Chapter 132
Chapter 132: The Emperor Came to See My Sister
Little Sister’s thoughts really did flit about all day long.
[Huh, someone’s come to the manor. So many people—who are they?]
[Let me see who’s here.]
After letting her mind wander for a while, Yun Wan Ning grew bored again. She sent her spiritual power drifting toward the front gates and, upon arrival, saw several carriages pulling up.
They must have come together, for once the carriages stopped, the passengers alighted almost in unison.
Seeing that row of handsome men and beautiful women, Yun Wan Ning began to mutter inwardly.
[Oh, so it’s the Princess, Jiang Zi Tang, and Xie Xuan Yong. They must be here to see my sister.]
[Wait, another great beauty just got down—she looks cold and aloof, must be the silent but deadly Commandery Princess Le Yang, Mo Yun Nuan.]
[I remember lots of readers back then saying Mo Yun Nuan’s name was the biggest mismatch to her personality—her name sounds warm, but she’s anything but.]
[Not gonna lie, this kind of cool beauty is exactly my type. I just love it~]
“???”
When Yun Wan Yao heard her little sister’s heart voice, she realized Yun Wan Ning’s spiritual power had gone wandering again. But once she registered the content, surprise flashed in her eyes.
What? The Princess, A’Tang, and Sister Yun Nuan were here?
Before she could think further, Yun Wan Ning’s heart voice rang out again.
[Huh, another person got down—what, the Emperor?!]
[Is the Emperor here to see my sister too? Who would’ve thought, my sister’s face really is that valuable.]
Who? Who did Little Sister say came? The Emperor?
Had she misheard, or had Little Sister seen wrong?
Yun Wan Yao stared, stunned, her mouth suddenly dry. She had never imagined the Emperor would come to her home so suddenly.
No, no—that couldn’t be right. Little Sister must be mistaken. Even if the Emperor had come to her home, he wouldn’t necessarily be here to see her; more likely he wanted to see Father or Seventh Uncle.
How could she possibly believe, just because of Little Sister’s casual thought, that the Emperor was here for her? And why would she feel nervous over that?
What right did she have to such an honor?
She was being far, far too self-absorbed!
At that thought, the taut string in Yun Wan Yao’s heart finally loosened.
At the gates of Duke Ning’s Manor.
Aside from Mo Zhao Zhao, the others all bowed to Mo Yuan Lin.
Mo Yuan Lin looked from his cousin to his younger female cousin and said: “We’re all family here, there’s no need for formality.”
Then, exchanging pleasantries as they walked, they made their way toward the gates.
The gatekeepers, upon seeing the Emperor himself, could not help their legs from trembling. One of them hurried off to fetch the steward and the lady of the house, while the rest dropped to their knees to welcome the Emperor’s arrival.
Mo Yuan Lin and the others did not enter immediately. They halted at the gates, waiting for word to be sent inside.
Before long, the steward and Madam Yun arrived in a rush.
After the proper courtesies, Madam Yun personally invited them in.
“Madam, I heard that Miss Yun was injured, so I, along with several of my sisters and Young Master Xie, came to visit. I hope it’s not inconvenient?”
The words left Madam Yun deeply shocked.
She had never dreamed the Emperor would suddenly appear—and that it would be specifically to visit Yun Wan Yao. She had assumed he was here for some important matter with her husband or her husband’s seventh brother.
Never had she thought it would be because of Yao’er.
Why would the Emperor lower himself to personally visit a minister’s daughter?
By rights, this was an unparalleled honor, one she could never refuse.
But in truth, it was very inconvenient.
Yao’er was confined to bed, unkempt in appearance; how could she meet the Emperor like this? It was wholly improper, a breach of etiquette.
[See, I was right—the Emperor really is here to see my sister.]
Just as Madam Yun wavered, Yun Wan Ning’s heart voice sounded in her mind, and she realized her little milk bun’s spiritual power had been eavesdropping the whole time.
Meanwhile, when Yun Wan Yao heard this heart voice, a tremor jolted through her, and all her earlier denial vanished.
Her face went pale, anxiety flooding back in.
What? The Emperor really had come to see her?
How could that be?
He had once wanted nothing more than to kill her, so why would he come now?
