Chapter 205: 205
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Shi Qingxue was speechless.
She couldn’t give the answer Mo Yuzhen wanted.
Mo Junjiu ended up like this because he deserved it, and he couldn’t blame anybody.
But she couldn’t say that to Mo Yuzhen.
She had to hug her friend tightly like many times in the past when Mo Yuzhen had a grievance but she could do nothing.
She just comforted Mo Yuzhen silently.
She told Mo Yuzhen with her action, “I can’t help you, but I will be with you forever.”
Mo Yuzhen cried for a while. Till her eyes were swollen and her voice was hoarse, she raised her head slowly and sat straight again.
Shi Qingxue felt sad to see that the arrogant and beautiful face became haggard.
She hurriedly took out her handkerchief and carefully wiped away the tears left on Mo Yuzhen’s face before pouring a cup of tea for her.
Mo Yuzhen was unwilling to open her mouth, so Shi Qingxue made some efforts.
She coaxed and cheated Mo Yuzhen, pouring the tea into her mouth.
After Yuzhen calmed down a bit, Shi Qingxue asked Dong Shuang to come in, telling her to prepare ice bags and put them on Mo Yuzhen’s red and swollen eyes.
Mo Yuzhen just sat blankly and looked dull, with no reaction.
But she saw Shi Qingxue’s busy work and felt warm in her broken heart.
“Qingxue, don’t do so much for me. I am fine.” Mo Yuzhen grabbed Qingxue’s arm and didn’t want to let her go.
Shi Qingxue glanced at Mo Yuzhen hesitantly. “But your eyes are swollen. If we don’t reduce the swelling in time, it would be more obvious tomorrow.”
Mo Yuzhen shook her head and insisted, “I just want to stay with you alone for a while.”
Under the situation, how would she care if she could show her face?
Shi Qingxue could do nothing to Mo Yuzhen and had to sit down.
She sat with her quietly, but it was the comfort that Mo Yuzhen most needed.
They sat face to face for a long time and then there was a knock on the room door.
Xia Mang stated in a low voice outside the door, “My Lady, the Empress Dowager summoned you urgently and told you to enter the imperial palace right now.”
Hearing that, the two girls in the room were surprised and then looked at each other at the same time.
After a moment’s silence,
Mo Yuzhen expressed in a hoarse voice, “I want to enter the imperial palace, too.”
Mo Yuzhen was the most favored princess and could enter the imperial palace whenever she wanted to even after she got married, but during the sensitive period, she obviously wanted to see Mo Xiangbin with the excuse of accompanying Shi Qingxue.
In another word unpleasant to hear, she wanted to make use of Shi Qingxue.
So as soon as she said that, Mo Yuzhen lowered her head with shame, afraid of seeing disdain in Shi Qingxue’s bright eyes.
There was hesitation in Shi Qingxue’s eyes indeed. She stared at Mo Yuzhen for quite a while and then nodded at last. “Okay!”
Mo Yuzhen raised her head suddenly, as if she didn’t believe that Shi Qingxue would agree with her.
She would just cause trouble to herself.
While Shi Qingxue gave Mo Yuzhen a sweet smile and added frankly, “Yuzhen, you and I are like sisters and even closer than sisters. How can I not make your wish come true?”
Even if this decision might make others get mad at Shi Qingxue, she found it her duty to go forward and not to turn back.
Mo Yuzhen couldn’t help but have tears in her eyes again, and she sobbed. “Qingxue!”
Shi Qingxue hurriedly held Mo Yuzhen’s face with both hands and rebuked her seriously, “You can’t cry. If you cry, I won’t take you to the imperial palace.”
“No, I didn’t cry.” Mo Yuzhen noticed the comfort in Qingxue’s angry voice and felt warmer.
Afterward, she wiped her face in embarrassment and then smiled at Qingxue.
Shi Qingxue continued with her straight face, “I can take you to the imperial palace, but you must agree to my requirement.”
Mo Yuzhen nodded in a hurry. “I agree.”
Qingxue couldn’t help laughing and then asked helplessly, “Don’t you ask me what requirement?”
“I won’t ask. Anyway you won’t hurt me,” Mo Yuzhen replied without thinking.
Shi Qingxue felt warm yet with a heavy heart.
After thinking it over, she warned Mo Yuzhen seriously, “Since you know that I won’t hurt you, promise me that you must act cautiously after entering the imperial palace, and don’t behave recklessly. Don’t ask His Majesty to show mercy to His Highness as soon as you see him, okay?”
Mo Yuzhen was seen through and redness rose to her face from her neck.
