Chapter 45
It's over.
Xie Ling quickly closed his eyes, with this sentence repeating in his mind.
Damn it, why did he use so much strength just now! Don’t you know that the fabrics of dragon robes are very precious?
How could I withstand his pull?
In reality, no one dared to talk to the emperor, so this was the first time Xiao Huan encountered such a thing. When his robe was torn off, his expression was stiff. Now, looking at himself in his disheveled underwear, he even suspected that Xie Ling did it on purpose.
However, after he said this, the guy quickly closed his eyes, as if he was afraid that he would chop off his head.
"Your Majesty, I said I was careless, do you believe me?"
"I just didn't see anything."
I swear to God, he was just so distracted that he didn't pay attention to anything.
It was such an unjust death.
Seeing that this guy dared to cry out for injustice, Xiao Huan sneered.
"Shut up!"
Okay, Xie Ling shut up again.
He couldn't see anything in front of him. All he could hear was His Majesty seeming to give orders to the outside.
"Bring a new set of clothes."
"No need to come in, leave it outside."
"yes."
Wang Bao hesitated for a moment. He didn't expect that His Majesty wanted to change clothes so early in the morning, so he immediately went to prepare a new one.
After the eunuch outside put down the tray and left, Xiao Huan turned around to get his clothes. When he looked up and saw Xie Ling's eyelashes trembled twice, he frowned and said, "Don't open your eyes."
Xie Ling: ...He has no intention of moving.
The aggrieved young man assured: "Don't worry, Your Majesty."
However, because he had committed a serious crime, Xie Ling remained very honest.
I couldn't see what was in front of me, so I just closed my eyes and started counting the stars. But as I counted, the movements not far away became clearer.
Maybe it was because he couldn't see that his hearing was more acute, but Xie Ling could hear everything that happened outside, and even heard the rustling of His Majesty's clothes.
Ahem, what are you thinking about?
Come back to your senses, Xie Ling! Your head is still hanging on the knife, how dare you suck it up!
Xie Ling finished his skill in a second, knelt upright with a serious expression, and adjusted his expression before Emperor Wu turned around.
Xiao Huan looked at the tattered dragon robe, twitched his lips, frowned and looked across.
Xie Ling still had his eyes tightly closed and did not move. He looked extremely well behaved and it was hard to tell that he was someone who could do such a thing.
He sneered, feeling that he must punish this guy today, otherwise wouldn't he be arrogant because of his favor?
As Xie Ling waited, he felt that His Majesty should have changed his clothes by now.
But why don’t you speak?
Is he thinking about how to deal with him? No.
The young man with his eyes closed looked pitiful, but when one thought about what he had done, it was really hard to feel pity for him. If it had been anyone else who had torn the dragon robe, he would have died hundreds of times.
Xiao Huan calmed down and pointed at the cloth in front of him.
"Xie Ling."
Xie Ling quietly opened his eyes and saw His Majesty Emperor Wu looking at him with a dark face. His eyes fell on the dragon robe that was already in pieces, and his mind quickly turned and he spoke quickly: "Your Majesty, please forgive me."
"I know that I deserve death for damaging the dragon robe, but I can atone for my sin. As long as Your Majesty gives me an hour, I can definitely repair the dragon robe beautifully."
Xie Ling never expected that the embroidery she learned on Emperor Wu's birthday would come in handy at this time, and an idea suddenly came to her mind.
Xiao Huan choked and felt a little suspicious.
"Can you make it up?"
Does this guy really have this ability?
Xie Ling patted his chest and assured: "Your Majesty, don't worry."
"Just watch it at noon."
Xiao Huan narrowed his eyes as he watched him boast. Originally, the punishment was just to scare him. Now that he saw that this guy had realized his mistake, he waved his hand impatiently and said, "Why don't you take it away?"
He really didn't want to see this rag anymore.
Cough cough.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Xie Ling stood up obediently, holding the dragon robe and preparing to go out. However, he thought it was too exaggerated to go out with such a thing in his hand. In order to avoid scaring others, Xie Ling stuffed the dragon robe into his arms when he walked to the door.
Well, that's good.
