Du Chao Gong's Audience with the Emperor

It had only been three days, but far too much could happen in such a short time. Chu An had taken this opportunity to find a loophole, expressing his stance to the Emperor and using the excuse of atonement to request to go south for flood control again. The Emperor was greatly pleased and handed the fines over to the Fourth Prince to handle the water disaster issues.

According to recent news from Du Chao Gong's spies, Chu An had improved upon his designs and was already beginning construction.

It was truly a headache-inducing situation.

Thinking of this, Du Chao Gong grew even more furious. In this life, he hated treacherous and ungrateful people the most. Chu An was merely using this as an excuse to break ties with him, pouring all his efforts into the struggle for the Crown Prince's position to erode Du Chao Gong's influence.

Now that his period of punishment was over, the young man could hardly sit still and wait for death. He immediately entered the palace under the pretext of redeeming himself through service to request another trip south, secretly mobilizing his private troops.

The Emperor didn't say much after hearing him out, only asking a seemingly unrelated question: "We heard that you took the Seventh out of the Cold Palace?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, that is correct."

Silence followed those words. Du Chao Gong waited patiently. After a while, the Emperor seemed to have his soul captured by the music and dance. Only when the performance ended did he speak nonchalantly, "Other matters are not urgent. Beloved Minister, answer Us first: how is this song and dance?"

The young man looked up. The people before him were the exotic beauties Du Chao Gong had brought back from his western inspection six months ago. The Emperor was extremely fond of music and dance; many high-ranking concubines in the harem had started as dancers, such as Consort Xiu, the mother of the Tenth Prince.

By asking this, besides hinting at finding someone new, what else did he mean?

Du Chao Gong's smile grew more radiant, his tone respectful. "The music and dance are indeed excellent, but watching them all day can be quite tedious. It was my oversight. This trip south, I will surely bring back some fresh faces for Your Majesty."

The Emperor was very satisfied. "Very good."

Then, Emperor Kang Hui changed his tone and said with a smile, "We know you were wronged regarding the dam incident and wish to make amends. When you go south, why not take the Seventh along? That child has grown up in the Cold Palace since he was young; he should go out with you to broaden his horizons."

Du Chao Gong sneered inwardly but showed nothing on his face, replying respectfully, "I obey the decree."

After the young man left, Emperor Kang Hui beckoned to a dancer. "You, come here."

The named dancer rose gracefully, her beauty like that of a fairy. She picked up a piece of fruit from the table and brought it to the old Emperor's mouth.

"Your Majesty, let me feed you."

Emperor Kang Hui laughed heartily, his clouded eyes filled with joy. "Good, I shall indulge you."