The air seemed to freeze.
The Empress stared at Lingxiu kneeling on the ground, scrutinizing her closely. The phrase "person by her side" that she heard made the Empress suddenly realize what was going on.
Lingxiu didn't even dare to breathe loudly, and a voice in her heart kept telling her to hold her breath and wait for the Empress to speak.
"You mean I should choose from those around me?" The Empress leaned down and asked softly.
Lingxiu shrank back and timidly replied, "Your Majesty, whether it's the Fucha clan or the Wuya clan, they only want to climb the social ladder by using Your Majesty's connections. They might betray you one day. But if Your Majesty selects a few capable people from your inner circle and sends them up, they will only be grateful to Your Majesty and serve you. Since they all have the same goal, why doesn't Your Majesty choose the easier and simpler option?"
The Empress smiled meaningfully, helped Lingxiu up, and gently asked, holding Lingxiu's hand, "You're right! I think you're very suitable..."
Lingxiu was overjoyed and looked at the Empress with undisguised excitement.
"You've been with me for so many years, you're not young anymore..."
"Your Majesty, I am twenty-six..." Lingxiu's eyes shone with hope, her rosy cheeks were made even more delicate, she had slender shoulders and a slim waist, tall and graceful, with an oval face, she was indeed a beauty.
"Are you still a virgin?" the Empress asked, staring into Lingxiu's eyes.
Lingxiu nodded hastily, afraid that the Empress would misunderstand: "Your Majesty, this servant has always remained chaste and has never had any improper thoughts... Of course... Of course, I am perfectly intact..."
"Good...good..." The Empress said "good" several times. Lingxiu breathed a sigh of relief and was very excited.
Suddenly, the Empress slapped Lingxiu across the face. Lingxiu was caught off guard and almost fell over from the slap.
"How dare you... You actually dared to spy on the Emperor right under my nose? Don't you know who you are? You dare to dream of being a master? I was blind to have kept you around for so long..." The Empress interrupted Lingxiu's fantasy with unforgivable rage.
Lingxiu suddenly knelt at the Empress's feet and kowtowed heavily, begging for mercy.
"Your Majesty, please calm down! I dare not, I really dare not... Please spare me..." Lingxiu's eyes were wet with tears and snot, her eyes wide with terror, she was so frightened that she almost lost her soul.
The Empress gave Lingxiu a cold look and scolded, "Tell me, who told you to do this?"
Lingxiu shook her head vigorously, tugging at the Empress's robes and pleading, "Your Majesty, I truly mean well. I am utterly loyal to Your Majesty and would never betray you. I have served you for so many years and have never harmed you. Even if I have no merit, I have worked hard. Your Majesty must believe me..."
Your Majesty, listen up. Lingxiu is right. For so many years, Lingxiu has been by your side, supporting you without ever making a mistake.
"But what I hate most is someone trying to gain the Emperor's favor. I haven't even gotten it myself, so what right do you have?" the Empress said, still furious.
"This servant knows she was wrong. This servant will never have such thoughts again. Please forgive this servant this time, Your Majesty." Lingxiu suppressed her dissatisfaction and looked at the Empress with a face full of fear.
"You'd better give up that idea. I'll let it go for now, considering how many years you've served me," the Empress said, her anger gradually subsiding.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
