**************
Ran Xiaoyu was surprised Nan Yan would suddenly thank her like that. Embarrassed, she roughly replied, "Don’t mention it."
However, she was harboring a displeased expression and was obviously put off by her friend’s attitude. Nan Yan met her complaints with cold logic.
"It's not that I don’t want to complain to His Highness— Of course, I would like to, but I know it would be of no use."
"Why?"
"How many people are there in the world committing crimes every day? How many more are victims and die because of them? Can His Highness personally handle every single case?"
"……"
"Therefore, it falls on the Imperial Court to judge and sentence criminals."
"……"
"Besides, in the previous reign, the Harem and Royal Court were separated. The Empress was in charge of the Harem so the Emperor could manage the Imperial Court and govern the empire at ease," she calmly explained.
"However, now he is confronted with all sort of major conflicts. How can the Emperor squander time on the trivial matters of the Harem?"
"Complaining to the Emperor would be asking for death. Even the Empress doesn’t seek him out for her own issues."
Ran Xiaoyu frowned. "But it’s not a trivial matter; this matter is life or death for you."
"……"
"Could it be that he doesn’t care?"
Nan Yan was silent. After a while, she said softly, "I— All of us are but lowly servants in his eyes. It would be disgraceful to think otherwise."
Ran Xiaoyu contemplated her then spoke after a while, "I find that you are not only cunning, but also a good person."
Nan Yam smiled appreciatively.
At this moment, the old mama who was outside came in and asked. "Haven’t you finished yet? If someone comes to check, we'll be in trouble! Come out quickly!"
Ran Xiaoyu was reluctant to go, but she stood up. She looked at Nan Yan’s injury on her mouth, grabbed her hand and asked, "Hey—Are you really okay?"
Nan Yan was moved by her concern. "You can rest at ease."
Ran Xiaoyu then retrieved her hand, stepped back and went out. But she did not immediately return to their residence. Instead, she directly went to another palace.
Outside, it was already night fall.
The descending sun glowed red with a heat that seemed to set the palace ablaze. Ran Xiaoyu was working up a sweat withstanding its hotness while hurrying to Yonghe Palace. She found herself at its backdoor and could see Yu Gonggong and the others busying themselves.
It seemed that the Emperor had come here for dinner.
She was hesitating as she stood in front the door. She was about to move, but exactly at that moment, a young eunuch named Xiao Shunzi appeared at her side.
He immediately asked, "Hey, from which palace are you? Don’t stand there blocking the door. Don’t be surprised if you get beat up when His Highness comes out and sees you there."
Xiaoyu silently appraised him, then went through the door.
Xiao Shunzi noted her strange behavior. He watched her go, and then walked in as well.. At this time, the food had been set on the table and both the Emperor and the Empress were already seated.
Xu Miaoyin looked at Zhu Feng and said softly, “Your Highness has lost much weight these days. May this Consort offer Your Highness a stimulant?"
Zhu Feng rubbed his eyebrows with one hand and faintly groaned.
"Yes."
As soon as the word left his mouth, Xu Miaoyin signaled her maid Bihe who immediately brought a bowl of soup.
Xu Miaoyin received it and personally held it in front of Zhu Feng.
Zhu Feng’s expression loosened after he rubbed his eyebrows, then he lowered his hands to take the bowl from her hands.
However, he noticed the string of bright red corals hanging on Xu Miaoyin’s fine jade-like hands and paused his action.
Xu Miaoyin curiously followed his gaze and laughed prettily when she realized what distracted him.
"Your Highness awarded this to the Harem just the other day. Could Your Highness have already forgotten this matter?"
Zhu Feng finally took over the soup bowl and indifferently replied, "I was just reminded how all of these were made by Ye Zheng."
He suddenly continued, "There is also another matter."
"What is it?"
"The day after tomorrow, I will leave for Yong Province. I intend to take Si Nan Yan with me."
Will be updated 3 times a week.
End of Chapter
Edited by Al Farouk & NololiNolife
Proofread by Michelicious11