77 Developments Inside The Imperial Palace - 25.3 (1/2)

The next day, Jin Meng Yao was making his way to the main palace hall to once again attend morning court albeit still a bit absent-minded since he was still thinking about his friend, Fan Xian Liang.

He knew that a lot of things have been happening within the Lei Palace and the Fan estate ever since his master; Fan Hui Zhong returned to the capital.

In fact, Jin Meng Yao has been planning on paying his master a visit since he still hasn't gotten the chance to see him ever since he came back and this caused him to feel slightly frustrated with himself especially when he heard that the one time he decide to sneak out and ditch attending morning court the other day was the very same day that Fan Hui Zhong decided to surprise everyone to attend morning court and even let everyone know what his plans were!

This was actually the main reason he was attending today. It was because he was hoping that Fan Hui Zhong will once gain act out of his usual norm and attend court once more!

As he neared the vicinity of the palace's main hall, a eunuch could be seen hurrying towards him as if worried that Jin Meng Yao would disappear right in front of him.

Despite the eunuch's hurried actions drawing a relatively small amount of attention, no one really paid heed to it until the eunuch blocked the crown prince's path, startling him in the process.

”Please excuse this lowly one, Your Highness; This servant comes on behalf of Her Highness; the Empress to request for Your Highness' presence.”

Surprise, Jin Meng Yao couldn't help but open his mouth and ask, ”Mother? Did she tell you what she needs This Prince for?”

”No, Your Highness. This lowly one was just tasked to find you and deliver Her Majesty's message and to bring Your Highness to visit her as soon as possible.”

Seeing the urgency in the eunuch's face while being clearly reflected in his voice as well, Jin Meng Yao couldn't help but let out a resigned sigh as a helpless smile formed on his face as he nodded and spoke.

”Very well then, lead the way.”

A bit puzzled as to why he was summoned, countless thoughts ran through Jin Meng Yao's mind and while he kept mum about it, his expression still showed an inkling of it and when they entered the empress' he heard his mother's tinkling laughter sound from inside and just as he was about to call out, a deep, enigmatic voice could be heard lowly speaking before the empress laugh once again sounded.

Hearing that voice, it certainly didn't trigger any memory or sense of familiarity from him which in turn made him feel small seed of doubt.

Just who was there inside that would make his mother indiscriminately laugh like that?

For crying out loud, he was her son yet the only time Jin Meng Yao heard his mother laugh like that is when they were in a private settinh with only close friends, trusted confidantes and family around!

No longer could Jin Meng Yao hold his curiousity back so instea of letting the eunuch announce his presence, Jin Meng Yao himself strode forward and pushed the door open to let the people inside know of his arrival.

Hearing the door swing open unannounced, everyone's gazes were instantly drawn to it and to Jin Meng Yao who just entered, surprise clearly reflected on his handsome face.

Seated inside was not only his mother, the empress; Wu Li Hua but also his younger sister; Mei Rong who was giggling happily.

Despite of his initial bafflement, Jin Meng Yao's attention was wholly focused on the young man dressed in immaculate clothes with an exquisite half-mask partially covering his face since this man was the only one who was unfamiliar to him.

Noticing this, Wu Li Hua covered her smile before she gently coughed to draw her son's attention.

”I'm glad you're here, Yao'er! Come, come and take a seat...” Wu Li Hua called out gently as she motioned the stunned crown prince to come over.

Nodding his head, Jin Meng Yao made his way towards his younger sister who beamed at him as she motioned the seat beside her and as soon as he sat down, Meng Yao shot a questioning look at his mother as he said, ”Care to introduce me, Mother Empress?”

Laughing at her son's obvious discomfort and curiosity, Wu Li Hua then opened her mouth and proceeded to explain.