The Gilded Cage

leaned into the cushion and placed a hand on her forehead.
There was no hint of the previous gentleness on her beautiful face.

The only reason she came out today was to meet Xiao Kezhi.

……

Earlier, someone had informed her that he was heading to the military barrack on the outskirt of the city.
She deliberately appeared in his way to see what kind of person he was.

Before returning to Chang’an, she had her elder brother send people to investigate in Ganzhou and find out everything about the new Emperor.
The report said that he was decisive, did not care for customs, and most importantly, never had a relationship with a woman.

She had seen quite a few men like him in her father’s army.
They always appeared calm, emotionless, and undisturbed.

However, after seeing him today, she felt that he was different from them.
She could not tell what kind of person he was.

…

Meanwhile, Xiao Kezhi pursed his lips and did not say anything after leaving.

Just now, Zhao Yue’s intention was so obvious that he could tell instantly.

However, he did not care about it.
He was more curious as to why she appeared before him.

As he was unmarried, many noble ladies aspired to marry him and become the Empress.
However, due to his demeanor, no one dared to be obvious about it.
Yet, the Zhao family behaved differently.

“Did they hear rumors from the palace?” He wondered.

He thought for a moment before turning to Jin Jiang and said, “Can you send someone privately to Bozhou and investigate Zhao Lun.
It would be good if you can also find out about his father too.”

“Understood,” Jin Jiang said and remained quiet again.
He did not seek to continue the conversation about the changes in the city’s defense.

He had been with Xiao Kezhi for many years, so he knew him well.
Although Xiao Kezhi remained expressionless, he was actually busy thinking about what happened just now.
Thus, Jin Jiang did not disturb him and waited quietly for his orders.

“As for the other…” Xiao Kezhi looked up at the nearing Jubilee Gate and tightened his rein, causing the horse to come to a halt.
“Find some ways for Qimu to find out that a woman from the Zhao family approached me on my way back to the palace.”

He realized that he did not have to deal with the woman himself.
He could get someone to deal with her for him.

Jin Jiang was stunned for a moment before realizing that Xiao Kezhi was going to let Qimu deal with the woman.
He quickly nodded in response.

…

As they were nearing the Jubilee Gate, he couldn’t resist asking, “Your Majesty, are we not returning to the palace directly?”

Xiao Kezhi’s mouth curved up for a second before returning to normal.
He casually got down from the horse and said, “Wait for a moment and stand guard here.”

…