"Your Majesty, please come inside to talk."
Mrs. Qiao led Emperor Wu Su through the small parlor by the entrance and into the main room.
Ji Qingwu had been waiting for Mrs. Qiao to return and "educate" her.
The look on her little face was the very picture of obedience and meekness. But then she looked up and saw the Emperor striding in.
Every hair on her body stood on end.
Ji Qingwu pointed at him, the unshed tears in her eyes trembling.
"Zhao... You... Why is Your Majesty here?!"
Mrs. Qiao's heart was still pounding, but she first approached the Emperor and curtsied.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor."
Zhao Mingyan extended a hand to help her up. "Madam, there is no need for such formalities."
Mrs. Qiao stared, overwhelmed by the favor, at the broad palm beneath her elbow. Not even the Empress Dowager in the palace had ever been personally helped up by the Emperor.
