Chapter 46 Why did he think of her again?

Why haven't you seen me by 9:00 AM?

It was already broad daylight; there was no way Yunxi would wait until now to escape.

Therefore, it must have been an earlier time.

Chen Shi (7-9 AM)? Yin Shi (3-5 AM)?

If it were earlier, around midnight, then almost eleven hours would have passed since then.

Did she choose to run away on his wedding day?

She actually dared to run away?

He wanted to bring her back immediately, chain her up, and keep her by his side, wherever he was.

She dragged all the people she cared about to her and slaughtered them all.

Let's see what she still has in mind.

Doesn't she think she's a master of martial arts? She always uses her mediocre skills to do whatever she wants.

Once he cripples her skills, she'll be like a cat without claws, unable to stir up any more trouble.

She could only obediently stay by his side.

There's no escaping it now.

For a few breaths, Xiao Shenjing did not move, not even blinking.

The anger in my chest had clearly reached my throat.

The angrier he became, the calmer his expression remained.

In the deathly silence, Dao felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

It felt like being tightly gripped by an invisible hand.

It makes one feel short of breath.

To Dao Yi's surprise, Xiao Shenjing was not angry this time, nor did he punish him. He calmly waved his hand and said, "I know. Suppress this matter."

In the instant his reason returned, Xiao Shenjing suddenly felt extremely annoyed.

Yunxi is so ungrateful; he's never been one to stay at home, and he doesn't deserve a single ounce of my energy.

As the ruler of the world, he could have any woman he wanted.

She was just a commoner orphan girl.

Dao Yi's mouth dropped open at the sight of "Your Majesty's" reaction.

However, he soon felt completely at ease.

This applies to Yunxi, and also to his master.

Yunxi's fiery temper is like a wildfire; the Forbidden City cannot contain her.

Forcing things will only backfire and cause harm to both sides.

The constant anxiety had left even a strong and muscular man like Dao Yi exhausted.

After handing over the reins to Dao Er, he went back to rest early.

Inside the sleeping quarters.

The flickering candlelight illuminated Cen Yuwei's face, a face so delicate and pitiful that it seemed to blush with shame.

But Xiao Shenjing remained completely unmoved.

But a smile played on his lips as he considerately removed Cen Yuwei's headdress and let her long black hair fall down.

As she lay down on the bed, her cheeks growing hotter, he said, "Let's go to bed. You've had a long day."

"Brother Yin'an?" Cen Yuwei blinked, seemingly not understanding.

Xiao Shenjing had already turned around.

That night, as if to make amends to Cen Yuwei, Xiao Shenjing lay down on the same bed with her fully clothed. Although they seemed close, there was a clear distance between them on the bed.

Not a single drop of dirt touched his robes.

According to ancestral custom, the eunuchs on night duty were required to use a golden plate to collect the shoes and shoes that the emperor and empress had taken off, symbolizing "growing old together in harmony".

Just as the eunuchs were kneeling to take the shoes, Xiao Shenjing stopped them.

Cen Yuwei pursed her lips, wanting to do something several times.

However, the upbringing they received from childhood did not allow it.

Finally, unable to withstand the exhaustion any longer, he fell into a deep sleep.

When she woke up the next day, Xiao Shenjing was no longer in the room.

She blinked, and subconsciously reached out to touch the pillow, only to find it ice-cold.

It was so cold that it felt as if no one had ever slept on it.

"Brother Yin'an," she said dejectedly, shifting her body and resting her face on the now-cold pillow.

Although Xiao Shenjing suppressed the news, Aunt Xueyu already knew that the Emperor and Empress had not consummated their marriage the previous night when she came in.

Seeing that her mistress looked unwell, Aunt Xueyu waved the people away and said in a low voice, "The laundry department reported that Yunxi ran away the night before last."

"It ran away?" Cen Yuwei's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes, she probably left the palace long ago," Aunt Xueyu nodded and said. "Moreover, His Majesty did not send anyone to investigate her whereabouts."

“” Cen Yuwei.

