Beloved Empress

Mo Qi Qi’s hands that have been busy bandaging his wound stops mid-air. She quietly laments her fate in her heart; although she has always known that this bas*ard has good memories, she did not expect him to remember what she said when they were under distress. His brain sure has great capacity.

Should she tell him she knows that the previous assassination attempts were done by him?

If she did, what would he do? Would he quickly get rid of her so that she wouldn’t have the chance to report to the Mo Clan? Now that she thinks about it, that sounds very possible! Jun Qian Che is definitely a cruel and cold-hearted person. Just look at right now; his wound is so deep and he is not even making the slightest sound of pain. Is there anything that he cannot do? Although the ambush might not be done by him, the carriage ’accident’ was definitely linked to him. He probably wanted to kill her and the baby but ended up changing his mind last minute, perhaps due to his conscience or something. But that alone is enough to show how cold-hearted this man is. If he knows that she knows, he would definitely kill her to shut her mouth. She must not tell him the truth.

"What is it that you are thinking about again?" asks Jun Qian Che when she remains quiet for too long.

Mo Qi Qi pretends to concentrate on bandaging his wound before faking a displeased countenance, "Nothing, really. Chenqie just thought that Your Majesty initially forbade chenqie from going out, but then changed your mind. And when you followed chenqie, chenqie kept disagreeing with you, so chenqie thought that you were merely taking that chance to teach chenqie a lesson. To scare chenqie so that chenqie would never go out again. So that chenqie would obediently stay in Feng Yang Palace to give birth. Chenqie did not expect them to be real assassins, much less that they would actually injure you."

Jun Qian Che looks like he does not know whether he should laugh or cry, "How exactly does your brain work, Mo Qi Qi? Does zhen look that jobless and idle to you? Do you think zhen has nothing better to do? If zhen really did not want you to leave the palace, do you think you would have been able to leave on the first place? You actually thought those assassins were sent by zhen? You are the most foolish woman zhen has ever encountered!"

"You keep calling me stupid! If I really am stupid, I wouldn’t have been able to marry you! I wouldn’t willingly bear your child!" retorts Mo Qi Qi bad-temperedly.

Jun Qian Che’s heart leaps in joy when he hears that. She is now willing to give birth to the child; does that mean that she has accepted the baby?

"That’s enough. Chenqie has bandaged your wound. Chenqie has limited skill and could only do this much. Your wound is deep, it is better for you to get it checked by an imperial physician," says Mo Qi Qi uneasily.

Jun Qian Che does not share that view, "Your skills are not bad, there is no need to get it checked."

"Isn’t Imperial Physician Wang your people, Your Majesty? You could call upon him to take a look. Your wound is deep, if you don’t treat it properly, it might get infected."

Jun Qian Che calmly replies her, "Although he is indeed loyal to zhen, people might notice if he takes herbs from the store-room. One less person knowing is less chances for this news to spread out. Remember this, do not let any other person know. Imperial Mother will definitely blame you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," says Mo Qi Qi sincerely.

Jun Qian Che regards her haughtily, "You don’t need to thank zhen. Zhen is only doing this for the child. From now onwards, zhen will have to count on you to treat zhen’s wound. Practice your bandaging skills. Hopefully, it will be even better next time."

Mo Qi Qi purses her lips while muttering, "Yes, chenqie understands." Hmph, I knew you wouldn’t be that nice. Turns out, jumping in front of me and blocking a sword for me was only done for the child that I am carrying! This heartless man!

Jun Qian Che gets up, "It is late, you should rest early." He leaves Feng Yang Palace in large strides.

Mo Qi Qi’s heart suddenly drops into her stomach. She has no idea why she suddenly feels so lonely.

The streets of the capital remain lively, the common people continuing their merry celebration, completely ignorant of the intrigue that shrouds the imperial clan. Although the lives of the common populace are hard and trying, at least, they get to live freely. The members of the imperial clan, on the other hand, have to live precariously despite having power within their grasp. What a tiring existence!