Originally, Xiao Huan was going to see if this guy had gone out, but he witnessed Xie Ling stuffing the dragon robe into his pocket: ...
This guy.
His heart skipped a beat and he quickly looked away. After a while, he took a deep breath and looked a little doubtful:
Last time it was pajamas, this time it was dragon robes. This guy is using this method, could he be trying to buy all my clothes?
Where did he learn this? Really... His expression was uncertain for a long time, and Xiao Huan did not say the last word.
Xie Ling said that he was mending the dragon robe, after all, he didn't dare to deceive the emperor.
Qian Ming watched Master Xie come back in the morning, and thought that Master Xie was still thinking about the little fat dog. Just when he was about to ask Master Xie whether he was going to see Xiaobai today, he heard a sad voice from the other side.
"Xiao Qian, please take out the tools I bought last time I went outside the palace."
"I have something to do."
Mr. Xie, are you referring to...?
Qian Ming thought of a box that Mr. Xie bought last time he came back, and took it out of the drawer.
Xie Ling sighed and took the tools. After Qian Ming left, he found a corner and took out the dragon robe.
"I'm so angry. How on earth are those scenes on TV where people act like spoiled brats and beg for mercy from the emperor filmed? Why can't they do that when it comes to me?"
system:……
It thinks the host is very good, much better than on TV. The male and female protagonists on TV are just acting coquettishly, but the host is throwing his life away.
However, facing the host who wanted to cry but had no tears, the system could only say: "Fortunately, you still have some skills."
Xie Ling suspected that the system was mocking him and snorted coldly. At this time, he could only grit his teeth and take out the needle and thread to mend the clothes.
However, with his mediocre craftsmanship, he could not even repair the dragon robe to its original state.
When the finished product appeared, Xie Ling's eyes went dark. He unfolded it and took a closer look. Recalling the original appearance, he felt that it was doomed. How could he report to the authorities?
Your Majesty is not blind.
Is he destined to die today?
"Tongzi, have you done anything meritorious recently? Help me think about it."
No, he couldn't wait to accomplish a great deed, preferably one that could divert attention.
system:……
"According to your memory search, the Xiongnu are still in the process of integration recently, and anything will have to wait until the beginning of next spring. There is nothing major happening in the palace either."
"The only important event in the court is the Autumn Examination. If you can pass the exam and get into the top three, you may have made a great contribution."
But even if it was the autumn examination, there was still a two-day wait. And Xie Ling might not be able to get into the top three.
The system did not say the last sentence, fearing that it would upset the host.
Xie Ling: …
"So there's nothing we can do about it, right?"
system:……
"You can try to act like a spoiled child with Emperor Wu."
Xie Ling almost choked to death.
Still acting like a spoiled brat?
He almost lost his life just now because of his coquettish behavior, how dare he do that.
I’m afraid I’ll get my muscles and skinned alive next time.
The system rolled its eyes, thinking that the host still didn't quite understand the charm of his succubus. Seeing that the host thought he was fooling him, the system said, "If you don't believe me, try it this afternoon."
"What if?"
Anyway, the host has no other choice.
It was not until the afternoon when it was time to meet Emperor Wu that Xie Ling had come up with any better idea. He stared at the defective product in his hand for a long time with deep resentment, and finally had to reluctantly go to see His Majesty.
Xiao Huan had just finished meeting with the officials when he heard Xie Ling asking for a meeting. He paused and took a sip of tea.
"Let him in."
He glanced at Wang Bao, and Wang Bao understood what he meant and retreated with the eunuchs the moment Master Xie came in.
Hey wait a minute.
Xie Ling, who originally thought that he could be braver if someone was around, opened his mouth, but he could only see a group of people leaving quickly, as if they were afraid that something would happen if he was a second late.
At this time, I could only look away and smile awkwardly.
"That Majesty."
"I came to say hello."
Xiao Huan glanced at him.
"Um."
He responded calmly and took a sip of tea.
Seeing this guy hesitate to speak and not dare to look at him, Xiao Huan knew that it was definitely not repaired well. Forget it, he didn't have any hope for this guy's craftsmanship.
How could a dragon robe woven by dozens of embroiderers be repaired so easily?
Just scare him so he'll remember it.
