Chapter 24

Chapter 24 - Palpitating Heart

"Father Emperor had assumed that I was lacking in education, but after testing me at school he was very impressed at my knowledge. He gave me many gifts as a reward but I wanted to save it all for you!"The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Gong Yi Mo smiled approvingly. "You are generous, child, but since he gave them to you you should keep it. Remember what I've told you recently?"

She had wanted Gong Jue to be safely hidden from the spotlight before he matured, leaving only a slight impression to those around him. Gong Jue nodded understandingly at her concern. "Yes I remember. For now I should only reveal a portion of my abilities, neither being too prominent nor too low in skill.

Maintaining a moderate level of performance was safest. If he was too talented or too incompetent, then he would draw people's attention. Since he couldn't protect himself at all times, this was the best safety measure they could take for now.

As Gong Yi Mo resumed applying medicine, her hand inadvertently swept across the sensitive part of his chest, catching the boy by surprise. Gong Jue couldn't help but tremble as all the thoughts in his mind were thrown into chaos. His face quickly turned bright red from embarrassment.

"Sister...I can apply the rest of the medicine myself."

When he reached out to grab the bottle of ointment, he never expected for Gong Yi Mo to lift it up high while staring back at him with a mischievous smile.

"Ah, I didn't expect my little brother to be so innocent. That's no good, if you are too pure, who knows when another woman would come along to snatch you. It seems that I'll have to train you!"

She resumed smearing the medicine onto him, regardless of his self-consciousness.

Whether or not it was done intentionally, Gong Yi Mo's fingertips gently slid across his abdomen, causing Gong Jue to inhale nervously. His heartbeat thudded loudly in his ears. Gong Jue was aware of the heat that rose from within, but despite his discomfort, he didn't dare to resist, afraid to cause her any displeasure.

Unfortunately, Gong Yi Mo never shared such feelings, since even such intimate contact meant nothing much to her. Knowing this left him discouraged.

He silently looked away, hoping that she wouldn't notice the sadness in his eyes or the tightness of his lip as he clenched his teeth. It would be disastrous if she saw more of his true desires and labeled him as a wolf.

But despite his efforts to restrain himself, her hands were teasing; she pinched him here and there before saying with a satisfied voice, "As expected of a child I'm raising. These muscles are so toned and beautiful! If another woman approaches, you should be careful not to have your tofu eaten!"

Gong Jue suddenly grabbed her hand, his eyes filled with hurt. Gong Yi Mo was left speechless for a moment.

*

After a month, Gong Jue's injury had almost fully healed.

During this time, he was able to meet all of his brothers and sisters, adding up to a total of thirty nine children. The eldest of the group, a young man twenty-two years of age, had left to pursue his career while the youngest was still in his infancy.

Because Gong Yi Mo was highly favored by the emperor, she continued to receive rewards from his hand. She even asked for a gift in behalf of Gong Jue. After recovering in the Taiji temple, he was immediately sent to Tai He Palace** for his residence, while Gong Yi mo remained in the temple. The jealous onlookers had no choice but to turn a blind eye towards the arrogant emperor's decree.

(**ed: Tai He Palace/Hall of Supreme Harmony 太和殿- one of the three major halls of the Imperial Palace; building with the most entrances, most depth, and highest roof. The emperor's enlistment and the ceremony for setting up the empress were held here. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is a symbol of imperial power. source: Wiki)

Although Gong Jue felt wronged for being ignored by his father, the fact that Gong Yi Mo was favored by the emperor left him a feeling of warmth. She was his beloved Sister Gong after all. There was no need for jealousy.

*

Later after class, a boy stepped in front of Gong Jue at the courtyard. The young prince guarded himself as he saw who was blocking his path.

The boy who stood in his way was Gong Qi, Liu Xian Fei's son.

Seeing the older prince before him, Gong Jue couldn't help but remember his own mother's, Li Ching Hua's, passing. Back then, she was severely poisoned, and in just a few days her health seemed to wither away like a wilted tree. Liu Xian Fei then accused his mother of an unforgivable crime, citing numerous evidences against her. When Liu Xian Fei went to confront Li Ching Hua one night, the sickly concubine could not handle the emotional burden and passed away that very evening.

Before she died, his mother held Gong Jue's hand and tearfully cried, "I'm sorry, I won't be able to see you grow up." He was too young to understand the sadness behind her eyes then. He could only recall how she pulled his hand, and said over and over again, "The death of this concubine was deserved. Do not seek revenge..."

Do not seek revenge. Until this day, Gong Jue never understood why she asked him not to do so.

Meanwhile, Gong Qi stared at the boy before him with undisguised jealousy. Even though Gong Jue was motherless and unfavored, he still enjoyed his present luxuries that Gong Qi felt he didn't deserve.

Their sister, Gong Yi Mo, was spoiled by the emperor with many gifts, while Gong Qi still hadn't met their father for the past half month.

That was why Gong Qi felt ashamed. Gong Yi Mo was favored and yet he was cast aside! What was so good about her?!

Gong Jue spoke. "Do you have any business with me?" He kept his voice cold and his eyebrows were furrowed.

Gong Qi looked at him up and down. "Nothing, I just wanted to see what kind of prince who depends on a girl looks like," he sneered. "Now that I'm looking at you, you really are as delicate as a girl."