Chapter 41 Who's Helping Her (Major Revision Required) Bai Xingzhi from outside the palace...
Upon hearing this, Gu Xi tried her best to stop her tears, wiped them away, and got out of Xiao Heng's arms.
She needs to see her brother tonight, and she can't have red and swollen eyes; he'll worry.
Seeing that Gu Xi had stopped crying, Xiao Heng released her, gave a few instructions to Zhao Fuquan outside the door, and then sat back down on the couch.
"Aren't you angry with me anymore?" Xiao Heng raised his hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
Gu Xi buried her head in Xiao Heng's arms and hummed in agreement.
After Gu Xi calmed down, she suddenly remembered what he had just said. She looked up at Xiao Heng and asked with slight trepidation, "Does Your Majesty intend to meet my brother with me?" He had just mentioned a family banquet.
"Hmm, I can't see him?" Xiao Heng asked, frowning.
"No..." Gu Xi blushed. She just felt that his actions would make their relationship seem very close, like a married couple meeting the wife's family.
"What is that?" Xiao Heng asked, puzzled.
Gu Xi shook her head: "It's nothing." The blush on her face became even more obvious.
Xiao Heng stared at her suspiciously, noticing that her face was flushed crimson, even her ears were red, making his heart itch with desire.
He's been missing her terribly these past few days, and now she's still seducing him like this!
His Adam's apple bobbed up and down. He couldn't hold back any longer, so he pressed her down on the couch and leaned in to kiss her. Gu Xi reacted quickly and quietly responded to him.
The ambiguous sounds and atmosphere flowed in the air, and Xiao Heng felt like he was about to burst into flames.
He suppressed the urge and released her, but his gaze remained fixed on her.
Gu Xi slowly sat up, slightly out of breath. She hadn't applied lip rouge today, but her lips were still rosy from being kissed. Her clothes were half-open, and her hair was disheveled. Her peach blossom eyes looked at him innocently, which was indescribably alluring.
Xiao Heng suddenly stood up, opened the door and went out, then slammed the door shut behind him.
Gu Xi was still in a daze. After she came to her senses, she quickly tidied her clothes and hair.
About an incense stick later, Xiao Heng returned. Gu Xi looked at him in surprise, thinking he had already left.
"Your Majesty? I believe..."
"Don't speak!" Xiao Heng said in a hoarse voice, trying to stop her. The fire he had finally managed to suppress was about to be reignited by her soft voice.
Gu Xi lowered her head in grievance, not daring to utter another word. She had no idea what had happened. Why was he suddenly angry? Wasn't he just coaxing her? Was it because she didn't cooperate well when he kissed her? But she couldn't bring herself to ask him.
Seeing her expression, Xiao Heng knew he had frightened her. He sighed. He hadn't expected that he would have to be a virtuous man like Liu Xiahui when facing her now.
But when he thought of that unpleasant experience, and feared she wasn't ready, he didn't dare touch her.
He explained, "I'm not angry, I just..." How could he tell her that he just...
"Your Majesty, this servant has something to report." Zhao Fuquan's voice rang out at the opportune moment.
"Go in." Xiao Heng's previous surge of passion gradually subsided.
“Your Majesty, when I went to inform General Gu, the Sixth Prince happened to be there as well,” he said, glancing quickly at Xiao Heng, “and said he wanted to join us as well.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Heng's eyes darkened, and he then took Gu Xi's hand, saying, "Granted. Since he is my sixth brother, it's perfectly acceptable for him to attend this banquet." He squeezed her hand and asked casually, "Don't you think so?"
Gu Xi nodded.
She didn't understand why he asked her that question. Perhaps it was out of respect for her? Although Xiao Che and she had grown up together since childhood, she was naturally closer to Xiao Heng. Therefore, it was not inappropriate for her to attend the family banquet as his sixth brother.
Xiao Heng sat for a while longer, then remembered that there were still many political matters to attend to, and said to Gu Xi, "I will return to the Imperial Study first, and come to pick you up later."
Gu Xi nodded.
As Xiao Heng rode in his palanquin, he asked Zhao Fuquan beside him, "How's the investigation going?"
"Your Majesty, we have found the person who stole Consort Gu's belongings. It was a maid named Cailian. She had contact with a eunuch in the laundry department, but when I found the eunuch, he had just died, and I couldn't get anything out of him."
