The Empress Dowager looked at Xu Yuehuai, a complex light flashing in her eyes. She knew that Xu Yuehuai had been taking care of her diligently these past few days, and although some minor mistakes had occurred, her efforts and loyalty were undeniable.
Therefore, the Empress Dowager did not punish her, but said softly, "Xiaoyue, don't take this to heart. Go back and rest today."
Xu Yuehuai was thrilled to hear the Empress Dowager's words. She knew this was the Empress Dowager's affirmation and encouragement. She bowed deeply and then silently left the palace.
In the dead of night, the moonlight, like water, spills across the tranquil palace walls.
Xu Yuehuai was in her room, having just finished a tiring day. She sat on the edge of the bed, a barely perceptible weariness on her face. Her eyes revealed deep worry, as if she were pondering something important.
Suddenly, a soft footstep broke the silence of the night. Xu Yuehuai immediately looked up alertly, a hint of wariness flashing in her eyes. Thinking it was an enemy, she unconsciously tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword.
However, when that familiar figure appeared in the moonlight, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
"Aze?"
Xu Yuehuai called out softly, her voice tinged with disbelief. As she watched the figure slowly approach, the tension in her heart gradually dissipated.
When she realized that it was indeed Qi Guze, she immediately threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face.
"Yuehuai, what's wrong?" Qi Guze looked at Xu Yuehuai in his arms, his eyes filled with heartache. He gently stroked her hair, trying to comfort her.
Xu Yuehuai raised her head, looked into Qi Guze's eyes, took a deep breath, and then began to recount the recent events. Her voice trembled slightly, as if she were recalling those thrilling scenes.
"...Things in the palace are very complicated. I don't know who to trust or who to be wary of. I have to live cautiously every day, afraid of making the slightest mistake..." Xu Yuehuai said, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes.
Hearing Xu Yuehuai's words, Qi Guze felt a surge of anger. He gripped Xu Yuehuai's hand tightly, his eyes flashing with determination.
"Ah Yue, you don't need to face this alone. I will be by your side to get through this together." Qi Guze's voice was firm and powerful, as if he was giving Xu Yuehuai a boost of strength.
Hearing Qi Guze's words, Xu Yuehuai felt a warm current surge in her heart. She knew she was no longer fighting alone. With Qi Guze by her side, she had more courage and confidence.
"But, won't the person in the general's mansion search for you everywhere?" She was a little worried.
"It's alright, I've already found someone to replace me. She'll notice something's wrong." Qi Guze smiled and ruffled her hair.
She was relieved and a smile appeared on her face.
The two sat embracing each other in the moonlight, and their conversation lasted for a long time until dawn broke.
In the early morning at the palace, sunlight streamed through the exquisite window lattices and fell on Xu Yuehuai's face.
As a new day dawned, Xu Yuehuai felt as if she had regained her strength. She knew that with Qi Guze by her side, she could face the challenges of the future with greater determination.
Qi Guze was well aware of his great responsibility, and he would do his best to protect Xu Yuehuai and ensure that she could spend every day safely in the palace.
She looked up and was met with Qi Guze's worried and affectionate gaze. He sat on the edge of the bed, looking intently at her.
"If you feel unwell, just tell me. I'll do everything I can to get you out of the palace." Qi Guze's voice was deep and gentle, full of care and promise for Xu Yuehuai.
Xu Yuehuai smiled slightly and shook her head. "It's alright. With the Ghost Doctor helping me develop the antidote, I'm not afraid. Besides, you're here to help me from the shadows." Her words revealed a kind of resilience and courage, as if she could calmly deal with any predicament she faced.
Qi Guze embraced her tenderly, his arms tightly encircling her body as if trying to draw her into his embrace. His eyes were filled with tenderness and reluctance to part with her, but he knew that she needed more than just his embrace; she needed his understanding and support.
As dawn broke, Xu Yuehuai gently broke free from Qi Guze's embrace and began to wash and dress. She was going to take care of the Empress Dowager; it was her responsibility and her mission. She carefully combed her long hair in front of the mirror, applying a light layer of makeup to make herself look more radiant.
She turned to Qi Guze and said, "You stay in the house secretly during the day, and I'll go with you tonight to investigate the surrounding area." Her tone was calm and decisive, as if everything was under her control.
Qi Guze nodded silently. He understood her meaning and her decision. He watched her departing figure, his heart filled with reluctance and worry, but he knew he would always be here waiting for her, waiting for her to return.
Xu Yuehuai arrived at the Empress Dowager's palace, where everything seemed normal. She skillfully began preparing medicinal meals, decocting and feeding the Empress Dowager her medicine, and attentively caring for her daily needs. Her movements were practiced and gentle, as if she were caring for a close relative.
The Empress Dowager looked at her with eyes full of relief. She knew that Xu Yuehuai was genuinely kind to her and truly cared about her. In this palace full of power struggles and intrigues, she felt incredibly lucky to have someone like Xu Yuehuai who treated her sincerely. She had long since stopped worrying about the accidents that had happened before.
After applying the medicine to the Empress Dowager, Xu Yuehuai quietly withdrew from the palace. She knew her mission was not yet complete; she still needed to scout out the surrounding area and make thorough preparations for leaving the palace.
She walked along the corridors of Anshou Palace, her eyes sharp and alert, as if searching for something. Her heart was filled with determination; she knew that no matter what, she would persevere until she found a clue.
At this moment, Qi Guze was silently waiting in the house for Xu Yuehuai's return. His heart was filled with longing and worry for her, but he knew he had to remain calm and patient. Only in this way could he help and support her at this crucial moment.
The day seemed to drag on endlessly, but finally, night fell.
Xu Yuehuai returned to Qi Guze's side, her face showing a hint of fatigue, but her eyes sparkling with joy.
"How is it?" Qi Guze asked impatiently, his voice filled with concern and anticipation for her.
Xu Yuehuai shook her head. "Everything is as usual, but I've discovered something suspicious." Her voice was low and mysterious, as if she were telling a major secret.
Qi Guze immediately leaned closer to her anxiously, "Where is she? Let's go take a look."
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