Chapter 38 Showing Your Attitude
The hustle and bustle of the Fengyi Palace hotpot banquet seemed to still be in his ears, and the overbearing and strong aroma of butter in the air had not yet dissipated. Dongfang Yuning, touching his round and slightly bulging belly, was immersed in the conception of his grand business blueprint.
Suddenly, a warm and strong hand gently wrapped around my wrist.
"Ning'er, follow me."
Nangong Ye's voice was low and melodious, with a subtle tenderness, and the night breeze caressed the strings. While everyone was still savoring the aftertaste of the delicious food (or perhaps in a state of panic over the "female relatives wanting to run away"), he quietly led her away from the noisy lights.
Dongfang Yuning was slightly startled, but she didn't struggle. The cool night breeze blew away the heat in the hall and the overbearing smell of the hot pot, and also sobered her up a bit from the drowsiness she'd felt after eating.
She obediently followed his tall and straight figure, passed through the corridors with carved beams and painted buildings and flowing light and shadows, and walked into the depths of the imperial garden shrouded in moonlight.
The moonlight shone like a thread, casting a faint light across the landscape, outlining the hazy contours of exotic flowers and plants, and the jagged rocks. The sweet scent of tuberose quietly replaced the strong aroma of butter.
There was a smooth and slightly cool cobblestone path under their feet. The surroundings were quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps and the occasional chirping of insects. It seemed like two different worlds compared to the lively noise in the hall just now.
Nangong Ye's hand never loosened, the warm, dry touch transmitted through the thin fabric, carrying a reassuring, unquestionable power. The two walked side by side, silent for a while, with only the subtle rustling of clothes rubbing against each other.
【Tongzi～】
Dongfang Yuning's heartbeat was strangely fast, as if he had a disobedient little rabbit in his arms.
[Why...why is he holding my hand? Let's just take a walk...it's dark and windy...no, the moon is so bright and the stars are so sparse...the atmosphere...is a little weird...]
System 118:
[Host, based on analysis of the environmental variables (moonlit, garden, solitude) and the target's behavioral patterns (actively pulling, not letting go), the current situation meets the triggering conditions for a 'classic romance script scene'. Danger level: Unknown. Recommendation: Remain vigilant, beware of... sugar-coated attacks? Or... a potential hostile takeover?]
Dongfang Yuning:
[…Shut up! What a sugar-coated bullet! What a hostile takeover! This princess is upright and honest! I… wouldn’t have any wrong thoughts!]
She tried to focus on the path beneath her feet, but the warmth from her fingertips felt like little hooks.
Just then, Nangong Ye paused. They were standing beneath a trellis of wisteria in full bloom. Moonlight filtered through the cascading purple blossoms, casting tiny specks of light that fell on his handsome, deep-set features, softening their usual sharp edge.
He turned around and stared at her intently. His eyes, which usually saw everything clearly, now reflected her slightly tilted face with a hint of confusion and a barely noticeable blush.
"Ning'er."
He spoke, his voice softer than the moonlight, with an unprecedented solemnity, breaking the tranquility of the night.
"Um?"
Dongfang Yuning responded subconsciously, feeling his own heartbeat thumping in the silence, especially clear.
Nangong Ye held her hand tightly, as if to inject some kind of firm strength into it. He looked into her eyes, and spoke each word clearly and calmly:
"No matter what business you discussed with Third Brother in the palace today, I support you."
Dongfang Yuning's heart skipped a beat!
[Support?! He knows what I said? My inner voice?! Impossible! How could he…]
She forced herself to remain calm, her eyes flickering slightly as she tried to pull her hand back to conceal her momentary panic.
"You...what are you talking about? What business...I just want to do some small business with my third brother..."
Nangong Ye did not allow her to retreat, but instead held her hand more tightly, his eyes burning with all-knowing understanding and complete tolerance:
"Ning'er, there's no need to hide anything from me. I know how big your heart is and how much your wings want to fly."
His voice was low and firm, like a rock:
"What I want to tell you is, Ning'er, I will accompany you no matter what you want to do."
"I will not be your cage, nor will I constrain you with any rules. If this deep palace makes you feel constrained, I will find a wider sky for you."
"Tell me what you need. Gold, silver, manpower, shops... As long as I, Nangong Ye, have it, as long as you want it, I will do my best to find it for you."
"Whatever you want to do, whatever you want to say, just do it and speak boldly. Don't worry about anything. Even if the sky falls, I'll hold it up for you."
He leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between them. His warm breath almost brushed against her hair, and with a barely perceptible pleading tone, his voice was as low as a lover's whisper, yet every word struck her heart:
"I just want you to promise me one thing..."
"No matter how high you fly or how far you go, please don't leave me behind, okay?"
Moonlight, wisteria, a handsome and affectionate man, a gentle and solemn oath... This atmosphere, these love words, every word seemed to carry sparks, instantly igniting Dongfang Yuning's blood!
My cheeks suddenly felt hot, scorching hot, and my heart was beating wildly in my chest, almost bursting through my throat! My mind was blank, and only his low, pleasant voice echoed over and over again, carrying a certain bewitching magic.
【Tongzi!!! 】
She screamed silently in her heart.
What is he doing?! Is he confessing his feelings?! Or is he just making a ridiculously huge promise?! No! That look... that tone... Aa ...
He’s seducing me! He’s definitely seducing me!!! Who can resist this!!! My…my legs are a little weak…]
System 118:
[Host, calm down! Target Nangong Ye, Behavior Analysis: Deeply affectionate confession (100% concentration) + unconditional support (stamp of approval) + humble request for bondage (core demand). Energy Fluctuation Analysis: Extremely high (based on past history of indulgence and current bioelectric peak). Suggestion: Follow your heart, or...flirt?]
Dongfang Yuning nearly choked on the system's "counter-flirtation." She looked up, meeting Nangong Ye's deep eyes, filled with moonlight and anticipation. Her own expression was clearly reflected in them, her mouth slightly open, her cheeks flushed, a look of dazed intoxication at the "beauty."
An inexplicable feeling of embarrassment and unwillingness to admit defeat surged up from her. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her pounding heart, trying to regain some of her princess's dignity, but her voice was soft and trembling, even though she didn't realize it.
"Who... who is going to abandon you! You... you are such a huge pile of gold, it would be a shame to lose it!"
As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she wanted to bite off her tongue!
[Ahhh! What the hell am I talking about! What a pile of gold! Dongfang Yuning, you're done! Your image!]
She closed her eyes in annoyance.
Nangong Ye, however, laughed softly at her description of "a piece of gold" and her annoyed expression. His chest vibrated, and his laughter was joyful and low, like mellow wine.
Far from being annoyed, he seemed to have received some kind of promise. The smile in his eyes deepened, like crushed starlight. He raised his hand and naturally and lovingly rubbed the hair on her head that had slightly curled up due to sleep. His movements were incredibly gentle.
"Well, Ning'er is right."
He followed her words, his voice smiling.
"So, I'd like to trouble Princess Ning'er to take good care of this pile of gold of mine and make sure it doesn't get lost."
【!!! 】
Dongfang Yuning felt as if the places he rubbed were electrified, and the numbness instantly spread throughout his body, and the heat that had just been suppressed surged up again!
[Foul! This is so foul! A head rub kill! Who can stand this! Tongzi! Help! My health bar is empty!]
She lowered her head in a hurry, not daring to look into his smiling eyes again, fearing that if she continued looking, she would do something even more embarrassing.
Nangong Ye looked at her little head buried like an ostrich and the tips of her ears that were red and almost dripping with blood, and the smile in his eyes almost overflowed. He didn't say anything else, but just took her hand again, his palm still warm.
"Let's go. It's late at night and the dew is heavy. I'll take you back."
His voice had returned to its usual calmness, but with a hint of unmistakable tenderness.
Under the moonlight, the shadows of wisteria blossoms danced, and two figures clung to each other. Although one of them tried to distance himself, they walked slowly in the scattered silver light, heading back to the still brightly lit Fengyi Palace. Besides the tuberose, the air seemed to be filled with a faint, sweet scent.
* * *
As the night deepened, most of the lights in the main hall of Fengyi Palace were extinguished, leaving only a few hazy palace lanterns in the bedroom, emitting a warm and ambiguous glow.
Queen Dongfang Qiwu took off her heavy phoenix crown and complicated palace dress, wearing only a simple moon-white nightgown, and her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.
She sat in front of the dressing table, the bronze mirror reflecting her beautiful yet slightly tired face.
During the day, my sister's imagination about women being able to make their own way and build a career was like a stone thrown into the lake of my heart, causing ripples that lasted for a long time.
Although her sister did not explicitly say the name of the plan (she only heard it in her heart), the vigorous energy and blueprint she drew stirred her long-dormant heart.
