"Are you sure you're not ill?" Feng Xie squinted, his eyes holding a deep darkness and a dangerous glint.
Had something happened that he didn't know about?
He was an Emperor; his eyes and ears were everywhere. Therefore, whether it was the imperial palace or the entire realm, everything was clear in his mind.
Sometimes he remained silent because it was unnecessary. He would not tolerate anything existing that he was unaware of.
"This minister is not ill. This minister is simply moved by Her Majesty the Empress," Nan Zhongyue replied truthfully. He had changed into a clean and refreshing casual outfit, appearing like a banished immortal from the heavens.
As soon as Nan Gongyue finished speaking, Feng Xie's narrowed eyes snapped open, his gaze piercing.
"What did that woman do now?" He was very curious. That woman was indeed resilient and would not yield to anyone. To think she had moved Nan Gongyue. What had she done? He was curious.
"She knelt down to this minister," Nan Gongyue's lips, as red as cherries, parted slightly, curving into a smile that could topple kingdoms.
The Emperor on the dragon bed tumbled off ungracefully, clearly too shocked. It wasn't Nan Gongyue's smile that startled him, but the truth of the matter.
Liu Liu, that ugly woman, had actually knelt before Nan Gongyue. He felt a surge of explosive rage, a desire to kill, every pore filled with murderous intent.
He had tormented her so much, yet she had never given him a good look. Even when he imprisoned her in Huaqing Palace, she had accepted it with a smile.
If she had knelt before him then, he would have certainly let her go. But she had done nothing. Now, she had knelt before Nan Gongyue. Feng Xie's handsome features were suffused with a shimmering blue light, and he snorted angrily, "Where is that woman?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Empress has left the palace," Nan Gongyue bowed. He acted as if he hadn't seen the Emperor's actions, his expression unchanged.
Feng Xie leaped back onto the dragon bed and sat up. His partially unbuttoned inner robe revealed his well-defined chest muscles. His long, ink-black hair cascaded down his sides, exuding an indescribable sexiness and allure. Nan Gongyue stared, stunned. Feng Xie noticed his slightly flushed face and winked playfully, teasing him.
"Moon, do you find His Majesty possesses a masculine charm? If you don't mind, I won't object?"
"Your Majesty?" Nan Gongyue swiftly retreated from the Emperor's sleeping quarters. This man never forgot to tease him, no matter the time. Feng Xie's cold roar echoed in his ears: "Nan Gongyue, how dare you make her kneel? She is, after all, an Empress. Only I can make her kneel."
It seemed this man's pride was acting up again, but more than that, it was his attention on the Empress. He had never protected anyone before. Nan Gongyue gave a bitter smile.
He recalled the proud little face of the Empress when she sacrificed for her family. If she weren't the Empress, how wonderful it would be. He would never let her go. Unfortunately, she was the Empress.
Moreover, Feng Xie hadn't yet realized his own feelings. As domineering as he was, if he knew he liked the Empress and knew they coveted her, they would likely never see her again.
Nan Gongyue's imperial carriage left the palace. Outside the palace gates, he encountered the Empress's carriage waiting there. The two luxurious carriages left the imperial palace one after another, heading towards the residence of the Minister of War.
The Huang residence was soon reached. Stone lions stood guard at the entrance, and a grand plaque hung high. The main gate was wide open, with many people coming and going. As Liu Liu's carriage stopped, eunuchs at the entrance announced loudly and respectfully:
"Her Majesty the Empress arrives."
The entire Huang residence immediately became busy. When Liu Liu alighted from her carriage, she saw a vast sea of people kneeling before the grand entrance of the mansion. Liu Liu frowned and with a cold wave of her hand, said, "Rise, all of you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress," Minister Huang stepped forward and respectfully invited Liu Liu inside. He glanced up and saw the celestial Nan Gong Yue, the imperial physician, behind the Empress, and was momentarily stunned.
He hadn't expected the Prime Minister to fail to invite Imperial Physician Nan, yet Her Majesty had managed to do so. It seemed Her Majesty's influence was greater, regardless of whether she was favored or not.
Liu Liu glanced at Minister Huang, her small face etched with extreme anxiety. "Minister Huang, how is my sister?"
"My wife...?" Minister Huang's words trailed off, his expression turning somber. His wife was indeed a good wife, managing the affairs of the household, honoring her in-laws, and supporting her husband.
Although she had no children, she treated the illegitimate children as her own. Who else in the world could compare to his wife? Because of her, the entire Huang residence lived in harmony and joy.
But now, his wife was ill. They had invited all the renowned physicians in the capital, but none could help. Even many imperial physicians from the palace had been consulted, and all had declared themselves unable to assist.
Later, their in-laws went to invite Imperial Physician Nan, but Imperial Physician Nan had ignored them entirely. They had already lost all hope, and now he had actually arrived.
"What is it?" Liu Liu's face fell, and she stopped. The large group behind her also halted, all lowering their heads, listening to their Empress's words, her voice unusually cold, with a chilling undertone.
Minister Huang knew the Empress was displeased and quickly said, "Your Majesty, please hurry and see my daughter-in-law. She has been waiting for Your Majesty."
Liu Liu's heart sank. Her steps quickened, and her body swayed slightly. Cold sweat broke out on her palms. The morning sun shone down, bathing the Huang residence in golden light, the flowers fragrant, and the garden blossoms scattered and withered.
Autumn had arrived. No wonder she felt waves of nausea. "Minister Huang, please lead the way immediately."
"Yes," Minister Huang hurried ahead to lead the way. His stooped figure appeared much older, as if his daughter-in-law's severe illness had aged him greatly. To think that her sister was so cherished in the Huang residence. But who knew the suffering she endured?
Mist gathered in Liu Liu's eyes, and she tilted her head slightly, forcefully suppressing her tears. Her sister was still fine; she didn't want to cry. Crying meant losing, and she didn't want to lose. Losing this time meant losing her sister.
The Huang residence was very grand. Father and son served in court together. To show his favor, the Emperor had specially bestowed a luxurious residence upon them. With its pavilions, towers, small bridges, flowing water, and numerous rockeries, the scenery was indeed beautiful.
Unfortunately, everyone's hearts were heavy at this moment. Who would want to appreciate such a garden? They walked straight towards the back courtyard, soon arriving at an elegant pavilion, which was her sister's dwelling.
Liu Liu had been to this place before. Her sister mostly lived here alone, with only a few young maids moving about the courtyard. It was usually very quiet.
Minister Huang led Liu Liu and her entourage in. The courtyard was well-arranged, with pavilions and lakes harmoniously integrated, the lush trees verdant, and the surroundings serene. However, the lack of excessive flowers made it appear somewhat sparse.
In the corners of the courtyard, many peach trees were planted. Their leaves had turned a dim yellow and fell with the wind, scattering onto the bluestone path in the courtyard. Her sister had always loved peaches, cherishing them dearly. She often saw her smiling alone at the peach blossoms, dancing with them. It was truly puzzling why someone would be so devoted to peaches.
A row of houses with pink walls and red tiles appeared before them. At the door stood two or three young maids with downcast expressions, frequently wiping their tears. These were all her sister's maids. Her sister had always been kind and held great respect among the maids.