webnovelfull Chapter 484 Meng Ze is Missing (Bonus Chapter)
Chapter 484 Meng Ze is Missing (Bonus Chapter)
He raised his hand, brushing a finger across the corner of his eye, his fingertip glistening with moisture.
The night breeze hadn't entered, yet he felt as if he had fallen into an icy pool.
A sharp, throbbing pain shot through his chest, almost rendering him speechless...
He closed his eyes.
After a long while, he opened his eyes, his expression having changed drastically.
Three days later, at Qinglan Courtyard.
Qin Jiuwei, accompanied by several maids, was helping Xie Jingchun choose clothes.
"How about this one?" Qin Jiuwei pointed to a dark blue brocade robe with silver trim and turned to ask.
Xie Jing, who was sitting to the side, looked up when he heard the voice and said, "The color is quite dignified, but the silver stripe on the shoulder is too noticeable. Change it."
"And this one?" Qin Jiuwei changed into a dark blue robe with gold cloud patterns.
"Too old-fashioned." Xie Jue immediately shook his head, waving the small comb in his hand. "Big brother isn't even married yet, how can he dress like such a mature and dignified person?"
"Mother, look at this!" He rushed to the clothes rack and took out a dark-colored garment embroidered with dark red flame patterns.
"This looks great! It would look amazing on my brother!"
Xie Jingchun's lips twitched involuntarily. "Isn't this a bit too ostentatious?"
“No way! I think it’s great!” Xie Jue said immediately.
Qin Jiu chuckled, held the clothes up to him, and nodded: "It seems pretty good."
Xie Jing, who was standing to the side, nodded and said, "This one looks the best."
Xie Jingchun smiled helplessly.
"Okay, this one will do."
Xie Jingchun went into the inner room, changed his clothes, and sat in front of the mirror, where a maid tied up his hair.
Finally, Qin Jiuwei placed a silver-carved and jade-inlaid hair crown on his head.
After finishing his hair and putting on his hat, he stood up.
Dressed in a dark robe, with gold thread embroidered on the cuffs and a jade belt around his waist, the young man was tall, handsome, and full of youthful vigor.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, and he stepped out of the room right into the light.
Everyone in the courtyard was taken aback.
Xie Jue's mouth dropped open: "Big brother, you look so handsome today!"
Xie Jingchun was taken aback by Xie Jue's offhand remark, her ears turning slightly red, and she averted her gaze.
"Alright, it's getting late. Father and the others must be getting impatient."
Inside the Golden Palace, the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air.
The hall was filled with powerful officials and dignitaries, all gathered together, exchanging toasts and laughter.
Gao Xian sat upright in the main seat, raised his jade cup, and spoke in a loud voice: "My beloved ministers."
Everyone suddenly became quiet.
Gao Xian's gaze swept across the entire scene. "This great victory has shocked all sides. The Great Jin Dynasty is now stable, and the people are able to live in peace. This is all thanks to the bravery of the soldiers and the dedication of the ministers."
"Especially Xie Yanli and his son Xie Jingchun, who were entrusted with a critical mission, mobilized troops, devised ingenious strategies to defeat the enemy, and won the battle in one fell swoop! Such loyalty and bravery will be remembered by me!"
After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.
The courtiers also rose and raised their glasses in congratulations.
All eyes were fixed on a seat in the hall.
Xie Yanli's expression was calm and composed, exuding an air of ease.
Xie Jingchun, dressed in a dark black robe embroidered with crimson flame patterns, was just as elegant as his father. He sat upright, clearly not yet comfortable in such an occasion, but not at all intimidated.
Beside them stood Xie Jing, a renowned figure in the capital, with impeccable manners.
Last but not least was Xie Jue, who was nestled softly in her brother's arms.
He wore new clothes today; his skin was fair, his features delicate, and he looked very well-behaved.
The people inside the hall were amazed by the appearance and demeanor of these individuals.
"These are the young masters of the Xie family? They certainly live up to their reputation."
"The young master is upright and composed, with the demeanor of a general or minister. That young general must be Jingchun, right? At such a young age, he is already able to lead troops into battle. He is truly remarkable!"
"They are both very handsome, and I heard they are not engaged yet."
Immediately afterwards, everyone's eyes fell on Qin Jiuwei.
