Chapter 98: Leaving Without a Word

No sooner had she returned to the tent and arranged the meal than two people arrived uninvited. Yun Zui glanced at Chi Mie, spotting him yet again—truly, he seemed to appear everywhere.

Chi Mie wore an elegant black robe, adorned with faint purple cloud patterns that shimmered coldly with each movement. His presence exuded a chilling charm mingled with the aura of a sovereign, instantly elevating the tent’s humble atmosphere to one of grandeur.

Normally, any outsider attempting entry would be stopped by the palace maids stationed outside, but given Chi Mie’s rank, no one dared to block him.

Upon entering, Chi Yuan’s eyes fell on the dishes arranged before Yun Zui, and his mouth watered. “The food here looks delicious,” he remarked.

Yun Zui’s indulgence was evident—while others squeezed into the dining hall to eat, she enjoyed a solitary feast.

She shot Chi Yuan a sharp look, her words blunt. “What, do you think the cook at your place dares refuse your order?”

Though her tone was harsh, Chi Yuan remained unfazed, shamelessly trying to cozy up. “You can’t possibly eat all this alone. The three of us can just share it.”

Yun Zui rolled her eyes. Chi Yuan was truly shameless.

Since stepping in, Chi Mie had remained silent. Not surprised to see Yun Zui veiled, he produced a small porcelain bottle of pale jade and placed it in front of her. “An effective remedy for swelling.”

Yun Zui’s gaze faltered. It seemed Chi Mie was aware she wore the veil to conceal her still-swollen, reddened lips.

Looking up at Chi Mie’s otherworldly, wickedly handsome face, she noticed something unexpected—a bite mark at the corner of his perfect, unblemished lips.

Clearly, it was a love bite. For a moment, her mind went blank.

So it was Chi Mie who had kissed her so passionately last night!

Drinking had truly led to trouble. Quickly regaining her composure, Yun Zui said, “I’ll be inviting the late emperor to dine with me shortly. Xiao Si and Lord Mie, it’s best you leave.”

After what had happened yesterday, the atmosphere felt awkward. Chi Mie was outstanding, and as the late emperor’s consort, her association with him was a breach of propriety—something outsiders could never tolerate. Besides, she had no intention of falling for someone of a bygone era; her true opponent had yet to be dealt with.

Hearing Yun Zui mention inviting the late emperor, Chi Yuan’s face twisted with dread. Inviting a dead man to dinner?

If it weren’t for Yun Zui’s appearance—so lively and far from death—Chi Yuan wouldn’t dare engage with her. Who could say if she had truly died? But the late emperor was certainly dead. To invite him to a meal was to summon a ghost.

He had feared the late emperor since childhood; now, the thought of a deceased monarch filled him with even greater trepidation. “I, suddenly remember I have something to attend to…”

He felt an unbearable urge to leave the moment lingered.

Chi Mie, however, remained calm, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Then enjoy your meal.”

He knew Yun Zui’s words were deliberate. If she did not welcome him, he would not persist in staying. His task was done; there was no reason to linger.

After Chi Mie and Chi Yuan departed, Yun Zui picked up the flawless jade bottle, its surface cool and smooth to the touch. Uncorking it, a refreshing fragrance wafted forth—indeed, a potent medicine.

Lifting her veil, she set the little bottle aside. She needed to keep her distance from Chi Mie…