Consort Jing shook her head. "I only wish to do my part, and I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission."
"Why...?" Emperor Yuming was neither sad nor happy.
He just couldn't understand why Consort Jing suddenly wanted to go to the royal temple.
Could it be because of Prince Xu?
But more than half a month has passed since this incident, so why is she only bringing it up now?
Emperor Yuming clenched his fist, then lowered it again. Fine, let her go. She's just a concubine; he has no shortage of women.
"I grant your permission."
Consort Jing was not surprised at all, and even smiled as she kowtowed three times to him. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I have something else to say, please let me finish."
Emperor Yu Ming frowned, slightly displeased. "Speak."
"Since Your Majesty has gone to meditate, may Your Majesty send someone to bring the princess back? I will certainly observe a vegetarian diet and chant Buddhist prayers, sincerely praying for blessings, including for the princess's sake, is that alright?"
Emperor Yuming was taken aback. Did she want to bring Zhaoyang back?
Upon closer examination, it's not entirely impossible; in fact, it's entirely feasible.
She was initially sent to a secluded retreat only because she hadn't handed over Xu Zi. Later, when they went to fetch her, she refused. Now that Xu Zi has safely returned to the Xu residence, and Zhao Yang has been gone for so long, she probably won't refuse again.
After all, she was his only daughter, and Emperor Yuming loved her dearly.
He pondered for a moment, then nodded. "We'll do as you say. When do we set off?"
Consort Jing was taken aback, then smiled, "Three days later."
"Go and make your preparations, and take good care of yourself," Emperor Yuming sighed.
"Yes." Consort Jing smiled and kowtowed three times to him earnestly, just as she had when she was conferred the title. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."
Consort Jing left without making a sound, and instructed Emperor Yuming not to spread the word. Knowing she disliked having too many people around, he agreed.
Before leaving the capital, Consort Jing visited Prince Xu at his residence and sat in the Buddhist hall for a very long time.
...
...
Early in the morning, Qin Xi was directing the servants to set the table. Minister Lu and Lu Chuan would be leaving court soon, so she needed to get everything arranged quickly so they could have a meal together.
Qin Xi sent someone to wake Lu Huai, while she waited there. Lu Huai could now be easily woken up, no longer needing to be splashed with water to wake him up like a prisoner when they first got married.
The butler stood at the door and welcomed the two in, "Master, young master."
Minister Lu sighed and nodded, with Lu Chuan following closely behind. Minister Lu saw Qin Qi and couldn't help but shake his head, "Where is Chang Jue?"
"He hasn't arrived yet, but my daughter-in-law has already sent someone to fetch him," Qin Xi said.
Surprisingly, Minister Lu did not reprimand Lu Huai today. He simply sighed and sat down in the main seat. Lu Chuan was to his lower left, while Lu Huai and Qin Qi were to his lower right.
"Father, elder brother, you're back." Lu Huai shrugged, yawned, and sat down next to Qin Qi.
Minister Lu nodded, picked up his chopsticks, and was about to reach out when he put them down again.
Seeing his worried expression, Qin Xi softened her tone, "Is something on your mind, Father-in-law?"
Minister Lu sighed, opened his mouth, but only gave her a complicated look, shook his head, and remained silent.
Lu Chuan chuckled, "Let's eat first."
Minister Lu ate this meal with great unease. He would glance at Qin Qi every now and then, then sigh, prompting Lu Huai to pull Qin Qi closer to him, his face full of wariness.
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