Chapter 34: Eat the melon and eat your own head
As soon as the third gong sounded at the hour of Yin, the life-threatening wails tore through the thin layer of silence before dawn in the imperial palace, as if someone's Kitchen God had been stuffed into a bellows.
[Ahhhhhhhhhh… Help! The inhuman Nangong family is abusing my sister-in-law!!! I need to go back to sleep… Woohoo~ Nangong Ye, your fiancée is going to die from being abused by your eldest brother!!!]
This voice was full of energy and extremely penetrating, wrapped in thick sleepiness and extreme grievances, and rolled along the palace wall like sparks and lightning, accurately pouring into the ears of every courtier who was yawning, shrinking his neck, and moving towards the Golden Palace.
Everyone paused in unison, their faces revealing a complex expression of numbness and habit, as if it were "here we go again." Then, they quickened their pace in tacit understanding, wishing they could run as fast as possible and quickly hide in the hall that symbolized order and majesty.
At the palace entrance, Nangong Ye, dressed in a dark princely robe, was already waiting. Standing tall and straight like a pine tree, his handsome brows etched with a knot of unwavering distress. He stared longingly at the bright yellow sedan chair being carried by four sturdy eunuchs, swaying along the way as complaints of "abuse" continued to emanate from within.
The curtain of the sedan chair was lifted by the head palace maid Xiaolian with a bitter face. A young girl, wrapped like a silkworm chrysalis, with only her rosy sleepy face exposed, was carefully carried out by Nangong Ye. It was none other than the lucky princess Dongfang Yuning, who had arrived before her.
As soon as his feet touched the ground, Dongfang Yuning immediately felt like he had lost his bones and was about to slide to the ground. Nangong Ye was quick-witted and quick-handed, and with his long arms, he half-hugged him firmly in his arms. Dongfang Yuning buried his furry head in the crook of his neck, and tears came to her eyes, instantly spreading a small dark spot on the expensive python robe. His voice was nasal, and he was so aggrieved that he could squeeze water out of it:
"Brother Aye...I'm sleepy...my brother-in-law is bad...I want to sleep..."
Nangong Ye felt as if someone had pinched his heart hard, making it sore and tender. He patted her back carefully, his voice so low that no one else could hear it:
"Ning'er, bear with it for a while. I'll send you back to bed right after the court is over, okay?"
If there hadn't been a lot of eyes gathered at the entrance of the hall, he really wanted to pick the person up and coax him.
"Ahem!"
A majestic cough came from the hall, carrying an unquestionable reminder.
Nangong Ye's body stiffened slightly, and he sighed helplessly. He lowered his head and whispered something quickly in Dongfang Yuning's ear. Then he half-supported and half-carried the little ancestor who was staggering with every step and couldn't even open his eyes, and placed him on the unique "special seat" not far from the bottom of the dragon throne - a luxurious little rosewood stool covered with thick snow-white fox fur.
After settling his fiancée, Nangong Ye stood up and glanced at her head which was nodding like a chicken pecking at rice, the doting in his eyes almost overflowing.
He raised his hand and rubbed a strand of hair on her head that had curled up due to sleep with a very natural movement. Then he turned around and walked with steady steps towards his position as Prince Yong, which was at the forefront of all the officials.
His back was still straight, but his steps seemed a little lighter than usual.
Emperor Nangong Yu sat upright on the dragon throne, the jade beads hanging from his crown tassel swaying slightly, hiding the mischievous smile that flashed across his eyes.
He glanced at the sleepy figure huddled on a luxurious little stool below him, curling himself up into a ball, trying to resist the whole world, and thought to himself:
My sister-in-law looks half-dead. It seems she'll need to rely on the melon field to stay awake for today's court meeting. I wonder if there's any new news from your family today that could be used to accompany this morning's porridge?
Dongfang Yuning felt as if his eyelids were as heavy as a thousand pounds, and his head seemed to be filled with paste. No matter how comfortable the luxurious little stool was, it could not withstand the tremendous pain of being forced to turn on the computer at Yinshi.
Just before her consciousness was about to sink into chaos, a lively voice with a slightly electronic texture that only she could hear made a crisp "ding dong" sound in her mind, forcibly pulling her back from the brink of collapse.
[Master Host! Master Host! Wake up! It's dawn, time to eat melons!]
System 118's voice is full of the unique vigor of a working class.
