The Dog Emperor Has Gained Telepathy - Chapter 08 【8】

Chapter 08 【8】

【8】

Hall of Mental Cultivation, Eastern Study.

Xiao Jingting raised one eyebrow, his expression peculiar as he looked down at Qiurong Gugu below: She asked you to relay that half a day apart feels like three years?
Yes.
Longing to meet again to ease lovesickness?
Qiurong Gugu nodded reluctantly: …Yes.
Before her words faded, a derisive snort suddenly came from behind the imperial desk, then that snort seemed uncontrollable, transforming into unrestrained laughter.

Qiurong Gugu: …?
Was His Majesty overjoyed, or what?

She looked perplexedly at Yu Mingjiang beside her, who held his horsetail whisk, smiling as benevolently as the big-bellied Maitreya in a Buddhist hall, sighing in a voice only the two of them could hear: It’s been many years since I last saw His Majesty laugh so heartily.
Qiurong Gugu: … What exactly was so funny?

Xiao Jingting leaned back in the dragon throne and laughed for quite a while, seeming somewhat tired from laughing, before turning to Yu Mingjiang: Old companion, in all my grown years, this is the first time I’ve encountered such a shameless woman. How could she even utter these words?
Yu Mingjiang chuckled softly: Your Majesty, perhaps Consort Lu genuinely admires you, her deep affection difficult to restrain, every word coming from the bottom of her heart.
Hearing this, the smile gradually faded from Xiao Jingting’s face, and he looked strangely at Yu Mingjiang: You actually believe that?
Yu Mingjiang bowed slightly, speaking gently: Your Majesty is heaven’s favored one, a dragon among men. Not just Consort Lu, but likely every young maiden under heaven desires Your Majesty’s favor.Now Xiao Jingting’s expression grew even stranger, all traces of laughter gone, his dark eyes turning calm and indifferent: ‘Old companion, are you still treating me like a child to coax?
Yu Mingjiang’s eyelids twitched slightly as he looked up to see the young emperor expressionless: It’s not me they admire, but clearly the identity of the emperor.
Because he was the emperor, no matter what he did, someone would flatter and praise him.

Had he not ascended this dragon throne, in the mouths of the world, he might have become a freak.

Unpleasant memories from the past surged into his mind, the man’s deep, narrow eyes seeming to cloud over with shadow, his entire aura turning sharp.

Yu Mingjiang had watched the emperor grow up. Seeing him suddenly fall silent, likely recalling past matters again, he quickly changed the subject, smiling: The weather has been quite pleasant lately, and it’s been some time since Your Majesty last visited the Jinli Garden. Yesterday, Chen Jinxi sent word that Xiao Caiyun’s belly is very large, and she’s likely to give birth in the next couple of days. Would Your Majesty like to go see?
Hearing this, the emperor, who moments before had seemed unapproachable and coldly imposing, thawed like spring breeze melting snow, his stern facial features softening: It has been some time since I last saw them… This is Xiao Caiyun’s first birth, and she’s quite small, I fear she may suffer somewhat.
After a moment’s contemplation, he lifted his eyelids and instructed Yu Mingjiang: Make the arrangements. After court adjourns tomorrow, I shall visit the Jinli Garden.
Yu Mingjiang observed the emperor’s expression, seeing it return to normal, and inwardly sighed with relief, nodding in agreement: Yes, this old servant will make proper arrangements.
Thinking of visiting the Jinli Garden tomorrow lifted Xiao Jingting’s mood slightly. Noticing Qiurong Gugu still standing respectfully below, he casually waved his hand: You may withdraw as well.
Finally remembered, Qiurong Gugu hurriedly bowed: This maid takes her leave.
After retreating two steps, a sound suddenly came from above: Wait.
Aunt Qiurong was inwardly surprised. She paused her steps and looked toward the emperor seated behind the imperial desk, clad in black robes and a jade crown. Does Your Majesty have further instructions?
Since Lady Lu claims to miss me, have her accompany me to Jinli Garden tomorrow.
Xiao Jingting’s slender, well-defined fingers tapped lightly on the desk, his narrow eyes narrowing further as he added an extra instruction: Just tell her that tomorrow I’m taking her out of the palace for some fun. Don’t mention where we’re going—I want to surprise her.
***

He’s taking me out of the palace tomorrow?
In Liuxia Pavilion, Lu Zhiwan, who had been soaking her feet in petal-infused water for wellness by the bedside, widened her eyes in astonishment. Really? Is it true?
Aunt Qiurong stood with her hands folded in front of her, her composed, oval face showing no trace of jest. The Emperor’s word is as good as gold—how could it be false? At the hour of Si tomorrow, Chief Steward Yu will likely send someone to fetch you, Lady Jieyu. You should rest early tonight to be well-prepared for accompanying His Majesty tomorrow.
So it was really true…

Auntie, do you know where we’ll be going tomorrow?
This humble servant does not know. Aunt Qiurong lowered her head. When the time comes, Lady Jieyu need only stay close to His Majesty.
…Very well. Lu Zhiwan nodded dazedly, then gestured for Aunt Qiurong to retire for the night.

