Chapter 844 Lady Shu's Provocation

The newly renovated Weiyang Palace was quiet. Empress Hua only wore a moon-white long sleeved dress. Leaning against the bench, she flipped through the book in her hands, looking very focused. The sound of footsteps could be heard faintly. Empress Hua knew that it was Qian Shang. She smiled and said, "Did you lost your way? It took you so long to get some books from the library."

Qian Zhuo pursed her lips and put the books on the chair beside the bench. "No. I just delayed for a while on the way." After a pause, she continued in a low voice, "Her Highness Crown Princess has ordered me to report to Your Majesty in time if anything happens. Her Highness asked me to be more careful as Your Majesty couldn't be well-protected as when we were in Huanyin City. Besides, the Palace is much more dangerous..."

Empress Hua looked up at Qian Shang, smiled and said, "Tell me, what happened?"

"Qian Zhuo whispered, "A plague occurred outside the city and it has spread to the city. Everyone in the city is jittery. The Imperial Astronomer said, in front of all the civil and military officials, that there was a comet, which viewed as evil portent, came from the north and appeared in the sky above Jin City recently. As the comet was getting brighter, he feared that it might bring disaster to the State of Xia."

"Oh?" Empress Hua was not surprised or confused at all. She just smiled faintly and said, "I didn't expect that I am able to bring calamity to a state at such an age, that's not bad."

Qian Yin was in a daze. She opened her mouth but said nothing in the end. She thought that Empress Hua was even calmer than the Crown Princess. There must be someone who was trying to frame her. But how could she be so calm in such an urgent situation?

A servant in front of the palace gate hurried in and reported, "Your Majesty, Lady Li from Lady Li asks to see you."

Qian Zhuo had already known how to respond before the Empress said anything. "His Majesty has ordered that the Empress needs to have a good rest after the long trip. No one is allowed to disturb Her Majesty."

The servant was also used to dealing with it. He just came in to ask as a mere formality, so he quickly replied and exited.

Without raising her eyebrows, Empress Hua quietly picked up a book Qian Zhuo had just brought back. Not long after, she heard someone talking outside, followed by footsteps. "Your Majesty, here's your white fungus soup." A soft voice was sounded when the bead curtain on the door was being lifted.

Empress Hua said indifferently, "Put it down.

A chuckle was heard, and the footsteps came close. When the bowl of white fungus soup was being put down on the chair, Empress Hua noticed the one's slim fingers, carmine nail polish and a golden bracelet on her wrist.

Empress Hua looked up and saw a calm but somewhat gorgeous face.

Qian Zhuo squinted her eyes and looked at the person in front of her. Then she swept a curtsy and said in a low voice, "Greetings, Lady Shu."

Lady Shu. With a smile at the corners of her mouth, Empress Hua] lowered her eyes again. Then she turned a page and said, "I'm wondering why Lady Shu bring me the white fungus soup in person. I'm flattered.

answering all the questions, Empress Hua looked up at Lord Hua Guo, who was still standing, and said, "please sit here, Lord Hua Guo."

Lord Hua Guo nodded and sat beside Empress Hua.

Perhaps it was too boring to keep silent, the Empress] asked softly, "Is there anything important in the court today?"

Lord Hua Guo was shocked. He looked at Empress Hua and thought, 'Female members of the Imperial Household are not allowed to meddle with the state affairs.' His daughter seemed to be out of line.

However, Xia Huanyu seemed to be very happy. He quickly replied, "We talked about the imperial examinations which is going to be held in half a month. Many positions in the court are still vacant, and it's a good chance to select some talents. There will held exams on both literature and martial skills. I'll order the Crown Prince to take in charge of the imperial examination and select more talented candidates for the state bureaucracy."

Empress Hua nodded slightly. She thought for a while and said, "The imperial examination has always paid great importance to test the examinee the art of state government. I think specialists should be chosen for some certain position. For example, the Minister of the Agricultural Department should have a good understanding of farming. While the Imperial Astronomer should be proficient at observing astronomical phenomena instead of just talking nonsense like comet will bring disaster."

At the beginning, Xia Huanyu was listening with a smile. He was happy that Empress Hua finally responded when he talked about state affairs. But when he heard it, he felt that something was wrong. He frowned as if he was displeased.

"Imperial Astronomer did talk nonsense this time. I've already scolded him, but I'm wondering who is talking these nonsense in front of Ling'er." Xia Huanyu asked softly, with undisguised coldness in his eyes.

Qian Zhuo lowered her head in a hurry, her heart beating fast.

However, the voice of Empress Hua was heard faintly, "Previously, Lady Shu pretended to send white fungus soup and entered the bedroom of Weiyang Palace without my permission."