But his current position did not grant him access to the palace; his only option was to seek Lord Huo's assistance.
Upon seeing Chu Heng approaching, Huo Zhengming led him into the study.
"Ah Heng, take a seat."
"I know why you have come today. The Emperor had ministers leave the palace early, and by now, the gates are probably already locked, fearing that no one can enter," Huo Zhengming said with a solemn expression. "Do you know why your lady was summoned into the palace by the Emperor?"
Chu Heng didn't speak. He dipped his finger into the tea water and wrote the character 'Zheng'.
Huo Zhengming's expression hardened. "How could that be? You're just a minor official now. How could he take notice of you?"
"It's a matter of the past," Chu Heng had indeed sought people to find Madam Tang when she initially fled, but to no avail.
"But..." Huo Zhengming was puzzled. "If Tang Beauty has a grudge against you and thus targeted your lady, why would Duke Zheng listen to her?"