What she had barely managed to protect tonight was not just her own life, but the entire Su family…
So, was it because Gu Yanbei had also thought of this that he had saved her from the Empress Dowager’s hands? Although he often argued with her father, her father and brother were loyal and courageous—rare military talents in the court.
Who was the person who had harmed her? If it was truly as she suspected, then since she had escaped unscathed tonight, the other party would not simply stop here…
Yangxin Hall.
The man extended a slender index finger and lightly tapped the table. Three knocks fell, and a shadowy figure appeared in a flash.
“Your subordinate greets Your Majesty.”
Jing Li appeared in the hall like a ghost, the silver mask on his face reflecting a cold, emotionless gleam under the cool moonlight.
He was an Anwei personally trained by Gu Yanbei, exceptionally skilled, and most adept at tracking and tracing.
“Speak.” Gu Yanbei uttered the syllable expressionlessly.
“At tonight’s banquet, only Miss Su left midway; everyone else departed only after the banquet had ended.”
Hearing this, Gu Yanbei stopped his brush and looked down at Jing Li. “She said she fainted in Yuhuayuan…”
“Your subordinate has investigated. Miss Su did indeed go to Yuhuayuan, but her subsequent whereabouts seem to have been concealed by someone. Your subordinate found nothing,” Jing Li said in a low voice. “The food and wine at tonight’s banquet also showed no problems.”
Gu Yanbei slightly clenched his hand, pondering in silence, his deep eyes churning with emotions that others could not fathom.
The person who had orchestrated this had done so flawlessly—even Jing Li could not find a single trace…
Since it had started with her, then he would find the breakthrough through her.
The man spoke indifferently, “Keep watch over her for me. I want to know her every move…”
“Your subordinate obeys!” Jing Li bowed his head.
Then he leaped into the air and vanished like a ghost, as if he had never appeared at all.
After Jing Li left, Liu Cheng entered cautiously carrying a teacup. Sensing the heavy atmosphere in the hall, he placed the cup on the desk, then shrank his neck and stood to the side, trying to minimize his presence.
“Go to Jiangjun Fu tomorrow.” Gu Yanbei suddenly spoke coldly, casually tossing the completed imperial edict to Liu Cheng. “Order someone to prepare Chang’an Dian.”
Liu Cheng caught the edict with quick hands and eyes, momentarily not registering what had been said.
Was His Majesty truly going to take Miss Su as a consort?
He had thought His Majesty was merely speaking casually, never expecting it to be real.
The beauties of the harem were dazzling, but His Majesty never gave them a second glance. Why suddenly…
Surely not—had His Majesty truly taken a liking to Miss Su? But Chang’an Dian… Liu Cheng glanced up at the sovereign on the throne, then lowered his head again.
Ever since that incident more than a decade ago, Chang’an Dian had remained vacant, and His Majesty had never gone there again…
Liu Cheng held the edict and did not continue thinking.
His Majesty’s thoughts were not for him to guess. He only needed to follow orders.
“Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has arrived.” A young eunuch reported cautiously at the door.
“Tell her I have retired for the night.”
Gu Yanbei remained expressionless. He had just risen from his seat to enter the inner chamber when the Empress Dowager’s voice followed immediately: “Is the Emperor trying to avoid me on purpose!”
She adjusted her coiffure and strode grandly into the hall.
“The night is deep and the dew is heavy, Mother. Why are you not resting at Yongshou Gong?”
Gu Yanbei rose and gave a slight bow.
“You have worked hard at today’s banquet. I have ordered someone to brew a bowl of Anshentang for you.”
As the Empress Dowager’s words fell, Nanny Xia stepped forward with a tray and placed a white porcelain bowl emitting wisps of steam beside Gu Yanbei.
Gu Yanbei glanced at the bowl of Anshentang, a barely perceptible coldness flickering across his brow.