Aunt Xueyu: "It is clear that Yunxi has lost His Majesty's heart. Therefore, Your Majesty, you are now the head of the six palaces and His Majesty's empress. Now that the dust has settled, His Majesty's affection for you will only grow deeper."

These words cheered Cen Yuwei up.

After getting up in the morning, Cen Yuwei finished washing and dressing, and Xiao Shenjing pushed open the door and entered.

"Husband," Cen Yuwei called out hesitantly with a smile on her lips.

The word "husband" made Xiao Shenjing pause in his steps.

He seemed a little disoriented by the suddenness, but he quickly recovered and asked, "We're going to pay respects to our ancestors soon, would you like to rest a little longer?"

“No need.” Cen Yuwei immediately shook her head. “The auspicious time cannot be delayed.”

After performing the sacrificial rites, Xiao Shenjing went to the front hall to attend court.

Now that Cen Yuwei is the Empress, she naturally has to go to Kunning Palace to meet with the ladies of the court.

The morning light at dawn pierced through the eaves of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and the court was so quiet that one could hear the tinkling sound of the twelve jade beads clashing together.

The young emperor sat upright on the dragon throne.

Her face was radiant, like the moon rising over Dong'e.

Such a beautiful face is truly stunning.

With the emperor and empress newly married, discerning courtiers naturally wouldn't bring up anything that might cause them unhappiness.

The cabinet members bowed and said auspicious words: "Your Majesty, we congratulate you on the successful completion of your wedding. The dragon and phoenix bring good fortune! The 'Letter of Congratulations to the Empress' has been copied and distributed throughout the land. This year, the grain transport will be changed to use the new canal gate, which is a perfect omen of 'water carrying good fortune'."

The Minister of Rites also said with a smile: "The Court of Imperial Sacrifices has chosen an auspicious day, and at the hour of Si (9-11 AM), the Imperial Edict for the Grand Wedding will be issued at Chengtian Gate, granting amnesty to the whole country, reducing taxes, and rewarding the elderly over eighty with silk. In addition, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau reported that last night's celestial phenomenon of 'the sun and moon in conjunction' is indeed proof of the Emperor's virtue moving Heaven."

The sun and moon unite.

Xiao Shenjing suddenly remembered the inkstone that Congtou had given him at Yunxi's tomb.

That was a Duan inkstone that Yunxi had traveled a long way to obtain, even while covered in wounds. The edge of the inkstone was engraved with the inscription "The sun and moon shine together".

The inkstone pool is like the moon, and the inkstone surface is like the sun.

The sun and moon shine together.

Sitting high above, Xiao Shenjing suddenly lowered his eyes, suppressing the cold light in his phoenix eyes.

Why would he think of her again?

Inside the cabin, Yunxi opened her eyes while hugging the blanket.

I tensed up for a moment when I saw the completely unfamiliar environment.

I suddenly felt like I was still in that ruthless palace where people were devoured without a trace.

When she heard the sound of the waves, she finally realized that she had escaped from the palace.

She couldn't help but smile, and her whole body relaxed.

She lay lazily in bed for a while longer.

They didn't get ready to leave the house until they were starving.

Wait until she opens the door.

The boy, Abei, who lived next door, also came out and greeted him, "Young Master, you're up."

Yunxi, remembering that she had changed her appearance, coughed lightly and nodded in a deliberately low voice, "Mm."

"Then go and bring breakfast."

Yunxi nodded.

She took the opportunity to walk around the deck and get some fresh air.

Looking out at the distant green mountains and clear waters, and then at the vast blue waves, one can only feel that the scenery there is as beautiful as a painting.

I feel extremely happy.

Next, she couldn't wait to go find Xu Yuansi.

When they parted ways in the capital that day, she had told him to go to Shamao Street in Chengdu to find a Shenwu Escort Agency.

Several months have passed, and she doesn't know if he's still waiting for her. Even if he isn't, he should at least leave her some clues to find him. So, she has to go and see him no matter what.

She returned to her cabin while thinking about it.

Seeing that Ah Bei had already efficiently arranged the food.

"Let's eat together, Abei," Yunxi invited.

"Thank you, young master, but no need. I've already eaten," Ah Bei replied humbly.

