Cui Zhao'an turned her head. She glanced at Jiang Yourning first, then her gaze settled on Little Wukong, who had called himself "this subject's daughter." Her heart trembled. She stared fixedly at him, and the scissors in her hand slipped.
The peony dropped onto the small table with a soft patter.
Jiang Yourning remained in her curtsy for quite some time, but the Empress still did not tell her to rise. She looked up, saw that the Empress was staring at Little Wukong, and could not help frowning.
Little Wukong, you silly child. You copy everything I do without worrying that it might get you into trouble.
Huh? Why does the Empress keep staring at Little Wukong? Does she already know he's her son?
That shouldn't be possible. The mess in the Imperial Palace hasn't been cleared up yet, and the emperor and empress haven't gone to Huayin Temple to pray. Without seeing the token on Little Wukong, how could she know unless she grew suspicious and investigated?
But why hasn't she let us get up after all this time?
Cui Zhao'an immediately withdrew her gaze, dropped the scissors, and rose to approach Jiang Yourning and Little Wukong, helping them up herself.
"Good children, come, get up, both of you!"
"Jingqiu! Fetch my finest tea, and bring some food as well."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The two of them, one older and one younger, rose and sat in the chairs beside them.
"My dear, didn't His Majesty summon you for questioning? Why did you suddenly come to my Perching Phoenix Palace?"
Cui Zhao'an forced herself to take her eyes off Little Wukong and looked kindly at Jiang Yourning.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty summoned my father and third brother for questioning. The Princess said it would probably