"My lady, in truth, this half-bloomed lotus is quite beautiful."
"Beautiful?"
Yun Xiao heard this and her attention was diverted. She actually looked at the lotus on her hand. Against her fair, jade-like hand, it was indeed quite pretty. A smile curved her lips, but she quickly realized something was wrong. She was angry right now, how could this maid trick her?
"Wanwan, are you asking for a beating?"
Wanwan immediately pouted and said aggrievedly, "My lady, I truly think it's beautiful. Think about it, it's already embroidered. Unless Palace Master Murong can wash it off for you, but that's unlikely."
She was absolutely certain of this. The dignified Palace Master of the Divine Dragon Palace, the deeds he performed were probably no different from the Emperor in the palace.
Since it was already embroidered, how could he wash it off for her? So, her lady should just accept her fate, and consider it as something that grew on her hand. It actually looked quite pretty.
"The problem is, why didn't he wake me up? Why didn't he ask for my opinion and just arbitrarily embroidered it for me?"
Yun Xiao glared angrily. If Murong Chong were in front of her now, this fellow would probably fight him to the death. Wanwan thought for a moment and slowly reminded her, "Could it be that you did something to anger him? This kind of thing didn't happen before."
Miss Yun, upon hearing Wanwan's words, thought desperately, tried hard to recall, and finally spoke slowly.
"He told me to tell him where I am no matter where I go. I promised him this, but why should I tell him? He's not anyone to me."
After saying the last sentence, she felt a little guilty, and her voice became much smaller. She remembered how many times she owed him, and from the memories of the past, he was always by her side. Warmth slowly flowed through her heart.
Seeing her lady fall silent, Wanwan's pretty face was adorned with a light, gentle expression, and her eyes held a faint, spreading warmth.
She couldn't help but guess that perhaps her lady also liked Murong Chong, but her muddled personality, coupled with her lack of understanding of emotions, meant she was unaware. Should she remind her? Wanwan wondered with some difficulty.
But upon thinking that Murong Chong was the Palace Master of the Divine Dragon Palace, a man rumored to be bloodthirsty and demonic, her heart calmed down. It was better to let nature take its course. That person might not be her lady's destined partner. If they were fated, they would always be together. If not, why create unnecessary trouble?
"My lady, this is truly your fault. According to Wanwan's estimation, he embroidered this probably because you didn't keep your word."
"Mm," Yun Xiao pouted, letting Wanwan do as she pleased. She tied up her hair, did not change her clothes, and swayed to the bed, humming in a muffled voice, "Don't call me, I want to sleep a bit more."
"Alright."
Wanwan smiled softly as she tidied up the room...
The Imperial Palace, within the magnificent Hall of Mental Cultivation.
A cold, stern atmosphere pervaded. Seated behind the imperial desk was the young Emperor Shangguan Yao. A dark aura of anger filled his handsome features, his eyes sharp, his lips tightly pressed. Without a word, he surveyed the few people standing in the center of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The Minister of Rites, Shen Siyuan; the Minister of Revenue, Lin Yingbai; the Assistant Minister of Works, Lü Yichun. This Assistant Minister of Works was also the father of the Emperor's concubine, Consort Lü Yinghan.
At this moment, these individuals dared not breathe, silently gazing at the Emperor on the high seat. Seeing the Emperor's ferocious eyes and bloodthirsty killing intent.
The Emperor was angry because at the morning court today, a preliminary plan for evaluating court officials had been proposed.
Who knew that a faction led by the Prime Minister would vehemently oppose it, blocking it with a joint petition.
This faction also included the Emperor's own maternal uncle, the Minister of War, Ye Family, Grand Tutor Ye, and the scholar Wen Da.
Others adopted a wait-and-see attitude, which greatly infuriated the Emperor, causing him to be so angry.
Minister of Rites Shen Siyuan glanced at the person beside him, then cautiously stepped forward and said slowly.
"Your Majesty, why not table it for now? Allow your humble subjects to find leverage against those individuals, and then they will have no choice but to comply. Even they themselves will not be able to escape unscathed."
Shen Siyuan spoke sinisterly, and the others beside him nodded in agreement. Having been in the court for many years, who didn't have some unsavory past?
Once investigated, these people would not be able to escape unscathed. However, this involved the Ye family and the Empress Dowager's faction, and it was unlikely the Emperor would agree.
Shangguan Yao frowned slightly. He saw clearly the events in court today. His uncle had actually helped outsiders obstruct this matter. What were they afraid of? Weren't they afraid that he would reform the system, and it would affect them?
He was the ruler of the country. Should he allow himself to be suppressed by these ministers? Shangguan Yao's breathing grew heavier, but he finally suppressed it and spoke in a deep voice.
"Good, handle this matter discreetly. As soon as there is any development, report it immediately."
"Yes."
The few people in the study responded in unison. These were all the Emperor's people.
Shangguan Yao waved his hand and leaned back, looking somewhat tired, and said slowly, "You may all return."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The individuals withdrew one after another.
At this moment, outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, an uninvited guest arrived. A woman dressed in splendid attire, exuding an overbearing aura, wearing a top-quality phoenix gown with gold threads embroidered to create a dazzling radiance, adorned with elegance and nobility. Behind her followed a host of eunuchs and palace maids, all following cautiously.
This woman was the Emperor's newly married favorite concubine, Princess Yan Ling of the Northern Dynasty.
Seeing her, the officials quickly bowed.
"Your humble subjects pay respects to the Noble Consort."
"Rise."
Yan Ling swept her gaze over them coldly, waved her hand, and after those ministers left, she turned to enter the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Xiao Tingzi, with a distressed face, quickly blocked her. "Noble Consort, His Majesty is currently attending to official duties."
Since this Noble Consort entered the palace, their lives had become much more difficult. His Majesty was also avoiding her everywhere.
In reality, His Majesty had his unavoidable difficulties, and he knew it. But this Noble Consort did not. Upon thinking that she had been neglected since entering the palace and had become a laughingstock among the other palace consorts, Yan Ling was filled with indignation.
Her pair of cold, shimmering eyes were no different from those of a wolf in the dark night, radiating a bloodthirsty chill.
"You are too bold."
Yan Ling snorted coldly, then raised a foot and kicked Xiao Tingzi. Xiao Tingzi dared not dodge and could only endure her kick. He grimaced in pain. Before he could recover, the Noble Consort had already rushed into the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Shangguan Yao was leaning against the dragon chair behind him, his eyes closed, resting. He was already aware of the commotion outside the door, but he deliberately made no move.
Although Noble Consort Yan was arrogant, having been in the palace for less than two to three days, as a princess born into royalty, she knew very well what kind of person the Emperor was. Therefore, even if she was very harsh towards her servants,
She would not dare to be harsh towards the Emperor, otherwise, it would only bring about her own death.
Thus, when Yan Ling stood inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, she had already put on a soft, affectionate smile, curtsied, and said aggrievedly,
"Your Majesty, your concubine has come to see you."