However, it seems like this guy has other plans?
What is Xie Ling going to do?
…
Xie Ling endured the pain and decided to try the system's method of acting like a spoiled child again. After thinking about the various tones of the anchors he had seen online before crossing over, Xie Ling found that... he really couldn't learn it.
His expression changed constantly, and he was about to give up when the system gave him a hesitant suggestion.
"Why don't you try the tone you use when you talk to that little fat dog?"
Tsk, every time it hears Xie Ling talking to that little fat dog, it feels like its ears are going deaf. This guy always learns to use a clamp without any instruction at this time.
Xie Ling: …
How do I try this?
The person opposite had a strange expression on his face, and the golden light above his head was flickering. Xiao Huan looked over with interest and saw several rows of large words flashing above Xie Ling's head.
"Your Majesty... Xiaobai, Your Majesty... Xiaobai..."
Xiao Huan:?
What does this mean?
Xiaobai, is that the fat dog? Xiao Huan had heard the palace servants "accidentally" mention the fat dog's name, and paused for a moment.
How shameless! Why put my name and that dog's name together?!
He looked at Xie Ling suspiciously, and saw Xie Ling hesitating for a long time before gritting his teeth and walking forward.
"Your Majesty, are you thirsty?"
"Shall I give you a new cup of tea?"
Are you trying to please me? He raised his eyebrows and put down the teacup.
"Seventy percent warm."
"Okay." Xie Ling quickly turned around to make tea. Fortunately, there was a ready-made teacup next to him, so he didn't have to perform a hearty and hot tea art.
After brewing for a long time, Xie Ling imagined that he was pouring water for Xiao Bai, and it really worked a little. When he poured tea for His Majesty, his voice became sweeter.
As soon as he opened his mouth, Xiao Huan stopped abruptly.
This tone... He turned his head and glanced at Xie Ling. Xie Ling looked back at him innocently, with the corners of her lips slightly raised, as if asking him what was wrong.
Xiao Huan: ...
He frowned and picked up the tea. After drinking it, he heard Xie Ling say, "Your Majesty, you must have been tired after handling government affairs all day."
"Shall I give you a shoulder pat?"
laugh.
Do you think I will be bribed now? He looked critical, but he suddenly looked into the eyes that belonged to him for a long while, and then his voice sank slightly: "Hit me."
Xie Ling heaved a sigh of relief and gradually got into the state. At this time, he stretched his wrist and walked behind Emperor Wu.
Because of the emperor's natural defensiveness and vigilance, Xiao Huan rarely let anyone stand behind him, especially so close. If someone stabbed him at such a close distance and smeared poison on the dagger, then even if I subdued the other party, it would be too late. He thought in his heart that he should have been alert in an instant, but his body did not tense at all, but relaxed spontaneously.
Xiao Huan paused for a moment and felt that Xie Ling was approaching.
A small task like massaging shoulders is not difficult for a loser. It is something that anyone can do with their hands.
Xie Ling lowered his head and hit Emperor Wu twice. Seeing that Emperor Wu did not react, he felt relieved and hit him even harder.
After a few breaths, Xiao Huan came back to his senses and saw Xie Ling changing his standing postures after hammering on his shoulder for less than half an hour. The corner of his mouth twitched.
This guy really can't do this kind of thing.
But I didn't ask him to do such a thing. Even if I let Xie Ling be the attendant, Xiao Huan only planned to let him remember things.
He lowered his eyes and looked over: "Okay."
"My shoulders don't hurt anymore."
Xie Ling: Ah, it’s done now? He hasn’t performed for long.
"System, look at this bad idea you came up with." It was a waste of his labor.
system:……
Xie Ling was in a state of panic. After he walked to the front, he was still thinking about how to divert Emperor Wu's attention. Then he heard His Majesty say, "There are only two days left. Why don't you go read a book?"
Huh?
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I'll be there right away."
It was not until he walked out of Qianyuan Hall that Xie Ling came to his senses.
"System, His Majesty didn't ask me about the dragon robe?"
System: ... "It seems so."
"I was saying, this act of acting cute will work." The system instantly gained confidence.
