Arc 2: Part 50
Everyone could see Xiao Lingchen's dispirited state.
Even during the Winter Hunt, as the Taifu, he could not afford to throw all state affairs aside and enjoy himself unabashedly.
He had to constantly meet with the ministers and discuss state affairs. Moreover, sending Xiao Qingwan to the palace was not something that could be accomplished with a mere suggestion. The specifics — such as her title, timing, residence, and approach towards Emperor Xuan Yi — needed to be carefully settled and confirmed.
Even though Emperor Xuanyi had shown clear disapproval, Xiao Lingchen couldn't possibly back down and retract his decision to let Xiao Qingwan enter the palace.
By now, they were nearly openly contending with Emperor Xuanyi. The powerful relatives were also being openly confrontational, rolling up their sleeves and hoping for trouble.
However, despite all his efforts to maintain calm and clarity, thoughtfully handling state affairs, everyone noticed his deeply profound eyes now filled with a bitter gloom, his handsome face as pale as paper, and his overall spirit entirely sapped.
The court officials and staff were deeply worried about this, and Little Thirteen, who knew part of the situation, looked even more troubled.
He had somewhat guessed the thoughts of their superior. Initially, he had assumed that the two individuals would naturally resolve their issues. It was unexpected that their contradictions intensified; they weren't reconciling, and their relationship was verging on the brink of complete estrangement!
The subordinates and staff were fearful and insecure, whispering inquiries about what went wrong.
Little Thirteen managed a wry smile and shook his head. His lips firmly shut, refusing to give away a single word.
By now, the Taifu was consumed by worry, losing sleep over the situation.
Little Thirteen had been standing guard at the door, witnessing Xiao Lingchen's constant sleepless nights spent working on official documents under the lamplight.
There was a sense that he was channeling all his energy into his work, as a means to halt himself from aimlessly wandering around the entrance of the Second Lady's tent.
Little Thirteen, like a panicky ant on a hot wok, finally couldn’t stand by and barged into Xiao Lingchen’s study to coax him.
"Sir, at least eat something!" he pleaded. "Your stomach is inherently weak. How long did it take the lady to nurse you to health? If you neglect your health further, she will be distressed."
Xiao Lingchen's reply was only a low cough.
Over the past two days, his lack of sleep and poor eating habits had made him fall ill and noticeably lost his weight and strength.
"She won't be distressed," he replied weakly, "She is already ignoring me. How can she worry about me then? It's you. Better send someone to enquire about her. Has she been alright these past few days?"
Little Thirteen protested, “How can the lady not worry about you! Sir, could you please stop harboring these irrational thoughts? Isn’t she the one who is most worried about you? What are you hesitating for? If I had known earlier when the lady entered your room, I might as well have pretended not to see and allowed matters to resolve themselves quickly. It would have avoided this endless back-and-forth.”
"What are you talking about? Entered my room?”
Xiao Lingchen lifted his head abruptly.
Little Thirteen let out a deep sigh and stepped forward, whispering, “I won't hide this from you anymore. Do you remember a few months ago, when I temporarily confined her to the estate for a mistake she made?”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lingchen furrowed his brows—a vague memory began to dawn on him.
However, during that time, his relationship with the young ladies in the mansion was not good. He was barely conversing with Bai Zhu, and Little Thirteen was in charge of the household affairs, so he rarely interfered.
When Bai Zhu and he gradually became close, she never mentioned this incident. Thus, it had almost slipped his mind.
Xiao Lingchen asked in a deep voice, “What kind of mistake did she make that merited confinement to the estate?”
Xiao Thirteen lowered his head in embarrassment and carefully uttered, “The lady... at that time, she wanted to... to climb into your bed…”
Crash—
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