The Pei couple felt both pleased and puzzled by the Empress’s sudden visit. The Empress was known for her magnanimity and kindness, and she treated every meritorious subject with affection and respect. Who wouldn’t be delighted to have her as a guest?
However, knowing that since the incident where the former Crown Prince attempted a coup and was executed, both the Emperor and the Empress were greatly affected mentally and physically. During this time, affairs of state, whether big or small, were managed individually when possible, and those that couldn’t be dealt with were consciously postponed. Who would have thought the Empress would have the leisure to make a visit outside the palace at this time?
"Your Majesty, do you have any orders to give? If there is something, you could just summon us to the palace to discuss it; there’s no need for you to tire yourself."
Pei Yu, being straightforward, did not hold back while in the Empress’s presence. After two cups of tea, seeing that the Empress seemed distracted, he couldn’t help but speak out.
Mrs. Pei also expressed her concern, saying, "Is there anything pressing on your mind, Your Majesty, that the court can’t resolve? Rest assured, no matter how big the matter is, our Pei family will certainly take care of it for you."
The Empress exhaled deeply and smiled at them, "I just missed you both. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you at the palace. It just so happens that Zhen has been willing to accompany me these days, so I decided to come along with her to visit your home.
"Could it be you’re reluctant to part with these few pounds of tea? Rest assured, I’ll gift you a few jars later."
Pei Yu and his wife felt a bit embarrassed. "See what you’re saying, Your Majesty. Am I such a stingy person? It’s not about the tea; I’ve already dispatched the kitchen staff earlier to pick the freshest fruits and vegetables freshly harvested from our backyard for you to taste. I would be more than happy for you to stay here for ten days to half a month!"
The Empress smiled broadly. "Do you think I don’t understand your intentions? You dear younger brothers have always been the most considerate. Whenever there was trouble back in the day, you’d come to your sister-in-law for help, leaving me with no choice but to get involved. But no matter what, you’ve always been sincere and loyal, never changing over the years.
"To be honest, coming out of the palace today was to use your Pei family’s place to meet someone."
The couple sat up straight, "To meet whom?"
There was actually someone important enough for the Empress herself to leave the palace to meet!
The Empress took a deep breath and said, "The person is extremely important to me, but I must meet him first before explaining to you."
Pei Yu and his wife exchanged glances and quickly said, "Understood, Your Majesty! I’ll personally prepare a place for you to meet your guest!"
The Empress nodded, "Sorry for the trouble."
"Your words are too serious! It is an honor for our Pei family!"
Having said this, Pei Yu withdrew and personally went to arrange a place for the Empress’s meeting.
Just as he reached the front yard, he saw Fu Zhen bringing a carriage. When the carriage stopped, a bold and striking man disembarked. His firm and sharp gaze, elegant and powerful demeanor, immediately caught Pei Yu’s attention.
Upon careful observation, he felt a sense of familiarity.
When the man halted and respectfully saluted him, addressing him as General, Pei Yu couldn’t help but ask, "Daughter-in-law, who is this gentleman?"
Fu Zhen replied, "Father, this is Mr. Yang."
Mr. Yang?
Pei Yu furrowed his brow. Though well-connected, he had no recollection of such a figure. Among the Yang families he knew, none resembled this man.
Yet, he understood that if this man weren’t significant, Fu Zhen wouldn’t have brought him home so casually. Thus, he respectfully nodded, "Ah, it’s you, sir. The third is at home; have him accompany Mr. Yang for tea."
After saying this, he turned the corner to continue finding a place for the Empress to meet her guest.
As he thought about his mission, he suddenly halted in his tracks!
The Empress had mentioned that Zhen had been with her in the palace for the past days, and now she was accompanying her to visit!
So the Mr. Yang brought back by Fu Zhen must be...
Hold on!
This man is named Yang?!
Pei Yu spun around in place, and in his haste, this seasoned National Guardian General almost stumbled like a duck slipping, before regaining his balance with a couple of odd steps!
He stared wide-eyed at Yang Yi, and then showed a look of surprise in his eyes, his trembling hand pointing, "You, you—are you—"
This could be the death of him!
Finally, he understood the reason for the familiarity!
This man resembled the young Emperor by six or seven points; his appearance and posture could easily have fooled anyone during the campaigns of old!