Chapter 106: Late Night Reading

Chapter 106: Late Night Reading

Emperor Xingyuan stared at the book for a moment. "Is this a storybook from outside the palace?"

Consort Shu's heart tightened, and she braved on, saying, "I heard that this book is particularly popular in the capital, so out of curiosity, I had Xiao Mingzi buy it to read."

Over the years, Consort Shu had managed the imperial harem, and to many, she was seen as having the authority of a queen. But only she knew that in front of the emperor, she could never be as relaxed as a wife with her husband.

Whether it was her or any other woman in the harem, the emperor always treated them with an air of superiority.

Some understood this, like her. Others were too foolish, foolishly hoping to win the emperor's affection.

Because of her clarity, Consort Shu had to be cautious in front of Emperor Xingyuan.

"I see." Emperor Xingyuan had come today to discuss her rogue nephew with Consort Shu, but the trembling servants and the bloodstains on the golden bricks made him lose interest in staying.

"Consort Shu, don't get too upset over your nephew; take care of your health."

"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern; I understand."

Emperor Xingyuan nodded and turned to leave.

The eunuch holding the book hesitated, not daring to act without the emperor's instructions, and silently took "Painted Skin" away.

Consort Shu looked at the door, her face darkening.

The emperor had ordered the Jinlin Guard to publicly punish her nephew, which was also a way of humiliating her. Today, he came, said a few indifferent words, and left.

If only—Consort Shu's mind flashed with a clear and beautiful face, and her expression grew more menacing.

That person was truly a lifelong shadow for them all, but fortunately, that person would never return.

Consort Shu's expression slightly relaxed as she glanced at the kneeling Xiao Mingzi. "Get out!"

Xiao Mingzi did not dare raise his head and hurriedly retreated.

Back in his chambers, Emperor Xingyuan noticed that the eunuch had brought back the storybook.

"Bring it here for Me to see."

The eunuch, named Sun Yan, was one of the most prominent among the eunuchs and was sufficiently humble before Emperor Xingyuan.

"Yes." Sun Yan removed the cover from the book, quickly checked through the pages, and then presented it to Emperor Xingyuan.

Emperor Xingyuan took the book and began reading.

Sun Yan stood by, not daring to disturb him, and signaled to a junior eunuch.

Those who served here were all quick-witted, and the junior eunuch promptly moved the candle closer.

With brighter light, Emperor Xingyuan read more intently.

As time passed, Sun Yan couldn't help reminding him, "Your Majesty, it's time to rest; be careful not to strain your eyes."

Emperor Xingyuan looked up from the book and took a sip of water.

Just as Sun Yan was about to take the book away, Emperor Xingyuan held it down. "Let Me read for another quarter of an hour."

Another quarter of an hour?

Sun Yan thought it was acceptable and silently refilled the emperor's cup with hot water.

After a quarter of an hour.

"Your Majesty, the time is up."

Emperor Xingyuan didn't look up. "Let Me read for another quarter, no, two quarters of an hour."

Sun Yan's lips twitched, knowing the emperor's temper, and did not persuade further.

Two quarters of an hour later.

"Your Majesty, it's really time to rest; there's early court tomorrow—"

Emperor Xingyuan slapped the book shut and frowned. "At this hour, I'm often still reviewing memorials. Why can't I read a storybook?"

Sun Yan lowered his head, not daring to say anything else.

"Don't nag; let Me finish."

Sun Yan: ""

As night deepened, the candle holder was filled with wax drippings, and Emperor Xingyuan finally put the book down, rising to rub his eyes.

Eunuch Sun's expression was numb.

"What is Mr. Songling's background?"

It was natural to want to know about the author after reading a good book.

Sun Yan was stumped. "This servant doesn't know much about matters outside the palace."

Perhaps he should find time to visit Qingsong Bookstore.

Emperor Xingyuan was not angry at Sun Yan's lack of knowledge and instructed, "After court tomorrow, have the Changle Marquis come see Me."

"Yes."

The next day, during court, the ministers noticed the dark circles under Emperor Xingyuan's eyes and were puzzled.

Recently, the state affairs have been going smoothly, and there have been no reports of natural disasters or human calamities from various regions. Is His Majesty still staying up late to handle official business?

This truly makes us ministers feel ashamed!

Thus, Emperor Xingyuan sensed the efforts of his ministers and dragged the morning court session half an hour longer than usual before dismissing it.

Emperor Xingyuan was dizzy and almost couldn't hold on. He finally managed to endure until the court dispersed, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

Sun Yan didn't dare to disturb him and silently stood guard nearby.

After an unknown amount of time, a voice inquired, "Has the Changle Marquis arrived?"

Sun Yan hurriedly replied, "The Changle Marquis has already been waiting outside."

"Summon him in."

Soon, He Qingxiao walked in.

"This minister greets Your Majesty."

Emperor Xingyuan's face showed a hint of a smile. "Qingxiao, I've told you countless times, I am also your uncle. Relax a bit."

After exchanging a few casual words, Emperor Xingyuan instructed He Qingxiao about a matter: "I'm somewhat curious about what kind of person Mr. Songling, who wrote *Painted Skin*, is. Go find out for me."

He Qingxiao agreed without showing any change in expression but frowned slightly as he left the palace gate.

The tasks assigned by the Emperor usually involved officials and nobles; this was the first time he was specifically asked to investigate an ordinary citizen.

Regardless of whether the task was reasonable or not, anything the Emperor ordered had to be done.

Normally, such matters would be directly delegated to subordinates for investigation, but He Qingxiao thought for a moment, changed into civilian clothes, and headed straight for the Qingsong Bookstore.

At this hour, the bookstore was bustling with people.

Shopkeeper Hu stared at the dwindling number of books on the shelves, feeling a pang of distress.

This won't last more than a few days, and when they're all sold out, every customer leaving empty-handed will be lost revenue.

"Shopkeeper."

"Huh?" Shopkeeper Hu snapped back to reality and saw He Qingxiao in civilian attire, hesitating over how to greet him.

He Qingxiao asked in a low voice, "Is your owner here? I need to speak with her."

"Just a moment."

Shopkeeper Hu quickly sent Shitou to inform Xin You.

Soon, Shitou ran back and whispered to He Qingxiao, "Madam says the book hall is crowded. If you have important matters to discuss, she'll have me take you to the eastern courtyard."

"Please lead the way."

Xin You waited by the stone table in the courtyard. Seeing He Qingxiao approach with Shitou, she stood up to greet him.

"What brings you here, Lord He?" Xin You poured tea for He Qingxiao after they sat down.

He Qingxiao looked at the composed young woman and spoke, "Can Miss Kou tell me about Mr. Songling?"

Xin You paused with the teapot in hand, her eyes filled with confusion. "Why does Lord He suddenly ask about Mr. Songling?"

"The Emperor read *Painted Skin* and inquired about Mr. Songling."

Normally, matters entrusted by the Emperor should not be disclosed, but He Qingxiao revealed it easily. Even he was surprised when he said it aloud, but he quickly became calm.

To be honest, he wasn't particularly keen on being the Commander of the Jinlin Guard, and the Emperor in his heart was merely a symbol of imperial authority.

Living in the marquis's mansion filled with imperial servants made him feel disgusted, and He Qingxiao realized that he was not one to follow rules strictly.

And Miss Kou, she was also someone like that.