无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

“Indeed, Emperor Father’s benevolence is a blessing to the people of Great Sheng.”

“You send her then, the sooner the better.”

“But, the Princess Consort has specifically requested Mu Jian to escort her home.”

“Hm?” The Emperor looked up, casting a somewhat doubtful glance at his son, “Are you indirectly trying to link this Mu Jian matter to the Jiang Family?”

Li Hongyuan gave a bitter smile, “Emperor Father, your son is simply speaking the truth. The reason for Li Xiu’s punishment was exactly this.”

“So the servant was punished, not because your words betrayed your feelings, wanting to see the Princess Consort, yet running off to the Side Concubine’s chambers, leaving the Princess Consort waiting in vain all day?”

“Emperor Father is wise, but without my consent, my servants disclosed my whereabouts privately. If I didn’t punish them, I wouldn’t be justified.”

“At this time, it is exactly when you should win over Li Xiu. Your astute Side Concubine would not engage in such affairs, instead she roused the Princess Consort. Such a fool, this Seventh Sister.” The Emperor huffed.

Li Hongyuan laughed, “Even Li Yuanyuan overthought this. Did she really assume, I was genuinely angry with Li Xiu?”

“Apply your cleverness to important matters, not meddling with these women.” Li Hongyuan said, “Even so, having only a Main Consort and a Side Consort in your East Palace is too few. After the New Year, select a few more.”

“Yes.” Li Hongyuan responded.

“Why does the Princess Consort want Mu Jian to escort her back to her parental home?” The Emperor suddenly asked.

“Probably, fearing my refusal, the Princess Consort took the initiative to propose Mu Jian as the escort, also signaling her intention to supervised.” Li Hongyuan answered after pondering.

The Emperor chuckled, “Aren’t you suspicious that the Jiang Family has bribed Mu Jian?”

“About this matter, your son will look into it. But if it is indeed the Jiang Family, the Princess Consort, with her intelligence, would at least avoid suspicion, and wouldn’t propose Mu Jian as her escort.”

“Perhaps, it is precisely her unambiguous actions that highlight her innocence?” The Emperor counter-questioned.

“This… Regardless of the reality, in the absence of evidence, your son will not suspect the Princess Consort.” Li Hongyuan said, “Your son has thanked Emperor Father for the grace on behalf of the Princess Consort.”

“Alright, you may go. There’s no need to come here today.” The Emperor waved.

“Your son will take his leave.” Li Hongyuan stood up, turned around and left.

The Emperor slowly let out a sigh, then lowered his head to look at the string of beads in his hands.

Without the nourishment of the owner’s fair, jade-like skin, even this string of pearls seemed to have lost their luster.

The palace maid, holding the medicine, entered and respectfully kneeled down, “Your Majesty, it is time to take your medicine.”

“Get out.” The Emperor suddenly became irritable and overturned the bowl of medicine with a swing of his hand. “I am not sick, but you people with your bitter medicinal soup are wearing out my body!”

“Your Majesty, please calm down.” The palace maid, terrified, hastily kowtowed.

The Emperor massaged his forehead, as if a moment’s rage had drained all his energy.

He weakly waved his hand: “Out.”

The maid, her face pale, cleaned up the broken bowl and left.

At this time, the eunuch from the Evaluation Office came in, carrying a tray and carefully said, “Your Majesty, this is sent by the Empress. You haven’t been to the Harem for many days, this…”

“The Empress has always been virtuous as usual.” The Emperor sneered, glancing at the cards on the tray.

A dozen small green-head cards, each stamped with the names of the concubines.

Only the most familiar, the most well-worn one, was missing.