Palace Fighting: Naive Concubines' Ascent to Power-Chapter 433: Is there more? I still want to watChapter

He read books that were always proper, such as "Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government" which reflected on past events and governance, critically analyzing the history books of past dynasties to learn from history and weigh gains and losses.

He didn’t think Lian Hua would like such books, either. His Little Concubine would frown at the sight of books; how could she possibly take the initiative to read? Since his arrival at Canglan Court, he had never seen her actively reading books; only poetry because she wanted to use her learning.

As for Zhang Qing, he indeed knew about storybooks. Today, Xiao Jizi had borrowed them under the pretext of scavenging for storybooks, and he was aware of it.

However, he had not seen what book the Emperor had in his hand or what was written inside it; therefore, he did not think in that direction. Moreover, the Emperor had taken the book from the desk he usually worked at, and ordinary people dared not touch His Majesty’s belongings, so he instinctively thought it was a book for His Majesty.

But this was serious! Unexpectedly, even the strictly guarded Canglan Court had such an incident; how could it not infuriate the Emperor, and how could it not cause Zhang Qing to panic.

The security at Canglan Court still had loopholes, and he was to blame!

In the midst of the chaos, Zhang Qing had not noticed that Lian Hua had returned and only realized someone was there when he heard her question and turned around.

He had matters on his mind and could not produce a smile; he just responded haphazardly, "Servant is fine, servant can see," then turned his worried gaze back toward the Side Hall, his mind flying elsewhere, without giving much thought to her words.

He pocketed his hands, took a glance inside, and then withdrew his gaze, looking hesitant at the door, pacing back and forth, occasionally rubbing his hands, uncertain of what to do.

His Majesty had not summoned him, how could he go in!

Seeing his actions, Lian Hua interpreted them differently.

Lian Hua thought Zhang Qing looked very nervous, his gaze drifting aimlessly, completely unlike his usual self, and she thought he might be having a bout of "blindness disease."

She couldn’t help but comfort him, "Steward Zhang, you could have Charcoal Head check your eyes one of these days. If you can’t see clearly at night, make the lanterns larger and light more of them."

Although she disliked having Charcoal Head look at them, she also knew that his medical skills should be acceptable. It was not good to conceal one’s ailments and shun medics.

"Thank you, Master Lian," Zhang Qing blurted out without thinking.

Lian Hua felt she had given enough instructions. Seeing that Xiao Jizi seemed almost done, she prepared to step into the Side Hall.

Suddenly recalling, Zhang Qing realized, Master Lian was there, of course!

He slapped his forehead and ran a few quick steps to catch up with Lian Hua, asking quietly, "Master Lian, the book on His Majesty’s desk, who placed it there?"

He needed to find the person quickly!

Lian Hua, seeing Zhang Qing so secretive, thought there was some matter and also lowered her voice to whisper, "Are you referring to ’The Strange Records of the Human World Judges’? I put it there, why?"

Zhang Qing was stunned. Had outsiders influenced Master Lian?

A chill ran through him. He looked around and then pressed further, "Master Lian, who told you to put it there, tell servant."

He needed to handle it properly and not implicate Master Lian.

While Lian Hua was confused as to what was happening, she looked around as well and answered, "No one, I just forgot to take it with me after I finished reading it. Steward Zhang, speaking of which, this book is really good, very intriguing."

She stretched out her hand and sized it up with her palm, "Are there any more? I would like to read more."

Xiao Jizi had brought just that one and she finished reading it in no time—it wasn’t enough.

Zhang Qing was instantly dumbfounded. Was this book... Master Lian’s?

Wait a minute! Given its title, why did it sound like something Young Eunuchs and Little Palace Maids would read for fun?

In the palace, openly having storybooks was not allowed. He turned a blind eye, but he had not expected it to belong to Master Lian.

Thinking of what Xiao Jizi had done, he suddenly realized he had overthought the matter...

Oh no, could His Majesty have also overthought it?!

When Lian Hua saw that Zhang Qing did not respond, she suddenly realized why Steward Zhang was acting so mysteriously, as if he were a thief. She remembered that openly reading storybooks in the palace was not allowed; otherwise, they would definitely be confiscated, and there would be punishment.

She was suddenly shocked, oh no, could His Majesty have seen it? Was she going to be punished? freewebnøvel.coɱ

Thinking this, she paid no attention to Zhang Qing and hurried inside. As she entered the hall and saw the Emperor’s back, she then heard his furious voice of criticism:

"Sedition, a crime that must be punished!"

"Abusing private punishment, ignoring the laws, how unreasonable!"

Ah, that’s so severe!

Lian Hua was greatly startled; how could such a heavy sentence be for just a storybook.

Feeling panicked, she moved a few steps forward and saw the book in the Emperor’s hand—it was her storybook, and there was no denying it...

The furious Emperor completely unaware of her arrival, flipped to the last page and couldn’t help but slam the book hard on the table, sternly demanding, "Whose book is this?"

Lian Hua was instantly petrified, her mind filled with fears of being questioned by His Majesty, and she blankly stared at the figure before her, feeling very unfamiliar. Was this her His Majesty?

Why so fierce... oh no, it was more than just fierce, it went beyond merely fierce, but what was it again...?

This version of His Majesty was very alien to her, just like when Beauty Li falsely accused her, and at that time in the Noble Consort’s Palace, His Majesty was so unfamiliar, he had her thrown into the Imperial Prison.

Her mind became muddled, and she stood dazedly wanting to raise her hand, unsure if confessing would lead to leniency...

The Emperor suddenly turned and saw her, immediately realizing something was wrong, and in the anger he failed to suppress, vented like he was at the Star Palace.

Zhang Qing, coming in behind Lian Hua, realized what was happening and immediately felt uneasy, wanting to intervene.

In a flash of lightning, the Emperor’s thoughts quickly changed, and glancing behind Lian Hua, he caught Zhang Qing’s gaze, who gave a signal.

The Emperor immediately understood, took a quick step forward, grasped Lian Hua’s hand that was about to be raised, and pulled her into his arms, gently saying along her back, "Nannan, it’s OK, I wasn’t speaking about you, don’t be afraid."

As soon as his words ended, Xiao Jizi burst in from outside, still carrying a tray.

Barging in too hastily, a piece of meat flung onto the door with a slap and then fell to the floor with a thud.

His Majesty’s stern shout had been heard by everyone outside the Side Hall.

Xiao Jizi was checking the meat pies with the servant from the Star Palace and was always watching Lian Hua’s movements; when Lian Hua went in, he noticed, but little did he know that as soon as he entered, His Majesty’s angry interrogation would startle him, disregarding the tray; he rushed in.

However, after rushing in, he encountered a very strange atmosphere.

The master was held by His Majesty, her expression unclear, and His Majesty did not appear to be blaming her but seemed rather worried instead.

And Chief steward Zhang’s forehead was all sweaty.

His entry made too much noise, attracting the attention of both individuals.