Chapter 194: Reunion
Translator: Antonia
Ning Shaoqing’s proposal turned Princess Yuhe’s glistening eyes gloomy at once. Like she had been stabbed by an icy dagger into her heart, shock surfaced in her round eyes which gazed at the upright figure.
How could such a man like that woman? She was perplexed, then relieved by the Emperor’s refusal, looking at Mo Qianxue gloatingly.
Mo Qianxue looked calm as usual, but inside there was rolling waves. She never expected Ning Shaoqing’s proposal to come so soon. She had believed on that day she would be very happy, but now she only felt aggrieved.
Yet she couldn’t tell why for the time being.
The Emperor’s refusal didn’t let Ning Shaoqing give up.
He looked down, hands behind his back, “I didn’t plan to make the proposal so abruptly, but the public opinion and my morality compel me to stop delaying.”
His voice was deep and thick, as if the sound from cello strings, seemingly soft but actually firm, making people unable to say no.
“When I did undercover actions in the Wang village for our clan, I almost lost my life. By then, Miss. Mo happened to encounter misfortune and was rescued by the villagers. She was arranged to take care of me, and gradually I got better in health.”
Then his tone turned stern, “Miss. Mo and I have been in innocent terms, and all the villagers can prove that. Now I haven’t paid her back yet for having saved my life, this grace is utilized in a malicious way to slander Miss. Mo and almost ruin her reputation of chastity.
Hereof, I feel deeply guilty and ashamed of myself. As a man, I should pay back more than the grace I’ve received. I should shoulder my responsibility.”
Ning Shaoqing uttered in a fluctuated tone. He didn’t mention anything romantic at all but focused on his gratitude. However, by closer analysis, he was paving a way out for Mo Qianxue.
If he mentioned affection, then the relationship became illegal love affair.
There were many ways of repaying. If he only mentioned his gratitude but not her reputation, then it was not necessary to marry her. However, if a woman’s reputation was ruined because of a man, while the woman was his life-savor and of a high rank…it was normal for him to promise her with the position of wife.
Normally, Mo Qianxue’s rank was indeed out of his league to become madam Ning. Nevertheless, Ning Shaoqing repeated saying gratitude, morality, responsibility, which made it hard for the Emperor to refute.
“Master Ning is grateful and righteous. I’m really stumped…”
“I don’t mean to marry Miss. Mo right now, but only to settle it down quickly, so that no others dare to throw dirty water at her anymore.”
Ning Shaoqing looked up at the Emperor, the indifference in his eyes disappearing, the last sentence emphasized with intention of warning.
The Shadow Pavilion being an intelligence agency was no secret. The Emperor, with a guilty conscience, began to blame the Empress. That stupid woman! If Ning Shaoqing figured out the trap in the party, he wouldn’t easily forgive them.
At this point, the Emperor had to agree to ease his anger and let the matter end for now.
The Emperor just made a decision, when Ning Shaoqing added, “The Founder passed away before the last Mid-Autumn Festival, so your majesty could set the date of marriage after this year’s Mid-Autumn. As the say goes, there must be an auspicious day among seven days. I could go through the ritual of exchanging official letters first and then hold the wedding after the Mid-Autumn. When Miss. Mo enters a happy marriage, I believe, the Founder can also rest in peace in heaven…”
It sounded, if the Emperor didn’t approve, the Founder couldn’t rest in peace at all.
Since this was a vital event, nobody dared to stand out to say something.
Master Ning ranked high. In Tianqi, besides the Emperor, the most honorable people were the masters of the three super families. No one dared to make an opinion on master Ning’s marriage, especially when Mo Qianxue’s identity was so sensitive.
The palace was resided by silence and nervousness again…
The Emperor pulled a somber face and struggled to put on a smile, which was worse than crying, “It’s great that master Ning is so considerate. Hence, I’ll just give my consent for master Ning’s sincerity and high moral. Make it known: A marriage is forged between Master Ning and Miss. Mo, the lady of Founder mansion…”
No one asked Mo Qianxue and the marriage was settled. In this shitty world, women had no say.
When she first arrived, she was married to Ning Shaoqing as a luck wife. Now again, without asking her opinion, the Emperor made this marriage. She wasn’t transparent, alright? …
Despite the annoyance, hearing the Emperor announcing their marriage, Mo Qianxue still couldn’t help taking a glance at Ning Shaoqing.
Ning Shaoqing believed with this imperial edict, marrying Mo Qianxue into the Ning mansion was just around the corner.
