Shangguan Yin's eyebrows subtly rose as she spoke. Even his frown was breathtakingly handsome.
Yun Xiao sat opposite him, meeting his intense gaze. She couldn't help but swallow. This man possessed a natural ability to captivate hearts, a fact she was well aware of.
Even when his face was hidden, he was already peerlessly beautiful. Now, with his true features revealed, he was truly an unparalleled celestial being, a rare sight in a century. He embodied a fusion of many qualities: devastatingly beautiful, cold and unfeeling, overbearing and arrogant.
However, only those who spent time with him knew that the softness in his heart was gentler than others, as fragrant and brilliant as cherry blossoms. He only showed such tender care to those he loved; others had no chance to witness this aspect of him.
Yun Xiao sighed softly, her lips curving into a faint smile. In her heart, she had already forgiven him.
She would find the reason and help him recover, because he was hers, and because he still remembered her. That was enough.
"Are you alright?"
Shangguan Yin asked softly, his face now filled with a gentle tenderness, like clear, transparent spring water, warming the heart at a single glance.
Yun Xiao nodded. What could be wrong with her? Except for the earth-shattering gift he had given her, which was far beyond her capacity to accept. However, she had recovered a lot within a single night.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
As soon as Yun Xiao spoke, he could no longer suppress his inner turmoil. He reached out and brushed back his ink-black hair, a layer of mist settling in his dark eyes, radiating a cool, misty aura.
"I know the person I liked before was you, Xiao'er, but why did this happen? Can you tell me about our past?"
Shangguan Yin furrowed his brow slightly, earnestly trying to recall their past. He was determined to remember. However, the harder he tried to remember, the more uncomfortable his chest became. His skin, as smooth as snow, once again flushed with heat, and his breathing grew slightly rapid.
This time, being so close, Yun Xiao saw a hint of red in his pupils and was greatly alarmed, fearing he would faint again. She quickly reached out and gently pressed his fair hand resting on the table, softly commanding.
"Breathe deeply. Don't think about it, don't think."
Her hand was soft, like a ball of fluffy cotton, resting on his large hand. It seemed to suppress the heat within him, and his heart strangely quieted. His deep black eyes stared at her, unblinking.
Hearing her concerned words, echoing in his ears, was like a gentle song, or even more so, a moving melody, making him want to immerse himself in this warm atmosphere.
"Xiao'er."
He called out, a subconscious whisper this time, as if in the past, infinitely tender. A single glance seemed to carry all the pampering in the world, meant only for her, and no one else.
Yun Xiao looked up at him, her smile veiled, dimples faintly appearing, like the subtle fragrance of orchids and plum blossoms, gently wafting.
"Your Majesty should return. This matter cannot be rushed; take your time to recall."
Yun Xiao spoke, a plan already forming in her mind. Tonight, she would confront Murong Yingxue and see if this woman would speak.
"Xiao'er."
Shangguan Yin started, a hint of distress clouding his face. His dark eyes, like stars in the midnight sky, were brilliant yet held a clear, aloofness, and an almost imperceptible panic. He feared that Xiao'er would become distant from him, or avoid him because of this.
How could he bear that? Although he was the emperor, perhaps he didn't ask for much.
Yun Xiao ignored him, straightening up and calling out, "Shangguan Lin, come in."
The dignified prince couldn't help but tremble at her cold command.
He knew this woman would be the Empress of Dong Qin, and many of his future affairs would be in her hands.
He had to be careful, or he wouldn't fare well in the future. Thus, when Prince Shangguan heard her call, he responded more quickly than to an imperial decree, flashing in swiftly.
"What is it?"
"Escort His Majesty back to the palace. If anything happens to His Majesty, can you bear the responsibility?"
Yun Xiao's words were sharp. Her serene, water-like face was now covered with a stern and ruthless expression. Shangguan Lin shivered. When this expression appeared on her face, he always had a bad premonition. Who was about to face her misfortune?
"Alright, Imperial Brother should also return to the palace."
Shangguan Lin finished speaking, then turned to look at his Imperial Brother. His Imperial Brother, radiating a cold aura, met him with a disdainful glance from his cool black eyes, as if daring him to object to his departure.
Shangguan Lin looked from one to the other, neither of whom he could afford to offend. With a miserable expression, he simply lowered his head and said nothing.
Yun Xiao turned back with a gentle, misty smile, speaking softly, "Murong, you should go back. I'm thinking of a way to help you. I believe you'll recover soon."
The Emperor's stern, cold black eyes, upon hearing Yun Xiao's soft words, coupled with the gentle mention of the name "Murong," instantly transformed the cold pool into a warm current. His eyes were filled with warmth, his entire face radiant, and the corners of his lips curved into a captivating smile. "Mhm." xxs壹贰
He finally agreed to return to the palace. Shangguan Lin exchanged glances. Was this the legendary subjugation of one by another? It was truly speechless.
However, he was very happy that Imperial Brother agreed to leave. He quickly stepped forward, helped the elegant and imposing figure, and walked towards the door.
But at the doorway, Shangguan Yin stopped. He turned back to look at the person in the private room, a determined light in his eyes.
"Xiao'er, I'm glad I forgot you, because even after forgetting you, I could still see you at first glance."
After speaking, he turned and strode out. Shangguan Lin stared blankly at his Imperial Brother's retreating figure, never expecting his cool, aloof Imperial Brother to utter such matter-of-fact sweet words.
He was thunderstruck. Even he had never said such things to anyone.
Shangguan Lin hurried to catch up with the figure ahead. Inside the private room, Yun Xiao slowly smiled, her face radiant. When Wanwan and Liu Xing Jingyun entered, they saw their mistress smiling happily, her delicate face adorned with a rare flush and an eager glow.
"Miss, how are you?"
Yun Xiao turned back and shook her head. "Let's go back to the manor."
Since Shangguan Lin had come, Ji Qingge and Yan Yu had likely left. It was a good time for her to return.
As they exited the private room, they saw a graceful figure approaching from the end of the opposite corridor. It was Ye Wuyun, with a gentle smile on his face and a hint of inquiry in his deep, serene eyes.
"Are you alright?"
He had sensed the lightning and thunder between the Emperor and Yun Xiao just now. It seemed something unexpected had happened. What could it be? As Yun Xiao's friend, he was very concerned about her.
"We're fine. By the way, your cold poison hasn't been completely resolved yet. Come to Yun Wang Manor later, and I'll give you a few more acupuncture treatments. You'll get better."
"Alright."
Ye Wuyun watched Yun Xiao descend the stairs, his gaze slowly becoming hazy and thoughtful.
Yun Xiao, if you loved me, I would give up everything and follow you. But in this world, you only love that one person, and no one else. Therefore, I will be your friend, forever.
Yun Xiao led her subordinates back to Yun Wang Manor by carriage. Ji Qingge and Yan Yu had indeed left. However, she learned from the butler that someone else had come to visit her, and it was someone she disliked.