Xu Yuehuai and the Empress Dowager reached an agreement in the Imperial Garden. The two chatted happily, as if time had stood still at that moment. Xu Yuehuai's eyes shone with wisdom, while the Empress Dowager expressed deep gratitude.
Just as the two were about to leave, an unexpected event occurred.
"Xiaoyue, what are you doing here?" Bai Yuqi's gaze shifted between Xu Yuehuai and the Empress Dowager, as if he had noticed something.
The Empress Dowager smiled and patted Xu Yuehuai's hand, saying softly, "Xiaoyue, now that Bai Yu is here, just let him be. Don't forget lunch."
Xu Yuehua nodded slightly, but her heart was filled with mixed feelings. She glanced at Bai Yu and saw that he was looking at her eagerly, so she had no choice but to go with him.
"May Your Majesty the Empress Dowager be well. I will take her with me now." Bai Yu bowed respectfully to the Empress Dowager, then turned and took Xu Yuehuai's hand, walking towards the palanquin.
As he walked, he asked in a low voice, "What were you two talking about just now? You seemed quite serious."
Xu Yuehuai replied casually, "It's nothing. The Empress Dowager is just grateful that I saved her life before." Her words revealed a hint of detachment, as if she was unwilling to talk about the matter further.
Upon hearing this, Bai Yu asked in confusion, "I didn't tell her this news, did I? How did you know?"
Xu Yuehuai was startled. She hadn't expected that he wasn't the one who leaked this information. Then who was it?
She turned her head slightly to avoid Bai Yu's gaze, but her heart was filled with inexplicable emotions.
It seems that there really is an undercover agent by Bai Yu's side.
At lunchtime, the atmosphere in Bai Yu's bedroom was exceptionally warm.
The table was laden with exquisite dishes, their aromas irresistible.
Bai Yu was busy serving food to Xu Yuehuai, but she deliberately avoided the dishes he offered, only choosing what she liked to eat. Seeing this, Bai Yu wasn't angry, but just smiled faintly, as if he was already used to her willfulness.
After lunch, Bai Yu sat at the table reviewing memorials.
Xu Yuehuai stood to the side, curiously flipping through the memorials.
She found Bai Yu's approach to the situation to be very decisive, even somewhat "violent." She couldn't help but frown and asked softly, "I didn't expect you to be so direct."
Bai Yu raised his head, a sharp glint in his eyes. He put down his pen, walked to Xu Yuehuai's side, pointed to the contents of the memorial, and said, "I don't have the patience of that person before. In my opinion, this method is more effective."
Xu Yuehuai sneered and retorted, "You're just making excuses for your incompetence. A truly capable person would solve problems in a gentler and wiser way." Her words carried a hint of provocation, as if she wanted to provoke Bai Yu.
However, Bai Yu did not get angry. He coldly approached Xu Yuehuai, pressed her against the table, and the two were so close that they could almost feel each other's breath.
He said in a low voice, "Oh? Then what do you suggest we do?"
Xu Yuehuai was startled by Bai Yu's sudden action. She struggled to stand up, but found herself firmly pressed against the table.
She looked up and met Bai Yu's deep and aggressive gaze, her heart feeling as if it were being gripped tightly by something.
"I..." Xu Yuehuai stammered, unable to speak.
She had never imagined facing Bai Yu at such close range, much less being pressured by him in this situation. She felt a pang of panic and didn't know what to do.
Bai Yu looked at Xu Yuehuai's flustered yet captivating expression and a playful smile appeared on his lips.
He gently released his hand, allowing Xu Yuehuai to stand up. Looking at her flushed cheeks and flickering eyes, an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing you." Bai Yu coughed lightly, concealing his inner turmoil.
He turned and walked back to his desk to continue reviewing memorials.
Xu Yuehuai stood there, unable to calm down for a long time.
She didn't know why she cared so much about Bai Yu's actions and words, nor did she know whether she should continue to stay by his side.
However, at this moment, she could no longer control her heart.
She knew she was once again deeply caught in this vortex of intrigue and danger, just like before.
That feeling was something she couldn't control, it was so overwhelming.
...
The autumn sun shines on the golden glazed tiles of the palace, casting dappled light and shadow.
Bai Yu stood on the steps of the palace, his white brocade robe swaying gently in the wind. He turned to Xu Yuehuai behind him and said, "Come with me on the autumn hunt."
Xu Yuehua frowned slightly. She was wearing a light blue dress, looking fresh and refined, but she couldn't hide the stubbornness in her eyes.
"I'm not going."
Bai Yu smiled slightly, a hint of cunning in his smile.
"That's not up to you." He shook his head slightly, as if everything was under his control.
After saying that, he turned and left, leaving behind only a resolute silhouette.
Xu Yuehuai gazed at that retreating figure, a strange emotion welling up within her.
She knew she was destined to be caught up in this autumn hunt. She sighed helplessly, her heart filled with apprehension about the future.
A few days later, Xu Yuehuai sat in Bai Yu's luxurious private carriage.
Soldiers and officials in court attire stood solemnly around the carriage.
She noticed that Bai Yu hadn't brought any concubines or palace maids with him, only her. She felt something was off.
The carriage moved slowly along the autumn road, and the surrounding scenery gradually became more expansive.
Xu Yuehuai felt the officials' gazes frequently falling on her, as if they wanted to see right through her.
She felt her face burning, as if those gazes could bore holes into it.
"Are you trying to make me a thorn in everyone's side?" Xu Yuehuai finally couldn't help but ask.
Bai Yu turned her head and looked at her gently, "Once you're exposed to everyone, you can never leave me again."
Xu Yuehuai sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes.
"You're dreaming, but this choice is destined to be wrong," she said coldly.
Bai Yu smiled nonchalantly and said confidently, "Don't worry, I will protect you. Those people can't hurt you."
Xu Yuehuai didn't answer, but coldly turned her head away, plotting her escape.
The carriages finally arrived at the autumn hunting grounds. The soldiers began busily setting up camp.
Xu Yuehuai's tent was right next to Bai Yu's. To her surprise, she found that her tent was the first one to be set up.
Bai Yu arrived at her tent and stood quietly at the door, waiting.
Xu Yuehuai stepped out of the tent and saw him standing there, a surge of anger rising within her. She knew that all of this was deliberately arranged by Bai Yu.
Bai Yu watched her walk out, smiled, and reached out to put his arm around her waist.
A cold glint flashed in Xu Yuehuai's eyes. She slapped Bai Yu's hand, turning it red.
Bai Yu withdrew his hand, watching her cold figure disappear into the distance.
"You'd better not lay a hand on me, or I'll chop your claws off," Xu Yuehuai's voice came, tinged with anger.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com