Xie Ling was skeptical. On the one hand, he thought that the emperor had forgotten, but on the other hand, he wondered what if, what if it really just happened?
The dragon robe should not be left in private hands. After Xie Ling left, Xiao Huan sent someone to the palace to take back the damaged dragon robe.
Liang Chun was full of questions when he left, and when he came back he was a little shocked. How come Master Xie had a repaired dragon robe?
What's going on?
It seems that His Majesty has allowed it?
Liang Chun looked at His Majesty cautiously, and Xiao Huan said calmly: "Keep this matter to yourself."
The Eagle Guards only obeyed the emperor's orders. Liang Chun lowered his head and responded, but he was still extremely shocked when he retreated.
Xiao Huan waited until everyone left, took a look at the patched, tattered clothes, and thought of Xie Ling's extremely sweet voice at noon, and his throat rolled.
This guy didn't know how to act like a spoiled child yesterday, how come he can do it today?
You are still so good at controlling me.
Thinking of Xie Ling's eyes full of him at that time, with dimples and a well-behaved look, Xiao Huan's heart skipped a beat and he frowned.
…
It was not until the evening when Xie Ling finished reviewing that he realized... His Majesty Emperor Wu had truly forgotten about this matter and had not mentioned it until now.
This is simply great, okay!
I almost thought he would not see the sun tomorrow.
Xie Ling stretched lazily. Just as he was about to lie down for a while after the crisis was resolved, he saw Qian Ming walking in carefully.
"Thank you, Master. His Majesty has summoned you."
Xie Ling: …
Why are you here again!
His expression twisted for a moment but he quickly adjusted it and smiled: "Really? I'll be there right away."
After complaining to the system in his mind for a long time, when Xie Ling walked to Qianyuan Hall, he saw Emperor Wu who was having a meal. Why was he eating so late?
He looked at the sky and felt that being an emperor was not so comfortable.
But why did they ask him to come for dinner? He had already eaten by then.
Their eyes met, Xiao Huan glanced at him indifferently, but Xie Ling remained motionless and did not understand, and the air suddenly became awkward.
"Tongzi, what did His Majesty mean just now?"
Wang Bao couldn't help but cough lightly and pointed to the place in front of him.
Xie Ling and Eunuch Wang stared at each other for a long time before they reacted. They sat down with sudden realization and then smiled gratefully.
"Your Majesty, let me serve you some food."
So he was asked to take over Eunuch Wang's job. Why didn't you say so earlier?
Xie Ling picked up the chopsticks and looked around.
"What would you like to eat, Your Majesty?"
Xiao Huan wanted to speak, but he paused when he thought of something and said, "Whatever you like." After so long, he wanted to see if Xie Ling knew what I like to eat.
Xie Ling thought about it and felt that "casual" was a common language used by all superiors. How should he choose? He used his brain and remembered that Emperor Wu usually ate more vegetarian food, so he simply picked up a piece of green vegetables with chopsticks.
"Your Majesty, would you like to try this?"
Xiao Huan's brows relaxed a little. This guy was not completely tactful.
Xie Ling understood.
Seeing His Majesty take a bite, the food picker immediately came online, and all the green dishes in front, behind, and around were taken by him. But in a short time, the plate in front of Xiao Huan was full of green dishes, and he had no appetite at all.
Wang Bao's mouth twitched when he saw this. He felt that if he served food like this every day, he would probably turn green too.
But thank you, sir...
He took a quick look and saw that although His Majesty's face darkened for a moment, he actually didn't say anything?
Xiao Huan didn't expect this guy to be so quick. Although I like to eat vegetarian food, I don't eat all vegetarian food. It's just that he never likes to waste food. Under Xie Ling's eager eyes after he finished eating, he had to finish eating with a blank face. He didn't remember it until he put down his chopsticks.
——I was planning to test Xie Ling, but how come I ended up eating all the food he picked for me just to appease this guy?
What on earth did this guy do to me?
He looked suspicious.
Seeing that His Majesty suddenly frowned again, Xie Ling couldn't help but blinking.
"Your Majesty, what's wrong with you? Would you like some water?"
Because he had been in the state of coaxing the little fat dog in the afternoon, Xie Ling now unconsciously became sweet.
