Chapter 753: Empress Dowager, you wouldn't want the Emperor to know your secret, would you?

"Just a little tea, nothing of much value. If Lord Gao wants some, I shall have someone prepare a bit for you later," Empress Dowager Xiao said with a wave of her hand and a smile.

"This subject thanks the Empress Dowager."

Following this, the two chatted casually; Empress Dowager Xiao praised Gao Yang as a talent for the state, while Gao Yang praised Empress Dowager Xiao for being as beautiful as a flower and a model for the inner palace.

Both sides, with great tacit understanding, refrained from mentioning Chen Sheng.

Gao Yang was not the least bit flustered; from the moment Empress Dowager Xiao suddenly summoned him, the matter was already eight or nine parts certain.

He certainly had no need to panic, while Empress Dowager Xiao wanted to wait for Gao Yang to speak first and reveal his intentions, so as to avoid falling into a disadvantageous position.

For a time, both sides fell into a stalemate.

"This Gao Yang is truly difficult to deal with! He has eight hundred schemes in his heart," Empress Dowager Xiao thought to herself, staring at Gao Yang's face.

Lu Wen gritted his teeth, remaining silent. Damn it, his feet were starting to go numb.

But he had to endure it now; otherwise, if he made any noise, the consequences would be dire.

Gao Yang would have one more piece of leverage.

Gao Yang looked at the Empress Dowager's skin, which seemed as if it would break at a touch, and decided to play a ruthless hand.

He stood up directly, bowed to Empress Dowager Xiao, and said, "Empress Dowager, I am tied up with official business, so I shall take my leave first."

This move was clearly intended to put Empress Dowager Xiao on the spot.

If Gao Yang were to leave, it would be even more disadvantageous for her.

"Lord Gao, wait a moment. Why the rush? I actually have one more matter I would like to ask Lord Gao to clarify."

Seeing Gao Yang about to leave, Empress Dowager Xiao hurriedly spoke up, her phoenix eyes fixed on Gao Yang's departing back.

Gao Yang's steps paused, a smile appearing on his face, but it vanished in a flash.

He turned back, a look of confusion on his face.

"I do not know what matter the Empress Dowager has. As a mere official of the Ministry of Revenue, I only understand the way of merchants; how could I possibly resolve worries for the Empress Dowager?"

Empress Dowager Xiao knew clearly that this fellow Gao Yang was the type who wouldn't release the hawk until he saw the rabbit; his shrewdness was completely inconsistent with his age.

She waved her hand and said, "All of you, withdraw."

"I wish to discuss something with Lord Gao; do not let any idle persons come near!"

As Empress Dowager Xiao's voice rang out, the palace maids withdrew one after another.

"Empress Dowager, although it is broad daylight, for you and this subject to be alone in one room, is that quite appropriate?" Gao Yang coughed twice.

The corners of Empress Dowager Xiao's mouth twitched as she said to Gao Yang, "Lord Gao, I prefer to be direct, so I will not beat around the bush with you."

Gao Yang knew about Chen Sheng, and with the Lin family by his side, investigating with great fanfare—

This must mean they already knew, or at the very least, had grasped some information.

"I have heard that there is a palace guard named Chen Sheng. This person is bold enough to defy the heavens; he actually swindled money from Lord Gao's younger brother. Is this true or not?" ===== CHAPTER 755 =====