Even though years had passed, every time she recalled the look in his eyes that night when his hand had been at her throat, she felt breathless with fear.
No—if he had come, it must be to mock her, to see whether she was dead yet. It would never be out of concern.
“Hua Wu, quickly—help me wash and dress.”
She would not let anyone see her as a joke.
Yun Wan Ning, absorbed in watching the people in the front courtyard, did not hear her. Otherwise she might have dropped her jaw in surprise.
“Your Majesty, forgive me, but it is inconvenient. You may not know—my daughter cannot rise from bed, and lately she has been careless of her appearance. It would only offend your noble eyes.”
In the front courtyard.
Having regained her composure, Madam Yun decided to refuse.
Mo Yuan Lin’s eyes flickered; words rose to his lips but stayed unspoken.
Seeing this, Mo Zhao Zhao jumped in with a smile: “How could that be? A’Yao is so beautiful—even disheveled she’s the prettiest. But in that case, yes, it would be inconvenient for my imperial brother and Young Master Xie.”
“No matter, you go and see Miss Yun. I’ll go find Brother Ming Yue.”
Xie Xuan Yong spoke blandly, turning toward Jiang Zi Tang.
“Tang’er, go with the Princess and Commandery Princess to see Miss Yun. When you leave, send someone for me.”
He had never intended to visit Yun Wan Yao; when Jiang Zi Tang had heard of her injury, they’d been together, and knowing Jiang Zi Tang would come, he had accompanied her only to ensure her safety.
Her visit was reason enough for him; he had no interest in going himself.
“Very well.”
Jiang Zi Tang agreed.
With Xie Xuan Yong settled, only Mo Yuan Lin remained.
His expression suddenly darkened, but aside from the oblivious Mo Zhao Zhao, no one dared look directly at him and so none noticed.
He cleared his throat and spoke with forced ease: “Yes, Madam and my imperial sister are right—it was my oversight. I will go with Young Master Xie to see Heir Apparent Yun.”
Then he turned to Mo Zhao Zhao with deliberate emphasis: “Imperial sister, you will go in my place to visit Miss Yun. Be sure to convey my regards.”
“Oh,” Mo Zhao Zhao said, patting her chest in promise, “leave it to me, imperial brother. I won’t forget.”
“Good.”
Led by the steward, Mo Yuan Lin and Xie Xuan Yong headed toward the Moon Seizing Pavilion, while Mo Zhao Zhao, Jiang Zi Tang, and Mo Yun Nuan made straight for the Dreamweaver Pavilion without needing a guide.
[The Princess and the others are coming.]
Yun Wan Ning pulled back her spiritual power, frowning in thought.
[Aiya, when Mother refused the Emperor’s visit just now, why did his expression look so odd?]
[Normally, an Emperor would never go personally to see a minister’s daughter, so why would he make the trip for my sister?]
[Could it be he thinks she’ll be Prince Qi’s consort one day—his sister-in-law?]
[No, no, something still feels off.]
[Even if he believes she’ll be Prince Qi’s consort, that wouldn’t make it his place to visit her.]
Hearing these heart voices, Yun Wan Yao blinked.
Mother had refused the Emperor?
A trace of joy passed through her eyes, and she relaxed, leaning against the bed.
Yun Wan Ning lifted her eyelids to glance at her, and was surprised to find her hair newly combed into a fresh knot.
[Eh? When did she do her hair? I didn’t notice at all.]
Yun Wan Yao lowered her gaze to her little sister, smiling softly. The sight left Yun Wan Ning dazed and hazy, her mind wiped clean.
She bit her finger, her eyes sparkling at her sister.
As she gazed, a sudden thought struck her, widening her eyes.
[My sister’s so beautiful—what if the Emperor came, against reason, because he covets her looks?]
[Ptui, what nonsense am I spouting—shame on me.]
[The Emperor is the ruler of a nation; all the beauties in the land are his. Yet he has no consorts, no empress. Surely he’s not the sort to lust after beauty.]
[Then… could it be he actually likes my sister?]
Yun Wan Yao: “…”
These heart voices didn’t shock her or stir other feelings—she only thought her little sister’s wild ideas were growing ever more absurd.
