Chapter 007: Reunion on a Moonlit Night
It is truly uncomfortable, even wearing it just during the ceremony is quite annoying. The Empress casually tossed the crown to the eunuch and unfastened the jade belt to remove the dragon robe. The eunuch, frightened, quickly knelt on the ground with his head bowed, not daring to cast even a glance at the Empress, even though there were still perfectly fine clothes beneath the dragon robe.
How late is it? How can you still have the nerve to speak to me! The food has been reheated three times and you still haven't returned
The car door fell to the ground with a clang, and the person escorting him in the back seat skillfully hooked the door with a boiler rod, smiling at Gao De with a sense of pride rather than shame.
Come out
The eunuchs all called out to "Head Steward Tohsaka"; this girl from Fusang named Tohsaka Ai is nominally a maid of the Empress, but in reality, they share a sisterly bond. Upon her ascension to the throne, the Empress appointed her as the Chief Steward of the inner court, making her their direct superior
The night was deep, and a dilapidated steam car was parked in front of the alley. Gao De pushed the door open and got out, relying on the fact that no one in this world understood the language of birds, cursing incessantly, "Is this a car for humans?"
The light red short-sleeved robe is embroidered with flowers and birds, underneath it is a white shirt with arrow sleeves and narrow white pants, paired with a comfortable pair of short leather boots. At first glance, one might think she is a female student from a girls' school who finds it fashionable to wear male attire. Shaking her head to let her hair down, her long black hair cascades like a waterfall, transforming the seventeen-year-old empress back into a stunningly beautiful young girl, and the solemn hall becomes bright as a result.
As the moonlight begins to rise, the once bustling Temple of Heaven finally settles into tranquility after a day of commotion
Then let us not speak of it, the Empress covered her mouth, her willow-leaf brows furrowed, "What shall we do? He will surely curse very harshly this time"
"Xiao Ai, you have finally returned," the empress relaxed her tense shoulders, "Who told me to have the surname Zhu? Moreover, the emperor can do whatever he wants."
The Queen, with her fingers that could peel an onion, declared, "The loyal sister of the Daughter of the Holy Mountain, the faithful maid of Her Majesty the Queen, the Chief of the Inner Court, the Commander of the Feathered Guards, the Grand Duke, the Founding Marquis, the Minister of War, the Minister of Justice ... ... "
It was already past midnight when I got into bed. I turned on the radio, and sure enough, it was just as the bearded man had said: the old prince was gravely ill and was ceding his position to Princess Mo Li. As I listened, Gao De fell into a deep sleep.
Xiao Ai handed the golden dragon ticket to her, "I should be the one to say sorry, I ought to..."
The department with the bearded man is surprisingly located on the outskirts of the city, riding in a dilapidated vehicle that has long surpassed its scrapping age, with the seat cushions completely worn out, bouncing along the gravel road like a pile driver. It took at least an hour of this jarring ride to finally enter the city, leaving my bones feeling as if they had been pounded down a layer.
It is evident that they are deliberately taking a roundabout route, truly a small temple with a strong demonic wind, and Gao De's impression of this group of mysterious companions is increasingly negative
I do hope they find someone to replace you, who will rush in and force you to abdicate," Xiao Ai said as she took the headband handed to her by the queen and helped the queen tie her hair.
Gao De felt somewhat guilty, realizing that he was venting his fears, anger, and frustration onto his younger sister. This day had truly been remarkable for him
"I need to find someone else to design the dragon robe and crown," the empress said, her brows furrowed with evident fatigue. In this half day, her efforts had exceeded those of the past sixteen years combined. "And you all, what use do I have for people like you?"
The door creaked open, revealing a head with yellow hair peeking out, and the pretty face appeared exceptionally fierce due to the bared teeth and grimace
The freshly crowned Empress of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Moli, descended from the throne, irritably removing her crown
What she referred to was the inner servant, that is, the eunuch. The one kneeling on the ground was prostrating completely, and several others around also knelt down, bowing their heads repeatedly like pounding garlic, continuously apologizing.
The brittle sound of ice shards colliding quickened his heartbeat, and in a daze, he also heard someone knocking on the window glass, causing him to suddenly awaken
"Tomorrow I will accompany you to get your hair washed, and then I will buy you a new outfit," he softened his tone, using the same tactic he used to comfort his sister when they were children: "A floral dress in the same style, that wouldn't be inappropriate."
Xiao Ai took out three stacks of gold dragon notes, "Later I realized that giving him such a large sum of money was inviting trouble. Sure enough, I was detained when I inquired, and I had no choice but to take it back. Moreover, this was pocket money prepared for the young lady's trip to Zhongjing. Even if the young lady became an empress and no longer lacked money, she should not waste it casually.
Xiao Ai rubbed her forehead and said, "Look at what has been done... Who should be blamed for this?"
Did you go out again today? Whose attention are you trying to attract with that dog hair on your head?" As she scolded, she caught sight of the scene through the crack in the door, and Gao De widened her eyes: "Wait, what are you wearing?"
The queen scratched her head and chuckled, "Indeed, Xiao Ai is still reliable. My mind is in a mess, and I don't even know where to start."
This girl is quite devoted to the family, as evidenced by the meal on the table. However, she always brings up the Green Sleeves Workshop, viewing her brother as a gigolo living off a woman. While the brother can endure it, the sister-in-law cannot tolerate it
After listening at the door for a while, Gao Miao was still crying on the bed. Gao De left helplessly with the books, not mentioning the meal or tidying up.
