Chapter 64 Speaking Up for Justice? You Dare! Not Here!
Chu Yueyuan gently raised the peony fan in her hand and tapped it lightly twice on the table with the fan ribs.
"Thump—thump—"
The sound was not loud, but it was clear and powerful, causing the women at the table to turn around and look at the head of the table.
Sunlight filtered through the gauze curtains, casting a dappled halo of light. The young Empress Dowager sat gracefully on a golden and jade-carved phoenix chair, her long phoenix-feather brocade dress shimmering with light. She wore a crown with four phoenixes holding pearls in their beaks, the pearls gleaming softly in the sunlight, reflecting in her bright, sparkling eyes.
Chu Yueyuan slowly turned the ivory fan handle between her fingers, her delicate eyebrows furrowing slightly, and let out a soft sigh:
"If it is said that the shorter a woman's marriage is, the more misfortune she is cursed, then wouldn't I be the most unfortunate widow in the Great Qi? The late Emperor was assassinated on his wedding night, dying before the red candles had even burned out, yet my marriage to him was separated by death..."
The countess, who had said those words earlier, changed her expression and quickly explained with a forced smile, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty did not mean that..."
Princess Anxian quickly smoothed things over: "The Empress Dowager is blessed with great fortune and is the most honored woman in the Great Qi. She also raised the Emperor and has the merit of taming the dragon. How can she be compared with Princess Nianyi?"
Chu Yueyuan's brow relaxed, seemingly quite pleased with Princess Anxian's words. Her worries vanished, and she slowly raised the peony fan in her hand, speaking with feeling:
"The mention of the word 'widow' reminds me of my past mission to the Western Xia Kingdom. As you all may know, the Western Xia Kingdom is a place where women are respected. Local women can go out to do business, serve as officials in the court, and even join the army to fight. But do you know what women in the Western Xia Kingdom who lose their husbands at a young age are called?"
The women at the banquet exchanged glances, unsure of what the young empress dowager was up to. They were worried that speaking rashly would offend Princess Anxian, so they all chose to remain silent.
“This lady has never left the capital in her life. Her knowledge of the Western Xia Kingdom is based on hearsay. Your Highness has traveled all over the country and personally experienced the Western Xia Kingdom. Why don’t you tell us short-sighted women?”
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and were surprised to find that it was actually Lady Shen, the wife of the Duke of Shen, who spoke.
Chu Yueyuan smiled gently: "In Xixia, people usually call young widows 'blessed women' because the people of Xixia believe that husbands who die young have little fortune, while women who survive have long-lasting fortune."
The women at the banquet marveled at the sight, and one of them boldly asked, "Your Majesty, I have heard that women in Xixia Kingdom can marry multiple men, practicing polyandry. Is this... true?"
Chu Yueyuan smiled and shook her head: "Although women are respected in Xixia Kingdom, most common people are monogamous. Female officials in the court are not allowed to have affairs with male officials. Only high-ranking officials and royal women can have multiple husbands."
"Then... in the Kingdom of Xixia, if a woman doesn't want to get married, will she be sent to a nunnery?" The question came from a girl in a blue silk dress. Her cheeks were flushed. After she finished speaking, she was glared at by the countess next to her, who clearly felt that her words were damaging to her reputation.
"Of course not. Xixia Kingdom is rich and prosperous, and the local women are free-spirited. If they have no intention of getting married but hope to have children to continue the family line and inherit the family business, they will usually go to a special place to seek offspring."
Is it a temple?
Chu Yueyuan smiled and pursed her lips: "No, that place is called 'Legendary Pavilion'."
What does the 'Chronicles Pavilion' do?
Seeing the women below staring at her with wide, curious eyes, Chu Yueyuan had no choice but to explain in detail the situation inside the 'Chronicle Pavilion'.
The unmarried noblewomen blushed with embarrassment, while the married ladies blushed with heat.
Xie Nianzhi raised her head and looked at the woman chatting and laughing on the phoenix chair. Her clear eyes flickered with a complex light.
The flower arrangement banquet lasted for an hour, half of which was spent by Chu Yueyuan recounting her experiences in Xixia Kingdom. Having written storybooks, she was able to easily capture the curiosity of these noble ladies. The dignified Empress Dowager of the Great Qi Dynasty had actually taken up the profession of storyteller.
