55: Section 55

Their expressions were solemn, as if Xiao Huang had committed a grave error.

With her carriage blocked, Xiao Huang stepped out for the first time in over ten days, her fair, delicate face filled with majesty.

Her brows were slightly furrowed, clearly displeased with the actions of these imperial clan members.

“Esteemed Imperial Uncles, is there something amiss that you have stopped my carriage here?”

Upon hearing Xiao Huang’s words, a white-haired, robust old man, who was at the forefront, stood up.

He was Xiao Huang’s second uncle, Xiao Zhan, who was not only exceptionally strategic but also a martial arts master of unparalleled skill.

It could be said that half of Great Zhou’s empire was conquered by him.

Though not yet bestowed with a princely title, he bore the moniker of a ‘Prince Standing Shoulder-to-Shoulder with the Emperor,’ and he harbored continuous dissatisfaction towards Xiao Huang.

“Your Majesty, we heard that during your trip to Gulan County, you not only promoted that Su Mo but also bestowed upon him a hundred taels of gold. Is this true?”

Xiao Huang’s eyes were fixed on the old man, her cold jade-like face filled with frost.

“Second Uncle, do I need your guidance on what I do?”

“Su Mo rendered meritorious service in saving me; if not for him, I might very well have perished in Gulan County. Is this not a significant achievement？”

Upon hearing that Xiao Huang had nearly died in Gulan County, a hint of regret flashed in the eyes of Xiao Huang’s second uncle.

“Your Majesty, that is not what I meant.”

“I just felt that…”

At this point, Xiao Zhan suddenly found himself unable to continue.

Because he suddenly realized that such a matter could not be spoken of in public.

“I apologize, Your Majesty, this old subject was reckless!”

Subsequently, Xiao Zhan suppressed the anger in his heart and led the other clan members to the side.

Seeing her second uncle in such a state, Xiao Huang couldn’t help but feel a headache.

She understood that the most suitable successor was not actually her; her second uncle was more appropriate.

But since her father had passed the throne to her, she could not simply hand over the imperial power to someone else.

Seeing that there was nothing more, Xiao Huang looked at the others.

“Let’s go.”

Xiao Huang’s voice was clear and cold, and everyone immediately set off back to the palace.

You witnessed the entire process, and you couldn’t help but feel a little worried about your future situation.

Your previous residence had not been reclaimed. After expressing your gratitude, you returned to your former courtyard with a hundred taels of gold and some luggage.

At this time, your mother had returned to your grandfather’s house, and with the servants previously dismissed, standing in the empty courtyard, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of loneliness and desolation.

Yu Luoniang had now transformed back into human form, and her delicate body directly nestled into your embrace, her charming eyes gazing at you with tender affection.

“Sir, why are you unhappy?”

“How about Yu Niang makes you happy?”

After Yu Luoniang finished speaking, you suddenly felt your body sink. Her arms were wrapped around your neck, and her smooth, slender legs sprang up, wrapping around your waist.

Facing Yu Luoniang’s teasing, you, in your melancholic mood, showed no reaction.

“Yu Niang, come down.”

Hearing your serious tone, Yu Luoniang reluctantly got down from you.

With you, she always felt a sense of frustration, as if her charm suddenly became ineffective in your presence.

You summoned the Five Ghosts.

Yu Luoniang spoke with some displeasure.

“You all, quickly clean the residence thoroughly for Sir; this residence is already very dirty!”

Upon hearing Yu Luoniang’s words, the Five Ghosts were startled and immediately began to clean the courtyard with all their might.

Each of the Five Ghosts possessed Divine Ability, making cleaning effortless.

Soon, the originally messy courtyard was cleaned and looked brand new.

Fallen leaves and moss had all disappeared, and not a speck of dust could be seen in the cracks of the flagstones.

Seeing the courtyard become clean, your heart also felt much lighter.

Now you just needed to wait for the transfer order, and you could take up your post in the Hanlin Academy.

However, after waiting for several days, the transfer order did not arrive.

Seeing this, you could only spend your days reading, writing, and cultivating your character.

Unbeknownst to you, the power within your body had grown stronger.

During this time, Yu Luoniang helped you by going out to buy groceries and cook, truly embodying the image of a virtuous wife and loving mother. Gradually, everyone came to know that you, the former Third Prince, had acquired an exquisite beauty.

Not long after this news spread, the Empress’s personal female official arrived at your courtyard with two eunuchs.

Seeing the palace visitors, you immediately knelt to receive the imperial decree.

But there was no imperial decree, only an oral command.

“By imperial decree, Su Mo is summoned to the palace to have an audience in the Imperial Study.”

