I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 203 Personally removing Xie Yanli's cloak

"Liu'er, I could have kept what happened today from you, but I didn't want to. You are the only woman I love, and there can be no secrets or hidden things between us."

Xie Zhongzhi's gaze was fixed on her as he continued, "Liu'er, in this world, the only person you can rely on is me."

"No one else can be trusted except me. They will all harm you, lie to you, and hide things from you, but I won't. I truly love you, and we will be together forever."

Xu Liuer looked into his affectionate eyes.

For some reason, I felt not moved, but rather filled with boundless fear.

A strange feeling crept up her spine, coiling around her like a venomous snake, and Xu Liuer's hands and feet turned ice cold.

Qinglan Courtyard.

"Mother, look at this." Xie Jue held up a small fluff ball and showed it to Qin Jiuwei. "This is a little fluff ball I made from the fur that Little White shed."

He slightly raised his chin, his face full of pride, "Am I amazing?"

"What's so great about those fuzzy things that you can just ruffle and knead?" Xie Jingchun bluntly exposed.

He leaned against the doorframe, looking at Xie Jue with a half-smile.

"That's amazing! That's right!" Xie Jue exclaimed, his grape-like eyes wide.

Xie Jingchun gave a light scoff.

"Ah!" Xie Jue was even angrier when he heard this, like an angry little bull.

Just then, a maid's voice came from the doorway.

"Greetings to the young master."

Qin Jiuwei, who had been watching the two children playfully with a smile, raised her eyes, a gentle light flashing in them.

"Husband, you are back."

Looking at the smile on her face, Xie Yanli felt his weariness instantly soothed, and the corners of his lips involuntarily curled up slightly.

Qin Jiuwei wore a moon-white silk dress with delicate orchids embroidered on the hem, which accentuated her graceful figure, making her as gentle and charming as an orchid in a secluded valley.

She stepped forward, personally removed Xie Yanli's cloak, handed it to the maid beside her, and asked gently, "Why are you back so late today? Did something happen?"

As her fair and beautiful face drew closer, Xie Yanli's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

After a long pause, he slowly said, "The Empress Dowager is currently unwell, and the Emperor has ordered the temples in the capital to pray for her well-being. I have been busy with this matter all day, which is why I have been delayed."

Upon hearing this, Qin Jiuwei nodded slightly, "I see."

It seems that the Empress Dowager's illness is indeed very serious this time.

In her previous life, the Empress Dowager fell seriously ill when her uncle returned to the capital. This coincided with the theft of the relics, which led to her uncle being blamed.

In this life, the Empress Dowager's illness occurred at a different time than in the previous life.

"His Majesty is very worried about the Empress Dowager's condition, so he entrusted me with the matter of praying for her well-being," Xie Yanli said calmly. "Today I went to several temples to discuss the Buddhist ceremony with the eminent monks there."

Qin Jiuwei sighed softly, "It sounds like there's a lot going on. No wonder you've been busy all day. My husband is really tired."

"Everything else was fine, but we spent a lot of time at Kaiyuan Temple."

Kaiyuan Temple? Xie Jue's ears perked up.

He curiously raised his head, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Xie Yanli.

"Father, where is Kaiyuan Temple?"

Xie Yanli squatted down and patted Xie Jue's head. "Kaiyuan Temple is not in the capital, but is built on the top of Qingshan Mountain outside the city. It is one of the three national temples of the Great Jin Dynasty."

Up in the mountains? The scenery must be amazing!

"Father, may I go to Kaiyuan Temple? I want to go play... no, I want to pray for the Empress Dowager!"

Xie Jue's face flushed with excitement, and she bounced around on her little body.

“Father, I want to go too.” Xie Jingchun also came over from the side, his eyes full of anticipation. “I’ve never been to a temple before.”

Xie Yanli looked at the expectant eyes of the two children and his brows twitched slightly.

Seeing his relaxed expression, Xie Jing spoke up at the opportune moment.

"I've heard that the Buddha statues at Kaiyuan Temple are magnificent, including a golden Arhat statue that was commissioned by the late emperor." He sighed softly, "I wonder what it looks like, and whether I'll ever have the chance to see it in this lifetime."

Qin Jiuwei: ……

These three kids really went to great lengths to get out and play.

Some act coquettishly, some create momentum, and some feign grievance.

Xie Yanli shook his head slightly. "I know you want to go, but Qingshan is in the suburbs of Beijing, and the mountain roads are rugged. I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it."

We could go to the hot spring resort together before; it's full of Xie family members.

However, Kaiyuan Temple is different. Not only is it built on a mountaintop, but the pilgrims who come to visit are also a mixed bag.

With so many children, Xie Yanli was worried that something unexpected might happen.

"I'm not afraid of being tired!" Xie Jue pouted and said with a determined look, "I'm going to pray for the Empress Dowager so that she can get better soon."

Xie Jingchun: ...

Third brother, you're really lying without blushing.

Xie Jing knew what Xie Yanli was worried about, and said, "Father, I will take good care of my third brother."

Looking at their expectant faces, Qin Jiuwei couldn't help but smile. "Since you all want to go so much, let's go together the day after tomorrow."

"Great! Mother is the best!" Xie Jue and Xie Jingchun cheered excitedly.

Xie Jue immediately threw herself into Qin Jiuwei's arms, hugged her neck tightly, and said happily, "Thank you, Mother. I will definitely be a good girl."

Xie Yanli chuckled helplessly, "Then you must not run around and must behave."

The kids have been cooped up at home all this time, so it's good for them to go out and play.

Imperial Palace, Imperial Study Room.

Eunuch Li cautiously entered the hall, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

This matter concerning Consort Chen is truly difficult to handle.

On the surface, the emperor and she were arguing and having a disagreement.

But if he really doesn't tell the Emperor anything, and something goes wrong, it's still servants like him who will be punished.

Gao Xian was reading the memorials when he turned his head and saw Eunuch Li with a strange expression beside him, and couldn't help but frown.

"what happened?"

Eunuch Li pursed his lips tightly. "There is something I am unsure whether to say or not."

"Enough with the nonsense. Speak when I tell you to." Gao Xian didn't raise his eyebrows, his jade pen continuing to move.

Eunuch Li coughed lightly, "Your Majesty, a message came from Lingyan Pavilion just now, saying that Consort Chen is sick with a fever tonight."

Upon hearing this, Gao Xian paused involuntarily, his hand holding the calligraphy brush still.