"Okay, keep investigating." He didn't believe they couldn't find the person behind this.
"As for the person who helped the Empress, we haven't found anything about him," Zhao Fuquan said cautiously, glancing at Xiao Heng's expression as he spoke, afraid that the Emperor would blame him for his incompetence.
Xiao Heng frowned and asked, "Did that palace maid surnamed Mu ask as well?"
"I asked, but Miss Mu insisted that she didn't know who that person was. She said she was tied up in a room and questioned, and there was a screen between them. Later, that person only left a message in the room and left. She didn't know who that person was." This matter was being investigated behind Consort Gu's back. The Emperor also instructed that Mu Yunke should not be tortured, so he couldn't be sure whether Mu Yunke really didn't know or whether that person taught her to say that.
Xiao Heng closed his eyes, pondering the truth of those words.
"Your Majesty, there is one more thing..."
"explain."
"This servant went to deal with Su Hong from the Imperial Hospital as you instructed, but when we found him, he was already dead. They said he accidentally fell into the river and died," Zhao Fuquan continued.
He originally intended to secretly eliminate Su Hong. Regardless of whether Gu Zhaoyi was framed or not, her reputation would be damaged once the news got out. Unexpectedly, she died before he could even make a move.
"Was it done by the Su family?" Xiao Heng asked, frowning.
"It doesn't look like it. This servant went to the Su family to check. Su Hong's death was horrific. Most of his body was gone. It looked like he was deliberately killed in revenge."
"Alright, I understand."
Xiao Heng leaned against the palanquin and frowned.
Gu Xi, was it done by the person who helped you? Who exactly is he? How could he be one step ahead of me?
Why are you unwilling to tell me?
*
At night, Xiao Heng led Gu Xi into the banquet hall of Qianqing Palace.
As soon as she entered the banquet hall, she saw Gu Xiao rise from his seat to greet her. She broke free from Xiao Heng and ran a few steps toward Gu Xiao. Just as she was about to run toward him, she suddenly remembered that this was the main hall and many people were watching, so she stopped, smiled happily at Gu Xiao, and softly called out, "Brother."
Gu Xiao nodded and returned her a smile.
Xiao Heng walked to her side, took her hand again, and sat down on the throne.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"No need for formalities, rise."
Xiao Che and Gu Xiao took their seats one after the other.
Gu Xi had already begun to secretly observe the Qianqing Palace after taking her seat. This was her first time here, and she couldn't help but take a few more curious glances.
"No rush, we can take our time later." Xiao Heng suddenly whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling the back of her ear, making her shrink back uncomfortably.
Xiao Heng couldn't help but smile, glancing casually at Xiao Che as he looked up.
Xiao Che was clenching his fists, his knuckles turning slightly white, and his bloodshot eyes staring at the two people on the throne.
Just as the imperial kitchen had served the wine and dishes, Zhao Fuquan suddenly came to announce: "Your Majesty, the Left Prime Minister says he has important business to discuss and is currently outside the palace."
Xiao Heng pondered for a moment, then said, "Summon him in."
Upon hearing this, Gu Xi was about to get up when she said, "Your Majesty, I would like to excuse myself for a moment."
Xiao Heng pressed her down and said, "No need."
A moment later, Gu Xi watched as Bai Xingzhi walked towards her from outside the hall. His sleeves fluttered, his steps were slightly hurried, but his face showed no sign of anxiety, remaining as calm and composed as ever.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities, Minister Bai. What is it you wish to report?"
"Your Majesty, I have just received a secret report that the floods in Chanzhou are severe. The dikes on both banks have been destroyed. However, due to local officials embezzling disaster relief funds, the situation is now out of control. I have come to request Your Majesty to depart for Chanzhou tomorrow to deal with this matter."
As Gu Xi listened to his detailed account, she thought to herself that he was indeed as rumored, fearless of corrupt officials and concerned for the people. With him in the prosperous country, it was a blessing for the people.
Xiao Heng looked at Bai Xingzhi intently for a moment, then said, "Granted."
After Bai Xingzhi heard the request granted, he looked up and his eyes met Gu Xi's for a moment.
