Then Jiang Meiyu chose a slightly older man and asked, "What's your name? Which palace did you work for before?"
"Your Majesty, I used to work in the Yangxin Palace." Jiang Meiyu knew that this was someone sent by the emperor.
"My surname is Li, and my maiden name is Xiu Bi." "Since that's the case, I'll call you Aunt Xiu Bi from now on. From now on, all matters, big and small, within Yongning Palace will be under your control, and the remaining five palace maids will also be under your command." "Yes, sir. I will do my utmost to live up to your Majesty's trust." There were two other leading eunuchs, appointed by the Imperial Household Department: one was called Xiao Shuzi, and the other Xiao Zhuan Zhuan. Jiang Meiyu observed them closely and felt they were quite clever and intelligent, so she didn't say much.
Eunuch Wang stood by, observing Jiang Meiyu's actions. He thought to himself: This virtuous concubine is truly extraordinary. She handles things in an orderly manner without any delay, and treats her servants with both kindness and authority, with great momentum. It seems that only the family of the most outstanding civil servant in the court can raise such an outstanding woman. "Virtuously Concubine, I must return to the palace to report to the emperor." Jiang Meiyu nodded slightly, motioning to Qiuping beside her to fetch a bag of silver and hand it to Eunuch Wang. "Thank you, Eunuch Wang."
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is my humble duty, and it is only natural." Eunuch Wang smiled, accepted the silver, tucked it into his sleeve, and then turned and left. After seeing Eunuch Wang off, Jiang Meiyu felt exhausted. After all, she had been busy all day, and now she was exhausted. As soon as she lay down on the chaise longue, she fell into a deep sleep.
Jiang Meiyu slowly opened her eyes, her consciousness still hazy. She had no idea what time it was, only that everything around her was completely silent. "Qiuping, what time is it now?" she asked softly.
The maid Qiu Ping beside her quickly replied, "Your Majesty, it's already the 11th hour. You haven't eaten yet. I'll send for the food right away."
Jiang Meiyu wondered if the emperor would come to Yongning Palace tonight. It was already so late, maybe he wouldn't come...
"Then send it." Jiang Meiyu waved her hand, signaling Qiu Ping to arrange the meal. She thought to herself, no matter what, she still had to take good care of herself and couldn't starve herself while waiting. After all, in this deep palace, staying healthy was the most important thing.
"The Emperor has arrived!" With this loud shout, the entire palace fell into a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Eunuch Wang hurried over in small steps, his face filled with a respectful and flattering smile, and his voice was sharp and high-pitched, as if to convey this news to every corner.
Upon hearing this shout, everyone stopped what they were doing and knelt to greet the emperor. They lowered their heads, not daring to be negligent in the slightest, their hearts filled with awe. The palace maids, on the other hand, seemed a little panicked, hastily adjusting their appearance, fearing they would lose composure in front of the emperor.
The emperor, clad in a magnificent dragon robe, entered the hall with steady steps. His gaze was stern and piercing, a commanding presence even without anger. Every step he took carried supreme authority and dignity, captivating the audience.
Elsewhere, the Empress stared eagerly at the door, anticipating the Emperor's arrival for dinner at Kunning Palace. The Empress's name was Deng Yafu, the eldest daughter of Duke Deng. She and the Emperor were childhood sweethearts, having known each other since childhood. However, the Emperor showed little affection for her, leaving Deng Yafu bitter.
In reality, Deng Yafu had always deeply loved the emperor. However, this affection was unrequited, and the emperor always maintained a certain distance from her. The reason he appointed her empress was entirely due to the empress dowager's insistence. Duke Deng, a founding hero, was highly regarded by the late emperor, having made remarkable military achievements, held great power, and remained unwaveringly loyal to him. Emperor Wu of Yan, in his struggle for the throne, sought Duke Deng's support and, out of necessity, married Deng Yafu as his consort.
Upon ascending the throne, Emperor Wu of Yan originally had no intention of appointing a queen. However, the situation at court was unstable at the time, and the Empress Dowager urged him to enthrone Deng Yafu as empress, hoping to leverage the influence of Duke Deng to stabilize the government. Faced with the Empress Dowager's pressure, Emperor Wu of Yan was forced to compromise. Despite this, his feelings for Deng Yafu remained unchanged, and their relationship remained little more than a superficial exchange of respect.
While the Queen was stunned, Caihong walked in as fast as lightning. She approached the Queen lightly and whispered in her ear in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I just received news that the Emperor is heading towards Yongning Palace."
The queen's body trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, only an indescribable bitterness welled up in her heart. She took a deep breath and tried to keep her voice calm. "Well, if that's the case, then let's serve the food!" Her face was expressionless, maintaining the dignity and composure expected of a queen.
Yet, only she knew that her heart was already surging. She recalled her childhood sweetheart relationship with the Emperor, those tender days now fleeting. The Emperor's indifference, like a ruthless sword, pierced her heart. But she knew that as Empress, she must be patient and strong, not easily revealing her emotions. So, she fought back tears, turned away, and tried to focus on the delicious food before her.
Inside Shoukang Palace, everyone was nervously and anxiously watching the emperor's every move. Suddenly, Liu Zhen'er's personal maid, Dong'er, rushed into the hall, breathlessly reporting, "Your Majesty, something bad has happened! The emperor went to Yongning Palace tonight! Caihong told me."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Liu's expression instantly darkened. She snorted coldly, "Hmph... This Empress truly has sinister intentions! Why would she be so kind as to specifically let me know about this? She's clearly trying to use this opportunity to stir up a quarrel between me and the new Concubine Xian. Hehe, I won't let her do what she wishes... Dong'er, quickly serve me the food. I need dinner."
Dong'er quickly agreed and turned to prepare the meal. At this moment, Concubine Liu continued to ask thoughtfully, "Dong'er, besides telling you the emperor's whereabouts, does the rainbow say anything else?" Her tone was still slow, but her eyes gleamed with a shrewd light.
Dong'er thought for a moment and replied, "In response to the Empress, Caihong didn't say much else. She only said that she had to go to Xianfu Palace and Yongfu Palace to convey this news to the Empresses there."
Concubine Liu raised the corners of her mouth slightly, and thought to herself: "Okay, the women in the harem are really not easy to deal with. It seems that everyone is full of curiosity and vigilance towards this new virtuous concubine who entered the palace... However, since you all want to test it, don't blame me for sitting on the mountain and watching the fight between the tigers!" Thinking of this, she couldn't help but reveal a smug smile.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com