Chapter 97 Disturbed

After finishing his remaining official business in the Imperial Study, Chu Huaiyu couldn't wait to head to Chengqian Palace, hoping to enjoy Anshi pomegranates with Lu Zhaoxue.

However, he was stopped by a maid from Empress Dowager Rong's palace halfway there. She said that Empress Dowager Rong wanted to meet with him and asked Chu Huaiyu to go immediately.

Although Chu Huaiyu had some doubts, he didn't think much of it and turned to walk towards Empress Dowager Rong's palace.

As soon as I pushed open the door, I smelled a captivating incense filling the hall.

Behind the screen, the figure of a graceful woman could be vaguely seen.

A nearly transparent inner garment perfectly outlined the woman's slender and graceful figure.

A barely perceptible glint of malice flashed in his eyes as he slowly stepped forward.

Chu Huaiyu reached out and removed the veil from the woman's face, but upon seeing her face clearly, he suddenly regained his senses.

"Who are you?" he asked, his eyes wide with anger.

"Your Majesty, I am Huo Chengbi."

Huo Chengbi quickly bowed and saluted, his head bowed very low, but his ears were so red they looked like they were about to bleed.

Chu Huaiyu then came to his senses and realized that the woman in front of him was Huo Chengbi, the most outstanding contestant in today's talent show.

It turned out that the Empress Dowager had summoned him here today for this very reason.

Seeing that he remained silent, Huo Chengbi couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

She hesitated for a moment, then slowly raised her head and looked at Chu Huaiyu.

Her eyes held a hint of grievance and expectation.

Chu Huaiyu took a deep breath, calming the turmoil in her heart, and said calmly, "You should rest first."

As he spoke, he walked to the soft couch outside the hall and sat down, his brows furrowed and his expression weary.

Huo Chengbi felt anxious. As a newly selected concubine, if she failed to serve the emperor tonight, she would not only lose face, but she would also likely never gain the emperor's favor again.

She bit her lip and mustered her courage to walk up to Chu Huaiyu.

Huo Chengbi's long eyes were filled with a faint mist, making her look pitiful: "Your Majesty, let me serve you so you can rest."

Chu Huaiyu looked up at her, and those wet eyes inexplicably reminded him of Lu Zhaoxue when they first met.

When he first met Lu Zhaoxue, he was attracted by her clear and bright eyes.

In his heart, Lu Zhaoxue's eyes were the most beautiful and lively he had ever seen in his life.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the beautiful woman before him.

Huo Chengbi boldly reached out and touched Chu Huaiyu's shoulder.

The alluring fragrance emanating from her body gently brushed against Chu Huaiyu's nose, making him uneasy.

Seeing that Chu Huaiyu did not react, Huo Chengbi reached out to unbutton his clothes. Her expression was youthful and innocent, yet full of anticipation and trepidation.

Chu Huaiyu watched her movements, a bitter smile playing on his lips, and stood up to avoid Huo Chengbi.

"Your Majesty..." Huo Chengbi sensed his movement and called out softly.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Chu Huaiyu suddenly strode out of the hall.

Caught off guard, Huo Chengbi tried to chase after him but tripped over her own skirt and fell heavily to the ground.

She lay on the ground, pretending to be injured, and started crying pitifully.

But Chu Huaiyu showed no sign of turning back and left the main hall directly.

Chu Huaiyu originally thought that keeping Lu Zhaoxue by his side would be enough.

But later he realized that what he wanted was far more than that.

He wanted Lu Zhaoxue's heart, he wanted her to belong to him completely.

And these are things she may never be able to give you.

Over the years, she has always hurt him time and time again in this subtle way.

Chu Huaiyu went to the pavilion in the Imperial Garden alone, asked Eunuch Wei to bring him some strong liquor, and poured himself a drink.

The wine in his glass was spicy and bitter, but it couldn't extinguish the frustration and resentment in his heart.

Standing to the side, Eunuch Wei watched Chu Huaiyu's forlorn figure and couldn't help but sigh repeatedly.

He watched Chu Huaiyu grow up, from a prince to the crown prince, and now to the emperor.

He knew best the struggles and anguish in Chu Huaiyu's heart.

Perhaps, as an emperor, one should be ruthless and heartless.

However, Chu Huaiyu fell in love with Lu Zhaoxue, which became his biggest weakness.

After several rounds of drinks, Chu Huaiyu put down his wine cup and said in a hoarse voice, "Eunuch Wei, prepare to go to Chengqian Palace."

"This servant obeys the decree." Eunuch Wei sighed inwardly and quickly replied.