flstandardbreds Chapter 153 The Duke of Zhenguo Presents a "Treasure"
Chapter 153 The Duke of Zhenguo Presents a "Treasure"
"Even if I could go, it is absolutely impossible. I cannot leave the Empress Dowager alone in this palace under any circumstances."
Do not forget that I came out of the palace this time under the pretext of taking good care of the Empress Dowager.
Strictly speaking, it won't be more than fifty days before the Reunion Festival arrives next month, at which time the Emperor will surely return to the palace, and the Empress Dowager will also return.
Upon hearing this, Jinse asked with a puzzled expression, "If that's the case, then why did Your Highness tell the two young princes that they need to wait another fifty days?"
Su Nuannuan blinked and replied playfully, "Don't you think it would be a pleasant surprise to return to the palace before the agreed-upon date?" She then chuckled softly.
Jinse: Your Majesty, you really know how to have fun.
And so, ten days passed quickly in the joyful atmosphere of Su Nuannuan playing and enjoying delicious food with her two children.
"Mother, a circle has been drawn!" Canglan Jingcheng ran over excitedly, shouting loudly as he ran. Canglan Jingyao, on the other hand, followed steadily and calmly in front of Granny Ru.
Su Nuannuan first glanced at her son, who was rushing over in a flurry, and then turned her gaze to her daughter, who was dignified and composed. She thought to herself: Daughters are better, they are so steady and reliable.
And so, on this new day, Su Nuannuan's mode of disliking her son was activated once again...
"Mother knows. Did you practice your kung fu with Aunt Tingxue today?" Su Nuannuan asked the adorable little girl in front of her with a smile.
Su Nuannuan knew how to talk to her child, and sure enough, she managed to kill the conversation in no time. But even so, as a mother, she still cared about his growth and progress.
The little boy blinked his bright eyes, pouted, and looked up at Su Nuannuan with some dissatisfaction, muttering, "Mother, every time you see me, the first thing you ask is about practicing martial arts. Can't you ask about anything else?" Cang Lan Jingcheng's tone was tinged with resentment, clearly showing that he was already a little annoyed by his mother's opening remarks.
However, to Cang Lan Jingcheng's surprise, Su Nuannuan nodded without hesitation and replied, "Okay."
Her answer was unusually crisp and decisive, leaving the three-year-old Cang Lan Jingcheng completely bewildered.
As expected, Cang Lan Jingcheng was stunned by his mother's sudden reaction. All the complaints he had prepared were stuck in his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word.
Just then, a sweet voice came: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."
Canglan Jingyao walked over with small steps and respectfully bowed to Su Nuannuan.
Upon seeing this, Su Nuannuan immediately smiled gently, reached out and pulled Cang Lan Jingyao into her arms, affectionately stroking her hair and praising, "Look at our Yao'er, she's getting more and more steady."
Hearing this, Cang Lan Jingcheng felt a little jealous, but he was still just a child, so he quickly shifted his attention to another important matter—lunch.
So he leaned forward, gazing longingly at his mother, and asked in a childish voice, "Mother, what delicious food are we having for lunch today?"
Su Nuannuan released her grip on her youngest daughter, turned to look at her son with loving eyes, and softly asked, "Then tell your mother what you would like to eat?"
Cang Lan Jingcheng tilted his head and thought for a while, then shook his head and answered pitifully, "I don't know..."
"You can go to the small kitchen and ask your Aunt Zhixiang," Su Nuannuan suggested softly to Cang Lan Jingcheng, blinking her bright eyes and a faint smile on her lips.
However, Cang Lan Jingcheng shook his head firmly, looked straight at his mother, and answered crisply, "I won't go." His small face revealed a hint of stubbornness and willfulness.
"Mother, shall we begin the lesson?" Cang Lan Jingcheng suddenly changed the subject, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge.
Before Su Nuannuan could even respond to her son's request, she saw Li Quan running towards them from afar, supporting his limp leg. He was panting heavily, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.
When Li Quan finally reached Su Nuannuan, he abruptly stopped, placed his hands on his knees, and gasped for breath. After a while, he calmed his breathing slightly, then looked up at Su Nuannuan and called out in a slightly trembling voice, "Your Majesty~"
Seeing this, Su Nuannuan quickly asked with concern, "What's wrong? You seem so anxious. Don't worry, tell me slowly."
Upon hearing Su Nuannuan's question, Li Quan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but he could still feel his chest heaving violently. Then, he swallowed and said urgently, "Your Majesty, the Duke... the Duke has presented treasures at the Summer Palace."
Upon hearing this news, Granny Jin and Granny Ru exchanged a glance, then, with perfect understanding, each carrying a child, bowed to Su Nuannuan and withdrew.
Having lived in the palace for so many years, they knew all too well that curiosity killed the cat, and that the less they knew, the better if they wanted to survive.
Watching Granny Jin and Granny Ru leave with the two children, Su Nuannuan feigned surprise and asked, "Presenting treasures?"
In truth, she knew very well that the treasure her father had presented to the palace was that box of incomparably precious books. But for now, she could only pretend not to know.
“Yes. They say a box of special books was found in the lady’s newly purchased estate. The Duke dared not keep it, so he presented it to the Emperor,” Li Quan replied, bowing.
"Li Quan, continue to inquire."
Although Su Nuannuan wasn't too worried about her father, she still wanted to know how things would develop.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Quan accepted the order and hurriedly left.
The atmosphere in the summer palace was somewhat somber. The emperor sat on his dragon throne, his gaze fixed on the dirty camphor wood chest before him, his brow furrowed slightly.
He turned to look at the Duke of Zhenguo, who stood respectfully to the side, and asked with slight displeasure, "My dear minister, couldn't you have cleaned the box before bringing it in? What kind of decorum is this, presenting it to me in this state?"
The Duke of Zhenguo bowed deeply and replied with trepidation, "Your Majesty, I was negligent and did not think of this matter. Please forgive me."
After a slight pause, the Duke of Zhenguo continued, "When I learned that such a box had been unearthed in the manor, I originally thought it was just some gold and silver treasures buried by the former manor owner."
After all, the estate had only been recently purchased, and no one expected that simply rearranging it would lead to the discovery of such a box.
However, when I had the box opened, I was surprised to find it filled with books. If it were just ordinary books, I would have kept them without hesitation, considering them a pleasant surprise. But these books are no ordinary books, and I dare not keep them for myself! Therefore, I hastily presented them to Your Majesty for your perusal.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor's face showed a hint of curiosity, and he pressed on, "Oh? What kind of book could possibly make my beloved minister so wary?"