The late spring drizzle coiled like a web of sorrow around the eaves of the Marquis's Mansion. Jiang Wan stood before the window, staring blankly at the secret intelligence report in her hands. The few lines of text were sparse, yet they struck her heart like a heavy hammer: "Heir Lu has been summoned by the Emperor to the side hall for two quarters of an hour of private audience."
"My Lady, you have been standing there for half an hour. Please, drink some tea." The maid, Xiaotao, approached with a celadon teacup, the jasmine petals in the tea trembling slightly.
Jiang Wan shook her head, her fingertips tracing the edge of the report. "Xiaotao, do you think the Emperor might..." She left the words unfinished, her eyes already stinging with tears. Ever since Lu Jingyuan had taken charge of the Ministry of Revenue corruption case, he had been subjected to endless overt and covert attacks at court. What she feared most was a rift in the Emperor's trust in him.
Chapter 188