Seeing him like this, Yunxi couldn't help but think of Fan Zishi.

Without his help that day, she would have had a hard time escaping the heavily guarded Forbidden City. Moreover, having been enslaved by Xiao Shenjing, it would have been even more impossible for her to obtain a travel permit to leave the capital smoothly.

Having nothing of value, she struggled to even get a full meal after escaping the palace.

Fan Zishi arranged everything perfectly.

He even took the onions out of Kyoto.

Since escaping, Yunxi has never mentioned Fan Zishi.

It would be a lie to say that I didn't resent him back then.

She trusted him so much.

After traveling around, her resentment and hatred towards him had long faded, since they were not related by blood.

Since we'll never see each other again, I've treated them like strangers in my heart.

I never expected to receive his kindness again.

Yunxi silently finished the food in her bowl.

Ah Bei obediently tidied up the dishes and chopsticks, and before leaving, he said to Yun Xi, "Young Master, we will arrive at the dock in half an hour."

"Okay, I understand." Yunxi nodded.

On the way away from the capital, Abei disembarked at every dock and frequently changed boats with her.

Upon hearing that she was going to Chengdu, they immediately arranged the fastest route for her.

Now, they are heading to the post road on the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains to Xi'an, then through Hanzhong, and finally to Chengdu.

Abei didn't mention Fan Zishi at all during the entire interview.

It was as if all of this had nothing to do with him, or rather, he didn't want her to care.

But the more this is the case, the harder it is for Yunxi to truly not care.

She really hates owing favors.

I still owe a favor to someone who has decided to cut all ties with me.

After disembarking at the ferry, Abei asked, "Young master, the journey is long, shall I rent you a carriage?"

Upon hearing this, Yunxi immediately shook her head and asked, "Can you ride a horse?"

Abei was a trained martial artist, but Yunxi still asked a question out of concern.

Even though she was now outside the capital's territory, she was still uneasy. She wished she could leave the north immediately and never set foot there again.

Ah Bei immediately replied, "Yes, young master. I'll go rent two fast horses."

We hurried along until it got dark.

Yunxi didn't care at all about missing the post station.

I traveled all over the country with my adoptive parents when I was a child, and I was used to being covered by the sky and the earth.

She quickly found a sheltered spot, started a fire, then shredded the dried beef into small strips and cooked it with steamed buns in a hanging pot, adding lard and salt.

Soon, the aroma of the food wafted through the air.

She ladled out a bowl and handed it to Xiao Bei, but the steam from the edge burned her fingers. She hissed and hurriedly touched her ear.

Xiao Bei quickly took it, and said somewhat nervously, "Young Master, next time, please let me do this kind of thing."

"It's no big deal," Yunxi said with a smile and a wave of her hand.

During the meal, I saw Yunxi sitting by the fire eating with relish. This simple meal was completely different from the exquisite food in the palace.

Xiao Bei couldn't help but say, "Young Master, you can stay in the city for one night tomorrow."

"Xiao Bei, I want to go to Rongcheng as soon as possible." She smiled at him, her eyes crinkling.

I can't wait to run farther and farther away.

They found joy even in eating in the wind and sleeping in the open.

Since Yunxi cooked the meal herself, she naturally didn't clean up.

After dinner, she crossed her legs, lay on the mattress, and gazed at the night sky through the gaps in the leaves.

It was late October; the moon was like a silver hook, and the stars were few and far between.

A thin mist slowly rose.

She recalled what Fan Zishi had said at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

She suddenly asked, "Xiao Bei, where is Lord Fan?"

Xiao Bei was a household servant kept by the Marquis of Jiangyuan.

He was sent to be trained as a secret agent from a young age, hiding his identity, and did not grow up in the Marquis's mansion.

"I don't know where Lord Fan is." Xiao Bei shook his head. "My mission is to escort you, young lady. I will obey your every command."

"Has it never been mentioned again?" Yunxi couldn't help but ask again.

"No." Xiao Bei shook her head firmly.

Fan Zishi did not want to take advantage of the favor.

Although she really has no way to repay this favor now.

