Chapter 328: With regards to being biased (1/2)

Chapter 328: With regards to being biased

History had multiple accounts of sovereigns being enamoured with their lovers and missing morning court sessions as a result.

Emperor Tianhui had come to Noble Consort Yun’s quarters as soon as his morning court session adjourned. His actions were understandable to some extent, Han Yunxi thought, if his target was Chu Qingge. She suspected that he wouldn’t let the girl go so easily.

“Zhen came to see how you’re both doing your investigations. Ask and examine as you need, there’s no need to have any misgivings,” Emperor Tianhui said solemnly.

“Yes,” Han Yunxi replied with a single syllable, but Chu Qingge was far more enthusiastic.

“Since Your Majesty is so open-minded, Qingge will do her best to uncover the truth!”

Han Yunxi couldn’t help but roll her eyes. What, so you won’t try your best if Emperor Tianhui didn’t show up?

“Zhen believes you!” Emperor Tianhui had a meaningful look in his eyes. Chu Qingge nodded. She was about to interrogate some more court ladies when Emperor Tianhui added, “Miss Chu, if there’s anything you need help with, you can ask Zhen directly. Zhen will definitely give your assistance without delay.” He’d long left Han Yunxi to dry in the sun.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

If this was in the past, Chu Qingge would have long noticed something off with Emperor Tianhui’s gaze. But her mind was filled with thoughts of competing against Han Yunxi now. As long as there was a chance to beat Han Yunxi and show offbefore her, she’d use it without hesitation.

“It’s Qingge’s honor to receive such trust from the emperor,” Chu Qingge said as she intentionally raised her voice. The empress dowager might have pushed Han Yunxi to the forefront, but Chu Qingge couldn’t believe that old woman was sincere. She guessed that the empress dowager had a trap lying in wait for Han Yunxi. Emperor Tianhui was even less likely to help the woman out. Maybe he was preparing a trap, too! Even if she herself didn’t have the empress dowager’s support, Emperor Tianhui’s trust was already enough to give her a one-up on Han Yunxi.

So what if Han Yunxi was Long Feiye’s proper consort? So what if the rumors said that Long Feiye doted on her? Long Feiye was such a cold and busy man. How was it possible for him to always be at Han Yunxi’s side and help her out with everything?

Chu Qingge’s voice was so loud that Han Yunxi would’ve felt embarrassed for her sake if she didn’t at least look over. She gave the girl a bewildered glance, wondering what she was so smug about. Doesn’t she know that it’s not an honor to gain Emperor Tianhui’s trust? It’s actually her misfortune.

“Aye…” Han Yunxi sighed lightly.

“Esteemed wangfei, His Majesty’s definitely set his sights on that girl!” Zhao mama couldn’t help but whisper. Being an experienced former servant of the imperial palace, she’d naturally noticed those details. In fact, she’d noticed as early as Chu Qingge’s qin performance at the birthday banquet, but she hadn’t paid it any mind at the time. After seeing Emperor Tianhui’s gaze in person today, she was 100 percent convinced.

Han Yunxi signaled Zhao mama to be quiet before she entered the inner rooms. She figured that Emperor Tianhui already hated her enough, so she shouldn’t stick around and ruin his romantic pursuits. But Chu Qingge felt restless as soon as Han Yunxi slipped away. Why did she leave? Is it because she can’t stand it anymore?

“Your Majesty, Qingge will look around a bit inside. Please excuse my absence,” Chu Qingge said respectfully.

“Go on,” Emperor Tianhui smiled slightly, looking very amiable. By the time Chu Qingge turned around, he was still admiring her delicate, appealing figure. When she walked, her steps were lithe and graceful. Eventually, a satisfied curve rose onto his lips.

Heheh, the more I see, the more satisfied I feel.

—

Once Chu Qingge entered the rooms, she noticed that Han Yunxi didn’t seem to be examining anything. She was actually sitting in a corner and whispering something in Zhao mama’s ear. Mistress and servant were both wreathed in smiles. At her entrance, Han Yunxi only cast her a single glance. Even when Chu Qingge settled to sit right across from her, Han Yunxi ignored her in favor of small talk with Zhao mama. Chu Qingge listened for a while, but realized they were talking about trivial matters she didn’t understand that had no relation to the case. She assumed that Han Yunxi would say something when she came in, but that wasn’t the case.

After a while of sitting, Chu Qingge began to feel somewhat awkward. She put down her lofty attitude and asked coldly, “Han Yunxi, judging from your state, you’ve found something out, haven’t you?”

“Nope,” Han Yunxi didn’t elaborate.

“Emperor Tianhui believes in me so much. Aren’t you afraid?” Chu Qingge asked again.

“I’m not afraid.” Han Yunxi only answered her questions, but offered no explanations of her own. It was obvious that she didn’t want to talk with Chu Qingge at all. But Chu Qingge dearly wanted to know whether Han Yunxi minded Emperor Tianhui’s obvious bias. More than that, she wanted to know what kind of charm she possessed, to keep Long Feiye by her side.

“Han Yunxi, you don’t really think that old empress dowager is on your side, do you? Even if she does want to help you, I estimate that…” Chu Qingge lowered her voice in a fascmile of goodwill, “When I came to the palace this morning, I heard that the empress dowager’s palace lost a great deal of treasures. She’s vexed beyond belief, searching for them everywhere. She doesn’t have time to worry about anything else.”

At her words, both Han Yunxi and Zhao mama burst into uncontrollable laughter.