Qingying had been waiting to see how Liu Shushu would retaliate, and three months had passed since then.
She gazed at the yellowing leaves in the yard, which drifted slowly down with the breeze, and her eyes followed the leaves to the ground.
"She actually locked herself in the palace, never leaving the inner palace. She really has the willpower to sit still," Qingying couldn't help but remark.
Tong Xia said, "With such a carefree life, why is Your Highness not very happy?"
Yu Yue chuckled and joked, "Your Majesty has been idle for too long and wants to find some amusement."
Sitting to the side, Granny Zhou said, "Your Highness, why don't you think about how to consummate your marriage with the Emperor first, and give birth to a prince as soon as possible? Only then will your position be more secure."
If Qingying hadn't specifically investigated Zhou Mama's background, she would have suspected that this person was planted by Wei Huaixu, constantly urging her to consummate the marriage. However, as time went on, she gradually understood that Zhou Mama was like an elder in the family, always hoping that the younger generation could have children as soon as possible to feel fulfilled.
"His Majesty hasn't stepped into the gates of Baoyi Palace for almost half a month. This matter isn't something I can decide alone."
"If the Emperor doesn't come, Your Highness can go find him."
Qingying turned around and looked at the table not far away. The things on it hadn't been touched for half a month. If it weren't for the palace maids cleaning it every day, it would probably be covered in dust soon.
She thought for a moment and said, "You're right. If you let the fishing line out too long and don't reel it in, it's easy for the fish to get off the hook."
She smoothed her temples and walked outside.
"Someone come and help me with my hair and makeup. Maiqiu, go to the imperial kitchen and bring over the white fungus and lotus seed soup that was stewed this morning."
...
Inside the Imperial Purification Hall.
As Wei Huaixu listened to the reports below, he rested one hand on his forehead, looking thoughtfully at the letters spread out on the table.
"You mean the person who abducted Liu Shushu back then was related to the Ye family?"
"That's right. The person who kidnapped her is named Chen Tong. He was promoted to the fourth rank by Grand Tutor Ye, but he was later framed and demoted away from the capital."
Where is Chen Tong now?
"He has resigned from his official post and is now living a retirement in his hometown of Ruzhou."
"It seems the Ye family isn't entirely innocent either."
Wei Huaixu put the letter away and said coldly, "This matter must not be revealed to the outside world. As for the Pan family, let's wait and see before I make my move."
"yes."
At this moment, Yu Ze walked in and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine requests an audience."
Wei Huaixu was stunned for a moment, "What did you say?"
"The Imperial Concubine has arrived, and she even brought you soup." Yu Ze smiled broadly, his eyes practically disappearing behind his teeth.
His eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly stood up: "Let her in quickly."
He then glanced at the person still kneeling to one side and asked, "Is there anything else Lu Qing hasn't explained clearly?"
The latter replied, "Your Majesty, the instructions have been given."
"Then what are you still standing here for?"
Lu Chen belatedly realized what was happening and hurriedly bowed and took his leave.
Qingying walked in and came face to face with Lu Chen.
Lu Chen was a favorite of Wei Huaixu, and she had met him several times, so they exchanged friendly greetings.
"Jiaojiao, what brings you here?"
Wei Huaixu actually came out to greet him, and Lu Chen quickly quickened his pace to leave.
Silently recite in your heart: Do not look at what is improper, do not listen to what is improper.
Qingying stepped forward with a smile and said, "Yu Yue stewed some white fungus and lotus seed soup this morning. It tasted good, so I brought some over for you."
"You're so thoughtful."
His eyes were sparkling, showing that he was very happy.
This was the first time Qingying had taken the initiative to come to his palace to see him since she entered the palace, and she even brought him soup.
As soon as Yu Yue offered him the bowl and spoon, he sat down on the tatami mat beside him and began to eat.
Qingying sat on the other side, watching him quietly. After a long while, seeing that he had almost finished eating, she said softly, "Your Majesty seems to have been very busy these past few days."
"Yes, the national treasury was somewhat depleted after the war with North Vietnam. Later, a palace coup caused a large amount of money to flow out of the country. Although most of it was recovered later, it was still not enough to maintain the national treasury's income and expenditure. This year's autumn harvest was not very promising, and there is no good solution for the time being."
He put down his bowl and spoon, rinsed his mouth, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, looked at her again, and said, "Leave the affairs of the previous dynasty to me. Is there something else you need from me today?"
"Can't I simply come to see Your Majesty?"
Qingying never expected that she would leave him with the impression that she was someone who only came to the temple when she had something to ask for. She pouted in dissatisfaction at his misinterpretation.
Wei Huaixu blinked, then blinked again, confirming that the person in front of him was indeed Liu Qingying, and his expression was unusually flustered.
"You..." He opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.
He had pleaded and begged her for so long, said all the nice things, but her attitude towards him remained lukewarm. He knew that what he had done in the past was terrible, so he never dared to hope for her forgiveness; he just wanted her to stay by his side.
But today, she seemed to have returned to her original self, and she was gentle all over.
Qingying leaned forward, supporting herself on the table, her eyes crinkling with a smile, and asked, "Your Majesty, would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight?"
He stared intently at the beautiful face so close to his, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily, and he replied softly, "...Okay."
"Then I will have the Imperial Kitchen prepare a few more dishes that Your Majesty likes."
"Um."
She rose, curtsied, and said, "Your Majesty, I will not disturb you any longer. I will take my leave."
Even after Qingying's figure disappeared from sight, Wei Huaixu was still somewhat dazed.
Yu Ze smiled and said, "Your Majesty is so thoughtful, remembering that today is His Majesty's birthday."
Wei Huaixu was taken aback. "Is today my birthday?"
"Yes... Has Your Majesty forgotten?"
He didn't answer, his gaze fixed on the leftover lotus seed soup beside him, his lips pressed into a thin line.
How could I remember my birthday if I've never celebrated it?
Meanwhile, Qingying came out of the Yuqing Palace and passed through the Imperial Garden when she suddenly heard low voices coming from inside.
As you get closer, you can hear it more clearly—it's a group of palace maids and nannies chatting together.
"Her Majesty the Empress has started preparing early this morning; it seems she intends to keep the Emperor in her palace today."
"Could it be that she intends to meet the Emperor today..." He suddenly stopped there, and the group exchanged glances and laughed.
"No matter how much preparation we do, it's useless. His Majesty will definitely go to Baoyi Palace today."
How can you be so sure?
"I ran into the Imperial Concubine on my way here. I saw that she was heading towards the Yuqing Palace. This is the first time. Given how much the Emperor dotes on the Imperial Concubine, she must be going to the Baoyi Palace today."
"Really? Then Her Majesty the Empress has worked for nothing."
"Indeed, today is the Emperor's birthday. If the mourning period hadn't ended, a palace banquet would probably already be being held."
Qingying stopped listening and turned to walk down another path. She wouldn't interrupt the palace maids' gossip; these people were always bored and prone to gossiping. As long as they didn't say anything bad about her that she would hear, she usually wouldn't meddle.
Yu Yue was also somewhat surprised: "Today is actually His Majesty's birthday?!"
Qingying smiled and said, "It's truly an unexpected success. We'd better make a good dinner tonight."
"This servant will do her utmost to satisfy Your Majesty."
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