She lowered her head and pondered for a minute. Then she nodded to assure Qingxue.
She expressed cautiously, too, “Okay. I promise you that I won’t be impulsive after seeing my father or get you into trouble.”
Shi Qingxue opened her mouth and wanted to say that she was not afraid that Mo Yuzhen would get her into trouble, but she feared that Mo Yuzhen would bring trouble on herself yet couldn’t save Mo Junjiu.
However, it was better that Mo Yuzhen had scruple than that she acted rashly.
Then she didn’t explain but suggested, “So let’s enter the imperial palace.”
Shi Qingxue told Dong Shuang to prepare a carriage and ordered Xia Mang to put on make-up for Mo Yuzhen.
After everything was finished, they went into the carriage and headed to the imperial palace.
On the way, Mo Yuzhen looked at Shi Qingxue several times and wanted to say something but stopped herself.
Shi Qingxue sighed helplessly and asked, “Do you want to ask why Her Majesty told me to enter the imperial palace?”
Mo Yuzhen nodded in an instant, with a complicated expression of envy or jealousy.
But she brought up another subject in a low voice. “Grandma is so nice to you and will think of you no matter what happens.”
Not to mention why Ling Ruiyin told Shi Qingxue to enter the imperial palace, the single summons was enough to show Shi Qingxue’s importance to Ling Ruiyin.
“Yes?” Shi Qingxue asked in reply coldly.
Meeting Mo Yuzhen’s doubtful eyes, Shi Qingxue didn’t plan to explain.
She continued the last subject. “If I guess correctly, Her Majesty summoned me because of the colorful phenix’s case. She has told me before.
“Under the situation, the news that the colorful phenix has died can’t be hidden, and the people from the Liang, Zhao and Wei Countries won’t let it go at that!”
“The colorful phenix was given by the people from the east to my father. What does it have to do with them? Why would they comment?” Mo Yuzhen still didn’t understand the relationship between the two.
Shi Qingxue glanced at her helplessly and told her about the obvious reason.
“The colorful phenix is the holy bird and symbol of the Qin Continent since ancient times. Now there is a superior, Holy Monarch Zhou above His Majesty. Do you think that the other three countries would stand by and watch our country take the holy bird without sharing with them even if Holy Monarch Zhou doesn’t say anything?”
The one who got the holy bird would control the world.
Even if he didn’t have the strength to conquer the world, it would be nice to use the colorful phenix to guide the people.
Mo Yuzhen still didn’t understand and stated in confusion, “Even so, now the colorful phenix has died, and it would be pointless no matter how they fight.”
To put it bluntly, she still didn’t know why Mo Xiangbin made such a fuss about a dead bird.
Shi Qingxue was not in the mood to roll her eyes this time and asked in depression, “The holy bird was poisoned to death. Do you think they would give up easily as we made such a big mistake?”
Mo Yuzhen was speechless and couldn’t say anything to retort.
Right, if she knew somebody made a mistake, she would surely take the chance and cause trouble.
“Then Grandma summoned you…”
“Probably the people from the Liang Country came to find fault again.”
The servant who was told to send the message took Shi Qingxue and Mo Yuzhen into the imperial study. Yelü Anchen from the Liang Country and Zhao Haoran from the Zhao Country were standing inside.
They were at daggers drawn, and crises lurked in four corners.
Mo Xiangbin didn’t even pay attention to Mo Yuzhen who shouldn’t come. He just pulled a long face and asked indifferently, “Prince Yelü, you came to visit our country but insulted the emperor and officials of our country repeatedly. I am afraid that it will harm the diplomatic relation between the two countries.”
Shi Qingxue secretly observed the reactions of the people present. It must be that Yelü Anchen had said something arrogantly once more and irritated Mo Xiangbin.
Yelü Anchen didn’t care about the so-called diplomatic relation. He raised his chin with disdain and responded coldly, “The colorful phenix belongs to the whole Qin Continent, but you want to occupy it. Now you blame me as I ruin the diplomatic relation between the two countries, Your Majesty. Why?”
“When did I say that I would occupy the colorful phenix? Prince, don’t slander me.” Mo Xiangbin had to say so under the circumstances.
Yelü Anchen then asked, “Your Majesty, why don’t you want us to see the colorful phenix? Speaking of which, Prince Haoran and I haven’t seen its true colors, right?”
Zhao Haoran might be the one who didn’t care about the legend of the colorful phenix at all, and he came here only because Yelü Anchen insisted on asking him to.
He was asked all of a sudden and felt confused. Then he echoed Yelü Anchen and nodded. “Since we have come, we should have a look at the colorful phenix before leaving.”
