Chapter 390

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

The Empress wore a gentle smile and spoke in a kindly tone: "This palace and the Emperor have indeed not seen Qianqian for quite some days now. Just yesterday the Emperor was still wondering aloud when he would find time to bring Qianqian into the palace for a visit."

Upon hearing this, An Wangfei hurriedly replied: "Not hiding it from Imperial Concubine, Qianqian left the house seven or eight days ago and didn't tell me where she was going. She only left a letter saying she went on a task and would return soon.

But this many days have passed and there isn't a shred of news. This heart of mine is truly very worried!" As she spoke, she let out a soft sigh, revealing a face full of anxiety.

Seeing this, the Empress hurriedly comforted her: "Oh my, Younger Sister-in-law mustn't worry too much. That child Qianqian is very clever; surely nothing will happen. Look at you, the dark circles under your eyes can't even be covered up — you definitely haven't slept well these past few days, have you?"

An Wangfei nodded, smiling bitterly: "Yes, Imperial Concubine. These past few days I've been so worried I can't sleep properly. Last night I even had a nightmare — dreamed Qianqian was kidnapped by bad people. It scared me into a cold sweat and I woke straight up from the dream, and after that I couldn't fall asleep again at all.

My heart is frantic with anxiety. I implore Eldest Brother to dispatch a few capable men to help search for Qianqian's whereabouts. I don't ask for much; just knowing she is safe and sound would be enough to set my mind at ease.

The Empress, listening at my side, agreed without hesitation: "Rest assured. Qianqian is not only the Emperor's most beloved niece, but also this palace's precious niece.

This matter I will handle personally. Later I will go myself and make certain to investigate Qianqian's situation thoroughly. You need only wait at home for news. Once there is word of Qianqian, this palace will immediately send someone to inform you."

Hearing the Empress's words, An Wangfei felt somewhat relieved in her heart, but still could not hide her worry. She forced out a thread of a smile and said to the Empress: "Then it will trouble Imperial Concubine. Many thanks for Imperial Concubine's trouble."

Seeing this, the Empress hurriedly reassured her: "Don't say that so quickly. We're all one family; why be so formal? You go back and rest a while, catch up on sleep. Old Seven isn't in the fu right now, and this huge Wangfu still relies on you to hold it together. Remember to take care of your health and don't overwork yourself."

Hearing the Empress's caring words, An Wangfei was overwhelmed with gratitude and thanked her repeatedly. The Empress then instructed the attendants at her side to escort An Wangfei back to the fu.

After An Wangfei departed, the Empress dared not delay in the slightest. She set off immediately, rushing hurriedly toward the Yudi.

Before long, the Empress arrived before the Yudi doors. The guards at the entrance, seeing the Empress arrive, hurried forward to pay respects and quickly went inside to report.

The Emperor was reviewing zouyi. Hearing the guards' report, he set down the zouyi in his hand, turned to Eunuch Sun and said: "Summon the Empress to enter."

Eunuch Sun replied softly: "Yes." Then he walked quickly to the door and gently pushed open the Yudi door. As the door opened, the Empress was seen wearing a magnificent Phoenix Robe, standing composedly outside.

Seeing this, Eunuch Sun hurriedly knelt in salute, calling out loudly: "This servant pays respects to Empress Niangniang. The Emperor has been waiting inside for a long time. Please enter quickly."

The Empress gave a slight nod, signaling Eunuch Sun to rise. She turned to the palace maids behind her and instructed: "You wait here." Finished speaking, she stepped into the Yudi. Eunuch Sun followed close behind and conveniently pulled the Yudi door gently shut.

Upon entering the Yudi, the Empress walked straight to the Emperor's desk and placed the food box in her hand on the table. She opened the food box, took out a bowl of steaming hot Red Date Bird's Nest Soup, and carefully set it before the Emperor.

The Empress said softly: "I heard the Emperor has been staying overnight in the study lately, laboring over state affairs. This concubine specially had palace maids fetch this bowl of Red Date Bird's Nest Soup from the Yushi to supplement the Emperor's health. Though state affairs are heavy, the Emperor's body is equally important."

The Emperor looked at the bird's nest soup before him, and a warm current surged in his heart. He smiled and said: "The Empress has a kind heart. It's just that Zhen truly cannot set these state affairs aside, and must toil day and night."

The Empress well knew the rule that the harem must not interfere in politics, so she said no more. She walked to the Emperor's side, extended her slender jade hands, and gently began massaging his temples, saying concernedly: "Your Majesty, today An Wangfei came to this concubine's palace and sat for a while."

The Emperor paused slightly, then asked: "Oh? Is it because Old Seven isn't home and she felt bored, so she came to chat with you?" The Empress quickly continued: "It is and it isn't." Hearing this, the Emperor couldn't help but grow curious and pressed: "Oh? What do you mean?"

The Empress let out a light sigh and spoke slowly: "She indeed came to chat with this concubine, but there truly is another matter — it's still that child Qianqian, who really makes one unable to rest easy.

Old Seven isn't home to begin with, yet Qianqian left a letter and just walked out the door on her own, without even a greeting. This has frantic An Wangfei terribly. Last night she even had a nightmare — dreamed Qianqian was kidnapped by someone, and they even threatened to tear up the ticket!"

"You tell me, how is An Wangfei, a woman of the inner chambers, supposed to handle this? She truly has no other recourse, so she came to beg this concubine for help."

Hearing this, the Emperor's expression instantly turned grave. He frowned slightly and asked: "Qianqian went out? Where did she go?" The Empress hurriedly replied: "Replying to the Emperor, this concubine also doesn't know where Qianqian went."

The Emperor grew even more anxious in his heart. He muttered to himself: "Old Seven isn't here. If something happens to this Qianqian, won't Old Seven blame Zhen?" Finished speaking, he looked at the Empress with slight reproach: "Such an important matter — why didn't you inform Zhen earlier?"

The Empress showed a difficult expression and explained: "Your Majesty, quell your anger. Wangfei also didn't want to add trouble for the Emperor, so she didn't report it. It's only because she has been gone seven or eight days now and Wangfei truly cannot rest easy that she dared to come inform the Emperor."

Hearing this, the Emperor's face grew even gloomier. He said sternly: "Seven or eight days? It's already been seven or eight days! By time reckoning, seven days is enough for a round trip to the border! Where on earth did this Qianqian go? Especially since this is during wartime — this child really!"

Seeing this, the Empress hurriedly reassured: "Your Majesty, don't be anxious. This concubine believes Qianqian will be fine. After all, her martial arts are high."

The Emperor sighed and said helplessly: "Hopefully so. Zhen will immediately dispatch people to search for Qianqian's whereabouts. Once there is news, Zhen will send someone to inform Wangfei."

The Empress nodded in agreement and said gratefully: "Then it will trouble the Emperor. This concubine thanks the Emperor here." Finished speaking, she rose and saluted the Emperor, preparing to take her leave.

The Emperor waved his hand and said: "Qianqian is also Zhen's real niece. You still thank Zhen? You really — no visit without a reason. Once the matter's settled you leave. Zhen was still wondering why you would come to this Yudi today."