  She gave her a deep look with her beautiful eyes and then went out to order people to prepare breakfast. After washing up, Gu Yunxi held Chu Yi in her arms and sat beside the stove, gently stroking its soft fur, with a profound depth in her eyes that no one could fathom.

  Just after using the carriage of Gong Sunmo, it arrived at the Xiangfu. Before that, when Gu Yunxue was carrying Chu Yi out of the door, she saw Gu Yingxue also leaving the house. At this time, she had already lost her fierce light, and even nodded politely to Gu Yingxue. Gu Yingxue looked at her with a frown, as if Gu Yunxue was provoking her for a fight.

  "Waaaah——"

  Chu Yi's behavior was absolutely sudden, her eyes gleaming brightly as she jumped down from Gu Yun Xie's arms and pounced directly onto the body of Gu Ying Xue who was dressed in palace attire with exquisite makeup.

  "Ah——"

  Even someone as calm and composed as Gu Yingxue couldn't help but let out a startled cry under Chu Yi's intimidation. Although Chu Yi wasn't large in stature, it had plenty of strength to spare, and its full-force pounce sent Gu Yingxue stumbling backward three steps before landing on her back. Chu Yi's sharp claws hovered beside Gu Yingxue's cheek, shattering the calmness in her eyes. "Beast, get away!"

  Gu Yunxi's mouth curved up slightly, "Chuyi, come here."

  At the soft call, the violent little guy immediately became very obedient and returned to her feet. Gu Yingxue looked at this step, still in a daze, panting, and Jin Wen and others standing behind her were also frightened into stupidity on the spot. It wasn't until they met their master's angry gaze that they came back to their senses and stepped forward to help him up.

  Gu Yun Xie stroked Chu Yi's head, and on the other side, met Gu Ying Xue's gaze. "Sister, from now on, you must be careful, because Chu Yi can appear at any time, and it loves to eat people's rotten hearts."

  Gu Yingxue stood up, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and warning as she stared at Xiao Chuyi, "It's the beast you're raising, if there's another time like this, I'll definitely kill it!"

  Gu Yunxi's eyes narrowed slightly, "Is that so? If you can kill it before Chu Yi tears you apart, then that wouldn't be bad either."

  Gu Yingxue's eyes paused for a moment, and then Gu Yunxi walked straight towards the door outside the De Wangfu carriage. Her lonely and cold back gave off a chilling aura that made people feel suffocated. "Gu Yingxue, when you did this thing, you should have been prepared. You'd better be on guard against me day and night, because at any time, my Chu Yi might take your life."

  When she sat on the horse carriage, Gu Yunxi looked at the little guy by her leg and sighed, "Chu Yi, we can't be in a hurry, let's take it one step at a time, and see how she lives or dies?"

  "Waaaah——"

  A low sob seemed to echo Gu Yunxi's words, and she raised her eyes to gaze at the dark-colored door curtain with a piercing stare.

  When they arrived at the Duke's palace, Gu Yunxi and others hurriedly walked towards the main hall. Gong Sunmo was indeed waiting for her. She slightly bowed, "Your Highness, how are you?"

  Gu Yunxi's attire today was extremely simple, and her complexion wasn't as good as it usually was. Gong Sun Mo's eyes gazed deeply at her, "Jingzhao Yi has already sent the case files to the Ministry of Justice, I heard that early this morning, Luo Furen was taken to the Ministry of Justice prison. If you're willing, we can go to the Ministry of Justice prison right now and see Luo Furen. At least listen to what she has to say."

  Gu Yunxi looked at Gong Sunmo with gratitude, this matter was of great importance, she really needed to see Luo Qingyi as soon as possible. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your thoughtful consideration."

  Gongsun Mo's eyebrows were a rare warm and gentle color, "Between you and me, why must we speak of thanks?"

  Gu Yunxi was taken aback, while Gong Sun Mo looked her up and down, "You can't enter the Ministry of Justice's prison looking like that, you need to change your clothes."

