Chapter 63

In the Yangxin Hall of the Imperial Palace, Qin Yuan was sitting at his desk, arranging tasks with the head of the Brocade Guard, who was dressed in a black official uniform.

The Brocade Guard head, Xiao Yifei, had sword-like eyebrows that slanted up into his temples, a pair of star-like eyes as bright as a cold pool reflecting the moon, a well-defined jawline, and a lean but sturdy build. One look told you he was a highly trained master of the Inner Palace.

He was Qin Yuan's cousin; the two had grown up together. Xiao Yifei had protected the Emperor with his own body many times, so naturally, Qin Yuan held this cousin in high regard and trusted him deeply.

Regarding Lin Jiaojiao's case of pleading for justice, he vaguely felt that the matter was more complex than it appeared on the surface, especially since it would involve the powerful Prime Minister Su and his cohorts. It was likely a thorny case.

"I order you to get to the bottom of this matter within one month." After Qin Yuan finished his arrangements, he walked over and patted the Brocade Guard head on the shoulder. "Feizi, you've worked hard. If you cannot return in time for the Mid-Autumn hunt, I will set aside an extra generous gift for you."

"Many thanks for the Emperor's great kindness." Xiao Yifei kowtowed in gratitude, then cupped his hands and said, "This subordinate will certainly not fail the Emperor's generous treatment and will definitely get to the bottom of the case!"

"You must be extra careful yourself. If you encounter an assassination attempt, play along with their scheme; it would be best to capture a live prisoner." Qin Yuan spoke with deep concern, considering Prime Minister Su's power; he surely would not sit still and wait for death.

Furthermore, Xu Xiao kept death soldiers, so one could not afford to be careless.

"This subordinate understands!" Xiao Yifei responded crisply.

"If you encounter anyone blocking your way, you may use the Shangfang Precious Sword to execute them!" As Qin Yuan said this, he picked up the Shangfang Precious Sword from the rack on the wall behind the desk and placed it into Xiao Yifei's hands. "Go."

The hilt of the Shangfang Precious Sword was entirely golden, inlaid with pearls and jewels symbolizing royal power. When Xiao Yifei received it, he felt as if the precious sword weighed a thousand catties. He instantly realized the gravity of the matter; it was surely not as simple as just investigating a case for the daughter of a disgraced official!

He gripped the sword tightly to accept the order. "Understood!"

Afterward, he walked out of Yangxin Hall holding the Shangfang Precious Sword. It was past noon outside, and the sunlight was somewhat blinding. A concubine had just stepped off her palanquin and was walking gracefully toward the hall, holding an exquisite food box.

Xiao Yifei bowed and then stepped aside to let her pass.

But the arrogant concubine did not even glance at Xiao Yifei, instead walking toward the entrance of Yangxin Hall with her lunch, saying pleasantly to Eunuch Gao, "Eunuch Gao, I have brought lunch for the Emperor. Please help me announce my arrival."

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Gao went inside to report to Qin Yuan, "Your Majesty, Imperial Yu Fei has brought lunch and requests an audience."

Qin Yuan had originally intended to go to Qingju Pavilion to see Lin Jiaojiao, and he didn't really want to see Imperial Yu Fei. However, thinking that Xu Xiao was her father, he felt it was necessary to see her.

"Let her in." Qin Yuan said, while beginning to review the memorials.

"Your Majesty, you are still busy." Imperial Yu Fei swayed her waist as she walked into Yangxin Hall. Seeing Qin Yuan still busy, she parted her vermilion lips to persuade him, "No matter how busy you are, you must take care of your health and eat your lunch properly."

"I had my small kitchen make your favorite braised duck. Come and have a taste." As she spoke, she placed the food on the table in the hall of Yangxin Hall and began to serve the dishes for Qin Yuan.

"Good." Qin Yuan replied, putting down the memorial in his hand, rising from his desk, and walking over. "Imperial Yu Fei is very thoughtful."

In truth, he didn't like eating braised duck at all. It was just that the last time he visited Qixiang Palace, where Imperial Yu Fei resided, he felt it was a novelty and ate an extra piece. She then assumed he liked braised duck and had been sending it to him every time since.

Besides the braised duck, Imperial Yu Fei served duck frame tofu soup, roast duck, and soy-sauce duck, along with two bowls of pearl rice. Although the fragrance was mouth-watering, Qin Yuan couldn't muster any appetite at all.

The concubine served him food, but seeing that he showed no interest, she assumed he was tired from reviewing memorials today and thoughtfully stepped forward to gently massage his temples.

Qin Yuan grabbed her hand, not wanting her to massage him, and pushed her away, pressing her into a nearby chair.

"Your Majesty," Imperial Yu Fei whined, but Qin Yuan only felt a headache coming on. He didn't like women acting spoiled, but this Imperial Yu Fei always liked to be "self-indulgent."

"Your Majesty, I heard today that you have taken a woman into the palace. Has she been granted a rank?" Imperial Yu Fei twisted her waist, the scent of her cosmetics overwhelming. She acted spoiled in a sweet, cloying voice, "Your Majesty, you must not forget the old love just because you have a new one."