A Mistaken Marriage Match: Mysteries in the Imperial Harem

Chapter 38: Thoughts In A Whirl

Zhen Yang Palace

Xiao Yu carried the freshly brewed red celery wormwood tea with two palace maid following her, carrying a few exquisite refreshments. Afraid that the tea would get cold as it was the beginning of autumn, the trio hurried their pace towards the Imperial library.

"It is already so late, tea is still served?"

Xiao Yu was slightly stunned and her footstep paused as she look back. She saw Qing Feng walking slowly from the palace door with a faint smile on her face but Xiao Yu did not feel any trace of a laugh and the coldness surrounding her was colder than the early autumn night.

Why did she come? Qing Feng have never taken the initiative to come to Zhen Yang Palace to look for the Emperor, much less coming over so late at night. Xiao Yu was unable to guess Qing Feng's intention as she lowered her gaze and slightly bowed, "Greeting Imperial Concubine Qing."

"Raise." Qing Feng's slight landed on the trays that were held by them. Other hand a pot of good tea, there was quite a lot of food. Xiao Yu softly explained, "The ceremony is approaching thus there are numerous affairs. These days the Emperor only rest after third of the five night watch periods (Modern timing: 11 pm – 1 am), thus the need to prepare tea and snacks."

Qing Feng looked up and saw the study was lighted up and the doors were wide open. Yan Hong Tian was sitting behind a desk with numerous reports that covered half of the desk. He was holding a writing brush and was writing from time to time in the report. From the beginning to the end, his brows were furrowed. Even though he sat on top, it revealed his fatigue. But even so, it still portrayed a breathtaking majestic.

Staring at the man not far away, Qing Feng suddenly woke up. There were a lot of things that happened to night, Chen Zhen made her feel shock and also unconvinced. She was still thinking of what action to taken when her legs unconsciously brought her here. Actually it was useless coming here as what Chen Zhen said may not necessarily be credible but what she said was not incorrect. She did not understand Yan Hong Tian, not one bit.

Qing Feng's expression flicked and Xiao Yu secretly watched as she did not want to say anything but the tea in her hands would cool down if she does not bring it in. After hesitating for a moment, Xiao Yu asked softly, "Does this servant need to inform..."

"Not needed. Do not bother the Emperor dealing with affairs of the state." Qing Feng recover her sight and slightly waved her hands. Leaving that sentence, she turned to leave like how she suddenly came. Before Xiao Yu could react, Qing Feng was already out of Zheng Yang Palace.

Xiao Yu carried the hot tea in and place it gently on the shorter table beside the desk. Her eyes swept across the desk and saw ten over reports across the desk. It would seem that the Emperor would not be able to rest till after midnight. After placing the tea and snacks aside, Xiao Yu took two steps back but did not leave. Waiting until Yan Hong Tian stopped to drink the tea during his spare time, Xiao Yu said softly, "Emperor, Imperial Concubine Qing just came over and left when she say you dealing with affairs of the state."

Yan Hong Tian's hands was holding a cup of tea while his eyes was still staring at the reports intently that his eyelids did not even lift up when he replied, "Withdraw. You all do not need to serve here."

"Yes."

Coming out from the study, Xiao Yu send the rest of the palace maids back as she slowly headed back. Walking along the stone steps between the Royal Study and the bedchamber, Xiao Yu sat down and propped her chin with her hands and stared at the almost covered moon in a daze.

Xiao Yu was a Female Official by the Emperor's side that even if she was sitting at the stone steps at such a late night, no one dared to tell her off. The night guards who were on duty only dared to glance at her quickly when they pass her before hurrying away.