Even after the banquet ended, these ladies from prominent families were still enjoying themselves and had completely forgotten about sending the flower arrangements to the Imperial Examination Hall.
Finally, Chu Yueyuan selected the flower arrangements made by Princess Nianyi and another noble lady, and ordered Eunuch Wang to send the two flower arrangements to the examination hall, thus calming down the storm.
Looking at Princess Anxian and Princess Zhaohua leaving, surrounded by a group of women, Chu Yueyuan relaxed her shoulders, leaned back in her phoenix chair, and closed her eyes to rest.
"I find the scenery of the pavilion beside the house quite pleasant. I wonder if Your Majesty would be so kind as to accompany me to admire the lotus flowers in the pond?"
Chu Yueyuan opened her eyes and was surprised to find that Madam Shen had not left with the other guests. She had her hands folded at her sides and a kind smile on her face.
She immediately perked up and said with a smile, "Great! I was just thinking of picking a few lotus flowers to grow in the palace."
The octagonal pavilion is open and unobstructed on all sides, connected by two stone bridges. A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of lotus flowers.
Madam Shen followed slowly behind the young Empress Dowager. The woman's figure was graceful, and the hem of her phoenix feather brocade skirt was embroidered with a circle of exquisite flowing cloud patterns, which swayed from side to side with her light steps, like the clouds in the sky, unattainable.
People in the capital say that the youngest daughter of the Chu family is a phoenix that has soared to the top.
When Madam Shen first heard the name of the Chu family's youngest daughter from her son, she was just a sparrow with a reputation for beauty. At that time, Madam Shen was very displeased, thinking that she was just like those girls from humble families who wanted to climb the social ladder, using despicable means to get close to Shen Zizhan.
However, her son was upright and unyielding, and Madam Shen could not persuade him otherwise, so she reluctantly agreed to the marriage.
Later, when the imperial edict for the empress's investiture was issued to the Chu family, Madam Shen stepped into the Chu family's gate for the first time to persuade the woman to give up her engagement with Shen Zizhan.
Madam Shen still remembers what Chu's youngest daughter looked like back then. The little girl, who had fasted for five days, was like a flower bud about to wither, haggard and beautiful, as if she would fall apart with a gust of wind.
However, before she could finish speaking, the woman took the initiative to resolve her concerns. At that moment, Madam Shen did feel a pang of pity for the sensible girl, but she felt mostly relieved...
Fortunately, Shen Zizhan escaped this ill-fated relationship.
Since it's a karmic entanglement, how can it be completely severed...?
"What is it, Madam? Please speak frankly with me."
Lady Shen snapped out of her reverie and looked at the young Empress Dowager's radiant smile, as bright as a blooming peony. The haggard face in her memory gradually faded away.
She couldn't understand why a helpless, vulnerable woman could make it through, while a man, hailed as a chosen one, couldn't.
Madam Shen forced a smile: "I imagine Your Highness overheard at the banquet that Headmaster Lin and my father-in-law are on good terms. The Lin family values Zizhan's talent and intends to marry their daughter to the Shen family. This would have been a wonderful match, with both families' elders having given their approval and the betrothal gifts exchanged. But... Zizhan just isn't willing..."
Chu Yueyuan frowned, hesitated for a moment, and said, "This... I am the ruler and my subject with Lord Shen, and it is inappropriate for me to interfere in the private affairs of my subject's family..."
Lady Shen curtsied and said, "The one who tied the knot must untie it, Your Highness. I have no other choice but to come to you. Your Highness should know who he has been unable to let go of all these years. I have never been able to control his marriage, but... Your Highness can!"
She stared intently at the woman, her eyes revealing the longing of a mother, and earnestly said, "Your Highness could do it before, and you can still do it now!"
Chu Yueyuan fell into deep thought, pursing her lips and remaining silent.
Seeing this, Madam Shen bent her knees even lower, her voice choked with sobs: "In the past, it was a noblewoman, no... it was the Shen family that wronged Your Highness. If Your Highness ever needs the Shen family's help in the future, please don't hesitate to speak up. I beg Your Highness, for the sake of your past with him, to help him out, and not let him sink any deeper... to ruin his future..."
Chu Yueyuan sighed helplessly.
Madam Shen's attitude was firm, and Chu Yueyuan knew that if she did not agree, the other party would not give up.