Today's spiritual food has been loaded. What would you like to eat? A bland family affair, or a steamy, spicy insider scoop on the rich and powerful? Or... maybe some of Yueji Pavilion's latest sales report to cheer you up?
When this sound came out, it was like dropping a depth bomb on the calm lake surface.
Inside the Golden Throne Hall, the entire court, once standing as solemnly as clay sculptures or wooden carvings, suddenly felt an invisible force collectively flick a switch. With a swish! Rows of black gauze hats sank in unison! The movements were perfectly coordinated and well-trained.
The civil officials wanted to bury their heads in the wide front of their court robes, while the military generals tried hard to fix their eyes on the tips of their shiny boots, on which a unique and rare flower suddenly bloomed.
The air in the entire hall suddenly froze, and one could hear a pin drop. Only a silent, collective prayer frantically scrolled across the screen:
[You can't see me! You can't hear me! I have nothing to do with the melon field and plum tree! Please don't point my name! Please don't point my house! May our ancestors bless you!]
Nangong Yu sat upright on the dragon throne, his mouth curling up in a barely perceptible arc beneath his crown. He watched with fascination the spectacular yet comical spectacle of everyone cowering below him. His inner villain had already prepared a bench and grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds.
[Tsk, this reaction is even more coordinated than my roll call. It seems my sister-in-law's 'voice broadcast' is still as powerful as ever.]
His eyes swept over the figure on the small stool, his anticipation high:
[Quick, let me see where this appetizer is from today?]
Dongfang Yuning was forced to turn on her computer by System 118. Her mind was still blank, but the three words "Yueji Pavilion" flashed in her chaotic consciousness like a weak electric current. She muttered in her mind in a daze:
[Yueji Pavilion…small clothes…small underwear…boudoir pajamas…hmm? Wait!]
She shuddered suddenly, and her half-closed almond-shaped eyes suddenly widened! The look in her eyes was like a cat that had been hungry for three days and suddenly saw a big, lively fish. In an instant, it burst into an astonishing light, and the sleepiness was swept away, leaving only the blazing, pure and passionate fire of gossip!
【Tongzi! 】
Dongfang Yuning screamed silently in his heart, and was so excited that he sat up a little straighter on the small stool.
[That's it! Quick! Get me the real-time sales data for Yueji Pavilion's small clothing! Especially the names of the ladies who bought special styles! Let me see which wives are leading the boudoir fashion trends today!]
Her eyes were bright and shining, with the excitement of unlocking an amazing treasure. She glanced at the heads below who were desperately lowering their heads. She could see through their black hats and see the beautiful scenery deep in their mansions that was not known to outsiders.
The entire court, civil and military officials, shuddered collectively under that gaze, as bright as a searchlight, and lowered their heads even lower. An ominous premonition, like a thick fog in late autumn, quickly enveloped the entire Golden Palace.
[Okay! Host, please wait, the data is being transferred! Zizi—]
System 118's voice was filled with excitement,
[The latest sales data for Yueji Pavilion's 'Bouzhong Confidante' series has been obtained! Wow, host, these sales are booming! It seems that all the ladies are willing to spend a lot of money for the pleasure of the boudoir! Wow, the comments are even more exciting!]
Dongfang Yuning was greatly inspired. He sat upright on the small stool, his eyes brightening astonishingly, and he was almost rubbing his hands:
[Quick, quick, quick! Pick out the key points! Pick out the thoughts that will tear the main character apart on the spot!]
[Yes, sir!]
The electronic tone of System 118 suddenly rose in pitch, with a deliberate, incomparably clear broadcast tone. The voice was extremely penetrating, resounding precisely in Dongfang Yuning's mind. Like an invisible sound wave, it fiercely struck the hearts of every courtier who pricked up their ears (although pretending to be dead on the surface)—
Best-Seller: No. 1 "Butterfly Love Flower" Lace Sheer Bow Tie Open Crotch Pants! Made from premium natural silk with gold embroidery.
The mechanical voice of System 118 was calm, but every word was like thunder.
Purchaser: Mrs. Liu Zhang, from the residence of the Minister of Personnel, Lord Liu! Quantity: Three pieces! (Note: Please ask the shopkeeper to instruct your husband to open the seal personally to fully appreciate the contents.)
“Puff—cough cough cough!!!”
In the dead silent hall, the short and violent cough of Lord Liu, the Minister of Personnel, was like a thunderclap out of the blue, which scared him to death!
