Qi Mingyue did not know that the turmoil he caused in the Jianghu had already left the person in the palace deeply uneasy. The Night Messenger of An Yang was already dead, and Su Ya’er had also been killed at the hands of Yan Zhen. As for the person who was skilled in Gu poison, there was no longer any possibility of tracing them. The only certainty was that all of this was the work of An Yang.
In recent years, the situation of the world had not changed much. The three major countries still coexisted peacefully on the surface, while several smaller states had submitted as vassals as Cang He’s power continued to grow. Thus, although the world seemed peaceful, Cang He’s rise had already begun to cast a shadow of unease over An Yang and Lian Tong.
Looking at the current state of affairs, setting aside the smaller states, Lian Tong had always been on good terms with Cang He. Only An Yang had repeatedly worked against Cang He behind the scenes, and its ambition to conquer the world was becoming increasingly apparent. In Qi Mingyue’s view, it was entirely possible that the two nations would one day become enemies. Though such a conflict would not arise overnight, signs of a growing rift between them were already beginning to emerge. This time, his Imperial father had sent the Third Prince, Qi Lianshuo, back to An Yang without leaving so much as a word of explanation, and An Yang offered no response in return. The two countries understood each other without needing to say anything outright, but it seemed that the facade of peace could not be maintained for much longer.
His trip out of the palace to save someone had originally been undertaken to investigate the matter of the Gu poison. Now that he finally had a lead, it was no longer convenient to remain any longer. Once the incident at Yunhao Manor was settled, the Grand Assembly would surely proceed as scheduled. Though he was somewhat curious about Lan Jin, thoughts of the person who had been waiting for him in the palace for so long ultimately made him decide to return as soon as possible. His coming-of-age ceremony and investiture as Crown Prince were matters of the state and could not be delayed. Furthermore, his Imperial father would also need to be pacified. There was no doubt that his Imperial father had already grown impatient from waiting in the palace.
After bidding farewell to Yun Jinghao, Qi Mingyue had Yan Qing remain at the manor to watch for any suspicious individuals. Although Yan Qing did not know the other’s identity, he could tell that the other was certainly not some favored male concubine of the Supreme Lord. From the other’s words and conduct, and from how cautiously the other regarded An Yang’s schemes, Yan Qing guessed that the other must have a hidden identity, perhaps an official of the court or a member of the Imperial family. What puzzled him after pondering it over a hundred times was why the Supreme Lord, who had always been at odds with the court, would become involved with the mysterious Cheng Ziyao. Though curious, he never asked. Firstly, he did not dare to casually inquire about the Supreme Lord’s affairs, and secondly, he had already regarded Cheng Ziyao as a close friend in his heart. From any perspective, he felt it was not appropriate to ask. He always felt that there was simply no room for outsiders to intrude between the two of them.
Qi Mingyue naturally noticed the puzzlement in Yan Qing’s heart. Ever since Yan Zhen began to face his feelings, Yan Qing had also started to worry about him more often. Qi Mingyue could only shake his head and smile wryly in his heart. How could he ever explain his relationship with his Imperial father to anyone else? It was neither something he wished to explain nor something that needed explaining. He and his Imperial father had never cared about outside matters, nor did they require anyone else’s concern.
Leaving the carriage at Yunhao Manor, he requested Yun Jinghao for two fast horses. With the first-rate wound medicine he had brought from the palace, Wu Yao’s injuries had mostly healed within just a few days. Since they were only superficial wounds, there was no serious harm. As a result, they did not delay their journey and were already on their way back to Yeyao City.
After traveling for several days, the two were passing through a town that day. Seeing that dusk was approaching and that Yeyao City was already only a few days away, Qi Mingyue decided to find an inn and rest early for the night. Unfortunately, with only Wu Yao by his side, anything that required speaking still had to be handled by him personally. Thinking of the man dressed in gray robes he and Wu Yao had fought that day, he could not help but furrow his brows. He already had some speculation about Wu Yao’s past in his heart.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 78 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
Leaping down from his horse, after an exhausting journey, he was indeed a bit tired. Just as he was about to step into the inn, he suddenly felt a familiar gaze, not directed at him, but at Wu Yao. Remembering the figure he had glimpsed
This happened in chapter 65.
1 in front of Liufang Pavilion, Qi Mingyue's expression changed slightly. He remembered that person…… also seemed to be wearing a gray robe.
Wu Yao stood beside him holding the horse, his usually expressionless face showing a bit of disturbance. Just when Qi Mingyue thought the other was about to look back, Wu Yao suddenly calmed down and stepped into the inn first.
He had never seen Wu Yao show his own emotions, nor had the other ever acted without receiving orders. This change made Qi Mingyue think deeply again. Tracing the direction of that gaze, Qi Mingyue turned his head to look.
