Half a Shichen later, when Xi Ying and Zhao Zhang Wei came out of Empress Dowager's chambers, both of them had serious faces.
Both of them were lost in their thoughts.
It was Zhao Zhang Wei who broke the silence between them first. He had a humorless smile on his lips as he said
"Benwang can't believe that Zhao Wang Lei did such a big blunder and it had been hidden so nicely for so long."
Xi Ying didn't say anything but the cold smile on his lips was enough for the agreement with Zhao Zhang Wei's words.
Xi Ying's eyes held mockery, irony, and many other emotions as he remembered Empress Dowager Xin Jian's words.
"He killed the man Aijia has loved for my whole life."
It had taken Xi Ying a moment to understand what actually the Empress Dowager was trying to say.
The man she loved...was it not the previous Emperor?
Was Empress Dowager really talking about the previous Emperor?
And if she was then ....did Zhao Wang Lei kill the previous Emperor who was his father too?
The revelation was big and Zhao Zhang Wei and Xi Ying...both of them had many questions.
However, Empress Dowager refused to answer their questions.
"Aijia has already told Prime Minister Xi her reasons for joining him. Aijia doesn't have any wish to tell anything else. This much should be enough for Prime Minister Xi to believe Aijia."
The eyes of Empress Dowager were blank but she looked firm that she won't tell anything to them regarding this matter anymore.
However, Xi Ying understood everything else by his own.
The Empress Dowager knew such a secret but she couldn't do anything.
On one side was her son and on the other side was her husband ...the man she had loved a lot.
Who could she choose? In fact, she never got the chance to choose.
Her husband was already killed and hence she was forced to choose her son.
She hid such a big secret because Zhao Wang Lei was her son. However, she regretted it and hence went to live in isolation.
But again what forced her to come out of isolation so suddenly.
And what forced her to finally Avenger her husband's death when the opponent was again her son.
And the most important question was why did Zhao Wang Lei killed his father?
"Was there any other candidate for the throne during Zhao Wang Lei's time?"
Xi Ying asked Zhao Zhang Wei.
He had very little information from a few decades ago.
"Benwang doesn't know, Prime Minister Xi."
Zhao Zhang Wei said honestly.
He didn't know anything from those years neither he never tried to know.
"However, does Prime Minister Xi believe Her Majesty?"
Xi Ying turned a little to look at Zhao Zhang Wei. Both of his hands were behind his back as he walked beside Zhao Zhang Wei.
Zhao Zhang Wei who noticed Xi Ying's gaze turned his head in his direction. He was confused when he saw a meaningful look in Xi Ying's eyes. Just when he was about to ask Xi Ying, what happened, Xi Ying spoke
"Has Your Highness noticed that Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager is softer towards Your Highness?"
Zhao Zhang Wei paused and frowned in confusion but nonetheless nodded his head.
"Benwang did notice it, Prime Minister Xi."
Xi Ying nodded his head and was about to continue when he saw Eunuch Wang walking in their direction. A mocking smile graced his lips while Zhao Zhang Wei who was waiting for him to continue frowned looking in Xi Ying's direction.
It was only when Xi Ying spoke his next words he did understand why Xi Ying stopped talking.
"Well…Your Highness. This Lord thinks that Your Highness will need to leave soon now."
The curious Zhao Zhang Wei turned his head to look at the front and finally noticed Eunuch Wang who was walking as fast as his old legs allowed him to.
He really wanted to know what Xi Ying was going to say next. However, now it seemed impossible to him.
"Then Benwang will talk to Prime Minister Xi regarding this matter later."
"Sure."
Xi Ying nodded his head..
By now, Eunuch Wang had reached them and bowed his head in front of Zhao Zhang Wei and Xi Ying as he said while breathing heavily.
"Your Highness, His Majesty wishes to see you inside his study room as soon as possible."
Xi Ying raised his eyebrows as he senses the urgency in Eunuch Wang's voice. He could finally believe everything that Zhao Zhang Wei had written in the letter last night.
Zhao Wang Lei really feared Empress Dowager, Xin Jia.
"Is everything alright, Eunuch Wang?"
Xi Ying asked lazily to Eunuch Wang.
Eunuch Wang raised his head and looked at Xi Ying's face closely. He remembered that His Majesty had asked him to observe Xi Ying if he has come out after meeting Empress Dowager.
He actually knew why his master was so worried if Xi Ying met Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager. After accompanying his master for so many years, Eunuch Wang knew almost all of the secrets of Zhao Wang Lei.
Eunuch Wang observed Xi Ying's expression. However, the old Eunuch could not find anything amiss so he was a little relieved and said politely
"Yes, Prime Minister Xi. Actually His Majesty has something to talk about with His Highness."
"Oh…"
Xi Ying nodded his head in understanding but then continued
"This Lord thought something was wrong seeing how Eunuch Wang looked in so hurry …that he even forgot to greet."
Xi Ying said casually but Eunuch Wang thought that Xi Ying was offended by his careless behavior. He remembered that his master had warned him last time when he had tried to be clever in front of Xi Ying. Eunuch Wang felt the sweat soaking his back and he hurriedly greeted according to the rules.
"Greetings to Your Highness, the Second Prince. Greetings to Prime Minister Xi."
Xi Ying smiled humorlessly as he looked at the bowed head of Eunuch Wang.
He didn't respond to Eunuch Wang's greeting and instead said to Zhao Zhang Wei.
"Your Highness, this Lord will leave for now."
Zhao Zhang Wei nodded his head and said
"Benwang is thankful to Prime Minister Xi for accompanying Benwang to meet Her Majesty."
Xi Ying waved his hand as if it was nothing while Eunuch Wang listened to everything closely.
After this short talk, Xi Ying turned around to leave.
On the other hand, Eunuch Wang remembered only now that Xi Ying never responded to his greeting. The old Eunuch was more scared thinking that he had offended Xi Ying.
He just hoped that Xi Ying would not complain to his master regarding this as he followed Zhao Zhang Wei to the Imperial Study room.