Once they were alone, Xia He could hardly contain her joy as she stepped forward. Congratulations, my lady! His Majesty must have learned of your feelings and been deeply moved, which is why he’s taking you out of the palace. This is an extraordinary favor—one that no one else in the rear palace has received!
I suppose so. Lu Zhiwan forced a slight smile, though inwardly she couldn’t help feeling puzzled.

Accompanying the emperor on an outing was indeed a privilege reserved for a favored consort, but she had only met the dog emperor twice at most. His sudden summons for her to attend him at bedtime last night had been unexpected enough, and now he wanted her to accompany him out of the palace—this favor felt far too abrupt, so abrupt it made her somewhat uneasy.

Could it be that the dog emperor had truly taken a liking to her? While her appearance certainly had the charm to captivate men and leave a lasting impression, based on their interaction last night, the emperor didn’t seem like a lust-driven, foolish ruler.

Was it her personality that had attracted him? But she had been quite reserved last night and hadn’t exactly exuded charm…

By the time the foot-soaking water in the wooden basin had turned cold, Lu Zhiwan shook her head and pulled her thoughts back together.

If she couldn’t figure it out, she wouldn’t dwell on it—no need to strain her brain. In any case, the emperor’s willingness to be close to her was more beneficial than harmful. Whether his intentions were genuine or feigned, she didn’t care; reaping the benefits was what mattered. At worst, they could both put on an act.

With her mind at ease, Lu Zhiwan dried her fair feet and climbed into bed feeling lighthearted.

The day’s various courtesies and formalities had left her quite exhausted, and that night she slept especially soundly.

Early the next morning, Lu Zhiwan was roused from her bed by Xia He and helped to the dressing table in front of the rhombus-patterned mirror to freshen up.

Aunt Qiurong said we’d depart at the hour of Si—it’s not even light out yet, this is too early… Gazing at her still-sleepy, beautiful reflection in the bronze mirror, Lu Zhiwan rose with a yawn. I’m going back to sleep for half an hour.
My lady, this is your first time accompanying His Majesty on an outing—you must dress up properly! How can you take it lightly? Xia He pressed her shoulders down, her eyes sparkling with excitement as if she were the one going out of the palace. Don’t worry, my lady. I learned several new hairstyles last night and will make sure you look absolutely stunning and radiant today!
Her gaze swept over the dark circles under Xia He’s eyes, and Lu Zhiwan fell silent.

Well, well, it seemed this little maid was her career fan.

With her subordinates so full of drive and motivation, Lu Zhiwan, as their mistress, couldn’t bring herself to slack off any longer. After brewing and drinking a strong cup of tea, she sat before the dressing mirror with renewed energy: Let’s begin!
She would make herself as dazzling as a beam of light, enough to blind that dog emperor!

An hour later, whether the dog emperor was dazzled or not remained uncertain, but Lu Zhiwan was eighty percent sure that the emperor’s aesthetic taste was somewhat questionable.

Though she looked like a celestial maiden descended from the heavens today, wearing a lotus-pink wide-sleeved fairy dress, and had garnered countless admiring glances from palace maids and eunuchs along the way from Liuxia Pavilion to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the emperor frowned at the first sight of her: Why are you dressed like this?
Lu Zhiwan was taken aback by his question, thinking to herself, What’s with that disdainful expression when I look this stunning? But on the surface, she forced a smile and asked softly, Does Your Majesty not find this attire pleasing?
Xiao Jingting really did look her up and down, his thin lips parting slightly as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. Finally, as if remembering something, he curled his lips: It’s acceptable.
Lu Zhiwan: …
What did that smile mean? She had an inexplicable sense of foreboding.

Before she could ponder further, Yu Mingjiang entered the hall: Your Majesty, the carriage has been arranged. We may depart now.
Xiao Jingting gave a faint hum, his dark eyes lowering slightly to glance at Lu Zhiwan, who stood obediently with her head bowed.

Feeling the man’s gaze on her, Lu Zhiwan instinctively looked up, meeting his inscrutable dark eyes.

As their eyes locked, she gave a dry laugh: Your Majesty?
You seem to daydream often.
Ah?
Never mind. Xiao Jingting shook his head, then impassively extended his hand toward her.

Lu Zhiwan: …?
Before his brows could fully furrow, she realized his intention and quickly grasped his slender hand.

Sure enough, once their hands were joined, like a cat being comfortably petted, the man’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed.

That was close. Lu Zhiwan wiped a cold sweat at her delayed reaction. Her gaze swept over their joined hands, and she couldn’t help but grumble inwardly: What’s wrong with this dog man? One moment he’s coldly criticizing my outfit, the next he wants to hold hands? He must be insane.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the two walked out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation hand in hand, then boarded the same carriage together.

As the vermilion-wheeled, ornate carriage rumbled away, the palace staff in the Hall of Mental Cultivation couldn’t help but marvel: Who would have thought His Majesty dotes on Lady Lu so much!
She’s truly a sparrow turned into a phoenix overnight!
If this continues, she might even be promoted again in a few days.
While the palace staff whispered among themselves, a figure in bluish-gray robes, hidden behind a tall lacquered red coiling dragon pillar, slipped away unnoticed.