Before Liuyin came back, her conversation with Wanpin was delivered to Fu Qianyu's ears.

Baozhan squatted on the ground, fiddling with the charcoal fire. When she heard Xiao Guizi's words, she angrily threw the iron chopsticks in her hand to the ground and said bitterly, "What a little bitch! She actually had such thoughts in mind. When she comes back, I will tear her mouth apart."

Lingyun smiled helplessly, "You see, Madam, they say that the disciple has the same temperament as his master. I really shouldn't have let Baozan learn the rules from Peirong."

Seeing Lingyun teasing her, Baozhan stamped her feet and said unwillingly, "Sister, I'm just worried about the queen."

"Girl, you are too impatient."

Lingyun tapped Baozan's forehead and softly instructed, "I made some bird's nest for the Majesty. It's almost done now. Go and bring her a cup."

Baozan smiled and left.

Lingyun stepped forward and whispered, "When Pin'er tested her that day, I thought she was a steady person, but I didn't expect that Concubine Wan would try to take advantage of this opportunity. Baozhan's words may be harsh, but they make sense. We have to be on guard."

Fu Qianyu narrowed her eyes and looked out the window. After a long moment, she spoke in a deep voice, "The emperor has been very busy with government affairs these past few days. He hasn't been to the harem for several days. In a few days, please invite him to have lunch."

Lingyun understood and said with a smile, "I'll make a note of this."

After that day, Liuyin was always worried. She was looking forward to the emperor's coming, but also afraid of him. After five days of confusion, Zhao Yuancheng finally came to Huayang Palace for lunch.

Liuyin was serving tea in the tea room when Lingyun suddenly came in and looked at her with a warm smile: "Peirong is ill, Baozan and Xiangyue are both busy, so you will serve the meal for the Emperor and the Empress today."

"I?"

Liuyin looked surprised, but couldn't help feeling happy in her heart.

Lingyun had been observing Liuyin's expression and said calmly, "Yes, I'm relieved that you're so attentive. You must serve the emperor well when we get to him, and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Liu Yin suppressed her inner joy and said, "Yes, I understand."

After waiting for Lingyun to leave, Liuyin hurried back to her room. Looking at the dark clothes on her body, she wanted to change into another one, but she was afraid that it would be too obvious, so she finally held back and just picked out a peach blossom hairpin from her dressing box and inserted it diagonally into her hair.

After looking at herself in the yellow mirror, Liuyin took out the red jade bracelet her mother left her before she entered the palace and put it on her wrist.

Her skin was already fair, and the red jade bracelet added a touch of lustrous glow to it.

Liuyin stroked her wrist gently and murmured, "Mother, please bless me in heaven. I really don't want to live this humble life anymore."

Not long after, the sound of food being served came from outside the door.

Liuyin took a deep breath, straightened his back and walked out slowly.

Actually, this was not her first time showing up in front of the emperor, but she was more nervous than any other time.

She was the daughter of an official, so etiquette was no problem for her. In addition, she had been trained by a nanny before coming to serve in Huayang Palace.

So when it comes to serving food, Liuyin is naturally adept at it.

During the meal, Fu Qianyu was observing Liu Yin's every word and action.

At first, Liuyin was well-behaved and nothing special about her, until she was serving soup to Zhao Yuancheng and inadvertently rolled up her sleeves, revealing her wrists as white as jade.

Fu Qianyu noticed it, and Zhao Yuancheng naturally noticed it too.

Looking at the radiant hand in front of him, Zhao Yuancheng couldn't help but smile and said, "Slender and soft as spring onions, growing in the fragrant silk and green sleeves, this girl's hands are really well-shaped."

Upon hearing this, Fu Qianyu said nothing and just smiled calmly.

Liuyin immediately knelt down and said with deep fear, "Your Majesty, I am ashamed to accept your praise."

"What's your name? Why do you look so familiar to me?"

Liuyin slowly raised her eyes, her gentle tone like the breeze blowing through the willow branches, "My name is Liuyin."

"Ryuyin."

Zhao Yuancheng chewed on it carefully, then suddenly realized, "So it's you, no wonder you look so familiar to me."

Fu Qianyu wiped the corner of her lips with a handkerchief. "This girl originally served in the tea room. Today is her first time serving in front of the emperor. Why does the emperor think she looks familiar?"

Zhao Yuancheng smiled slightly and talked about the day when Liuyin sprinkled water on her.

"I see." Fu Qianyu smiled, "Speaking of which, this girl is quite reckless."

As he spoke, he set his gaze on Liu Yin again, "You offended the Emperor, and the Emperor spared you the death penalty. Why don't you quickly thank the Emperor for his grace?"

Liuyin wanted to kneel down to express her gratitude, but was stopped by Zhao Yuancheng. "Because you serve Concubine Yi, I am a little more lenient. If you want to thank someone, thank your mother."

"Yes, I thank the Queen for her grace, and I thank the Emperor for his grace."

Liuyin's brows were full of crimson, and because of Zhao Yuancheng's praise, she served even harder.

After the meal, Zhao Yuancheng went to the side hall to change his clothes. Fu Qianyu still ordered Liuyin to serve him.

Lingyun was a little worried, "Madam, this little bitch clearly has bad intentions. If you let her serve you, wouldn't that be exactly what she wants?"

"You and I both know what Liuyin is thinking, but what about the Emperor?"

Fu Qianyu's expression remained calm, and she smiled faintly. "If His Majesty has such intentions, then no matter how we defend ourselves, it will be useless. But if His Majesty does not have such intentions, then this is the perfect opportunity to teach Liu Yin a lesson. If she understands, I can let bygones be bygones. But if she doesn't appreciate my kindness, I will not tolerate any grain of sand in my eyes. Whether she lives or dies is entirely up to her."

"Since your Majesty has made a plan, then this servant is relieved."

In the side hall, Zhao Yuancheng drank some wine at noon and felt a little dizzy.

Baozan brought up a bowl of sobering soup at the right time.

Zhao Yuancheng drank the hangover soup and felt a little drowsy. He asked Baozan, "Where's the queen?"

Baozan smiled and said, "Your Majesty ate a little too much at noon, so she's going to the Imperial Garden to relax. She also said she'd collect some snow water to make tea for you."

Zhao Yuancheng rubbed his swollen forehead and said, "I understand. Let's go down."

After saying that, he undressed and lay down.

Baozhan put away the curtains and came out, whispering to Liuyin who was standing beside her, "The sisters have all accompanied the queen to the imperial garden. I still have to go and make medicine for the queen to maintain her pregnancy. You stay here and prepare water for the emperor."

Liuyin lowered her head, her voice a little nervous, "Yes, I understand."

Baozan patted her shoulder and comforted her, "Don't be afraid. The Emperor is the most kindhearted. Just be careful and serve him."

"Yes, I've made note of it."

Only after Baozan left did Liuyin finally breathe a sigh of relief.

She turned her head to look at Zhao Yuancheng who was already fast asleep on the bed, her heart beating like a drum as if it was about to jump out of her chest.

Taking a deep breath, Liuyin took out a packet of medicine powder from his sleeve and poured it all onto the burning charcoal not far away.