Mo Xiangbin’s back stiffened and he looked at Mo Junyang automatically, but soon he sat straight and declared in a dignified manner, “The colorful phenix is unwell and can’t see any guest.”
“Gee, you said the same to us before, and now you still want to fool us with this excuse.”
Yelü Anchen stared at Mo Xiangbin sternly and meaningfully. “Was the colorful phenix in an accident?”
“Of course not!” Mo Xiangbin denied firmly.
“In that case, please let us see the colorful phenix, Your Majesty. Otherwise, we came on behalf of our kings but can’t even see it in the end. How would we explain to our kings after going back?”
These words showed what was on Zhao Haoran’s mind, so he echoed, “Anyway, we have to see the so-called holy bird with our own eyes, so that we can report back.”
Mo Xiangbin lied boldly, but in fact, how would he have the colorful phenix to show them?
He couldn’t tell somebody to carry the stiff carcass and show it to them.
He was in an emergency but could do nothing, and he couldn’t ask Mo Junyang for help.
Yelü Anchen was more aggressive and continued to push him. “Even if the colorful phenix is in poor health, we won’t take it away. We just want to see it for once. Can we make the holy bird die after seeing it?”
He intentionally stressed the word “die” to remind Mo Xiangbin that he had known the fact that the colorful phenix had died.
Mo Xiangbin was more restless after this glance and thought of the requirements Yelü Anchen had mentioned.
Maybe, maybe such requirements were not harsh, and he…
When Mo Xiangbin was almost about to give in, a clear and impassive voice cut in.
“Prince Yelü, you also know how respectable the holy bird is. If you want to see it, you should naturally choose a lucky day first.”
All people moved their eyes and at last looked at the door.
Shi Qingxue was standing there.
Yelü Anchen got angry as soon as he saw Shi Qingxue. He left what he prepared to say behind and shouted at her in a fret, “Who are you? Do you have a say here?”
He provoked Shi Qingxue with disdain and thought he was superior.
But after he said that, the others fell into weird silence again. Even though Yelü Anchen was careless, he noticed something wrong.
But he didn’t understand why. He still asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
He provoked Shi Qingxue in front of Mo Junyang. Wasn’t he afraid that he would be taken down by Mo Junyang?
All the onlookers silently prayed for Yelü Anchen.
Shi Qingxue remained good-tempered and smiled. She didn’t mind Yelü Anchen’s provocation.
She retorted indifferently, “I know that I am inferior to you, but the colorful phenix’s identity is obvious and nobody can belittle it. Or do you think that it’s no big deal if you belittle the colorful phenix, Your Highness?”
Yelü Anchen didn’t take the colorful phenix seriously and was about to answer without hesitation, “Of course…”
Wu Yalei hurriedly grabbed their prince and shouted more loudly than him, “Of course not!”
He complained in his heart.
Shi Qingxue just said something to lure them to get hooked.
Yelü Anchen was impulsive and would say something wrong accidentally to give others a chance to find fault.
Wu Yalei had to resist Yelü Anchen’s eyes which would eat him and bite the bullet to interrupt, “You said that you would let us see the colorful phenix at His Majesty’s birthday party, but we didn’t see it that day.
“Who knows if you mentioned the so-called lucky day just to be offhand with us again? If you say that the lucky day would be in next year, won’t you just temporize obviously?”
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Shi Qingxue was speechless.
She couldn’t give the answer Mo Yuzhen wanted.
Mo Junjiu ended up like this because he deserved it, and he couldn’t blame anybody.
But she couldn’t say that to Mo Yuzhen.
She had to hug her friend tightly like many times in the past when Mo Yuzhen had a grievance but she could do nothing.
She just comforted Mo Yuzhen silently.
She told Mo Yuzhen with her action, “I can’t help you, but I will be with you forever.”
Mo Yuzhen cried for a while. Till her eyes were swollen and her voice was hoarse, she raised her head slowly and sat straight again.
Shi Qingxue felt sad to see that the arrogant and beautiful face became haggard.
She hurriedly took out her handkerchief and carefully wiped away the tears left on Mo Yuzhen’s face before pouring a cup of tea for her.
Mo Yuzhen was unwilling to open her mouth, so Shi Qingxue made some efforts.
She coaxed and cheated Mo Yuzhen, pouring the tea into her mouth.
After Yuzhen calmed down a bit, Shi Qingxue asked Dong Shuang to come in, telling her to prepare ice bags and put them on Mo Yuzhen’s red and swollen eyes.
Mo Yuzhen just sat blankly and looked dull, with no reaction.
