"Ahem... It's so much more comfortable staying here at the Empress's. Other places are only novel for a short time, not for long."
At this moment, Liu Hong was lying in He Ling's arms, a long-lost sight, looking completely at ease.
However, his physical discomfort caused him to feel nauseous from time to time, to the point that he would cough from time to time.
"Your Majesty, you can leave state affairs to the ministers. Why do you have to do everything yourself every day and ruin your health? Here, I have just finished making the ginseng chicken soup that I send to Your Majesty every day. Your Majesty, please drink some to nourish your body!"
"Hmm, as expected, my Empress truly loves me..."
Liu Hong drank the chicken soup in one gulp, feeling a warm sensation spreading through his body, and his spirits lifted considerably.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the hall.
"Your Majesty... this old servant has something important to report!"
The visitor was Zhang Rang. Normally, Liu Hong would definitely listen to what important matters Zhang Rang had to say.
But now, all he wanted was to spend some time with He Ling and clear away the heavy burden weighing on him.
"If it's a matter within the palace, the relevant officials can handle it. It's late, Father Zhang, you should also rest. I'll need your help again tomorrow."
Zhang Rang was taken aback upon hearing this. As a Palace Attendant, it was normal for Liu Hong to misunderstand that he wanted to talk about palace matters.
But now... things are not so ordinary!
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but what this old servant wishes to report is not a matter of the palace. Rather, it is General Zhao Hao, the General Who Guards the North, who is outside apologizing."
Upon hearing this, both Liu Hong and He Ling's eyes narrowed.
What tricks is Zhao Hao up to?
Otherwise, why would he have sought an audience with the Emperor late at night?
Did he... say what offense he was apologizing for?
Zhang Rang's lips twitched. After thinking it over, he decided to tell the truth.
"Your Majesty, Zhao Hao claims to be... Please punish him for his great disrespect!"
Liu Hong's heart was shrouded in a thin gloom by these inexplicable remarks.
"Hmm... This man should have been my son-in-law, but he was so engrossed in brothels that I thought he had been blinded by the prosperity of Luoyang. Now it seems he has turned over a new leaf and come to his senses?"
"In that case, let's meet him! The Empress is here, so she can see what our future son-in-law looks like."
Zhang Rang chuckled, but pretended not to know anything. He simply replied "Yes, Your Majesty" and quickly walked outside.
Before long, Zhao Hao and Yuwen Chengdu, who were only wearing armor, were brought before He Ling and Liu Hong by Zhang Rang.
"Your Majesty, Zhao Hao, accompanied by your guard Yuwen Chengdu, pays his respects to the Empress."
May His Majesty live ten thousand years, and may the Empress live ten thousand years!
Seeing Zhao Hao's polite manners and his armored appearance, Liu Hong couldn't help but ponder.
Could it be... that a war has broken out somewhere, and Zhao Hao wants the title of commander-in-chief?
"Hmm, not bad, not bad at all. Truly a great man, a fine son. I heard that your guard also fought alongside you against the barbarians and made many meritorious contributions? Indeed, you are a valiant general... Rise, all of you. What brings you to this audience so late at night?"
If it were a marriage between the general and the princess, I…”
"Your Majesty, it's not about the marriage!"
Zhao Hao actually dared to interrupt him, which Liu Hong hadn't expected.
He Ling's pretty face was already a little annoyed. After all, she hadn't seen anyone dare to interrupt Liu Hong for many years.
But Liu Hong was more concerned about what Zhao Hao wanted to do by appearing before him under the pretense of apologizing.
"Oh? In that case, what does the general wish to obtain?"
Zhao Hao knelt on one knee, and Yuwen Chengdu followed closely behind.
"Your subject Zhao Hao today acted without authorization in Luoyang City, resorting to violence against a court official."
"Your Majesty, please punish the Empress!"
Liu Hong was taken aback. "My dear minister, why are you..."
However, he didn't finish his sentence this time. Zhang Rang, who had left, returned and crawled over to Liu Hong's side, whispering to him for a long time.
In fact, He Ling heard every single word Zhang Rang said.
He Ling's face immediately turned ashen. She and He Miao were somehow connected, so how could she not be heartbroken to hear such a serious matter...
And anger!
"How dare you, Zhao Hao! Do you have any respect for the law or His Majesty? You dare to act like this even under the Emperor's nose! Is this how a subject should behave?"
"Your Majesty, I request that Zhao Hao's wedding to the Princess be annulled, his marquisate and official position stripped, and that he be imprisoned and thoroughly interrogated!"
Liu Hong's expression shifted slightly. After glancing around, he said in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, He Miao is your brother. I understand your feelings."
But Your Majesty, please don't forget that the women of the inner palace are forbidden from interfering in politics!
He Ling's heart trembled, and she immediately knelt down.
"It was in my moment of panic that I forgot my duty. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"
Liu Hong waved his hand, the thought that had been lingering in his mind had largely disappeared.
"Very well... Zhang Changshi, help the Empress to a side hall to rest properly. Apart from my personal guards, no palace maids or eunuchs are allowed near this hall!"
"promise!"
After the two had walked away, Liu Hong slowly stood up from the phoenix chair.
"Zhao Hao, for the past two months, have you been using brothels to tarnish your reputation while secretly investigating the illegal activities of these officials?"
Liu Hong originally wanted to say the word "handle," but he couldn't bring himself to say it.
If you want to find fault, you would never act first and report later. Zhao Hao's actions now seem more like helping someone in need.
He seemed somewhat unable to fathom what the young man was thinking.
"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case!"
Zhao Hao raised his head and looked directly into Liu Hong's eyes.
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