Chapter 11: Letting Go

"Because the envoys from the Xiliang Kingdom have arrived in the capital, this banquet is a joint celebration for all the officials. Any official of the third rank or higher will be attending with their families," Qing Zhui replied.

"I understand." As Qiu Shuiman spoke, she pondered in her heart. She didn't know when she would recover her lost memories; would she be able to see this body's family at this banquet?

That night, after Qiu Shuiman was dressed and ready, she left the manor with Qing Zhui. A magnificent carriage was parked in front of the gate. After Qiu Shuiman boarded, she heard Qiu Xiangxue crying and making a scene at the entrance: "Brother Jue, why won't you take me with you?"

Xiao Jue’s voice, tinged with anger, scolded: "Xiangxue, stop being unreasonable. This is a state banquet; you cannot go."

Qiu Xiangxue was persistent: "Why can't I go? I can act as your guard or your maid, as long as I can follow you. I won't cause you any trouble. Please, Brother Jue?" Qiu Xiangxue tugged at Xiao Jue’s sleeve, pleading.

"No, go back. Otherwise..." Before Xiao Jue could finish his sentence, Qiu Shuiman suddenly lifted the curtain and said, "Your Highness, just let Miss Qiu dress as my maid and come along."

Xiao Jue looked at her with deep, piercing eyes. Through the carriage window, he felt a strange sensation; Qiu Shuiman’s bright and beautiful face was reflected in his eyes. After a long moment, he regained his composure. "Go change your clothes," Xiao Jue said, before mounting his horse.

Qiu Xiangxue changed into a maid's outfit and boarded the carriage. Seeing Qiu Shuiman, her expression remained hostile. Qiu Shuiman didn't take it to heart, simply leaning back in the carriage to doze and reflect.

The carriage stopped in front of the Zhengyang Gate of the Imperial Palace. After Qiu Shuiman hopped down, Xiao Jue suddenly stepped forward and took her hand. Qiu Shuiman looked at him with a strange expression, only to hear Xiao Jue’s voice, sounding almost like a warning: "This is the Imperial Palace. Watch your words and actions, do you understand?"

Qiu Shuiman nodded and entered the palace gate with Xiao Jue. Behind them, Qiu Xiangxue watched their joined hands with a look of jealousy and hatred.

Chang Feng had already received orders; he was responsible for keeping an eye on Qiu Xiangxue to ensure she didn't cause any trouble.

Qiu Shuiman noticed that the officials all looked at her and Xiao Jue with a sense of fear, which she found amusing. Xiao Jue turned his head, and seeing the curve of Qiu Shuiman’s lips, he felt a touch of softness in his heart. "Do you know why they are afraid of us?" Xiao Jue asked her.

Qiu Shuiman shook her head. Xiao Jue said softly, "Ever since I returned from the dead, I have been titled the 'Ghost King,' and you have likewise been given the title of 'Ghost King Consort.' How could they not be afraid?"

Qiu Shuiman chuckled and touched her nose, saying, "Then they must have done too many guilty deeds. Where in this world are there ghosts?"

Xiao Jue looked at her with gentle eyes. In the bright moonlight, she wore a soft, light purple silk dress, which, paired with her stunning beauty, bright eyes, and gentle smile, made her look truly peerless.

It was just a pity that her surname was Qiu; she was the daughter of Prime Minister Qiu.

A moment later, Xiao Jue withdrew his gaze and looked at the middle-aged man in first-rank official robes sitting in the front row, beside whom sat a handsome and noble-looking young man.

"Can you identify which of these people is your family?" Xiao Jue asked suddenly, leaning closer to Qiu Shuiman with a faint smile.

Qiu Shuiman was slightly stunned. She scanned the people present, and her gaze finally settled on the two in the front row. The moment she saw the young man in white silk robes, many images flashed through her mind, all concerning that man.

"Brother Ye," Qiu Shuiman called out unconsciously.

The soft tone hit Xiao Jue’s ears, and his expression changed abruptly, his tone turning gloomy: "I didn't expect that even if you forgot everyone else, you couldn't forget him?" As Xiao Jue spoke, the strength in his hand increased sharply, and he pulled her to sit in a seat nearby.

Qiu Shuiman rubbed her hand, which was aching from Xiao Jue’s grip, not knowing why this man was losing his temper for no reason.

"He is your brother, Qiu Yehen, and sitting next to him is your father, Qiu Gongjin." Xiao Jue said this while pouring himself a cup of wine, his gaze sweeping over Qiu Yehen and Qiu Gongjin not far across from them.