Chapter 39

Luo Qinghan was summoned to the Imperial Study by the emperor and was severely reprimanded.

"Why didn't you tell Me first after finding out who the poisoner was? Why did you go to the Empress first? Do you think the Empress is more reliable than Me?"

Luo Qinghan knelt straight on the ground: "Your son had no such intention."

"If you didn't have that intention, what could it be? Third Son, you must understand. The reason I appointed you as the Crown Prince is not because of your close relationship with the Empress, but because you are capable, resourceful, and have a steady character. If you continue to involve yourself with the Empress, the position of Crown Prince might have to be given to someone else!"

Luo Qinghan lowered his eyes: "Your son acknowledges his mistake."

The emperor knew the principle of giving a sweet after a beating.

He helped Luo Qinghan up and said earnestly,

"I know you were raised by the Empress and feel grateful to her, but the Empress is, after all, a woman. Her vision is limited. You must not be misled by her thoughts. Remember, you are the Crown Prince of the Great Sheng Dynasty. The future of the empire will be in your hands. You must not let a woman sway your thoughts."

"Your son will remember."

The emperor patted his shoulder: "I still have high hopes for you. Do not disappoint Me."

They then discussed some matters of state.

By the time Luo Qinghan left the Imperial Study, the sun had set, and night was gradually descending.

A palace maid walked ahead with a lantern.

After returning to the Eastern Palace, Luo Qinghan did not go to his study as usual but headed directly to the Qingge Hall.

On the way, Luo Qinghan unexpectedly found two small yellow objects lying in the grass by the roadside.

He stopped and took a few steps toward them.

With the light from the lantern, he saw that they were two small, exquisite amulets.

Eunuch Chang bent down, picked up the amulets, and presented them to the Crown Prince.

Luo Qinghan took the amulets and examined them. They were identical to the one Xiao Xixi had given him.

He felt the pouch at his waist; his amulet was still there, not lost.

Where did these two amulets come from?

This time, when the Crown Prince entered the Qingge Hall, he had someone announce his arrival.

Xiao Xixi had already come out with her attendants to greet him.

"Your humble servant greets the Crown Prince."

Luo Qinghan waved the two amulets in front of her: "Are these yours?"

Xiao Xixi took the amulets and frowned: "These should be the amulets I gave to my mother and sister. How did they end up in your hands?"

"I found them by the roadside just now. Perhaps your mother accidentally dropped them. Do you want someone to return them to her?"

Xiao Xixi shook her head: "No need."

She knew Xue Shi's character well. Xue Shi was cautious and thorough, never careless. It was likely that Xue Shi, fearing the bad luck would spread, had deliberately thrown away the amulets she had given.

Noticing the questioning look in Luo Qinghan's eyes, Xiao Xixi explained,

"This afternoon, I noticed bad luck on my mother and sister. I divined for them and found that they might encounter an accident on a bridge within two days. I was worried about them, so I gave them these amulets. Unfortunately..."

Unfortunately, Xue Shi did not appreciate it.

Luo Qinghan took the two amulets from her hand.

"Since they don't want them, give them to Me. You still owe Me two amulets."

Xiao Xixi blinked: "These amulets were thrown on the ground. Does Your Highness not find them distasteful?"

"Treasures that can save lives are what I seek."

...