CHAPTER 381 (1): READ MORE BOOKS
Su Xi-er caught Grand Tutor Kongâs troubled expression. He personally selected and raised Shu Xian since the latter was a young boy. I wouldnât be surprised if Grand Tutor Kong considered him to be the son that he never had. Now, the originally already barren Imperial Library has become even more deserted.
She couldnât help but say, âI will make a trip back to the Imperial Library tomorrow. The books havenât been dried in the past few days because of the wind, but can do so tomorrow if itâs sunny.â
âNo, Prince Hao has ordered that you must stay in the Dragon Heaven Palace.â Grand Tutor Kong immediately rejected the idea. He had only come here to inform her that Tan Ge had returned to the Imperial Library.
Su Xi-er slyly smiled. âIâll sneak over to the Imperial Library during the day and return before nightfall.â
The lacking manpower in the Imperial Library was one of the reasons for her decision, but more importantly, she planned to sound out Tan Ge.
Aware that she had made up her mind, Grand Tutor Kong no longer tried to stop her. After giving her a few words of advice, he left the side hall and headed for the Imperial Library.
Although it was supposed to be reserved for Pei Qianhao, Su Xi-er sat on the upper seat in the side hall. It was quite soft and comfortable, somewhat relieving the pain that she felt since yesterday.
At this moment, a palace maid carrying a bowl of medicine entered the hall. âMiss, it is time for you to drink your medicine.â
Extremely grateful to Su Xi-er for speaking up for her yesterday, the palace maid carrying the medicine took extra care while looking after Su Xi-er.
Su Xi-er nodded and took the bowl of medicine. When she noticed that there were a few candied jujubes on the tray, she smiled. âYouâre quite attentive. I see that you have brought some candied jujubes over.â
The palace maid was embarrassed. âIt was Prince Hao who instructed this servant to bring them over, Miss.â
âOh?â Su Xi-erâs tone went up. Looking outside the side hall, she saw that there was not a single person in sight in the courtyard, leaving only the rustling sound of tree leaves in the night breeze.
Su Xi-er raised her head to finish drinking the medicine before throwing a few of the candied jujubes in her mouth, allowing their sweetness to overtake the bitter flavour of the medicine.
âWhen did Prince Hao tell you?â She constantly stared outside as she asked.
âHe personally instructed this servant before he left this morning.â
Su Xi-er nodded, and waved her hand. âReturn to your room to rest. You donât have to keep vigil for the whole night.â
âThat wonât do. This servant must guard outside the inner chamber of the side hall. Miss, if there is anything you need, you can call this servant anytime.â The palace maid shivered lightly in fear.
Su Xi-er saw her reaction, and understood that Pei Qianhao had given an order. At the same time, this was enough to tell her that he wouldnât be returning to the Dragon Heaven Palace tonight.
âTell Commander Wu to come in. I have something to ask him.â
The palace maid immediately took the empty bowl and tray with her as she walked out of the side hall and called for Wu Ling.
However, Wu Ling was slightly taken aback when he saw Su Xi-er sitting in the upper seat. Since Prince Hao is going to get married soon anyways, why donât I start calling Su Xi-er âPrincess Consortâ now?
âWhat is Prince Hao busy with today?â
Wu Lingâs heartbeat quickened. The Princess Consort wants me to report Prince Haoâs whereabouts. Isnât this controllingâŠtoo strictly? Even then, itâs not like Iâm aware of his location all the time!
âReplying to Princess Consort, this subordinate has been watching over you in the Dragon Heaven Palace for the whole day. I donât know what Prince Hao is doing.â
Wu Lingâs form of address didnât escape Su Xi-erâs ears.