He suddenly raised his hand and covered his mouth tightly. His well-maintained square face instantly turned purple, veins on his forehead bulged, his eyes almost popped out of their sockets, and he looked in horror in the direction of the small stool under the dragon throne, as if some prehistoric beast was lurking there.
The shoulders of several of his colleagues around him began to shake violently and suspiciously, and their faces were distorted as they tried so hard to hold back their laughter.
Dongfang Yuning laughed so hard in his heart that he fell down:
[Hahaha! Madam Liu is so impressive! She opened the package herself? That note is so soulful! Master Liu, at his age, still knows how to have fun! Hahaha! Tongzi, next!]
[No.2——'Jungle Hunter' leopard print silk deep V suspender nightdress (extended and widened custom version)!]
System 118 continued to broadcast in that flat yet extremely lethal voice.
[Purchased by: General Zhao Tiezhu's wife, from the residence of General Weiwu! Quantity: One! (Note: Leopard print battle robe, please size up! Also comes with a small, sturdy whip of the same style!)]
"Bang!"
There was a heavy metallic crash! The mighty General Zhao Tiezhu's massive body suddenly lurched, his footing unstable, and his heavy boots slammed heavily onto the golden brick floor, making an ear-piercing sound.
His face, dark and toughened by the wind and sand at the border, was now like a dyeing factory, changing colors unpredictably, red, white, and purple. He subconsciously reached for the sword at his waist, as if looking for something to support his weak legs. His eyes glanced around in panic, not daring to look at anyone, especially in the direction of the small stool.
He felt that the gazes from his colleagues behind him were more piercing than the enemy's arrows!
【Hahahaha! 】
Dongfang Yuning almost fainted from laughing on the small stool.
[Biggest size! Leopard print battle robe! And a small whip?! Madam Zhao is going to counterattack! Commander~ Hurry! Next one! Don't stop!]
Nangong Yu, perched on the dragon throne, his mouth curled wildly beneath his imperial crown, his shoulders trembling from the effort of suppressing laughter. He lifted the teacup from the imperial desk and, concealed by his wide sleeves, took a deep gulp, barely suppressing the laughter welling in his throat. This melon is quite potent! It goes well with rice!
[No. 3—'Fragrant Sleeves' Retro Bellyband Series, 'Mandarin Ducks Playing in the Water' Style! Purchased by: Mrs. Zhou Li, the wife of Lord Zhou, Left Censor of the Metropolitan Censorate! Quantity: Two! (Note: The material must be the softest and smoothest, the color must be the brightest and most vibrant, and the mandarin ducks must be embroidered vividly!)] System 118's report continued.
Lord Zhou, the Left Censor-in-Chief, a leader of the censors known for his sternness, strictness, and severity, suddenly stiffened! He lowered his head, his expression invisible to others. Only his clenched fists trembled violently within the sleeves of his wide crimson robes, his knuckles white with clenching, as if crushing bones.
His once straight spine seemed to hunch slightly, as if bearing a tremendous weight. The air around him froze. Several colleagues who were usually on good terms with him and knew his reserved nature well had complicated looks on their faces, wanting to laugh but not daring to, and mostly filled with disbelief and astonishment.
This old man Zhou's house... actually has such "refined tastes"? Those mandarin ducks playing in the water... everyone felt their worldviews were shaken to an unprecedented level.
[Tsk tsk tsk!]
Dongfang Yuning watched with great interest.
I never expected this! Old Master Zhou usually has a stern face, but the lady in the mansion is so interesting? 'Mandarin ducks playing in the water'? And the most beautiful and hottest? Hahaha, Tongzi, keep exposing!
No. 4—'Lotus Blossoms Every Step' Gold Bell Anklet (with a matching bell waist chain)! Purchased by: Mrs. Qian Sun, the wife of the Minister of Revenue, Lord Qian! Quantity: One set! (Note: The bell must be crisp and melodious, ringing with walking and even more so with waist movement!)
Minister Qian, already somewhat chubby due to his responsibility for finances, suddenly shrank like a popped balloon! His already drooping head seemed almost buried in his chubby belly. Beads of sweat instantly rolled down his temples, pattering onto the polished gold brick floor, spreading a small dark patch.
He felt the countless teasing glances piercing his back like thorns, wishing he could dig a hole right there and then and crawl into it. Should he walk loudly? Should he move his waist even louder? Madam! You're killing me!