She wore a well-tailored brocade pomegranate red jacket, with a string of pearl and gold hairpins hanging from her waist. Her makeup was light but extremely appropriate.
A white jade crabapple blossom was tucked into her hair; her demeanor was elegant, her posture serene, and her eyes exuded a natural charm.
"That must be Madam Xie? She certainly has an extraordinary bearing."
"I heard she came from humble beginnings, but now... tsk tsk, not only has she raised her children to be outstanding, but her demeanor is in no way inferior to that of a noblewoman in the palace."
"Young Master Xie has married a wonderful wife."
"When the prince married her back then, it raised a lot of questions, but now he's silenced them all."
"I don't know how she raises her children, they're all so good..."
Upon hearing his words, Xie Yanli and Xie Jingchun simultaneously stood up and bowed to express their gratitude.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."
Gao Xian looked at the family and suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.
A deeply hidden emotion welled up inside.
But it was only for a fleeting moment.
The next moment, he raised his eyes and smiled, saying gently, "General Shen has also made great contributions. He won all three battles and saved the border from danger. He is truly a pillar of the Great Jin Dynasty."
Shen Xingjian immediately stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed to express his gratitude, saying, "I have received the country's favor, and I will do my utmost to repay it."
The imperial banquet was in full swing, with cups clinking and melodious music playing in the hall.
Meng Ze also came this time, still wearing the human skin mask, and sat quietly in the back.
Xie Yanli had actually noticed that something was wrong with him.
Meng Ze's mood has been very strange these past few days.
Despite winning the battle, he was unhappy and became less talkative.
But these past few days back in Beijing have been filled with complicated matters.
I often don't get back until late at night.
Xie Yanli pursed his lips in thought, deciding to go find Meng Ze after the celebration banquet today.
He turned his head, about to glance at Meng Ze.
But he found that the seat next to him was empty.
He frowned, glanced around, but still couldn't see that familiar figure.
"Where is Mr. Liu?" he asked in a low voice to Zizhu beside him.
Zizhu quickly bowed and replied, "Your Highness, Mr. Liu has gone to change his clothes."
Xie Yanli pondered for a moment after hearing this, but did not ask any further questions.
Just then, a eunuch outside the hall announced loudly.
"The Queen Mother is here!"
Everyone immediately stood up and bowed, and the originally noisy Golden Palace instantly fell silent as they respectfully welcomed the Empress Dowager to her seat.
The Empress Dowager picked up her wine cup, raised it, and smiled, "Today, I also want to congratulate you all on your achievements. The Great Jin Dynasty is where it is today thanks to your hard work."
"Thank you, Empress Dowager!" everyone exclaimed in unison, raising their cups in a toast.
The atmosphere inside the hall grew increasingly lively, and even the usually composed Empress Dowager drank a few cups.
Then, the golden goblet was refilled, and the sounds of string and wind instruments began.
The banquet didn't gradually end until night fell.
The officials rose one after another, thanked the Empress Dowager and the Emperor for their grace, and took their leave.
Xie Yanli stood outside the palace gate waiting for someone. He looked back and saw that everyone else had returned, but he did not see Meng Ze.
He frowned: "Where is Mr. Liu?"
Qin Jiuwei was also puzzled: "They were here just now, how come they disappeared after the banquet?"
Xie Yanli lowered his eyes for a moment and then gave instructions to his attendants.
"Go find him, check along the way, see if he has taken the wrong road, and make sure nothing bad has happened to him."
Shou'an Palace.
The Empress Dowager had drunk some wine and was slightly tipsy. As soon as she returned to the palace, she waved for everyone to leave.
Granny Wei helped her into the inner hall, personally removed her jewelry and ornaments, changed her into a nightgown, and then helped her sit by the bed to comb her hair.
"Your Highness has drunk a bit too much today, why don't you have some tea?" Granny Wei suggested in a low voice.
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, "It's alright. I'll be fine after a nap."
After trying to persuade her for a couple of times without success, Granny Wei obediently helped her into the bedchamber and then turned off several lamps in the hall.
Only two dim candlelights illuminated the area in front of the bed.
The Empress Dowager slowly closed her eyes and turned her body slightly to the side.
Half an hour later, she suddenly felt the bed curtains move slightly.
Open your eyes...
A very tall figure appeared silently on one side of the bed.