Chapter 5780: Finale of Sikong Star Side Story (Part 2)
Li Ruiying's face showed an awkward expression. She didn't know how to tell her niece that she had been swept out of the hall before she could even say two words. The thought still infuriated her, but she was calmer than before.
Princess Huaizhu tugged at Li Ruiying's sleeve, swaying gently and pouting, "Aunt, I heard that the Empress Dowager is hosting a banquet tonight to welcome them. What do you think..."
Li Ruiying's expression changed, and her eyes darkened. Her own niece, who had just entered the palace, knew about the Empress Dowager's banquet, but the news hadn't reached her. This clearly meant she wasn't invited. Li Ruiying grew angrier the more she thought about it. She pushed Third Aunt. "Go and inquire quickly! I need to know the truth."
Third Aunt hesitated, glancing at Huaizhu. She actually didn't want to leave Consort Li right now. She knew Princess Huaizhu's temperament all too well. Third Aunt worried that if she left, Princess Huaizhu, with her ulterior motives, would provoke Consort Li. The consort's current status and position were hard-won, and Third Aunt naturally didn't want Consort Li to court disaster.
Third Aunt dared not disobey Li Ruiying's command. She hurriedly went out and found the two gossiping palace maids she had heard earlier, getting the full story from them. The two palace maids hadn't expected their casual conversation to be overheard by Consort Li passing by. Naturally, they trembled with fear, kneeling and begging for mercy. Third Aunt didn't punish them, only warned coldly, "Her Highness is kind; this time, she'll spare you. If you dare to gossip again, I'll cut out your tongues." The two palace maids cowered, nodding repeatedly.
After Third Aunt returned, she reported everything in detail to Li Ruiying, adding that she had already dealt with the two palace maids. Li Ruiying, of course, wouldn't care about two lowly palace servants. When Third Aunt said she had dealt with them, she dropped the matter.
Third Aunt said worriedly, "It seems that even the high and mighty Consort Zheng was dealt with by the former Crown Princess. It shows how formidable the former Crown Princess's methods are."
"Your Highness, if unnecessary, it's best not to confront them," Third Aunt advised earnestly. "The former Crown Prince and Crown Princess are now the Emperor and Empress of Shenzhou; they certainly won't stay long on Sikong Star."
"You should endure it for now. Once they leave, you naturally won't have to humble yourself anymore."
Li Ruiying, however, felt indignant. "You keep telling me to yield, but others might not even put us in their eyes."
Huaizhu, listening nearby, had long since grown impatient. Now, hearing her aunt speak this way, she quickly nodded. "Exactly! And why do you believe what others say? The matter with that Consort Zheng, how many years has it been? How do you know her death wasn't for some other reason?"
"Furthermore, they say those two are from Shenzhou, with incredibly noble status. But who truly knows if that's the case? None of us have been to the Upper Three Continents. It's just whatever they say."
Third Aunt was startled, looking at Huaizhu with an unfriendly gaze. "Princess, you are mistaken. Didn't you also say earlier that Miss Qiao Lin's cultivation was impressive?"
"Although this old servant has low cultivation, I at least know how to observe. Those two noble figures from Shenzhou, you can tell at a glance that they are different from ordinary people. From their appearance, this old servant can't even tell what their cultivation is."
"Aunt!"
"Your Highness, please reconsider," Third Aunt advised, lowering her head. "Just look at His Majesty's attitude today; if something truly happens, all the bitter consequences will fall upon you, Your Highness. His Majesty won't be able to help you."
Li Ruiying, whose head had been heated by Huaizhu's shaking, suddenly cleared her mind somewhat, realizing that this was true. The king had completely ignored her existence today. If she truly offended those two from Shenzhou, the king probably wouldn't protect her; instead, he would kick her out to be dealt with immediately. Thinking of this, Li Ruiying felt extremely stifled. She reached out to cover her chest, looking breathless and panicked.
Third Aunt saw that she had finally cleared her head, secretly sighing in relief, and whispered beside her, "Your Highness, there's a precedent. We absolutely must not follow in Consort Zheng's footsteps."
Princess Huaizhu glared defiantly, about to say something to turn the situation around, when hurried footsteps sounded from outside. "Your Highness, Your Highness! His Majesty's decree of marriage has arrived. Our Princess is to be married to Shi Guangjin, the third son of the Duke of Qingguo."
Consort Li's mouth dropped open, and before she could react, she heard Princess Huaizhu's shriek from beside her. Turning to look, Huaizhu had actually fainted from sheer rage.
