In the lively private room, everyone else seemed to have returned to normal. Chu Huaixu also suppressed his emotions, grabbed a handful of melon seeds, and began to eat them with great interest.
He even kindly fed Song Ting a few seeds, teasingly saying, "If you ever stop being the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you could sell roasted nuts and seeds; your skill in peeling melon seeds is unparalleled."
Although he didn't know the connection between peeling melon seeds and selling roasted nuts, Song Ting was happy as long as Chu Huaixu praised him.
Moreover, perhaps because he had won the argument, Huai Xu lowered his eyes and smiled.
Song Ting had always known that his master was very handsome, especially when he smiled. Whenever Huai Xu smiled at him like that, he would immediately let down his guard and surrender.
Even knowing it was fake, a trap, something the other party was putting on, he was still willing to sacrifice everything for it, even his life, which he used to value most.
He unconsciously took Chu Huaixu's hand and placed a gentle kiss on the other's palm: "Mmm."
A strange emotion flashed across Chu Huaixu's eyes. The wolf before him was clearly a fierce beast, yet it always managed to shed its ruthlessness and wag its tail to fawn over him. It was as if it was willing to live and die for him.
But of course, that's not the case.
All of this is just an illusion.
Chu Huaixu smiled coldly and withdrew his hand.
Beside him, Dong Maolin picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip, his fingertips tapping rhythmically on the back of the chair.
Gu Yi lowered her head, looking completely lost and dejected.
On the stage, the man in the phoenix coronet and embroidered robe removed his red veil, knelt face to face with his beloved man, and bowed to heaven and earth.
On and off stage, each has their own joys and sorrows.
...
It was quite late when the play ended, and the carriage from the Dong residence was parked at the gate, so Dong Maolin left first.
Gu Yichao bowed and said, "Lord Song, Young Master Huaiyue, my carriage is just ahead. If you don't mind, would you like to ride with me?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Gu, but it's not necessary," Song Ting said calmly.
Although the two served in the same court and were both deeply trusted by the young emperor, their relationship was distant. Gu Yi was a man of integrity, while Song Ting was a treacherous minister who brought chaos to the court. They were not on the same page and could not work together.
It was quite a coincidence that we were able to attend a play together today.
Therefore, Song Ting's refusal was actually within Gu Yi's expectations, and he did not insist much: "In that case, I will take my leave first. It is late at night and the dew is heavy, so please be careful on your journey."
Despite saying this, he remained rooted to the spot, his face showing a hint of hesitation and an awkward expression.
Following his gaze, Song Ting noticed the painting in her hand.
"Does Lord Gu want this?" Song Ting raised his hand. Gu Yi looked even more embarrassed and bowed to Song Ting again, "Although it is presumptuous, may I ask the Commander if you would be so kind as to part with this painting and give it to me?"
If it were anyone else, Song Ting would have refused without a second thought, but the person in front of her was the Second Young Master's old friend. Song Ting didn't know what Huai Xu meant, so she subconsciously looked at him.
The next moment, Huai Xu also looked at him, even grabbing his arms with both hands, and said with a smile:
"Such a thing is always a hot potato to hold. If this gentleman is not afraid, then it is better to give it to him. I do not want to lose my life because of this."
These words were really unpleasant to hear, and even the good-tempered Gu Yi was a little angry, looking at Chu Huaixu with a red face.
Song Ting calmly stepped between the two and handed the painting to the other party: "If Lord Gu likes it, then please give it to him."
Having received the painting, Gu Yi's expression softened slightly. After thanking him a few times, he left.
Before leaving, she glanced back at Chu Huaixu, a hint of displeasure in her eyes. She was probably still bothered by Chu Huaixu's words.
Chu Huaixu chuckled softly. Song Ting, puzzled, looked at him with some confusion.
"It's nothing, I just find it a bit funny. If my father were still alive and found out that his three sons might all be homosexuals, he would probably die of anger on the spot."
Song Ting: "..."
The two walked to Qingfeng Residence and naturally walked back. As soon as they reached the entrance, Xiao Wu greeted them: "My lord."
Song Ting unconsciously frowned: "What is it?"
“Someone from the palace arrived about an incense stick's time ago. The Empress Dowager… I’m afraid she’s not going to make it.”
The Empress Dowager's condition was already precarious, and it worsened day by day after she returned to the palace. The reason she was able to hold on until now was entirely due to Wang Guanghe's use of silver needles to expel the poison, coupled with Song Ting's internal strength.
But this wasn't a long-term solution, and eventually, the day came when all the oil was used up and the lamp was extinguished.
Chu Huaixu twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing a strange smile, then turned and went back into the house. Song Ting followed him.
The steward had prepared hot water in advance, and as soon as the two masters returned, he very astutely ordered someone to send the bath tub to Huaixu's room.
Song Ting handled all matters concerning Huai Xu single-handedly, rarely relying on others. As usual, Song Ting served Huai Xu as he took a bath.
The Empress Dowager is dying, which should be a cause for celebration, yet the two remain silent, the only sounds in the room being the rushing water and suppressed breathing.
Song Ting felt uneasy because of the Empress Dowager, and he couldn't help but think of the Gu poison in Chu Huaixu's body.
November is almost here, time is flying by, but there is still no progress on Yan Qingshan's side.
It was as if a sharp blade was hanging over Song Tingxin's heart, waiting for the day it would suddenly fall and rip out his heart.
The only saving grace is that Huaixu looks no different from usual, except that he is thinner and still can't eat much, but his spirits are much better than when he was sick before.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to serve Huaixu a bath every night, he had seen the mark on the other's chest, which was not yet dark red.
This relieved him somewhat and made him even more certain that the poison in the other person's body was planted after he came to Chang'an—Chu Huaixu had a secret connection with certain people hiding in the shadows.
Who is the person behind this, and how are they communicating? Song Ting pondered this matter day and night.
He dared not gamble with the safety of Huaixu; he had to find out who was behind it as soon as possible.
"What's wrong? Are you saddened to hear that the Empress Dowager is dying?" Chu Huaixu's thin lips curled into a cold smile.
Knowing that he was in a bad mood today, Song did not want to worsen their relationship, so she said directly, "No, I don't care about the Empress Dowager's life or death."
Unfortunately, Chu Huaixu didn't believe him at all, so Song Ting didn't argue anymore.
"The Empress Dowager won't live past these two days. According to the rules of the Dayan royal family, I should stay in the palace for the next few days. Xiao Wu and Qi Zhou will stay in the mansion. If there's anything you need, just tell them to do it."
"What if they can't do it? Or..." Chu Huaixu leaned lazily against the bathtub, turning halfway to expose his snow-white chest to Song Ting.
With a smile, he gently placed his palm on Song Ting's face, stroking her with utmost tenderness, "How have you missed me, my lord?"
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