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Emperor Jingxuan pinched the bridge of his nose and had Eunuch Quan take them away.
At this point, Consort Xian knew it was over.
What exactly was going on?
Was Qin Jiang playing her?
She bit her lip, "Your Majesty.….."
Emperor Jingxuan said calmly, "Where did you hear this news? Was it about Wei Ting or Gentleman Wei?"
What Consort Xian had heard was about Wei Ting, but the old man had just sworn he didn’t know Wei Ting…
Seeing Consort Xian fall silent, Emperor Jingxuan sighed:
"Alright, it’s only a coincidence that they have the same surname. Don’t believe every rumor you hear in the future."
"Yes, I was reckless."
Consort Xian reluctantly performed a curtsy.
Emperor Jingxuan said, "Everyone may withdraw."
Consort Xian said softly, "Your Majesty, I already prepared chicken soup in my palace..."
"I have no appetite."
Emperor Jingxuan showed a rare hint of impatience with Consort Xian.
Consort Xian gritted her teeth secretly.
After so many years in the palace, she had taken every precaution to secure Emperor Jingxuan's heart.
And now she's annoyed him!
"This concubine takes her leave."
Consort Xian performed an elegant curtsy before leaving the imperial study with a graceful, swaying stride.
Once away from others, she dug her nails into Liu Sande’s arm, stomping her foot in anger.
Liu Sande winced in pain.
Your Ladyship, Oh my Oh my, that hurts!
Back in imperial study, Emperor Jingxuan glanced coolly at Wei Ting, "You also.….."
Before Emperor Jingxuan could finish, Wei Ting cupped his hands in salute, "Your subject takes his leave."
Emperor Jingxuan choked slightly, glared coldly at Wei Ting, and waved his hand, dismissing him.
After leaving the palace, Wei Ting entered his carriage.
The undercover guard responded, "Young Master, I just saw the old Su family’s grandfather and grandson enter the palace. Have they discovered your whereabouts?"
Wei Ting chuckled, "Consort Xian."
The undercover guard was puzzled: "Consort Xian? Did the Third Prince do this?"
Wei Ting said thoughtfully, "Xiao Chonghua isn’t that foolish. If he wanted to expose me, he would have done so long ago, there’s no reason to wait until now. Besides, he would only dare to reveal my absence from the temple and send someone to seek for me there. He would never claim to have seen me in Qingzhou."
If Xiao Chonghua dared to expose his presence in Qingzhou, Wei Ting would expose Xiao Chonghua’s secret search for the military token.
At worst, it would be mutual destruction.
The undercover guard looked astonished,
"The Third Prince... didn’t tell His Majesty about the military token?"
Wei Ting said calmly, "He wants to keep that army for himself, so of course he wouldn’t let his father know."
The undercover guard sighed, "Back in Qingzhou, when we accidentally ran into the Third Prince’s men... If it weren’t for protecting the three young masters, Young Master, you... wouldn’t have had to reveal the news about the military token."
Encountering Xiao Chonghua in Qingzhou was entirely accidental.
Wei Ting had not expected it, and neither had Xiao Chonghua.
Wei Ting’s trip to Qingzhou to retrieve the military token was genuine, as was the pick-up of the children.
To protect the three children, Wei Ting chose to publicize the news about the military token.
Xiao Chonghua indeed believed that Wei Ting’s sole purpose in visiting Qingzhou was to reclaim the military token left behind by his grandfather.
Xiao Chonghua wasn't particularly concerned about the three children.
Xiao Chonghua’s indifference was due to two reasons.
First, the military token diverted his attention. Second, he knew nothing about specific incidents from the past and had no reason to be suspicious.
"Are the three young masters alright?" The undercover guard asked.
"They’re fine now." Wei Ting said.
They had no relationship with him because they were 'taken up' by the Su family.
Even if Emperor Jingxuan saw the three little ones in the future, he would not suspect anything.
The undercover guard sighed a sigh of relief, but was still perplexed: "Why didn't Old Mr. Su recognize you, Young Master?"
Wei Ting stroked his wide sleeve. "What else could it be?"