Chapter 329: No need for the original arrangements (1/2)

Chapter 329: No need for the original arrangements

The declaration was enough to cast Chu Qingge into the lowest 18th level of Hell! Even Han Yunxi and Zhao mama were in disbelief. Long Feiye’s here? Is it true? Or false?

Each of the trio was wearing different expressions when Long Feiye strode through the gates by himself. Today he was wearing palace robes of white brocade, and a jade pendant hung by his waist. His black hair had been tied up in a knot above his head, giving him a fresh, refined air. He was simply walking towards them with no ostentation or pomp, but his noble, sovereignly air gave off the impression that he was master of the entire palace. Han Yunxi’s lips subconsciously drew into a happy smile, while Chu Qingge’s face was burning hot beyond belief. She’d just finished satirizing Han Yunxi before Long Feiye himself arrived. It was a slap to her face!

Why did he come?

Once, Chu Qingge had nearly gone crazy tracking down every bit of information about him. She knew about all his likes. From what she understood, Long Feiye had left the palace as soon as he was made a duke. He’d never like entering the palace, so he’d rarely come unless it was a summons from the emperor or empress dowager. Sometimes, pressing matters would demand his presence too. Otherwise, he never stepped a foot beyond its gates.

Did he come just for Han Yunxi’s sake?

As Long Feiye walked their way, Chu Qingge dearly wished that he was coming for her instead. But Long Feiye went to Han Yunxi instead.

“What time is it now? You’re still here?” he asked mildly, his low voice as mesmerizing as ever.

Han Yunxi didn’t quite understand him at first, but Zhao mama reacted quickly. “To reply Your Highness, the sedan chair is late. This old servant was about to accompany esteemed wangfei back on foot.”

Now was the time for eating lunch and an afternoon break. Long Feiye had actually gone to Han Yunxi’s temporary living quarters in the palace first to look for her. When he didn’t find her, he came here instead.

“Zhao mama, go find out which servants were in charge of carrying over the sedan chair,” Long Feiye said coldly.

“Yes, this old servant understands!”

Zhao mama would’ve done the same even without Long Feiye’s instructions. Even the emperor and empress dowager had trouble keeping track of all the concubines’ matters deep within the palace, much less matters regarding the servants. Zhao mama had spent half her life here, so she naturally had her own connections and power too. As long as the masters and mistresses didn’t interfere, she could easily track down the source of the problem.

“Han Yunxi, accompany your lordship for a meal outside the palace.” Long Feiye’s words were an order, not a suggestion. As soon as he finished speaking, he took Han Yunxi’s hand and began to leave.

This fellow, he’s always so simple and blunt. He never wastes words. Han Yunxi didn’t even have time to reply, but she liked what was going on anyways! She followed after Long Feiye, but didn’t forget to glance back at Chu Qingge with a very smug smile. She was showing off and provoking the girl at the same time! And since she hadn’t said a word, her silent smile appeared to be even more mocking.

The sight of her grin hurt Chu Qingge’s eyes until she shouted, “Your Highness Duke of Qin!”

How could Long Feiye ever pay her any attention? Before Han Yunxi appeared, he’d never paid attention to any woman; after Han Yunxi arrived, he paid them even less attention.

An unresigned Chu Qingge shouted again, “Your Highness Duke of Qin, esteemed wangfei needs to investigate the case. She has to stay in the palace for the next few days!”

“Who said we can’t leave the palace? Miss Chu can find His Majesty to take you out as well,” Han Yunxi couldn’t resist speaking up. Chu Qingge had been showing off Emperor Tianhui in her face the entire time. Once again, she failed to catch the implication in Han Yunxi’s words. Instead, she chased after the pair a few steps, furious.

“Han Yunxi, aren’t you afraid you won’t find out anything?”

Investigating a case was much more complicated than using or treating poisons. This woman might have good poison skills, but it didn’t mean she was good at solving mysteries.

“Nothing’s more important than accompany His Highness Duke of Qin for a meal!” Han Yunxi answered with a smile. Chu Qingge had been showing off for so long. Of course she had to show off, too!

Well, okay. Maybe she was just too happy. Instead of controlling herself in front of Long Feiye, Han Yunxi had completely exposed her natural self. Long Feiye gave a small start and looked her way, only to see Han Yunxi happily engaged in her war of words. The sight cause him to unconsciously slip into a doting smile before he turned back, allowing her to argue as she wished.

Chu Qingge had no desire to fight Han Yunxi after that. She’d already lost utterly! She wanted to curse Han Yunxi for being shameless, but the woman was Long Feiye’s proper consort. It was perfectly normal for Han Yunxi to say such things, so Chu Qingge had no reason to scold her! If possible, she’d tell Long Feiye how much she’d loved him over the past few years, but her haughty self-respect and upbringing prevented her from such actions.

A lady should be restrained and dignified. No matter how much they liked someone, they couldn’t be the one to make the first move! She’d tried her best to show him how much she wanted his attention, but Long Feiye hadn’t spared her a glance ever since he’d stepped through the gates. Even after she’d gone to such lengths to argue with Han Yunxi! Chu Qingge could only stare at Long Feiye and Han Yunxi’s retreating forms, completely unsatisfied!

And yet, Long Feiye and Han Yunxi hadn’t stepped out the doors before Emperor Tianhui arrived. Actually, the only reason he’d left in the first place was because Long Feiye had entered the palace earlier on. Emperor Tianhui had summoned Long Feiye to discuss matters relating to the Northern Li. He assumed that Long Feiye wouldn’t show up until evening, but the man had come ahead of time instead.

As soon as Chu Qingge saw Emperor Tianhui, she went to lodge a complaint, “Your Majesty, the investigation was set for three days. Qin Wangfei’s anxious to leave the palace already, so perhaps she’s already solved the case?”

“Your Majesty, we agreed on three days for investigating, but there was never any mention of confining us to the palace during that time, right?” Han Yunxi immediately countered.

Truly, that second stipulation had never been put in place. The power to decide was in Emperor Tianhui’s hands.

“Your Majesty, everyone had an understanding since the start,” Chu Qingge insisted. With Emperor Tianhui here, there was no way that Han Yunxi was leaving.