Chapter 963: 444 The Originator of Pitfalls (Third Update) Chapter 963: 444 The Originator of Pitfalls (Third Update) Because of Xiao Liulang’s affair, the emperor was heavily burdened, and he showed little joy upon seeing the recovered Prince Ning.

“My son has no trouble now, and soon I’ll be able to go out with Second Brother to search for Xiao Xiuzhuan.”

The emperor sighed. Still recovering from serious injuries, by reason, he ought to rest in bed, but the emperor didn’t reject Prince Ning’s suggestion–he was indeed too eager to find Xiao Liulang as soon as possible, even if it was just a corpse.

“Right, have the assassins who attacked you last time been caught?”

Prince Ning glanced at Gu Jiao without a trace, and Gu Jiao was not the least bit guilty. Prince Ning’s mouth twitched, and he said to the emperor, “In response to Father Emperor, not yet.”

The emperor said coldly, “Continue the investigation. To attempt assassination of a prince at the foot of the Son of Heaven, it’s as if they’re rebelling against the heavens!”

Prince Ning said, “The matter has been handed over to Jingzhao Residence. I believe there will be news soon.”

Gu Jiao’s expression remained unchanged as she withdrew her hand from taking the emperor’s pulse, “Your Majesty, you have been having an excessive fire in your liver recently, and your diet needs to be light.”

Eunuch Wei said, “His Majesty has hardly been able to eat anything recently! Miss Gu, please help convince His Majesty, this old servant’s words are of no use!”

Eunuch Wei really was the best divine teammate, so in sync without a script!

Gu Jiao sighed, “Then why don’t I stay and have a meal with His Majesty later, just in time to celebrate Prince Ning’s recovery as well.”

Prince Ning looked deeply at Gu Jiao.

The emperor didn’t notice the undercurrents between the two; he nodded, “Good, you two brothers should also stay for the meal.” He paused, then added, “Call Xiaoqi as well.”

Eunuch Wei laughed, “Prince Xiaoqi has classes today at Guozijian.”

The emperor chuckled and patted his forehead, “I’ve been so busy I forgot.”

Gu Jiao said, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager really likes the Fresh Flower Cakes I make. I will also make some for you to try.”

The emperor smiled, “Good.”

Not long after lunch, Gu Jiao’s Fresh Flower Cakes were also ready. She personally brought the steaming Fresh Flower Cakes to the Study Room. The Fresh Flower Cakes were served on a dish with delicate small plates, also accompanied by dried and fresh flowers–extremely appealing to the eye.

“Your Majesty.” Gu Jiao picked up a piece of Fresh Flower Cake and handed it to the emperor, and then she handed another piece to the Crown Prince.

The emperor, knowing Gu Jiao’s skills, ate it without a second word.

The Crown Prince was a bit disdainful, how good could something made by a country girl be?

He glanced at his father emperor, but still reluctantly ate it.

With just one bite, he felt invigorated.

How could this girl’s culinary skills be so excellent!

Prince Ning was seated further away, so Gu Jiao handed it to him last.

After Prince Ning received it, he did not eat it.

Gu Jiao asked, “Why isn’t Prince Ning eating? Do you disdain my culinary skills?”

Prince Ning smiled, “How could that be?”

As he spoke, he picked up a Fresh Flower Cake and tasted it deliberately slowly.

“Is it good?” Gu Jiao asked.

“The taste is very nice,” Prince Ning said warmly.

Though he said so, when Gu Jiao turned away for a moment, he took out his handkerchief, inconspicuously spitting it out while pretending to wipe his mouth.

Heh, mere child’s play!

After lunch, Prince Ning bowed to the emperor, “Father Emperor, it’s getting late, your son will go to search for Xiao Xiuzhuan.”

The emperor nodded, “Go ahead.”

Though the emperor was very concerned for his son’s health, there were no worries for his life, and finding Xiao Liulang’s whereabouts was of utmost importance.

With Prince Ning searching for someone, the Crown Prince naturally couldn’t fall behind, and he also stood up, bowing to the emperor, “Father Emperor, your son will also take his leave.”

“Hmm. Be careful on the way,” the emperor said, slightly worried that the mastermind who secretly injured Prince Ning might strike again.

“Your Majesty, I will also take my leave,” Gu Jiao said.

The emperor nodded, “Alright, go ahead.”

Carrying a small basket on her back, Gu Jiao left Huaqing Palace, first going to Renshou Palace to bid farewell to her aunt, who packed her a few small desserts from the Imperial Kitchen.

Gu Jiao left the palace with the desserts, and to her surprise, Prince Ning was actually waiting for her at the Palace Gate.

“Doctor Gu, Prince Ning invites you,” Prince Ning’s coachman walked over and politely said to Gu Jiao.

Gu Jiao glanced sidelong at Prince Ning’s carriage; he opened the curtain of the carriage window, revealing a gentle smile to Gu Jiao, “Doctor Gu won’t ride in this prince’s carriage? Surely you’re not afraid that this prince will harm you?”

Gu Jiao didn’t say anything and stepped onto the carriage with large strides.

Unlike ordinary women who are mindful of their manners, her every move carried the air of a young man’s valor.

Prince Ning said with a faint smile, “Doctor Gu’s courage is truly admirable.”

Gu Jiao found a seat beside Prince Ning and said indifferently, “That line should be my own towards Prince Ning.”

“Oh?” Prince Ning looked at her amused, “Just because you managed to attack me once by chance? That was only because I was unguarded. If we really fought, you’d be no match for me.”

Gu Jiao did not speak.

Prince Ning took her silence as concession.

As the carriage traveled some distance, Gu Jiao suddenly spoke, “Prince Ning, don’t you feel uncomfortable somewhere?”