Unruly Phoenix Xiaoyao

Chapter 55: Chaos like a pot of porridge at the Hall of Golden Chimes

Empress Dowager Xie spent a sleepless night watching over the fake Imperial Jade Seal. The next morning, she applied heavy rouge and powder via her reflection in the mirror before hiding the dark circles beneath her eyes and her wan and sallow skin. Ning Xiaoyao didn't have a good night's rest, either. The sun had just started peeking out from the east when she got dressed in her dragon robes and went to the Hall of Golden Chimes in fine mettle for a fight. Compared to the large assembly from two days ago, today's assembly had far less people. The ones who were present were all important ministers of the current dynasty.

Ning Xiaoyao swept her eyes over the officials assembled before the steps to her throne, feeling her heart give a jolt at the sight of Elder Li. He's already so old, so can't he call in a sick leave or something?

After making his grand bow, Elder Li rose and glanced at the imperial writing desk. The casket for the Imperial Jade Seal was missing, causing his heart to rise in his chest. Lou Zigui had already burned the Grand Preceptor's estate twice, but still didn't find the Imperial Jade Seal?

Ning Xiaoyao cleared her throat. She hadn't understood a thing in her first time at assembly, but Lou Zigui's sudden coaching had taught her enough. Right now, it was time for her to speak. "That there," Ning Xiaoyao said, "Today, we'll discuss the matters of the refugees with everyone."

"Your Majesty," Grand Preceptor Xie stepped forward from his position amongst the rows of officials.

Ning Xiaoyao said, "Let Zhen finish speaking, won't you?"

Grand Preceptor Xie said, "May Your Majesty summon Esteemed Empress Dowager to the hall and request her for the hereditary Imperial Jade Seal."

Ning Xiaoyao sighed. She supposed this guy would die unless she brought up the issue of the seal. "Imperial Jade Seal?" Ning Xiaoyao looked at Grand Preceptor Xie intently as she asked. "You have to chose today of all days to discuss the Imperial Jade Seal with Zhen?"

Grand Preceptor Xie knelt on the ground and said sincerely, "You Majesty, ah, the hereditary Imperial Jade Seal is an important treasure of the nation, it is the origin of our country..."

"Enough with you," Ning Xiaoyao cut off his lecture before it began. She'd looked into that Imperial Jade Seal herself. It was nothing more than a piece of jade, more worthless than mantou in the apocalypse. (Author: Enough with you as well...)

"Your Majesty," Grand Preceptor Xie still wanted to shout.

"Finefinefine," Ning Xiaoyao said, "Have the Empress Dowager enter the hall." If those two wanted to seek death that much, what could she do?

The echoing summons for the Empress Dowager to enter accompanied the woman herself. Just like that day at the large assembly, she was dressed from head to toe in mourning apparel as she took slow, unhurried steps inside. Although she'd injured her leg that day, and imperial physician had examined her and said she'd only hurt her muscle. Thus, Empress Dowager Xie was currently hobbling her way through.

Ning Xiaoyao smiled at the sight of Empress Dowager Xie and said, "Imperial Mother, so you've come."

Empress Dowager Xie was already nursing secret motives. When she saw Ning Xiaoyao's smile, her steps faltered. She couldn't help but feel that her expression was exceptionally sinister, as if something about the entire situation was off.

"This subject greets Esteemed Empress Dowager, may Empress Dowager live for thousands and thousands of years," Grand Preceptor Xie led the rest to pay obeisance to the empress dowager. Empress Dowager Xie glanced at herself. She was now inside the Hall of Golden Chimes for the sole reason of presenting the Imperial Jade Seal. Even if she wanted to back out now, the chance was far gone. She took the box containing the seal from a mama behind her and took a step towards the stairs to the throne. When Lou Zigui saw that Ning Xiaoyao was still sitting there unmoving, he coughed lightly in response. She looked over and saw him motion her to rise, and pursed her lips. She was unhappy, so she wouldn't get up!