Chapter 3310: Are You Really Planning...
Chapter 3310: Are You Really Planning...
The chauffeur was surprised.
However, as Nie Qingru's right-hand man, Shadow's words carried a lot of weight.
The chauffeur only thought about it for a moment before saying respectfully, "Alright, I won't go far. The Empress and Lord Shadow can call me back anytime."
Shadow watched the chauffeur walk away to a corner where he could not hear them. Then he turned back and looked at his master, whom he had followed for decades.
His facial muscles twitched violently. For the first time, he had doubts.
Before he could speak, Nie Qingru broke the silence. "Pfft, you're really bold now. You don't take me seriously anymore."
Shadow felt a chill on his back and immediately knelt on one knee. "Please forgive me, Empress. I was just in a hurry and did not mean to disobey you."
"Tell me." Nie Qingru did not argue with him. She sat in the car but did not close the door. She looked at him sharply. "What do you want to tell me?"
Shadow suddenly raised his head and looked into her cold eyes. He did not know why the words were wrapped around his heart and he could not open his mouth.
Nie Qingru waited for a few seconds, but before he could speak, her cold smile disappeared. "My patience is limited. If you don't want to tell me, get the chauffeur to return."
Veins bulged on Shadow's forehead. He clenched and unclenched his hands, then clenched them again. Finally, he mustered his courage and looked into her eyes. "Empress, have you decided?"
Nie Qingru's expression, which had already faded, turned completely cold. She looked at him with killing intent. "Who are you to ask what I want to do?"
"But you watched Young Master Qi grow up. He's like a son to you. Are you really willing to sacrifice him?" Shadow asked with agitation.
He wasn't a fool.
Having followed Nie Qingru for decades, he knew his master's every word and action too well.
If the Empress had taught Young Master Qi a harsh lesson in the ward just now, there would still be room for negotiation. At the very least, the Empress would still be willing to protect Young Master Qi.
However, the Empress was so gentle that it did not make sense. She even patted Young Master Qi's shoulder gently before leaving...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Perhaps in Young Master Qi's eyes, this was a sign of intimacy.
However, Shadow knew very well how Ji Qing died back then.
Before Ji Qing died, the Empress also showed the same attitude.
She was as strict as usual. Instead, she was as gentle as an ordinary mother.
And yet...
"Empress, I know that Young Master Qi has caused you a lot of trouble this time, but if you insist on saving Young Master Qi's life, the Privy Council might not dare to..." Shadow spoke quickly and anxiously. There was a thin layer of sweat on the tip of his nose. It was unknown if he was anxious or frightened.
However, before he could finish speaking...
Nie Qingru cut him off. "Enough!"
Shadow raised his head and looked at her in a daze. "Are you really planning to..."
Nie Qingru looked at him sharply. "You know better than anyone how much I've sacrificed and compromised to get to where I am today."
Shadow lowered his head and said weakly, "I know, but..."
But that was Young Master Qi!
It was the child he had watched grow up.
He really could not bear it.
"I know what you want to say, but I can't ruin my life's work for him!" Nie Qingru closed her eyes heavily, and something surged up from her chest.
She did not feel any better than Shadow.
But now, she only had this path left.
"I've nurtured him since he was born. I've given him the best education and hired the best teachers. I didn't even push him into the open for the first 30 years so that he could have a quiet environment. I secretly cleared the obstacles in his path..."