CHAPTER 624: CHAPTER 211: KNEELING AND WORSHIP, XIAO JINXING’S MOTHER CONSORT (FIVE UPDATES)

Sitting beside Xiao Zhanping, Zhao Mengyu naturally observed all his emotions.

She had also heard about Xiao Jinxing’s performance in the court earlier today.

Not to mention how Xiao Jinxing currently stands in His Majesty’s favor with an extraordinary grace, even in the eyes of the civil and military officials and the people of Daxuan, Xiao Jinxing has become a hero.

Entirely overshadowing his son’s limelight.

Even at today’s palace banquet, Xiao Zhanping’s eyes were only for Xiao Jinxing, speaking to him from time to time, repeatedly cautioning him to be wary of his safety, actively urging Xiao Jinxing to drink more with him, and mostly conversing about the affection between father and son.

He essentially treated everyone else as mere decorations.

Zhao Mengyu cast a glance at her own son.

Xiao Jinsen, of course, also felt quite displeased in his heart.

He had never been so ignored from childhood until now.

But when he thought about how Xiao Jinxing’s departure was essentially paving the way for him, he felt somewhat consoled.

The royal banquet went on for a long time.

Only after Wen Jingtang mentioned that it was getting late and asked Xiao Jinxing to retire early to rest, as he still had a long journey the next day, did Xiao Zhanping reluctantly bring the banquet to an end.

At its conclusion.

Xiao Zhanping still wanted Xiao Jinxing to accompany him for a walk in the Imperial Palace.

It wasn’t until Xiao Jinxing escorted Xiao Zhanping back to his bedchamber that Xiao Jinxing was finally able to take his leave.

Ye Qichi also sighed in relief.

Every time she entered the palace, she felt uneasy.

After all, in such a place, a wrong word or action could result in losing one’s head.

She shrugged to relax herself, preparing to walk towards the palace gate.

Watching as Xiao Jinxing walked in another direction.

Ye Qichi speculated that Xiao Jinxing might be going to bid farewell to Wen Jingtang.

It was customary for him to visit Wen Jingtang every time he entered the palace.

This time, with his departure to the border, it naturally seemed even more necessary.

So, she decided not to follow Xiao Jinxing.

Of course, Xiao Jinxing wouldn’t take her with him either.

"Ye Qichi." Xiao Jinxing suddenly called out to her.

Ye Qichi frowned.

"Come here." Xiao Jinxing commanded.

"You’re going to the Empress Dowager, it would be inconvenient for me to join," Ye Qichi bluntly stated, "As usual, I’ll wait for you at the palace gate."

She truly didn’t want to see that old hag Wen Jingtang.

Not for a moment did she think she would feel honored if Xiao Jinxing took her to see the Empress Dowager.

"It’s not to see the Great Ancestral Mother." Xiao Jinxing’s voice was a bit cold.

Ye Qichi knitted her brows.

Where was he going at this late hour?

"I’ve already bidden farewell to the Great Ancestral Mother the day before," Xiao Jinxing said, seemingly about to add something else but paused, then coldly said, "Just follow me."

Meaning – no need for so much chatter.

Ye Qichi was speechless.

She gritted her teeth but still followed Xiao Jinxing.

The Imperial Palace at night.

Although there were some candlelights, it felt eerie due to its vastness and the scarcity of people.

Especially as Xiao Jinxing led her deeper into increasingly remote areas.

Deeper and more secluded.

Suddenly, Ye Qichi’s mind flashed with TV dramas she had seen before, saying how ghosts were prone to haunt the deep palace.

This chilly and dreary place...

"Ah!" Ye Qichi suddenly screamed.

She was genuinely terrified, feeling as if her soul was about to leap out.

She stared wide-eyed at Xiao Jinxing.

Seeing Xiao Jinxing, who was clearly walking slightly ahead, suddenly stop and grab her hand.

For a moment, she thought a ghost had grabbed her.

Her spirit was still unsettled.

Xiao Jinxing’s face also looked very unpleasant, "There are no ghosts!"

As if he had seen her fear.

"In this world, there are no ghosts!" Xiao Jinxing enunciated each word deliberately.