But she saw Shi Qingxue’s busy work and felt warm in her broken heart.
“Qingxue, don’t do so much for me. I am fine.” Mo Yuzhen grabbed Qingxue’s arm and didn’t want to let her go.
Shi Qingxue glanced at Mo Yuzhen hesitantly. “But your eyes are swollen. If we don’t reduce the swelling in time, it would be more obvious tomorrow.”
Mo Yuzhen shook her head and insisted, “I just want to stay with you alone for a while.”
Under the situation, how would she care if she could show her face?
Shi Qingxue could do nothing to Mo Yuzhen and had to sit down.
She sat with her quietly, but it was the comfort that Mo Yuzhen most needed.
They sat face to face for a long time and then there was a knock on the room door.
Xia Mang stated in a low voice outside the door, “My Lady, the Empress Dowager summoned you urgently and told you to enter the imperial palace right now.”
Hearing that, the two girls in the room were surprised and then looked at each other at the same time.
After a moment’s silence,
Mo Yuzhen expressed in a hoarse voice, “I want to enter the imperial palace, too.”
Mo Yuzhen was the most favored princess and could enter the imperial palace whenever she wanted to even after she got married, but during the sensitive period, she obviously wanted to see Mo Xiangbin with the excuse of accompanying Shi Qingxue.
In another word unpleasant to hear, she wanted to make use of Shi Qingxue.
So as soon as she said that, Mo Yuzhen lowered her head with shame, afraid of seeing disdain in Shi Qingxue’s bright eyes.
There was hesitation in Shi Qingxue’s eyes indeed. She stared at Mo Yuzhen for quite a while and then nodded at last. “Okay!”
Mo Yuzhen raised her head suddenly, as if she didn’t believe that Shi Qingxue would agree with her.
She would just cause trouble to herself.
While Shi Qingxue gave Mo Yuzhen a sweet smile and added frankly, “Yuzhen, you and I are like sisters and even closer than sisters. How can I not make your wish come true?”
Even if this decision might make others get mad at Shi Qingxue, she found it her duty to go forward and not to turn back.
Mo Yuzhen couldn’t help but have tears in her eyes again, and she sobbed. “Qingxue!”
Shi Qingxue hurriedly held Mo Yuzhen’s face with both hands and rebuked her seriously, “You can’t cry. If you cry, I won’t take you to the imperial palace.”
“No, I didn’t cry.” Mo Yuzhen noticed the comfort in Qingxue’s angry voice and felt warmer.
Afterward, she wiped her face in embarrassment and then smiled at Qingxue.
Shi Qingxue continued with her straight face, “I can take you to the imperial palace, but you must agree to my requirement.”
Mo Yuzhen nodded in a hurry. “I agree.”
Qingxue couldn’t help laughing and then asked helplessly, “Don’t you ask me what requirement?”
“I won’t ask. Anyway you won’t hurt me,” Mo Yuzhen replied without thinking.
Shi Qingxue felt warm yet with a heavy heart.
After thinking it over, she warned Mo Yuzhen seriously, “Since you know that I won’t hurt you, promise me that you must act cautiously after entering the imperial palace, and don’t behave recklessly. Don’t ask His Majesty to show mercy to His Highness as soon as you see him, okay?”
Mo Yuzhen was seen through and redness rose to her face from her neck.
She lowered her head and pondered for a minute. Then she nodded to assure Qingxue.
She expressed cautiously, too, “Okay. I promise you that I won’t be impulsive after seeing my father or get you into trouble.”
Shi Qingxue opened her mouth and wanted to say that she was not afraid that Mo Yuzhen would get her into trouble, but she feared that Mo Yuzhen would bring trouble on herself yet couldn’t save Mo Junjiu.
However, it was better that Mo Yuzhen had scruple than that she acted rashly.
Then she didn’t explain but suggested, “So let’s enter the imperial palace.”
Shi Qingxue told Dong Shuang to prepare a carriage and ordered Xia Mang to put on make-up for Mo Yuzhen.
After everything was finished, they went into the carriage and headed to the imperial palace.
On the way, Mo Yuzhen looked at Shi Qingxue several times and wanted to say something but stopped herself.
Shi Qingxue sighed helplessly and asked, “Do you want to ask why Her Majesty told me to enter the imperial palace?”
Mo Yuzhen nodded in an instant, with a complicated expression of envy or jealousy.
But she brought up another subject in a low voice. “Grandma is so nice to you and will think of you no matter what happens.”
Not to mention why Ling Ruiyin told Shi Qingxue to enter the imperial palace, the single summons was enough to show Shi Qingxue’s importance to Ling Ruiyin.
