Resisting the Wind and Splendor

Chu Yueli said that the emperor would summon Chu Xiaohe to the palace the next day, and sure enough, An Delu arrived early the next morning.

Chu Xiaohe entered the Imperial Study only after the Emperor had finished his morning court session.

Everyone knew that General Chu had stayed in the Emperor's study for more than an hour, but no one knew what the Emperor had said to him.

There's so much to say over such a long period of time.

The news quickly spread throughout the palace and reached the ears of many people outside.

"The brother and sister from the Duke's mansion originally thought that they would not do anything after Chu Xiaohe's body was stabbed. Unexpectedly, they have become the center of attention in just over a month."

"Aren't they afraid of getting into trouble in court by acting so ostentatiously? After leaving Prince Jin, their Duke's Mansion has no backing."

“Who says there isn’t? Prince Mo is their backer now.”

"Even King Mo himself is in dire need of protection."

"Why do you say that?"

"Don't you know? The attack on the Eastern Zhou prince in the palace seems to be related to Consort Yu's maternal clan. Mo Wang's third uncle was arrested on the spot but hasn't been punished yet, only because the Emperor gave his maternal clan face. But Consort Yu's maternal clan has been closely watched by the royal family recently. The two marquises of the Qin State Duke's Mansion, who previously had some affairs to attend to, have even lost their official duties these past few days. Don't you understand?"

“I heard that King Mo led his troops to suppress bandits, and that he left from the outskirts of the city and went to Xishan.”

"Xishan again? That place is very strange. Even Prince Jin suffered a great loss there! It is said that there is some kind of formation in the mountain range, which is very mysterious."

"I wonder if Prince Mo will be able to return safely..."

When Chu Xiaohe returned to the Duke's mansion, his expression was noticeably unwell.

He met the Emperor today and has been busy outside ever since. The Emperor seems to have given him a new task, keeping him busy until evening before he could return home.

He didn't say anything after returning, and even when Zisu asked him, he didn't reveal a single word. He kept his mouth shut about the conversation between the Emperor and him.

Chu Yueli ordered Zisu to prepare dinner and send it to Langyue Pavilion.

"The Seventh Princess has stayed in her bedroom all day and hasn't come out even once. Eldest brother, please change your clothes later and then go and invite her out for a meal yourself."

"Should we let her come out and dine with everyone?" Chu Xiaohe thought she would press him about what the Emperor had said, but she was still the understanding A-Li. He didn't say anything, and she didn't ask a single question.

When the topic turned to Tuoba Liuli, Chu Xiaohe felt somewhat troubled: "I'm afraid the Seventh Princess is unwilling to come out."

Her eyes are damaged, and she hasn't started treatment yet these past two days. Apparently, she needs to relax before treatment can begin.

So she stayed in the music room to rest for the past two days.

Chu Xiaohe was afraid that she would feel awkward facing everyone when she came out.

"It's alright, go and ask her, try to coax her. If she's willing to come out, then she can come with everyone. If she really doesn't want to, then I'll have Zisu bring the food in."

Helpless, Chu Xiaohe had no choice but to return to his room first, wash up quickly, change into clean clothes, and then go to Tuoba Liuli's bedroom.

Zisu and Chu Yueli were preparing dinner together in the main hall of Langyue Pavilion. After Chu Xiaohe had gone far away, Zisu couldn't help but ask, "Young Master used to tell Miss everything. Why won't you reveal a single word about something so important today? Miss, is Young Master in trouble?"