  ——

  Gu Yunxue, dressed in a bright brocade changshan, transformed into an extraordinary young man. He followed behind Gong Sunmo, with the demeanor of a guard. Just as they arrived at the entrance of the Ministry of Punishment, Yu Yong was already waiting there. Seeing Gong Sunmo and his entourage arrive, he immediately went forward to greet them, "Your Highness."

  Gongsun Mo nodded, "Can the surrendered prisoners be here?"

  Yu Yong nodded, "The person sent over by the Jingzhao Yi government office this morning is an escaped convict from the case of General Yi twenty years ago. Why does Your Highness pay such attention to him?"

  Gongsun's eyes gleamed with a hint of depth, "This person was taken away at the farewell banquet for Chenglin. If someone with ulterior motives were to make an issue out of this, it would be troublesome. I'm just here to ask about the situation, please have someone open the door."

  Yu Yong is no fool, his words were just a question, but hearing Gong Sun Mo's answer he naturally understood that this matter could only be done for this one reason, and since so, he would certainly not ask another sentence.

  The Ministry of Justice's great prison was as cramped and stifling as Gu Yunxi had imagined, accompanied by a nauseating smell. The dark corridors on both sides were empty cells, occasionally one or two prisoners would appear, and upon hearing the sound, they would rush to the door, the chains on their bodies clanking loudly, without saying a word, only stretching out their hands as if asking what they wanted.

  Gongsun Mo glanced at Yu Yong, who explained, "The ones locked up here are all repeat offenders, basically with sentences of over 20 years. After being locked up for a long time, it's normal for them to stop speaking or even go mad."

  Gu Yunxi's foot had just stepped on the withered grass, her footsteps heavy and paused for a moment. The sound of "ka" echoed loudly in this prison cell. Yu Yong only then noticed this slender servant, who had been serving in the imperial court for many years and was also an official in the Ministry of Punishment. He had long since developed a pair of sharp eyes, and at this moment, he swept his gaze over Gu Yunxi and felt that something was off. Upon closer inspection, his heart couldn't help but be greatly shocked.

  Gongsun Mo glanced at Gu Yunxi and continued walking forward, Gu Yunxi took a deep breath and followed him. When they reached the innermost room, Gu Yunxi saw that white figure again. Lu Qingyi's veil had been removed from her face, and she was sitting quietly on an old stool in the cell, with small black insects crawling around her feet. She seemed not to have noticed them, her gaze falling blankly on her own ankle.

  Gongsun Mo glanced at Yu Yong and said, "If you have any other business, Lord Yu, then go attend to it. I'll just ask the prisoner a few questions and then leave."

  Yu Yong nodded and backed out, Gong Sun Mo looked at Gu Yun Xie's teary eyes and nodded to her before walking further away, only then did Gu Yun Xie shakily call out a sentence, "Mother."

  Softly and shakily, two words came out, and Luo Qingyi's eyes finally stiffened and looked up. When she saw the person clearly, she suddenly stood up, and for a moment, she seemed uncertain. Until she saw Gu Yunxi's sparkling eyes, she let out a low cry. She glanced around to make sure no one was there, then hurriedly quickened her pace towards Gu Yunxi.

  "Xier, how did you come here? Get out quickly, get out quickly!"

  Gu Yunxi grasped Luo Qingyi's hand through the railing, looking at her disheveled hair and sunken eyes. The usually meticulous Luo Qingyi was now rumpled, as if she had changed into a different person overnight. "Mother, tell me, what happened?"

  Luo Qing's eyes were filled with tears, "Xier, it's Mother who owes you an apology, all these years, it's Mother who owes you an apology."

  "Mother, I don't have much time, you must tell me what happened so I can help you, so I can save you. Don't worry, I will never let you die!" Gu Yunxi kept shaking her head.

