Chapter 39 Dodge if you can
Zhao Youchen wrote to Fu Mingyi with a feeling of excitement and pride.
Although he knew that Fu Mingyi might not see it, or he might see it but be unable to reply.
However, this did not affect Zhao Youchen's good mood.
He felt a warm glow in his heart whenever he thought of Xiao Qing's vivid and wise performance in the Hall of Diligent Governance.
It was as if he had witnessed the rise of an emperor.
In his heart, Xiao Qing still held infinite possibilities.
He turned and walked towards Chengde Palace, quickening his pace as he wanted to get back to Xiao Qing's side as soon as possible.
However, he was stopped before he could go back.
His subordinates respectfully informed him that the day had come for Physician He to take His Majesty's pulse, and Physician He asked how to arrange things.
Zhao Youchen thought for a moment, and since His Majesty had been preoccupied with the issue of vacant military positions these past two days, he did not make any arrangements in advance.
Recently, His Majesty has fallen asleep at his desk several times while reading in the Southern Study. Last night, in order to deal with the ministers, he read memorials and searched for information, which lasted until almost midnight. In the end, he boarded the imperial carriage with a series of yawns.
We really should take a good look at His Majesty's pulse.
Your Majesty is still young and growing.
Your Majesty's health was already poor, so you need to take good care of yourself.
“Let Physician He come today,” Zhao Youchen said in a low voice. “Chief Steward Mingxiu should have learned enough. This time, when Physician He takes the pulse, let’s bring Chief Steward Ming along as well.”
Soon after, Xiao Qing realized he had been lazy and hadn't gone to the South Study for half a day. Instead, he took a comfortable afternoon nap until he naturally woke up, when he vaguely heard people talking outside.
She wasn't fully awake yet, so she called out softly, "Mei Shu?"
A moment later, Mei Shu came in.
"What time is it?"
"It's almost dusk. Does Your Majesty wish to rise?"
Xiao Qing snapped out of her daze, nodded, and sat up.
Mei Shu was about to come and serve him, but Xiao Qing waved her off.
She then stepped aside, thinking to herself that although this young emperor was the ruler of the world, he still preferred to do many things personally.
Taking advantage of this time, Mei Shu said again, "Imperial Physician He has come to take my pulse and is already waiting. Chief Steward Ming requests an audience."
Xiao Qing was already standing by the bed, adjusting his outer robe with one hand.
Her fingers paused for a moment, and her heart seemed to skip a beat.
Mingxiu.
Mei Shu observed Xiao Qing's expression and saw that he only paused for a moment before continuing with his work without any change in expression.
She couldn't help but wonder: In His Majesty's heart, how much of a place does Chief Eunuch Ming hold?
Thinking of the young and somewhat childish Steward Ming, Mei Shu didn't really think she lived up to her reputation.
"Where is General Zhao?" Xiao Qing asked.
"They're also waiting outside."
Xiao Qing really wanted to tell Zhao Youchen to take the person back.
But before she could speak, she heard Mei Shu say, "General Zhao said that Physician He's pulse diagnosis is routine, and Chief Steward Ming has almost mastered it. If His Majesty thinks it's acceptable, then Chief Steward Ming can stay by his side, which will make it easier to take care of his health in the future."
Xiao Qing cursed Zhao Youchen in her heart.
He was the one who took the person away and locked them up under Fu Mingyi's orders, but now he's released them without Fu Mingyi's permission...
He must not have received permission. We haven't heard from Fu Mingyi for several days now, have we?
What exactly is this doing?
However, that's not the point.
"Go tell General Zhao that I am in perfect health and do not need to see Physician He or recuperate. Please ask him to take the person back."
Mei Shu had no choice but to go.
Zhao Youchen hadn't expected that Xiao Qing would not only refuse to see him, but also allow Mei Shu to speak in such a manner.
Physician He and Mingxiu stood silently to one side, with Mingxiu's head down, seemingly not looking in their direction.
Out of the corner of Zhao Youchen's eye, he noticed that the girl seemed more depressed than when she first entered the palace.
He and Mei Shu walked to the side and talked quietly.
How is Your Majesty's mood?
Mei Shu said gently, "His Majesty has made up his mind; he spoke very calmly."
Zhao Youchen narrowed his eyes; something was definitely wrong.
It was thanks to his constant presence with Xiao Qing during this time that he gained a deeper understanding of her than ever before.
His Highness is kind-hearted and loves animals, especially the kittens lately. He spends almost every day playing with them. He's become incredibly fond of the three cats.
His Majesty is soft-hearted; even those two damned palace servants couldn't bear to lose their lives, so he turned a blind eye. When things didn't go as planned, he even personally questioned the prison warden.
His Majesty is also decisive and wise, and always has a kind and grateful heart. So when the ministers petitioned, their attitude was frivolous, and the situation almost got out of control, His Majesty, at the tender age of ten, defused the situation and even gained the initiative.
How could such a young emperor be so calm, even indifferent, towards Mingxiu, with whom he had spent every day, had a close relationship, and had gone through thick and thin together?
This is unreasonable.
Zhao Youchen said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I request an audience. Please ask Attendant Mei to convey my request."
Unexpectedly, Mei Shu lowered her head and whispered, "General Zhao, His Majesty has made up his mind, so why go against her wishes?"
Zhao Youchen was startled and instinctively looked at her expression, only to see her smile. "This servant will go and report it now, but His Majesty's will is the order this servant must obey."
So when the report was relayed again, Xiao Qing's meaning remained unchanged.
Since Xiao Qing wouldn't come out, Zhao Youchen had no choice but to send Physician He and Mingxiu back.
As soon as the people left, Xiao Qing came out. She went straight to find Ying Ying and started playing with the three kittens again.
Seeing that she was smiling and playing with the cat but seemed somewhat distracted, Yingying asked, "Is Your Majesty unhappy?"
Xiao Qing glanced at him, remained silent for a moment, and then gave a soft "hmm".
Yingying then smiled.
"His Majesty's morning court session today has spread throughout the palace, and many people are praising him."
Xiao Qing forced a smile, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"I wish I knew martial arts." She paused, "Lightness skill would be good too."
They wanted to sneak a peek at Mingxiu. This girl was so simple-minded; she hadn't visited them at all these days, and now she'd rejected them like this. She must be heartbroken.
However, she still decided to keep her distance.
This palace is a fence full of thorns, a swamp buried in mud.
Mingxiu's prime years should not have been buried here.
Yingying sensed Xiao Qing's low spirits.
He whispered, “Your Majesty, where do you wish to go? I am not very capable, but I am quite familiar with most of the palace because I used to steal food for these three kittens. If Your Majesty wishes to go somewhere, I will go and scout the way first, and I will definitely find a way to help Your Majesty avoid the palace guards.”
Seeing Xiao Qing's eyes light up, he smiled and said, "But it can't be too long, or General Zhao will worry."
Xiao Qing blinked her big, watery eyes. "Very good."
The two of them, each holding a cat, chatted for a little while before Yingying left.
Zhao Youchen and Mei Shu noticed that His Majesty was always in a particularly good mood after playing with the cat.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
