Over just one single evening, Shu Wan had managed to earn Xu Yinjia's trust to such an extent. This stirred a fresh wave of curiosity about Shu Wan in Qi Yuan's heart.
"You rest here, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll head back to the Qianqing Palace now."
As Qi Yuan spoke, he placed his spoon down and stood up to leave.
Xu Yinjia wanted to follow, but Qi Yuan said, "Huang Bing, award the agate bracelet gifted by Persia the day before yesterday to Consort De."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward," Xu Yinjia quickly said joyously as he bowed.
Qi Yuan returned to the Qianqing Palace to review petitions until late into the night.
That afternoon, he had been discussing state affairs in the Imperial Study Room and had skipped dinner. He had read petitions until now, feeling a vague emptiness in his stomach.
"Huang Bing, bring some pastries over."
"Yes."