What in Mo Qianxue’s mind was the bleak future of him for having forced the Emperor on the first day when he took the position.
The two thought in each other’s interest, but were both touched by the fact of their marriage.
Yet, in Ning Shaoqing’s heart were ripples, but in Mo Qianxue’s were tumbling waves.
As all was settled, Ning Shaoqing was relieved about Mo Qianxue’s safety. Hence, his feelings were much less turbulent.
Mo Qianxue worried there would be more troubles on them after the Emperor made the decision unwillingly. Even if she could move into the Ning mansion smoothly, the vicious plots within the inner courtyard wouldn’t be milder than that of the Empress and Princess Yuhe’s.
Struck by the series of shock, Princess Yuhe stared blankly, heart cold, as if the icy dagger in her chest was pulled further into. The man whom she loved first in her life should belong to a bitch she hated. She was indignant about the truth.
However, in this matter, she had no say.
After the announcement, Ning Shaoqing cupped his hands and thanked him, but Mo Qianxue must kneel to express gratitude.
Ning Shaoqing felt distressed for her and wished to marry her immediately. After she became madam Ning, she didn’t need to kneel to anybody. Even before the Emperor and Empress, she could just curtsy.
Mo Qianxue had graceful bearing. Her beautiful brows now elegant and quiet, displaying joy and sweetness, which make her more charming like a beauty from picture.
Ning Shaoqing, long hair hanging on his back, stood upright, gentle but resolute, as if an icy lotus flower bathing in fire, aloof, noble and overwhelmingly confident.
Looking at this perfect couple, the Emperor felt as disgusted as swallowing a fly. Yet, he couldn’t say anything expect for congratulating them and waving his hand to let her get up.
An elaborate plot of power jockeying ended up a reason for their marriage.
Ridiculous. Hateful!
At this moment, the Emperor simply wished to strangle the Empress to death. Stupid woman.
A huge trick played right under his nose, the Emperor could no longer continue the morning session and forced a smiled, “So far, I’m tired. Let’s call it a day.”
Then, he gestured to the chief eunuch beside him. The eunuch understood and loudly asked, “End of morning court.” The Emperor threw his sleeves, went to the study, smashing the teacups served by the eunuch, knocking over the memorials on the desk, and sneered.
It was mid-April, a hundred days before Mid-Autumn Festival. One hundred days before Mo Qianxue moved to the Ning mansion. But she had to survive till then first.
**
After the morning court, all officials came over to congratulate Ning Shaoqing on becoming the new master. Ning Shaoqing didn’t reply one by one but just smiled slightly at them.
Princess Jing congratulated Mo Qianxue and left with Prince Jing.
Mrs. Chang and Qin came later, also congratulated her and left. When they looked back, the smile on their faces were much sincerer.
Mrs. Xie and An also expressed congratulation, but their faces were full of jealousy.
Mrs. Jia had wanted to accompany Mo Qianxue to go out together, but, seeing Ning Shaoqing leaving the crowd and heading right for her, smiled in gratification, patted on her hand, and gave her a meaning look before she left reluctantly.
Ning Shaoqing paced over, without much words. In fact, in a public place in the Jinluan Palace, what could he say?
The others also left first in view of it.
Su Qi and Feng Yuchen looked at each other. Both of them looked sad. Feng Yuchen took the initiative to invite Su Qi to have a drink. Su Qi smiled and agreed.
Gazing at the two men, Ning Shaoqing then looked back silently at Mo Qianxue.
It was exactly this little woman who had tortured him day and night. How he wished to hug her right now and hide her forever from others!
Actually, they hadn’t seen each other for only two days, but it felt like lifelong.
Ning Shaoqing’s eyes were as deep as tolerant of everything in the world. A smile crawled onto his eyes, intently absorbing Mo Qianxue’s sight.
She couldn’t help approaching to him, nearer and nearer…
Heaven! They were in the palace. Even thought others had gone far, there were guards along the way.
Returning to earth, she decided not to look at him. Bowing down her head, she heard her own heartbeat, thumping faster and faster. The familiar smell on his clothes had a soothing power.
The clothes were still what she had made for him, but the neckline and cuffs were embroidered with a totem, gentle and delicate, reflecting some light, making him look warm.
Neither of them talked. Just silence.
Mo Qianxue suddenly felt a little sad, and her eyes became red.
Gazing for a while, Ning Shaoqing said softly, “Come on. I’ll send you back.” Then, he turned around and walked out of the Jinluan Palace.