Not far away, a tall and imposing man had just withdrawn his previous burning gaze, casting Qi Mingyue a cold look. Deep-set features left patches of shadow across the man’s face, while his sharp, knife-carved lines carried a faint yet ferocious aura. Despite the other’s efforts to suppress it, Qi Mingyue could still sense the scent of blood and death from him. Unlike the Night Messenger, this man’s aura was violent and surging, without the slightest trace of dark stillness or lifelessness. The man was like a sword that had killed countless men yet would never bend or break, carrying an overwhelming killing intent. Yet when that man looked at Wu Yao, there was absolutely no malice in his eyes, only a barely perceptible trace of pain.
Guessing that the man must have some past connection with Wu Yao, Qi Mingyue was just about to speak when he saw the man’s expression change. Qi Mingyue turned his head slightly towards another direction, and following the man’s gaze, he saw a figure turning away and leaving. He only just managed to catch a vague silhouette, too distant to make out their features. The man in gray robes, however, seemed to have spotted prey, and immediately gave chase.
The two figures flashed past in front of Qi Mingyue, and the silhouette of the person being chased by the man in gray robes flickered briefly before his eyes, vanishing from sight. Qi Mingyue watched the direction they had gone, shaking his head in mild confusion. For a moment, he had thought the chased figure looked somewhat familiar, as though he had seen them somewhere before. On closer thought, however, it seemed he had simply been mistaken. With a faint sigh and smile, he set his thoughts aside and stepped into the inn.
Wu Yao was already waiting inside, still seeming like a ghost as always. Seeing him enter, Wu Yao stood quietly behind him. Only after Qi Mingyue asked for two rooms and gave his instructions did Wu Yao quietly fade from view by the doorway.
Qi Mingyue instructed the inn waiter to prepare water, and after freshening himself up, he lay down on the bed. After several days on the road, his body was already exhausted, yet for some reason, sleep would not come. Recalling the recent events, a faint smile curved his lips. Suddenly, he found the Jianghu even more interesting than the court. If he had nothing to do, going outside the palace and traveling through the Jianghu would not be a bad idea.
His thoughts wandered, and he was gradually getting sleepy. Just as he was about to fall asleep, a slight disturbance in the air made him open his eyes in pleasant surprise, “Father Emperor?”
A low, deep chuckle echoed in the darkness, and a familiar aura suddenly wrapped around his entire body. At his ear came a few softly spoken words, full of delight. “Ming’er, you returned late. Your Father Emperor originally intended to properly discipline you, but seeing how obedient you are, I will let it pass.” Qi Xutian had just entered the room when his Ming’er recognized him without even needing to speak. It was already clear that his Ming’er had sensed his arrival, so it seemed his Ming’er had also been keeping him in his heart. This thought made all his days of longing feel rewarded, and the slight displeasure in his heart faded away considerably.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 78 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
“Why let it pass? Mingyue indeed returned late and should naturally be punished properly. Pressing the man, who had been holding him, beneath his body, Qi Mingyue leaned down and looked at the familiar face in the darkness. Only then did he realize how deep his longing truly was. In the dim light of the night, his fingertips traced the outline of his Imperial father’s features, and he brushed his tongue across the other’s lips. Meeting his Imperial father’s response, their lips and tongues intertwined for a long time before slowly parting.Having finally tasted what he had long missed, Qi Mingyue let out a satisfied chuckle. “Has Father Emperor been thinking of Mingyue? While I was not by your side, did you visit the chambers of the Imperial concubines? How was it?” The teasing words were whispered by his ear. Qi Xutian’s hand lightly stroked along the waist of the person on top of him, then gave it a gentle pinch, drawing out a soft gasp. Only then did he let out a low, deep laugh. “Ming’er knows very well that your Father Emperor would never think of anyone else, yet you still ask such a thing. It seems that not long after leaving the palace, you have already learned quite a few ways to tease others. Hmm? Young Lord Shuiyue?”
Hearing Qi Xutian’s teasing words and that title, Qi Mingyue lowered his head again and pressed a few light kisses to the other’s lips. “What teasing? Mingyue has always been like this. Could it be that Father Emperor is jealous again?” He had only just learned of the title others had given him, yet his Imperial father seemed to know it all too well. It seemed what he had done at Yunhao Manor had already reached his Imperial father’s ears, and there must be people his Imperial father had sent into the manor. But he did not know how much his Imperial father knew about the Gu poison matter.
“Your Father Emperor does not fear to admit it. So what if I am jealous? Ming’er is so outstanding that your Father Emperor is indeed worried he might be noticed and taken away by others.” It was a half true and half false jokingly reply, yet Qi Xutian was in truth somewhat worried. Since his Ming’er’s birth, he had always been by the other’s side, and apart from him, his Ming’er had never truly come to know others. Once his Ming’er left the palace, how many people would be drawn to him and linger at his side, and how many of them might earn his Ming’er’s admiration? If even one or two peerless experts gained his Ming’er’s respect, would his place in his Ming’er’s heart change in any way? No matter how confident he was, when it came to his Ming’er, he always became somewhat anxious and uncertain. “How was Yunhao Manor? Did Ming’er gain anything? The Gu poison matter did not leak, and the Grand Assembly will proceed as scheduled. It seems this can be credited to Ming’er.”
