Two days later, on the fifteenth day of the fourth month, Leng Yaoda rose early in the morning.
Compared to visiting the Lu residence to foster relationships, she was more willing to take a risk and seek out Shen Jinxiao.
After all, Shen Jinxiao wouldn’t kill indiscriminately, but Lu Zhiyou might when he smiled and went mad.
Grand Marshal of the Nation’s Military, Leng Yu, went to train troops every day, and her two twin brothers had become increasingly busy since entering the court last year.
Thus, Leng Yaoda only needed to inform her mother, Zhao Yujin, before going out, which was extremely convenient.
To avoid being recognized by the original body’s old friends on the way, Leng Yaoda put on a veiled hat, concealing her strikingly beautiful appearance.
She had Baoyu find the most ordinary sedan chair and left Yingzhu in the room to manage affairs. The young lady set off for Xunyang Street with only Baoyu by her side.
The capital, located at the feet of the Son of Heaven, housed only the most trusted ministers near the streets close to the palace. Those living farther away held little real power or held official positions of the third or fourth rank.
The Guardian Marshal Manor was not far from the most prosperous Xunyang Street in the city. Riding in the sedan chair, they arrived leisurely in less than half an hour. Baoyu stepped out of the carriage first, then respectfully extended a hand to help Leng Yaoda down.
Leng Yaoda looked at the street and sighed inwardly. Shen Jinxiao was indeed an exceptional emperor, managing the entire Ling Dynasty in an orderly manner.
Inside the carriage, Leng Yaoda had already given Baoyu her instructions. Though puzzled, the young maid unconditionally trusted her mistress and committed her words to memory.
The two entered a bustling four-story tavern named Victorious Spring Court, frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles, as well as wealthy families who came to enjoy drinks.
And this was the place Emperor Shen Jinxiao visited without fail on the fifteenth of every month.
With memories from the original work, Leng Yaoda took advantage of the early hour and reserved a relatively secluded Celestial private chamber on the third floor. Baoyu placed two silver ingots on the counter, and the tavern immediately sent someone to escort them upstairs.
At that moment, in a luxurious and comfortable room on the fourth floor, a man used a glazed mirror to observe the tavern’s main hall. When he spotted the graceful figure, he was slightly surprised.
“What a rare guest…”
Leng Yaoda entered the room and surveyed it. The soundproofing and privacy were both satisfactory, with only a large carved window facing the street, allowing faint sounds of people to seep in.
As a somewhat well-known Noble Lady in the capital, the original body excelled in the arts of tea tasting, flower arranging, and incense blending.
Drawing on her memories, Leng Yaoda began personally preparing the items in the room. Baoyu had already gone downstairs to wait for that person in a secluded corner.
As noon approached, a man dressed in a black, opulent brocade robe entered. His hair was tied up with only a silver hairpin, with a few strands of black hair falling beside his eyes, adding a touch of untamed charm to his handsome yet sharp features.
Shen Jinxiao had disguised his appearance, and since the owner of Victorious Spring Court had long given instructions, he could enter directly every month without being questioned or received.
This ensured that Shen Jinxiao wouldn’t be easily recognized upon entering, avoiding unnecessary trouble.
Just as the man was about to ascend the stairs as usual, Baoyu suddenly hurried over and bowed her head to stop him. The veiled young maid said, “Esteemed guest, our master has an urgent matter and requests your presence upstairs. We hope you will agree.”
Leng Yaoda had specifically instructed Baoyu not to reveal that she was a woman and to disclose nothing about the Leng family.Shen Jinxiao instantly furrowed his brows, his sharp gaze fixed intently on the young girl before him, causing Baoyu to tense up.
She had no idea who this man was, and their young lady was a betrothed maiden awaiting marriage. If word got out that she was seeking an audience with an unrelated man, it would invite endless criticism.
But she had promised her young lady, so she had to see it through.
Thinking this, Baoyu spoke again in a hushed voice, “Please, honored sir, follow this maid upstairs for a moment. Our mistress said she must wait for you today. If this place is unsuitable, she will have no choice but to find another.”
Upon hearing this, Shen Jinxiao’s expression darkened. It had only been a little over a year since the last incident, yet someone still dared to seek a private audience with him outside the palace!
He recalled how a certain official had once taken advantage of his absence to secretly approach him, seeking opportunities for personal gain. If that person had been capable, it might have been tolerable, but he was a man of ill intentions.
Shen Jinxiao had seized the opportunity to eliminate him, using it as a warning to others. Yet, he never imagined someone would dare to try again today.
Very well! He would follow and see which corrupt official was foolish enough to repeat the same mistake.
With a displeased expression, the man followed Baoyu upstairs. The young girl ahead of him breathed a sigh of relief, glancing back from time to time to ensure Shen Jinxiao hadn’t run off.
If he had fled, how would she explain it to her young lady!
Noticing Baoyu’s glances, Shen Jinxiao grew even more convinced that the person behind this must be a petty schemer. Knowing he would not casually harm a woman, they deliberately sent a maid to lure him upstairs.
The thought only fueled his anger further. He could hardly wait to go up and see which reckless official or minister was behind this!
With this in mind, Shen Jinxiao quickened his pace, overtaking Baoyu and walking ahead of her.
Seeing this, Baoyu nearly cried out in alarm. Remembering her young lady’s status, she restrained herself and hurried after him, trying to stop him.
But Shen Jinxiao was tall, long-legged, and highly skilled in martial arts. In a few strides, he reached the third floor, leaving Baoyu far behind. His gaze swept the area before settling on the last tightly closed private chamber.
This room was usually unpopular, reserved only for those discussing confidential matters behind closed doors.
Without further thought, Shen Jinxiao strode purposefully to the door and, without giving Baoyu a chance to speak, flung it open!
The window was open, and the midday sun streamed into the room. A delicate fragrance of agarwood gently wafted into Shen Jinxiao’s nostrils. There, bathed in the backlight, sat a young maiden in the secondary seat.
Shen Jinxiao’s eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the room, confirming no one else was present. The frown that had been etched on his face finally relaxed.
Baoyu finally arrived, panting heavily. She wanted to scold this man as a scoundrel but remembered her young lady’s instructions. Swallowing her anger, she gestured for Shen Jinxiao to enter.
“Honored sir, our mistress has been waiting for you for some time. Please, come in.”
At that moment, Leng Yaoda finally turned to look after finishing her agarwood preparation. However, she wore a veiled hat, obscuring her features.
Realizing the situation was not what he had imagined, Shen Jinxiao felt somewhat reassured. After a moment’s thought, the man stepped inside.
As the door to the private chamber closed, Leng Yaoda rose to greet him. With Baoyu waiting outside, she removed her veiled hat and bowed to Shen Jinxiao.
“This subject’s daughter pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless health and peace.”
Subject’s daughter?
Leng Yaoda bowed her head in reverence, and from his angle, Shen Jinxiao could not see the young maiden’s face clearly—only a glimpse of her snow-white, delicate nape.He had been on the throne for five years without a harem of three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines, and currently, he did not even have an empress. Seeing this scene, the man frowned slightly.
“Rise,” Shen Jinxiao’s steady and powerful voice sounded from in front of the young woman.
Leng Yaoda felt a sense of relief in her heart, then stood up and raised her head.
Seeing her face clearly, Shen Jinxiao was momentarily stunned and remained silent for a while.