C123

"Wandering around in the outside world for too long is naturally annoying. "After thinking about it, I still feel that it's much better to be a duke of Chu that everyone admires, than to be a prodigal son of the martial arts world. That's why I came back."

With that, he curled his lips and asked, "Could it be that the empress dowager doesn't want this subject to return?"

The empress dowager naturally did not wish for Bai Yan to return to the palace.

Back then, even though he had left the palace and said that he was going out to wander the world, the late emperor had ordered that as long as he was willing to return, he would forever be the duke of Huan Yue.

What's more, he had the death-saving gold medal and a yellow vest from the previous emperor.

"Master Hou, you're overthinking things. It is the good fortune of Huan Yue to have Master Hou come back to assist the Emperor. This is the good fortune of the commoners and this is the best of my life. How could I not wish for Master Hou to come back?"

"It is this subject's fortune to be praised by the empress dowager."

Bai Yan maintained a modest smile on his face, making the empress dowager hate him the more she looked at him.

"To return to the palace as a stately marquis should be well-prepared. To give the marquis a welcoming reception, it is important to let the people of the court know that this is the time."

The empress dowager turned to look at Qin mama who was waiting by the side. "Qin mama, send word that tonight's banquet will be a welcoming feast for the Duke of Zhenguo."

"This subject appreciates the empress dowager's kindness. This subject still has to go to the emperor to discuss government affairs. I'm afraid I won't have the time to attend the banquet." Furthermore, this subject has been at the Li Palace for too long. I'm not used to just returning home, so I won't trouble the empress dowager anymore. "

Bai Yan knew that the Empress Dowager's mouth would not obey her heart.

He had wanted to agree to see what tricks Her Majesty would play, but when he thought of going to the palace, he refused.

"The Marquis just returned and is about to discuss government matters with the Emperor. He sure is hardworking. However, I was a bit lacking in my considerations. "Then let's do as you say, master Hou. The banquet will be over."

The empress dowager could be considered to have understood the purpose of Bai Yan's return. Although her words were polite to Bai Yan, on the surface she always wore an indifferent expression.

"This subject thanks the empress dowager for understanding."

Although the Empress Dowager did not put on a good face, Bai Yan maintained a calm expression.

"This Dowager is also tired, so I won't keep the Marquis any longer. "Qin mama, send the Marquis out for me."

"Yes, Majesty."

"In that case, this official shall not disturb you any longer and shall take his leave."

After sending Bai Yan off, the empress dowager sat up in her chaise longue. The eunuch at the side stepped forward to support her, but she pushed him away.

The Empress Dowager sneered as she looked at the trembling eunuch kneeling on the ground. "Someone, drag him down and make him into a human!"

The eunuch was scared out of his wits. Before he could beg for mercy, two guards came in from outside and dragged him away.

At this moment, Senior Servant Qin walked in and saw the eunuch being dragged down. She couldn't bear to see this.

"Empress Dowager, don't be angry. Be careful not to get too angry."

"Pa …"

With a wave of her hand, the empress dowager slapped Qin mama in the face.

Qin mama immediately kneeled on the ground.

"No anger? How can I not be angry? "In these past few days, not only did the Emperor invite my right-hand man, but he also brought me, Bai Yan, back. When the Emperor leaves the country, will I still have a chance to let Yu'er take the throne?"

When the empress dowager got angry, Senior Servant Qin was still afraid.

But she had served Her Majesty for a long time, and she understood her character.

"May the empress dowager calm her anger and not injure her body. This old servant felt that if the empress dowager wanted to have the prince seize the throne, how could a mere duke of a prefecture overseer stop her? Not to mention that the duke has just returned to the palace and has no power or fame. It's impossible for him to defeat the prince. "

The empress dowager shot a cold glance at the kneeling Senior Servant Qin before curling her lips into a cold smile.

"Senior Qin, do you know that This Dowager will keep you by her side for more than ten years?"

Shaking her head, Qin mama felt a little afraid in her heart.

"The empress dowager appreciates it. This old servant has been blessed for the rest of his life."

Suddenly, the empress dowager bent down and picked up a golden staff to prop up Senior Servant Qin's head. Her voice was cold. "Because, only you, when you're guessing This Dowager's thoughts, can say things that This Dowager really likes to hear."

"Esteemed Empress Dowager, please forgive me. This old servant doesn't dare to speculate presumptuously."

Withdrawing the golden staff, the rage on the empress dowager's face lessened.

"Get up. Send someone to call Yu'er into the palace immediately!"

"Yes, this old servant will go now."

The sky gradually darkened.

Hua Mujie had been busy in the kitchen for the better part of the afternoon. She had finally finished preparing everything for the evening and was waiting for Bai Yan and Bai Zhan to finish their work and return to enjoy it.

"Esteemed Empress, it's not early anymore. Why hasn't this grandpa come over yet?"

Within the palace hall, Zi Ning sat there restlessly. His eyes were glued to the door, as if he wanted to see a flower.

Perhaps it was because she was truly tired. Hua Mujie was half-lying on the Imperial Consort's chair, her eyes slightly narrowed as she dozed off.

Hearing Zi Ning's question, Hua Mujiao did not open her eyes, but only moved her lips.

"Seeing that you're so anxious like a wife, they should be arriving soon. Don't be anxious."

Zi Ning turned his head and looked at the hibiscus flower that was still feigning sleep, his face blushing.

"Empress, please don't tease Zining again. You've teased Zining so many times in the afternoon."

Opening her eyes, Hua Mujie's lips curled up as she looked at the shy person in front of her, as if teasing her in an instant.