“Yes?” Shi Qingxue asked in reply coldly.
Meeting Mo Yuzhen’s doubtful eyes, Shi Qingxue didn’t plan to explain.
She continued the last subject. “If I guess correctly, Her Majesty summoned me because of the colorful phenix’s case. She has told me before.
“Under the situation, the news that the colorful phenix has died can’t be hidden, and the people from the Liang, Zhao and Wei Countries won’t let it go at that!”
“The colorful phenix was given by the people from the east to my father. What does it have to do with them? Why would they comment?” Mo Yuzhen still didn’t understand the relationship between the two.
Shi Qingxue glanced at her helplessly and told her about the obvious reason.
“The colorful phenix is the holy bird and symbol of the Qin Continent since ancient times. Now there is a superior, Holy Monarch Zhou above His Majesty. Do you think that the other three countries would stand by and watch our country take the holy bird without sharing with them even if Holy Monarch Zhou doesn’t say anything?”
The one who got the holy bird would control the world.
Even if he didn’t have the strength to conquer the world, it would be nice to use the colorful phenix to guide the people.
Mo Yuzhen still didn’t understand and stated in confusion, “Even so, now the colorful phenix has died, and it would be pointless no matter how they fight.”
To put it bluntly, she still didn’t know why Mo Xiangbin made such a fuss about a dead bird.
Shi Qingxue was not in the mood to roll her eyes this time and asked in depression, “The holy bird was poisoned to death. Do you think they would give up easily as we made such a big mistake?”
Mo Yuzhen was speechless and couldn’t say anything to retort.
Right, if she knew somebody made a mistake, she would surely take the chance and cause trouble.
“Then Grandma summoned you…”
“Probably the people from the Liang Country came to find fault again.”
The servant who was told to send the message took Shi Qingxue and Mo Yuzhen into the imperial study. Yelü Anchen from the Liang Country and Zhao Haoran from the Zhao Country were standing inside.
They were at daggers drawn, and crises lurked in four corners.
Mo Xiangbin didn’t even pay attention to Mo Yuzhen who shouldn’t come. He just pulled a long face and asked indifferently, “Prince Yelü, you came to visit our country but insulted the emperor and officials of our country repeatedly. I am afraid that it will harm the diplomatic relation between the two countries.”
Shi Qingxue secretly observed the reactions of the people present. It must be that Yelü Anchen had said something arrogantly once more and irritated Mo Xiangbin.
Yelü Anchen didn’t care about the so-called diplomatic relation. He raised his chin with disdain and responded coldly, “The colorful phenix belongs to the whole Qin Continent, but you want to occupy it. Now you blame me as I ruin the diplomatic relation between the two countries, Your Majesty. Why?”
“When did I say that I would occupy the colorful phenix? Prince, don’t slander me.” Mo Xiangbin had to say so under the circumstances.
Yelü Anchen then asked, “Your Majesty, why don’t you want us to see the colorful phenix? Speaking of which, Prince Haoran and I haven’t seen its true colors, right?”
Zhao Haoran might be the one who didn’t care about the legend of the colorful phenix at all, and he came here only because Yelü Anchen insisted on asking him to.
He was asked all of a sudden and felt confused. Then he echoed Yelü Anchen and nodded. “Since we have come, we should have a look at the colorful phenix before leaving.”
Mo Xiangbin’s back stiffened and he looked at Mo Junyang automatically, but soon he sat straight and declared in a dignified manner, “The colorful phenix is unwell and can’t see any guest.”
“Gee, you said the same to us before, and now you still want to fool us with this excuse.”
Yelü Anchen stared at Mo Xiangbin sternly and meaningfully. “Was the colorful phenix in an accident?”
“Of course not!” Mo Xiangbin denied firmly.
“In that case, please let us see the colorful phenix, Your Majesty. Otherwise, we came on behalf of our kings but can’t even see it in the end. How would we explain to our kings after going back?”
These words showed what was on Zhao Haoran’s mind, so he echoed, “Anyway, we have to see the so-called holy bird with our own eyes, so that we can report back.”
Mo Xiangbin lied boldly, but in fact, how would he have the colorful phenix to show them?
He couldn’t tell somebody to carry the stiff carcass and show it to them.
He was in an emergency but could do nothing, and he couldn’t ask Mo Junyang for help.
Yelü Anchen was more aggressive and continued to push him. “Even if the colorful phenix is in poor health, we won’t take it away. We just want to see it for once. Can we make the holy bird die after seeing it?”
He intentionally stressed the word “die” to remind Mo Xiangbin that he had known the fact that the colorful phenix had died.
