“Miss, it is King Chu’s carriage.” Mo Ye’s ears were sharp and she could hear Mo Huawen speaking to someone on the horse carriage from a distance. She hurried to help Mo Xuetong who could not catch her breath while she spoke softly.
King Chu? The gentle and elegant King Chu would speed in the palace? Mo Xuetong asked subconsciously, “Did you hear wrongly?”
“Miss, my ears are very sharp, how could I have heard wrong? Mo Yu, you’re seated right in front. Lift up the curtains secretly and see if it is King Chu’s horse carriage.” Mo Yu pointed at Mo Yu when she heard Mo Xuetong doubting her.
Mo Yu had already secretly lifted the door curtains. She nodded hurriedly at Mo Ye’s words and said softly, “Miss, I can’t hear what Old Sir and Young Master are saying, but the emblem on the horse carriage definitely belongs to King Chu’s manor.” Then, Mo Yu turned around and blinked in confusion. “I heard that King Chu is a gentle and elegant person. Why would he allow his subordinates to speed in the palace and even knock into someone?”
Amongst the princes, King Chu, Feng Yuxuan, had the best reputation. He was a gentleman and was gentle and elegant. There had not been any rumors about him doing anything inappropriate. So why had he sped at a place so close to the palace? Was he not afraid that the imperial scribe would write about him being arrogant and domineering, and his inappropriate behavior?
“Tong’er, the horse carriage has broken down. Get off with your maids. I will get another carriage from the manor to take you to the palace.” Mo Huawen’s gentle voice sounded from the door.
Even though his voice was gentle, Mo Xuetong could hear the displeasure in his voice! Anyone would be displeased if something like this happened to them on their way to a banquet.
“Yes, Father!” Mo Xuetong did not hesitate to stand, holding onto Mo Ye. Mo Yu appeared on her side and helped her to put on her veiled hat and assisted her.
They only discovered, when they got off the carriage, that the carriage wheels had been knocked askew and there was a part that was dented. It could not drive any longer. Mo Huawen stood in front of the carriage. He brought her to the side when he saw her. Mo Yufeng was speaking with Feng Yuran, who was wearing a blue, round-necked cotton robe that had clouds embroidered on it.
The handsome Feng Yuxuan smiled gently as he listened to Mo Yufeng. He nodded occasionally, but he looked past Mo Huawen and his gaze fell on the girl behind him. She wore a hat that had a long veil so her features could not be seen clearly. Only her jade green clothes were exposed and one could see the lotus leaves embroidered on her collar. There were eight pleats to her dress and when she walked, it made her waist seem even more slender as the lotus leaves fluttered.
“King Chu, this is my daughter.” Mo Huawen stepped to the left when he reached Feng Yuxuan, blocking Mo Xuetong as he introduced her. He turned around and said to Mo Xuetong, “Tong’er, this is His Highness, King Chu.”
“Greetings, King Chu.” Mo Xuetong curtsied politely.
“Are you the Third Miss of the manor? I heard that Third Miss Mo is beautiful and intelligent, and is gracious and polite. You are indeed so. I apologize, my servant did not mind the horse properly and I don’t know why the horse went berserk. It is my fault for damaging Third Miss’s carriage.” Feng Yuxuan smiled gently and bowed to her as he explained.
“Your Highness, please do not apologize. It was an accident, so how could you be blamed for it.” Mo Xuetong leaned behind Mo Huawen silently as she sensed Feng Yuxuan’s searching gaze upon her. Her tone was polite as she spoke.
“Third Sister, His Majesty has summoned Father into the palace. King Chu says he is willing to take us. Quick, thank His Highness.” Mo Yufeng walked over from the side in a rather pleased manner as he spoke to Mo Xuetong rather brusquely.
He really thought that he was the future master of the Mo Manor!
He did not even think before he spoke. In her past life, Mo Yufeng was still considered rather intelligent for he had not done many stupid things. Or perhaps, the two did not have many interactions. Mo Xuetong discovered now that Mo Yufeng was rather ignorant of what was happening around him. She did not know whether he had said what he did intentionally or not.
Enter the palace together with Feng Yuxuan in his carriage? He really did dare to say that. They would be alone in the carriage, a man and a woman. What would she do in the future? And he wanted her to thank Feng Yuxuan? Mo Yufeng really dared to say that.