No. 5—'Imperial Concubine Emerging from the Bath' Gauze Bathrobe (covers key areas only)! Purchased by: Madam Zheng Wangshi, from the residence of Minister Zheng, a doctor in the Ministry of Rites! Quantity: One! (Note: I want the kind that becomes... barely visible when wet!)
The young Doctor Zheng's face turned pale as paper, and his body swayed. He only managed to avoid collapsing on the spot thanks to the subtle support of his colleagues next to him.
His eyes were fixed, his lips trembling, and he couldn't utter a single word. Disappearing? Wet? This... this was outrageous! He had already seen his usually dignified and virtuous wife wearing this thing... Doctor Zheng's heart was pounding, and his vision was black.
No. 6 - 'Peach Ripe' Peach-Colored Full-Set Underwear (Includes Cooling Gel for Special Areas)! Purchased by: Mrs. Qin Wu, the wife of Master Qin, a Bachelor of the Imperial Academy! Quantity: One set! (Note: The peach color must be the softest and most juicy, and the gel must be the coldest and most cooling!)
Qin Xueshi, a model of integrity, felt a surge of hot blood rushing to his head! He suddenly raised his hand to support his forehead, his body swaying as if he was about to faint.
The softest, most juicy peach? The coldest, most refreshing gel? Refreshing? The Master of the Imperial Library's mind was blank, with only these two words on an endless loop, overwhelming him.
The entire Golden Throne Hall was now filled with an extremely eerie atmosphere. A mixture of suppressed laughter, desperately suppressed gasps, the soft sound of dripping sweat, and the pervasive feeling of shame that made one wish they could die right there.
Nangong Yu, sitting on the dragon throne, was almost hurt from holding back his laughter. He pinched his thigh tightly to prevent his laughter from bursting out. Wonderful! So wonderful! My sister-in-law's melon shed is the most productive force in this dynasty!
At this moment when "demons are dancing wildly" and everyone is in danger, Dongfang Yuning's gaze, like a precise probe, with a hint of malicious cunning, slowly and firmly swept towards the figure at the front of the civil service queue with white hair and beard, but still as straight as an ancient pine tree - the prime minister of the dynasty, Li Gang.
This veteran of three dynasties was highly respected and virtuous. Even the emperor had to show him some respect. But at this moment, he had a stern and calm face, his eyes looking at his nose and his nose looking at his heart, as if all the noise and shame around him had nothing to do with him and he was detached from it.
[Huh?]
Dongfang Yuning sighed softly in his heart.
"The old Prime Minister is so calm? This shouldn't be the case... His wife was a famously fierce beauty in her youth... Master, focus on investigating the Prime Minister's residence! Especially Madam Li's orders! This princess doesn't believe he can remain unscathed!"
[Received! Retrieving orders related to the Prime Minister's Mansion... zizizi...]
System 118's electronic voice carried a subtle hint of gloating.
[Aha! Found it! The host is brilliant! Madam Li from the Prime Minister's Mansion personally visited the Yueji Pavilion headquarters yesterday at 3:15 PM and lavishly purchased a custom-made 'Phoenix Flying' gilded hollowed-out bellyband with matching underpants!]
Made of tribute-grade brocade, inlaid with 108 oriental pearls and embroidered with a phoenix pattern in gold thread, it's the height of luxury! (Note: I want the glitteriest, brightest, most dazzling thing to that old man! Let him know what it means to be truly 'still sharp'!)
Dongfang Yuning: [Poof!!!!]
She almost choked to death on her own saliva, and a terrifying laugh erupted from her heart.
[The brightest and brightest? Dazzling the old man's eyes? Hahahaha! Still sharp as a knife? Madam Li is so impressive! Even at her age, she still has such ambitions! Old Prime Minister, your determination is truly impressive! Let's see how much longer you can hold on!]
She tried hard to suppress the laughter that was about to burst from her throat, and her eyes were fixed on the old prime minister's seemingly calm face, full of anticipation for watching a show.
The entire court of civil and military officials seemed to sense that some kind of storm was about to befall this leading figure. The atmosphere became even more subtle, and countless eyes glanced secretly and nervously towards the prime minister's position.
Nangong Yu, sitting on the dragon throne, also noticed his sister-in-law's overly "fierce" gaze on the old prime minister. His heart skipped a beat, and a strong sense of foreboding arose. He subconsciously straightened his back, and his eyes under the crown became sharper, staring closely at the old prime minister.