Xiao Huan, who had just doubted himself, was suddenly controlled by this voice and said lightly: "No need."
"I'm done."
He remembered the important matter and said, "I asked you to come here this afternoon because of something."
Xie Ling was sitting upright when he saw His Majesty glance at him and said, "The imperial examination will start in two days. It may be inconvenient for you to continue living in the palace. Your teacher came to see me the other day and said that he would take you out to live for two days before the examination. What do you think?"
What? The teacher actually said that. Xie Ling didn't even know that.
But who wouldn’t want to live outside the palace if they could? Although there is fine clothing and delicious food in the palace, there is a big devil opposite, and you will make mistakes if you are not careful.
Xie Ling coughed lightly. Xiao Huan thought that this guy would be reluctant to leave, just like when he parted with that stupid dog.
Xie Ling is so obsessed with me that I definitely don’t want to leave, but for the efforts during this period, I have to be ruthless and not let his imperial examination be affected...
He was thinking in his heart, but he suddenly heard Xie Ling say: "So, I will pack my luggage now?"
Xiao Huan: ...
"What did you say?"
Xie Ling: ???
Ah? Didn't His Majesty ask him to leave the palace to prepare for the exam? What's wrong with him packing his luggage?
However, Wang Bao could vaguely see something.
Mr. Xie, you agreed too quickly. At least you should have held on for a while, right?
Sure enough, His Majesty was angry.
The next moment, Xie Ling looked blankly at His Majesty, who had just been in a good mood, and glanced at him.
"In that case, go and clean it up."
Xie Ling: Uh.
"Then the common people left?"
Xiao Huan was too lazy to look at him. He only sneered after Xie Ling left and said, "He agreed to leave the palace as soon as I asked him to. It seems that he doesn't want to stay in the palace at all."
Wang Bao: ...How should he respond to this?
"Perhaps Master Xie just doesn't want to embarrass Your Majesty."
Xiao Huan glanced at him and said nothing.
Xie Ling didn't react until he walked outside.
"Oops, I was careless. I shouldn't have agreed so quickly."
System: “You just found out.”
What should I do now? It's too late.
He hesitated for a moment, looked back at Qianyuan Hall and shook his head, thinking that it would be better not to disturb His Majesty at work and wait until the imperial examination was over.
Your Majesty is so busy every day, he probably doesn't care about such trivial matters.
He should prepare for the exam first.
After Xie Ling asked someone to tell the teacher, he went back and started packing his things.
He didn't have much stuff, but after all, he had lived there for several months, so there were still some traces.
Well... I have to take these new clothes with me when I leave the palace.
And you must take this box of big pearls.
Oh, and there’s money!
After cleaning up a lot of mess, Xie Ling looked back and looked at the coral opposite reluctantly. Alas, I don't know if I can take this thing with me. This is given to him by His Majesty. It's a pity to leave it here.
System: "I advise you not to."
Well, Xie Ling reluctantly retracted his gaze and forced himself to tie the things into a knot while suppressing his greed.
"Just take this much for now. If it's not enough, go out and buy some more."
After he packed his things, he saw Qian Ming coming and prepared to say goodbye again.
As soon as Qian Ming entered the door, he saw the oversized luggage in front of him and was stunned for a moment.
"Mr. Xie, why do you carry so many things?"
Aren’t you just going away for a few days?
After the provincial examination, no matter what the results are, Mr. Xie should return to the palace first, right?
Or does Your Majesty have any other arrangements?
Qian Ming didn't know what happened in Qianyuan Hall in the afternoon, and was a little confused at this time.
Xie Ling looked at his hands: "A lot? Not bad."
"But I'm leaving soon. I'll leave Xiaobai to you first."
Qian Ming nodded: "Don't worry, Master Xie, Xiaobai is doing well in the cat and dog room."
The two of them exchanged a few words before the time came and it was time for Xie Ling to leave. After all, the palace gates would be locked if he didn't leave soon.
After Qian Ming sent the person to the door, he saw Master Xie get on the carriage and suddenly stick his head out.
"Well, if you see the eunuch, please tell His Majesty a message for me."
"I will miss your majesty too."