  Lu Qingyi sighed, "Yun Xi, after all these years, I knew this day would come. Before, I wasn't worried about you, but now I know that even if I'm gone, you'll be fine. It's not easy to save me, Mother doesn't want you to take risks for me. Yun Xi, you still have many things to do, Mother won't hold you back."

  Gu Yunxi's heart ached, the scene in her nightmare flashed through her mind, she stared tightly at Luo Qingyi's eyes, "Mother, don't you understand me? If you don't want to drag me down, then tell me what your identity is, what happened back then, why have you stayed in the Xiang manor for so many years, and whether I am really the second miss of the Xiang manor."

  In the dimly lit prison cell, Gu Yunxi's eyes shone brightly. Luo Qingyi looked at the frail and petite yet determined woman in front of her, hesitated for a long time before finally sighing, "Yunxi, Mother once thought of hiding you in the Xiangfu to let you live a peaceful life, but now it seems that Mother was wrong, Heaven had already destined this."

  Gu Yunxi was taken aback, "Mother——"

  Luo Qingyi looked deeply at Gu Yunxi, "Yunxi, mother is the daughter of Yi's family and also the only one who escaped from Yi's family back then. What mother told you before was true. Mother's father was framed, and the biggest black hand behind the scenes at that time was the imperial father-in-law. Mother knows that after so many years, it's impossible to overturn the case now. You don't have to worry about this matter either. Mother is not afraid of death or imprisonment."

  She paused for a moment, "Back then, Mother handed over the token of the Thousand Riders that I had in my hand to Gu Zhong Zheng. He thus gained the support of Father's loyal subordinates and also provided a place for us to stay at the Xiang Mansion. That's how you and Mother were able to survive until today. Yun Xi, this is all Mother can tell you for now. Don't ask about anything else."

  Gu Yun Xue's mind was piecing together the ins and outs of what Luo Qing Yi had said, when she suddenly lifted her head. "Mother, you still haven't told me whether I'm really the second Miss of the Gu family or not, and about my father..."

  Luo Qingyi saw that the conversation had reached this point, and her eyes changed. "Gu Zhongzheng, how can he be worthy of being your father? Yun Xue, have you forgotten what I told you? Your status is even more noble than Gu Yingxue's. You..."

  "Yún xī!"

  Luo Qingyi's words were not yet finished when Gong Sunmo walked over with a solemn expression, he pulled open the hands of Gu Yunxi and Luo Qingyi that were clasped together. At this side, at the bright entrance of the corridor, a figure was walking in, "I heard that my second brother came to visit the prisoner, I'm really curious, who is this prisoner——"

  Gu Yunxi's face changed greatly, it was actually the Crown Prince!

  The prince had been under house arrest for several days, and he didn't know why he was suddenly able to leave the palace. He also didn't know why he happened to arrive at the Ministry of Justice prison at this time. She took a few steps back and stood behind Gong Sunmo, while Luo Qingyi wiped away the tears on her face, and her expression returned to its usual cold and calm state.

  The crown prince walked step by step closer, seeing the current scene his mouth hooked up, on his refined face not much thought could be seen, Gong Sun Mo bowed down and said, "Greetings to Your Highness."

  Gongsun Changqing waved his hand, letting him get up. Only then did Gongsun Mo say, "Yesterday's matter is probably already known to the crown prince. The qin master was taken away at Chenglin's farewell banquet. After returning to the mansion yesterday, I heard someone report that there were rumors circulating in the room that Chenglin had hidden an escaped prisoner. As soon as I heard this, my anger arose naturally. This morning, I came over to ask you about the whole situation."

  Yu Yong followed the prince into the room, his face originally very serious, but he let out a sigh of relief when he saw Gong Sun Mo's proper response. He took a formal step forward and said, "Reporting to Your Highnesses, the culprit has confessed and is not denying anything. The banquet was attended at the invitation of the Cheng Wang Fu, and the rumors circulating outside are purely fabricated. The Cheng Wang will be leaving the capital soon, and I hope that Your Highnesses will not believe the slanderous words of petty people and cause trouble for the Cheng Wang."

