Chapter 90 Willing to Share the Worries
The woman had gentle features, and her attire today was exceptionally simple compared to the two times we had only met. Her hair was styled in a double-stranded, serpentine bun, and her face was lightly powdered. As she walked from afar, her skirt fluttered, giving her an elegant and refined air, like a white orchid in a secluded valley.
Yes, it looks familiar.
"Madam Cui".
The young man gave a curt reply and turned to leave. Cui Shenxiu was slightly surprised, then quickly followed, her demeanor gentle and humble:
"Your Majesty, please wait. I apologize for my intrusion, but I have been preoccupied with a matter that has been weighing on my mind, causing me great unease, and I have no choice but to come and report it."
Yan Dibai frowned slightly and gave her a look that said, "Say it."
“A while ago, a young man who called himself ‘Fang Bai’ came to Xichun Hall,” she said cautiously, her eyes lowered.
"Young Master Fang inquired about the superior quality of Astragalus membranaceus. His demeanor was exceptional, and his insights into the medical profession of saving lives were extraordinary, unlike those of an ordinary visitor. I, Shenxiu, was unable to witness this in person at the time, and afterwards, I always felt I had neglected this distinguished guest. Now, having seen His Majesty's countenance, I find his bearing and demeanor somewhat similar to that of the young master I remember… Therefore, I venture to ask, Your Majesty, if you have heard of this person? If that young master is someone close to Your Majesty, or if Your Majesty yourself has a need, Xichun Hall is willing to offer the best medicinal materials from its storehouse. I, Shenxiu, am also knowledgeable in medicine and can make up for my oversight that day."
Yan Di raised a white eyebrow:
"Fang Bai? I've never heard of that name before."
He denied it outright, then his tone turned slightly somber, carrying a hint of pressure, "Does Lady Cui think that I resemble someone of unknown origin?"
This counter-question completely denied the purchase of medicine by Xichuntang that day, and also accused Cui Shenxiu of making unfounded speculations about the emperor.
Choi Shin-soo's eyes darkened instantly, and she feigned fear:
“Shenxiu dares not. Your Majesty’s bearing and appearance are beyond compare. It is Shenxiu’s fault for being blind. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”
“However,” she softened her tone, “whoever that young man is, Shenxiu and Xichuntang’s willingness to serve His Majesty remains as clear as day. His Majesty and the Empress have just arrived in Jiangzuo, and may not yet be fully familiar with the local customs. The Empress is young and at the age where she enjoys talking and playing. Shenxiu has no other talents, but he is very leisurely and also likes to chat.”
Yan Dibai then seemed interested: "Oh? Madam Cui holds an important position, yet she has such leisure time?"
"But the governor's mansion is not easily entered or exited. Isn't Lady Cui afraid that Lord Wang will become suspicious?"
Seeing that he was becoming more reserved, Choi Shin-soo smiled and presented his prepared remarks at the opportune moment.
"Shenxiu is not talented. He grew up with Shuniang and is a frequent visitor to the governor's mansion. He is not a particularly remarkable person."
The boy didn't answer immediately, as if he were pondering for a while, before suddenly saying subtly:
"Is this Madam Cui's idea, or... Mr. Xun's idea?"
Cui Shenxiu's breathing became slightly labored, and then he heard Yan Dibai click his tongue:
"To be honest, I haven't had a chance to use Mr. Xie Xun's Tranquilizing Incense Pills yet. I wonder if these Tranquilizing Incense Pills are more effective, or if the medicinal herbs from Xichuntang are even better?"
Cui Shenxiu immediately said:
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. This matter is entirely in Shenxiu's best interest. My uncle has been recuperating for many years and rarely gets involved in worldly affairs. Although Shenxiu is not powerful, he has been managing Xichun Hall for several years and has never liked to get involved in disputes within or outside the clan. Shenxiu is confident in his connections and abilities to make this decision."
Yan Dibai remained noncommittal, merely observing her as if assessing the practical value of an object. After a moment, he said calmly, "I understand Lady Cui's intentions."
