Chapter 1188: Chapter 1185: Meeting
At the very least, those corrupt officials at court, due to Chu Heng’s presence, would probably not dare to embezzle so recklessly.
Emperor Xuanming was best at maintaining a balance, and there would certainly be corrupt officials, but as long as there was a deterrent force, governance would be much better.
Emperor Xuanming narrowed his eyes, looking more and more satisfied with Chu Heng, “Minister Chu, rise. Your words are reasonable; I shall keep this memorial.”
“Presumably, Lord Chu has not seen Madam for a long time and misses her dearly. These past few days, I have found the small onions grown by Madam to be quite delicious.”
“Summon someone to take Lord Chu to see Madam.”
Chu Heng had not expected this unexpected favor; after first kneeling to thank the Emperor, he turned and left the Imperial Study. At the doorway, he saw Duke Zheng and Minister Qi waiting to see Emperor Xuanming.
Chu Heng raised his hand in greeting and then turned to leave.
Liu Yanzhen watched his emotionless face and took the initiative to call out, “What brought Great Minister Chu to the palace today?”
Minister Qi had not expected Duke Zheng to ask so directly, feeling that the latter was being increasingly assertive and unguarded even within the palace.
Chu Heng: “The Emperor called me in to see my wife.”
Liu Yanzhen had not expected this answer and was taken aback for a moment. As he came to his senses with a slight frown, wanting to ask more, Chu Heng cupped his hands together, “I shall not disturb Prince of the State from meeting the Emperor, I take my leave.”
At the same time, He Dequan also came out from the Imperial Study and said to Duke Zheng and Minister Qi, “Prince of the State, Great Minister Qi, the Emperor summons you.”
Duke Zheng did not expect that the Emperor would actually allow Chu Heng to see his wife. Did it mean that the information he had deliberately leaked to the Emperor was of no concern to the latter?
Whatever the case, it was certainly not good news.
Could it be that Chu Heng had just told the Emperor something?
He pondered this incessantly in his heart, but his face did not reveal a trace, as he followed He Dequan inside.
Chu Heng was led by a Eunuch to the outside of Kunning Palace, and as he arrived, a Palace Attendant had already gone inside to inform Empress Lin.
It was inappropriate for men from outside to be seen inside the palace, but since Chu Heng was brought by the Emperor’s permission, Empress Lin, following protocol, notified Ye Muyu while arranging for someone to wait at the palace gate.
Following the Palace Attendant into Kunning Palace, Chu Heng paid his respects to Empress Lin outside the hall.
“Take Lord Chu to the side hall.” With only a few words to Chu Heng, Empress Lin had the Palace Attendants lead Chu Heng away.
After Chu Heng cupped his hands in thanks, he turned and followed them. Just as he entered the side hall, he saw a figure standing at the doorway.
Ye Muyu was blowing warmth into her palms. She was draped in a mantle, and upon learning that Chu Heng was ing, she was so happy that she came right out from her room.
At a glance, Ye Muyu saw Chu Heng, the man still dressed in his blue official robes.
Her nostrils tingled with a faint sourness as she looked at him carefully, noticing that he had lost quite a bit of weight, his face bore fine stubble, shadows under his eyes, yet his eyes were still lively.
“Ah Heng.” Ye Muyu gathered her skirts, running towards him.
Chu Heng, hearing the familiar voice, hurried to meet her and reached out to steady her arm as she approached.
“Did the Emperor allow you to e?” Ye Muyu felt she had uttered a foolish question but she really had to ask to be reassured.
Chu Heng hummed in response and reached out to touch the fine hair by her cheek, his gaze lingering on her face as if glued there. Ye Muyu felt shy, especially upon hearing a cough from the side.
She hastily let go and looked towards Yunduan, “May my husband speak with me inside the hall?”
Yunduan: “Madam, of course you may.”
Upon hearing this, Ye Muyu sighed in relief, hurriedly pulling Chu Heng with her into the hall.
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