Well, this should be fine, right? Xie Ling, who felt that he had treated everyone equally, nodded and got back into the carriage.
…
Xiao Huan was in a bad mood the whole afternoon, with a dull expression on his face, a bit like how he was before Xie Ling came.
It was so quiet in the Qianyuan Hall that even no one dared to breathe loudly. Wang Baozheng was holding his whisk and perking up his spirits when he saw the gestures of the eunuch outside.
This action is...
"Your Majesty, Master Xie has left the palace." He whispered.
Xiao Huan paused and said, "Leave the palace if you want. No need to tell me."
Wang Bao: ...Okay.
It was only after a while, until His Majesty finished his bath at night, that he heard His Majesty ask.
"Did he say anything before he left the palace?"
Wang Bao knew that His Majesty would ask, fortunately he communicated with Qian Ming.
Meeting His Majesty's gaze, he bowed and said, "Mr. Xie did not forget to turn around when he got on the carriage. Before he left, he seemed to say that he would miss Your Majesty, too."
These words made Xiao Huan stunned for a moment, and his expression softened a little.
What does it mean to miss him too?
Could it be that I miss that fellow Xie Ling? I am just annoyed that I can't read novels every day.
He thought so and closed his eyes again.
Forget it, knowing that this guy is a little slow, why bother with him? Xiao Huan pressed his eyebrows and gave the order:
"Tell Zheng Wanyun to take good care of Xie Ling."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Wang Bao breathed a sigh of relief and then carefully retreated.
…
Xie Ling failed to sleep well at Zheng Daru’s house last time, but this time he was finally able to sleep well.
The room prepared by the Master's wife was clean and tidy, with incense specially burned inside, and even the quilt was dried in the sun to keep it warm.
As soon as Xie Ling went in and lay down, he didn't want to move anymore.
“It’s so comfortable.”
The system was curious: "Is it really that comfortable?"
“Very comfortable!”
He rolled back and forth twice to prove that what he said was correct, and at this time he heard a knock on the door outside.
"Xiao Xie, have you packed up yet?"
"It's time to eat."
"Okay, coming right up!"
Who knows, as soon as you enter the teacher's house, you can drink milk tea and even eat hot meals. Xie Ling happily put the things in the cupboard and ran to the canteen.
Zheng Daru had been waiting for him for a long time. When he saw him coming, he couldn't help but smile and shook his head.
To be honest, he initially thought that His Majesty did not intend to let Xiao Xie leave the palace. There had been no response to his last proposal, and Zheng Wanyun was thinking about bringing it up again, but now it seemed that His Majesty was still thinking about Xiao Xie.
It is indeed not a good idea to get involved with the palace at a time like this.
"Come and sit down."
"This is specially prepared for you by your master's wife."
All the delicious dishes that Xie Ling thought he had when he came out last time were on the table today. He looked down and found that the teacher was jealous.
"This is the first time in all these years that your wife has cooked so many dishes for people."
Xie Ling chuckled twice.
"Teachers eat this every day, but students rarely get to eat it."
"Okay, stop teasing Xiao Xie and eat quickly." Mrs. Zheng glanced at Zheng Wanyun and picked up a chicken wing for Xie Ling.
Xie Ling felt so refreshed after the meal. He hated Sen for not being able to stay at Zheng Daru's house all night. He was still not satisfied when he returned to his room.
Inside the palace, even though the misunderstanding was resolved, Xiao Huan was still not in a good mood.
I thought it was something that had been arranged long ago, and I should be able to do it without any trouble if Xie Ling left the palace to prepare for the exam. After all, it was not raining like last time, and I could not help but feel a little worried about Xie Ling being alone outside.
There was nothing wrong at this moment, but Xiao Huan just felt a little uninterested.
He closed his eyes slightly, took a bath as usual, and then read a military book for a while. However, his mind was clear and he was not sleepy at all.
It was not until he sat on the couch that Xiao Huan caught a glimpse of the pajamas that Xie Ling gave him last time. At this moment, he picked up the thing as if possessed. Thinking of Xie Ling's words "You will miss me" before he left, he stared at the two strange-looking Q-version figures on the pajamas and gradually came to his senses.
——Am I also...missing him?
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