Mo Cheng Xuan returns from the army barrack today and rides his horse into the city when he catches sight of all the liveliness of the Qi Xi Festival. There are so many people out and about. He dismounts from his horse and orders his subordinate to take his horse home. He intends to return to the manor on foot.

A faint smile is formed on Mo Cheng Xuan’s face as he looks at the loving couples around him. Some of them are exchanging gifts. He walks past a stall selling red threads. His legs unwittingly stop. In his head, he suddenly remembers a certain someone saying, ’Since today is the Qixi Festival, I will give you this. I hope this red thread will help you find the woman that you lik. Here, let me put it on for you!’

Mo Cheng Xuan smiles when he remembers that beautiful young man. So many years have passed, he cannot even remember clearly what that boy looked like. But, he still wears that red thread to this very day. He looks at the red thread that is tied around his wrist. The thread is long and he is able to loosen it whenever it starts to get tight. He has no idea why he allowed that boy to put this on him back then, and why he never takes it off after all these years. That boy ought to have grown considerably now. Perhaps, he is even married.

He watches the couples around him as he walks past them. They must be happy, right now.

Although he is currently of age to get married, he still has not found the girl that he wants to spend his life with. His mother had tried to set him up with a number of young maidens in the past, yet none of them managed to capture his heart. Instead of marrying someone he does not like and condemn them to a lifetime of unhappiness, he chose to remain a bachelor. Isn’t this better? Living freely without being tied down...

"Let’s go over there, that place looks so lively," a young man dressed in pure white says to his valet, who is dressed in green robe.

The green-robed valet whispers to the young man, "It is late, Your Ladyship. We should go home."

The white-robed ’young master’ glares at the valet, "How many times do I need to remind you; call me ’Young Master!’"

"Yes, Young Master," the valet purses his lips in grievance.

The young master happily walks on, "Hurry up! Let’s go over there!" He turns around and waves his valet over and immediately bumps into someone, "Ouch!" He turns around and points at the offender angrily, "Did you walk with your eyes closed?"

"Who was the one who walked without looking?" replies the person who bumped into him coolly.

The young master thought that the voice sounded familiar. He looks up and their eyes lock. Both of them stare at each other in shock.

"The Great General Mo," says Yang Shi Han haughtily. The truth is, the ’young master’ in white is none other than Yang Shi Han, who certainly has bones to pick with Mo Cheng Xuan.

"Yang Guifei!" Never in a million years would Mo Cheng Xuan guess that the unreasonable youth is Yang Shi Han. On second thoughts.....

"What do you mean by ’Yang Guifei’? Right now, I am Young Master Yang. Have you no eyes, General Mo?" sneers Yang Shi Han while raising her brows.

Mo Cheng Xuan is too lazy to argue with her. He simply nods, "Alright. Excuse me, Young Master Yang."

He steps away from her.

"Stop right there!" orders Yang Shi Han unhappily.

Mo Cheng Xuan continues walking.

She steps in front of him to block him from leaving, "I forbid you from leaving!"

"Is there anything else, Young Master Yang?" asks Mo Cheng Xuan, annoyed. He really does not wish to get involved in her unreasonable ways. There are so many people in the streets; if anyone recognized them, their reputations will be ruined.

"You bumped into me, are you planning to just leave?" Yang Shi Han purposely made things difficult.

Mo Cheng Xuan only wants to leave as quickly as he could, so he simply says, "I am sorry, Young Master Yang. I did not see you. It is all my fault. I owe you one. Is that enough?" He steps away from her.

Yang Shi Han refuses to budge and chases after him. She pulls his arm back, "A simple sorry is not enough. You are the General of an army. You have great strength. I think my arm is broken because of the impact. Go on and touch it if you don’t believe me!" She holds out her arm to him.

