"Very well. Qing Ling, Zi Yu, Miao Qin, and Miao Shu shall serve as second-rank maidservants. All of you may withdraw now. This young mistress will rest for a while." Chu Yanzhi’s face showed a trace of weariness.
Bai Lu followed the others out to attend to her duties. Bai Hua helped Chu Yanzhi up and led her toward the bed. Chu Yanzhi spoke softly, "In the next couple of days, make contact with the people Father has arranged."
"This servant understands. The journey has been tiring, young mistress. Please rest." After settling Chu Yanzhi into bed, Bai Hua left the room to handle the tasks her mistress had assigned. There was much to be done in the days ahead, leaving no room for idleness.
Chu Yanzhi, dressed in a long white gauze gown, sat quietly on the couch, idly toying with a cup as she awaited news.
Just then, Xiao Fuzi entered, his expression troubled. "Young mistress, tonight the Emperor has summoned Yan Guiren to attend him at night." After speaking, he glanced worriedly at Chu Yanzhi’s face.
"Understood. You may go." Chu Yanzhi’s hand, holding the tea, paused briefly before she replied calmly.
After Xiao Fuzi left, everyone in the room lowered their heads, not daring to utter a word for fear of provoking their mistress’s anger. Bai Hua glanced at Chu Yanzhi and said, "Young mistress, Yan Guiren is the Emperor’s cousin and the Empress Dowager’s own niece. Perhaps the Emperor is merely showing consideration for the Empress Dowager’s sake."
"No need to say more." Chu Yanzhi set the tea cup on the table, let out a delicate laugh, and a playful glint flashed in her eyes. "Being the first to attend the Emperor at night does not necessarily mean anything good. Very well, all of you may withdraw."
Seeing her expression, Bai Lu finally felt at ease. She responded with a "Yes" before withdrawing.
Hall of Mental Cultivation
Emperor Yong was reviewing memorials, having even forgotten the time and missed his evening meal. Seeing this, Zhang Jin felt compelled to remind him, "Your Majesty, the decree for attending at night has already been issued. Yan Guiren is likely growing anxious."
Emperor Yong looked up, a dark gleam flashing in his eyes. "Let us depart." With that, he set aside the memorials and strode out first.
Pausing at the doorway, he asked, "How have Noble Lady Chu and Lady of Graceful Countenance Li reacted?" Zhang Jin knew the question was directed at him and stepped forward to reply, "So far, there has been no particular reaction."
Emperor Yong offered no response and simply continued on his way. A group of servants followed behind, not making a single sound.
Tianqiao Pavilion
Yan Guiren wore a light green emerald-green misty gauze blouse with a pink floral long skirt beneath, draped in a delicate misty veil. Her beauty was enchanting, delicate and alluring. She stood before the hall with her maidservants, respectfully awaiting the imperial arrival.
From a distance, she caught sight of the Emperor, and a blush spread across her cheeks. "Your concubine pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be at peace!" She gracefully lowered herself, performing a proper court etiquette.
Emperor Yong approached. "No need for such formality. Rise, beloved consort." As he spoke, he helped her up, his expression dignified and composed. With a hand resting at her waist, he led her into the hall.
Yan Guiren’s lovely cheeks were flushed with color, her gaze toward the Emperor filled with infatuation. "Would Your Majesty care to bathe?"
"Hmm."