69 One Request

The sky was still dark and the surroundings in the palace were very quiet.

Yu Feng followed after Qin Zhi Hao obediently. Her head lowered, but from the corner of her eyes, Yu Feng was secretly observing everything around her.

When she was younger, before the catastrophe befell on her family, Yu Feng had accompanied her mother to enter the palace once to the Empress' banquet. This may not the first time she entered the palace, but it was the first time that Yu Feng was heading towards the Emperor's palace. At this time, she was admiring everything around her.

As they got closer to the Emperor's palace, Yu Feng began to notice that the number of guards had increased.

Seeing those sturdy men with a serious look on their faces and the weapons in their hands, Yu Feng was a little frightened. However, every time they passed anyone, Yu Feng noticed that they would halt and bowed towards her direction.

Instantly, Yu Feng shifted her gaze towards Qin Zhi Hao and wondered about his position in the palace.

He was someone who was able to command a large number of soldiers and was in charge of the Emperor's safety. Surely, his rank in the palace won't be that low right?

At this time, Yu Feng was suddenly glad that she did not do something that would offend this bad guy.

Meanwhile, Qin Zhi Hao continued to lead Yu Feng towards the Emperor's palace in silence.

If one looked closer, they would notice the slight frown on his face.

After everything that had happened in the night, Qin Zhi Hao was anxious to know what the Emperor was going to do.

Previously, he had heard from his subordinates that his brother, Qin Zhi Chen was still being treated by the Imperial Physician. There were so many things he has to manage before sunlight. Though he was worried about his brother, Qin Zhi Hao could not find a chance to visit him and see his condition.

Moreover… last night, his concubine mother had caught a cold and was among those who did not attend the banquet. At this time, whoever was not presented during the finale of the lantern festival has become a suspect. The Emperor had decreed that everyone should stay in their quarters and was not allowed to leave or receive anyone. Everyone was put on house arrest until further notice.

Qin Zhi Hao could not visit his mother and find out her condition. If something happened to his mother, Qin Zhi Hao did not know whether he can help her to clear her name… He can only wish that his mother will not be implicated in this incident.

The Emperor was angered. When the Emperor is angry, no one could predict what will happen.

As they were getting closer to the palace, Qin Zhi Hao finally snapped out of his trance. He made an abrupt stop on his track, and Yu Feng, who was following him closer bumped on his back.

Qin Zhi Hao was wearing his armor and Yu Feng's nose and forehead was hurt.

Lifting her hands to cover her nose, Yu Feng muttered a line of cursing words before she checked whether her nose was bleeding. Once she was sure that it was not bleeding, Yu Feng heaved a sigh in relief. Then, looking up, Qin Zhi Hao was staring at her with a deep frown on his face.

"Once we arrived, you cannot curse in front of the Emperor," Qin Zhi Hao reminded.

Her movement halted as Yu Feng realized that what she had spoken earlier. "It was an accident. If you did not make an abrupt stop and cause me to bump into you, I would not have said those words."

Qin Zhi Hao pursed his lips into a thin line before he spoke again, "No matter what happened, you must control yourself. Whatever it is, try to restrain yourself from saying those vulgar words in the Emperor's presence."

Yu Feng heaved a sigh. "I know. I will try my best."

Qin Zhi Hao gave Yu Feng another look over before he mentioned a few matters that Yu Feng need to be aware of before the meetings with the Emperor. Once he was sure that he had spoken what he need Yu Feng to remember, Qin Zhi Hao turned around and continued to walk towards the Emperor's palace.

The two of them arrived in front of the hall and stopped. Seeing that someone had approached, a eunuch then entered the hall to announce their presence to His Majesty.

Once they had obtained the Emperor's permission to enter, Qin Zhi Hao led Yu Fent into the hall and stopped at a certain distance.

At this time, the Emperor was sitting behind his desk as he was gone through the documents on his table. This time, he was dressed in his regal yellow robe. Everything around him looked expensive and exquisite.

Perhaps, the Emperor was infuriated as he read the reports on the night's events. His expression was dark and it was clear that he was not in a good mood.

Under the surroundings and the oppressing air, Yu Feng did not dare to raise her head and looked at the Emperor.

"Your Majesty," Qin Zhi Hao greeted and Yu Feng followed before she kowtowed before the Emperor.

Hearing his voice, the Emperor finally lifted his gaze from his documents. As soon as he saw Yu Feng in front of him, the air around him became lighter and an amused smile curled on his lips.

He did not think that once Yu Feng had entered the palace, she had become as frightened as a mouse.

"Raise both of you," the Emperor's deep voice reverberated in the hall.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," both Qin Zhi Hao and Yu Feng spoke around the same time. They stood up simultaneously and waited for the Emperor to speak.

"Mmm…" The Emperor nodded as he gave Yu Feng a look over. "You look cleaner now that you have taken a bath."

Yu Feng glanced at Qin Zhi Hao before she thanked the Emperor. Her voice was a little shaky.

The Emperor laughed as he sensed Yu Feng's fear towards him. "Don't be afraid. Just be at ease." A smile curled on his lips when he saw the hesitant look in Yu Feng's eyes. "Today you have safe my life a few times and brought us safely to return to the palace. Therefore, Xiao Feng, I am going to grant you one request. As long as it was not something improper, I will grant you anything."

Her eyes were wide and Yu Feng stared back at the emperor in disbelief.