Mo Xiangbin was more restless after this glance and thought of the requirements Yelü Anchen had mentioned.
Maybe, maybe such requirements were not harsh, and he…
When Mo Xiangbin was almost about to give in, a clear and impassive voice cut in.
“Prince Yelü, you also know how respectable the holy bird is. If you want to see it, you should naturally choose a lucky day first.”
All people moved their eyes and at last looked at the door.
Shi Qingxue was standing there.
Yelü Anchen got angry as soon as he saw Shi Qingxue. He left what he prepared to say behind and shouted at her in a fret, “Who are you? Do you have a say here?”
He provoked Shi Qingxue with disdain and thought he was superior.
But after he said that, the others fell into weird silence again. Even though Yelü Anchen was careless, he noticed something wrong.
But he didn’t understand why. He still asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
He provoked Shi Qingxue in front of Mo Junyang. Wasn’t he afraid that he would be taken down by Mo Junyang?
All the onlookers silently prayed for Yelü Anchen.
Shi Qingxue remained good-tempered and smiled. She didn’t mind Yelü Anchen’s provocation.
She retorted indifferently, “I know that I am inferior to you, but the colorful phenix’s identity is obvious and nobody can belittle it. Or do you think that it’s no big deal if you belittle the colorful phenix, Your Highness?”
Yelü Anchen didn’t take the colorful phenix seriously and was about to answer without hesitation, “Of course…”
Wu Yalei hurriedly grabbed their prince and shouted more loudly than him, “Of course not!”
He complained in his heart.
Shi Qingxue just said something to lure them to get hooked.
Yelü Anchen was impulsive and would say something wrong accidentally to give others a chance to find fault.
Wu Yalei had to resist Yelü Anchen’s eyes which would eat him and bite the bullet to interrupt, “You said that you would let us see the colorful phenix at His Majesty’s birthday party, but we didn’t see it that day.
“Who knows if you mentioned the so-called lucky day just to be offhand with us again? If you say that the lucky day would be in next year, won’t you just temporize obviously?”
Shi Qingxue was speechless.She couldn't give the answer Mo Yuzhen wanted.Mo Junjiu ended up like this because he deserved it, and he couldn't blame anybody.But she couldn't say that to Mo Yuzhen.She had to hug her friend tightly like many times in the past when Mo Yuzhen had a grievance but she could do nothing.She just comforted Mo Yuzhen silently.She told Mo Yuzhen with her action, I can't help you, but I will be with you forever.Mo Yuzhen cried for a while. Till her eyes were swollen and her voice was hoarse, she raised her head slowly and sat straight again.Shi Qingxue felt sad to see that the arrogant and beautiful face became haggard.She hurriedly took out her handkerchief and carefully wiped away the tears left on Mo Yuzhen's face before pouring a cup of tea for her.Mo Yuzhen was unwilling to open her mouth, so Shi Qingxue made some efforts.She coaxed and cheated Mo Yuzhen, pouring the tea into her mouth.After Yuzhen calmed down a bit, Shi Qingxue asked Dong Shuang to come in, telling her to prepare ice bags and put them on Mo Yuzhen's red and swollen eyes.Mo Yuzhen just sat blankly and looked dull, with no reaction.But she saw Shi Qingxue's busy work and felt warm in her broken heart.Qingxue, don't do so much for me. I am fine. Mo Yuzhen grabbed Qingxue's arm and didn't want to let her go.Shi Qingxue glanced at Mo Yuzhen hesitantly. But your eyes are swollen. If we don't reduce the swelling in time, it would be more obvious tomorrow.Mo Yuzhen shook her head and insisted, I just want to stay with you alone for a while.Under the situation, how would she care if she could show her face?Shi Qingxue could do nothing to Mo Yuzhen and had to sit down.She sat with her quietly, but it was the comfort that Mo Yuzhen most needed.They sat face to face for a long time and then there was a knock on the room door.Xia Mang stated in a low voice outside the door, My Lady, the Empress Dowager summoned you urgently and told you to enter the imperial palace right now.Hearing that, the two girls in the room were surprised and then looked at each other at the same time.After a moment's silence,Mo Yuzhen expressed in a hoarse voice, I want to enter the imperial palace, too.Mo Yuzhen was the most favored princess and could enter the imperial palace whenever she wanted to even after she got married, but during the sensitive period, she obviously wanted to see Mo Xiangbin with the excuse of accompanying Shi Qingxue.In another word unpleasant to hear, she wanted to make use of Shi Qingxue.So as soon as she said that, Mo Yuzhen lowered her head with shame, afraid of seeing disdain in Shi Qingxue's bright eyes.There was hesitation in Shi Qingxue's eyes indeed. She stared at Mo Yuzhen for quite a while and then nodded