She helped Madam Shen up and said gently, "Since Madam trusts me, then I will give it a try. After the imperial examination is over, I will find a way to talk to Lord Shen."
Madam Shen could hardly believe her ears. She thought she would have to use all her words, and even be prepared to kneel and beg, just to get the woman's forgiveness.
Forgive the Shen family for their betrayal and for sacrificing the happiness of a mere young woman.
But the woman was still the same as before; whenever Shen Zizhan's difficulties were mentioned, she would agree.
Looking at the bright-eyed Empress Dowager, Madam Shen felt a mix of emotions. A pang of regret rose in her heart. If only she hadn't arranged the marriage with the Chu family and had secretly asked someone to transfer Shen Zizhan out of the capital to perform official duties.
Perhaps, their relationship was never destined to be a tragic one.
But now, it's all too late!
It's too late...
Chu Yueyuan watched Madam Shen's departing figure, and for some reason, she felt that the Duchess's back seemed heavier than before. She withdrew her gaze and noticed that the setting sun was already melting into gold on the horizon. Suddenly, she remembered that she had promised Xiao Yun that she would go back early today to play with him spinning tops.
These past few days, Xiao Yun has finally stopped clamoring for Du Shi to enter the palace. It seems that Granny Xu was right; children are very clingy but also very forgetful. Only by accompanying them from childhood to adulthood, witnessing their first words, their first steps, their illnesses and recovery, can one be considered a qualified mother.
A fawning attitude like that of Mr. Du can only win him temporary favor.
Chu Yueyuan turned and walked down the steps, but after taking only two steps, she suddenly stopped.
Beneath the stone bridge, a woman dressed in plain clothes stood with exquisite features and snow-white skin. A gentle breeze stirred her wide sleeves, making her appear as delicate as a willow swaying in the wind.
Xie Nianzhi bowed and said in a clear and pleasant voice, "This humble woman has come to express her gratitude to the Empress Dowager for helping me out of that predicament. I am deeply grateful."
Chu Yueyuan stepped down the stairs and said gently, "Princess, there's no need for such formalities."
She paused, then continued, "It was my oversight today. I didn't know Princess Zhaohua was so hostile towards you. If I had known, I would have moved you two to a more distant position."
Xie Nianzhi smiled faintly: "I didn't know before that Zhaohua hated me so much. They say that time reveals true character, but I think that saying is far less true than adversity."
Chu Yueyuan comforted her, saying, "That's right. True friendship in times of trouble is the most precious. At today's banquet, although there were many people who took advantage of your misfortune, there were also Madam Wu and several other ladies who were loyal to the princess. As long as the princess ignores those petty people, there will eventually be a day when the clouds part and the sun shines through."
Xie Nianzhi said softly, "And Your Highness, Your Highness also helped me out of that predicament."
Her voice was soft, but her tone was earnest.
Chu Yueyuan smiled slightly: "It was I who invited you to the palace. If you can't even take good care of people, wouldn't Prince Chun and Lord Pei both hold me accountable?"
Xie Nianzhi was amused by her words.
The aloof beauty smiled, her smile as pure and flawless as a newly blossoming pear flower, carrying a faint fragrance; just looking at her was a delight to behold.
Ever since hearing about how Princess Nianyi was forced to marry into the Chen family, Chu Yueyuan felt deep pity for this woman who made sacrifices for her clan, and at the same time admired her courage in struggling to survive in a muddy life.
If it were her, she probably wouldn't have had the courage to attend this trap.
Xie Nianzhi's smile gradually faded. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly as if she were pondering something. She said in a low voice, "Your Highness just said... Cousin Pei also mentioned to you that I want to enter the palace?"
Her tone was somewhat tentative, as if she wanted to confirm something but didn't dare to ask directly.
Chu Yueyuan nodded and said, "It was Lord Pei who suggested that I hold a flower arrangement banquet so that you can integrate into your original circle as soon as possible."
Xie Nianzhi's eyes flickered, like a flame suddenly ignited: "I met Cousin Pei when we were young. At that time, he was still the Ninth Prince and would often come to the Princess's residence to learn archery from my father."
Xie Nianzhi's father, who was also the husband of the eldest princess, was General Xie, one of the few military generals in the Great Qi who was conferred the rank of first grade. In his early years, he followed Emperor Wu in battles, serving him closely and risking his life. Their relationship was very close, like that of Lian Po and King Huiwen of Zhao.
