The Prime Minister's Darling
Chapter 1418 - 1418 690 Kill Nangong Li (Two updates)_2

Chapter 1418: 690 Kill Nangong Li! (Two updates)_2 Chapter 1418: 690 Kill Nangong Li! (Two updates)_2 “So that’s how it is.” Mu Chuan nodded in greeting and called out to Eunuch Li.

Don’t underestimate the eunuchs from Jinluan Hall; they enter and exit the imperial presence daily, being the closest to the Emperor. It’s not about courting their favor, but at least one should not openly disrespect them.

Mu Chuan might seem naive and sweet-natured on ordinary days, but in reality, he possesses the sharp social awareness of an aristocratic young master.

Li Sande was smiling so much that his eyes had vanished.

Gu Jiao and Yuan Xiao, along with one other, did not go out of their way to curry favor with Li Sande—who did not deign to pay attention to just anyone. He was polite to Master Wu because the man was part of the cuju team, and he gave face to Mu Chuan because he was the legitimate heir of the Mu Family.

The status of the remaining three were somewhat—

Li Sande’s gaze swept over them and paused briefly on Gu Jiao, whose left cheek bore a birthmark.

Such a face was indeed rare.

The demeanor of the other party was even rarer.

Generally, those with flawed appearances would feel inferior, yet this youngster carried himself with an impressive and dashing air, his entire being exuded an untamed pride.

No way?

Looking like that and still acting so confident?

“Eunuch Li?” Mu Chuan appropriately blocked Eunuch Li’s line of sight, not wishing for anyone to pay too much attention to Xiao Liulang’s appearance, thereby underestimating him.

Li Sande came back to his senses and gave an awkward smile, “We’re almost there. By the way, why hasn’t Young Master Su come this time?”

Mu Chuan said, “My fourth brother had some last-minute matters to attend to; he has already asked Consort Xian to apologize to His Majesty on his behalf.”

Consort Xian, the legitimate daughter of the Wang Family, her elder sister, the Old Madam Wang, is the blood sister of the old master of the Mu Family.

Li Sande sighed, “Ah, you really are bold, daring to exchange rewards with the people from Jianan Academy. Aren’t you afraid of the Emperor’s blame?”

Gu Jiao nodded incessantly, exactly!

Hurry up and return her gold!

Mu Chuan laughed, “Jianan Academy was founded by the National Master Hall, and how many times has His Majesty already allowed them to play ball in the palace? He probably doesn’t care to see them by now, right?”

He had asked Consort Xian, and it was only after she said it was permissible that he went ahead with it.

They walked along a long cobblestone palace path. The Fengtian Gate and Duan Sect both had their own checkpoints. Once past the Duan Sect, they arrived at the location of the outer court.

Mu Chuan introduced Gu Jiao, “Look, to the east are the Zongren Residence, the six ministries, and the Honglu Temple. The Astronomical Bureau used to be here as well, but after the National Master Hall was built, it was relocated. To the west are the Dali Temple and the four Duwei Prefectures: front, back, left, and right.”

While speaking, they arrived at the Wumen Gate.

The checkpoint at the Wumen Gate was clearly stricter than the previous three gates. If not for Li Sande’s intervention, Gu Jiao and her companions might have been searched.

“They’re preventing us from bringing in weapons,” Mu Chuan explained in a soft voice.

The walk had been quite long, but thankfully they finally entered through the Wumen Gate.

The magnificent and majestic Jinluan Hall came into view, like a king of lions under the heavens, exuding an aura of solemn majesty.

Mu Chuan thought they were going to Jinluan Hall, but Li Sande unexpectedly led them to the Zhonghe Hall located behind it.

Li Sande said with a smile, “His Majesty is still at the morning court. I’ll take you to the side hall to wait first.”

The group arrived at the side hall of Zhonghe Hall, where Li Sande kindly offered them fresh lychees and pastries served by the servants.

Perhaps understanding that his presence might make them uncomfortable, Li Sande considerately stood guard at the entrance of the side hall.

Aside from Gu Jiao, everyone else in the room began to feel either excited or nervous without coordination.

“It’s it’s it’s time, time for the audience with the Emperor.” Master Wu picked up a cup of tea, his hand trembling.

Zhao Wei and Yuan Xiao didn’t have a shaking hand, but trembling legs.

Mu Chuan was a mix of excitement and anticipation, finally going to meet the sovereign!

Although he had been to the palace before, he had only ever seen the ladies there or caught a distant glimpse of the Emperor at a palace banquet. He had never been summoned for a face-to-face audience with the Emperor.

He felt like he could boast about it for a lifetime!

Gu Jiao was somewhat distracted.

Was Nangong Li stupid, or did he not have the guts to chase her into the Imperial Palace?

If he didn’t make his move soon, they would be on their way back after the audience with the Emperor.

Gu Jiao stood up.

Mu Chuan asked, “What are you doing?”

Gu Jiao responded with an “Oh,” “Going to the Greeting Room.”

“Do you want me to accompany you?” Mu Chuan asked considerately.

Gu Jiao glanced at him, “No need.”

Mu Chuan insisted, “Come on, let me go with you! It’s your first time in the palace…”

Gu Jiao said, “What, are you going to support me or what?”

Mu Chuan choked!

Gu Jiao stepped over the threshold and asked the palace maid in the corridor where the Greeting Room was, who then directed her.

As Gu Jiao left the side hall, heading towards the Greeting Room, she passed by a small garden where a palace maid in a hurry was coming from the opposite direction. The maid hadn’t been looking where she was going and bumped straight into Gu Jiao.