At this moment, the flat electronic sound of System 118 once again resounded through Dongfang Yuning's mind like a cold verdict, and also like thunder exploding in Nangong Yu's heart.
[Ding! Special related consumption records detected! ]
System 118's voice suddenly rose in pitch, filled with excitement about "making big news."
The Yueji Pavilion's top-tier custom-made 'Begonia Under the Moon' silk nightgown (the same style worn by Empress Dongfang Qiwu) from the 'Luanfeng Heming' series was secretly purchased by the Fengyi Palace's head maid using the Empress's personal seal at 5 p.m. the day before yesterday.
Dongfang Yuning's eyes widened instantly:
[The Queen?! She also...?]
An indescribable excitement seized her.
【Key data is here! 】
System 118 speaks very fast.
[Confirmed by system backend real-time monitoring and item energy fluctuation feedback: This 'Begonia Under the Moon' silk nightgown was declared scrapped at 11:30 yesterday at midnight! Cause of scrap analysis: Physical tearing, primarily concentrated in the shoulder straps, front placket, and back waist. The residual energy map shows... Tsk, Your Majesty was quite emotional at the time!]
Dongfang Yuning: [!!!]
She suddenly covered her mouth to prevent the earth-shattering "Fuck!" from blurting out! Her eyes widened wider than bells, and she turned her head slowly and incredulously. Her gaze was like two physical searchlights, shining directly at the emperor's brother-in-law who had just been watching with great interest on the dragon throne!
System 118's report continued, with a kind of cheerful "watching the fun and not minding the trouble" vibe:
Even more interesting, according to the latest Fengyi Palace 'Palace Rules' update: Due to the nightgown damage incident, Emperor Nangong Yu was awarded a 'Three Days Alone in the Study' gift package! The Empress personally wrote: Cultivate your character! I hereby order! Hahaha! Host, this melon is guaranteed to be ripe! Guaranteed to be sweet! Guaranteed to be explosive!]
Boom——!!!
Dongfang Yuning felt as if her mind were filled with a string of firecrackers going off at a rate of 100,000, exploding like a thousand! She was completely blown away! "Torn apart!" "Scrapped!" "Emotionally agitated!" "Sleeping alone in the study!" "Cultivating one's character!" These words swirled and collided wildly in her mind, forming a series of images that made her blush and burst into laughter.
The look she gave Nangong Yu was filled with unprecedented shock, sympathy, and... an uncontrollable gloating that was about to burst through the sky!
“Puff—cough cough cough!!!”
This time, the earth-shaking coughing sound that could no longer be suppressed did not come from any minister, but from the supreme dragon throne!
Emperor Nangong Yu was like being struck on the top of his head by an invisible nine-day mystical thunder. His whole body trembled violently, and the tea he had just taken a drink was not wasted at all, but sprayed all over the memorial spread out on the imperial desk with the ink still wet!
His handsome face flushed crimson instantly, all the way to the base of his neck. The color was even more vibrant than Lord Liu's purple! The jade beads on the crown tassel clattered wildly due to the violent tremors of his body, making a rapid and fragmented "clattering" sound, like the embodiment of the landslide and tsunami in his heart.
He covered his mouth tightly with one hand, coughing uncontrollably. He frantically tried to cover up his cough with the other hand, but his hand was shaking so badly that he nearly dropped the cup. His usually deep and majestic eyes were now wide open, filled with helplessness, embarrassment, shock, and a hint of despair at being stripped naked in public!
Subconsciously, with a last bit of hope and prayer, he suddenly looked down at Dongfang Yuning, who was sitting on the small stool below him. His eyes clearly read:
[Sister-in-law! Be gentle with your words! Leave some underwear for your brother-in-law!]
The entire Golden Throne Hall was plunged into a state of absolute vacuum, more deadly and eerie than any previous one! Time froze. The air felt so heavy it could crush a person's spine. All the ministers, whether they had just died or had temporarily escaped, felt as if they were under a spell, holding their breath!
They lowered their heads stiffly, their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets in sheer shock and absurdity! Tear apart? Scrap? His Majesty's excitement? The Empress's wrath? Punished to sleep in the study? Cultivate their character?!
This is too much information! Too explosive! Too... deadly!
Every word was like a heavy hammer, hammering down on everyone's heart! Who dared to look up? Who dared to see the Emperor's expression at this moment? It was definitely like the birthday star hanging himself—he was too tired to live!