At the end of the Xuanwu era, General Xie died in battle in Beiting while trying to recapture Tianju City. Emperor Wu was deeply saddened and personally bestowed upon him a posthumous title, honoring him as "General of Filial Piety and Valor".
Xie Nianzhi lowered her eyes, a gentle smile curving her lips: "Father once told me that among all the princes, only the Ninth Prince resembled Emperor Wu the most—in appearance and even more so in temperament. Father was right. Even after being banished to a place like Beiting, he still relied on his own abilities to gradually return to the capital, reclaim Tianju City, fulfill Father's long-cherished wish, and then came to Jingzhou to rescue my brother and me..."
She looked up at the young empress dowager, her eyes burning with an almost blazing fire: "It was he who gave me a chance to be reborn."
Chu Yueyuan remained silent for a few moments, her gaze calm, before she smiled and said, "Then... Princess, you must seize this opportunity!"
Xie Nianzhi gracefully bowed, her posture, from the angle of her body to her lowered eyes and demeanor, all perfectly proper: "Thank you for your teachings, Your Highness. Nianyi will keep them in mind."
Out of instinct, Chu Yueyuan sensed a subtle shift in Xie Nianzhi's attitude towards her, but before she could decipher it, Xiao Yun's shouts suddenly rang out from afar:
"Mother!"
Chu Yueyuan turned around and saw Xiao Yun, dressed in a golden robe, rushing towards her like a gust of wind. He grabbed her sleeve, pouting and complaining:
"Your mother is lying! You promised to come back at Shenshi (3-5 PM) to play shadow puppetry with me, but I've been waiting from Shenshi until Youshi (5-7 PM) and you still haven't come!"
Xiao Yun was followed by Xiao Yanzi, Yu Luo, and Bao Luo, who were panting heavily.
Chu Yueyuan bent down and wiped the sweat from Xiao Yun's forehead with a silk handkerchief. Her eyes curved slightly as she said, "It was Mother who misspoke. Here's what we'll do: you'll stay at Fengqi Palace tonight. Mother will play shadow puppetry with you tonight, and tomorrow morning, I'll take you to the Imperial Garden to fly kites."
She pulled Xiao Yun forward a few steps, then said, "Your Majesty, this is Princess Nianyi. She recently returned to the capital from Jingzhou. You will see her frequently at palace banquets from now on."
Xie Nianzhi bowed respectfully and said, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty."
Xiao Yun didn't look at Xie Nianzhi. He was preoccupied with spinning tops, so he tugged hard at Chu Yueyuan's sleeve, her little bottom almost touching the ground, and cried out in a spoiled manner, "Mother, come back with me now, go back quickly!"
Even a five-year-old child can pull someone down if they put all their strength into it.
Chu Yueyuan's sleeve was pulled down from her shoulder by him, revealing a section of her fair and delicate neck. Upon seeing this, Yu Luo and Bao Luo quickly stepped forward to support the young emperor, shouting, "Jade Emperor, please let go!"
The woman's skin was fair and delicate. Although it was only a fleeting glimpse, the faint red mark below her collarbone was clearly visible, like red plum blossoms reflected in the snow, indescribably dazzling.
Xie Nianzhi's pupils contracted sharply, and a look of surprise rippled across his eyes.
She was already a married woman, so she naturally understood what these red marks meant. What alarmed her even more was that, judging from the varying shades of red marks, they were clearly made recently, and more than once.
In the blink of an eye, Xie Nianzhi had suppressed all the ripples on her face, her red lips slightly pursed, her expression as usual.
Chu Yueyuan straightened her clothes and smiled apologetically at Xie Nianzhi: "His Majesty is still young and can be quite reckless when he throws a tantrum. Princess, please get up."
Xie Nianzhi said softly, "My nephew is about the same age as Your Majesty, and he is just as inseparable from his sister-in-law. This shows that Your Highness takes great care of Your Majesty in order to earn such genuine reliance from you."
Xiao Yun was pulled away by Yu Luo and Bao Luo, and sat down on the roadside crying and making a fuss, wailing like a little suona.
Xie Nianzhi bowed deeply again: "I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's protection today. I have no way to repay you but to go to Tanzhe Temple to copy the scriptures by hand, and pray for Your Highness's good health and His Majesty's well-being. It is getting late, and I dare not disturb you any longer. I shall take my leave now."