Moving On and New Beginnings
"Shi Guangjin?" Qiao Mu looked at Mo Lian in astonishment. Mo Lian understood that his little wife's bewildered gaze meant she had absolutely no recollection of this person. He cleared his throat lightly, casually taking her small hand in his. "That's the one, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, who tried to crash your carriage and whom you taught a lesson."
With such a vivid description, the little stoic immediately understood. "Oh, it was him." Why would that Tundong Princess be betrothed to Shi Guangjin by the old king? That's somewhat inexplicable.
"It was Yu'er who personally brought it up," Mo Lian said expressionlessly. "He told Father King that Shi family's third young master hadn't married for so many years, which was a concern for the Duke of Qingguo."
"Oh," the little stoic responded.
Little Mo Xiao, who was playing with medicinal pills on the carpet, raised his chubby chin, glanced at his mother, and then looked seriously at his father. He wondered if it was just his imagination, but he felt that his father seemed to be at a loss for words. After his mother said "Oh," his father's voice seemed to get stuck...
"Do you remember Wu Xiaosu?"
Qiao Mu looked at the man in confusion. "Who?"
Mo Lian: ... Truly can't have a conversation with his wife! She didn't remember anything he asked, but then again, back then, Yu Su had to put in a lot of effort just to make the little Crown Princess remember what his face looked like, to avoid confusing him with other hidden guards!
"Never mind if you don't remember. Anyway, they're not important people," Mo Lian said, rubbing her head with a wry smile. "Yu'er said that Shi Guangjin has been obsessed with that Wu Xiaosu for many years, and it's time for him to find someone to live a good life with."
Qiao Mu "oh-ed" again. She felt completely indifferent. It was just a matter between a few idle people; she listened and moved on.
"Knock, knock, knock."
There was a light knock on the chamber door. Qiao Mu curved her lips slightly. "Come in."
The little monk entered in response, followed by the little monkey, who was looking around curiously.
"Female Benefactor."
"Sister!"
Mo Lian glanced at the little monk warningly. The little monk was eight years old this year, and the baby fat on his face had reduced considerably. The excellent appearance of the Mo family was already showing a bit. Looking like a mature and steady little adult, he bowed to Qiao Mu. "Mother."
Qiao Mu, with her little stoic face, responded formally and waved to him. "Is something the matter?"
"Mother, I plan to go out alone and gain experience across Sikong Star. I believe it will broaden my horizons!" The little monk's nose crinkled as he spoke the last part. "But the little monkey insists on coming with me."
The little monkey reached out and punched him on his bald head. "Did I consult with you? I'm ordering you, as your little monkey aunt, to take me with you."
Mo Lian: ...
Little Mo Xiao tumbled and crawled over, hugging the little monk's calf, repeatedly calling out, "Big Brother, Big Brother, take me with you!"
The little monk's serene face showed a hint of difficulty. What's going on? He was planning to go alone, but now there are more and more people!
Qiao Mu tightened her little face, barely suppressing a smile, and reached out to touch the little monk's bald head. "What made you want to go out and gain experience?"
"Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. The world is so big, I want to see it!"
Mo Lian: ... You're just bored!
The little monk clasped his hands together, looking very serious. "Staying by Father and Mother's side, a fledgling eagle will never grow up." Beside him, little Mo Xiao looked at him with adoration, nodding like a pounding garlic.
Mo Lian unceremoniously pulled his son up from the ground. "Go play over there; it's not for you. When you stop wetting the bed, then you can learn from your older brother."
Little Mo Xiao widened his eyes. "When do I wet the bed?" Before he could finish, his authoritarian father threw him onto the bed to roll around.
"Amitabha," the little monk muttered. "Female Benefactor, please control your bandit husband."
Qiao Mu: ...
The little monkey almost burst out laughing. He hopped over to Qiao Mu, shook her arm. "Big sister, let us go! Kongkong wants to go out and gain experience, and with me accompanying him, there will be no danger at all."
On Sikong Star, with their strength, they could walk sideways; of course, there would be no danger. Qiao Mu was just a little reluctant.
"We're going to the Holy Domain in a while. Aren't you planning to come with us?"
Kongkong shook his little bald head, waving his hand. "Gathering is fate, and parting is also fate. Female Benefactor, do not be sad. We will meet again someday!"
Qiao Mu wanted to hit him. Damn it, this habit of using archaic language, you're never going to change it, are you?