Hearing that the Empress wanted to see you, you were somewhat surprised and also a little worried, not knowing why she summoned you to the palace.

But at this moment, you had no choice but to accept the decree, express gratitude, change your clothes, and then follow the female official out the door.

You were truly uneasy, so you immediately took out a gold leaf.

“Esteemed official, may I ask, why has the Empress summoned me to the palace this time?”

The female official held her head high and ignored your bribe.

You could only sheepishly put the gold leaf back, but the eyes of the two accompanying eunuchs were filled with greed.

Seeing this, you took advantage of the female official’s distraction, while her head was held high, and directly pulled out two more gold leaves, slipping one into each of the eunuchs’ hands.

The two eunuchs were delighted but remained silent.

You knew it wasn’t the time to speak, so you quietly waited until you entered the palace.

When you arrived in front of the Imperial Study, while the female official went in to report, the two eunuchs immediately came over to you.

“Lord Su, the Empress summoned you to the palace because she heard that you married a beautiful woman.”

“We know nothing else.”

After the two eunuchs finished speaking, they stood to the side as if they had said nothing at all.

This was all the information you could get regarding the matter.

Upon learning the reason, you couldn’t help but have various speculations, entirely because Yu Luoniang had previously abducted Xiao Huang.

If Xiao Huang had seen Yu Luoniang, then things would be difficult.

Just as you were feeling anxious, the female official came out.

“Lord Su, Your Majesty wishes to see you now.”

“Please.”

Upon hearing this, you nodded and then walked into the Imperial Study.

At this moment, the Imperial Study had no other eunuchs or palace maids. Xiao Huang, wearing a white embroidered Dragon robe, stood behind the desk, her black hair neatly coiled, her eyes calm.

Her jade-like hands, as delicate as mutton fat, held a brush and were writing.

Hearing you enter, she showed no reaction, continuing to write rapidly at the desk.

Watching this scene, you could only stand obediently to the side, waiting for her to finish her work.

“Lord Su, how do you find my calligraphy?”

After speaking, Xiao Huang motioned for you to look at the characters she had just written.

On a sheet of rice paper on the desk, the four large characters “ It's hard to find a soulmate” (A true friend is hard to find) were written with bold, flowing strokes, like a Dragon and Phoenix dancing.

“Your Majesty’s calligraphy possesses extraordinary charm; this subject is far from being able to compare.”

Upon hearing your praise, Xiao Huang slowly put down the brush in her hand.

“Is that so?”

Facing Xiao Huang’s abrupt question, you could only agree.

“Of course, this subject speaks not a single falsehood.”

“No falsehoods?”

Xiao Huang’s eyes were complex, and her thin lips were pressed together.

“If that is the case, then perhaps you can tell me, where exactly did your beautiful wife come from?”

Chapter 66: The Underling in Love

Your heart skipped a beat upon hearing the Empress’s words.

You weren’t sure what she meant by that question, but at this moment, you could only brace yourself and answer.

“She was just a woman I accidentally found. I saw she had no home, so I brought her back to my house and had her buy groceries and cook for me daily.”

“This woman is very good at serving people, so it’s quite comfortable.”

“But the relationship between us two is not what outsiders are spreading.”

Upon hearing your words, you weren’t sure if it was an illusion, but you felt that Xiao Huang seemed to let out a sigh of relief.

“Hmm, if that’s the case, you may return.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“Hmm?”

Upon hearing this, you instinctively replied, then couldn’t help but freeze.

She was letting you go just like that?

Thinking that this was a rare opportunity to spend time with the Empress, you were unwilling to give it up.

What do you choose now?

Option 1: Step forward and forcefully “wall-pin” Xiao Huang, making as much skin contact as possible.

Option 2: Use the excuse of asking for a piece of calligraphy to get closer to Xiao Huang, then proceed slowly and steadily without arrogance or impatience.

Option 3: Leave the Imperial Palace immediately.

...

Seeing the three options appear, Su Mo was somewhat surprised.

He immediately realized that these were definitely choices that would alter the current plot, otherwise there would be no need for them to appear now.

Letting him leave.

Impossible.

If he left, how could he conquer the Empress?

Now, he could only choose between the first and second options.

Directly embracing the Empress in the first option was too risky; it could very well end this simulation immediately.

No one knew if she had any countermeasures.

The second option seemed too gentle.

Without physical contact with the Empress, there would be no way to cause a ripple in her emotions.

After much deliberation.

Su Mo still chose the second option.

After all, if Xiao Huang had someone ambushed in the Imperial Study, he could be finished right there.