Chapter 176 Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace: Bai Ruiji 3

After all, the initial conferment of the title of Changzai means that the emperor likes his mistress. Although his mistress was not a palace maid before, her status is no higher than that of a palace maid.

At first, she and Suyun were curious about what kind of wonderful person had been promoted two ranks by the emperor and given a title.

Now, looking at Bai Ruiji's stunningly beautiful face, even without makeup, like a lotus emerging from water, Mo Hua deeply understood the Emperor.

While arranging Bai Ruiji's hair, Su Yun said, "Although Your Highness has a rank, the imperial decree has just been issued, and you have not yet moved into Yongshou Palace, so you do not need to pay your respects to the Empress for the time being."

"According to custom, one must perform the investiture ceremony before paying respects to the Empress. However, His Majesty is currently in mourning, so the investiture ceremony for the young master is probably not going to take place. It depends on His Majesty's decision."

"Hmm." Bai Ruiji smiled, not caring whether there was a formal investiture ceremony or not.

As for taking a concubine during the mourning period, he had three masters above him. He didn't care about two of them, dared not care about the remaining one, and couldn't control the others.

So she didn't need to worry about anything; no one dared to gossip, after all, it was the Emperor.

Shengyu Hall, East Annex Hall of Yongshou Palace

Bai Ruiji held a pipa in her hand, tilted her head slightly, and lowered her eyes, as if she were filled with tender feelings.

Her slender, delicate fingers danced across the strings like fluttering butterflies, creating a flowing melody.

The music ended, but the lingering melody remained.

The emperor, who had been enjoying the rhythm with his eyes closed, stopped what he was doing, opened his eyes, and looked at the beautiful woman's gaze.

The Emperor beckoned and pulled the beauty, who had put down her pipa, into his arms. "Ruiji's pipa playing is getting better and better."

"It's all thanks to His Majesty's guidance," Bai Ruiji said with a gentle smile, offering a soft compliment.

"Your investiture ceremony will not be able to take place. I feel that I have wronged you." The Emperor sighed softly, holding Bai Ruiji's jade hand and playing with it.

"I am not wronged. As a musician in the Southern Palace, I was already granted the title of Changzai upon my first appointment, which is a testament to His Majesty's favor."

Bai Ruiji leaned gently on the Emperor's shoulder, her voice full of dependence and vulnerability.

Bai Ruiji thought for a moment and said, "Since there is no investiture ceremony, then this concubine will go to pay her respects to Her Majesty the Empress tomorrow."

"It's snowing in winter, and your health is weak. Go after the snow stops." The Emperor's tone was firm and left no room for argument.

"Alright." Bai Ruiji turned and wrapped her arms around the Emperor's waist. "Actually, I'm not weak."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow and asked, "Then who was it that caught a cold while playing in the snow at the Southern Palace a few days ago and couldn't come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to play the pipa for me?"

"Your Majesty~ We agreed not to mention this! You always use it to mock your concubines!"

Bai Ruiji buried her face in the Emperor's arms, her fair ears turning red.

Her health wasn't that bad; she was just deliberately avoiding Consort Hui, not wanting to be exposed to the concubines before entering the palace.

"That was clearly out of concern for you. Wear warm clothes and don't stay outside for too long. Tell me if you run out of charcoal. Tell me, where is the mockery?"

The emperor was so angry he almost laughed; this woman didn't appreciate his kindness.

"Yes, it exists."

Bai Ruiji's voice was muffled, yet the Emperor could sense a hint of arrogance despite her apparent lack of conviction.

"Women and petty men are the most difficult to deal with!" the emperor sneered.

"The Emperor was mean to me!" Bai Ruiji said, feeling wronged.

"I'll hit you too!" The Emperor raised his hand, bent his index finger, and gently tapped the head of the person in his arms. "You used to be so afraid of me, but now you're taking advantage of me."

"No, Your Majesty, I'm very obedient." Bai Ruiji raised her head, her watery eyes filled with disapproval.