  Gongsun Mo nodded, "Thank you, Your Excellency. My fourth brother's usual behavior is well-known to both me and the Crown Prince, so I'm sure there won't be any issues."

  Gongsun Changqing's eyes swept across Gongsun Mo and Luo Qingyi's faces, nodding with a smile. "This is natural, I heard this woman is the daughter of Yi Xing?"

  Luo Qingyi stood expressionless in the cell, and upon hearing Yu Yong's words, he took a step forward, "Exactly."

  Gongsun Changqing coldly smiled, "In the past, Yi Xing was an unkind official who embezzled military rations. Her daughter escaped for twenty years before being caught, which is a testament to the fact that the law will eventually catch up with you. The Emperor attached great importance to the case of the Yi family back then. Now that such an important fugitive has been captured, have you reported it to the Emperor?"

  Yu Yongyi looked at Gongsun Mo, who also lowered his head, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. This prisoner was just sent over from the Jingzhao Yamen this morning, and I haven't had a chance to report yet."

  Gongsun Changqing glanced at Luo Qingyi, his eyes gleaming with a hint of persistence. "In that case, I'll take care of reporting this case. You, Lord Yu, just focus on preparing for the trial."

  Yu Yong hastily bowed his head in response. Gong Sun Long looked at Gong Sun Mo and asked, "Second brother, is there anything else you don't understand?"

  Gongsun Mo shook his head, "Originally this matter didn't have many doubts, now it's already very clear."

  Gongsun Changqing nodded, "Since that's the case, let's have my second brother accompany me to the palace to report the situation. We can also take this opportunity to tell him about what happened at our fourth brother's farewell banquet. Otherwise, with Father Emperor's temperament, he might think too much into it."

  Gongsun Mo nodded, regardless of what the prince's purpose was this time, and regardless of what he had in mind by letting him follow into the palace, this last sentence still made sense. Gongsun Chenglin was about to leave for the west, and taking over military power was a matter where even the slightest mistake would lead to great error. He couldn't let Gongsun Chenglin leave Yanjing with Lie Di's suspicions.

  The crown prince walked out first, and Gu Yunxi's eyes swept past Luo Qingyi. The latter looked at her with a soothing gaze, his mouth corners carrying a warm smile. Gu Yunxi walked out with heavy footsteps, thinking to herself that she wanted to know what Luo Qingyi hadn't finished saying. Originally, she thought she would have at least one more chance to see Luo Qingyi again, but at this moment, she didn't expect that fate liked to play tricks on people, and the reunion she had been looking forward to came so late.

  Gongsun Changqing's carriage headed towards the palace, and Gongsun Mo naturally followed. He looked at Gu Yunxi with concern, "Don't worry, I'll let you know as soon as there's any news."

  Gu Yunxi nodded, watching Gong Sunmo's carriage follow the prince's carriage as it went further and further away. Her heart was still hanging in suspense, entering the palace meant reporting to the emperor, once Emperor Lie found out about this matter, would he immediately make a decision to execute her?

  Looking back at the cold and stern Ministry of Justice prison, Gu Yunxi couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

  Yu looked far away at Gu Yunxue's figure standing in front of the government office, her eyebrows furrowed slightly as if she was hesitating for a moment. He walked towards Gu Yunxue, "Second Miss, don't worry."

  Gu Yunxi turned around, a bitter smile spreading across his face, "Nothing escapes the eyes of adults."

  Yu Yong hooked the corner of his mouth, "Although I don't know what relationship the people inside the big prison have with the girl, but since His Highness De Wang has stepped out, it shouldn't be difficult to save her life, so please put your mind at ease, miss."

  Gu Yunxi looked at Yu Yong's appearance and furrowed her brow, asking, "In your opinion, Lord Yu, how can the prisoners in this large prison be acquitted?"

  Yu Yong furrowed his brow for a moment, "If Yu Yong is telling the truth, I'm afraid it will disappoint Miss."

