Chapter 429: He dotes on a woman so well (1/2)
Chapter 429: He dotes on a woman so well
His Highness Duke of Qin arrives?
Chu Qingge was the first to whip her head towards the door, her tightly pursed lips betraying her inner turmoil and agitation. Mu Liuyue was next, her eyes clearing showing the anticipation in her heart. She hadn’t seen Imperial Qin Uncle ever since offering him tea on her wedding day. Very soon, the rest of the hall followed suit in disbelief.
His Highness Duke of Qin is here? How is that possible?
One count count on her fingers the number of times the Duke of Qin entered the palace per year. Unless he was explicitly summoned, he never showed his face, much less visit the empress dowager’s palace. Today was the official meeting between Noble Consort Chu and the other members of the imperial harem, so it was even less likely that he’d come. Nor was he supposed to!
Why is he coming here?
Han Yunxi was surprised as well. She, like most of the people present, was sure that she’d heard the wrong thing. But reality soon proved her round as another round of announcements came closer and closer to the hall. Each time, the words were louder and clearer than the last. Everyone was convinced now, it wasn’t a mistake! Long Feiye was really coming!
Han Yunxi was still looking towards Su Xiaoyu when a crafty smile grew on her face. She knew she was alright now! Even if she was in a dragon’s pool or a tiger’s den, even if there were nets above, snares below, a mountain of swords and a sea of flames, nothing would ever happen to her as long as that man was here! It was only after the last eunuch announced the arrival that Han Yunxi turned around.
She managed to catch his proud and tall form just as he appeared at the door, framed in sunlight. His perfect figured seemed wreathed in gold, making him as venerable as a deity. Han Yunxi’s smile widened as her eyes sparkled with laughter!
The utter silence around her was a pleasant thing. She bent forwards and said, “Chenqie pays her greetings to Your Highness. May Your Highness prosper for thousands and thousands of years!”
Her words finally woke everyone else up from their stupor. All of the gathered concubines rose to their feet, even Noble Consort Xue and Noble Consort Ning. They bent forwards and chorused, “Ten thousand blessings to Your Highness Duke of Qin.”
“Rise,” Long Feiye said simply.
The concubines straightened and returned to their seats. Next to line to pay her respects was Mu Liuyue, who had the lowest status in the room as the crown prince’s consort. She had no choice but to bow and say, “Ten thousands blessings to Imperial Qin Uncle.”
Long Feiye didn’t even spare her a glance, but simply waved a hand. When Mu Liuyue straightened up again, her blazing heart felt like shattering into pieces. Next came Long Feiye’s greetings to the empress dowager. As for Chu Qingge, she was a new concubine to the palace. Before she was introduced, she could only wait in silence on the sidelines.
Empress Dowager Li’s eyes were cold. She was determined to make Han Yunxi let down her hair in front of everyone today. Even though Long Feiye had arrived, Han Yunxi still had to give Chu Qingge a gift. Smiling like a tigress, she said, “Someone quick, go see what kind of breeze is blowing today to bring the Duke of Qin into my palace.”
Empress Dowager Li’s mama wasn’t stupid enough to actually go and check the wind, but chuckled and replied, “Esteemed Empress Dowager, today is Noble Consort Chu’s first gathering. It’s likely that His Highness wouldn’t have come unless he had important business.”
Tsk, tsk! Han Yunxi sighed with feeling in her heart. No wonder she’s Empress Dowager Li’s mama, she really knows what to say.
“True enough. Does the Duke of Qin have any business with me today?” Empress Dowager Li grew serious.
“Indeed, it’s serious business,” Long Feiye replied. Everyone grew puzzled at his words. There’s no doubt that the Duke of Qin came for Han Yunxi, so what other business could he have? As a prince of the first rank, it’s really inappropriate for him to show up at Noble Consort Chu’s introduction gathering.
Empress Dowager Li was bewildered as well. Has he found some sort of handle to use against me? Because she’d done too many vile deeds, she couldn’t help but grow nervous. After a long time, she finally managed to ask, “What business?”
But Long Feiye only replied coldly, “Qin Wangfei hasn’t been feeling well lately, so your lordship’s come to take her home and rest.”
Urk…
Everyone was floored by his statement. Are we dreaming? Is this really the cold and unfeeling Duke of Qin? When did he learn to worry after a woman’s health?
Empress Dowager Li suddenly felt like she’d been played. How is that any ‘serious business?!’
“Heheh, Duke of Qin, so that’s what you found me for?” Empress Dowager Li gave a frosty laugh.
“Empress Dowager has misunderstood. Your lordship is looking for wangfei,” Long Feiye’s voice was like ice. Han Yunxi might have reservations when facing off against Empress Dowager Li, but Long Feiye had none! Empress Dowager Li abruptly clenched her fists, dearly wishing to lose her temper. However, she was rational enough to keep it in check. There would be no winning in a clash against the Duke of Qin.
Suppressing her rage, she managed another smile. “Duke of Qin, when did you learn to dote on a woman?”
Long Feiye ignored her in favor of Han Yunxi. “Aren’t you going to bid the empress dowager farewell?”
The brilliant and queenly Han Yunxi of yore had suddenly turned docile and meek. She adopted a respectful tone and said, “Yes, Your Highness.” Those who didn’t know better might even think she was acting obedient, but she was simply playing along with her husband’s act!
Empress Dowager Li didn’t give Han Yunxi the chance. She laughed and said, “Duke of Qin, I’m afraid that Qin Wangfei can’t leave just yet.”