CHAPTER 48: CHAPTER 0048: ODDITIES

Yun Family

Lady Mrs. He entered Cixin Academy with a happy stride.

The elderly lady had had her hair shaven off in the spring and disgraceful words carved into her forehead; she hadn’t gone out for a long time.

As the new year was approaching and the holiday goods had already been prepared, the elderly lady still wanted to take the children out to buy some things and take them for a walk.

It was also a gesture of her goodwill as an elder.

"Mother, the carriage is ready, the maids and grannies are well-prepared, and there are a few lads skilled in martial arts accompanying us!"

The elderly lady nodded slightly, adjusting her wig.

"Wanwan, how does it look to Grandmother? Is everything proper?"

Xu Xinmo smiled, her eyes crinkling with delight, "It’s perfectly secure, Grandmother, let’s go!"

"You child, what’s the rush!" The elderly lady tapped the nose of Xu Xinmo.

Leading Xu Xinmo out of Cixin Academy.

She became even happier upon seeing Yun Muyou. After the new year, Yun Muyou would turn fifteen, and after reaching the age of maturity, it would be time to discuss marriage. The elderly lady had already favored several families, but having sent out invitations, she got no response, as though they had sunk to the bottom of the sea.

The elderly lady was somewhat anxious and felt a bit embarrassed.

The most favored prospect by the elderly lady was still King Rui, Chu Yu. With Yun Muyou’s talents, even if she couldn’t become the primary wife, being a concubine was certainly within reach.

"Muyou, come over to Grandmother!"

Yun Muyou immediately walked over, supporting the elderly lady, "Grandmother!"

"Good girl!"

The group made their way out of the house in a lively manner.

Seven or eight carriages made for an easy target during this bustling pre-new year period.

Indeed, after just a few streets, the carriage came to a halt.

"What happened?" the elderly lady whispered.

"Reporting to the elderly lady, it’s the Emperor’s personal guard. It seems they are welcoming someone into the Imperial Palace from outside the city!" The carriage driver stretched his neck to see and then told those inside the carriage, "It’s an extremely lavish carriage with the character ’Han’ emblazoned on it!"

Upon hearing ’Han’...

Both the elderly lady and Mrs. He felt a sudden jolt in their hearts.

One thought of Han Xuzi; the other remembered the birthday gift that Mrs. Han had sent to Yun Jinnian from the estate.

They also remembered Yun Jinnian in Yingci’an.

Almost a year had passed, and the Yun Family had not sent anyone to inquire, had not visited even once, nor had they sent any gifts.

No one felt guilty or sorry for Yun Jinnian.

Imperial Palace

The Emperor was forty years old this year, thin and tall with an air of scholarly grace and gentleness. However, those eyes twinkled with keen intelligence, and his every movement was suffused with an innate imperial authority.

The Emperor, although he did not go out to greet the incoming carriage, his demeanor was very pleased when he saw it coming directly into the palace.

Han Xuzi alighted from the carriage, dressed in black, yet exuded an aura of celestial grace. His eyes and brows were as clear and bright as the moon in a clear sky.

"This commoner greets the Emperor!" Han Xuzi bowed with his fist in palm, neither too humble nor too proud.

His expression was calm.

The Emperor smiled, "No need for such formalities, Mr. Han. Please, come inside!"

Han Xuzi nodded and entered the Imperial Study. The Emperor gestured for Han Xuzi to sit, and he did so leisurely.

The Chief Eunuch immediately served tea, "Mr. Han, please enjoy the tea!"

"Mhm!"

He took a sip of the tea.

Only then did the Emperor speak with a smile, "I have urgently summoned Mr. Han to the palace because there is indeed a matter I need assistance with!"

Han Xuzi raised an eyebrow, "?"

The Emperor gestured, and everyone in the Yangxin Hall, including the Hidden Guards, withdrew. The Emperor then spoke, "Recently, I have had an exceptionally high demand in that regard; sometimes, two in a night are not enough, and it’s almost every night until dawn. After daylight, I feel completely drained, weak all over, and my eyesight blurs—truly odd. I even summoned the Imperial Physician, but they have found nothing."

Han Xuzi furrowed his brows.

He set down the tea cup, pulled out a handkerchief from his bosom, and gently wiped his hands, "Allow this commoner to take the Emperor’s pulse!"

"I would be grateful, Mr. Han!"