A light flashes through Mo Cheng Xuan’s eyes. He wonders if Yang Shi Han is idle and therefore has nothing better to do, or if she simply thought that he is easy to bully based on their previous encounters. This time, he will not back down. He looks at her arm, "Since you feel grievously injured, Young Master Yang, let me take you to that clinic up in front. Let’s get you checked up by a physician. Once you get checked, I will leave. Please!"

Taken slightly aback, Yang Shi Han retrieves her arm, "I am of esteemed status, how could I let a simple physician check me?"

"If so, then let us go to the palace to have you checked by an imperial physician. Let’s see if you are indeed injured."

A look of worry flashes through her face, "Hmph! Do I need you to escort me if I want to see an imperial physician? I am only doing this to make you admit fault, who would have thought that General Mo would purposely make trouble."

Mo Cheng Xuan does not know whether he should laugh or cry; just who exactly is purposely making trouble? The saying that ’women and small-minded people are so hard to deal with’ rings true.

Mo Cheng Xuan is exceptionally observant. He did not miss the worry that flitted through Yang Shi Han’s face earlier. "Young Master Yang, sneaking out of the palace is a big crime. Are you sure you want to make this matter bigger?" says he calmly.

"I—- You actually dared to threaten me!" she glares at him in displeasure. This wooden dummy sure is smart.

"This General dares not. This General only wishes to go home. Please cooperate, Young Master Yang," replies Mo Cheng Xuan truthfully.

Yang Shi Han eyes him from top to bottom, "It is not like you have a wife waiting for you at home. What are you so hasty about? Today is the Qixi Festival. Don’t you want to take this opportunity to go out and chance upon your future betrothed?"

"Marriage is determined by the heavens. There is no need to purposely seek it. When the right time comes, it will present itself."

Yang Shi Han laughs, "You sounds so confident, Great General Mo."

"It is not that this General is confident. It is just that things like marriages come naturally; it cannot be predicted or controlled."

"I wonder what you mean by ’naturally?’" Yang Shi Han looks at him curiously.

"I will not burden Young Master Yang with all that," Mo Cheng Xuan smiles.

"You—- Mo Cheng Xuan, I am speaking to you properly. Can you not be so distant?" Yang Shi Han purses her lips. She no longer appears haughty and instead is looking coquettish like a normal girl.

Mo Cheng Xuan is stunned to see this side of her. He did not expect that even she would have a moment where she is not overbearing and troublesome.

"This is a private matter, I simply did not wish to trouble Your Ladyship," replies Mo Cheng Xuan in a warm tone.

Hearing his much friendlier tone, Yang Shi Han smiles at him brilliantly. She looks at him apologetically, "General Mo, the incident a couple of days ago was all my fault. I purposely created trouble for you. To tell the truth, I was just in my usual tantrum that day. I just wanted to tease you a little, as well as anger the Empress in the process. I did not expect you to take it so seriously. I am not holding you back right now to make things hard for you. Instead, I merely wish to apologize for what happened that day. I hope you can be the bigger person and forgive my transgression."

This is the first time Mo Cheng Xuan has ever seen such a gentle side of Yang Shi Han. He looks at her, shocked. Since she has said all that, as a man, he can only be chivalrous, "Your Ladyship is too courteous. This General has forgotten that matter long ago."

Yang Shi Han smiles happily, "That’s great! My heart can be at peace now. If you don’t mind, let’s go have a drink together! Take it as a truce from me!"

"Your Ladyship is too polite. It is dark, you should return to the palace," replies Mo Cheng Xuan respectfully.

Yang Shi Han purposely gives him a torned look, "If you are unwilling, it means that you still haven’t forgiven me."

"It isn’t—–"

"Since it is not so, there is a tavern in front, let’s drink and chat together," continues Yang Shi Han persistently.

Mo Cheng Xuan appears hesitant, "This— This will go against etiquette."

"Aiya, who cares about etiquettes! You are a General, why do you care so much for etiquettes? Let’s go!" She drags him towards the tavern without giving him any chance to refuse.

"Your Ladyship—-"

"Don’t call me that. Call me Young Master Yang. If my identity got exposed, it will not be good for you either," teases Yang Shi Han.