He neither accepted nor rejected it.
Despite her attempts at both explicit and implicit suggestions, nothing could sway the young man. A long-forgotten restlessness stirred within Cui Shenxiu; her delicate brows furrowed, and she couldn't help but take a step forward:
"His Majesty!"
Yan Dibai frowned.
"When Shenxiu was young, he entered the palace with his family and saw His Majesty once from afar outside the Xianning Hall. At that time, His Majesty stood on the white jade steps, his demeanor was extraordinary, like the rising sun. Shenxiu still remembers it vividly!"
Seeing him suddenly stop, Choi Shin-soo's heart eased slightly, and he said firmly:
"Shenxiu wishes to share Your Majesty's burdens."
His tall, slender figure slowly turned around. However, there was no trace of emotion on his face.
Those extremely dark eyes, with a calmness bordering on cruelty, scanned her from head to toe. His gaze finally settled on the carefully chosen moon-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) she wore, lingering there for so long that Choi Sin-soo felt as if he had stripped her of all her clothes and left her naked before him.
Just as she was being forced to lose her gentleness by this silent oppression, Yan Dibai suddenly chuckled very softly.
"Does Madam Cui know that this is just a poor imitation?"
Cui Shenxiu's face turned pale. "Your Majesty?"
"As for outside Xianning Palace..." Yan Dibai drawled, his phoenix eyes full of disdain, "I vaguely remember that I was in a bad mood that day and had a palace maid who had offended the imperial carriage beaten to death. What, did Lady Cui see that pool of blood at my feet that hadn't dried yet? Is that why it's so unforgettable?"
Choi Shin-soo was so shocked by the ferocity in his words that he almost lost his balance, and all the color drained from his face.
Yan Dibai took in her momentary fear, and the mocking smile on his lips deepened.
"I have received your sentiments." The young man's tone returned to its initial indifference.
"Now that you've come to offer your pledge of loyalty, if you don't do your best, I'm powerless. Besides, the past is the past; what I want... is the future."
He walked briskly, leaving her behind.
Choi Shin-soo stood frozen in place.
Yan Dibai strode into Yunshui Courtyard with a cold and sharp demeanor. The moment his gaze fell upon the figure staring blankly at the silk shoes under the pavilion, the annoyance that had been growing in his heart due to the pretense and politeness strangely subsided.
He stopped every few steps. It was as if Yang Liuqing sitting there could calm all his chaotic thoughts.
Qingqing looked up when she heard footsteps.
Her gaze swept over Yan Di's pale face; his expression was calm and composed, devoid of yesterday's anger. Qingqing felt a sense of relief. Her gaze then shifted downwards, landing on his slightly disheveled clothes, a result of his brisk pace.
"Wang Du is looking for you?" She spoke first again.
However, this time, apart from a slight lingering embarrassment, there were no other emotions.
There was no shyness, no anger.
She doesn't remember last night.
But he remembered. Yan Dibai was inexplicably displeased and did not answer her almost pointless greeting. He glanced at her hemp shoes with a less-than-friendly look.
"Why wear these tattered shoes when you already have a new pair?"
His voice was a little strained, "Don't they fit?"
Impossible. He clearly secretly compared them more than ten times, and the sizes matched every time.
Qingqing pursed her lips: "They fit perfectly."
"…material?"
"……very good."
"color?"
"...It looks good too."
The exchange was dry and lifeless. The atmosphere, which had just begun to break the ice, veered off course again. Yan Dibai suddenly squatted down, a movement that startled Qingqing, causing her to shrink back. Without a word, he reached out and pulled off her hemp shoes, grabbing her silk slippers, his fingertips touching the instep of her foot. The brocade was slightly cool, beneath which lay her warm skin.
A tingling sensation shot up her body. Qingqing stiffly tried to pull her foot back, but he held it firmly through her shoe.
“Yang Liuqing,” Yan Dibai’s gaze was domineeringly fixed on her face, and he deliberately pinched the inside of her ankle hard with his fingertips, “Look at me.”
