TPITWOHEF

Chapter 22

At the Qiu Mountain Festival, the Emperor and Empress resided together in the Qiu Mountain Temple.

According to tradition, no other consorts were allowed to accompany them, but this time was different.

The recently promoted Concubine Liu, along with Consort Min from the Donghua Palace, as well as several other consorts, were all granted the Emperor's decree to follow, with both the Empress Dowager and the Empress Mother in attendance.

The reason given was that a few days prior, the City Dragon of the capital had stirred, causing several parts of the imperial palace to collapse.

Therefore, the Emperor brought everyone to pray for blessings.

If there were any transgressions, they would be reflected upon at the Ancestral Temple of Qiu Mountain. Otherwise, they would pray for the realm and the Xiao Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, Lord Liu Wenchang has arrived," Wei Zheng announced outside the quiet chamber.

The Emperor was staying in the most secluded courtyard at the rear of the Qiu Mountain Temple.

He had always favored self-cultivation and disliked noise, so he allowed the Empress and the Crown Prince to reside in the spacious and lively front courtyard closest to the temple buildings.

The Emperor and Empress were situated far apart, to the north and south.

Surprisingly, Concubine Liu, who had not yet attained the official rank of Consort, was housed in the courtyard right in front of the Emperor's residence.

Lord Liu Wenchang, the father of Concubine Liu, stood waiting in the courtyard.

As he was led through, he grew increasingly alarmed.

What madness had possessed the Emperor to suddenly favor his daughter like this?

"Lord Liu, the Emperor summons you. Please come with me," Wei, the eunuch attendant, greeted him with a smile.

Liu Wenchang's heart surged with emotion.

Just a year ago, Wei would never have treated him with such courtesy.

Today, the eunuch had smiled at him the entire way and personally escorted him to see his daughter.

He must be basking in his daughter's glory.

It seemed that his great-granddaughter had been right about the Emperor intending to promote him, to save face for Concubine Liu and the Fifth Prince.

Pondering this, Liu Wenchang composed himself and followed Wei with a lowered gaze into the inner chamber.

He dared not let his eyes wander or gaze upon the Emperor's countenance, for that would be disrespectful.

"Your subject, Liu Wenchang, presents himself before Your Majesty," the old lord murmured, catching a glimpse of the imperial dragon embroidery before starting to kneel.

But before he could bend his knees, Xiao Yunzhou called out, "No need for excessive ceremony, Lord Liu."

"We are not in the court today, so there's no need to be so formal."

The Emperor was dressed in casual robes today, not the full imperial regalia worn during court sessions.

Sitting at the table with a cup of tea in hand, Xiao Yunzhou asked, "Lord Liu, have you seen Concubine Liu and the young Princess?"

Liu Wenchang's heart skipped a beat.

The Emperor addressed him as 'Lord Liu,' a title used for officials in the Imperial Academy.