Feng Ying spoke about Li Mo’s return.
"General Li is now near the Cining Palace, he says he wants to wait for Lady Li here."
Near Cining Palace?
Yan Xiu’s mind stirred slightly: "Where is Lady Li?"
"Lady Li was invited over by Chen Jing to the Cining Palace, summoned by the Empress Dowager," Feng Ying answered honestly.
Why has Mother summoned Yu’er again?
Yan Xiu raised his gaze towards Shen Quan.
"Emperor, today Lady Li was summoned by Consort Zhuang to have a meal at Jingxiang Palace, a matter which the Empress Dowager should know. Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying went to Cining Palace after lunch, presumably to discuss some matters."
Yan Xiu raised his eyebrows, sneered: "All just gossip lovers, tell me, what’s being said about Yu’er in the palace lately?"
"This..." Shen Quan pondered the words, then spoke of Zhang Jian’s affair, finally probing cautiously: "The rumors of the Emperor and Prince Xuan’s altercation seem to be spreading in the palace. Though everything I know has been prohibited, I’m unsure if they have reached the Empress Dowager’s ears."
"Outrageous!"
Yan Xiu’s face sank, coldly said as he rose: "Prepare the carriage to Cining Palace."
"Emperor, if you go now, it may be inappropriate," Shen Quan bowed in persuasion: "The Empress Dowager is in a fit of anger. She just summoned Lady Li, and if you go now, just like last time, discontent may arise in her heart even if she was not initially upset with Lady Li this time."
Yan Xiu paused in his steps, pursed his lips, and said: "Then what should be done? If Mother has summoned Yu’er because of matters between me and Prince Xuan, then she surely intends to punish. This situation differs from last time."
The previous matters were neither big nor small, depending on how he and Mother perceived them, but this time, his impulse made the situation appear to be Yu’er’s fault in Mother’s eyes.
In the harem, his favoritism could make Yu’er the target of wrath, but he knew he could protect her. Even with Mother, he would find a way to convince her.
"Prepare the carriage to Cining Palace," Yan Xiu narrowed his eyes slowly: "I don’t want to repeat myself."
"Yes, as you command."
Cining Palace was very quiet.
Li Yuyu was led into the room by Chen Jing.
"Thank you, Aunt Chen," Li Yuyu whispered her gratitude and stepped over the threshold inside.
"Miss Feng Yin should wait outside." Feng Yin was about to follow but was stopped by Chen Jing.
Feng Yin pursed her lips, bent her knees slightly and then stood outside the door.
Chen Jing lifted the curtain and went inside.
Li Yuyu saw Feng Yin didn’t come in and knew she was stopped again. Unhurried and silent, she stood with her Willow Leaf Eyes smiling at Chen Jing.
"Lady Li, please wait here, I’ll go check inside first." With that, Chen Jing headed into the inner chamber.
There was no one attending inside, Li Yuyu saw a teapot on the table, picked it up and poured herself a cup of tea.
The tea was slightly cool, which was perfect for Li Yuyu who had walked under the scorching sun for a long time. She drank two cups in succession to quell the burning sensation in her throat.
Li Yuyu thought for a moment, then poured a cup of water for Feng Yin to bring to her.
"Mistress, how could you!" Even the usually calm Feng Yin was startled by Li Yuyu’s actions, almost knocking over the teacup.
"Drink quickly, or the Empress Dowager might get disturbed later," Li Yuyu teased her.
Feng Yin nodded emphatically, as she drank the cooled tea. Her eyes warmed with emotion: "Thank you, Mistress."
"Shhh." Li Yuyu gestured to keep silent, snatched the teacup from Feng Yin’s hand, quickly placed it back on the table, and stood by the table as if nothing had happened.