Novel Full Chapter 226 - 207: You’re worried that His Majesty and that Fairy Jiang are having an affair?
Chapter 226: Chapter 207: You’re worried that His Majesty and that Fairy Jiang are having an affair?
“In seven days, Your Majesty and Ruxue will do a run-through to familiarize yourselves with the wedding ceremony proceedings. What does Your Majesty think?”
Empress Dowager Yan smiled as she looked at Xiao Mo.
Xiao Mo was momentarily taken aback, but then he nodded and agreed, “Of course. This is a matter of state, after all. I have no wish for any oversights, so a preliminary run-through is indeed necessary.”
’Actually, Xiao Mo didn’t really want to agree.’
’It was just a run-through, a single “rehearsal.”’
’But even a “run-through” would take up some of his time.’
’But he had no choice. What could he do if he refused?’
’Empress Dowager Yan was only giving him face by asking; in reality, he had no choice at all.’
’If he refused, it would only make the Empress Dowager think he was starting to “rebel” again.’
Xiao Mo guessed that the Empress Dowager’s request for a rehearsal was likely due to a recent incident in the Imperial Court.
After the arrival of that Elder Huang from the Wanjian Sect, many officials had invited him for drinks, subtly expressing their desire to send their daughters into the Imperial Palace to replace Yan Ruxue.
Some Noble Families even hinted, “If my daughter becomes the Empress, my family will surely offer Elder Huang even greater benefits.”
At first, Xiao Mo had heard that Elder Huang refused.
Perhaps this Elder Huang felt that since he had already promised to back the Yan Family, it wouldn’t look good to switch his support to another family now.
After all, Elder Huang didn’t care who controlled the Zhou Dynasty; he only cared about what benefits he could gain and about his future reputation.
If he backed one family only to switch his support to another for greater profit, then in the future, if other Dynasties wanted to align with the Wanjian Sect, they might seek out other Elders to build connections instead of him.
But unexpectedly, a few days ago, Elder Huang had said, “I don’t care who becomes the Empress of the Zhou Kingdom, as long as it’s good for the Zhou Kingdom. And the Wanjian Sect’s promise to protect the Zhou Kingdom remains unchanged.”
This was undoubtedly a tacit approval for the various Noble Families to compete with the Yan Family.
However, the Yan Family still held a dominant advantage in the Imperial Court.
But it would be impossible for the Yan Family to claim they weren’t flustered.
’So, Xiao Mo guessed that this “run-through” was more about the Yan Family wanting to make a show of force.’
’The Yan Family was emphasizing to the other Noble Families: “The Yan Family still calls the shots in the Imperial Court of the Zhou Kingdom. The Empress will be no one else.”’
Hearing Xiao Mo’s agreement, the Empress Dowager’s mood brightened considerably. She found Xiao Mo more and more pleasing to the eye, feeling that her decision to adopt him back then had truly been the right one.
“Good, good.” The Empress Dowager took Xiao Mo’s hand. “In that case, we will have to trouble Your Majesty in seven days.”
“You are too kind, Mother. This is my duty. On the contrary, you have been so worried about my wedding. I feel rather guilty,” Xiao Mo said, feigning remorse.
“Hahaha, as long as Your Majesty can marry Ruxue without any trouble, I don’t feel tired at all.” The Empress Dowager pulled Xiao Mo to a seat. “Speaking of which, it’s getting late. It has been a long time since we’ve eaten together as mother and son. How about Your Majesty joins me for lunch?”
“Of course. It has indeed been a long time since I’ve accompanied you, Mother.”
Xiao Mo readily agreed. The two of them truly seemed to embody the image of a doting mother and a filial son.
During lunch, the Empress Dowager casually asked Xiao Mo how his cultivation was progressing.
Xiao Mo chattered on and on with the Empress Dowager, his high spirits leaving her momentarily stunned.
The Empress Dowager then nonchalantly asked Xiao Mo about matters of state.
Xiao Mo knew nothing about anything she asked, only saying, “Everything is discussed by the officials, with the Prime Minister making the final decision.”
After lunch, Xiao Mo exchanged a few more pleasantries with the Empress Dowager. He then presented her with a common Daoist Sect classic—the *Heart Nourishing Heart Scripture*—before finally leaving Lingxin Palace.
“Would you say that child is truly obsessed with cultivation?” Looking toward the door, the Empress Dowager asked Chief Eunuch Huang, who was beside her.
“I believe so, Your Grace.”
Chief Eunuch Huang nodded.
“When Your Grace asked His Majesty about cultivation, he looked as if he could talk to you about it for three days and three nights. He even gave you a Daoist Sect classic before he left. It doesn’t seem like an act.”
“Mm.” The Empress Dowager nodded, her gaze falling to the *Heart Nourishing Heart Scripture* in her hand. “This child is actually quite good. He’s worry-free and filial. That incident with Wang Can before was simply a matter of him being led astray.”
“However, Your Grace, this servant has recently heard something.” Chief Eunuch Huang thought for a moment and decided it was best to speak up.
“What is it?” the Empress Dowager asked.
“This servant has heard that the Fairy Jiang, who has been staying in the rear palace, occasionally goes to the Wendao Platform to discuss the Dao with His Majesty,” Chief Eunuch Huang said.
“And what of it?” The Empress Dowager was unconcerned. “That Fairy Jiang must be bored in the Imperial Palace, and His Majesty happens to be cultivating. He is probably just asking her a few things about cultivation. Besides, as an Emperor, His Majesty cannot achieve Foundation Establishment. We have nothing to worry about.”
“…” Chief Eunuch Huang’s mouth opened slightly, but he hesitated to speak.
Seeing the expression on her attendant’s face, the Empress Dowager’s brow furrowed. She instantly understood what he truly wanted to say. “You’re worried that His Majesty and that Fairy Jiang are involved…”
“I was only guessing, Your Grace,” Chief Eunuch Huang said hurriedly.
“What are you so nervous about? You’ve been with me for so many years; would I punish you for this?” The Empress Dowager shot Chief Eunuch Huang a look. “But why do you think so? Do you have any proof?”
“Well…” Chief Eunuch Huang’s eyes darted around. “This servant once saw His Majesty eating steamed buns with Fairy Jiang. The way Fairy Jiang looked at His Majesty… it just felt a little off… As for proof, this servant has no direct evidence.”
“You’re overthinking it. That Fairy Jiang is an Inner Sect Disciple of the Wanjian Sect with a limitless future. She wouldn’t be interested in the emperor of a mortal kingdom.” The Empress Dowager shook her head, her tone firm.
But soon after, the Empress Dowager suddenly recalled the way Fairy Jiang had kept glancing at Xiao Mo during the welcome banquet, and her heart began to pound with uncertainty.
’Impossible… It should be impossible…’
…
After leaving Lingxin Palace, Xiao Mo took a deep breath. Even the air felt refreshing.
After all, facing the Empress Dowager in Lingxin Palace, his act had been quite tiring.
But Xiao Mo believed he hadn’t revealed any flaws in his performance.
“Return to the palace by chariot, Your Majesty?” Wei Xun asked.
“No, I will walk to the Wendao Platform. I need to clear my head,” Xiao Mo said.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Wei Xun quickly had the Dragon Chariot sent away, then accompanied His Majesty from behind, walking step by step through the Imperial Palace.
Xiao Mo had not been walking for more than the time it takes an incense stick to burn when he stopped in his tracks before a watchtower.
A young woman with her face veiled in light gauze was looking up, her gaze quietly fixed on the structure.