If Rong Bingâs case file from that year was unable to be found, then someone had most likely destroyed it.
The lights inside the Court of Judicial Reviewâs main hall dimmed. The junior attendant inside the hall saw the Crown Prince had no intentions of returning back to the palace, and under Hong Guangâs orders, he lit up the candles inside the hall.
Seeing his shadow fall on the wooden desk, Mu Huai recalled how in his past life, the Empressâs maternal family, the Di clan, was considered to be quite generous.
Even up until Di Zhuoâs death, he was healthy and had always held the position of Great Qiâs Ministry of Ritesâ Chief Minister. During the decade or so Mu Huai sat on the throne, Di Zhuo never committed any wrongdoings despite being a royal relative with a great deal of power.
The position of Chief Minister of the Ministry of Rites was different from other positions at court. This was a high-ranking position, a second-ranking official, but the actual power wielded was not much. It doesnât control the military, nor does the position require one to meet foreign delegates or local officials from the other provinces. However, the Chief Minister of Rites was in charge of planning large events for the imperial family. There were many opportunities to embezzle.
Given the usual appetite of men, these three pieces of snacks could each be eaten in one bite. One didnât need to be worried about inelegant eating manners nor delaying business matters due to eating.
The little liangdi was very thoughtful. Most likely, she had heard that there were still two officials in the hall, so there were three servings of snacks. She even had the eunuch bring forth three cups of warm chrysanthemum goji berry tea.
Smelling the sweet scents of the snacks, Mu Huaiâs heart also felt very warm.
The formulation and implementation of the new laws could not be finished in an instant. Therefore, after Yan Juxu and Cheng Song finished eating, he had them return back to their residences to have a good rest.
*****
The candles on the redwood altars in the four corners in the Eastern Palace were lit.
Under Dan Xiangâs meticulous care, Rong Xi had finished bathing and washing her hair. When her whole body was scorching due to the hot water, she felt as soft as cotton, drained of her energy.
Her half-damp hair was spread across the bed as she curled up. Her cheek laid against the bunched-up blanket. Closing her eyes, she was in deep thought.
The day Di Shihua had left the palace and returned to her residence, Di Shiyin had also returned to the Ministerâs estate that night. Ever since then, the Empress had not called for her to enter the palace.
That day, she had seen Di Shihuaâs angry expression and knew that she had succeeded in disturbing the two sistersâ relationship. However, with Di Shiyin not entering the palace, she no longer had the opportunity to stir up trouble and lure Di Shiyin into her trap.
As she ruminated, she failed to realize that Mu Huai had already returned.
The moment he entered the inner hall, Mu Huai saw the womanâs curled up body in an alluring pose that caused his throat to run dry.
Mu Huai couldnât help but think of the times before Rong Xi became pregnant. He loved this position the most.
This finicky woman was always so reluctant and her body would often tighten up before she would finally burst out into sweet and sticky gasps.
Such a pose not only evoked feelings of pity from him, but moreover, he started to harbor some evil ideas.
What a little demonness.
Thinking of this, Mu Huai immediately picked up the woman on the bed. He could not have her unintentionally seducing people liek this again.
Rong Xi didnât realize that Mu Huai was here and was startled. After returning to her senses, she found herself sitting on the manâs sturdy legs. Mu Huai circled his arms around her waist, his hand lightly resting on her stomach.
Sniffing the refreshing scent coming from her, he saw her peachy face slowly turn pink.
Mu Huaiâs cold eyes slowly turned deep and heavy as he asked in a blaming tone, âDo you really treat me as a monk?â