Chapter 67: The Wedding 2 (1/2)

The imperial palace.

Lu Yaozhu was held back by the crown Prince as soon court ended, like other officials heard about Lu Yaozhu's marriage. Lu Yaozhu had been as elusive as ever, he hadn't been able to get hold of him until now. Zhongshan Ling pulled Lu Yaozhu into an unoccupied palace close to the court room to avoid getting overheard.

He had left the palace as soon as the games ended and were present when Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya were found in a compromising condition. He had been shocked when his guard reported the situation to him.

Zhongshan Ling gave his guard a sign to watch the door while they chatted. ”I heard about what happened.... father Emperor is making a big move. How are you?”

Lu Yaozhu grinned and replied ”good, I am getting married. It is happy news, my mother has been worried about my marriage for a while. She can finally relax, I am just a lowly general. Don't forget to give me a big wedding gift”.

The crown prince brows furrowed, ”why are you acting so happy? It is okay to be sad”.

Lu Yaozhu tilted his head ”sad? Why would I be sad? The bride is really pretty, she is like a first rank beautiful. I lucked out in wives, don't worry about me.” He said patting Zhongshan Ling on the shoulder.

Zhongshan Ling looked at him like he was going mad, he didn't know why Lu Yaozhu was acting this calm but he knew him well. The more he pressed for information, the more exaggerated things, Lu Yaozhu would say.

”Since you want to play it like this, ahh forget it. My spies intercepted a message between Minister Zhu and the crown Prince of Chu state. You were right, the Shi family is making some underground moves. Be careful, I don't think they are done with you yet”. Zhongshan Ling said exasperated.

”Aren't I always. Imperial Aunt asked to speak with me, I better get going” Lu Yaozhu left silently.

He didn't have an appointment with the Empress, he just didn't want to spend any more time speaking to her another concerned party. It was enough that he had to deal with his mother's probing as soon as he walked into the house, he didn't want another concerned person.

He walked in the direction of the Empress's palace, in case Zhongshan Ling put someone in his trail. Brother Ling was relentless when he got something in mind. As he walked through the inner palace garden, he overheard a few maids mention that the Empress visited the new princess at Jing Palace.

He paused at the mention of the Princess at Jing palace, it can only be Su Liya since all the Princesses were either married or out of the palace. He turned to the left and headed to the Empress's Jianxiu Palace. Since he was already close, he might as well check on his aunt.

The Empress laid crooked on the chaise when the little eunuch rush in and reported his arrival. Empress Lu immediately sat up and quickly arranged her appearance before letting him in. She sat on the cushioned seat in the living room, with her two senior court ladies standing behind her.

He stopped a few steps away from her, ”Greetings Your Highness”.

”Xiao Zhu, I wasn't expecting you!” She said smiling wide. Empress Lu usually had a solemn expression, her days in the palace were cold and exhausting. However, the solemn expression usually disappeared as soon as she saw Lu Yaozhu.

The General always brighten up her mood, everyone noticed the change in her mood every time the general visited. There were a few sinister rumours spread by the other consort's, they accused the Empress and Lu Yaozhu of having an unmentionable relationship.

The rumours got worse the older the general got, but the Empress ignored all those rumours. There was no point in answering such baseless accusations. That would make the tongues wag more, Lu Yaozhu was her favourite nephew. She treated him like her child since he had been born after she had lost her child.

”I am sorry for coming unexpectedly. After what happened..... We haven't spoken.... I wanted to...”

”Don't worry, this Empress understands. I visited her, she is fine. Although she is a little suspicious, I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt” she had to watch him grow up, this wasn't a normal visit. Her darling nephew must have heard that she visited his fiance and wanted to inquire about her conditions.

”Many thanks, Your Highness” he replied.

”You must be tired from the court, I won't keep you any longer”.