Chapter 231 - 231: Danger in the Residence
“You…all these years, you’ve been siphoning from me. Why is your private treasury empty?”
“Did Imperial Brother forget? I’m already betrothed. Everything from my private treasury has naturally been given to my future wife.”
“Look at you, GET OUT! Get out of my sight!”
By listening to Xiao Nanye’s excuse and his matter-of-fact demeanor , Emperor Qi Ming felt a deep disappointment and anger.
He slowly drank the tea in his cup and rook his own sweet time to leave the Qianqing Palace.
After Xiao Nanye left, the anger in Emperor Qi Ming’s eyes dissipated a little.
“Go and investigate the current situation in Jingdou for me, as well as how many things the local officials have hidden from me.”
“Yes. You Majesty!”
A man dressed in black suddenly appeared in the empty space in front of him.
After bowing to Emperor Qi Ming, he left.
“Your Majesty, what about King Cheng’s treasure?” Wang Kun spoke up once that man left,
“Let him be. Just assumed they’re all gone.”
Hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s words, Wang Kun spoke no more, knowing this would be the outcome.
However, it seemed as if Emperor Qi Ming had thought of something. He looked at Wang Kun and whispered, “Summon the Empress.”
“Yes.”
At Cunning Palace.
“Wang Kun, why has His Majesty summoned me so late? Is there something urgent in the palace?” Nevertheless, a gentle smile formed on the Empress face.
“It’s not exactly about the palace affairs.”
As they spoke, Wang Kun whispered a few words into the Empress’s ear.
A moment later, the Empress arrived at the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
The Palace of Heavenly Purity was the place where Emperor Qi Ming handled government affairs. Other than Emperor Qi Ming’s orders, no one was allowed to enter.
Upon entering the Qianqing Hall, the Empress bowed to Emperor Qi Ming, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“Rise.”
Upon hearing the Empress’s voice, Emperor Qi Ming set down the brush in his hand and walked over to sit by the side, gesturing for her to sit next to him. “Sit, 1 have something to discuss with you.”
“What does Your Majesty wish to tell?”
“Tonight, that boy Nanye emptied my private treasury.”
“Why?”
“Did he cause any trouble?”
“What trouble could he cause? He only did this to distribute porridge in the city.”
“Empress, the snow this year is heavier and arrived earlier than usual. There are many beggars in the city, and probably even more outside.” Emperor Qi Ming briefly described the situation in the city.
“I may not share the same hardships as the people. However, I also shouldn’t be overly extravagant. Thus, I called you here to supervise the harem.”
“From today on, reduce the expenses by 10% and strictly prohibit any extravagance.”
“Don’t worry Your Majesty, 1 will definitely handle this matter well.”
By listening to Emperor Qi Ming, the Empress understood the dire situation of the common people. Hence, she promptly responded.
Emperor Qi Ming nodded with satisfaction, “1 trust in your capabilities.”
The night deepened, but people from the city’s General Mansion continued to distribute porridge.
“Eldest Sister, most of the porridge has been distributed. Leave the rest to me. You, second sister, and Si Jin should get some rest.”
Jiang Songbai looking at the diminishing queue, addressing Jiang Peihuan. “You’ve just returned from the academy. Let’s head back to the mansion together after this.” Hearing his words, Jiang Peihuan softly chuckled,
“Elder sister, I’m a man with a strong body. It’s fine even if I stay up all night.” “In this freezing cold, your health is a concern. Return to the mansion first, alright?”
While speaking, Jiang Songbai adjusted and tightened the cloak around Jiang Peihuan.
Seeing the young man before her, the look in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes grew even softer.
The young man looked naive, but his stature was already very upright.
After some thought, Jiang Peihuan reached out and patted Jiang Songbai’s shoulder to entrust the remaining work to him.
“Elder sister, rest assured.”
“It’s getting late. Let’s go back first and come back tomorrow morning.” She reached out to Jiang Ruyun and Jiang Sijin.
Many mansions only served porridge at noon, but Jiang Peihuan always served porridge in the morning, noon, and evening.
Therefore, she really needed to go back and have a good rest.
Jiang Ruyun and Jiang Sijin were also tired, they directly boarded the carriage.
Tomorrow morning, both of you don’t need to come. Rest well and come over after lunch.” Jiang Peihuan said softly.
“No, eldest sister, I want to be with you.”
“Yes, elder sister, how can we let you work alone? I’ll come with you.”
As soon as Jiang Peihuan finished speaking, Jiang Ruyun and Jiang Sijin immediately responded.
Jiang Ruyun quickly added “Elder sister, your health is weaker than ours. If you can come, there’s no reason we can’t.”
“In that case, we’ll come together tomorrow morning.”
“Yes.”
Upon returning to the general’s mansion, everyone went back to their respective courtyards.
“Eldest miss, the hot water is ready. After washing up, get some early rest.”
Yue Er placed the hot water on a nearby rack and gently spoke to Jiang Peihuan.
Jiang Peihuan put down the medical book in her hand.
“You’ve been tired for a long time today. Go and rest early. We have to get up early tomorrow.” Received the cloth from Yue Er, Jiang Peihuan order her to go rest.
“Yes.”
After bowing to Jian Peihuan, Yue Er left.
After a quick wash, Jiang Peihuan picked up the medical book again to read a few pages before setting it down.
She pulled back the covers and lay down directly on the bed, then extinguished the lamp with a gust from her palm.
Jiang Peihuan could not sleep well.
She always felt as if something was staring at her.
She suddenly heard the yelping of Xiao Bai.
Ever since Xiao Nanye had mentioned not to allow Xiao Bai to sleep on the bed, Yue Er had made a separate nest for Xiao Bai in Jiang Peihuan’s room.
Hearing Xiao Bai’s yelp, Jiang Peihuan immediately sat up..