Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 403 Urgent Detoxification (1)

Luo Qian did not know when Xianfei had left, for upon regaining her senses, only she and the maid remained in the grand hall. She blinked her stinging eyes, offered a bitter smile, and turned back to her bedchamber.

"What, the Emperor can no longer perform?"

"What? The Emperor can’t get it up anymore?"

"Psh, isn’t it all the same thing they are saying!"

This explosive piece of gossip, like the breezes of summer, heatedly spread outside the palace, whereupon hearing it, the manservants of various households hastened to report back to their masters, hoping to catch their eye and maybe even receive some reward.

Dugu Han finally managed to wait until nightfall and went alone to the Empress Dowager’s sleeping quarters, Liuxia Palace.

The old wet nurse by the Empress Dowager’s side expressed surprise upon seeing the Emperor at Liuxia Palace, but then, remembering the rumors circulating within, sneered internally and greeted him respectfully without betraying her emotions, "May the Emperor be blessed with peace."

Dugu Han lowered his eyes and glanced at her, capturing the astonishment on her face within his cold gaze which grew frostier still.

"Nurse, how has Grandmother been feeling lately?"

"Replying to the Emperor, the Empress Dowager has been relatively well," she said softly, squatting down with her eyes fixed on the ground and the yellow dragon shoes in front of her.

"Good, rise, I will go see Grandmother," he said, squinting his eyes and striding towards the inner hall.

"Thank Your Majesty," she rose and led the Emperor towards the side hall.

The wet nurse returned to the bedchamber and woke Nangong Ruoxi, who had just fallen asleep.

"Your Grace, the Emperor has come and awaits you in the side hall."

Nangong Ruoxi opened her eyes, expressionless, and glanced at the green muslin canopy above her before placing her hand on the nurse’s, "Help me get up."

After dressing and tidying up her make-up, she leaned on the nurse’s hand and walked out of the bedchamber to the grand hall.

"Grandson pays respect to Grandmother," Dugu Han bowed slightly with his fists clasped.

Nangong Ruoxi smiled and waved her hand dismissively, "Never mind, rise and have a seat."

Only after he saw his grandmother sit down did Dugu Han take his place in the chair he’d been in before.

"Hehe, how rare that the Emperor still has this concern, coming to see me so late at night," she said laughing as she turned to look at the wet nurse beside her, nodding her approval.

On hearing these words, Dugu Han cracked a smile and replied, "Hahaha, it is only right for your grandson to come see you, Grandmother. The daytime is just too busy; when I have a moment to spare, it is already deep into the night."

Nangong Ruoxi nodded, her expression turning somewhat sorrowful, "The former Emperor was the same, and in the blink of an eye, decades have passed."

Dugu Han, seeing Grandmother lost in memories, remained silent, leaving the grand hall in utter quiet.

After a period of time, Nangong Ruoxi came back to herself and slightly startled, said: "Oh, when one grows old, one often thinks of the past."

"Grandmother is not old; you are as youthful as ever."

"Hahaha, you always know how to cheer me up," Nangong Ruoxi teased Dugu Han with a smile.

Dugu Han also chuckled and tightened the fingers resting on his thigh, then glanced outside at the darkening sky and turned to the Empress Dowager, "Grandson is relieved to know that Grandmother is in good health. It’s getting late; I shall visit Grandmother again when there is more time."

"Yes, Grandmother knows of your filial piety, Emperor. In the future, do not trouble yourself to come in person so late; simply send a servant with a message," Nangong Ruoxi said, looking tenderly at Dugu Han.

"As you wish, Grandmother, your grandson shall take his leave."

"Nurse, see the Emperor out for me."

"Yes, Your Grace."

After sending off the Emperor, the wet nurse began to assist the Empress Dowager in preparing for bed.