When Long Yang ordered him to keep an eye on Hong Xiu and Chen Xuping, he had instructed the covert guards under his command to execute this order.
He had never expected this investigation to pay off so quickly.
“Your majesty, the covert guard saw the Crown Princess’s maidservant meeting Chen Xuping.”
The news did not catch Long Yang by surprise. “Well, continue to watch their every move. If they threaten Lu Liangwei’s safety, you can kill them on the spot without informing me.”
“Yes.” After Chu Qi respectfully obliged, his Majesty walked away from the imperial table.
Maintaining his pace, Long Yang headed to his sleeping quarters to change into regular clothes before he re-emerged.
Zhao Qian was waiting outside, and when he saw this, he asked, “Is Master leaving the palace?”
“Yes.”
“I will go with you and serve by your side.” Zhao Qian chirped enthusiastically.
Anyone could have guessed that His Majesty must be heading to see Second Miss Lu at this time.
After so many days apart, His Majesty must be missing her very much.
“Stay, I will take Chu Qi only.” Long Yang refused his offer without a second thought.
Zhao Qian’s face fell instantly. He could feel His Majesty’s disdain towards him.
But even so, he dutifully retrieved a book from his sleeve and handed it over, “I have carefully curated this for you. Please have a look at it, Master.”
“What?” Long Yang accepted it casually.
Zhao Qian retreated a few steps before whispering, “It’s for your enlightenment.” Master will get married soon. If he does not quickly learn the ropes, will he embarrass himself in the bridal chamber on his wedding night?
He is indeed a competent and responsible subordinate to have considered such things for His Majesty.
Snap! Long Yang quickly closed the book, his handsome face flushing crimson.
When he first heard what Zhao Qian said, he did not give it much thought. But after he turned the pages and saw the content inside, he understood what he meant. “Zhao Qian!”
Watching as His Majesty gritted his teeth, Zhao Qian’s plump body trembled nervously. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Take thirty laps around the palace walls.” Without looking back, Long Yang left him with this and strode away.
Zhao Qian looked utterly deflated.
He was in such a difficult position.
His heart was in the right place, with his His Majesty’s wellbeing his ultimate priority. Nevertheless, he was treated so harshly in the end.
After running twenty laps last time, he ended up so exhausted that he collapsed on the ground. Chu Yi kindly carried him back in his worn-out state, but his body did not recover after even lying down for a few days.
Now he had to run another thirty laps, could his old bones take it?
His Majesty was too cruel.
Zhao Qian’s forlorn expression did not go unnoticed by Chu Qi, who was about to leave. Chu Qi paused and asked, “What book did you give His Majesty just now?” It must have enraged Long Yang considerably for His Majesty to punish Zhao Qian so severely.
Zhao Qian gave him the side-eye. “Get lost, kid! Why do you need to know?”
Chu Qi snorted coldly. He detested being treated like a child.
He gave Zhao Qian a kick on his bottom and made his escape as Zhao Qian cried out in pain.
Zhao Qian’s face flushed with anger. Even a little kid dared to bully him! Should he take in a bride in the future, he would not prepare such learning material for him and he will be embarrassed in front of his bride. Hmph!
Zhao Qian thought viciously as he quickly ran toward the palace wall, not daring to neglect his punishment.
The next day.
Lu Liangwei finally persuaded the Dowager Duchess to go to Tianzhu Temple to listen to Master Qingzhen’s Buddhist preachings.
Initially, the Dowager Duchess was worried about leaving her alone and insisted on not going.
But Lu Liangwei knew that the old lady revered Master Qingzhen very much and enjoyed listening to his Buddhist preachings, however, Master Qingzhen often wandered out and was rarely at Tianzhu Temple. This time it was a great coincidence that Master Qingzhen was back from his travels.