The young hunk is riled up - that's Yi Qing's first thought.
After being together for so long, this is the first time Xiao Tian has lost his temper so badly.
When this man loses his temper, his voice is not hysterical. It's deep, but it carries a power like thunder that makes it impossible to resist.
Even Yi Qing, who considers herself self - assured, feels a bit scared under this pressure.
She has no doubt that if she dares to talk back now, she'll really infuriate Xiao Tian.
Forget it. Tolerance brings peace, and concession leads to open skies. Yi Qing admits that she bullies the weak and fears the strong.
Deep down, she actually feels guilty.
She was really wrong about this matter.
Once two people decide to be together, they shouldn't indulge themselves and always think about breaking up when things happen. Isn't that the same as a stupid woman who constantly mentions "divorce" after getting married?
Xiao Tian takes their relationship much more seriously than she does. Even now, she still has a somewhat playful attitude.
She's wrong, and she should reflect on it.
Thankfully, Xiao Tian is not that childish. He doesn't "press on the advantage" and kick a man when he's down. Instead, he changes the subject and says, "Something happened at the academy today."
"What?" Yi Qing takes this opportunity to change the topic quickly.
"Cough, well," Xiao Tian covers his lips with his fist, "I punched Xu Maozhi today."
"Vice - Minister Xu?"
"Yes, it's him."
"Good for you," Yi Qing says nonchalantly. "He must have come to you again and spouted nonsense, saying you're the culprit, right?"
Xiao Tian likes her blind support without asking for details, but he thinks he should tell the truth - mainly because if he doesn't, Ran Ran will probably come and tell on him.
"No, it's probably my overreaction."
Xiao Tian stammers out what happened.
Yi Qing laughs like a fool.
"See, you do care about Ran Ran, right? I told you she's a likable girl, but you just refused to admit it."
Xiao Tian puts on a righteous look. "I'd do the same for anyone else. I can't stand Xu Maozhi deceiving little girls."
Yi Qing can't help but roll her eyes. Thinking about their delicate relationship at the moment, she restrains herself a bit. "But the fact proves that he wasn't deceiving. You just thought too much. How could you think that way about Ran Ran? She's not a fool. How are you going to face her in the future?"
Xiao Tian turns his head away and says arrogantly, "If she wants to blame someone, just blame me."
Yi Qing says, "Ran Ran won't mind much. But Xu Maozhi is an official of the court, and he's so stubborn. I'm afraid he'll go straight to the emperor tomorrow and complain that you beat an official of the court. What do you think the emperor will do then?"
"If he has the nerve to go, let him."
"Next time, don't be so impulsive. He's unmarried, and she's unwed. Since Xu Maozhi hasn't done anything immoral, they might just make a good couple."
The plot of sending clothes during a girl's period is so common in junior high and high - school puppy - love stories.
Although Xu Maozhi is a bit old, the story is quite interesting. Even old men deserve their spring. It's a natural right.
Xiao Tian's face turns ashen. "He's not suitable! He's so inexperienced. How can she have a good life with him?"
Hearing that he's still thinking about Ran Ran, Yi Qing softens her tone. "They have to be in love with each other. Look, I like a bodyguard, and Lady Di didn't say anything."
Xiao Tian has a completely different opinion from hers, but he doesn't argue with her and drops the subject.
"Go to bed early. The emperor may issue an imperial edict tomorrow."
"What does he want to do this time?" Yi Qing asks warily. "Whenever he calls me, it's never good news."
"The emperor will hold a banquet for the southern border envoys tomorrow night. He'll also summon the imperial wives to the palace to accompany the southern border princess."
Yi Qing looks skeptical. "Summon the imperial wives? It sounds like a trap specifically set for me. Isn't there anyone else in the palace? I'm not going. I'm a widow still in mourning. My husband's bones are not yet cold. Is it appropriate for me to go there eating, drinking, and listening to music?"
The emperor must be crazy.
Xiao Tian frowns. "Don't forget Zisu."
"Is he threatening me with Zisu?" Yi Qing gets angry. "He's the emperor, yet he's so despicable!"
"The emperor means for you to take Zisu with you and let her dress up as your maid."
"Is he out of his mind! Zisu is trying to avoid trouble, and he wants her to get involved." Yi Qing is furious.
"The emperor thinks the sudden arrival of the southern border envoys is a bit strange. He's worried they have some plot. The southern border is so mysterious that others can't see through them. So the emperor wants Zisu to go and see if there's any hidden mystery. This is also a way for the emperor to protect her in exchange."
Yi Qing snorts. "He's really good at calculating. Does he ever think that Zisu is also from the southern border? If it really involves the interests of the southern border, which side will she take?"
"That's the emperor's own problem. Get ready. I'll go with you tomorrow night. Take Baozi too. I'm not at ease leaving him alone in the mansion."
"Then let's go together. It'll be a good chance for him to see the grand occasion in the palace."
When Xiao Tian is about to leave, Yi Qing naturally teases him again.
Xiao Tian says fiercely, "Just you wait!"
"I'll be waiting in bed."
Xiao Tian flees in a hurry.
The next day, Yi Qing gets up early in the morning and is about to go out with a basket in hand.
Xiao Tian, who is still having buns with Baozi, clears his throat when he sees her going out. "Are you still going to the medical clinic?"
Yi Qing snorts. "I'm going to the academy!"
"I'm serious."
"So am I!"
It's Baozi who helps Xiao Tian. "Mom, what are you going to the academy for? To find my master?"
Xiao Tian's face immediately turns gloomy.
How could he forget about Lu Tianxun?
No, he has to ask Lu Tianzuo to go home and urge his cousin. He'll say that Lu Tianzuo is eager to get married, so his older cousin, who has been single for so long, should solve his personal problem quickly and stop being in the way.
Oh, he also has to find a woman for Lu Tianzuo... Just thinking about it gives him a headache.
Yi Qing says, "No. Your aunt is not feeling well. I'm going to bring her some delicious food."
"Then wait for me, Mom," Baozi shoves a bun into his mouth, jumps off the chair, and says in a muffled voice, "I'll go early and see auntie too."
Xiao Tian grabs him. "Sit still. It's a woman's matter. What are you getting involved for?"
Yi Qing also says, "Auntie is fine. Don't worry. Eat slowly and have more. Then go to the academy with Uncle Xiao."
"Wait for me. Let's go together."
"I'd better go and come back early. I still need to prepare to receive the imperial edict."
Moreover, she doesn't trust the emperor at all. She has to disguise Zisu carefully so that the southern border envoys won't recognize her.
Ran Ran is naturally happy to see Yi Qing. She grabs Yi Qing's hand and says, "Sister - in - law, why are you here?"
"I heard you had some good news, so I came to see you."
Ran Ran blushes a bit and then stamps her foot. "Did Xiao Tian tell you? Sister - in - law, you don't know how annoying he was yesterday."
"I'm with him day and night. How can I not know how annoying he is?" Yi Qing smiles.