strictlysupreme Chapter 213 The Emperor is Coming to the Estate
Chapter 213 The Emperor is Coming to the Estate
The next morning, sunlight shone through the thin clouds onto the earth, and a gentle breeze rustled the green trees and grass in the fields outside the village.
However, Su Nuannuan was not seen on the road to the imperial mausoleum that day. Instead, she led a group of people, busily moving between a wide plot of land within the estate. This land was about to be cultivated into fertile fields for planting precious medicinal herbs.
Upon learning that Mu Ge possessed exquisite skills in cultivating medicinal herbs, Su Nuannuan was secretly delighted and determined not to let such a rare talent slip by. After all, in this vast land, those skilled in cultivating medicinal herbs were extremely rare, and it was truly not easy to recruit such an expert.
At this moment, Su Nuannuan sat leisurely in a shady spot in the field, holding a cup of fragrant tea in her hand, her gaze casually sweeping over the people who were working hard.
She didn't need to personally go down to the fields and sweat profusely, nor did she need to worry about directing every specific work arrangement, because all matters were fully managed and directed by the experienced Mu Ge.
Not far behind Mu Ge, Cang Lan Jing Yao, dressed in a neat short-sleeved outfit, was intently following him to learn the techniques of planting medicinal herbs. Her small figure moved nimbly, sometimes bending down to carefully observe Mu Ge's methods, sometimes looking up to listen to the key points of the explanation. Her serious and focused appearance was simply adorable, making one unable to help but feel affection for her.
Just then, a series of light footsteps approached, and it turned out that Li Quan was hurrying over. He came to Su Nuannuan, bowed slightly, and then called out softly in a low voice, "Your Majesty."
Su Nuannuan turned her head at the sound and glanced at Li Quan casually. Her eyes seemed to say, "Speak quickly if you have something to say, don't delay this lady from enjoying the pastoral scenery."
Li Quan understood immediately and dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly continued, "News has just come from the palace that the Emperor will be coming to our estate, but the exact time is still uncertain."
"What did you say?" Su Nuannuan, who had been leisurely leaning back in her chair, toying with her teacup, jumped to her feet as if electrocuted upon hearing this, her face filled with astonishment. Her eyes widened as she stared at Li Quan in disbelief, her voice sharp with surprise.
"No way! I've already hidden in such a remote place, and that guy still wants to come after me? Aren't all the beautiful women in the palace enough for him to mess with?" Su Nuannuan muttered under her breath, then plopped back down in her chair, looking extremely dissatisfied.
At this moment, Li Quan stood there like a wooden figure, staring straight at the ground as if trying to see through the earth.
He kept repeating to himself, "I didn't hear anything, I didn't hear anything..." He was completely immersed in self-hypnosis, and even when Su Nuannuan called him several times, he didn't respond at all.
"Li Quan, what are you daydreaming about?" Su Nuannuan was getting annoyed when she called him several times without getting a response, so she raised her voice and asked loudly.
The sudden shout finally snapped Li Quan out of his daze. He first looked blankly at Su Nuannuan and said, "Huh?" Then, as if he suddenly remembered something, he hurriedly replied, "This servant is guilty, please forgive me, Your Majesty." With that, he knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly to Su Nuannuan to apologize.
"Alright, alright, get up now." Su Nuannuan waved her hand dismissively.
Li Quan scrambled to his feet, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty, I have been wondering whether this news is reliable."
"Could this message have been relayed by someone we planted in the palace?" Su Nuannuan frowned slightly, her gaze fixed on Li Quan, her tone tinged with doubt.
Although Su Nuannuan has now left the palace, the spies planted within the palace have not been removed, and these spies have always been under the control of Li Quantong.
“It was indeed a message sent back by our people. However… this servant is not currently in the palace, so I can’t help but worry. After all, the situation in the palace is complex and volatile, and the slightest mistake could ruin everything,” Li Quan explained with lingering fear.
“There’s no need to worry too much. I can roughly deduce the reason why His Majesty came to the estate. If we can confirm that His Majesty’s visit is true, Li Quan, immediately issue an order to have our people keep a close eye on the movements in the inner palace, especially Consort Qing.” A cold glint flashed in Su Nuannuan’s eyes.
"Your Majesty, but wasn't Consort Qing already insane and imprisoned in the Cold Palace?" Li Quan asked, his face full of confusion.
"Hmph! Mad? Who told you that? If she were truly mad, how would she know to send people to the imperial mausoleum in an attempt to destroy me? Not to mention where would she get the money to send out of the palace? She's just pretending to be mad to deceive people while secretly plotting and scheming." Su Nuannuan sneered, her eyes filled with contempt and resentment.
Upon hearing that his empress had nearly been murdered at the imperial mausoleum, Li Quan was enraged. He trembled with rage and gritted his teeth, saying, "That damned Consort Qing! How dare she be so audacious as to plot against the empress!"
"Your Highness, this servant has some connections in the Imperial Household Department, and will definitely arrange for the right people to take good care of Consort Qing!" Li Quan said through gritted teeth.
Su Nuannuan gently raised her hand, shook her head slightly, and said slowly, "There's no need for such a big fuss, and let's not get our hands dirty. Consort Qing will naturally have someone to help us vent our anger."
Li Quan stared at Su Nuannuan with a face full of doubt, thinking to himself: Who else would be willing to stand up for his mistress like this? It's really puzzling!
At this moment, Su Nuannuan spoke again: "I have already ordered someone to send the two account books back to my father. After the morning court session this day, my father will have a private audience with the Emperor and present the two account books to him. I believe the Emperor will handle this matter properly."
If the Emperor ignores this matter, or even shows favoritism and protection, then it won't be too late for us to take action. Hmph, if she wants to destroy me, she can forget about living a peaceful life! After saying that, a ruthless glint flashed in Su Nuannuan's beautiful eyes.