Qingqing winced in pain; the new shoes were already firmly on her feet, and she was forced to meet his gaze.
"What... are you doing?"
A blush crept onto Yan Di's fair face, her gaze darting around erratically. "Let's... make up."
Qingqing: "???"
She gasped, racking her brains for a moment, before finally saying, "Didn't we make up last night?"
The fact that the two of them are avoiding each other is a kind of tacit understanding.
Yan Dibai choked, grinding her teeth: "You don't understand... never mind."
He cleared his throat. "These shoes were a gift from the governor's mansion. I think they're alright. It saves me from wearing coarse hemp every day and ruining my perfectly good feet, which would be embarrassing."
Qingqing: "..."
Looking at his bright red ears and then down at the obviously expensive shoes on his feet, Qingqing's unease suddenly dissipated.
"It must be very expensive."
After entering the governor's mansion, Wang Du sent over a batch of silver ingots. However, neither of them could leave the house, so they had nowhere to use them and they just left them there. It's unclear how Yan Dibai managed to use them to buy shoes.
"...I already said it was Wang Du who gave it to me!"
Qingqing smiled and said softly, "Thank you."
“Oh…” Yan Dibai stammered, and suddenly pink bubbles appeared in front of her eyes.
"From now on, you can wear whatever you want. Take whatever you need here, and if you don't have something, just tell me, and I'll give it to you. Don't force yourself like before, understand?" He cleared his throat, very seriously.
Qingqing kept her head down, feeling a warm glow inside: "Mmm..."
That soft "hmm" was incredibly sweet. Yan Dibai, having just tasted the sweetness of the night, felt her heart flutter at the sound of that "hmm," and forced herself to remain calm as she stood up. Her gaze drifted to the lake, catching just the fleeting ripples and the unnatural swaying of the water plants.
The warmth on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a cold voice: "Get out here."
Almost as soon as he finished speaking, three burly men sheepishly crawled out of the hidden dog hole one after another, with a few strands of water plants still clinging to their bodies.
"Your Majesty..." Li Si's dark face turned purple as he scratched his head, "I...I really came here to report on my duties! I just found this waterway, and I...I didn't see anything..."
Qingqing touched her nose, smiled, and greeted them. Wang Wu coughed a few times, pushed aside the lake stone, and took out an oil paper package:
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Empress, this is the medicine we found in Xiangdong Garden. This thing... seems quite familiar."
The news of the new empress spread far and wide, and the men quickly changed their minds. Qingqing, however, felt a chill run down her spine upon hearing this.
She actually preferred to be called a royal attendant.
After inspecting the items, Yan Dibai said seriously, "Come inside and explain in detail."
-
Meanwhile, Cui Shenxiu stood frozen in place until Yan Dibai's figure completely disappeared before he was momentarily dazed.
"Shenxiu? What are you standing here for?" Wang Shu came from the garden and took her arm.
Cui Shenxiu snapped out of her reverie and forced a gentle smile: "I suddenly remembered that there are some urgent matters at the shop. Shuniang, I must take my leave today."
She subtly broke free from Wang Shu's grasp, almost running away.
Upon returning to Qinyuan and stepping into her own courtyard, Cui Shenxiu's carefully maintained facade finally crumbled completely. She frantically ripped off her hair and changed into her usual elaborate silk robes.
Seeing her like this, the maid was too frightened to utter a single word. It was Cui Shenxiu who calmed down and said:
“Burn all these colorful dresses from the past few months, leave not a single one.”
The maids busied themselves nervously for a while. They carried half a wardrobe of brand-new moon-colored dresses into the fire, and soon they were charred black. They couldn't help but sigh at the waste.
Seeing this, Cui Anjing turned and went into the inner room.
The fragrance of the medicine had just dissipated. Cui Xun leaned back on the couch, his complexion rosier than usual.
“My lord,” Cui An reported in a low voice, “Seventeenth Sister is back… and seems to be in a bad mood.”
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