But today is different. Xiao Jin has found the one he loves and wants the whole world to know, so no one would blame him for being nosy.
Eunuch Li knew that his flattery had worked, and he was overjoyed. After receiving the reward, he started smiling again.
"Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty."
He accepted the jade thumb ring that Xiao Jin gave him. It was made of the finest imperial green jadeite, priceless—a true treasure!
He dared not refuse the emperor's reward, and accepted it with great care, repeatedly expressing his gratitude.
"Oh my, how could this servant be worthy of such a fine treasure? To have won the Emperor's favor is an honor beyond measure. This servant will serve the Emperor again in the next life and the life after that."
"Alright, stop fooling around. Send someone smart to guard this place and make sure they don't go in and disturb her."
Xiao Jin, dressed neatly, was about to go to court. He tapped Eunuch Li on the head and gave him some instructions.
Eunuch Li quickly understood. He was afraid that some fool might come in and disturb the Empress, and he was also afraid that someone stupid might displease the Empress. He was really treating her like a precious gem.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will leave Xiao Yinzi here with a few clever maids to watch over Her Majesty and make sure they serve her well."
Eunuch Li quickly decided on his choice: his two godson sons. Xiao Yinzi was more clever, while Xiao Yuanzi was less clever and more honest.
Xiao Jin nodded, thinking that it was only a morning court session and he would be back soon; it wasn't a big deal.
So he led everyone away from Fengyi Palace, rode in the dragon carriage to court, his tall figure exuding an imposing and majestic aura.
At that moment, both of them forgot that the emperor wasn't the only master in the harem; the empress dowager had been eyeing them covetously for a long time!
...
Shou Kang Palace.
The emperor had just finished his morning court session when the empress dowager received the news. She dressed herself in jewels and her clothes were elegant and luxurious.
The Empress Dowager looked at herself in the mirror. "Hmm, very good. I'm dressed quite formally enough. I should be able to meet my new daughter-in-law. And this person is very likely to be the future Empress."
“Not bad, Rong Pei, you are very skillful. Come on, let’s go meet that person.”
Rongpei, also known as Zhao Mama, personally helped the Empress Dowager to her feet: "Your Majesty, you barely slept all night. Getting up so early, please take care of yourself."
"I've been bedridden for so many years, my body is practically worn out. It's not easy for a new lady to come to the palace, so we should definitely go and see her."
The Empress Dowager was in good health. After all, none of the Emperor Emeritus's other concubines could bear children, but she gave birth to two in a row. Besides being fertile, this could also be due to her robust health.
"Don't say anything. I'm going to see our future Empress of Xiao Kingdom and see what Jin'er's taste is like. It's not that I'm just curious."
Although the Empress Dowager said this, the glint in her eyes betrayed her. Her excited and expectant gaze was like that of a lamb that had fallen into a wolf's den.
"Yes, yes, I understand."
What could Rong Pei do but nod in agreement? The group then marched out of the palace gates and headed towards Fengyi Palace.
...
Phoenix Palace.
Xiao Yinzi stayed behind to arrange the work. He knew his godfather's intention was to test him in advance to see if he could serve the master in the palace well.
Judging from the Emperor's reaction, this is a truly noble lady, the only female master in the harem, and possibly the future Empress!
At this moment, the young eunuch he had arranged to guard the palace gate rushed over and shouted as soon as he saw him, "Eunuch Yin, Eunuch Yin, the Empress Dowager is here!"
"What are you shouting for... What? The Empress Dowager is here?"
Xiao Yinzi initially scolded the young eunuch for his indiscretion, but then he heard that the Empress Dowager had arrived. The Empress hadn't even gotten up yet; had he misremembered the time?
He glanced at the direction of the sun. Sure enough, it was only dawn, the Emperor had just left for the morning court session, and the Empress Dowager had already arrived?
The Empress Dowager must have had a sleepless night to get up so early. She must be in very good health!
"Grandpa Yin, Grandpa Yin?"
Seeing that he didn't speak, the little eunuchs were as anxious as ants on a hot pan. This was the first time that the Empress Dowager had visited Fengyi Palace, and they were afraid of displeasing their master.
"Ah, it's alright. Just go to the palace gate and greet her, and don't offend the Empress Dowager."
"I'll have Liu Lü and Liu Hong go and wake Her Majesty up. They'll make it in time."
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