At this moment, the door to the bedroom was gently pushed open. Dongfang Yuning, like a kitten sneaking in, tiptoed to her sister's side, with a blush and a hint of excitement still on her face.
"elder sister!"
Dongfang Qiwu looked at her sister, her eyes filled with tenderness and a subtle envy. She turned around, opened a secret compartment at the bottom of the dressing table, and took out an equally heavy, palm-sized red sandalwood carved box, gently placing it in Dongfang Yuning's hands.
"Ning'er,"
Her voice was very low, but it carried an unprecedented solemnity and a hint of entrustment.
"Take it. Do what you want with it."
Dongfang Yuning opened the box in confusion. Inside was a thick stack of silver bills with huge denominations, as well as several round, plump, and lustrous oriental pearls! They were worth a fortune!
"Sister! This... is so much?"
Dongfang Yuning was surprised. She knew her sister was the queen and must have some private money, but she didn't expect her to give her so much!
"not much."
Dongfang Qiwu smiled slightly, her smile was filled with encouragement, but also with a hint of yearning that only she understood.
"I can't do much for you. Take these and consider them as my investment in your business. Go for it. I'm confident in you."
She squeezed her sister's hand, her fingertips turning slightly white with suppressed desire. A thought silently surged in her mind:
[Ning'er, I only hope that one day I can see with my own eyes the world you described...]
Dongfang Yuning looked at the deep expectation and complete trust in her sister's eyes, and her heart warmed. She shook her hand back firmly and gave her sister an extremely bright and determined smile:
"Don't worry, sister! I will never let you down! Wait for my good news!"
She put the box away carefully and then slipped out as quietly as she had come.
Peace returned to the bedroom. Dongfang Qiwu looked in the direction her sister had disappeared, then glanced down at her empty compartment. A burden had been lifted off her shoulders, like a bird yearning for freedom. She gently stroked the cold dressing table, her heart pounding, unable to calm down for a long time.
About one stick of incense later.
A furtive figure appeared outside the heavy rosewood carved door of the Fengyi Palace's bedroom.
Emperor Nangong Yu took off his majestic dragon robe and wore only a slightly loose black casual suit. His hair was not tied up in a crown, and a few strands of black hair were scattered in front of his forehead, adding a bit of desolation to his appearance.
He was holding an exquisite gold-painted food box in his hand and pacing back and forth outside the door, like a trapped beast that couldn't find its home, with confusion, anxiety and humility written all over his face.
He took several deep breaths, finally mustered up the courage, and knocked on the door very lightly with his knuckles.
“Knock, knock, knock.”
The sound was as light as a feather falling to the ground.
The hall was silent, with no response.
Nangong Yu's heart sank. He cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound gentle, harmless, and a little pitiful:
"Wu'er... Wu'er? Are you asleep? It's me..."
There was still no movement in the hall.
Nangong Yu licked his dry lips and decided to use his "trump card." He carefully placed the food box on the ground and gently lifted the lid—a strong, overbearing aroma with a unique sour bamboo shoot "fragrance" instantly filled the air!
It is the Oriental Yuning special edition of depth bomb snail noodles!
"Wu'er... I... I know you didn't eat much tonight... I specially... specially asked the imperial kitchen... uh, Ning'er's kitchen... to make you a bowl of noodles... It's still hot... Can you open the door and have a taste?"
He tried to make his voice sound concerned and sincere.
There was finally movement in the hall.
“Squeak—”
With a sound, the palace door opened to a gap less than two fingers wide.
The Queen did not appear in the gap. Instead, a female voice, as cold as an icy spring and thick with sarcasm, pierced out with incredible precision like a blade tempered with ice:
"Nangong Yu, are you dissatisfied with the smell of my Fengyi Palace dissipating too quickly, so you've come here to add more ingredients to make it go away?"
"Take your gas bombs and get away!"
The moment the words fell!
“Bang!!!!”
The door was slammed shut by an invisible fury! The force was so great that the door frame even vibrated!
Nangong Yu: “…”
He looked at the bowl of snail noodles on the ground, which exuded an intoxicating aroma, and then at the cold, motionless palace door before him. A huge sense of frustration swept over him. He squatted down with a sad face, looked at the bowl of noodles, and muttered to himself:
"Didn't Ning'er say... snail noodles are soul food, capable of soothing any emotional wounds? Why is it that in Wu'er's case... it's become a biological weapon?"
He scratched his hair in frustration, like a grown man who had done something wrong and didn't know how to make amends. No! He couldn't give up! For his wife's sake, and to prevent his sister-in-law from completely seducing him away, he had to show his sincerity!