  "What does 'Yu Da Ren' mean?"

  Yu Yong's eyes were fixed on him, "If I'm not mistaken, Your Majesty's intention is likely to be immediate execution, and the prince can only beg for his life."

  "The people in prison were because of Yi Xing's corruption and embezzlement of military rations back then, what if the case was overturned?"

  Yu Yong furrowed his brow, "What does the young lady mean?"

  Gu Yunxi's eyes sank, "At the time of General Yi's family case, Lord Yu was probably just a small official in the Ministry of Punishment. Lord Yu should have some impression of the case back then. Doesn't Lord Yu have any doubts at all?"

  Yu Yong furrowed his brow in thought, and his expression gradually turned solemn. "I don't know whether Miss Gu is telling the truth or not," he said. "As for what happened twenty years ago, I've already forgotten most of it. All I know is that our current emperor is a stubborn and suspicious person. Are you certain you want Duke De to take risks to clear your name?"

  Gu Yunxi's heart tightened, but Yu Yong didn't look at her pale face. "If Yu Yong is right, the Emperor will not allow a retrial because this is his imperial authority. Even if he is wrong, he is the Emperor and what he says is right is right. Anyone who dares to challenge him is his enemy."

  Yu Yong paused for a moment and then said, "Does Second Miss know Duke Jing?"

  Gu Yunxi only felt a word flash through her mind, and for a moment, her eyes were fixed, "Is it the Emperor's younger brother, the uncle of King De?"

  Yu Yong nodded, "Respectfully, the King and the current Emperor are born of the same mother, they are extremely close relatives. But do you know why he has not made any achievements in politics for so many years, and even rarely returns to the capital?"

  Gu Yunxi shook her head, and Yu Yong's expression turned serious. "When the Yi family was sentenced to prison, only one person in the imperial court spoke up for them - that person was Jing Wangye. But our current emperor not only didn't listen to his younger brother's opinion to reduce the sentence of the Yi family, but also took away his military power and confiscated his tiger tally, making him a idle prince without any troops or horses at a young age. As a favored son of heaven, who wouldn't want some achievements? Jing Wangye was disheartened back then, and for so many years, he really became like a wild goose, no longer inquiring about state affairs."

  Yu Yunxi felt a chill in her heart, and Yu Yong continued, "This is just a reminder, the specifics are up to Second Miss's intentions. I believe His Highness Duke De will also have his own considerations. However, since Yu Yong has already taken a stand by His Highness's side, it can't be helped but to remind you that Second Miss must not lose sight of the bigger picture because of minor details."

  With a slight pause, Yu Yong lowered his voice slightly, "Besides, as long as the Duke of De is in power, who can't be released? It's better for the second miss to wait patiently for some more time rather than taking risks now."

  Yu Yong looked at Gu Yun Xue's focused eyes and slightly nodded his hand, "Yu Yong has said all he needs to say, the Ministry of Justice still has official business, I will take my leave now."

  Gu Yunxi's mind wandered, her slender figure reflected in the gray and white walls behind her, revealing a sense of desolation. Her mind was filled with Yu Yong's words: "Don't lose sight of the bigger picture because of small things", "Can't let Gong Sunmo take risks". These principles she naturally understood at once, but...

  Why is it that those close to her always end up with bad results?

  Gu Yunxi walked absent-mindedly on the main street, her slender figure in men's clothing blending into the crowd without drawing attention to herself. Two conflicting thoughts battled in her mind: one reminded her not to let emotions cloud her judgment and to prioritize the bigger picture, while the other asked if she could bear to watch her loved ones disappear before her eyes once again, urging her to do everything in her power to prevent it.

  Her eyes, with a hint of emptiness, walked into the surging crowd on the street. The vendors' calls on the streets were endless, and all kinds of voices fell into her ears, but to her, they sounded like a gust of wind, flashing by, an empty void.

