Huangfu Jue scooped out some ointment, rubbed it evenly in his palm, and applied it to the red and swollen area on Qi Qi's leg. A warm sensation came over him: "Do you know what this is? It's my inner strength. How about it? Am I good to you?"
Qi Qi stared blankly at him: "…………"
The naive Ninth Prince, although he always calls himself "Master," it can't hide the fact that he's actually just a younger brother.
Qi Qi was so embarrassed that she couldn't speak. She grabbed his hand and said, "I... I can do it myself, I can do it myself, please, Your Highness, no more."
Then Huangfu Jue kissed Qi Qi's nose, and with a thought, he said, "If you're moved, then be with me."
Qi Qi covered his face and groaned, "Damn it..."
Huangfu Jue covered his mouth and disapproved, saying, "What reckless words! Don't say them here. They're better said in bed."
Qi Qi took a few deep breaths, feeling like crying but unable to shed a tear, hoping that Huangfu Jue wouldn't be so angry and humiliated that he would cut him down after they got married.
"Your Highness, you are so kind..."
Huangfu Jue smiled: "That's right."
...
Qi Defu arrived the day before Emperor Yongping was to hold a victory celebration banquet for Huangfu Jue and Huangfu Yi.
Having just arrived, and before they could even rest, they were busy coordinating various matters after putting down their things. Qi Qi and Huangfu Jue took half a day off and went directly to the kitchen of the Summer Palace to find him.
After walking for a long time, when they arrived at their destination, they saw Qi Defu energetically directing everyone. They couldn't help but marvel at their godfather's physique; the old man may be chubby, but he was undeniably strong.
The two hadn't seen each other for several months and chatted warmly for quite a while. As Qi Defu spoke, a hint of sadness inevitably appeared on his face: "...How could he just leave like that..."
Qi Qi knew he was referring to the deputy head of the imperial kitchen, his longtime partner, and was about to comfort him, telling him not to be too sad, when Qi Defu immediately burst into laughter, saying, "Hahaha, this is truly gratifying! That old bastard, always eyeing Father's position behind the scenes, so restless! With him gone, Father's apprentices will have one less formidable rival, hahahahaha!"
"It's one thing for us to fight amongst ourselves, but what's the point of fighting with an outsider? Hahahaha."
Qi Qi felt ashamed.
My godfather is still the same old, unpretentious person...
"Ha ha……"
"By the way, these are letters that have been sent from Luoyang in the past few months."
Qi Qi took the letter. He had previously been afraid of trouble and trouble, so he only exchanged letters with Chen Dianji once or twice a year. This year, the letter arrived many days early.
Upon closer inspection, there was only one thing: various forces were still involved with the academy. However, this time there was another force: the Zhenbei Army of Youzhou.
Qi Qi read on carefully and heard what Chen Dianji said. Half a year ago, the general of the Zhenbei Army had already tried to contact Luoyang Academy. Of course, Luoyang Academy did not rashly befriend him, but after hearing about his style of doing things, it personally sent students to Youzhou to secretly investigate.
They expressed great admiration for the Zhenbei Army. With the world on the verge of collapse, every citizen has a responsibility. After discussing it, the teachers decided to go to Youzhou to serve under General Gu of Zhenbei and help him succeed. However, they would not send all of them, but rather send a group of outstanding students, who would then continue to teach and train new talents at the academy.
Equivalent to the reserve military advisor of the Zhenbei Army.
After reading it, Qi Qi fell into deep thought.
I just wanted to retire peacefully in the mountains...
Qi Defu noticed his strange expression: "What did the letter say?"
Qi Qi continued to ponder, then whispered, "Father, we can't stay in this palace any longer. You should leave next year!"
"Leave?" Qi Defu hesitated. "Your father is still strong and can work for a few more years. Besides, I don't feel at ease leaving you alone in the palace."
Qi Qi told him seriously, "Let me put it this way, Dad, I've already heard from outside that Xia is dying. If we don't leave now, it will be too late. You go first, and I'll follow behind. Otherwise, we won't be able to do anything in the rush..."
Qi Defu quickly covered his mouth, hurriedly looking around: "Little ancestor, how dare you say such a thing? Aren't you afraid of losing your head? The Ninth Prince won't be able to protect you then..."
Qi Qi grabbed his arm and started to whine and beg, "I've said my piece, I don't care, you have to leave, you have to leave, you have to leave, you have to leave, if you don't leave I'll have someone kidnap you."
Qi Defu was truly terrified of him; he was just going to give up all that wealth and luxury without a second thought: "Fine, fine..."
...
With something on his mind, Qi Qi was inevitably a little absent-minded. Coincidentally, Huangfu Jue had a dinner party that evening with the newly appointed local prefect, who was from a branch of the Empress's maternal family. The city was still a bit far from the Summer Palace, and it wouldn't be safe to go back at night. So he specifically told him that he might have to stay overnight outside the city.
Qi Qi said goodbye to Xiao Fuzi and the others, then went to Qi Defu's place to help with some things. They had dinner together, and seeing that it was getting late, he led the head chef to Huicui Building with the fresh flowers and pastries that his godfather had made.
As they approached, Qi Qi had a change of heart. He glanced at the pastries, turned around, and headed towards Tingyu Pavilion.
He had been to this place several times and still remembered it. It was a bit remote, located in a corner near the Summer Palace, with mountains behind it.
Few people lived there, and the guards rarely passed by on their occasional patrols. When Qi Qi arrived, there were no lights hanging in front of Tingyu Pavilion, indicating that the owner was either alone or already asleep.
It was around eight or nine o'clock, so he probably wasn't asleep... Qi Qi knocked on the door, but no one answered. He tried pushing it, and it opened surprisingly. He then walked inside with practiced ease. As he approached, Qi Qi heard Huangfu Yi's voice.
The voice sounded different from his usual tone; it was rather cold. There was another male voice as well. They seemed to be talking about something, so Qi Qi didn't go up to disturb them. Instead, he turned around and sat on a small stone bench in the courtyard to wait.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com