Chapter 196 With her around, it's a blessing for the Empress Dowager and the Ji family.

"emperor?"

The Empress Dowager was surprised to see that Emperor Wusu had also stood up.

After the morning court session, Emperor Wusu appeared at Cining Palace. Wasn't it to talk to her about the case of Ji Bolian?

Why did he also leave after Consort Wei and the other concubines left?

Now, even the Empress Dowager was unsure what the Emperor had come for.

The Empress Dowager, unable to remain seated, also stood up and spoke anxiously, "Your Majesty, is there something else you need?"

Madam Ji and Madam Qiao also looked eagerly at the emperor in the hall, hoping to learn about Ji's father from him.

But he dared not presume to inquire about matters of state, feeling uneasy and anxious.

Emperor Wusu stood with his hands behind his back, seemingly in no hurry to leave, but he didn't say anything.

For a moment, no one in the hall spoke.

Then, Ji Qingwu said softly, "Your Majesty has been working hard these past few days. The tea and snacks in the Empress Dowager's palace are delicious. Why don't you try some before you leave?"

The Empress Dowager glared at Ji Qingwu. She was worried about her father's safety, and she was still bringing up tea and snacks.

I was just about to say something rebuke.

Then the emperor beside them said in a clear voice, "Very well."

After clearing his throat, the emperor sat down again.

The Empress Dowager and others were even more unable to fathom the Emperor's intentions.

Ji Qingwu's bright eyes darted around. Of all the people in the hall, only she had guessed some of the emperor's thoughts.

Emperor Wusu's gaze fell on the white porcelain plate in front of her, and he said, "I think the pastries that Miss Ji ate just now were quite good."

Ji Qingwu's eyes lit up, and he said, "This crab roe is rich and flavorful, and the pastry is sweet but not greasy. When you take a bite, the outer layer is crispy and the filling is soft. Your Majesty, please have a taste."

Regardless of the reason why the emperor stayed, it's still a good thing.

The Empress Dowager said, "Fanghua, go and prepare a new plate of the snacks that Qingwu ate."

Fanghua said, "Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, there is only this one plate of pastries left."

The Empress Dowager frowned and asked, "What kind of pastry is this? Did the small kitchen only make this one serving?"

Fanghua replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, these are crab roe pastries that the Imperial Kitchen made this morning."

No wonder there was only one serving; the meals prepared by the Imperial Kitchen were delivered to each palace in fixed quantities.

The Empress Dowager asked in confusion, "Was this dessert served at the table this morning? I didn't see it."

Fanghua paused for a moment, then said calmly, "The Empress Dowager is preoccupied with worries, and this plate of pastries was placed far away, so she may not have seen it."

Ji Qingwu looked at the crab roe pastries in front of her. She remembered that when the plate of pastries was placed next to her, it was still warm, so it must have just come out of the oven.

She had just used the snacks as an excuse to persuade the emperor to stay.

Because Emperor Wusu gave her that look, she knew in her heart that he was waiting for her to speak.

It just so happens that she also wants to hear Emperor Wusu speak for himself about Ji's father's case, so that Qiao can be at ease.

Li Yuzong quickly said, "Miss Ji, hurry up and hand over that plate of crab roe pastries."

This should have been done by the palace servants, but since His Majesty wanted to eat it, she ate quite a bit of the only plate of snacks.

Ji Qingwu held the white porcelain plate in both hands and walked solemnly towards the front of the hall.

She glanced at Emperor Wusu, who was sitting on the dragon-patterned chair, but dared not look at him for too long, and lowered her head again.

She placed the snacks on the small table beside him, then gracefully picked up the purple clay teapot and poured a cup of tea.

Li Yuzong nodded repeatedly behind the emperor, showing he was becoming increasingly savvy.

"Please have some, Your Majesty."

Ji Qingwu's voice was sweet and clear, and to the emperor's ears, it was far more tempting than these little snacks.

When Emperor Wusu saw her pick up the teapot, he raised an eyebrow, his smile deepening.

After she left, everyone could tell that the emperor was in a much better mood.

He said in a gentle and sincere tone, "We're all family, so make yourselves at home."

Madam Ji had visited the palace many times, but she rarely saw Emperor Wusu so kind and gentle. Even when she was at the Yong'an Marquis's residence, she had never heard the emperor speak so kindly.

The Empress Dowager was stunned.

Having schemed in the inner palace for many years, her relationship with the emperor had reached a freezing point.

Unexpectedly, even now, when the Ji family is in trouble, they receive such a "family" from the emperor.

Regardless of whether the Emperor was speaking casually, the Empress Dowager responded with emotion, "Yes, Your Majesty is right. Everyone in this house is one family."

Ji Qingwu felt that the Empress Dowager's reaction was excessive.

Even if she was his stepmother, she was still married to the Marquis through proper channels; they were originally one family.

Li Yuzong lowered his head, knowing who he was speaking to.

One can't help but sigh that the Empress Dowager and the Ji family are truly fortunate. They had already lost the Emperor's favor, but with this fifth young lady in the Ji family, their future glory is still limitless.

The Empress Dowager also gained confidence: "Your Majesty, since we are all one family, I will not hide anything from you."

When talking to intelligent people, beating around the bush is actually annoying.

The Empress Dowager said, "I have something to ask. How is my eldest brother, Ji Bolian? The old ladies came here because they heard that he had been imprisoned. Everyone in the Ji family is worried about him."

Even though the Empress Dowager had said so much, Emperor Wusu remained silent, only looking down at the golden crab meat pastries in front of him, neither eating nor touching them.

Ji Qingwu felt that he was truly understanding the Emperor's heart more and more.

She spoke again, saying, "Your Majesty, my father has been imprisoned, and my family has been unable to eat or sleep properly. Please inform me of the situation."

Upon hearing that she hadn't been sleeping well, a strange light flashed in Emperor Wusu's eyes.

Upon seeing this, Ji Qingwu pursed her lips.

He continued to plead, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the dungeon is dark and damp. My father is old and his body cannot withstand such treatment. Please have pity on him."

Emperor Wusu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and seemed to be pondering something.

Seeing his reaction, Ji Qingwu stood up, lifted her skirt, and pretended to kneel.

Emperor Wusu swallowed his tea and said, "Lord Ji is an honest and upright official; he was simply implicated in this matter."

Qiao took the emperor's words to heart, but since she was innocent, why had she not been released?

But she didn't dare ask, looking at Xiao Wu with expectant eyes.

Ji Qingwu once again carried the hopes of the whole family.

She asked bluntly, "Your Majesty, since you know that Father is innocent, why haven't you issued an edict to release him?"

Both Madam Ji and Madam Qiao gasped simultaneously.

The Empress Dowager's hand, which was putting down her teacup, hit the corner of the table, causing her to hiss softly in pain.

Such a bold question, and yet he even tries to teach the emperor how to do things.

Madam Ji said, "Please calm down, Your Majesty. Qingwu spoke carelessly and had absolutely no intention of disrespecting us. Please do not implicate Bolian because of this."

Qiao took the blame upon herself, saying, "Your Majesty, Qingwu has been away from Lin'an for a long time. It is my fault for not teaching him proper manners. Please do not blame me."

Ji Qingwu stared at him intently, unable to believe that such a single sentence could enrage the emperor.

After all, she had said far too many disrespectful things.

Emperor Wusu took everyone's reactions into account.