bookcurios Chapter 145 Do You Know (40)
Chapter 145 Do You Know (40)
The midsummer sun was scorching, burning the thick bluestone pavement of Bianjing City.
Sheng Hong left the court but did not return home directly.
He was led by the eunuchs all the way into the depths of the palace.
The towering palace cast a huge shadow, and the air was filled with the faint scent of ambergris, mixed with a faint smell of blood.
Sheng Hong's heart trembled, and he felt vaguely uneasy.
In the imperial study, the emperor sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression and an indissoluble haze between his brows.
"Sheng Hong, I've asked you to stay here because I have something important to discuss with you."
His Majesty's voice was low and a little tired.
Sheng Hong bowed respectfully and said, "I respectfully listen to your Majesty's instructions."
The emperor dismissed his attendants, and only the emperor and his minister were left in the imperial study.
"There has been unrest in the palace recently."
The emperor looked at Sheng Hong with a sharp gaze, "I suspect someone is secretly stirring up trouble and intending to murder the imperial concubine."
Sheng Hong's heart was shaken, but he remained expressionless. "I am terrified. Who could be so bold?"
The emperor snorted coldly: "I am still investigating."
"I've heard that Princess Lin of Fuxi possesses some extraordinary qualities and has escaped danger many times."
"I want her to bring Molan into the palace to accompany the imperial concubine for a few days so that she can be well protected."
The emperor's tone left no room for doubt, with a hint of determination.
Sheng Hong was filled with doubts, but he didn't dare to ask any more questions. He could only kowtow and accept the order: "I obey your command."
"Go to the Princess's Mansion immediately and convey my instructions."
"Let them enter the palace early tomorrow morning."
Sheng Hong did not dare to delay and hurried out of the palace and went straight to the princess's mansion.
The rumbling of the carriage jolted along the bluestone road, and Sheng Hong's heart was also fluctuating.
He lifted the car curtain and looked at the distant sky. The setting sun was as red as blood, dyeing half of the sky red, adding a bit of solemnity.
In the princess's mansion, Lin Qinshuang was leaning on the beauty couch, flipping through an ancient book.
The cicadas are chirping noisily outside the window, but the house is quiet and peaceful.
Her slender fingers gently brushed across the pages of the book, her eyes focused and her expression calm.
It was as if all the noise from the outside world had nothing to do with her.
When Sheng Hong stepped into the Princess's Mansion, his steps were a little hurried.
He waved away the servants and went straight to Lin Qinshuang.
"Shuang'er."
Sheng Hong's serious tone broke the silence in the room.
Lin Qinshuang put the book down and looked up at Sheng Hong, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "Honglang, why are you so flustered?"
Sheng Hong sat down beside her, held her hand, and said in a deep voice, "The emperor has summoned you and issued an oral decree."
Lin Qinshuang frowned slightly, waiting for the next words.
"The Emperor wants you to bring Molan into the palace tomorrow to stay with Concubine Jiang for a few days."
Sheng Hong relayed the emperor's instructions word for word.
When Lin Qinshuang heard this, her eyes moved as if she was thinking about something.
She did not show any panic, but instead showed a knowing smile.
"It seems that His Majesty has noticed something unusual about me."
Lin Qinshuang spoke calmly, as if she had anticipated this.
Sheng Hong was puzzled: "Shuang'er, what do you mean by this?"
Lin Qinshuang stood up and walked to the window. Looking at the swaying shadows of the trees in the courtyard, she slowly explained, "I once learned some strange and unusual skills that allow me to sense dangers that ordinary people cannot perceive."
"I guess His Majesty hopes that I can protect Concubine Jiang."
Sheng Hong suddenly realized what was going on, but he became even more worried: "The palace is full of dangers, you must be careful when you go there."
Lin Qinshuang turned around and stared at Sheng Hong with a firm look in her eyes: "Don't worry, Honglang, I know what to do."
"Entering the palace this time may be an opportunity for us."
There was a hint of excitement in Lin Qinshuang's tone, as if she smelled the scent of power.
"Chance?"
Sheng Hong was puzzled.
Lin Qinshuang walked over to Sheng Hong, gently stroked his cheek with her slender hand, and whispered softly, "Honglang, just think about it, if we can help His Majesty survive this disaster, what a glory it would be."
Sheng Hong's heart was shocked and he was touched by Lin Qinshuang's words.
He has always longed for power and for his family to prosper.
Now, the opportunity is here.
"Shuang'er, you are right."
Sheng Hong held Lin Qinshuang's hand tightly, his eyes blazing with hope. "As long as we can help His Majesty, the Sheng family will surely prosper."
"Shuang'er, you must take care of yourself."
"As long as we can help His Majesty overcome this hurdle, our Sheng family will be one of the most powerful families in the Song Dynasty."
Sheng Hong's tone was excited, and his eyes were full of longing for the future.
Lin Qinshuang snuggled in Sheng Hong's arms, a meaningful smile on her lips.
"Don't worry, Honglang, I have my own plans."
"I will protect myself and Molan."
"With our husband and I working together, we will surely carve out a place for ourselves in this city of Bianjing."
Lin Qinshuang's voice was soft, but it was filled with unquestionable firmness.
A warm feeling surged in Sheng Hong's heart, and he hugged Lin Qinshuang tightly, as if he owned the whole world.
"Shuang'er, you understand me best."
"With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
Sheng Hong's voice was choked with sobs, his eyes full of tenderness.
As night falls, the princess's mansion is brightly lit.
Lin Qinshuang and Molan are packing their luggage, preparing to enter the palace tomorrow.
"Mom, how come the emperor's summons turned into you and I staying in the palace for a while?" Molan muttered as she sorted her clothes, her tone full of confusion.
Hearing this, Lin Qinshuang chuckled, walked over to Molan, and pinched her little face: "You little naughty monkey, the imperial concubine said she missed you and asked me to take you to stay for two days, is that not okay?"
"Oh, Mom!" Molan said coquettishly, stamping her feet, "Why are you imitating Daddy to make fun of me?"
"Okay, okay, I won't make fun of you." Lin Qinshuang scratched Molan's nose lovingly, "Entering the palace this time is no joke, you have to be on your best behavior."
"Of course!" Molan puffed out her chest, looking proud. "I am the Princess of Anle County. Who dares to look down on me?"
"You're just a cunning person." Lin Qinshuang smiled and shook her head, but her eyes became deeper. "Remember, in the palace, be careful with your words and actions, and don't cause me any trouble."
"I know, Mom." Molan curled her lips, a little disapproving, "It's just a few days of stay, what's the big deal."
"You're still too naive." Lin Qinshuang sighed and said earnestly, "This palace is much more complicated than you imagine. If you're not careful, you'll fall into someone else's trap."
"A trap?" Molan's eyes widened, a little frightened. "Mom, what should we do then?"
"Don't be afraid, mother is here." Lin Qinshuang held Molan's hand, her eyes firm, "Remember, tell the truth to people and lies to ghosts. Don't let anyone catch you."
"Yeah, I remember it." Molan nodded obediently.