Chapter 077: Matriarchy 18

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Le Yixian was in a terrible mood. She had already explained everything with Chen Qi to Ke Yuandao. She had even kept her distance from Chen Qi, but that guy refused to believe her. Not only that, but he dared to torment her within her own consciousness?!

When she arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence, being wheeled in, yet another familiar face greeted her.

“Commoner Liu Qingfeng pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Princess,” Liu Qingfeng saluted, but after a while, he didn’t hear the Crown Princess respond.

Puzzled, he finally heard her calm voice, “You may rise.”

Liu Qingfeng looked up, sneaking a glance at the Crown Princess, and found her expression rather dark. Then she said, “I’ve come to see Qingyun.”

“My younger brother just took his medicine...”

“I brought imperial physicians with me. Let them check on him first,” Le Yixian said directly.

Liu Qingfeng paused, glanced at the grand retinue accompanying her, and saw two elderly men in the attire of imperial physicians. He replied, “Please follow me, Your Highness.”

The attendants carefully pushed her wheelchair. Ever since leaving the palace, Her Highness’s mood seemed off.

Liu Qingyun was still in a deep sleep. After examining him, the physicians declared it was just a simple fever, now subsided; after two days of rest, he would be fine.

Le Yixian finally relaxed and dismissed the physicians, remaining in the room herself.

Liu Qingfeng looked at her awkwardly. A young man and woman alone in a room—his brother’s reputation would be ruined.

He was about to speak when he saw Her Highness glance at his brother, then signal the attendants to wheel her out, apparently ready to leave.

“Your Highness won’t wait for my brother to wake?” As soon as he blurted this out, Liu Qingfeng wanted to slap himself. What if she really stayed? Should they treat her like a living Buddha?

He could only blame his parents for going to the city temple for peace amulets without taking him along.

“No,” Le Yixian gave him a long, deep look and departed.

Liu Qingfeng watched as she arrived with a retinue of people and gifts and left with them just as swiftly.

Back in the palace, Le Yixian dismissed everyone, took a deep breath, and called out, “Gousheng!”

“Madam, I’m here.”

“When did Ke Yuandao meet my brother and my cousin?”

Gousheng was silent.

“Well? What is it?”

“Madam, this information is restricted. I can’t answer.”

“My privileges are the same as his, aren’t they?”

“They are, but the master specifically ordered me to keep it secret from you. He said you mustn’t know that he’s been in contact with your family every month.”

Le Yixian massaged her forehead. Truly, the kind of master one has determines the kind of AI assistant one gets.

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“Were their names on the wedding guest list?”

“No, your family wanted to attend, but the master refused. He said he didn’t want you to be unhappy at the wedding.”

Le Yixian was silent for a moment, then called to the attendant waiting outside, “Did you bring back the food boxes just now? Send them to the Prime Minister’s residence for Second Young Master Liu.”

The attendant sensed her unpredictable mood but dared not question it and left to carry out her order.

When Liu Qingyun awoke, he caught a whiff of something sweet in the room.

His fever had subsided, and he felt much better, though still a bit weak. Clutching the corner of his quilt, he wondered if Sister You would break off the engagement with him and marry Yue Luo instead.

No, he absolutely could not accept that.

“You’re awake,” Liu Qingfeng saw his brother open his eyes, close them again, then roll around the bed a few times. He winced—good thing Her Highness had already returned to the palace. Otherwise, would she be disillusioned by this scene?

“Brother,” Liu Qingyun looked at him with a face full of grievance, “do you think Her Highness will abandon me?”

“You’re overthinking it. Today, when she heard you were ill, she dragged her injured leg and brought imperial physicians to see you,” Liu Qingfeng pointed to the two large food boxes on the table. “These snacks—she had them sent over after returning to the palace, just for you.”

Liu Qingyun’s eyes lit up immediately. “Really?”

“Really,” Liu Qingfeng nodded and helped him up as he got out of bed. “Careful.”

Liu Qingyun opened the food box, releasing a sweet aroma. The exquisite pastries were all his favorites. He stood before the box, staring at the treats for a long while.

“Brother, I want to enter the palace tomorrow,” he said resolutely, picking up a rabbit-shaped pastry.

“You’re still sick.”

“I’m better.”

“Rest for two days?”

“No. Isn’t the palace gate closed now? I want to see Sister You right away.”

“…”

“I want to tell her how much I like her. I want to hold the wedding as soon as possible to enrage that Yue Luo!”

“…” Liu Qingfeng felt his brother was truly beyond his control now.

Well, maybe it was for the best. After a day of keeping vigil, he was hungry, and the pastries looked delicious. He reached out for one.

Smack.

“Brother, these are from Sister You. If you want pastries, ask the kitchen to make some for you,” Liu Qingyun slapped his hand away, looking serious.

“Not even one?”

“Not even half a bite.”

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—

Le Yixian sat idly by the koi pond, tossing bits of pastry into the water.

“Wow, Madam, these fish are so plump. They must taste great,” Gousheng remarked.

“Mm.”

“Madam, aren’t you going to check on the master?”

“No. If he likes self-torment, let him wallow in it for a few days.”

Gousheng felt quite sorry for the master, now suffering from amnesia. Clearly, Madam only liked him—why concoct such melodramatic scenarios? Did he really want to become an online novel couple with Madam?

“Your Highness, Second Young Master Liu is here,” an attendant reported.

Le Yixian’s head shot up. “Who’s here?”

“Second Young Master Liu.”

“Isn’t he still ill? Why has he come to the palace?” Her expression darkened.

At that moment, Liu Qingyun’s figure appeared around the corner of the corridor.

Seeing Le Yixian reclining on a lounge by the koi pond, his eyes sparkled, and he ran over. “Sister You!”

He threw himself into her arms.

“Aren’t you supposed to be sick? Why aren’t you resting at home instead of running around?” Though she scolded him, a hint of a smile tugged at her lips.

“I missed you, Sister You,” Liu Qingyun snuggled into her embrace.

Le Yixian paused. Wait, something seemed off.

“Sister You, I’ve always been weak since childhood. Would you despise me for it?”

“Of course not,” she said, patting his head.

“Good,” Liu Qingyun’s eyes shone even brighter. “Sister You, let’s get married.”

“Alright.”

“They say marrying someone when you’re sick brings good luck—it’ll help me get better. I checked, and the first of next month is an auspicious day… You really agree?”

“Yes.”

“Really? I… I can really marry you?”