"Female Benefactor, when this little monk is not by your side, you must take good care of your health, and also manage your bandit husband. Don't go out looking for trouble, and don't argue with your bandit husband over trivial matters... Mmm-mmm, mmm, mmm?" Kongkong glared angrily at Mo Lian, who had reached out to cover his mouth.
Their playful antics diluted the sadness of parting quite a bit. Qiao Mu raised her hand and stroked the little monk's head, saying affectionately, "You've grown up; you should have your own ideas. Go whatever path you want to walk; you have your parents to support you in everything."
The little monk blinked, then suddenly pounced forward, hugging Qiao Mu. Qiao Mu stroked his bald little head, suddenly remembering many years ago, when she knocked on the gate of the ancient temple in Changshu Forest. The door opened, and an old monk, dragging a little monk, stood at the doorway. The little monk was about four years old, with a small, round, rosy-white face and a chubby chin. He was very shy seeing strangers, hiding behind the old monk's waist, only peeking out his smooth little head, curiously looking at her. This had been many years ago.
Fledgling eagles will eventually spread their wings and fly.
That night, Mo Yu came to find his elder brother and sister-in-law. The three talked intimately for half the night. Outsiders didn't know what they discussed, only that the next day, the king's decree of marriage once again went to the Qiao residence, delivered to Second Miss Qiao Lin.
Qiao Lin was still grumbling while holding the marriage decree when Mo Yu suddenly poked his head out of the window, grinning at her. Second Miss pointed at Mo Yu, about to speak, when the boy suddenly leaped in front of her, smiling mischievously.
"Nice to meet you, Second Miss. Your future husband, Mo Yu."
Qiao Lin couldn't maintain her stoic expression anymore and burst out laughing, giving him a playful punch. "If you want to be this young lady's husband, beat me first!"
...
"Leaving so soon? You've only been back for two days," Empress Zhao murmured, holding her son's hand, looking at him with a hint of reproach. Empress Dowager Meng sat nearby, her eyes also showing a trace of reluctance.
"Mother, Grandmother, you don't need to worry. It's very convenient to travel between Shenzhou and Sikong Star now. We can come back whenever we want."
The old king sat nearby, chuckling. "Yes, yes. Yu'er will be getting married in six months. By then, my son and daughter-in-law will definitely return."
Empress Zhao realized this was true and felt a bit happier. Mo Lian smiled and said to Empress Zhao, "Mother, don't worry. We will return early for Yu'er's wedding and definitely won't miss the auspicious day."
"Good, good," Empress Zhao responded with a smile.
After exchanging pleasantries, Qiao Mu and Mo Lian's group left the capital that afternoon. Qiao Lin stayed in the capital to prepare for the wedding.
Qiao Mu sent word to Yu Su and others, asking them to escort Qiao Zhongbang, Wei Ziqin, and others back when the time came, to help Little Lin with the preparations.
As everyone was about to board the Crimson Heaven Vast Waves, Qiao Mu was seen staring at a nearby mountain peak.
"What's wrong?"
"Look!" Qiao Qiao pointed her finger at the sky.
Fengchen exclaimed, "Oh, is that a spirit bird? It's rare to see a spirit beast in the Lower Star Domain."
Duanyue also looked in that direction. "It looks like it?"
"Go!" Qiao Mu's eyes lit up. With a whoosh, she shot into the air, flying towards that mountain peak. Her speed was incredibly fast, like a wisp of smoke, and in an instant, she had reached the top of the mountain.
She saw a man in his early fifties, dressed in a plain green robe with a refined face, commanding a group of disciples to attack the spirit bird on the peak. The spirit bird was breathing fire with great power, and even with so many people, they were somewhat flustered. Fortunately, the middle-aged man's cultivation was about to break through the Spirit Realm, so the situation was still somewhat under control.
Qiao Mu's eyes brightened. She hopped over and greeted them, "Good Samaritan Valley Master, what a coincidence."
Mo Lian and Duanyue exchanged glances, both feeling a bit surprised. Qiao Qiao's poor memory was widely known. She wasn't actually forgetful; she just wasn't willing to remember many miscellaneous people. So, for her to remember a face and even call out a name, it was truly not easy.
The man called the Good Samaritan Valley Master turned his head in a daze. When he saw Qiao Mu and the group behind her, his eyes widened in surprise.
"You, you? You are! Are..."
"Little Junior Sister?" A voice of pleasant surprise came from behind the Good Samaritan Valley Master.
Wen Dan quickly ran to Qiao Mu's side, laughing heartily. "It really is you, Little Junior Sister! You've returned?"
