Chapter 440 - 434_1
"Emperor, the affair has unfolded just as I’ve related, and I dare not withhold any detail," Lin Yue, wholly unacquainted with the Emperor and unable to fathom his thoughts at that moment, was unsure of what had displeased him. Was it outrage at the palace folks’ wrongdoings, or was it because she had caused such a stir upon her first entry to the palace?
Huangfu Jing, of course, did not blame Lin Yue, but was angry about the ceaseless indiscretions within the palace. It was Lin Yue’s misfortune to encounter such incidents upon her arrival, which must have given her a dreadful impression of the place. Seeing Lin Yue’s genuine fear and trepidation softened his heart. After all, though wed, she was still a young girl at heart, and her composure under the circumstances was impressive. He feared he had frightened her.
"Yueyue, do not be afraid. I am merely outraged that someone dared to commit such reckless acts. It seems the harem needs to be put in order. There will not be a repeat of such events in the future, rest assured," Huangfu Jing spoke, wanting to say more to Lin Yue, but Princess Yongle’s attendants had already come to find her. They were relieved to see Lin Yue unharmed, though unsure of what had transpired. Why was Lin Yue with the Emperor, and why did the Emperor seem in good spirits, displaying a kindness they rarely saw?
"Servant pays respect to the Emperor, may the Emperor be forever blessed," seeing the Emperor, the Yongle Palace maids promptly greeted and bowed.
"Are you here for Yueyue?" gazing at the Yongle Palace’s maids, Huangfu Jing asked without exempting them from the formalities. His cold voice betrayed no emotion. Only Eunuch Abao, who served him closely, could tell his master was not pleased. Abao never expected that the woman his master had been searching for so long would be found within the Imperial Palace itself. Although she was already married to someone else, Abao couldn’t surmise the depth of his master’s feelings – whether his endeavors concerning her could ever come to fruition remained uncertain.
After all, royal affairs are never straightforward in terms of right or wrong, let alone when your master is the highest in all the land. If he sets his mind on something, even plucking stars from the sky, you’d have to do it, let alone a fancy for a peasant woman. It all depends on what she means to him – what lengths he would go for her. This stroke of fate could be good or bad for her. Sighing inwardly, Abao relinquished speculating further; such matters were not for a mere servant like himself to guess. It was best he dutifully minded his own tasks.
"Emperor, I have been missing for quite some time. Princess Yongle must be worried. Since she has sent for me, I shall accompany them back to see the Princess. Unless Your Majesty has further commands, I shall take my leave," said Lin Yue, carefully watching Huangfu Jing’s expression.