at last. Okay!Mo Yuzhen raised her head suddenly, as if she didn't believe that Shi Qingxue would agree with her.She would just cause trouble to herself.While Shi Qingxue gave Mo Yuzhen a sweet smile and added frankly, Yuzhen, you and I are like sisters and even closer than sisters. How can I not make your wish come true?Even if this decision might make others get mad at Shi Qingxue, she found it her duty to go forward and not to turn back.Mo Yuzhen couldn't help but have tears in her eyes again, and she sobbed. Qingxue!Shi Qingxue hurriedly held Mo Yuzhen's face with both hands and rebuked her seriously, You can't cry. If you cry, I won't take you to the imperial palace.No, I didn't cry. Mo Yuzhen noticed the comfort in Qingxue's angry voice and felt warmer.Afterward, she wiped her face in embarrassment and then smiled at Qingxue.Shi Qingxue continued with her straight face, I can take you to the imperial palace, but you must agree to my requirement.Mo Yuzhen nodded in a hurry. I agree.Qingxue couldn't help laughing and then asked helplessly, Don't you ask me what requirement?I won't ask. Anyway you won't hurt me, Mo Yuzhen replied without thinking.Shi Qingxue felt warm yet with a heavy heart.After thinking it over, she warned Mo Yuzhen seriously, Since you know that I won't hurt you, promise me that you must act cautiously after entering the imperial palace, and don't behave recklessly. Don't ask His Majesty to show mercy to His Highness as soon as you see him, okay?Mo Yuzhen was seen through and redness rose to her face from her neck.She lowered her head and pondered for a minute. Then she nodded to assure Qingxue.She expressed cautiously, too, Okay. I promise you that I won't be impulsive after seeing my father or get you into trouble.Shi Qingxue opened her mouth and wanted to say that she was not afraid that Mo Yuzhen would get her into trouble, but she feared that Mo Yuzhen would bring trouble on herself yet couldn't save Mo Junjiu.However, it was better that Mo Yuzhen had scruple than that she acted rashly.Then she didn't explain but suggested, So let's enter the imperial palace.Shi Qingxue told Dong Shuang to prepare a carriage and ordered Xia Mang to put on make-up for Mo Yuzhen.After everything was finished, they went into the carriage and headed to the imperial palace.On the way, Mo Yuzhen looked at Shi Qingxue several times and wanted to say something but stopped herself.Shi Qingxue sighed helplessly and asked, Do you want to ask why Her Majesty told me to enter the imperial palace?Mo Yuzhen nodded in an instant, with a complicated expression of envy or jealousy.But she brought up another subject in a low voice. Grandma is so nice to you and will think of you no matter what happens.Not to mention why Ling Ruiyin told Shi Qingxue to enter the imperial palace, the single summons was enough to show Shi Qingxue's importance to Ling Ruiyin.Yes? Shi Qingxue asked in reply coldly.Meeting Mo Yuzhen's doubtful eyes, Shi Qingxue didn't plan to explain.She continued the last subject. If I guess correctly, Her Majesty summoned me because of the colorful phenix's case. She has told me before.Under the situation, the news that the colorful phenix has died can't be hidden, and the people from the Liang, Zhao and Wei Countries won't let it go at that!The colorful phenix was given by the people from the east to my father. What does it have to do with them? Why would they comment? Mo Yuzhen still didn't understand the relationship between the two.Shi Qingxue glanced at her helplessly and told her about the obvious reason.The colorful phenix is the holy bird and symbol of the Qin Continent since ancient times. Now there is a superior, Holy Monarch Zhou above His Majesty. Do you think that the other three countries would stand by and watch our country take the holy bird without sharing with them even if Holy Monarch Zhou doesn't say anything?The one who got the holy bird would control the world.Even if he didn't have the strength to conquer the world, it would be nice to use the colorful phenix to guide the people.Mo Yuzhen still didn't understand and stated in confusion, Even so, now the colorful phenix has died, and it would be pointless no matter how they fight.To put it bluntly, she still didn't know why Mo Xiangbin made such a fuss about a dead bird.Shi Qingxue was not in the mood to roll her eyes this time and asked in depression, The holy bird was poisoned to death. Do you think they would give up easily as we made such a big mistake?Mo Yuzhen was speechless and couldn't say anything to retort.Right, if she knew somebody made a mistake, she would surely take the chance and cause trouble.Then Grandma summoned youProbably the people from the Liang Country came to find fault again.The servant who was told to send the message took Shi Qingxue and Mo Yuzhen into the imperial study. Yel Anchen from the Liang Country and Zhao Haoran from the Zhao Country