Chapter 8: 第八章:进宫

In the early morning, Mo Lian pushed open her door and saw Jiu Chou standing outside. There was a hint of confusion in her eyes, but she did not ask.

"Master." Seeing Mo Lian, Jiu Chou called out respectfully. Although she had encountered difficulties while handling business yesterday, she had managed to get things done. Having followed her Master these past few days, she had already grown significantly. Jiu Chou followed behind Mo Lian as the two of them slowly made their way downstairs. "The courtyard has been prepared. Additionally, Young Master Ren was taken to his new residence yesterday evening."

"Mm." Mo Lian looked at Jiu Chou and merely uttered a single word in silent affirmation. After a moment, she asked, "Where is Qi Shuang?"

"The Young Master has gone to prepare a carriage."

"Mm." The response was as brief as ever.

The two arrived at the private room once more and called for some food. They began to eat. Originally, Jiu Chou was unwilling to sit, but after Mo Lian said, "You are not my servant," Jiu Chou sat down. She admitted she was moved.

Silence reigned until Qi Shuang arrived, at which point the two happened to set down their chopsticks. The waiter quickly cleared the table and served tea.

"Have you eaten?" Mo Lian looked at Qi Shuang and inquired.

"Yes, everything is prepared." Qi Shuang did not sit, merely looking at Mo Lian.

"Then let us go." Mo Lian rose, and Jiu Chou followed. Qi Shuang led the way out of the inn. At the entrance stood two sedan chairs; their level of luxury was moderate—not too ostentatious, yet not too low-profile. Qi Shuang boarded one, while Jiu Chou naturally boarded the same one as Mo Lian. As the sedan chair began to move, Mo Lian closed her eyes to take a nap. Jiu Chou remained silent throughout. The journey was marked by wordless silence.

"Young Master, non-official carriages cannot pass further ahead. We can only deliver you this far. Please walk the rest of the way; we ask for your understanding." Hearing the voice of the driver from outside, Mo Lian opened her eyes. Jiu Chou stepped down from the carriage first, reaching out to support Mo Lian when she descended. Mo Lian stepped down slowly, using Jiu Chou's hand to land easily.

Over there, Qi Shuang also stepped down from her carriage. The three stood together as the driver drove the carriages away.

On both sides of the official road, pedestrians watched the trio.

The young girl was draped in white clothing as light as gauze, appearing as if she were standing amidst mist and smoke. She looked to be about ten years old; aside from her black hair, her entire being was snow-white. A veil of gauze was tucked behind her ear, obscuring her features. However, looking at the spiritually piercing eyes peeking through, it was not hard to imagine how exquisitely and transcendently beautiful her face must be. She was like a fairy descended to the mortal realm, making people dare not stare directly at her. Her beauty and elegance were indescribable, noble and otherworldly. She could be described as

*A white jade statue beneath the willow, resting as if breathless;* *Hair fluttering with the wind, the mortal world cannot bind her.*

Looking at the woman in green beside the white-clad girl, her face was like a hibiscus and her figure graceful; she was also a rare beauty, though slightly inferior compared to the girl in white.

Then there was the man. He wore a black brocade robe with python patterns and a purple-gold crown upon his head. His black hair cascaded down his back like a waterfall. A few strands of hair fell over his forehead, partially obscuring his eyes, but through the gaps, one could see sword-like eyebrows that slanted toward his temples. Beneath those brows were upturned phoenix eyes, a nose like a hanging gallbladder, and thin lips; his entire face was sharply defined.

The common folk could not stop praising the beauty of these three, wondering who these young masters and ladies must belong to, that they could be so magnificent.

Facing the fervent gazes of the people, Mo Lian and the others showed no reaction. They remained composed, unswayed, and walked toward the Imperial Palace. After only a few steps, there was a new commotion. The discussions among the commoners grew even louder.

It turned out that after Mo Lian and her companions had walked only a short distance, palace eunuchs arrived leading three imperial sedan chairs. They did not ask any questions, but merely reported to Mo Lian and the others that they had come to receive them by order of the Emperor. Mo Lian found it somewhat amusing; she had only said not to let anyone block the path, she hadn't said she wanted someone to come fetch them. However, it worked out well, as she was too lazy to walk. It also spared her the trouble of passing through the city gates later. Ultimately, she did not wish to resort to force.

The three of them each boarded a soft sedan chair.

"Rise the sedan~" Following the shrill voice of the eunuch, Mo Lian and the others proceeded toward the Imperial Palace.

After what felt like a long time, they finally arrived. Mo Lian could only think that this Imperial Palace was truly massive.

"Please wait in this side hall for a moment while this servant goes to report to His Majesty." This eunuch was a clever man; he did not put on much airs and instead acted with humility. Before long, palace maids brought high-quality tea. Mo Lian felt no issue with the wait; she was in no hurry. Qi Shuang and Mo Lian sat in chairs, while Jiu Chou stood by Mo Lian's side. The three remained silent.

Mo Lian sipped her tea slowly, feeling no irritation from the wait, and neither did Qi Shuang. If not for their actual ages, no one would have believed this was the behavior of two children.