Nangong Yu stood up abruptly, his eyes becoming incredibly "resolute" (he thought). He took another deep breath, and then—
thump!
The dignified Emperor of Daye actually knelt on one knee at the entrance of the Queen's bedroom, holding the food box containing the snail noodles, facing the closed door! (The posture was not quite standard, more like a horse squat)
"Wu'er! I was wrong! I really know I was wrong!"
He began his carefully prepared confession speech at the top of his voice, his voice exceptionally clear in the quiet night (disturbing).
"I shouldn't have been so blinded by greed that I brought so many women into the palace to bother you!"
"I shouldn't have listened to slander and favored that fake-sick concubine when you were so exhausted from managing my harem that you fell ill!"
"I shouldn't... shouldn't... ahem... tear up your favorite 'Begonia Under the Moon' in my excitement..."
"I have deeply reflected on this! Look at my harem, it's so clean now! You're the only one left! Really! Cleaner than my face!"
"I promise! From now on, I will only have you in my heart and eyes! I will give you all the money! I will also give you half of the memorials... I will give you half of the memorials! As long as you open the door..."
"This bowl of noodles... it... it may smell a little strange, but it represents my burning, repentant heart, Wu'er! Do you want to try it? Just one bite? I'll feed you."
The hall remained dead silent. Only Nangong Yu's own rhythmic (ghostly howling) "affectionate" confession echoed in the night sky.
Dongfang Qiwu, who had been hiding behind the inner door of the palace, but hadn't actually gone far, listened to the increasingly outrageous and humble "confessions" outside, and the veins on her forehead throbbed. Unable to bear it any longer, she flung open the palace door!
Nangong Yu was speaking of something moving (self-touched) when the door suddenly opened. He lost his balance and fell forward with the food box in his arms, almost falling into the Queen's arms!
Dongfang Qiwu swiftly stepped back, avoiding the embrace. She looked expressionlessly at the emperor, who had managed to stabilize himself, still clinging to his food box. Her gaze, like an icicle, swept across him coldly, finally landing on the bowl of rich, fragrant snail noodles.
"Your Majesty, I appreciate your kindness."
Her voice was calm.
"However, I cannot bear the burning remorse Your Majesty feels. Your Majesty, please keep this bowl of Sacred Heart Noodles for yourself, savor it slowly, and reflect on your sins."
She paused, and a very subtle sneer appeared on the corner of her mouth, which made Nangong Yu shudder.
"As for opening the door... Your Majesty likes to kneel to show your loyalty, doesn't he? Then kneel here. Kneel until I feel that your remorse is more sincere than the taste of this bowl of noodles, and then I will consider it."
After she finished speaking, she slammed the door shut again with a resolute bang! You could even hear the sound of the bolt being bolted shut!
Nangong Yu: “…”
He held the bowl of snail noodles that exuded "sincere regret" and remained in a ridiculous half-kneeling position, completely frozen in place. The night breeze blew, bringing a hint of coolness, and his heart was now chilled.
[It’s over… Wu’er is really angry this time…]
He wailed inwardly,
[Even snail noodles can't impress her... Is it... is it really necessary for me to kneel all night?!]
He looked at the tightly closed palace door, then at the bowl of "trouble-making" noodles in his arms, feeling like crying but unable to shed tears.
Finally, Nangong Yu sighed resignedly. He carefully placed the lunch box by the door, wondering what if Wu'er got hungry in the middle of the night and changed her mind?
And then really... I found a slightly flat place on the cold golden brick ground outside the temple gate, hugged my knees, and sat down with a wronged look on my face. I couldn't kneel any longer because I was too tired. I looked like a large dog that was kicked out of the house by its owner. My back was bleak and desolate.
Facing the tightly closed palace door, he hummed a tuneless, self-composed little song in a low, aggrieved voice, the sound floating in the silent night:
"I regret it so much... I've torn my clothes... I've angered my queen... I'm all alone... Guarding the door... The cold wind chills my heart... Wu'er... open the door... My husband admits his mistakes and asks for forgiveness..."
Inside the bedroom of Fengyi Palace, Dongfang Qiwu leaned against the cold palace door, listening to the discordant humming sounds outside that were full of humility and grievance. The corners of his mouth, which had been tense all the time, finally couldn't help but bend upwards into a very shallow arc.
【Fool…】
She cursed silently, but a hint of warmth spread in her eyes that she herself was not aware of.
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