Qi Mingyue then recounted everything regarding Yan Zhen, and mentioned An Yang’s schemes in passing. Qi Xutian gave a faint smile, showing no sign of anger. Yet Qi Mingyue knew all too well that his Imperial father must already have his own plans in place. Since the other did not speak, neither did Qi Mingyue ask. They would know in due time. Asking too early would spoil the fun.
After recounting everything from the journey, Qi Mingyue leaned against Qi Xutian’s body, embracing the person beneath him and touching the other’s firm chest, letting out a satisfied sigh, “How did Father Emperor even leave the palace? And how did you know I was here?”
He had only just entered the inn and had only recently settled in this city. For his Imperial father to find him so quickly, there must have been people watching him all along the way.
“When Ming’er didn’t return, your Father Emperor had no choice but to come find you in person. Casting aside all affairs of the palace, I rushed here on fast horses. Thinking about how many people Ming’er might have drawn to him along the way, your Father Emperor could hardly resist wishing to go even faster.”
“Then it seems this is actually Mingyue’s fault, making Father Emperor cast aside state affairs. If the ministers were to find out, I would surely become Cang He’s enemy.”
The two bantered, neither of them taking state affairs all that seriously. Given Cang He’s current strength, a few days without its monarch would not lead to any turmoil.
Please read The Elegant Dancing Years Chapter 78 on Project Bezemwagen :-)
“They are kept for the very purpose of handling state affairs. If everything falls into disorder the moment your Father Emperor is away, what use are they? Still, Ming’er is not without fault. Born so exceptional, it was one thing to make your Father Emperor lose his heart to you, yet you still leave the palace and attract the attention of others, leaving your Father Emperor alone in the palace, waiting day after day for your return. Ming’er, tell me, wouldn’t you say that’s rather unfair?” Taking Qi Mingyue in his arms, Qi Xutian lowered his lips to the fair and clear curve of the other’s neck. Trailing kisses downward along the alluring curve, he kissed and lingered, gently sucking as he felt the faint pulse beneath his lips, leaving several crimson marks upon the fair skin.Feeling the faint itch and sting at his neck, Qi Mingyue’s lips curved into a faint smile, raising an eyebrow as he spoke, “It’s been days since we last met, and Father Emperor’s skill at charming people has only grown more impressive. However……” He paused, the smile in his voice deepening. “Mingyue’s good looks are entirely Father Emperor’s doing. Don’t forget, my appearance comes from you, Father Emperor. If there is any fault in being so captivating, then it belongs to Father Emperor alone, not to Mingyue.”
Hearing this, Qi Xutian burst into laughter, “So in Ming’er’s eyes, your Father Emperor also likes to attract people everywhere? Your Father Emperor will simply take that as Ming’er praising his Father Emperor’s good looks. Since Ming’er came into your Father Emperor’s life, your Father Emperor has never involved himself with anyone else. However, Ming’er, the moment you left the palace, you have already drawn who knows how many men and women to you. As for the future, who knows what it will be like.”
Hearing his Imperial father’s playful complaint, Qi Mingyue merely curled his lips in quiet satisfaction. To make his seemingly cold-hearted Imperial father fall for him so completely and remain so devoted, filled him with an unprecedented sense of joy and contentment, leaving him deeply at ease. Having someone treat him like this was enough for a lifetime. What more could one possibly ask for? Thinking this, he slowly replied, “When has Mingyue ever drawn others in? Apart from Father Emperor, there has never been anyone in this world who could win Mingyue’s heart. Father Emperor need not worry. Since Mingyue has already admitted his feelings for you, they will not change easily.”
Recalling the day Ming’er openly declared his feelings as if making a proclamation
I think this is referring to what happened in chapter 24.
2 , Qi Xutian held him even tighter. “Your Father Emperor had never expected Ming’er would so openly admit his feelings for me. I always thought Ming’er was too proud to ever allow himself to say such a thing.” The memory of those words still stirred his heart deeply.
“Since Father Emperor and I have decided to be together, there is no need for me to conceal anything about my feelings toward you. Father Emperor’s presence, bearing, and way of handling matters are all what Mingyue loves. Being captivated by Father Emperor’s elegance, feelings arose and turned into love. This is a fact. Since it is a fact, why should I not admit it?” In the darkness, Qi Mingyue met those deep eyes, his own gaze bright and clear. “Mingyue is not one to avoid the truth. As Father Emperor’s son, to have come this far with you, even blood ties could not stop me, so why should I not speak my true feelings?” Over the years, he had seen with his own eyes how his Imperial father treated him. His Imperial father, a man so seemingly cold-hearted had given him so much. How could he not respond in kind? Moreover, it was only stating a fact. There was nothing shameful about falling in love with him, so why should it not be spoken aloud?
Will there be another relation involving Wu Yao （´∇｀''）?
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