After all, if she were to show her face, it would only bring trouble and disaster to Fan Zishi.

She plucked a foxtail grass and put it in her mouth.

The world is vast and the future is long; one day she will have the opportunity to repay this favor to him.

Suzhou, inside the county government office.

"My lord, what's the situation?" Chen Da handed the carrier pigeon to Fan Zishi, and seeing that he hadn't spoken for a long time, he couldn't help but ask.

"The plan is going smoothly; Yunxi has already escaped from the capital." Fan Zishi handed the strip of cloth to Chen Da.

Chen Da took it, examined it carefully, and finally asked, "What is the master worried about?"

Fan Zishi frowned, walked to the window, looked at the waning moon hanging high in the night sky, and said, "His Majesty has not sent anyone to investigate Yunxi's whereabouts."

"Isn't this better?" Chen Da couldn't understand.

Fan Zishi slowly shook his head, his brows furrowing deeper. "That's not right."

On the day he left the palace, Xiao Shenjing deliberately had Yunxi come to see him dressed in the style of a beauty, clearly as a reminder and a warning.

As a man, Fan Zishi naturally understood his meaning and also understood the dignity of an emperor.

Even if Xiao Shenjing didn't like Yunxi, he would definitely send someone to bring her back in order to maintain the dignity of the royal family and the emperor.

But he didn't do that.

Why?

Is it because he suddenly had a change of heart and wanted to let Yunxi go, or does he hate Yunxi and not want to see her again?

But if he truly hated Yunxi for murdering the emperor, he was ultimately only punished with twenty strokes of the cane and sent to the laundry department.

Fan Zishi tightened his grip, unwilling to think any further.

"Yunxi is going to Chengdu next. It's a long journey. Have our people provide careful support." Fan Zishi paused, then added, "Keep a close eye on the movements in the capital. Notify me if there's any sign of trouble."

He clenched his fist, determined not to let Yunxi catch him again this time.

Otherwise, she would face the emperor's wrath, and even more unpredictable consequences awaited her.

The Imperial Palace.

The candle weeps, the cold wind howls.

"Your Highness, it's time for you to go to sleep," Aunt Xueyu urged as she pushed open the door.

"Cough cough cough," Cen Yuwei rested her chin on one hand and tilted her head to ask, "Aunt, did my husband really not summon any other concubines to serve him tonight?"

“Your Majesty, no.” Aunt Xueyu shook her head and said firmly, “When the palace maid came to report just now, His Majesty was still discussing state affairs in the East Warm Pavilion.”

The East Warm Pavilion was where Xiao Shenjing reviewed memorials and summoned his officials.

The concubines in the imperial harem must never cross the line without being summoned.

Cen Yuwei remained silent for a long time before saying, "In the past, Yunxi could enter and leave the East Warm Pavilion."

Aunt Xueyu opened her mouth, but then swallowed her words.

“My husband and I have been married for three days, but we have not yet consummated our marriage. I wonder what the concubines are laughing at me behind my back.” Cen Yuwei smiled and coughed a few times before sitting up straight and saying, “Tomorrow I will go to see my husband and have breakfast with him after he finishes court.”

Once upon a time, Yunxi could openly dine in the Qianqing Palace, so why couldn't she, as the head of the six palaces, do the same?

Aunt Xueyu nodded. "That's very good. I'll send someone to tell the concubines that they don't need to come to pay their respects tomorrow morning. They should say that you will be having breakfast with His Majesty."

This way, the concubines in the various palaces would know their own status.

The next day, after Xiao Shenjing finished his court session, Cen Yuwei had been waiting in the side hall for a long time.

"My lord, I would like to dine with you today," Cen Yuwei said with a gentle smile after bowing gracefully.

Xiao Shenjing had no objection to such a trivial matter.

However, when he changed into his court robes, dressed properly, and came out from behind the screen, he was stunned when he saw the slender figure standing by the table wearing a light coral-colored brocade dress.

For a fleeting moment, the scene felt so familiar that it reminded him of someone else.

That face he had deliberately forgotten suddenly surfaced in his mind without warning.

Yunxi!

At that moment, the young emperor's face suddenly darkened.