“Many thanks for your kindness, King Chu. However, the manor’s carriage will arrive shortly, so we will not waste your time.” Mo Xuetong lowered her eyes to hide the coldness in them. She said gently to Mo Huawen, who was frowning worriedly, “Father, do not worry. Tong’er and Elder Brother will stay here and wait for the carriage from our manor. You can enter the palace first.”
No matter how much Mo Yufeng did not want to, he had to stay now, or it would look bad on him should others hear about it.
“Why should we wait? The palace banquet will begin shortly. We would not only be impolite if we were late, we would also be faulted for deceiving His Majesty. Third Sister, don’t object any longer. Don’t let King Chu’s good intentions be in vain.” Mo Yufeng saw that Mo Xuetong had not only not want to leave with them, but she had also wanted him to stay as well. He could not help but feel impatient.
He was rather reasonable as well. The banquet in the palace was not an ordinary banquet. They could not just apologize for being late. If the matter blew up, it could be considered treason, and if it did not, it would imply not respecting the royal banquet. Who would dare to do something like that? Mo Xuetong appeared awkward and she looked at Mo Huawen helplessly.
Mo Huawen hesitated slightly!
“Third Miss, do not worry. You will board my horse carriage while I ride on the horse with Young Master Mo. I damaged Third Miss’ horse carriage, so how can I still make things difficult for you.” Feng Yuxuan smiled lightly and gently. His eyes were bright and she could not see any hint of plotting. He spoke generously and graciously and had come up with a solution to Mo Xuetong’s considerations.
It was indeed inappropriate for a man and woman to be together in the enclosed space. But this was solved since Feng Yuxuan had actively requested to ride the horse! No wonder Feng Yuxuan’s reputation was so good. Even Mo Huawen was smiling. Mo Xuetong would seem unreasonable if she refused now!
“Many thanks, Your Highness!” This time, Mo Xuetong curtsied sincerely in thanks!
This was indeed the best solution. However, she still could not think of a reason for King Chu speeding on the palace grounds.
Was it just to loan them his carriage? King Chu, who was known for being gentle， and educated would not do something like that! There must be a second part to this! They were in the palace, and there were some things that even King Chu could not do easily. She supposed she did not have to wait long to see what would happen next.
She looked up and laughed coldly. The second part was already happening!
“Father, Elder Brother, what are you two doing here? Oh, isn’t that Third Sister?” “What is it? What happened?” The gentle voice was filled with surprise. It was neither high nor low, and her tone was completely suitable for well-bred young ladies to use when they were surprised. Mo Xuetong looked up. An average-sized horse carriage stopped. Mo Xuemin emerged from the carriage graciously with the help of Mo Xiu.
There was a happy smile on her beautiful and pale face. She let go of Mo Xiu’s hand and took two steps forward, curtsying to Mo Huawen.
“Min’er, where are you going?” Mo Huawen frowned slightly and looked at his eldest daughter in a rather hostile manner. She had been locked up in the manor, so why was she out running about? However, there were outsiders present and there were some things that he could not say.
“Father, Min’er heard you coughing really badly in the study a few days ago. You didn’t get better even after taking medicine. I feared that you might hurt your lungs if this goes on, so I wanted to get this pill called the ‘Hundred Cough Pill’ I once saw at the Yu’s. I heard my cousin say that the pill is really effective, so I thought of getting one. I was about to get some and give them to you tonight.” Mo Xuemin smiled gently as if she had not seen the unhappiness in Mo Huawen’s face.
It was already evening time and lights were lit on the streets. They shone on her plain clothing, making her seem rather sad. Mo Xuemin was usually dressed in bright, luxurious colors and had never looked so plain and dreary. Mo Xuetong’s gaze swept her lightly and she realized that Mo Xuemin’s brows had been artfully arranged and there was a light layer of powder on her face that was put on just to the right extent. It made her skin look brighter and softer and made one sympathize with her.
How could their father not feel bad for her when she had always appeared to be beautiful and arrogant but now looked so plain? There was also that worry that could not be hidden in her eyes, and how she tried to smile despite feeling aggrieved. Furthermore, she seemed entirely concerned for their father when she spoke, and Mo Huawen’s expression could not help but soften.
