Chapter 271 - Jealousy and Hatred. The Fifth Princess Intention to Kill (1/2)

The edict from the palace came in the late afternoon. The little eunuch who delivered it first went to see Mo Huawen and then brought Mo Xuetong to the palace.

It was rather awkward for Mo Xuetong because she had injured her leg. Fortunately, it was not obvious with the help of Mo Lan even though she was a little slow.

A horse carriage was already waiting outside. Mo Xuetong boarded the horse carriage and went to the palace with Mo Lan.

They entered through the main gates of the palace and went onto a palanquin that was set up for them especially. A eunuch holding a box approached them. This must have been the will of the consorts who were appointed at the banquet today, along with King Yan and King Chu’s consorts. Palace maids followed along with nimble steps and the neat procession moved outwards. There were also some women who were destined to stay in the palace forever.

When they arrived outside of Tianchen Palace, Mo Xuetong got off the carriage. A palace maid had been waiting for her and helped her off carefully.

“Princess Anping, please.” The lead eunuch Liu Xi had already been waiting there. He approached Mo Xuetong with a smile when he saw her.

Mo Xuetong did not dare to be rude to Emperor Zongwen’s lead eunuch. She hurriedly smiled and nodded and walked forward. She saw Feng Yuran the moment she entered. He looked refreshed. Emperor Zongwen was sitting on the throne. His eyes were dark and she could not tell what he was thinking. Mo Xuetong released the palace maid who was helping her and knelt down with some difficulty. She kowtowed respectfully and said, “Greetings, Your Majesty. Long live, Your Majesty.”

She sounded slightly afraid because of her nervousness. Coupled with the swelling around her eyes, she looked very pitiful.

Emperor Zongwen looked at her expressionlessly for a moment. He could not help but smile lightly when he saw that she remained to kneel respectfully but did not show any signs of being fl.u.s.tered. He said, “Rise.”

Liu Xi glanced at the palace maid who quickly understood his intentions. She went up to help Mo Xuetong stand.

“The Princess Royal mentioned you to me. She said that you are obedient. I was going to meet you in a while but I did not expect Old Eight to be so anxious. He urged me to meet you now. How is your leg? Have the imperial physician take a look before you leave. It would be bad if it leaves lasting damage while you are young.”

Mo Xuetong did not expect Emperor Zongwen to be so kind. She glanced at Feng Yuran with some surprise but saw that he was smiling with satisfaction. He even raised his brows when he saw her looking at him. His behavior was really flamboyant. Mo Xuetong looked away to the ground quietly.

She replied softly, “Many thanks for your kind love, Your Majesty. I am not so delicate. Furthermore, the physician already said that it is no big deal. I just have to rest.”

Her injury was not serious and was just a slight sprain. It was no big deal. Honestly speaking, it was not too much trouble for her to walk either. She only had to rub it with medicated oil. However, her leg was wrapped up only to show how serious it was. She must not let the imperial physician see it.

“Even so, you were injured. Old Eight, do you still have that superior-grade medicinal oil at your place? Give it to Princess Anping later.” Emperor Zongwen smiled and turned to speak to Feng Yuran who was standing beside him. He did not insist that Mo Xuetong see the imperial physician.

“Father, even though the medicinal oil I have is good, it is not as good as the one in the palace. Father, why don’t you be generous? She seems rather pitiful, give her some.” A handsome smile appeared on Feng Yuran’s face. It was rare that he was showing Emperor Zongwen the adorable side of his.

This prince seemed so different today! Was it because of the girl in front of him?

Liu Xi turned to look at Mo Xuetong who was waiting with her head lowered respectfully. His eyes showed the deep thoughts that he had.

However, Emperor Zongwen smiled. “Alright, alright. I will give her some medicinal oil. But just that. Why did you say that she looks pitiful? Princess Anping seems well, don’t bully her.”

Emperor Zongwen looked at Mo Xuetong again, sizing her up once more. Even though she looked rather frail, she was gracious. That was rare. Furthermore, it was obvious that she had cried earlier. However, there was not a hint of sadness in her face. It made her seem gentle and showed off her good breeding.

No matter whether it was in the palace or outside of it, a man had to marry a virtuous wife who was gracious and understanding. Even though Mo Xuetong was still young and had an air of childishness that made one’s heart hurt for her, she seemed like an intelligent and gracious girl. She could be so silent and unaffected at such a young age. That was difficult. She was the right match for Old Eight.

Even though there were rumors about his son being licentious, he was truly unfeeling. Emperor Zongwen knew about it. Feng Yuran had never treated a girl kindly. It was rare that he cared so much for a girl. Emperor Zongwen was rather satisfied.

The girl’s character and behavior were both rare.

“Father, am I a person like this? Anyway, there are not many in your palace who likes that smell. But I quite like it, and it has a light fragrance when one uses it. I shall ask you for it on her behalf.” Feng Yuran said with a smile. Tong’er would definitely like the rare medicinal oil that had a light fragrance.

Mo Xuetong was so embarra.s.sed by his impudence that she was speechless. She could only look at her feet with a red face and pretended that she did not exist. Even though they understood what Emperor Zongwen meant, the two of them were still not officially engaged. Feng Yuran’s words made them sound as if they were family.

Even though her heart was warm, she could not hide the embarra.s.sment and anger on her face.

“Alright, alright. I shall give it to you. Liu Xi, get someone to send the medicinal oil to the Mo Manor later. And give Princess Anping two sets of phoenix wings accessories as well as ten bolts of good cloth.” Emperor Zongwen said with a smile. It was rare that his two-faced son would speak with him in such a familiar manner. He could not help but feel pleased and give his son face there and then.

Phoenix feathers head accessories were only gifted when a prince gets engaged to his official consort. However, Emperor Zongwen was already treating Mo Xuetong as his daughter-in-law. He naturally did not think that it was weird to give something like this to her. It meant the heralding of the phoenix and phoenixes were meant to be partnered with dragons. It was rare that his son would be so happy and serious about this marriage. How could he not agree as a father? He had to help his son out.

Mo Xuetong, however, was speechless, “…”

They were not married yet but Emperor Zongwen had already gifted the head accessories to her. She could not refuse and could only thank the emperor for his gifts.