Miss Truth-Chapter 481 - 315: Siblings of the Main Family

Chapter 315

Leaving the investigation of the origins and whereabouts of the opium in the rundown temple to the Government Office of the Capital almost guaranteed that, even if results were uncovered, nothing much would come from them. After all, how many could dare to speak candidly, risking their lives like Wei Zheng?

The emperor and his official conversed for a while longer, and as noon approached, an Eunuch softly reminded them. Li Shimin said, "I won’t keep you for lunch; cherish these early days of marriage."

His tone carried a hint of wistfulness, his smile growing more tender. Xiao Song knew that his smile was probably reminiscing about Empress Zhangsun, not out of affection for him. Since he had not explicitly expressed this, Xiao Song merely thanked him and hurriedly took his leave.

Li Shimin watched Xiao Song stride away and joked with the Eunuch, "That lad is really in a rush."

The Eunuch also smiled, "Lord Xiao has only been married for two days, naturally, he is deeply in love with his wife."

Li Shimin sighed deeply, his mood visibly sinking, "I wonder if my Guanyin is still well, or if she ever misses me..."

Guanyin was the affectionate name for Empress Zhangsun. Even Li Shimin, the magnificent sovereign, had tears flickering in his eyes as he spoke.

"Her Majesty held deep affection for Your Majesty, she must be thinking of you all the time. I still remember when Your Majesty personally led the campaigns, how she constantly worried whether you had enough to eat or sufficient warmth," the Eunuch gently wiped the corner of his eyes with his sleeve.

As a ruler of a nation, when Li Shimin personally went to battle, basic necessities like food and warmth were certainly not an issue. The Eunuch spoke thusly, knowing that what Li Shimin missed at that moment was a wife, not an empress.

"Guanyin has been gone for one year and nine months," Li Shimin said.

Seeing his gloomy expression, the Eunuch quickly changed the subject, "Your Majesty, it’s time for lunch. If Her Majesty knew that I didn’t remind you in time to eat, she would surely blame me."

"First, let’s go see Jinyang," Li Shimin intended to stand, but the Eunuch hastened to assist him, only to be stopped by a gesture, "No need to follow, I wish to be alone for a while."

With his spirits low, the Eunuch didn’t dare to urge further, quietly stepping aside and watching him leave enveloped in boundless melancholy.

Outside was a dazzling sunny day, the late March breeze mingled with some falling petals, wilting and bearing the scent of imminent decay.

Once Xiao Song left the palace gates, he galloped back to his residence. In the Inner Gate, he tossed his whip to the Servant and walked swiftly inside, calling out, "Where is my wife?"

"The Lady just went to the kitchen," the Servant respectfully answered.

Xiao Song cheerfully made his way to the kitchen.

Just crossing the arch, he smelled the rich scent of meat. Kitchen servants respectfully stood at the door, curiously stretching their necks to peek inside but no one dared to make a sound.

"My lord." A Maid noticed Xiao Song and hastily knelt to greet him.

Seeing other Maids also about to speak, Xiao Song gestured for them to be silent and quietly stepped into the kitchen.

The midday light filtered through the thin Korean paper on the windows, casting dazzling patches of light on Ran Yan. She was dressed in an ordinary warm purple narrow-sleeved robe, her hair casually styled in a low bun secured by a peach wood carved peach blossom hairpin, with a few stray strands gently swaying with her movements as she chopped vegetables, her face bare of makeup.

Xiao Song’s gaze fell on Ran Yan’s hand. Her sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing a section of her sparkling white jade-like arm, her slender fingers lay upon the semi-transparent fish, rapidly slicing it into thin slices.

Beside her, the steam rising from the pot made her bare face resemble a celestial being.

Xiao Song suddenly recalled a phrase: "Removing all makeup to reveal a simple beauty, washing my hands to prepare a broth for my lord."

"Back so soon?" Ran Yan had noticed him standing at the doorway and casually spoke, not turning until she finished her last slice.

"Freshly wed and already you’re in the kitchen?" Xiao Song walked in.

Ran Yan fixed her gaze on him, "Isn’t a newlywed supposed to cook?"

Xiao Song knew Ran Yan was playfully pointing out a slip in his speech, and he laughed, "Not at all, my lady cooking is a reward for me, proving last night’s efforts weren’t in vain."

The last sentence Xiao Song whispered beside her ear. Ran Yan lifted her foot and stomped hard on his foot, "I find you and Liu Qingsong are truly birds of a feather."

Xiao Song, not annoyed, saw Ran Yan continue with her preparations and started circling around her, teasing her occasionally.

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