Chapter 1522: Her Highness the Princess (72)

Other than the annual palace banquets and the Emperor’s birthday celebrations, Lü Qing had practically never entered the palace.

When the Emperor summoned him for the first time, he was stunned. Recovering himself, he hurriedly stuffed some silver into the hand of the eunuch delivering the decree, but the eunuch refused and revealed nothing, merely urging him to enter the palace immediately.

Tang Xi had not gone out to enjoy herself today. Upon hearing that the Emperor had summoned Lü Qing, she instinctively asked, “Did you go and cause trouble again?”

Lü Qing denied it. Lately, he had appeared well-behaved on the surface. Secretly, however, he had been helping the Third Prince recruit troops and gather supporters, and he truly had not caused any other trouble.

If the Emperor learned that the Third Prince was raising a private army, this matter would never be handled so lightly.

“Then hurry to the palace and don’t keep Father Emperor waiting. Lü Qing, let me warn you, you’d better be telling the truth when you say you haven’t caused trouble. If you’ve really offended Father Emperor, this princess won’t be able to save you.”

Every word from Tang Xi dripped with contempt and disdain, and she said it right in front of the eunuch carrying the imperial decree. Lü Qing felt both furious and humiliated, his face burning hot, yet he could only hastily follow the eunuch away.

Along the way, he repeatedly asked what the summons was about.

Unfortunately, the eunuch refused to reveal anything, and he had no choice but to give up.

When he was brought directly to the Golden Throne Hall, he was both bewildered and dazed, memories surfacing in his mind.

This was only the second time he had entered the Golden Throne Hall. The first time had been over ten years ago, when he had basked in glory. Personally chosen by the Emperor as the top scholar, he had been the envy of everyone.

Stepping into the hall and seeing so many familiar faces, Lü Qing’s heart began pounding uneasily.

Limping slightly, he entered and immediately knelt to pay his respects to the Emperor.

The Emperor did not immediately tell him to rise. Instead, he asked, “Lü Qing, someone has accused you of abandoning your wife and children and, for the sake of wealth and glory, cruelly sending men to murder them. I summoned you today because I wish to hear your answer with my own ears.”

At that instant, Lü Qing nearly collapsed to the ground. His entire body trembled.

He was grateful that he was kneeling rather than standing.

Had he been standing, everyone would have seen how badly his legs were shaking and going weak.

His mind was blank, his thoughts in utter chaos.

The matter had happened so many years ago. How had it suddenly been exposed?

His orders to hunt down Lin Yuexiang had been carried out with utmost secrecy.

Those men had all been trusted subordinates he had raised himself. Supporting that group cost him a huge sum every month. They should never have betrayed him.

His mind raced furiously. Under no circumstances could he admit to attempting to murder his wife and children.

However, the fact that he had once married and had children was probably impossible to hide now.

How should he explain things to clear himself? How could he make the Emperor spare him, perhaps even believe that he had suffered injustice and win the sympathy of everyone?

His clothes had already been soaked through with sweat.

Fortunately, he kept his head lowered. Sweat dripped down his cheeks one drop at a time, unnoticed by anyone as it soaked into his robes.

Even if he had become the laughingstock of the capital as a prince consort, that was still better than losing his head.

Besides, he and the Third Prince were already planning something important. He absolutely could not lose his life at such a crucial moment.

Suddenly, images of Tang Xi mocking and ridiculing him flashed through his mind. At the same time, he recalled the joy and shy admiration she had shown when she first met him.

An idea immediately formed in his mind.

“Lü Qing?”

Seeing him merely lowering his head in silence, the Emperor called again. “Was what I just said true?”

To everyone's surprise, Lü Qing suddenly threw himself flat onto the ground. His forehead slammed heavily against the floor with a loud thud. Those listening could tell from the sound alone that he had used considerable force—it must have hurt terribly.