Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 690 The Exiled Prince (1)
In the harem, Xiao Jiazhen entered the Yangxin Hall with the support of her personal senior palace maid, to pay respects to Feng Xuxu.
"Rise, come here so your cousin-in-law can see whether Zhenzhen has lost any weight." Feng Xuxu said with a smile, beckoning to the respectful Xiao Jiazhen, patted the spot next to her to indicate for her to come over and sit by her side.
Xiao Jiazhen pursed her lips and gave a faint smile, "Thank you, cousin-in-law. Zhenzhen is quite well." She got up and sat down with grace and poise.
"Good, you look healthy and rosy. It seems Lou Qianyu has been treating you well."
"Cousin-in-law~." Xiao Jiazhen felt somewhat uneasy under Feng Xuxu’s gaze and her cheeks reddened further.
Feng Xuxu, however, did not tease her. She sincerely took Xiao Jiazhen’s cold hand in her own, genuinely glad for her. Finding someone who truly cares and dotes on one wasn’t easy, especially someone she herself liked. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚
"Have you been back to see your uncle and aunt?"
Xiao Jiazhen shook her head with slight disappointment, then smiled again and clasped Feng Xuxu’s hand. "I just arrived last evening and thought about visiting father and mother, but Qianyu said to wait until after meeting with cousin-brother at the Prime Minister Residence. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to wait a few days."
Feng Xuxu understood Lou Qianyu’s caution. After all, Xiao Jiazhen’s status was special, and her father’s position was sensitive too. Lou Qianyu’s approach was better for him and the Prime Minister as it avoided unnecessary trouble.
"That’s fine. The court session should be ending soon. How about this, have lunch in the palace with Qianyu, and then visit your uncle and aunt at the Prime Minister Residence in the afternoon?"
"Thank you, cousin-in-law." Xiao Jiazhen’s smile widened like a child who had just received candy upon hearing she could visit the Prime Minister Residence that afternoon.
Feng Xuxu smiled and patted her gently, calling Mei Lenglei, who stood behind her, "Go tell the Imperial Kitchen to prepare extra dishes; this palace will host a banquet for the Lou King and his princess at noon."
"Yes, Your Highness." Upon receiving the order, Mei Lenglei did not dare to delay and promptly headed to the Imperial Kitchen to relay the Empress’s command. He hadn’t taken many steps before Feng Xuxu called out to him, "Let’s have hot pot for noon." She thought it over; hot pot would be warming in the winter.
After the morning court session ended, Dugu Chen asked Lou Qianyu to stay, and they headed to the harem together.
"Your Majesty, may I boldly ask when will the provisions be sent to Luo County?" Lou Qianyu followed a step behind Dugu Chen, his mind on the starving people in Luo County.
"This afternoon, I will dispatch someone to gather the grain. Once enough has been assembled, it will be sent to Luo County."
Lou Qianyu was overjoyed upon hearing this. With Dugu Chen’s word, he felt a weight lift from his chest and a sincere smile spread across his face.
The two did not go to the Yangxin Hall but to the Imperial Study instead. Dugu Chen was not very clear about some matters concerning Luo Kingdom, and while Lou Qianyu was still here, it seemed appropriate to clarify some situations, especially since Luo County was now a part of Xueyan Country.
Upon entering the Imperial Study, Eunuch Wei had someone serve two cups of hot tea. He then discreetly withdrew the eunuchs on duty in the room, followed suit himself, and quietly closed the door, standing guard outside.
Lou Qianyu raised an eyebrow, understanding the implications. Even if the Emperor did not inquire, it was still incumbent upon him to speak.
"You must know why I have asked you to stay." Sitting in his chair, Dugu Chen did not immediately question Lou Qianyu but instead sipped his hot tea to chase away the chill. After warming up, he finally spoke.
Lou Qianyu was clear-minded, and he did not feign ignorance. He shared all he knew about the intricate relations among ministers and noble families, including matters about Zi Weijiang. The more Dugu Chen listened, the more his brows knit together. Once Lou Qianyu had nearly finished, Dugu Chen’s patience was waning, and he raised his hand abruptly, interrupting Lou Qianyu’s explanation.