Chu Yueyuan did not try to stop her, and said with a smile, "Now that the princess has returned to the capital, she should go out and about more. Let's skip the task of copying the scriptures. Xiao Yanzi, go and see the princess out of the palace."
"This servant obeys."
Xiao Yun's loud but weak crying finally subsided, and his dark eyes peeked at Chu Yueyuan through his chubby little hands.
Chu Yueyuan was both amused and annoyed. She put on a stern face and said seriously, "If Your Majesty cries again, you will not be able to stay in Fengqi Palace tonight."
Sobbing, Xiao Yun gently tugged at Chu Yueyuan's sleeve with her snotty little hands, saying pitifully, "It was clearly Mother who misspoke first, and then she threatened me... Waaah... Mother is bad, even worse than the Regent..."
Chu Yueyuan snorted coldly: "Since Your Majesty thinks I'm worse than the Regent, then go to the Chui Gong Hall tonight to accompany the Regent in reviewing memorials..."
Xiao Yun immediately stopped crying, pursed her lips tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, her little face looking wronged and pitiful, which made Chu Yueyuan lose her composure.
"You are not allowed to behave so improperly in front of outsiders in the future."
"Your Majesty is not allowed to be late again!"
"good."
"Then...Mother, make a pinky promise with me!"
"good."
Chu Yueyuan smiled indulgently. She squatted down and hooked her little finger with Xiao Yun's. Just as they finished making the pinky promise, they saw Xiao Yanzi run back in a panic.
"Your Majesty, Princess Nianyi... has fainted."
Chu Yueyuan's expression changed drastically, and she asked, "What happened?"
Xiao Yanzi stammered, "This servant...this servant doesn't know what happened. This servant had just led the princess down the stone bridge when she suddenly stopped, her face looking pale...this servant didn't have time to ask what happened before she fainted..."
Chu Yueyuan immediately ordered: "Find two strong eunuchs to carry Princess Nianyi to the nearest Changxin Palace. Yuluo, go to the Imperial Hospital to fetch the imperial physician. Baoluo, take the emperor back to Fengqi Palace."
After arranging everyone, she gently patted Xiao Yun's head and said apologetically, "Yun'er, be good. Your mother is going to see Princess Nianyi. You go back and play with Granny Xu first. When we get back tonight, your mother will read you a storybook."
Although Xiao Yun was unwilling, he understood that something bad had happened and that his mother needed to deal with it personally.
He said angrily, "Three volumes! When Mother returns, she will tell me three stories."
Chu Yueyuan cupped his face and kissed him hard, her eyes curving slightly: "Your Majesty, you can be bolder, how about five volumes?"
Having finally managed to coax Xiao Yun away, Chu Yueyuan stood up, the smile on her face gradually fading. She frowned and pondered for a moment, then instructed the palace servants beside her:
"Go to the Hall of Diligent Governance and truthfully report to the Regent about the Princess's fainting."
Princess Nianyi suddenly fell ill in the palace. Logically, her family should have been notified. However, Prince Chun was supervising the examinations at the Imperial Examination Hall and was not allowed to leave until the period of confinement had expired.
Right now, in this vast capital city, Princess Nianyi can only rely on him.
As dusk fell, Pei Muwei, having received the news, hurriedly arrived at Changxin Palace.
He stepped into the hall, lifted the lotus-green curtain with his long fingers, and saw the young empress dowager sitting on a yellow rosewood chair with cloud and dragon patterns.
The woman rested her head on one hand, her long eyelashes closed. The candlelight on the table illuminated her pert nose, glossy red lips, and pointed chin, making her look as exquisite as a sleeping porcelain doll.
Hearing footsteps, Chu Yueyuan slowly opened her eyes. She first looked at Xie Nianzhi, who was still unconscious on the bed, and then turned to see the tall figure standing behind the gauze curtain.
"Pei Qing has arrived."
She wanted to pour herself a cup of tea to moisten her throat, but the man picked up the pale celadon teapot before she could.
"An urgent report arrived from the border. I only learned that Nianyi was ill after I finished dealing with the report. Your Highness has been taking care of her here all this time."
Pei Muwei handed over the teacup and asked, "What happened?"