Gao De paid him no mind, focusing instead on rubbing his buttocks, causing him such pain that tears were almost welling up in his eyes
He said gloomily: "Old man He... is dead, and I was lucky to survive. You must have heard the news of the queen's ascension; the capital will be very chaotic during this time. You really shouldn't go out tomorrow; I will take care of your leave from school."
"Do you think this is a costume that can be worn casually?" Gao De, fuming with anger, clutched his clothing. In this world, the Ming Dynasty's Jinyiwei also had the Feiyu uniform, but only individuals of the rank of Qianhu and above were permitted to wear it. The ceremonial attire for the lower-ranking Jinyiwei was merely a mix of various flying beasts. This bright red Feibao uniform was worn by him only for various ceremonial duties.
However, that ointment is truly effective; his neck has already healed
Upon returning home, there were still dishes on the table. From the other end of the small building, a vague broadcast could be heard. Gao De raised his voice and shouted: "Have you been lying in bed listening to the broadcast all day? It's so late, and you still have no idea what time it is?"
In his dream, he seemed to step into an endless expanse of pure white snowfields, where the air was cool and fragrant, filled with the scent of gardenias
This is the price of a moment's folly, my lady... no, my Empress. A woman in white approached from a distance, her tone plain yet imbued with profound helplessness. The fate of countless beings rests upon your shoulders; every word and action of yours, even the slightest expression, will be scrutinized by others. You are bound to this throne for life, and the days of being unrestrained in the Holy Mountain, doing as you please, are gone forever.
"I understand everything you just said," the Empress gazed at the empty hall, her expression dazed and her eyes misty, as if reminiscing about the once-crowded assembly of royal family members and officials. "I still have to turn these burdens into treasures and guard them closely. As you saw during the day, they shout 'Long live the Empress' with their mouths, but they are cursing inside. If I don't take some action next, I fear that my imperial edict won't even reach the Wuzhong Palace."
Get lost! Gao Miao is not going to give him a good face.
She smiled and said, "I will give you a whole bunch of official titles, so that when you check into the inn and the owner says there isn't enough room for so many people, you will wonder, 'Huh? How did you manage to bring them back?'"
I am sorry. The queen lowered her head, like a child who has done something wrong
Gao Miaopeng closed the door, but before she could secure the bolt, it was pushed open by Gao De. The girl with yellow hair, dressed in a bright red robe, stumbled backward and was about to fall flat on her back when Gao De grabbed her by the waistband and tossed her onto the bed
The giant's sigh was like a swift wind rustling through the forest, "I am very sorry, Your Majesty, but it is already the limit for us to allocate some of the reserve Xingtian to assist in dealing with the demons of the present world; our mission is of greater importance"
Little brat, can you not make things difficult for others? This is against the rules! Being seen at home is already a crime! If the local guards see you on the street, you'll be thrown straight into jail, do you understand?" He scolded while rummaging, "By the time I get you out, you will have... In short, the Green Sleeve Pavilion will not want you!"
Since it cannot be seen again, I will endure this suffering just this once
Xiao Ai sighed again and instructed the eunuchs, "Your Majesty does not require your service. I will make the necessary arrangements for where to go and what to do. You may withdraw now."
After a pause, the giant added: "Please call me Xiao Maomi, Your Majesty"
Xiao Ai patting herself does not constitute a great chest, "Leave it to me, grant me an official title."
Whenever he thought of the old man, his mood soured. Upon seeing her dyed blonde hair, Gao De's anger surged even more.
Gao De sighed, and could only let her be quiet for now
Gao Miao stretched his neck and roared, "You have been fooling around with that old man He at the Green Sleeve Workshop again, haven't you? You've had enough to drink, filled your stomach with tofu, and earned enough red envelopes, right? You seem to be living quite happily, so why do you care about me?"
The eunuchs, as if granted a great pardon, disappeared like oil smeared on their feet after a series of loud head knocks.
Your Majesty, you still have the mood to joke about Commander Xiao," Xiao Ai began to scold, "The demon spawn of the wicked demon has always acted in pairs, and there is still one fellow we haven't captured, which poses a great threat. We must have her organize the hidden dark elves in Zhongjing to carry out a major operation; the consequences would be unimaginable. Does Your Majesty wish to remain seated on the throne for a lifetime, unable to move even for eating, drinking, or other necessities?
Beast! Rogue! Gao Miao fought with punches and kicks, but how could he withstand the towering Gao De? In just a few moments, he was stripped down to nothing but his small clothes, rolling and screaming on the bed like a madman
"Alright, little kitty!" the queen chuckled.
"Then it will be too late. I want to be the empress and see those fellows gnashing their teeth in hatred yet having to kneel and bow to me, shouting long live the empress in a ridiculous manner." With her long hair tied in a ponytail, the empress flicked it a couple of times and asked the giant standing like a statue beside her, "Little kitty, can't you help me a bit more? For example... find some clever-minded Xingtian to assist me in managing state affairs and overseeing the army?"
As I stepped out and turned my head, a snow-white figure stood gracefully at the end of the corridor in the neighboring courtyard, seemingly within reach. Under the moonlight, it was shrouded in a faint blue halo, making the entire person appear to be glowing