Chapter 88 Buying Flowers

Chapter 88 Buying Flowers

He Qingxiao noticed the sneer at the corner of Xin You's lips and paused.

Xin You took a sip of tea.

The tea was slightly cold but did not quench her anger: "So, you're saying that the current emperor filling his harem was forced upon him?"

Seeing the helpless and bewildered look in He Qingxiao's eyes, Xin You felt a chill and calmed down: "Ahem, as a woman, I find this infuriating. Please continue, Lord He."

"The specifics are hard to ascertain, but it's said that in the winter of the third year of Xingyuan, the Empress saw the Crown Prince and his mother, thus discovering the women the emperor had settled in Yiyuan. Not long after, the Empress left the palace with a few trusted confidants and never returned. It is rumored—"

"Rumored what?" Xin You clenched her fists secretly but maintained a composed expression on her face.

"It is rumored that the Empress was pregnant when she left the palace."

He Qingxiao recalled Aunt Gui's anger and regret when she spoke about these events.

The Empress's departure shocked the court and the country. Many people secretly mocked her for being shortsighted during those years, even he, who was young then, heard such remarks until time gradually healed all wounds.

"Because of the Empress's departure, the emperor has been rather cold towards the Crown Prince and his mother over the years, only warming up when the Crown Prince was made Prince Xiu, and his mother was granted the title of Consort An."

"So, is that why the Second Prince King Qing is more favored?" Hearing that the Crown Prince's neglect was due to his mother, Xin You did not think the emperor was particularly devoted to his wife.

It was merely finding an outlet for his frustration.

Was it because of the Crown Prince and his mother that her mother left? No, it was because he broke their lifelong promise and betrayed his word.

"For years, the inner palace has been managed by the Second Prince's mother, Consort Shu."

These words were perhaps inappropriate, but He Qingxiao had a feeling that if he didn't warn her, the girl before him would dare to do anything: "King Qing, having everything go smoothly, acts somewhat recklessly. Miss Kou, try to avoid him."

Xin You nodded slightly and asked curiously, "What was the emperor's attitude towards the Empress's departure?"

He Qingxiao looked at her deeply.

Xin You smiled: "I'm just curious."

"In the early years after the Empress left, there was a large-scale search, but in recent years, there has been no public effort to find her."

Xin You leaned forward slightly, not missing any hint of emotion on his face: "But surely there's still some covert attention?"

He Qingxiao lifted his teacup and took a sip, subtly creating distance between them: "The Jinlin Guard stationed across the regions keeps an eye out, but they have found no trace of the Empress for many years. This task has likely become marginal. As for the emperor's attitude, the heart of a ruler is unpredictable, and I cannot presume to guess."

In other words, whether the emperor seeks to make amends or harbors resentment for her sudden departure remains unknown.

Xin You raised her teacup: "Thank you, Lord He, for sharing this information."

This gesture implied that the conversation was over, and He Qingxiao understood.

Xin You escorted He Qingxiao out of the Bookstore.

Outside, the sun was bright, and there were women selling chrysanthemums in baskets and vendors shouting about needles and threads.

He Qingxiao stopped by the roadside and finally spoke the words weighing on his mind: "Miss Kou, is there something special about the Count Gu Chang's residence?"

Xin You was taken aback.

Had the visits from King Qing and the Count Gu Chang's son to the Bookstore aroused He Qingxiao's suspicion?

Was this man too suspicious?

He Qingxiao's next words revealed the reason: "If Miss Kou is just wandering around, you might want to visit the lakeside or the street shops; there's nothing particularly scenic at the Count Gu Chang's residence."

Xin You's eyes widened involuntarily.

She had been followed again!

Seeming to understand her thoughts, He Qingxiao cleared his throat and explained: "There's a case recently involving the Count Gu Chang's residence, and we inadvertently noticed Miss Kou."

Xin You fell silent.

Things never seemed to go smoothly with He Qingxiao.

Her silence made He Qingxiao soften his probing tone and gently said: "Miss Kou, whatever your reasons may be, always prioritize your safety."

With that, he strode into the bustling crowd.

The pedestrians came and went, quickly obscuring the figure in crimson.

Xin You pursed her lips and stood there for a long time.

"Would you like to buy some flowers, sister?" A clear female voice called out.

Xin You snapped back to reality and looked at the girl holding the basket.

The basket was filled with autumn chrysanthemums, red, pink, purple, and yellow.

"Freshly picked autumn chrysanthemums, perfect for vases or making chrysanthemum cakes. Would you like to buy some, sister?"

"Oh, yes." Xin You, thinking she had no interest in flowers, unexpectedly nodded at the sight of the colorful blooms.

She bought the entire basket of chrysanthemums and carried it back to the Bookstore.

When Liu Zhou saw his employer enter with a basket of flowers, he blurted out: "Lord He sent you a basket of flowers! They are so beautiful."

A whole basket!

Xin You handed the basket to him without expression: "I bought them. Choose some nice ones to place in vases in the book hall and guest room, and I'll take the rest to the eastern courtyard."

"Liu Zhou, you idiot, if you talk back again, you'll be hauling wood at the Printing House."

"Ouch, ouch, ouch! Manager Hu, let go!" The young apprentice rubbed his ear, feeling wronged. "Who would have thought it? We went out together."

"He Qingxiao took a copy of *Painted Skin* without paying and even made the boss buy flowers himself!"

Walking down the street, He Qingxiao also encountered a flower seller.

"Sir, would you like to buy some flowers? They can be put in a vase, worn as hairpins, or given to friends."

He Qingxiao, who rarely spent money outside, looked at the fresh chrysanthemums and fished out some copper coins.

"Selling fresh chrysanthemums—"

The flower seller walked away with her basket.

He Qingxiao looked at the chrysanthemums in his hand, realizing they wouldn't be appropriate to bring back to the office, so he returned to the marquis's mansion.

Seeing He Qingxiao return with chrysanthemums, Aunt Gui was greatly surprised. "Lord Marquis, why are you back now?"

"I bought a few chrysanthemums and had nowhere to put them, so I brought them back. Could you find a vase to put them in, Aunt Gui?"

Aunt Gui took the chrysanthemums and looked over the child she had watched grow up.

This child must have finally come to his senses!

I wonder which girl it is?

Knowing she wouldn't get an answer, Aunt Gui carried the chrysanthemums away, lost in thought.

On the first day of the ninth month, Xin You had to return to Shaoqing Mansion for business, and the princes returning from the palace were due to pay their respects.

King Qing and Prince Xiu met at the palace gates.

Compared to the vibrant King Qing, Prince Xiu appeared much more reserved, his demeanor marked by years of being overlooked.

"Big Brother, what a coincidence," King Qing greeted casually.

"Second Brother."

The brothers did not exchange further words and proceeded to Qianqing Palace together.

"Your Majesty, Prince Xiu and King Qing have arrived."

Emperor Xingyuan slightly raised his eyelids. "Let them in."

Soon, the two young men entered and bowed together. "Greetings, Father."

"Rise," Emperor Xingyuan said indifferently.

King Qing straightened up, smiling, but paused when he saw Emperor Xingyuan's face.