After entering the palace gate, the carriage rolled along for a while before stopping at the dismount gate.
Here, civil officials dismount from their sedan chairs and military officials dismount from their horses. Those of ordinary status walk into the palace, while those of noble status are carried by palace servants in light sedan chairs.
Man Huan helped Shen Mingzhuang down from the carriage, walking with perfect manners and without making a single mistake.
The leading eunuch was in his early twenties, with a handsome appearance. Although his voice was somewhat effeminate, it was not as unpleasant as those with hoarse voices; instead, it had a deep and resonant quality within its effeminate tone.
“Miss, this is the usual practice. Only one female official, Feng Mo, can accompany you. If you are seeing someone off, you must stop here.”
Manhuan knew it wouldn't work, but she couldn't understand why her young mistress insisted on taking Wenxin to the palace, and she was getting anxious.
Thinking that Wenxin might be of great use to her master, she gritted her teeth and was about to say that she would go back when Wenxin knelt on the ground and said to Shen Mingzhuang, "Miss, Wenxin has no duty to serve you. You don't need to worry about me. Go on your own!"
Shen Mingzhuang was just trying to interrupt, but he didn't expect these two to look so alarmed. He couldn't help but laugh and turned to look at the eunuch.
“My lord, since I brought two people into the palace, it is naturally because I have been instructed by my superiors. His Majesty is very busy with state affairs, and you can’t expect him to show you everything, can you?”
The charm in her every smile and frown was exquisite and beautiful, which could not be concealed even by her elegant attire. Hou Linghai couldn't help but lower his head as he was captivated by her beautiful and alluring eyes.
Those eyes weren't the seductive, alluring peach blossom eyes; they were more like innocent almond-shaped eyes. Yet, the corners of her eyes held a hint of red, and when she smiled, it was as if hooks were pulling at the softest part of your heart, making it impossible for you to contradict her.
Having such a beautiful person by your side was something that emperors throughout history had always avoided.
Beautiful women are always able to bewitch a man's heart and make him lose his mind. If this is true for ordinary beauties, then this Ninth Miss Shen, who was raised in her boudoir, is probably no ordinary person.
Hou Linghai dared not look again, nor did he dwell on bringing an extra maid. He would have to ask his superiors for instructions on how to handle the situation, as he, a mere lackey, did not want to offend anyone.
"What you say is true, young lady!"
Shen Mingzhuang originally thought he would have to spend a lot of time talking to people, but he didn't expect this eunuch to be so easy to talk to. So he didn't hold back and let Manhuan slip him a red envelope.
Hou Linghai weighed the item in his hand, smiled, and thanked Shen Mingzhuang before inviting him into the sedan chair.
The palace walls were deep and secluded. People sat in sedan chairs and could vaguely see the top of the walls outside through the thin, autumn-colored gauze curtains, but that was all; they could not see any further.
This was the first time she had felt the oppressive atmosphere of the imperial city. With such deep palace walls, it was no wonder that a person's entire life could be trapped. If this was the case for those sitting in sedan chairs, it was even more unbearable for those walking on the ground, who could not see the end of the road.
"That General Song is really arrogant. Knowing that it was arranged by the Emperor, he still dared to come and investigate. He really doesn't put His Majesty in his eyes!"
A high-pitched voice, filled with deep dissatisfaction, rang out, neither too loud nor too soft.
"The affairs of the imperial family are not for you or me to discuss. If you want to live, you'd better keep your mouth shut!" Hou Linghai said sternly, and then fell silent.
General Xiao Song? Shen Mingzhuang thought for a moment, and seemed to have some impression of him.
The young General Song, who dared to disregard Jiang Wang, must be the only son of the Empress Dowager's younger sister. The Song family, the Duke of Wen, is no small family; their alliance with the Yin family, the Duke of Wei, is not to be underestimated. The Empress Dowager's confidence stems from the fact that her family holds considerable power in the court.
The man had phoenix eyes, sword-like eyebrows, and bright eyes. Considering his age, Shen Mingzhuang pondered for a moment and suddenly realized something important. His heart sank, and he cried out inwardly, "This is bad!"
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