"Senior Sister Wen," Qiao Mu turned and nodded to her. "I'm back."
"Who's this?" Fengchen asked, looking bewildered.
"Oh, this is the Master of Xiasha Valley whom Qiao Qiao met during the Three Sects, Five Gates Grand Competition back then," Duanyue's eyes also showed a trace of reminiscence. Back then, twelve-year-old Qiao Qiao was fierce! She made a name for herself at the Three Sects, Five Gates Grand Competition, astonishing everyone.
"Oh my goodness, Little Junior Sister, it's been seven or eight years, hasn't it?" Everyone smiled, their gaze falling upon the little dumpling who was looking up at them. "Little Junior Sister, is this your son?"
He looks so much like Crown Prince Mo! Such a soft and adorable little dumpling face, I just want to pinch it.
Xiasha Valley Master: ... My children, have you forgotten something?
"Attention!" Xiasha Valley Master shouted, seeing the spirit bird beside them charging over, opening its mouth to spew a burst of flames.
Qiao Mu turned her head and glanced. The fire-breathing spirit bird's body suddenly solidified in mid-air. The Good Samaritan Valley Master and his group watched, wide-eyed, as the incredibly fierce spirit beast fell straight down like a log, landing on the ground with a "thud."
The Xiasha Valley Master inexplicably twitched his lips. He felt as if the spirit bird was very perceptive, and had completely lost its soul and fallen down simply because it was scared by the little stoic?
Everyone saw the spirit beast fall by itself and quickly rushed forward, tying it up securely with many hands. A Xiasha Valley disciple murmured, "Strange! We fought it for a long time just now, and it was very fierce. Is it out of strength now?"
Qiao Mu took out three storage talismans filled with items and placed them in the Good Samaritan Valley Master's hand. "Good Samaritan Valley Master, here you go. Just a drop of blood will open them."
"My Divine Water Sect has reopened in Shenzhou. I've found my Second Uncle and the other senior sisters. If there's an opportunity, we can gather again at Xiasha Valley."
Good Samaritan Valley Master: ... There aren't many of the Five Gates left. As for the Three Sects, pfft, gathering at Xiasha Valley again? Can the Three Sects truly be good friends? Can't they avoid infighting?
"Good Samaritan Valley Master, time is limited today, so we'll part here. Let's gather another day."
Luo Jinlang nodded with a look of emotion. After bidding farewell to the young lady and others, he opened the three storage talismans the young lady had given him. Even Valley Master Luo was stunned and dizzy.
Wen Dan watched the gradually receding shadow of the Crimson Heaven Vast Waves, and her mind seemed to replay the image of the young lady standing on the back of the Azure Phoenix, her sash fluttering, reaching out and bowing expressionlessly to everyone with clasped hands.
"Good Samaritan Valley Master, fellow disciples of Xiasha Valley, I, Qiao Mu, will engrave today's kindness in my heart! When we meet again in the martial world, I will surely repay this kindness. Farewell!"
A faint smile bloomed on her lips. How wonderful, Little Junior Sister looks very happy now. They are truly overjoyed.
...
Years Later
Many years later, Ming Yasi stood at the entrance of the perpetually snow-covered Ice and Snow Realm, gazing up at the white valleys on both sides. A group of guards followed closely behind, not daring to breathe a sound. As the ice lions galloped, a large cavalry advanced into the Ice and Snow Realm, hunting snow beasts.
"His Majesty has commanded that we capture snow weasels alive!"
Everyone affirmed, but secretly, they couldn't help but wonder: His Majesty comes to the Ice and Snow Realm for hunting every year, and every year he tries to catch a live little snow weasel. What kind of strange obsession is that?
Later that night, seeing that Ming Yasi had been standing on the mountaintop for a long time, not returning to the camp, Ge Ying took a robe and draped it over Ming Yasi. She stood beside him, her head bowed, not daring to say much.
"Has there been any news?"
Ge Ying, seeing him ask, dared to nod and respond softly.
"Has she given birth?"
Ge Ying quickly shook her head.
"Why hasn't she given birth yet?" Ming Yasi fumed. "He's truly a useless man! Only one boy in all these years. Perhaps he's not very capable!"
Ge Ying: ... Your Majesty, whatever you say. I just wish you'd say that in front of His Majesty of Shenzhou.
Actually, Ge Ying really wanted to ask this master, after all these years, why are you still so concerned about whether those two in Shenzhou have given birth to a daughter? It has nothing to do with you anymore!