Uncle Thirteen is not young anymore and is still single. I am currently planning to introduce Uncle Huang to a few suitable women, and later I will get someone to bring the portrait over. Miss Zining, you and Uncle Huang have been together for a long time.

"Bang …"

Zining suddenly froze, the teacup in his hand falling to the ground with a crisp sound.

She knelt down in a hurry and reached for the broken pieces of the tea bowl. Her face was filled with disappointment.

"This humble one was clumsy and threw away Your Highness' teacup. I beg Your Highness to forgive me."

"Hiss …"

In the blink of an eye, Hua Mu Jin sat up from her Imperial Consort's chair, looking at the Zining's finger being cut open on the ground. Guilt rose in her heart.

He got up and squatted in front of Zining, then took her hand and ordered, "Green Bamboo, go get the Blood Stasis Powder."

"Esteemed Empress, this humble one did not do it on purpose. Please …"

"Don't talk, just prick the wound first. This is my fault, I shouldn't be joking with you."

Although the wound is not deep, but flower hibiscus is still very self-reproachful.

"Since you are worried about Thirteenth Imperial Uncle, once your wounds are bandaged, I will lead you to receive him. Is that okay?"

Raising his eyes, Zi Ning looked incredulously at Hua Mu Jin who was bandaging her wounds. He pursed his lips and smiled, nodding as he said, "Thank you, Empress."

After wrapping up the wound, Hua Mujie led Zining away from the Hibiscus Palace in the direction of the imperial study.

In fact, not long after Bai Yan left, Bai Zhan Ke also left due to some matters being taken care of. Since Bai Yan hadn't come back for a long time, Hua Mujiao guessed that the two of them must be together now.

"Empress, I think I'm over there."

From the palace to the royal study, they had to pass through the imperial garden.

Hua Mujiao glanced at Zi Ning, but when she looked over, she did not see anyone.

"Did you see wrongly?"

Shaking his head, Zining pointed at the pavilion in the distance and said, "I won't, I definitely won't be wrong."

When Hua Mujiao raised her gaze, she indeed saw Bai Yan and Bai Zhan Ke's silhouettes within the pavilion, but the two of them were not the only ones inside.

Suddenly, Hua Mu Jin took a step forward and walked towards the pavilion.

"Thirteenth Imperial Uncle, can you please leave for a moment?"

Inside the pavilion, Nangong Qian Hua blinked her large eyes at Bai Yan.

Bai Yan glanced at Bai Zhan Ke, smiled and nodded his head, then walked out of the pavilion.

Bai Yan looked around in boredom, and coincidentally saw the flower, hibiscus, and purple Ning walking towards him.

Taking a few steps forward, he smiled and asked, "Why are you outside of the palace?"

At this moment, Hua Mujiao's heart had already flown to the two people standing closely together in the pavilion. How could she still have the mood to answer him?

However, she was curious to know what Nangong Qianhua and Bai Zhan Ke were talking about.

"Are they talking about something?"

Bai Yan shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, indicating that he didn't know.

This made Hua Mu Jin even more curious.

But she knew she couldn't go forward.

"Big brother Zhan, stop talking. Qian Hua knows what to do." What's more, when you get rid of those ministers supporting her at the side of the Empress Dowager, the Prince will have made the safest preparations. If you want to get hold of his weakness and get rid of him, it will be extremely difficult. If I am to make a move, he definitely won't be able to guard against it. "

Seeing her somewhat worried for him, Nangong Qian Hua's heart warmed, her eyes filled with determination.

Bai Zhan Ke's pupils darkened. With a frown, he asked in a low voice, "If this matter gets exposed, have you thought about the consequences?"

Nangong Qianhua raised her eyebrows and revealed a very relaxed expression.

"Don't worry, I've already fully prepared and found a path of retreat for myself. If I really do get exposed, won't I still have you? "

After she finished speaking, Nangong Qian Hua met Bai Zhan Ke's gaze. The trust that was expressed in her eyes was absolute.

"Qian Hua, Zhen doesn't miss you …"

Bai Zhan's lips moved. Just as he was about to open his mouth to say something, Nangong Qian Hua extended her hand and placed a slender finger on his mouth.

"Okay, this isn't like the big brother Zhan that I know. "What if you are truly worried about me, and feel sorry for owing me? Why don't you give up your life to me?"

"Nonsense!"

Bai Zhan Ke's low voice was laced with affection.

With a pout, Nangong Qianhua felt a little unhappy in her heart.

As he turned his head to the side, he saw Hua Mujie standing not far away, waiting for his turn to fight against Bai Qi. The corners of his mouth curled up in a sly smile.

"Big brother Zhan, I … my eyes seem to have sunk into the sand. I can't even open them. Please help me look at them."

Nangong Qianhua squinted her eyes. The discomfort on her face did not seem to be fake.

Bai Zhan Ke frowned, his expression somber. He pondered for a while, and then he bent down slightly and took a look for her.

Because their backs were facing each other, Bai Zhan Ke didn't know that Hua Mu Jin wasn't far away, but from Hua Mu Jin's perspective, they were kissing …

Hua Mujiao was stunned, she couldn't believe what she had just seen.

The man who said he loved her was kissing another woman?

Disappointment flashed across his eyes.

Suppressing the anger in her heart, Hua Mu Jin narrowed her eyes and turned around to leave without any hesitation.

"Elder, the esteemed wangfei, she …"

Bai Yan helplessly shook his head as he looked at the two people in the pavilion, "Ning'er, follow Princess Xi back to the Hibiscus Courtyard first."