Chapter 1272 - 29: The Emperor Turned Into a Dog

The Princess was very happy during her lessons today.

Meanwhile, the Emperor was bored and kept yawning, eventually laying down by her feet and falling asleep. At noon, the Princess woke him for lunch. During class at the Upper Study Room, returning was not permitted, so the Empress sent lunch over. Naturally, there were also delightful dishes.

After the afternoon lessons, the Princess returned to the Imperial Palace, excitedly recounting the content of the classes to the Empress. Seeing the Princess so happy, the Empress also smiled.

"Your father, the Emperor, chose an excellent teacher. You must remember to thank him when he comes next." The Empress said gently, holding the Princess.

"Yes, I will." The Princess nodded, then looked at the wagging tail of Happy, always at the Empress’s feet, "Happy was very well-behaved today, didn’t make a fuss, and stayed by my side during class."

"Then reward Happy with a meat bone later." The Empress said.

"Will there be meat on it?" The Princess asked.

"There will be." Unable to help herself, the Empress chuckled.

The Emperor tilted his head, meat bone...

Ah, when can I return to normal?

The next morning, after waking up, the Emperor returned to his own body.

Then he summoned the Hidden Guard.

"Investigate the Cao Academic Scholar and the Cao General, see who they associate with daily and what they say. Report every word and action to me. Insert as many people into the Cao Mansion as possible." The Emperor ordered.

The head of the Hidden Guard responded without a change in expression, but was inwardly astonished. The Emperor’s favor towards the Cao Family was well known. Now, to investigate them like this, does he suspect the Cao Family? Could the Cao Family be secretly disloyal? Impossible. The Imperial Concubine was so favored by the Emperor that even children on the streets of the Capital City knew it. The entire court knew the Emperor planned to depose the Empress and install the Imperial Concubine as Empress, and even promised to make the Imperial Concubine’s son Crown Prince upon his birth.

The Cao Academic Scholar would be the future Crown Prince’s maternal grandfather. Looking further, he would be the future Emperor’s maternal grandfather. An unparalleled fortune would come in the future, so why develop treacherous intentions?

Though shocked inside, the Hidden Guard left to carry out the order.

The Emperor contemplated, then sent Eunuch Xue to deliver a load of gifts to the Empress Palace, and also bestowed some rewards upon the Cao Noble. He wanted the Cao Noble to distract the Imperial Concubine.

The Emperor stood, deciding to first visit the Imperial Concubine, but firmly intending not to consume any food in the Imperial Concubine’s quarters. He was truly afraid of being poisoned by her.

Upon seeing the Emperor, the Imperial Concubine’s eyes reflected a myriad of emotions: part longing, part grievance, and the rest was an overwhelming sense of yearning.

"Emperor, I miss you so much." The Imperial Concubine didn’t perform any formalities and directly lunged forward, embracing the Emperor. This had always been the mode of interaction between the Imperial Concubine and the Emperor. He used to think the Imperial Concubine was genuine, feeling the love between spouses only with her. Now, he realized her tactics were indeed high-grade, convincing him entirely before.

The Emperor restraining himself from pushing the Imperial Concubine away, supported her as they walked inside and sat down.

"Being pregnant, you shouldn’t be so reckless next time, what if I couldn’t catch you?" The Emperor forced himself to speak patiently.

"That won’t happen, I believe the Emperor will definitely catch me. Has the Emperor been very busy these days? I’ve been transcribing sutras daily to pray for blessings for the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Then, I’ve just patiently waited for you to come see me." The Imperial Concubine expressed no resentment over the Emperor’s prolonged absence, only conveying her longing.