The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 700: Chapter 701: Obtuse

Xie Anbai watched his departing figure with an indifferent gaze, then strode forward and slowly followed.

...

「Qiyuan Hall.」

The moment Xie Anjun stepped into the hall, he was met with the bitter smell of medicine.

Emperor Muwu was seated behind his grand desk.

Xie Anjun didn’t dare lift his head for a proper look. He kept his eyes lowered as he walked to the center of the hall, where he knelt to offer his respects.

”Your humble servant greets you, Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!”

He pressed his forehead to the ground, a gesture of profound respect.

Emperor Muwu, however, offered no response. It was as if he hadn’t heard Xie Anjun at all. He simply picked up a bowl of freshly brewed medicine that had just been brought to him.

In the silent hall, every minute sound and movement was amplified.

Xie Anjun perceived the emperor’s movement, which only made him more afraid to move a muscle. He remained in his kneeling, prostrated position as his body began to ache and his heart pounded uncontrollably.

An invisible pressure seemed to weigh heavily on his shoulders, rendering him immobile.

Before long, fine beads of sweat had formed on Xie Anjun’s forehead.

Just then, Xie Anbai followed him in.

He came to stand beside Xie Anjun, though he kept a slight distance. As if not seeing Xie Anjun at all, he lifted the hem of his robes and knelt directly on the floor.

”For Your Majesty’s immense grace, An Bai kowtows in gratitude!”

Emperor Muwu finally lifted his gaze. He glanced at Xie Anbai and snorted softly, speaking in a jesting tone, ”I don’t believe I’ve done anything. To what do I owe these words?”

Xie Anbai replied, ”An Bai entered the palace without permission. I have come to plead for punishment!”

Emperor Muwu drank the medicine and couldn’t help but remark, ”Why is this medicine even more bitter than usual?”

Eunuch Li explained respectfully, ”In response to Your Majesty, Second Miss Ye has adjusted the prescription, swapping out two of the herbs. She says your health has improved significantly as of late!”

Emperor Muwu waved a hand. ”You’re just humoring me along with her. Since when does the medicine get more bitter as one’s health improves?”

Eunuch Li stepped forward and took the empty bowl from Emperor Muwu with both hands. He could tell the emperor was joking, so he went along with a smile. ”Your Majesty knows his own condition best. Besides, is there any reason to doubt Second Miss Ye’s medical expertise?”

Hearing this, Emperor Muwu’s somber mood lightened considerably, and he nodded with a smile.

”I do, of course, trust her.”

With that, he turned his pensive gaze to Xie Anbai. ”I recall that when Xie Pei was gravely ill, it was you who requested her services, was it not?”

Xie Anbai inclined his head. ”Replying to Your Majesty, that is correct.”

Emperor Muwu first nodded, then shook his head. ”Her skills as a physician are indeed superb. A pity... your father was not fated to live a long life.”

His gaze drifted into the distance as if lost in a memory, his expression unreadable.

Xie Anbai remained silent.

Xie Anjun’s heart, however, lurched. He almost lost control and stood up to look at Xie Anbai.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

’Why would His Majesty bring up Father out of the blue? And... and I’m the one who inherited the title! Why is he asking Xie Anbai about it instead of me?!’

’What on earth has Xie Anbai been doing all this time he’s been gone?!’

’And why has he come to the palace today?!’

Before Xie Anjun could make sense of it all, the emperor’s deep voice sounded once more.

”Xie Anjun, do you know why I have summoned you to the palace today?”

Emperor Muwu’s tone was placid, betraying no hint of his mood.

Xie Anjun’s hands, braced against the cold floor, curled slightly.

”Your servant... begs Your Majesty to forgive my ignorance. I—I do not know!”