After Wu Jun Qiao left with Wu Zhang He, both the emperor and empress were left in a contemplative mood.
After some time, Wu Li Hua lowered her tea and spoke in a quiet and measured voice.
"What does His Majesty think we should do?"
Taking another sip of his tea, Jin Fa Chung stayed silent for a minute longer as he contemplated on what the best course of action was before finally opening his mouth to speak.
"My dear empress, to tell the truth the task at hand may seem simple but the reality is entirely the opposite."
Sighing, Jin Fa Chung then added, "What he wants us to accomplish is something that still needs careful consideration. After all, he wants us to help him find a way to get inside the Brother Zhong's territory and with the current precautions he is taking, the entirety of Lei Palace and the Fan estate is nigh impenetrable."
"Then is there no other way?" Wu Li Hua asked disappointedly.
"I'm not saying there is no way this can be done, my dear... I am just saying that there are thing we must first do before we can take such action."
Hearing her husband's words, Wu Li Hua's face noticeably brightened up, making Jin Fa Chung smile wryly as he affectionately shook his head at her.
"Hua Hua, you never change haha... Now now, don't get your hopes up! As I mentioned earlier, there are still some things that we must do first."
Pouting slightly, Wu Li Hua waved a dismissive hand before prompting Jin Fa Chung to continue.
"From what you told me before, this nephew of ours still does not want to reveal himself until after the banquet is that right?" the emperor asked to which the empress nodded in answer.
"If that's the case then to be completely frank, he would not be able to enter even the estate's gates, even with our help."
"Then what must we do?"
"If your nephew is willing to make a couple of tweaks to his plans then this would be the best time to arrange a meeting for him to get acquainted with his cousins. That way, we'll have more legitimate reasons to have him visit... Like accompanying Meng Yao when I have him go send my regards to Brother Zhong."
Seeing the emperor's logic and reasoning behind it, Wu Li Hua smiled as her gaze met his as they nodded to each other in understanding.
"Excellent idea Your Majesty! I'll go and have one my trusted servants send word."
"Very good... Then I shall wait for the good news, my empress."
After their conversation, the two spent a few more moments with each other before the emperor took his leave while his empress immediately got to work.
Not long after they left, a palace eunuch arrived at the residence of Wu Zheng He bearing a message from the empress and right after he received it, the eunuch discreetly left.
After opening the sealed letter and reading it, Wu Zhang He's brows raised slightly in surprise before slightly smiling as he got one of the servants to summon Wu Jun Qiao to his study.
Soon after, a knock sounded before the door opened and Wu Jun Qiao walked in and greeted him then asking, "You called for me?"
"Ahh, yes yes... Take a seat Jun Qiao."
As soon as he sat down, Wu Zhang He handed him a letter which he quickly read. Learning the contents of the letter, Wu Jun Qiao's initial surprised expression turned into a pondering look as he tapped the letter against his hand while thinking.
"So what do you think?"
"To be honest, this is a good plan. I do wonder how we should go about it though?" Wu Jun Qiao musingly asked.
"Well since you said you were in a hurry, then we can go ahead and proceed with it by tomorrow morning during morning court. You may accompany me to the palace and while I attend court, you can visit your aunt and from there on, she can take care of the rest, is that alright with you?"
"En. It is fine... The sooner it is, the better. We shall do as you have said."
"Alright then... I'll go make the necessary arrangements. You better go and prepare yourself as well."
"Of course. If you'll excuse me then."
With a nod, Wu Jun Qiao stood up to leave when Wu Zhang He suddenly spoke up and said, "Jun Qiao, since this is the first time you'll actually be going in public, do remember what your identity is right now."
Pausing slightly, Wu Jun Qiao's alluring lips curved into a small yet amused smile before opening his mouth to speak his reply.
"No need to worry, I know who I am... I am the current heir and only young master of the Wu family. General Wu Zhang He's adopted son who only recently came to the capital; Wu Jun Qiao."
"Good. As long as you know." Wu Zhang He retorted, albeit without any malice in his voice but a hint of pride instead.
Laughing, Wu Jun Qiao then playfully asked with an amused voice.
"Anything else that I can help you with, Father?"
Hearing the amusement in Wu Jun Qiao's voice, Wu Zhang He rolled his eyes at him before throwing a silk pouch at the young man.
Catching it easily, Wu Jun Qiao shot him a curious look before asking, "And this is?"
"It's the deed and all the necessary documentation and requirements to the estate beside this one, the one that you asked for."
"The one that previously belonged to the Fans?"
"En. The same one. A messenger came this morning while we were at the imperial palace to deliver it. Luckily Granny Fang was present so she was able to handle the transaction despite our absence."
Pleased with the news, Wu Jun Qiao quickly expressed his gratitude and said, "Many thanks!"
Waving a dismissive hand, Wu Zhang He just smiled and shook his head before shooing him off, making the young man laugh in amusement as he left.
After leaving, Wu Jun Qiao returned to his current courtyard where the sight of a travel-worn man greeted his eyes.
"Ting Zhe! It's good that you're back, This Young Master knows that it's been hard for you outside."
Hearing the familiar voice, the haggard man's expression noticeably lightened as he quickly turned and bowed to Wu Jun Qiao while greeting him.
"Please don't say that Young Master! It is this servant's fortune to be able to offer his meager help and be of use to Young Master."
Striding towards the still bent over man, Wu Jun Qiao placed a hand on his shoulder before helping him straighten up with a smile, surprising the older man.
Seeing the happy look on his young master's face, Yi Ting Zhe felt his face flush with shame as he was filled with guilt.
Seeing the look on his face, Wu Jun Qiao's brows furrowed as he asked, "What's wrong?"
"To see Young Master happy fills this lowly one with joy but this incompetent servant is ashamed to come before Young Master since this lowly one once again failed in his task."
Realization filled Wu Jun Qiao before a wry smile slowly made it's way to his face.
Shaking his head, Wu Jun Wiao opened his mouth and said, "Ting Zhe, enough of this... There's no need to feel anymore shame nor guilt. Your Young Master has already found her! This Young Master is only glad to see your familiar face, after all, despite not being able to find her this past years, all other tasks this Young Master gave you was done and completed by you splendidly which is why this Young Master has something else in mind for you to do."