  When Wan Qi's carriage passed by the street, he saw a person who seemed to have lost his soul. He slightly moved his eyebrows and shouted for the carriage to stop beside her. Gu Yunxi was walking aimlessly, not noticing the horse and carriage beside her. Wan Qi watched with furrowed brows and waved his hand, and Mu Yan followed him.

  Also don't know how long they walked, Gu Yunxi turned around and looked at him, "Chu Gongzi plans to follow me until when?"

  Wan Xi Chen raised an eyebrow, "A cup of clear tea, I wonder if Miss Gu Er will give me the pleasure?"

  Gu Yunxi suddenly thought of what Gong Sun Chenglin said, that the respected Wang Ye thought Wan Qi Chen's tea art was the best. She slightly hesitated for a moment, "What's wrong with that?"

  She got on the carriage of Wan Qi Xun, and Mu Yan outside didn't ask where Wan Qi Xun was going, but directly drove the carriage forward. Gu Yun Xi looked at this carriage and found it was the one she had sat in before. She couldn't help but think of that night, when he took her away from the Crown Prince's grand wedding banquet at the last moment.

  At this time, Gu Yunxue was much clearer than the night before. She looked at Wan Qi's eyebrows frowning as he meditated with his eyes closed. If there was another incident like last night, would she still let him take her away at the critical moment?

  Gu Yunxi didn't know the answer, but at this moment she still felt absurd. She used to dislike him so much that she wouldn't even bother with him, yet now, in a situation she couldn't bear, she would ask him to take her away. Thinking about it, it wasn't just once or twice, every time in the most critical moment, he would appear.

  Gu Yunxi let out a sigh, she actually started feeling sorry for him, the debt she owed had to be repaid as soon as possible!

  The horse carriage came to a gentle stop, and what Gu Yunxi saw was a simple courtyard with thatched roof. As soon as they entered the gate, a young servant came to greet them. Gu Yunxi roughly looked around their location, which seemed to be somewhere in the west of the city. Inside the separate courtyard, there was an unexpected desolate atmosphere that Gu Yunxi had not anticipated. The snow that had accumulated on the ground for several days had not been swept away, and the withered flowers and trees that had decayed since early spring were scattered all over the place, making the thatched roof look even more bleak.

  Along a corridor, he walked straight into a pavilion. The courtyard was not very large, but the pavilion was in the center of the largest courtyard. The surroundings were originally hung with curtains to keep out the cold, but when Wan Zongchen entered, he had the little servants who brought them in lift them up one by one. A chill came from all sides, and Gu Yunxi looked at Wan Zongchen's body with a frown. "Yunxi isn't afraid of the cold, can Your Highness' body take it?"

  Wan Xi's face didn't show much expression, and at this time he gave her a light glance, tightened the fox fur cloak on his body, and sat down in front of the desk in the pavilion. Gu Yunxi saw that he wasn't responding, raised an eyebrow, and also casually took a seat. As soon as they were seated, a servant came forward with tea utensils.

  Gu Yunxi's gaze fell on Wan Qiuchen, who put down the small stove in his hand and stretched out his hands from under the large cloak to carefully pick out the tea leaves from the teapot. Gu Yunxi looked at the tea and raised an eyebrow - it was Green Plum Tea!

  Wan Zhen's eyes were extremely focused, and he carefully picked out each grain of tea. Gu Yunxi sat across from him, watching as she gazed around the courtyard, suddenly feeling a sense of desolation that seemed to stretch out like the withered yellow fields on an autumn day. When she turned her head back, Wan Zhen had already finished selecting his tea. He didn't immediately brew it, but instead continued to pick out another type of tea from a different small teapot.

  Gu Yunxi furrowed her brow, "What is this?"

  Wan Xi Zhen seemed to be extremely focused, still not speaking, and Gu Yun Xie furrowed her brow, only sitting there without saying another word. Wan Xi Zhen carefully selected two items before starting to brew tea on the small red clay stove. Those slender, pale fingers moved back and forth between the red clay teacups, giving Gu Yun Xie a rare sense of delight. She didn't feel bored at all, just watching like that until the purple sand teapot started emitting hot air, and the gurgling sound inside brought out a clear, distant, and long-lasting fragrance.