Gu Xi hadn't expected to see Bai Xingzhi again in such a situation. She actually wanted to thank him sincerely for saving her and helping her, as she feared she wouldn't have the chance again. However, fearing it would arouse Xiao Heng's suspicion, she could only nod slightly at him and then avoid his gaze.
Bai Xingzhi glanced around, as if only then realizing the situation, and apologized, "I was unaware that Your Majesty was hosting a banquet here. I apologize for disturbing Your Majesty's enjoyment."
Xiao Heng said casually, "It's alright. Since you're here, let's have a meal together. Please have a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Bai Xingzhi bowed respectfully.
Xiao Heng suddenly lowered his head and asked Gu Xi, "Do you know Minister Bai?"
Zhao Fuquan thought to himself, "His Majesty always likes to ask questions he already knows the answer to."
Gu Xi's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. Just as she was about to explain, Xiao Che suddenly spoke up, "Your Majesty, before Xiao Xi entered the palace, she fainted on the street once and was saved by Xingzhi. I know about this." He was worried that Xiao Heng would misunderstand the relationship between Gu Xi and Bai Xingzhi and be put in a difficult position, so he hurriedly explained on her behalf.
"I have also heard my father mention this matter," Gu Xiao replied after a moment's thought.
"Oh?" Xiao Heng looked up at Bai Xingzhi and said, "So you are Gu Xi's savior."
"Your humble servant is unworthy of such praise."
Xiao Heng suddenly looked down at Gu Xi and said, "Your body isn't good; you faint easily." As he spoke, he pulled her close, placed his large hand on her slender waist, and gently squeezed it.
Gu Xi blushed with embarrassment at his words and glared at him.
He chuckled softly.
Gu Xi ignored him. Since he already knew, she took this opportunity to formally thank Bai Xingzhi.
Gu Xi carefully chose her words before speaking: "To my shame, after that incident, I entered the palace and have never had the opportunity to formally thank Lord Bai."
"Your Majesty is too kind." The tone was indifferent.
Gu Xi raised her wine cup and said, "Then Gu Xi will toast Lord Bai here to thank him for saving my life." Not only hers, but also Mu Yunqi's; she believed Bai Xingzhi would understand her meaning.
Just as she finished speaking and was about to drink it all in one gulp, Xiao Che suddenly stopped her, saying, "Xiao Xi, you can't drink!"
Seeing this, Bai Xingzhi remembered what the doctor had said about her old ailment, so he raised his cup and drank it all, saying, "Your Majesty, please drink as you please."
Gu Xichao nodded to Bai Xingzhi, then looked at Xiao Che, smiled slightly, and said, "It's alright, Brother Che, just a little bit."
"Xiao Xi!" Xiao Che called out anxiously, his tone resolute, as her health was not suitable for drinking!
Gu Xi paused for a moment. She knew Xiao Che meant well and was about to put down her wine cup and drink tea instead when Xiao Heng suddenly said to her, "It's alright. If you get drunk, I'll take you home."
Gu Xi looked up at Xiao Heng, feeling hesitant. She had never drunk alcohol before and had always wanted to try it, but her parents and brother wouldn't let her. She had just forgotten that it was Xiao Che who reminded her.
She turned to look at Gu Xiao at the table and tentatively asked, "Brother, may I drink?" Her voice was full of anticipation.
Gu Xiao nodded in agreement. They hadn't allowed her to drink before because she was still young and her heart condition hadn't fully healed, but now that she seemed to be in good health, an occasional drink wouldn't hurt.
After receiving an affirmative answer, Gu Xi's lips curled up slightly, and even the fingertips holding the wine glass couldn't help but twitch up slightly with joy.
She held the cup up to her, wrinkled her nose to smell it, took a small sip, smacked her lips to savor the taste, and then frowned.
Xiao Heng took in her various expressions, and asked with a teasing look in his eyes, "How is it? Is it good?"
Gu Xi nodded, then shook her head, muttering softly, "It's a little spicy..." and a little bitter too.
She saw her father and brother drinking happily at home and assumed it must be delicious.
Xiao Heng couldn't help but chuckle softly and said, "Give her some fruit wine."
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Author's Note: Chapters 40-42 have been completely revised. Both the author and the male lead were possessed in the previous chapters, almost causing their characters to collapse. For those who have read them, just consider it a dream the female lead had. [Laughing and crying with facepalm]
I apologize to my readers; the author's skill is limited, please forgive me.
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