Chu Yueyuan took a sip of tea and lowered her voice slightly: "The princess suddenly fainted on her way out of the palace. I have already summoned Imperial Physician Zhao to treat her. According to Imperial Physician Zhao, the princess is not seriously ill, but her liver qi is stagnant, which is probably caused by thinking too much in the past. I have prescribed a calming medicine, and I have Jintong go to the side hall to decoct the medicine."
After saying that, she looked at the pale-faced woman on the bed and frowned: "No wonder, at today's banquet, Princess Zhaohua and Princess Anxian made a big fuss about Princess Nianyi's loss of her husband. None of the noble ladies who used to be close to the princess were willing to stand up for her!"
At this point, Chu Yueyuan sighed softly, "Princess Nianyi's days in the capital will likely be filled with hardship and difficulties..."
Pei Muwei said in a deep voice, "Nianyi is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. Her determination far surpasses that of ordinary women. As long as Prince Chun gains a foothold in the court, no one will dare to humiliate her."
Chu Yueyuan's eyes flickered slightly.
yes!
Although Princess Nianyi lost both her parents, she still has a promising older brother. In the future, when Prince Chun gains power in the court, he will bring glory to the Princess's family. Not to mention Princess Zhaohua, even Princess Anxian will have to give Xie Nianzhi some face.
Unlike herself, who not only had no relatives to rely on, but also had to be wary of her scheming stepmother at every turn.
"Did Your Highness encounter any difficulties at the banquet?"
Chu Yueyuan raised her head and met the man's focused gaze. His eyes were as deep as a pool, yet now they burned with a blazing light, as if they could capture a person's heart at any moment.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously looked away, lowering her head to take a sip of tea.
"Ahem, I never take to heart the outrageous remarks of those whose looks are inferior to mine."
Once her heartbeat returned to normal, Chu Yueyuan put down her teacup, winked at the Regent, and smiled, "After all, I'm prettier than them, so why bother arguing with them anymore!"
The woman's smile was as beautiful as a flower, and the young empress dowager was the most beautiful peony among all flowers.
Pei Muwei gazed at her intently, a faint smile playing on his lips: "A single red flower can move a king, and all three thousand beauties pale in comparison. Your Highness is right."
Chu Yueyuan blushed when she heard the man teasing her.
"Ahem... It's getting late. His Majesty is still waiting for me in the Phoenix Perch Palace. Since Minister Pei is looking after the Princess, I'll head back now."
She stood up from the meditation chair, but her legs, which hadn't been active for a long time, felt numb and weak. After taking only two steps, she stumbled and fell into the man's strong arms.
Pei Muwei held a delicate, trembling bouquet of flowers in his arms, his embrace filled with fragrance. He lowered his head, his phoenix eyes seemingly smiling, his straight nose brushing against the woman's smooth, full forehead.
"Your Highness, please be careful."
Hearing the man's deliberately drawn-out, deep voice, Chu Yueyuan's ears turned bright red.
She lowered her voice: "I...I didn't mean to, it's just...I've been sitting for too long, my legs are sore and numb, please let go of me..."
Pei Muwei held her slender waist, amused by her embarrassed yet daring expression, finding her exceptionally alluring and adorable. He lifted the silk robe from her shoulder with his fingers, his voice low and deep:
Has it subsided?
The man's seemingly random question struck Chu Yueyuan as crucial. She glared at him, secretly grinding her teeth, and said, "If the heat were to subside, why would I bother wearing so much in this sweltering heat..."
Unable to break free from the man's iron-like arms, she had no choice but to tear down the lotus-blue gauze curtain above her head to cover the struggle between the two.
The flame in the gilded candle flickered twice, and the two figures projected onto the gauze curtain swayed accordingly.
The faint fragrance emanating from the young empress dowager stirred a burning desire within Pei Muwei. He lowered his eyes and could see the woman's slender, fair neck gleaming like jade in the candlelight. Further down, he saw delicate red marks resembling peach blossoms.
His slightly calloused fingertips caressed the pink mark, causing the flower in his arms to tremble. Pei Muwei's gaze deepened, and his breathing became heavier.
Chu Yueyuan felt the rising temperature in the man's chest, so she quickly clenched her fists and pounded them twice, warning him in a low voice:
"You dare! Not here."
Pei Muwei readily complied, picking up the young Empress Dowager in his arms, his long, narrow phoenix eyes brimming with a smile: "Your humble servant obeys the decree."
Chu Yueyuan was shocked: "You...I...didn't ask you to change locations!"
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