were standing inside.They were at daggers drawn, and crises lurked in four corners.Mo Xiangbin didn't even pay attention to Mo Yuzhen who shouldn't come. He just pulled a long face and asked indifferently, Prince Yel, you came to visit our country but insulted the emperor and officials of our country repeatedly. I am afraid that it will harm the diplomatic relation between the two countries.Shi Qingxue secretly observed the reactions of the people present. It must be that Yel Anchen had said something arrogantly once more and irritated Mo Xiangbin.Yel Anchen didn't care about the so-called diplomatic relation. He raised his chin with disdain and responded coldly, The colorful phenix belongs to the whole Qin Continent, but you want to occupy it. Now you blame me as I ruin the diplomatic relation between the two countries, Your Majesty. Why?When did I say that I would occupy the colorful phenix? Prince, don't slander me. Mo Xiangbin had to say so under the circumstances.Yel Anchen then asked, Your Majesty, why don't you want us to see the colorful phenix? Speaking of which, Prince Haoran and I haven't seen its true colors, right?Zhao Haoran might be the one who didn't care about the legend of the colorful phenix at all, and he came here only because Yel Anchen insisted on asking him to.He was asked all of a sudden and felt confused. Then he echoed Yel Anchen and nodded. Since we have come, we should have a look at the colorful phenix before leaving.Mo Xiangbin's back stiffened and he looked at Mo Junyang automatically, but soon he sat straight and declared in a dignified manner, The colorful phenix is unwell and can't see any guest.Gee, you said the same to us before, and now you still want to fool us with this excuse.Yel Anchen stared at Mo Xiangbin sternly and meaningfully. Was the colorful phenix in an accident?Of course not! Mo Xiangbin denied firmly.In that case, please let us see the colorful phenix, Your Majesty. Otherwise, we came on behalf of our kings but can't even see it in the end. How would we explain to our kings after going back?These words showed what was on Zhao Haoran's mind, so he echoed, Anyway, we have to see the so-called holy bird with our own eyes, so that we can report back.Mo Xiangbin lied boldly, but in fact, how would he have the colorful phenix to show them?He couldn't tell somebody to carry the stiff carcass and show it to them.He was in an emergency but could do nothing, and he couldn't ask Mo Junyang for help.Yel Anchen was more aggressive and continued to push him. Even if the colorful phenix is in poor health, we won't take it away. We just want to see it for once. Can we make the holy bird die after seeing it?He intentionally stressed the word die to remind Mo Xiangbin that he had known the fact that the colorful phenix had died.Mo Xiangbin was more restless after this glance and thought of the requirements Yel Anchen had mentioned.Maybe, maybe such requirements were not harsh, and heWhen Mo Xiangbin was almost about to give in, a clear and impassive voice cut in.Prince Yel, you also know how respectable the holy bird is. If you want to see it, you should naturally choose a lucky day first.All people moved their eyes and at last looked at the door.Shi Qingxue was standing there.Yel Anchen got angry as soon as he saw Shi Qingxue. He left what he prepared to say behind and shouted at her in a fret, Who are you? Do you have a say here?He provoked Shi Qingxue with disdain and thought he was superior.But after he said that, the others fell into weird silence again. Even though Yel Anchen was careless, he noticed something wrong.But he didn't understand why. He still asked, Did I say something wrong?He provoked Shi Qingxue in front of Mo Junyang. Wasn't he afraid that he would be taken down by Mo Junyang?All the onlookers silently prayed for Yel Anchen.Shi Qingxue remained good-tempered and smiled. She didn't mind Yel Anchen's provocation.She retorted indifferently, I know that I am inferior to you, but the colorful phenix's identity is obvious and nobody can belittle it. Or do you think that it's no big deal if you belittle the colorful phenix, Your Highness?Yel Anchen didn't take the colorful phenix seriously and was about to answer without hesitation, Of courseWu Yalei hurriedly grabbed their prince and shouted more loudly than him, Of course not!He complained in his heart.Shi Qingxue just said something to lure them to get hooked.Yel Anchen was impulsive and would say something wrong accidentally to give others a chance to find fault.Wu Yalei had to resist Yel Anchen's eyes which would eat him and bite the bullet to interrupt, You said that you would let us see the colorful phenix at His Majesty's birthday party, but we didn't see it that day.Who knows if you mentioned the so-called lucky day just to be offhand with us again? If you say that the lucky day would be in next year, won't you just temporize obviously?
