Chapter 10: A change in plans (2/2)

Lu Yaozhu smiled and said, ” Please don't flatter me, your Majesty, I was only doing my duty.”

The Emperor returned to his seat ”There is no need to be humble Yaozhu,  even the citizens sing your praise. If you do a good work you should accept your praise”.

Lu Yaozhu stretched out his hands and bent forward ”many thanks your Majesty”.

”Alright there is no need for that, I will leave you to get some rest. You must be tired from the journey,” The Emperor said.

”I will take my Leave your Majesty ” Lu Yaozhu said

Emperor Zhong  replied ”mm”

Lu Yaozhu bowed low and left the room. A Eunuch from the Empress's palace approached Lu Yaozhu as he walked down the stairs. The Eunuch called out in a low tone ”General Lu”.

Lu Yaozhu paused and replied, ”hello Eunuch Ye, how can I help you?”.

”The Empress is asking for you”, the Eunuch said.

It was normal to visit her since he was close to the Empress. Lu Yaozhu nodded and followed the Eunuch to the Empress's palace. Minutes later, they arrived at Empress Dowager's palace. Lu Yaozhu was led in by a maid.

The Maid stood by the door and announced his presence ”Your majesty, General Lu has arrived”.

The Empress looked up from her painting, her face brightened up as she caught sight of Lu Yaozhu. Her lips spread revealing two perfect dimples ”Yaozhu! Come over let me look at you”, the Empress said beckoning him closer.

Lu Yaozhu looked down at his dusty armour, feeling a little self-conscious ”Uh...Your Highness, I don't think…. That is…. I am a little dusty…”

Empress Lu laughed softly ”oh, I don't mind that. come closer. You are too tall, I can strain my neck to look up”.

”oh... Yes, your highness” Lu Yaozhu walked forward, he stood a small distance away. Seeing the shadow at the side of her drawing sheet, Empress Lu looked up ”Yaozhu why are you standing so far” she pouted, placed the painting brush on the brush holder and walked to him.

Empress Lu walked closer when she saw a long cut on her neck. ”How did you get hurt?” She said holding his jaw and moving his face to the side to get a closer look.

Lu Yaozhu stepped back quickly ”it's nothing, Your highness, it is just an old injury”, he said quickly.

Empress Lu felt a little hurt by his actions, she brought down her hands to her side. She turned to her maid ” please call the imperial doctor over, he should come to take a look at this”.

”No no that won't be necessary, the Emperor already sent over a doctor to the camp,” Lu Yaozhu said quickly, stretching out his hand and held her back.

”Oh…  then there is no need for that, '' Empress Lu replied softly. The Empress and Emperor had an estranged relationship. They both stayed out of each other's business. Since the Emperor sent over a doctor, there was no need for her calling over another doctor.

Lu Yaozhu stayed for some time and conversed with the Empress before returning to Duke Wu's residence.