CHAPTER 845: CHAPTER 509: SECOND SENIOR SISTER PAYS A VISIT

Zhenbao is going crazy.

Zhao Douan dashed afar in a flash, confirming the Taia Sword did not give chase, he concluded.

"Huff... huff..." Within the Imperial Garden, he bent slightly at the waist, resting his hands on his knees, breathing heavily, his mind racing, he turned his head towards Yangxin Hall and muttered softly:

"Why is there a smell of jealousy..."

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Douan sneaked back to Yangxin Hall cautiously, careful not to step into the building’s range, only sneakily peeking out his head near the door pillar, waving at the familiar older female official exiting after a shift change.

The older female official hesitated for a moment, then walked over:

"Junior Guardian Zhao, forgive us, but we cannot let you in..."

"I know," Zhao Douan, hiding behind the red lacquered wooden pillar, stretched his neck and, after confirming no movement from the Empress’s direction, slipped in a silver note expertly:

"May I ask why Her Majesty is angry?"

The older female official was startled, instinctively refusing, but was unable to resist Zhao Douan’s firm pressure, reluctantly accepting it, after looking around to ensure no one was paying attention, whispered:

"During the meeting between Her Majesty and the Family Head of the Xiao family, everything seemed normal. After escorting him away, she ordered that you not be allowed in. I heard, while outside, Her Majesty seemed to be reproaching you for being too attentive to the Family Head of the Xiao family."

Zhao Douan spoke seriously: "How could I have anything with a widow?"

The older female official replied:

"As the saying goes among the common people, there is much gossip at a widow’s door. Did you privately meet her back then? Did you also grant her imperial merchant status? Now, not only rescuing her from trouble but also recommending the Xiao family into the palace to meet the Emperor, your heart is pure and selfless, but in the eyes of others, it might not seem so."

Zhao Douan opened his mouth, unable to refute.

In both past and present, being slandered is an extremely nasty tactic.

The older palace maid seemed to smile slightly, consoling:

"You need not worry; if Her Majesty were truly angry, it wouldn’t be merely driving you away, forbidding entry. Besides, with Her Majesty’s wisdom, she can naturally discern right from wrong. It’s just... when it comes to matters of the heart between men and women, it often lacks reason."

This statement already almost implied clearly.

The implication: The Empress’s behavior now isn’t because she really believes Zhao Douan and the widow have an ambiguous relationship.

Understanding the truth does not mean being indifferent.

Switching perspectives, if the Empress privately met another man, repeatedly assisted him, saved him from danger... Even if it was all out of public interest, Zhao Douan admitted he would be extremely upset.

Especially since Zhao Douan knew in his heart that Xiao Donger might indeed have some feelings for him.

In the Qingzhou rebel army camp, the widow’s gaze was already unusual, and with the Empress’s keen insight, she most likely noticed it.

So...

"Is Her Majesty jealous?" Zhao Douan smacked his lips, inexplicably a little happy.

As the first female Emperor in the history of Great Yu, fighting over him... is probably the ultimate fantasy of every man in the world.

Others merely imagine it, but Zhao Douan achieved it.

"I didn’t say that," the older palace maid cautiously spoke, taking a step to leave, hesitated for a moment, then said: "If Mr. Zhao cares, why not placate her."

I understand... Zhao Douan smiled and cupped his hands: "Thank you, sister."

The older palace maid was flattered and hurried away.

Though Zhao Douan, adept in court politics, was inexperienced in placating women, he thought for a moment and turned into the Imperial Garden.

Before long, carrying a large bouquet of fresh flowers, he returned, not through the main entrance but leaping over the not too tight defenses.

Arriving outside the Imperial Study Room, with a smiling face:

"Your Majesty, I’ve gathered the most beautiful flowers in the palace for you, though these myriad blooms are not as radiant as you... oops!"

A strong gust.

A moment later, discarding the large bouquet of flowers, Zhao Douan once again fled Yangxin Hall in haste, grinning as he shouted with a stretched neck:

"Your Majesty! Please calm down first, I’ll wait in the palace."

Leaving those words, Zhao Douan slipped away quickly amidst the giggles of female officials, heading to Martial Arts Hall.

He planned to rest at Hai’s place, waiting for Zhenbao to calm down, as for showing sincerity by staying under the scorching sun... he wasn’t that foolish.

Arriving at Martial Arts Hall.

In a familiar manner, he found a spot in the inner hall and started chatting with the returning Eunuch Hai about recent experiences.

Eunuch Hai was quite curious about his and the Empress’s experiences in Baihua Village, listening with great interest.

The other Tributor Eunuchs also gathered enthusiastically, listening to Zhao Douan’s tales.

"...I tell you, you should have seen it. After I defeated that Tian Hai little monk, that group of people, lacking martial virtue, wanted to gang up on me. Then, the sky changed color, and Her Majesty..."

As Zhao Douan was avidly talking, suddenly an imperial guard rushed in hurriedly from outside:

"Junior Guardian Zhao, someone from your household came with a message, saying a friend of yours is visiting, please return promptly."

Friend? Visiting my home? Zhao Douan was surprised.

...

...

A bit earlier.

Within a Jiangnan stir-fry shop on Vermilion Bird Street.

Jin Jian, Gongshu Tianyuan, and Yu Xiu sat solemnly at a square table, watching the server place the dishes from the tray onto the table:

"All dishes are here, please enjoy, esteemed guests."

All three were weary and hungry, not wearing priest robes, each showing different expressions.

Jin Jian sat dazed on a stool, her short legs dangling lightly in the air, hands on either side of the seat, trying hard to maintain her balance.

With a pair of crystal-ground glasses on her nose, her eyes nearly squinting into a line, her sleepy head nodding downwards repeatedly, were it not for her hunger, she might have fallen asleep on the street.

Gongshu Tianyuan stared fixedly at the delicacies on the table, his Adam’s apple bobbing, his chubby hands repeatedly rubbing the front of his grey robe, the large bamboo tube behind him placed at his feet, loosely hung hemp rope trailing from it.