Chapter 48 (2/2)

”Don't worry.  Jun Qian Che will not be able to do anything to me without any proof.  No matter what, I am still his empress; and I have the backing of Duke Zhen's manor to boot.  He will not do anything reckless.  But, I am still happy that I get to see you.  I was looking for someone to chat with me.  Yue Hen, will you come into my chamber with me?”

Just as she turns around to return to her chamber, Jun Yue Hen suddenly pulls her back.

Mo Qi Qi freezes and turns around to look at him.

Jun Yue Hen's eyes are full of pain, ”Qi Qi, come with me.  We will leave the palace together.  It is too dangerous for you to remain in the palace.  I'm afraid, the emperor will aim for you!”

Mo Qi Qi discreetly pulls her hand back before fixing her hair and saying, ”What are you talking about, Yue Hen?  Even though you and I are friends in private, you are my uncle in name.  What you said just now is not only inappropriate, but also dangerous.”

”Qi Qi, I am really worried about you.  A life is lost in the harem, this is no trivial matter.  You are the empress, it is really dangerous for you now that you have been dragged into this.”  Jun Yue Hen expresses the worry that has been plaguing his heart.

Mo Qi Qi comforts him, ”Don't worry.  I believe in my innocence.  I did not kill Dong Fei.  Even if Jun Qian Che wants to root me out, he still needs sufficient evidence.  Yue Hen, don't tell me you think I killed Dong Fei?”

Jun Yue Hen shakes his head, ”I believe in you.  But what about Jun Qian Che?  Aren't you worried that he will target you?  You are the mistress of the harem.  A life is lost; he can easily accuse you of neglecting your duty.  It is not hard to gather up excuses if he feels like it.”

Mo Qi Qi sighs before smiling, ”I believe that Jun Qian Che's main priority is peace.  Peace is not obtained by mere luck.  If he wants to root me out and placed accusations on my head, it will tarnish his reputation and magnanimity.  As a ruler, a good reputation is a must.  He will not go that far.”

”Thank you for worrying about me, Yue Hen, but the world is vast and it belonged to the emperor.  If I leave now, I will become a very probably culprit in Dong Fei's death.  I will have to bear the name of a murderer for the rest of my life.  Even if I do managed to run from the palace, I would have to spend the rest of my life trying to evade capture.  I do not want that kind of life.  Even if I will have to leave the palace one day, I want to leave with my head held high.  That way, I can in freedom, do you understand?”

Jun Yue Hen nods, ”Qi Qi, you have changed.  You are more careful and calm now, a lot better than how you used to be.”

Mo Qi Qi laughs, ”I am not as good as what you said.  Honestly, I am really impulsive most of the time.  Just, this time, it involves my life.  I had to think and ponder carefully.”

”Qi Qi, no matter what your choice may be, I will always stand with you.  I will trust you, support you, protect you….”  Jun Yue Hen is looking at her with a pair of eyes full of love and affection.

Seeing that look in Jun Yue Hen's eyes, Mo Qi Qi quickly becomes enthralled.  She never knew a man's eyes can be so gentle, so enthralling.  But then, remembering the wounds that trash from her past life inflicted on her, she retrieves her gaze.  She must not trust men easily anymore; she must not love easily either.

The way she avoids his eyes makes Jun Yue Hen's heart falls.  However, he does not intend to waste this rare opportunity with that slight disappointment.  He smiles, ”Qi Qi, let me play you a song.”

Mo Qi Qi nods, ”Alright!”

The two of them sits on a stone bench nearby with the blossoming flowers acting as their background.  The golden lights of lanterns highlight their figures.  The moon's silvery light penetrates the cracks of the trees and falls on them, creating a beautiful and mystical atmosphere.  The two of them sit side by side, resembling celestials from up above.

Jun Yue Hen takes out his jade flute and plays out a song.