Pei Jinxiao strode into the imperial study with a solemn expression, and saw the emperor sitting on the dragon throne, reviewing memorials with a serious expression. He bowed slightly and saluted, and the emperor raised his head and stared at him with a sharp gaze.
"Pei Jinxiao, do you admit your guilt?" The emperor's voice was cold, revealing a hint of dissatisfaction.
Pei Jinxiao's heart tightened, and he said hurriedly: "I know not my crime, but please Your Majesty, please explain clearly."
The emperor put down his pen and looked at him sharply: "What happened in the temple today?"
Pei Jinxiao thought for a moment, then told the emperor everything that happened in the temple. After hearing this, the emperor's expression eased a little, but he was still serious: "Do you know how many people will be affected by such a misunderstanding?"
"I know very well that this is a misunderstanding. I am willing to contact other women to make up for this mistake." Pei Jinxiao said sincerely.
The emperor nodded and said, "Then how do you explain your feelings for Madam Qin, Sheng Yunrong?"
Pei Jinxiao was shocked and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, I have no improper thoughts about Sheng Yunrong. I just acted inappropriately on impulse. Now I understand that she is married and I will no longer have any thoughts about her."
The emperor looked at Pei Jinxiao with deep eyes: "Pei Jinxiao, as the Prince of Jing, you are of noble status. You know that in the palace, one wrong step can lead to a complete failure. If you act rashly like this again, I'm afraid you will be in great trouble."
Pei Jinxiao's forehead was sweating, and he knelt down quickly: "Your Majesty's teachings are engraved in my heart. I will be careful in what I say and do, and will never make such a mistake again."
The emperor looked at him with a hint of helplessness in his eyes, and said, "Pei Jinxiao, do you know why I attach so much importance to this matter?"
Pei Jinxiao shook his head: "I don't know."
The emperor sighed: "Because you are not only my confidant, but also my sustenance. I hope you can become a wise ruler and contribute your strength to our country and the welfare of the people."
Pei Jinxiao was touched and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best to live up to your expectations."
The emperor nodded and asked, "Then do you know the identity of Sheng Yunrong's husband, Qin Wenyuan, the master of the Qin Mansion?"
Pei Jinxiao frowned and recalled: "Qin Wenyuan is a close minister of your majesty and is quite trusted by your majesty."
"Yes, Qin Wenyuan is not only my minister, but also my confidant. I have never doubted his loyalty." The emperor spoke in a serious tone, with a firmness in his eyes.
Pei Jinxiao's heart trembled, and he said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, I understand."
The emperor looked at him, his eyes gradually softening: "Pei Jinxiao, please get up. I don't mean to blame you, but I hope you can understand that in this chaotic world, I need your support and I also need you to share my worries."
Pei Jinxiao stood up, feeling warm in his heart: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to share your worries."
"That's very good." The emperor closed his eyes and smiled.
Pei Jinxiao looked at the emperor with sharp eyes and explained seriously: "I do not have any private feelings for Qin Fu Madam Sheng Yunrong, but I feel guilty for the harm she suffered because of me."
The emperor frowned slightly, his eyes like knives, examining Pei Jinxiao: "Pei Jinxiao, do you know what you are talking about? Sheng Yunrong is the wife of the Qin family, and her status is noble. If you have no intention towards her, how could you let her get hurt?"
Pei Jinxiao said in a deep voice: "I admit that I was indeed impulsive at the time, but it was not because of my love for Sheng Yunrong, but because of a misunderstanding. I feel deeply guilty and am willing to take all the blame."
The emperor was silent for a moment, with a hint of doubt in his eyes, as if he was weighing Pei Jinxiao's words. He waved his hand, signaling Pei Jinxiao to leave: "You leave first, I need to think about it carefully."
Pei Jinxiao bowed and turned to leave the imperial study.
In the imperial study, the emperor's face was uncertain, and Eunuch Ying stood aside cautiously, not daring to make a sound. The emperor suddenly said, "Eunuch Ying, pass on the decree, summon Sheng Yunrong to the palace."
Eunuch Ying was stunned and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, Madam Qin's wife Sheng Yunrong is currently recovering from her injuries and may not be suitable for her to enter the palace."
The emperor's eyes turned cold: "How dare you disobey my words?"
Eunuch Ying was so frightened that he knelt down immediately: "I dare not, but I am worried about Madam Qin's health."
The emperor snorted coldly: "Since she was injured by Pei Jinxiao, it means that she is not seriously injured. I want to see her in person, you go and convey the order immediately."
Eunuch Ying had no choice but to agree and leave the imperial study.
In the imperial study, the emperor stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window at the palace, with a lot of thoughts in his mind. Pei Jinxiao's explanation made him a little confused, but he wanted to know Sheng Yunrong's true thoughts more.
…
Eunuch Ying hurriedly came to the Qin Mansion holding the imperial edict. The vermilion door slowly opened behind him, and what came into view was the fragrance and tranquility of the courtyard.
Outside the mansion gate, servants had already lined up waiting, the majesty and dignity of the Qin Mansion were fully revealed in their expressions.
Sheng Yunrong was chatting with the maids in the inner hall. When she heard the doorman announce the arrival of Eunuch Ying, her face suddenly became solemn. She put down her needlework, slowly stood up, and walked towards the lobby.
Eunuch Ying had been waiting in the lobby. He was wearing a gorgeous eunuch costume, and the golden crown on his head sparkled in the sun. His eyes were deep, and there was a faint smile on the corner of his mouth, as if everything was under control.
Sheng Yunrong walked into the lobby. She was wearing a lavender silk dress, with her hair tied up and a simple jade hairpin inserted. Her hair was as white as clouds and her face was as beautiful as flowers, with a hint of sadness between her eyebrows.
Eunuch Ying handed Sheng Yunrong the imperial edict and said, "Madam Qin, the emperor has ordered you to come to the palace to see him immediately."
Sheng Yunrong took the imperial edict, her fingers trembling slightly. She forced herself to remain calm and asked, "Eunuch, the emperor has summoned me. What is the matter?"
Eunuch Ying smiled slightly, but his eyes could not hide the deep meaning: "Madam Qin, this old servant does not know. However, Madam, you should prepare for the emperor's order as soon as possible."
Sheng Yunrong felt even more uneasy. She forced a smile and responded, "You're right, father-in-law. I'll get ready right away."
Eunuch Ying looked at Sheng Yunrong with a hint of sympathy in his eyes, and he said softly, "Madam, you have worked hard."
Sheng Yunrong was stunned. She didn't understand what Eunuch Ying meant, but she didn't ask any more questions. She just smiled and said, "Eunuch, you are joking. I am just doing my duty."
Eunuch Ying said no more. He looked at Sheng Yunrong deeply and turned away. Sheng Yunrong looked at his back and felt more and more uneasy.
She returned to the room, sat in front of the mirror, and looked at herself in the mirror. Her bright eyes were now filled with doubt and fear. She knew that this entry into the palace must be related to the reputation of the Qin family.
She thought of the annual Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, when she would bring her children to the palace with Qin Wenyuan. Although Qin Wenyuan was not a high-ranking official, he was talented and elegant, and he always caused a sensation at the palace banquet. And all this was because of her support.
Thinking of this, a hint of determination flashed in Sheng Yunrong's eyes.
She took a deep breath, stood up and prepared to enter the palace.