Mo Cheng Xuan nods, "Yes, Young Master Yang."

Yang Shi Han leads him into the tavern and climbs up to the second floor before choosing a table right next to the window. "Xiao Er, bring in two jugs of good wine!" she calls.

"Alright, please wait a moment, honorable guests," replies Xiao Er before getting busy.

Mo Cheng Xuan continues regarding her with a worried look, "Young Master Yang, you really should return to the palace. Drinking wine is not good."

Yang Shi Han laughs before poking fun at him, "If I end up drunk, you can let me stay the night at Duke Zhen’s manor. You can send me to the palace tomorrow."

"Please stop teasing this General, Young Master Yang," says Mo Cheng Xuan, alarmed.

"Hahaha—" Yang Shi Han laughs loudly, "Just look at that panicking look on your face. I was just joking!"

Xiao Er comes to their table with the wines they ordered.

Yang Shi Han personally pours a cup and lifts it in front of Mo Cheng Xuan before boldly saying, "I was the one at fault the other day, Great General Mo. Let me use this cup of wine to apologize!"

"Uh—-" Before Mo Cheng Xuan gets to say anything, Yang Shi Han already finished the drink.

Mo Cheng Xuan could only pour another cup and drink it himself.

Seeing that, Yang Shi Han smiles, "Does that mean that General Mo has forgiven me?"

"This General already said that it’s all in the past. This General does not hold any grudge."

"General Mo is so generous, Shi Han is impressed. Does that means that Shi Han can now call you a friend?" asks Yang Shi Han while smiling.

Mo Cheng Xuan is stunned. He replies her in an upright manner, "Young Master Yang is joking. I am an official while you the ruler, how can there be friendship between us?"

"What official and ruler? I do not want to be your ruler. I admire you, I want to be your friend!" says Yang Shi Han childishly.

"This—" Mo Cheng Xuan hesitates. There must be a line between men and women. Besides, she is the Emperor’s consort who hails from the Yang Clan, who is enemy with his Mo Clan. It is not possible for them to have anything to do with each other.

"Do you hate me because of the Empress?" asks Yang Shi Han, aggrieved. "To tell the truth, I did not mean to create an enmity with the Empress; just she used to make things so hard for me. Finding my fault, punishing me for unreasonable things, humiliating me. Nobody dared to bully me since I was little, yet the Empress kept going after me. I could only retaliate."

Mo Cheng Xuan sighs, "I understand Qi Qi’s temper the best. I know she used to purposely create trouble, it’s all our fault for spoiling her. But now, both of you are His Majesty’s women, why can’t you try to get along with each other? Both of you are putting His Majesty in a really hard place by going after each other like this."

"I don’t think His Majesty is in a hard place at all. His heart has long been biased towards her, he just didn’t know it yet. Moreover, she is now pregnant, she has completely secured her place in his heart. If we continue to fight, His Majesty would only scold me. To tell the truth, I am also aggrieved," says Yang Shi Han pitifully.

Mo Cheng Xuan looks at her in disbelief, "You are His Majesty’s most beloved consort, why would the Emperor scold you in favor of Qi Qi?"

Yang Shi Han sighs, "You have no idea what is really going on behind everything. Right now, I cannot say much, but one day, you will understand. What you see may not necessarily be the truth. Certain people can be secretive. Other people can only guess. They will secretly and slowly divulge their affection. I am only a victim when it comes to the relationship between the Emperor and Empress. Nobody will ever know my suffering."

The more Mo Cheng Xuan listens, the more confused he becomes, "This General cannot understand a single word you said, Your Ladyship."

"You don’t need to understand anything right now. You only need to tell me if you are willing to be my friend. Who knows, I might actually tell you my secrets one day," Yang Shi Han raises her brows while smiling at him sweetly.

Mo Cheng Xuan hesitates for a moment before nodding, "Alright."

serene: Forgive me for the lack of update guys. Stay safe.

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