Emperor Xingyuan stared at the book for a moment: "Is this a storybook written outside the palace?"
Concubine Shu's heart tightened, and she said bravely: "Yes... I heard that this book is very popular in the capital, and I was really curious, so I asked Xiao Mingzi to buy it and have a look."
Over the years, Concubine Shu has taken care of the empress, and in the eyes of many people, she is actually a queen, but only Concubine Shu knows best. Facing this emperor, she can never be as relaxed as a wife is when she is facing her husband.
Whether it was her or the other women in the harem, the emperor's attitude towards them was condescending.
However, some people understand it, like her. There are also some people who are too stupid to want to be favored by the emperor.
Because she was sober, Concubine Shu had to be cautious in front of Emperor Xingyuan.
"I see." Emperor Xingyuan came here today to discuss with Concubine Shu about her bastard nephew, but the trembling palace servants and the blood stains on the gold bricks all made him lose interest in staying.
"Concubine Shu, it's better not to get angry because of your nephew. Your own health is the most important thing."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I understand."
Emperor Xingyuan nodded, turned and left.
The eunuch holding the book hesitated for a moment, but did not dare to make the decision without Emperor Xingyuan's instructions, so he silently took "Painted Skin" away.
Concubine Shu looked at the door, her face darkened.
The emperor ordered Jin Linwei to beat up his nephew in public, so why not show her face? He came over today and said a few words without any pain and then left.
If so - a beautiful face appeared in Concubine Shu's mind, and her face was even more violent.
That is really a lifelong shadow for these people. Fortunately, that person will never come back.
Concubine Shu's expression was slightly relaxed, and she glanced at Xiao Mingzi who was kneeling on the ground: "Get out of here!"
Xiao Mingzi didn't dare to raise his head and quickly retreated.
Emperor Xingyuan returned to the palace, and after a quick glance, he discovered that the chamberlain had brought back the script.
"Bring it to me to see."
The eunuch's name was Sun Yan, who was one of the top eunuchs, and of course he was humble enough in front of Emperor Xingyuan.
"Yes." Sun Yan pulled off the girdle of the book and quickly turned over the pages for inspection before presenting the book to Emperor Xingyuan.
Emperor Xingyuan took the script and started reading it.
Sun Yan stood aside and did not dare to disturb him, so he winked at the young chamberlain.
Anyone who can work here is smart. The waiter quickly moved the candlestick this way.
The light became brighter and brighter, and Emperor Xingyuan looked more seriously.
Time passed little by little, and Sun Yan couldn't help but remind him: "Your Majesty, it's time to rest, be careful not to hurt your eyes."
Emperor Xingyuan looked away from the book and took a sip of water.
Just as Sun Yan was about to reach out and take the book away, Emperor Xingyuan held him down: "I will read it for another quarter of an hour."
A quarter of an hour?
Sun Yan thought it was okay and silently added hot water to the half-empty water glass.
A quarter of an hour later.
"Your Majesty, the time has come."
Emperor Xingyuan didn't even raise his head: "Look at it for another quarter of an hour, no, two quarters of an hour."
The corner of Sun Yan's mouth twitched, knowing the emperor's temper, so he did not try to persuade him.
Two quarters of an hour later.
"Your Majesty, it's really time to rest. We have to go to court early tomorrow -"
Emperor Xingyuan patted the book and said with a stern face: "At this time, I am often still correcting memorials. Why can't I read the script?"
Sun Yan lowered his head and did not dare to say anything more.
"Stop rambling, wait until I finish reading."
Sun Yan: "..."
The night was getting deeper and the candlesticks were filled with candles. Emperor Xingyuan finally put down the book, stood up and rubbed his eyes.
Eunuch Sun's expression was numb.
"What is Mr. Songling's origin?"
After reading a good book, it is human nature to want to pay attention to the author.
Sun Yan was asked: "I don't know much about things outside the palace."
Perhaps, he should find time to visit Qingsong Bookstore.
Emperor Xingyuan was not angry at Sun Yan's ignorance and ordered: "Let Marquis Changle come to see me after the court tomorrow."
"yes."
When he went to court the next day, the officials noticed the big dark circles on Emperor Xingyuan's face and were immediately puzzled.
Government affairs have been going smoothly recently, and there have been no news of natural or man-made disasters from various places. Does the Emperor actually stay up late to deal with political affairs?
This is really embarrassing for a minister!
So Emperor Xingyuan felt the efforts of the ministers, and the morning court was delayed for half an hour longer than usual.
Emperor Xingyuan was dizzy and almost couldn't hold on. He finally stayed up until the end of the morning and fell asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.
Sun Yan didn't dare to disturb him and just stood by silently.
I don’t know how long it took, but there was a question: “Is Marquis Changle here?”
Sun Yan said hurriedly: "Marquis Changle is already waiting outside."
"Send him in."
Not long after, He Qingxiao walked in.
"Wei Chen has met your Majesty."
A smile appeared on Emperor Xingyuan's face: "Qing Xiao, I have told you so many times that I am also your uncle, please relax."
After chatting for a while, Emperor Xingyuan told He Qingxiao what he wanted to do: "I am a little curious about what kind of person Mr. Songling is who wrote "Painted Skin". You can go and find out."
He Qingxiao responded quietly and frowned after walking out of the palace gate.
The emperor told him that all the things he was asked to do were related to officials and nobles. This was the first time he was specifically investigating ordinary people.
But regardless of whether the task is reasonable or not, what the emperor has given us must be done.
Originally, he would directly order his subordinates to investigate such matters. He Qingxiao thought about it, put on casual clothes and went straight to Qingsong Bookstore.
At this time, there are many people in the bookstore.
Shopkeeper Hu stared at the fewer and fewer books on the bookshelf, his heart bleeding.
This store will be sold out within a few days, and every customer who leaves empty-handed will be left with a small amount of money.
"The shopkeeper's."
"Ah?" Shopkeeper Hu came to his senses and saw Mr. He in casual clothes, hesitating how to say hello.
He Qingxiao asked in a low voice: "Is your boss here? I have something to do with her."
"Please wait."
Shopkeeper Hu quickly sent Shi Shi to report to Xin You.
Not long after, Shitou ran back, approached He Qingxiao and whispered: "My boss said there are many people in the library. If you have something serious to talk about, let me take you to the east courtyard."
"Please lead the way."
Xin You was waiting at the stone table in the courtyard. When she saw He Qingxiao coming with the stone, she stood up to greet him.
"Master He, what do you want from me?" After sitting down, Xin You picked up the teapot and poured tea for He Qingxiao.
He Qingxiao looked at the calm-looking girl and said, "Miss Kou, can you tell me about Mr. Songling's situation?"
Xin You's hand holding the teapot paused, and there was doubt in his eyes: "Why did Master He suddenly ask about Mr. Song Ling?"
"I saw "Painted Skin" today and asked about Mr. Songling."
Originally, what the emperor told him should not be spread outside, but He Qingxiao said it easily, so easily that he was surprised when he said it, and then he felt calm.
Speaking of which, he didn't really want to be the envoy of Jinlin Guard, and in his heart, he was just obedient to the imperial power.
When He Qingxiao felt disgusted with the daily life in that palace full of royal servants, He Qingxiao realized that he did not have a conventional temperament.
And Miss Kou is also such a person.
