The Pheonix and The Dragon

46.Thinking of her

"Official Kim, please wait," Taeyang trotted forward and bowed to Taehyung.

"Taeyang sshi." Taehyung stopped in his steps and raised his hands in a bow. "Is something the matter?" He had just finished his shift and was preparing to return home. He didn't know why Taeyang had stopped him.

"Apologies for the disturbance." Taeyang squeezed out a smile. "His Majesty is inviting you to Purple Imperial Hall for tea. Official, please do not refuse." If this was anyone else, Taeyang only had to say that His Majesty had summons, but this was the brother of the future empress and valued greatly by His Majesty. He had to be measured.

"So that's why. Thank you, Taeyang sshi for making the trip." Taehyung smiled politely at Taeyang and walked in the direction of Purple Imperial Hall.

Taehyung had a candid personality, but he was well-mannered and considerate. Even facing an eunuch official like Taeyang, he would not posture like an aristocratic young master, and embarrass him.

As an eunuch serving the emperor personally, Taeyang had seen all kinds of faces before. There were those polite on the surface and disdainful inside. There were those that tried to gain favor. There were also those that never looked properly at him from beginning to end. But these important people from the Kim Family never postured towards servants like him and made him feel at ease.

Minister Kim, Lady Kim, Heir Kim, Second Master Kim, and County Princess Changyan were people he had received in person. After meeting them, he understood why the Kim Family had managed to remain standing although they did not have many members.

Conducting themselves with integrity was a good advantage.

Entering Purple Imperial Hall, Taehyung was halfway through his bow to Jungkook when he was called up. But he still persisted in finishing the greeting. "Your Majesty, you summoned this subject for..."

"Official Kim, please drink tea first." Jungkook had Taehyung sit, and then a palace servant served him tea. "Today, Official Kim has been summoned to chat about family matters."

Taehyung put down the teacup he was served and said with a stern expression, "Your Majesty, please speak."

"Official Kim, no need to be so serious. According to the common folk, you are my older brother-in-law, and family members do not have to be so strict." Jungkook coughed. "I just wanted to ask, has Lili been well recently? Last time when she visited the palace, I saw she was much thinner. Has she been resting well?"

Taehyung laughed inside. My sister hasn't married yet—don't be in such a hurry to claim a relationship.

But he would only think those thoughts, and would never voice them.

"My sister has been well recently." Taehyung lifted his head and saw His Majesty looking at him with a burning gaze. He added, "Maybe, because she is in a good mood, she has been eating more recently."

Jungkook immediately smiled and then said, "The vassal countries have given some fruit in tribute. If Brother-in-law doesn't mind, please take some back to taste."

Seungri walked in with a package of fruits, and stood behind Taehyung in a bow.

It was already winter, and fresh fruits and vegetables were not common. Taehyung was not stupid. He knew that Lili liked eating fruits and vegetables. Now, His Majesty was having him bring these back. Having him take a taste was fake, gifting Lili fruit was true.

His Majesty thinking of his sister was a good thing. Taehyung gave thanks, and returned to the Kim Family with a large bag of fruit. He went directly to the small courtyard his younger sister lived in.