Ye Qichi took a deep breath.

Suddenly, she felt a bit ashamed.

For someone from the apocalypse, she was actually scared of ghosts.

Even these ancient people believed in science more than she did.

It was indeed this shadowy and grim place that made it scary.

"Let’s go." Xiao Jinxing did not let go of Ye Qichi’s hand, leading her deeper into the palace.

Perhaps it was because Xiao Jinxing’s hand was particularly large and gentle.

Being led by him like this, it doesn’t seem so scary anymore.

The footsteps of the two people stopped at the entrance of a deserted courtyard.

Ye Qichi suddenly realized.

This is probably the cold palace where Xiao Jinxing’s mother had once lived.

She must have died here as well.

So, Xiao Jinxing was saying goodbye to his mother before leaving.

It startled her.

She had thought that Xiao Jinxing had gone mad again and was about to kill to silence her.

Not knowing if it was because she knew this was where Xiao Jinxing’s mother had lived, or because Xiao Jinxing’s hands were truly warm, the place was pitch dark yet Ye Qichi was no longer afraid. She followed Xiao Jinxing’s steps and entered the silent courtyard.

They walked to the center of the courtyard.

Xiao Jinxing then released Ye Qichi’s hand and knelt on the ground.

Ye Qichi just watched Xiao Jinxing.

Xiao Jinxing’s feelings for his mother... after all, who doesn’t have deep feelings for their own mother?!

She missed her parents too.

"Kneel down," Xiao Jinxing suddenly commanded.

Ye Qichi was unwilling.

You are paying respects to your mother, not mine.

Why should I kneel.

"Kneel down!" Xiao Jinxing’s voice turned colder.

Ye Qichi rolled her eyes.

Sometimes, when Xiao Jinxing is stubborn, she simply can’t resist him.

After thinking it over, she still knelt down.

It was, after all, out of respect for the deceased.

Seeing her kneel, Xiao Jinxing then said, "Bow your head."

Ye Qichi suppressed her annoyance.

Now she just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

So she did.

Following Xiao Jinxing, facing the direction of the main hall, she heavily kowtowed three times.

After bowing.

Xiao Jinxing stood up.

Ye Qichi stood up as well.

From beginning to end, Xiao Jinxing didn’t say anything to his mother.

He just looked deeply for a few moments.

Then he led Ye Qichi away.

Walking within the Imperial Palace.

Ye Qichi could also feel Xiao Jinxing’s emotions.

Since visiting the cold palace, his mood became increasingly somber.

Ye Qichi really didn’t want to deal with Xiao Jinxing. After all, this guy could easily turn against someone.

But considering that a family member’s death is truly saddening, and especially since his mother died unjustly, her kindness overflowed again. She said, "The deceased has passed; you should try to move on."

Xiao Jinxing didn’t respond.

"Strive well," Ye Qichi murmured, "It will be alright once you’ve avenged her."

Xiao Jinxing gripped Ye Qichi’s hand tighter.

Ye Qichi’s back of the hand hurt.

Does this guy not know his own strength or what?!

Sensing Ye Qichi’s emotions.

Xiao Jinxing quickly relaxed his grip somewhat.

He spoke, "Ye Qichi, I..."

Ye Qichi perked up her ears.

She always felt like he was about to reveal some secret.

In the end, she didn’t hear it, what ’I’!

Am I a pig or what?!

Then she saw him.

In the palace, Xiao Jinsen seemed to be waiting for them on purpose.

Xiao Jinsen, seeing the two of them holding hands while walking over, sneered, "I guessed, the third brother must have gone to the cold palace, so I waited for you here."

"Did second brother wait for me because there’s something you need?" Xiao Jinxing was neither warm nor cold towards him.

"I’ll be departing for the border tomorrow. As your elder brother, of course I must speak some heartfelt words to you alone. Who knows when we’ll meet again—it could be in the distant future."

"Please speak, third brother," Xiao Jinxing was still respectful, yet indifferent.

Xiao Jinsen glanced at Ye Qichi.

"Ye Qichi is my wife and thus not an outsider," Xiao Jinxing stated plainly.