Chapter 60 (1/2)

Chapter 60

A Tired Heart

Ban Xiang feels like a crow has just pa.s.sed over her head.  She noisily reminds Mo Qi Qi, ”But, Your Ladyship, that pearl is clearly….”

”Now that it is in my hand, it belongs to me now.  As for the gift for the grand empress dowager, I have my own arrangement.”  Mo Qi Qi gives her a sneaky smile.

Night comes, and the banquet to welcome the grand empress dowager has started.  Chang Le Palace is full of merry air.

Mo Qi Qi does not go to look for Jun Qian Che and goes to Chang Le Palace by herself.  She already went there once, so she already knows the way.  No need to follow him around, like a little pet.

She accidentally stumbles upon the 7th w.a.n.g outside Chang Le Palace.  Mo Qi Qi suddenly remembers their promise and quickly calls for him, ”7th imperial uncle!”

Jun Yue Hen pays her his respect, ”Greeting, Your Ladyship.”

Mo Qi Qi drags Jun Yue Hen away to a secluded spot.

This happens to be seen by Jun Qian Che.  His eyes turn icy as he steps into Chang Le Palace.

”What is wrong, Qi Qi?” Jun Yue Hen asks in concern.

Mo Qi Qi lets go of Jun Yue Hen's arm before looking at him in guilt, ”I'm sorry, Yue Hen!  We promised to run away, but I had to break my promise.  Everything is fine, now.”

A touch of desolateness flashes in Jun Yue Hen's eyes before he simply smiles, ”No need to feel guilty, Qi Qi.  We promised to run away because we were worried about Dong Fei's case.  Who would have thought that the emperor would have exonerated you?  Staying is right.  After all, being the empress is every girl's dream, and you and the emperor have become more and more loving as days pa.s.s—-”

”Stop!” Mo Qi Qi cuts him off.  ”Yue Hen, I am not staying for the empress' position. Even though so many women want to be the empress, I don't.  I know that high places are cold.  It seems glorious but the truth is the life is meaningless and empty!”

”Since it isn't for the position, you must have chosen to stay for the emperor.” Jun Yue Hen's voice becomes lower.

Mo Qi Qi quickly tries to explain everything to him, ”No!  Jun Qian Che and I are not meant to be, not for this lifetime and not for the next eight lifetimes!  I am unwilling to leave him?  Pft, there is nothing I want more than to tear him into pieces!”

”Qi Qi, you must not speak so carelessly!” Jun Yue Hen looks around uneasily.

”I just hate that Jun Qian Che.  I am only staying because it is not the right time to leave.  Once I want to leave, I will leave without even looking back!” Mo Qi Qi harshly says.

Hearing that, the sadness that lingers in Jun Yue Hen's heart is immediately swept away.  He looks at Mo Qi Qi in deep affection, ”Whenever you want to leave, you just need to say it to me.  I will definitely help you!”

”Uh, nicely said!  Nicely said!” She looks away from Jun Yue Hen's enchanting eyes.  She's afraid that if she looks on for too long, she will be taken by his beautiful eyes.

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Mo Qi Qi and Jun Yue Hen walk back to Chang Le Palace separately.

Mo Qi Qi sits next to Jun Qian Che.

He looks at her before icily asking, ”What took you so long?”

Mo Qi Qi smiles at him while replying, ”Your Majesty, you know that women take a long time to dress up.”

Jun Qian Che does not pursue the matter.

The banquet starts and the dancing and singing commences.  Mo Qi Qi specifically asks the dancers and musicians to follow her instruction and the result is a series of beautiful performances.  Everyone watch the performances in a daze.

Mo Qi Qi has also added new cuisines to the menu, ones that she have asked the imperial chefs to learn prior.  It receives a really good feedback from the crowd.

All the officials are busy b.u.t.tering up to the grand empress dowager, all in all, the entire atmosphere is merry and joyful.

The grand empress dowager is really pleased with the banquet.  ”Aijia heard that the banquet this time is arranged by the empress.  You have gotten so good at handling things, you are more and more thoughtful as days pa.s.s,” she praises Mo Qi Qi.

Mo Qi Qi gets up and respectfully reply her, ”It is Qi Qi's responsibility.  As long as imperial grandmother likes them, everything is worthwhile!”

”Aijia likes it very much.  This is the best banquet aijia has ever seen,” the grand empress dowager sincerely praises her.

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Mo Qi Qi is happy that her hardwork is being acknowledged by other people. This is an honor for her.  Now that the grand empress dowager has appeared, she is finally feeling some warmth in this palace.

Seeing his daughter getting praised, Duke Zhen cannot help himself from speaking, ”Your Ladyship, your ability is indeed remarkable, but please pay attention to your health as well.”

The grand empress dowager laughs, ”Seems like Duke Zhen is really fond of his daughter.”

Mo Qi Qi laughs as well, ”Don't worry, Father.  Bengong only needs to give the instructions, everything else are done by the maids.”