Ge Ying had no idea that when Ming Yasi tossed and turned sleeplessly at night, he would always sit up, gnash his teeth, and mutter to himself: My son, the eagle of the grasslands, will marry your daughter and avenge me! You made my heart ache for a lifetime, so I'll make you taste what heartache is like.
Unable to obtain his beloved, whom he married, and how many children he had, were no longer within Ming Yasi's consideration. Someone continued to wait year after year with such a belief. His sons indeed grew in number, but those two, being eccentric, just wouldn't give birth to a daughter. Isn't that vexing?
"Ach-choo!" Qiao Mu rubbed her little nose, poking her head out from the pavilion and looking at the two playing chess not far away. Someone must be badmouthing Qiao Qiao behind her back. The little stoic watched the two for a long time, then couldn't help but pull out a bead and casually flick it over.
Mo Lian was contemplating his next move. Hearing the sound, he extended a finger to catch it, then turned to look at her. Just then, Duanyue "slapped" his other hand down, and his black piece landed on the chessboard.
"You're cheating!"
Duanyue said expressionlessly, "All's fair in love and war."
Seeing the two starting to squabble like dogs, Qiao Mu yawned boredly and waved to the seven beauties fishing in the lake on the other side. "Catch a few and come up; we can't eat too many."
Duanyue picked up the white pieces one by one from the chessboard, putting them into the chess box, rattling them. "Did you find out?" What exactly does that Ming Yasi want to know? He keeps sending people around them every day, not knowing what he's trying to find out.
Mo Lian's handsome face darkened, and he said ungraciously, "He's asking if we've had a daughter."
Duanyue's face registered astonishment, and his hand, which was fiddling with the chess pieces, paused. "He?" Could he have turned into a pervert?
Mo Lian snorted. "He has so many sons, and he's setting his sights on my daughter!" Pah! Not to mention he doesn't have a daughter right now, even if he did, hmph, he would absolutely never give her to him.
Qiao Mu walked into the lakeside pavilion and heard the words "daughter." She blinked and asked, "You know?"
What do we know? The two looked at her in confusion. Oh, so they don't know!
Qiao Mu shook her little head, thinking: I knew it. I haven't told anyone about having a daughter, have I? She was afraid that if she told too early, a bunch of people would act like lunatics, restricting her freedom every day! Then she would be utterly annoyed. Never mind, it's better to tell them later.
On the other side, Fengchen and his group walked over, leading little Mo Xiao and carrying a basket full of lake fresh seafood.
"Let's go! Today, I'll personally take charge and make you a grand seafood feast!" Qiao Mu stood up and waved her small hand.
Everyone's lips twitched, and they immediately followed her, calling out repeatedly, "Qiao Qiao, I'll do it! You don't need to bother."
"Yes, yes, I'll do it, I'll do it!"
Qiao Mu paid no attention, walking quickly towards the kitchen. Making favorite food for favorite people to eat, that's simple happiness.
Everyone: ...
"Mother, they're playing rock-paper-scissors behind us!" The little dumpling's excited voice hadn't finished when Fengchen clamped a hand over his mouth. Rock-paper-scissors, whoever loses eats more!
Qiao Mu chuckled, her steps light as she walked towards the kitchen. Behind her, the winding path, the laughing crowd, and a half-setting sun hung in the sky, casting a golden, bright glow...
The End of the Book
Zi Yunxi
2020.10.10 18:34 Edited
Written at the very end:
Friends, as the author typed the last word, my heart felt both light and a little melancholic.
I'll chat with you one last time; next time, we'll meet in a new book.
The side story concludes, marking the complete end of Qiao Qiao's book.
It feels a bit sad to let go, but eventually, it must end.
Three years have passed in a blink of an eye. Here, I want to thank all the paid readers for their silent contributions to this book.
A special thanks to everyone who voted and tipped with a flick of their wrist.
Your love is the driving force for this author.
Qiao Qiao's story hasn't ended. She continues to live a happy and fulfilling life in the place she loves, with those who love her, and for us, the next journey awaits.
Today is 2020.10.10. This book is not perfect; there are still many shortcomings.
I have a small wish: that the next book will show a little more progress and be even more perfect. I hope everyone will love it even more; that will be the path to success ^_^
This is not a farewell; this is a confession, haha. Thank you all for your companionship these many days. Here's wishing everyone health and happiness!
See you in the next book.
My new book, "The Princess Consort Is Consulting Fortunes Again," awaits you all. Mwah! O(∩_∩)O~