Forgotten Legend of the Bloodied Flower

But even if he knew that, there was nothing much that Long Qian Xing could do.

He couldn't leave the place earlier than the Imperial Family members because it would be the same as not giving them face. It would be too much of a hassle for him to take care of the mess of the crime of not respecting the Imperial Family members.

Long Qian Xing could only finish his lunch as fast as possible while waiting for a chance for him to give an excuse to leave.

'Should I use the excuse that His Majesty come to look for me?'

It was not impossible, but Emperor Yang Zhou might not know about it and ended up acting with flaw. Besides, Emperor Yang Zhou was currently staying in the opposite direction from the garden where Nan Hua and the other girls had their lunch.

It would be weird if Long Qian Xing headed in the opposite direction after giving that excuse.

While Long Qian Xing was mulling internally, Empress Dowager Yan wiped her mouth and noticed the gaze on the young man's eyes. She mused to herself then stood up. "Imperial Sister, I would like to take a walk before resuming the selection. I hope you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all, Imperial Sister." Empress Dowager Mei was putting on a smile but she was actually snorting internally. She didn't really care where Empress Dowager Yan was going.

All she wanted was to leave this place too.

After all, she had no intention of paying another visit to that place and possibly put herself in predicament just like what had happened not long ago.

"Young Master Long, would you like to accompany Aijia?" Empress Dowager Yan suddenly called.

Long Qian Xing was surprised, but he reacted quickly. He stood up and cupped his fist. "It'll be my honor, Your Highness."

Empress Dowager Yan nodded and walked away, leaving the area. Prince Yang Lu and Princess Mu Fei Xin watched her back before resuming their activity. They had no intention of prying into the matter of others.

The two of them walked to the stone path with several maidservants following behind them.

"You can go first, Young Master Long." Empress Dowager Yan suddenly remarked.

Long Qian Xing's eyes flashed. He smiled lightly as he felt that this Empress Dowager sure has sharp eyes. The reason why she could stand firmly in the seat as the Empress even without any child was not a mere fluke.

"Many thanks for your generosity, Your Highness."

Empress Dowager Yan chuckled. "I would like for you to come and pay me a visit in the future, Young Master Long. Of course, bring your little fiancée with you."

"I will, Your Highness."

As Long Qian Xing walked past Empress Dowager Yan, he faintly heard the Empress Dowager muttered a word. His eyes changed a bit, but he didn't turn around and clarify it to Empress Dowager Yan.

However, his eyes showed a profound light.

"Your Highness," the servants were confused.

"Let's go." Empress Dowager Yan placed her hand on top of her servant's hand. "I heard that they're coming again. It's time for me to give them a wakeup call."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Tep.

Long Qian Xing stopped outside the garden. It would be inappropriate for him to enter when the garden was filled with noble ladies, so he stopped at the entrance. The maidservant quickly entered when he said that he was looking for First Young Miss Nan.

It didn't take long for him to see Nan Hua walking in his direction. She didn't look much different compared to when she first separated from him not long ago. Her clear black eyes were staring back in his direction.

"Young Master Long," Nan Hua called.

"First Young Miss Nan." Long Qian Xing helplessly use this address. No matter how much he wanted to call her using her nickname, he knew that he couldn't do that when there were outsiders. It had to wait until the two of them were legally married to each other.

At that time, other people definitely couldn't criticize him no matter what name he used to call his wife.

"His Majesty would like to see you." Long Qian Xing had long planned to use this excuse. If Emperor Yang Zhou asked him, he would simply say that this was just to repay a bit of the favor that Emperor Yang Zhou kept on piling. Well, that man wouldn't mind with Long Qian Xing used him like this.

It was just a harmless trick.

"Yes."

The maidservants couldn't do anything but watch as Long Qian Xing led Nan Hua away. What could she possibly say? That it was inappropriate?

The one who gave the order was the Emperor.

Who dared to defy Emperor Yang Zhou?

Those who dared would be executed on the spot and might not even have their body intact. No one would want to try and challenge the patience of that emperor just because many said that he didn't have the complete control of the court.

The two of them didn't say anything when they walked. There were still several servants around them. But when they reached the inner palace area, there was not many servants walking around them anymore. It could be said that the palace was rather empty.

"This is Garden Palace, an empty palace," Long Qian Xing explained as he slowed his pace slightly so that Nan Hua would be right beside him. "This used to be the palace for some women in the harem."

Nan Hua nodded. It was not that weird for women favored by the Emperor to have a large palace on their own. She could see that this place was indeed very good and looked as if it was still maintained by the maidservants from time to time.

However, there was not even a single person in this place right now.

"I have asked permission to come here today." Long Qian Xing rubbed his nose. "Would you like to walk around?"

Nan Hua looked at Long Qian Xing and answered obediently, "Yes, Brother Long."