Chapter 10: A change in plans

"I hope so" Su Liya pressed her thigh firmly "about Zhu Fenfeng….. Yin er let's try to avoid getting on her bad side okay!"

"why... because she is the female lead?" Zhu Fengyin said smirking.

Su Liya looked at her quickly "How do you know that?"

"Zhu Fengyin replied, "isn't that what you called her outside mother's room".

Su Liya laughed awkwardly "yes that is true" she looked down at her palm as she clipped her nail. 'That was close, for a second I thought that I let something slip' Shu Liya thought. 

As much as it pained her to keep the fact that this was a novel from Fengyin, she had no other choice. Something was better left unsaid, she didn't know how Zhu Fengyin would react to that information and she didn't was to find out.

******

Four days to the Emperor's banquet Lu Yaozhu returned to the capital. As he rode in with his army, the commoners cheered. The news of their success travelled far and wide. The name General Lu was popular in the entire kingdom. 

After years of conquering nations for the Emperor, Lu Yaozhu made a name for himself. The name General Lu was now synonymous with the title the golden god of war. 

Lu Yaozhu was called the golden God of war because of his sharp facial features and his signature armour which was made of pure gold. The armour was gifted to him by the Empress dowager after his first military campaign.

The Empress dowager always gifted him properties and armour after each Battle. Lu Yaozhu separated from his tropes and rode to the palace to report to the Emperor.

Lu Yaozhu left his horse to be stable at the palace gates and walked to the Emperor's sturdy on foot. Lu Yaozhu road non-stop for the past few days so he was a little dusty from the trip. 

Lu Yaozhu would have preferred to go back to Duke Wu Residence and change into a fresh set of clothes but he decided against it. The Emperor has been displeased with him of late, Lu Yaozhu was determined not to allow the Emperor to discipline him.

When he got to the Emperor's sturdy, Lu Yaozhu stood by the door as the Eunuch standing at the door announced his presence.

"General Lu has arrived"

Emperor Zhong held a goblet of wine to his mouth when the announcement was made. He paused halfway, the wine suddenly tasted bad. He spat the wine back into the goblet.

He placed the cup back on the tray, his expression sour. Emperor Zhong caught Caihong's eyes and signalled him to let Lu Yaozhu in. 

Caihong nodded and hurried outside. Lu Yaozhu looked up as the eunuch rushed forward. 

Caihong smiled "General Lu please come this way," he said turning aside to let him in. Lu Yaozhu nodded and followed him into the sturdy. 

The Emperor was seated behind the table when he walked in. Lu Yaozhu was about to pay his respect when the Emperor waved him off.

"We are all family Yaozhu, don't stand on ceremony", the Emperor said walking down the short steps. He placed both hands on Lu Yaozhu's shoulders " I got the military report… you did well".

Lu Yaozhu smiled and said, " Please don't flatter me, your Majesty, I was only doing my duty."

The Emperor returned to his seat "There is no need to be humble Yaozhu,  even the citizens sing your praise. If you do a good work you should accept your praise". 

Lu Yaozhu stretched out his hands and bent forward "many thanks your Majesty".

"Alright there is no need for that, I will leave you to get some rest. You must be tired from the journey," The Emperor said.

"I will take my Leave your Majesty " Lu Yaozhu said 

Emperor Zhong  replied "mm" 

Lu Yaozhu bowed low and left the room. A Eunuch from the Empress's palace approached Lu Yaozhu as he walked down the stairs. The Eunuch called out in a low tone "General Lu".

Lu Yaozhu paused and replied, "hello Eunuch Ye, how can I help you?".

"The Empress is asking for you", the Eunuch said.

It was normal to visit her since he was close to the Empress. Lu Yaozhu nodded and followed the Eunuch to the Empress's palace. Minutes later, they arrived at Empress Dowager's palace. Lu Yaozhu was led in by a maid.

The Maid stood by the door and announced his presence "Your majesty, General Lu has arrived".

The Empress looked up from her painting, her face brightened up as she caught sight of Lu Yaozhu. Her lips spread revealing two perfect dimples "Yaozhu! Come over let me look at you", the Empress said beckoning him closer.

Lu Yaozhu looked down at his dusty armour, feeling a little self-conscious "Uh...Your Highness, I don't think…. That is…. I am a little dusty…"

Empress Lu laughed softly "oh, I don't mind that. come closer. You are too tall, I can strain my neck to look up".

"oh... Yes, your highness" Lu Yaozhu walked forward, he stood a small distance away. Seeing the shadow at the side of her drawing sheet, Empress Lu looked up "Yaozhu why are you standing so far" she pouted, placed the painting brush on the brush holder and walked to him.

Empress Lu walked closer when she saw a long cut on her neck. "How did you get hurt?" She said holding his jaw and moving his face to the side to get a closer look. 

Lu Yaozhu stepped back quickly "it's nothing, Your highness, it is just an old injury", he said quickly. 

Empress Lu felt a little hurt by his actions, she brought down her hands to her side. She turned to her maid " please call the imperial doctor over, he should come to take a look at this".

"No no that won't be necessary, the Emperor already sent over a doctor to the camp," Lu Yaozhu said quickly, stretching out his hand and held her back. 

"Oh…  then there is no need for that, '' Empress Lu replied softly. The Empress and Emperor had an estranged relationship. They both stayed out of each other's business. Since the Emperor sent over a doctor, there was no need for her calling over another doctor.

Lu Yaozhu stayed for some time and conversed with the Empress before returning to Duke Wu's residence.