  The fragrance is light but not scattered, rich but not greasy, long and lingering like a piano melody that can be played for three days without stopping. Everything is just right, making people feel comfortable and relaxed. As the clear tea water is poured into the green ceramic teacup, Gu Yunxi couldn't wait to pick it up and take a small sip.

  "Be careful!"

  Wan Xi Zhen let out a low cry, but it was already too late. Gu Yun Xue had been scalded by the hot tea at the entrance and her hand trembled violently, unable to even hold onto the teacup. Just as the boiling water was about to spill over onto her wrist, a slender white hand reached out.

  With a "pa" sound, the teacup was flung far away. Gu Yunxi couldn't help but take in a breath of cold air as the tea water splashed onto her hand, and Wan Kuangchen was also not spared.

  Looking at the suddenly bright red patch on her own hand, she then looked at Wan Qi's pale hand and saw a strikingly red mark appear, her voice paused, "You——"

  On one side, Mu Yan looked at the scene with some helplessness and furrowed his brow, but still quickly fetched the ointment. Gu Yun Xi felt a bit defeated in her heart and let out a deep sigh, but Wan Qi Chen handed over the ointment instead.

  Mo Yan poured a cup of tea for Wan Qi Chen, while Gu Yun Xue also poured one for herself. The two looked at each other, and Gu Yun Xue showed a hint of apology, but Wan Qi Chen's expression was helpless. He refilled Gu Yun Xue's teacup and placed it in front of her before picking up his own cup and taking a light sip.

  Gu Yunxi's hand was not only scalded, but also the corner of her mouth was scalded. At this moment, it was red and swollen. Even Mu Yan, who was on one side, couldn't help but smile when she saw it. Wan Xi Chen's face was expressionless, but his mouth corners were slightly raised. Gu Yunxi felt suffocated in her heart, and the faint tea fragrance at the tip of her nose made her dislike this quiet atmosphere even more.

  "Cheng Wang had once said that Jing Wangye told them that Chu Wang's tea art was the best, he didn't believe it at first, but if he were here today, he would surely be convinced."

  Wan Xi Zhen's eyebrows rose at her words, as if he had thought of something. "Miss Gu seems to be not good at tea art."

  Gu Yun Xi's eyes gazed into the distance, "Because we don't often drink tea there——"

  The terrain of Western Xia is remote, and the climate is not suitable for tea cultivation, so people there rarely drink tea. However, she is Gu Yunxi now, born and raised in Yanjing. This statement was still wrong, as Wan Qizhen's eyebrows furrowed, and Gu Yunxi's mouth twitched, "What I meant to say is that I've never learned the art of tea."

  This pulled the corner of her mouth, and Wan Xi Zhen finally hooked the corner of his mouth. Gu Yun Xi looked at the tea in front of him that had cooled down a bit before picking it up and taking a light sip. "Your Highness still hasn't told me, besides this plum tea, what else did you put in?"

  Wan Xi shook his head, "If I told you, then the best tea art wouldn't be mine."

  Moody and unpredictable Wan Xi Chen would say something that would make Gu Yun Xue slightly surprised, she sipped her tea while saying, "Your Highness invited Yun Xue to drink tea today just for the sake of drinking tea?"

  Wan Xi's subconscious frown, "Miss thinks there is something?"

  "Your Highness, if your memory is still good, you should recall that I once held a hairpin to your throat. Now we sit at the same table drinking tea together. The world is indeed unpredictable."

  He put down the teacup in his hand and looked around at where he was, "This courtyard is very desolate, but I never let anyone sweep it. The young lady just asked me a question and I didn't answer, it's just that a good cup of tea requires using one's whole heart and energy to brew, if you're not focused, you can't make good tea."

