The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 748

Chapter 748: 346 Lure the Snake Out of the Hole (Eleventh Update)

The days in July darkened earlier than they did in June.

As the Emperor emerged from the Imperial Study Room, there was nothing but the last hint of grey-blue in the sky. By the time he slowly made his way back to the Huaqing Palace, even that was gone.

Night fell, and the stars flickered in the vault of the heaven.

When the Emperor entered the Huaqing Palace, the palace maids paid their respects.

He asked, "Has the Dowager Empress retired to bed yet?"

A young eunuch replied, "No, your majesty."

The Emperor said to Eunuch Wei, "I will visit the Dowager Empress. You may return."

The old servant is not tired.

Sigh.

With some reluctance, Eunuch Wei affirmed, "Yes."

The Emperor went to the sleeping quarters of Dowager Empress Jing, who was kneeling before a Buddhist shrine, with a Buddha bead in one hand and a wooden fish in the other. She was chanting Buddhist scriptures with her eyes closed.

The Emperor did not interrupt, quietly waiting for her to finish her chanting.

Once Mother Cai helped her up, she seemed to notice the shadow on the ground. Turning her head, she asked with a wry smile, "Your Majesty, when did you arrive? How long have you been here?"

The Emperor replied, "I’ve just arrived, I listened to you recite the scriptures. It brought peace to my mind."

Dowager Empress Jing asked, "Does your Majesty have any concerns lately?"

Naturally, he did have many concerns. Torrential rains, banditry, the stirring of instability at the border of Chen Country, and the conspirator who had attempted to assassinate the Dowager Empress Jing still remained undiscovered.

There were civil and military officials from Zhan Country to deal with the previous issues, but the Emperor was at a loss for the last one.

"Nothing much, just some state affairs, which makes me feel a bit tired." The Emperor decided not to worry the Dowager Empress Jing.

"Mother Cai, go to my room and fetch the Calming Incense." Dowager Empress Jing ordered.

"Yes." Mother Cai responded and left.

The Emperor and Dowager Empress Jing went to the Qiuhua Pavilion.

They seated themselves on a chair.

A palace maid served them snacks and flower tea. Dowager Empress Jing loved this tea while the Emperor preferred Longjing tea, but he could not drink a strong tea at night.

"Go and fetch some fruits." Dowager Empress Jing said.

"Yes." The palace maid brought a dish of fresh grapes and some delicious pears.

Dowager Empress Jing was about to peel a pear for the Emperor, but as soon as she picked up the dagger on the table, the tea cup in the Emperor’s hand fell with a crash.

Dowager Empress Jing was taken aback, "Your Majesty, what’s wrong? Have you burnt yourself?"

"No, I just did not hold it well." The Emperor said, breaking into a cold sweat.

What was wrong with him?

Dowager Empress Jing was merely peeling a pear for him, but the scene of her stabbing him with a knife in his nightmare flashed through his mind.

He must have been too tired recently, his mind was not as sharp as usual.

Dowager Empress Jing put down the dagger and the pear, took a cloth to wipe the tea from his robe, but the Emperor unconsciously leaned back.

Dowager Empress Jing froze, her hand hung in mid-air as she stared at him.

The Emperor realized his gaffe and cursed himself for his unfilial behavior. His mother was concerned about him; how could he hurt her feelings?

He took the cloth from Dowager Empress Jing’s hand and said, "Don’t wet your robe, I’ll do it myself."

Dowager Empress Jing smiled and said, "Alright."

Thankfully, there were no further mishaps. The mother and son chatted congenially until Eunuch Wei came to report that Elder Jiuji was asking for an audience. Only then did the Emperor rise and bid farewell to Dowager Empress Jing.

Dowager Empress Jing said, "I will have someone send the Calming Incense to your sleeping quarters."

The Emperor smiled and said, "Thank you, Mother."

The Emperor went to the Imperial Study Room.

Elder Jiuji bowed and paid his respects, "Your servant, greets Your Majesty!" _{fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓}

The Emperor went behind his desk and sat down, coldly saying, "Enough with the formalities. What brings you to the palace so late at night?"

"Your Majesty, Jiaojiao has been assassinated!"

"What!" The Emperor abruptly stood up, "How could she have been attacked? Where is she now? Was she hurt?"

Elder Jiuji sighed quietly, appreciating the Emperor’s concern for Jiaojiao.

"Your Majesty, please don’t worry. These incidents happened a few days ago, her injuries are not serious."