The Emperor, like her? If that were true, then back then why would he have…
As for why he had no consorts, the rumors in the city were endless—some whispered he was impotent, others that he preferred men, still others that he hated women.
She didn’t know the real reason, but surely one of those tales must be true.
Enough, stop—she mustn’t speculate about the Emperor. That was outright disrespect.
Suddenly, light footsteps sounded outside the open door.
Moments later, three graceful figures entered.
Hua Wu and Little Tao hurried forward to bow.
Once they had been told to rise, Mo Zhao Zhao and the others came straight to the bed.
“A’Yao, we’ve come to see you~”
Catching sight of the frail beauty on the bed, Mo Zhao Zhao quickened her pace, with Mo Yun Nuan and Jiang Zi Tang following.
Yun Wan Yao pushed herself up on her arms and, after greeting Mo Zhao Zhao, turned to Jiang Zi Tang and Mo Yun Nuan.
“A’Tang, Commandery Princess—you’ve come too.”
Mo Yun Nuan gave a cool “Mm,” while Jiang Zi Tang stepped forward to take Yun Wan Yao’s hand, eyes full of concern.
“A’Yao, how is your health? Are you in any discomfort?”
Yun Wan Yao smiled and shook her head: “I’m fine, don’t worry, A’Tang. The physician only ordered me to rest in bed, that’s why I’m lying here. Other than being bored, I’m well.”
“That’s good.”
Jiang Zi Tang nodded, her worry easing.
“I only heard of your injury late last night, so I couldn’t come right away. Don’t be upset with me for that.”
“No, no, I’m really fine. And even if you didn’t come, I know you hold me in your heart.”
Yun Wan Yao covered her mouth and laughed softly.
As they chatted, Hua Wu and Little Tao brought chairs, inviting them to sit.
Yun Wan Yao turned to Mo Yun Nuan, her gaze full of gratitude: “Thank you, Commandery Princess, for coming to see me. Have you been well?”
“Acceptable.”
Mo Yun Nuan’s voice carried no extra emotion. Those who knew her understood she was naturally cold and sparing of words, but that didn’t mean she was unfeeling.
As the young ladies talked, Mo Zhao Zhao happily gathered Yun Wan Ning into her arms to play.
“My, little sister, you’ve grown again since I last saw you. You’re even cuter now. Do you still remember me? We’ve met several times.”
Yun Wan Ning blinked at her.
[Of course I remember—but the Princess can’t hear my answer.]
Mo Zhao Zhao couldn’t hear, but that didn’t stop her from doting—kissing, patting, then proudly showing her off to Jiang Zi Tang and Mo Yun Nuan.
“Cousin, this is your first time meeting little sister. Isn’t she adorable?”
Mo Yun Nuan looked down at Yun Wan Ning, her gaze unreadable, and answered casually: “Mm.”
Yun Wan Ning bit her finger, her eyes shining.
[In the story, after Princess Consort Jing’s death, this Commandery Princess wiped out her own clan.]
[Aiya, what an aura—one look and you know she could do it. I like her.]
“You can understand what we’re saying?”
The cold voice came suddenly, tinged with uncertainty.
Everyone stared at Mo Yun Nuan—even Yun Wan Ning nearly broke character in shock.
Yun Wan Yao recovered quickly, though inwardly anxious. She had never expected Mo Yun Nuan to sense something from her sister.
Before she could respond, Mo Zhao Zhao burst into laughter.
“Hahaha—Cousin, was that to little sister? What’s wrong with you today, to say such a thing? She’s not even a hundred days old yet; how could she understand us? Sure, she’s smart for her age, but that’s a stretch.”
Thanks to Mo Zhao Zhao’s interruption, Yun Wan Yao relaxed and echoed lightly: “Exactly, Commandery Princess. She’s not even a hundred days old—how could she understand? What made you think that?”
She probed carefully, afraid Mo Yun Nuan might be an exception, like their whole family, able to hear Yun Wan Ning’s heart voice.
The thought alone made her palms sweat.
[Exactly, I’m not even a hundred days old—why would Mo Yun Nuan think I understand her?]
[Did she see it in my eyes, or does she really have the villainess big sister’s special ability from another book?]
At that possibility, Yun Wan Ning truly didn’t know what to think.