  He paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the courtyard. "Whenever I feel anxious and restless, I sit here and have a cup of tea. The city of Yanjing is full of luxury and extravagance, but it can't compare to this desolate and wild place in calming my mind. If I had a choice, I would rather live in a place like this every day."

  Gu Yunxi looked around at the desolate scene, then lowered her head and took a light sip of tea. Her tightly furrowed brow slowly relaxed, "I once said that Your Highness's convalescence was also a matter of nursing one's heart. Now it seems I was wrong, for Your Highness's thoughts are far more tranquil than those of ordinary people."

  The corners of Wan Xi's mouth curled up, "Perhaps it was because this body had been worn out since childhood, so Wan Xi could only temper his heart to be stronger, otherwise, how would he have lived a good life for over twenty years?"

  Gu Yunxi's eyes flickered slightly, and she lifted the teacup to take a small sip. The air around her was filled with a chilling intent, but as the clear and fragrant tea entered her mouth and flowed down her throat, it seemed to warm her heart and lungs.

  The horse carriage went all the way to the Gu's residence, and as soon as it came into view, the horse carriage slowly stopped. Wan Xi Chen looked at the back of Gu Yun Xue getting off the carriage and suddenly said two words, "Jiang Hua."

  Gu Yunxi turned back and was taken aback, "What?"

  Wan Xi's eyes gleamed with a deep, mysterious light, "There was something else in the tea just now."

  "Ginger flower." Gu Yunxi murmured these two words, her eyes suddenly shining brightly. She raised a smile and looked at Wan Qiuchen, "Today, thank you."

  Wan Xi nodded slightly, and Gu Yunxi jumped down from the carriage. However, just as she landed, a figure in white clothes walked out of the Xiang Mansion, who was none other than Gong Sun Mo.

  Gu Zhong was following behind Gong Sun Mo as they left the mansion, and when he saw Gu Yun Xie return, his face lit up with joy. However, his gaze immediately became fixed on the small horse carriage with the crimson top hat, "This..."

  Gu Yun Xi looked at the two people leaving the mansion and slightly froze, "Wang Ye?"

  Gongsun Mo's gaze fell faintly on the horse carriage behind her, "Where did you go?"

  Gu Yunxi slightly opened her mouth, but due to the scald on the corner of her mouth, she felt a bit uncomfortable. Gong Sun's eyes swept over and saw the slight swelling on the corner of her mouth, his eyes deepened. Gu Yunxi turned around to look at the carriage behind her, "Go to Cheng Xi."

  Gu Zhongzheng only felt that Gong Sunmo's aura was slightly strange, and immediately said, "Yun Xi you're finally back, you left Chu Yi at the De Wang Fu, the king sent it over as soon as he returned from the palace, don't you hurry up and thank him."

  Gu Yunxi's eyebrows rose, and just as Gu Zhongzheng finished speaking, Chu Yi appeared at the gate of the mansion. The little wolf cub let out a "yip" and ran towards Gu Yunxi, who smiled slightly, thinking that the cub would jump into her arms. However, just as she crouched down slightly, the white shadow suddenly leapt over her and pounced on the carriage behind her.

  Gu Yunxi's body paused in a half-crouching position, and all she heard was Mu Yan's surprised cry of "Master" behind her. However, Wan Qi Chen inside the carriage did not show the surprise and panic that Gu Yunxi had imagined, but instead only heard Wan Qi Chen's calm and cold voice slowly uttering two words: "Nothing's wrong."

  Gu Yunxi turned around, and a strange color flashed in her eyes.

  ——

  Digression

  I wonder if everyone has started to be curious about the female lead's origins. Actually, I made some simple hints at the beginning of the article. The female lead's true origins will not be revealed until the second volume, so don't worry. Someone mentioned the emperor's uncle, actually, I think he is a passerby... Of course, it's possible that he'll make a good impression later on... Actually, I haven't even thought about when he'll appear yet... Oh dear...