“Father, since Min’er’s carriage is here, then let Min’er send Third Sister in. It would save us from bothering King Chu. King Chu still has to greet His Majesty in the main hall later. It would be inappropriate for Third Sister to take the horse carriage.” Mo Xuemin changed the topic quickly and turned to speak to Mo Huawen.
“Greet His Highness, King Chu.” Mo Huawen did not reply, but instead spoke lightly to Mo Xuemin.
“Greetings, Your Highness, King Chu.” Mo Xuemin seemed to have only noticed Feng Yuxuan, who was standing to the side, tall and straight. She turned around and curtsied, looking at Feng Yuxuan with her beautiful eyes before lowering them shyly.
Mo Xuetong could not help but be in awe of her acting. She was a really good actress, for nobody could tell from her behavior that something had happened in the palace between her and King Chu. It was as if this were her first time meeting King Chu, and she was behaving like how a noble lady. How fake was Mo Xuemin for her to be able to behave as if nothing had happened!
“Please, get up! This must be Lord Mo’s eldest daughter. You are indeed beautiful and gentle. You will definitely shine at the banquet today. How about this, I do indeed have something on today, so I shall visit your manor with a gift of apology another day. Ladies, you might as well attend the banquet together. Even though the carriage is a little small, but you two are sisters, so it shouldn’t matter that much.”
He did not mention the trouble that Mo Xuemin had caused at the last banquet because of him. It was as if it were his first time meeting the Mo sisters. And he had even issued the invite so politely. This King Chu wasn’t simple either.
Feng Yuxuan’s last sentence was directed at Mo Huawen. Then, he waved his hand without waiting for Mo Huawen’s reply.
A maid emerged from behind him obediently.
“There is a clothing shop not far ahead. There are clothes and accessories there. First Miss and Third Miss are both dressed rather plainly today. You two go there and pick out some clothes. It would be a gift from me. You, take the two ladies there later.” Feng Yuxuan said with a smile.
“Your Highness, that is too kind of you. She was not injured…” Mo Huawen tried to object with a frown.
“Lord Mo, if you refuse, you’d be looking down on me. I really have something pressing to attend to and will get someone to take you all there. You all have to pick a few items or I would be berated by my royal father. He will not let me off easily for speeding on palace grounds.” Feng Yuxuan got on a fine horse that was brought over by someone. Then, he smiled at Mo Huawen, put his hands together in greeting, and then turned around to leave with his men.
The obedient servant stayed behind and approached Mo Huawen. He lowered his hand and said with a laugh, “Lord Mo…”
This meant that if they did not go, they would be looking down on King Chu, Feng Yuxuan. Since this was so, it would be considered unreasonable for Mo Huawen to continue in his objections. He looked at his eldest daughter helplessly. Her expression was one of soft gentleness. Despite knowing that she would not be able to attend the banquet, she still had a smile on her face and did not have a hint of displeasure on her expression. However, her eyes turned slightly and she glanced at Mo Xuetong’s fitting dress enviously, revealing the special gentleness that only girls had. The smile in her eyes was genuine and beautiful.
“Father, Min’er will let Third Sister have the carriage. I will go to the Yu’s to get the medicine and get the Yu’s to help me get a carriage home. Anyway, I am not in a rush. It would be late at night by the time you get back from the banquet. I will melt the pills in water for you to drink then.” Mo Xuemin saw how awkward Mo Huawen felt and spoke hurriedly. There was a smile on her face, but her eyes glistened in the light, making her look sad and pitiful.
“Feng’er, go with your sisters to the shop that His Highness spoke of and pick something for your elder sister to change into. Then the two girls shall pick a few sets of accessories and we will go to the palace together. I still have something to report to His Majesty, so I shall leave first. Min’er, even though your carriage is a little small, it will do.”
Mo Huawen looked at the three who all had different expressions and sighed to himself. No matter what, they were all his children and he hoped that they would be able to get along well. No matter how evil Auntie Fang was, he still cared for his two children she bore him.
“Father, are you saying that Min’er can also…” Mo Xuemin looked up in joy and surprise. Her eyes shone with joyful tears in the light.
