Chapter 124 (1/2)

Chapter 124: Provocation

After a few days, Qi Yun, who Jun Huang hadn't heard from for a while, came to visit. As soon as Jun Huang walked into her house, a servant came to notify her that Qi Yun was waiting for her.

Jun Huang was surprised. In order to not worry Qi Yun, she had asked Nan Xun and Ji Bo to keep her collapse earlier a secret. She didn't want people to make a big deal out of her condition.

Qi Yun was drinking tea when she got to the garden. She stepped on a twig and the sound jerked Qi Yun out of his thoughts.

Qi Yun got to his feet and patted his wrinkled robe. He whipped his broad sleeves loose before cupping his hands in greeting. ”Please forgive this gentleman for intruding.”

Jun Huang shook her head with a smile. ”What happened?” She took the seat across from him and turned to him.

The Court of Judicial Review had a lot less cases to deal with lately. Therefore, Qi Yun had moved back to the palace. He was allowed less freedom than when he had been living in the court, so it had been a while since he last came to visit Jun Huang. He didn't know she had been ill, but he did notice that she had lost weight, and that she smelled of herbs.

”Didn't we talk about a hidden force at play in supporting second brother? After some time spent on thinking about this issue, I believe that it is likely to be related to Consort Zhen.”

Jun Huang raised an eyebrow at him. ”Why do you say so?”

”I know what power every courtier possesses, but the members of the harem remain unknown to me. In addition, this force seems to have been helping Qi Chen ever since he was born. Even the banished empress still has her people. Consort Zhen, who has maintained her influence in the palace for decades, must hold considerable power in her hands.” Qi Yun kept his eyes on Jun Huang as he talked, worried that he might have made a mistake.

Jun Huang considered his words. It was obvious from Qi Yun's expression that he was nervous. She commented, ”It's worth considering.”

Jun Huang had just recovered. With everything she had to worry about, she didn't really have the patience to deal with Qi Yun. ”Is there anything else?”

Qi Yun could tell that Jun Huang was asking him to leave. He hurriedly stood up and cupped his hands. ”It's about time for me to return to the palace. Please excuse me.”

Jun Huang nodded. ”If you don't have any responsibilities at the Court of Judicial Review, you should visit the emperor more. You don't need any more achievements for the time being. Leaving a good impression on the emperor is your priority.”

”I understand.” Qi Yun walked outside. Soon, he was out of Jun Huang's view.

Jun Huang sat quietly in the garden. She poured himself a cup of tea and took a sip. In the end, she decided that she had to go to Prince Chen Manor. She had to find out something from Qi Chen. Even if she couldn't get a direct answer, she could at least get a feel of his att.i.tude.

She stood up and fixed her sleeves before walking outside. It didn't take long for her to reach the manor. The page boy watching the door knew that Qi Chen was inside. He let her in.

Qi Chen happened to be free when Jun Huang visited. He walked up to her and asked her how she had been. When they were left alone and Jun Huang felt like it was about time, she asked, ”There is something this gentleman has been wondering, Your Highness.”

”What is it?” Qi Chen asked, turning to face her, still fumbling with a crabapple flower with a hand.

”At critical times like this Your Highness still remains confident, as if nothing will be able to hurt you. I'm wondering what Your Highness's reasons are, and if there is someone helping you behind the scenes.”

Jun Huang had tried her best to mask her intentions, but the questions still are suspicious. She was betting on Qi Chen's trust for her.

Qi Chen leveled Jun Huang with a heavy gaze. Jun Huang knew she must not insist on getting an answer. She dropped down to her knees and affected a respectful expression. ”This gentleman has nothing to hide. It's just that it's difficult to understand what the scholar officials and military officials in the court are thinking. Your Highness needs their help in your pursuit of the throne.”

Looking at Jun Huang, Qi Chen felt a pang of guilt for the flash of doubt in his heart. Jun Huang had been his most loyal supporter. Without her, he wouldn't be where he was today.

He sighed and helped Jun Huang up. ”Come with me,” he said, pointing at the garden.

Jun Huang nodded and followed him. She maintained the perfect mask of aloofness as she wondered how Consort Zhen, who was a member of the harem, exerted her influence on the imperial court.

The past couple of days, Ji Bo had not been lazing about. He needed a plan that would make sure that he entered the third prince's manor without arousing suspicion. The prince must be willing to trust him with important matters.

He went to Jun Huang for advice. He was sure that Jun Huang would be able to help him come up with a good plan.

The day he went to visit Jun Huang was a sunny day. Jun Huang looked at him questioningly. It was rare for Ji Bo to come find her on his own accord, but over the past few days he had been here twice already.

Despite her surprise, Jun Huang was still able to treat him with the proper courtesy. She invited Ji Bo inside and poured him a cup of tea. ”Mister Ji Bo has said you are going to pledge yourself to the third prince. You should be careful in visiting me. People will talk if they see you here.”