A massive, silent, raging wave, powerful enough to lift the entire ceiling of the Taiji Hall, surged wildly within every bowed head. His Majesty... actually... also... uh... "exemplified" this... with the... clothes... of Yueji Pavilion?
He was even caught red-handed by the Empress and punished by being made to sleep in the study?! This completely overturned their entire understanding of the majesty of the royal family!
Nangong Yu tried hard to keep his face straight, trying to regain some of the emperor's dignity, even though his ears were still red. He cleared his throat, his voice a little hoarse and strange from the coughing and the laughter he was holding back: "Dismiss...dismiss the court!"
The last two words were almost shouted out, with a kind of relief and embarrassment of giving up.
"Retreat—towards—!"
The eunuch in charge of the seal's shrill voice, with a distinct off-key tone, resounded throughout the hall.
It was as if they had received a special pardon. The civil and military officials who had long lost interest in state affairs and only wanted to quickly escape from this social hell, instantly scattered like birds and beasts!
In the chaos, some knocked off their colleagues' official hats, some stepped on their own court boots, and some laughed wildly while wiping tears. Supporting each other, they stumbled and tumbled as they rushed towards the palace gates. The scene was even more spectacular than the rout after a defeat.
Dongfang Yuning reacted the fastest. As soon as the emperor's brother-in-law finished saying the word "dismiss court", she jumped up from the small stool as if there was a spring under her butt!
The man was like a frightened rabbit, sprinting at the speed of a hundred meters, nimbly bypassing the ministers who were fleeing in chaos, and rushed towards the passage of the side hall with a clear goal - to escape!
Nangong Ye watched his little princess fleeing in a panic, shaking his head in a mixture of helplessness and amusement. He wasn't in a hurry, but walked steadily towards the messy imperial steps, ready to fulfill his duties as Prince Yong and clean up this mess.
His gaze swept over the tea-soaked, ink-stained memorial on the imperial desk, and his brother, who sat on the dragon throne, holding his forehead with a look of despair, his ears still red, and Nangong Ye's lips curled up in a subtle, meaningful arc. Well, this morning court was truly... brilliant.
Emperor Nangong Yu slumped alone on the spacious dragon throne, his crown askew, his robe slightly wrinkled, his face a mixture of red and white. He waved his hand wearily, signaling the few remaining eunuchs in the hall to withdraw.
In the huge Golden Palace, he was the only one left in an instant, and the floor was in a mess, and the air was filled with the smell of tea, sweat, and a strong sense of embarrassment.
He let out a long, drawn-out breath, as if to expel all the oppression and shame in his chest. He raised his hand and rubbed his still-burning cheeks vigorously.
Today's face is really a disgrace to my grandmother's house! Not only was my "dragon pants" stripped off by my sister-in-law in the court, but in the end, I was completely led astray by the old prime minister's earth-shattering howl, and even the last fig leaf was shattered into shreds!
"Dongfang Yuning..."
Nangong Yu gritted his teeth, muttering the name in a low voice, carrying a thick, unresolved resentment. This girl was simply a walking disaster! A disaster specifically designed to counter his dragon power!
At this moment, an extremely light but very familiar jingling sound of bells and bracelets came from outside the palace door, carrying with it a kind of quietness that seemed to indicate impending storm, which he least wanted to face at the moment.
Nangong Yu's body suddenly stiffened, as if he were under a spell. He slowly and with great difficulty turned his head and looked at the slowly opening side door, a symbol of the queen's majesty.
Against the light pouring in from outside, a slender figure dressed in a bright red phoenix robe and a nine-tailed phoenix crown stood quietly there. Madam Su, the chief steward of Fengyi Palace, stood behind her with her hands hanging down and her brows lowered.
Empress Dongfang Qiwu's face was expressionless. Neither anger nor embarrassment, she was as calm as a bottomless ancient pond. Her usually radiant eyes were now as deep as cold stars, her gaze clear and piercing, like the coldest spring, as she slowly, inch by inch, scanned the mess within the empty hall.
The tilted memorials, the spilled tea, the lost black gauze hat... Finally, the gaze that was so cold that it seemed to be able to freeze the soul fell steadily and heavily on the emperor sitting on the dragon throne, whose clothes were slightly wrinkled, the crown tassels were tilted, and there was still a blush on his face.
The air instantly froze again, a hundred times colder than when Manchuria's armed forces had died.
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