Chapter 1942: Pay Your Respects to the Empress
Lady Zhou smiled inwardly. She was the emperor’s woman now, how could she still return to the Cold Palace? Wouldn’t that make the emperor lose face?
She’d definitely obtain that ‘eyes like autumn waters’ skill!
Lady Zhou shyly pursed her lips and Zhao Xu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at her. The air became imperceptibly warmer, as if heated by the romantic tension between them.
Eunuch Li entered and curtsied as he spoke. “Your Majesty, Qiu Ling of the Palace of Prolonged Autumn has arrived. Her Majesty sent her with a delivery.”
“Oh, the empress.” Zhao Xu withdrew his hand from Lady Zhou’s shoulder. “Let her in.”
Qiu Ling entered the chamber, carrying a tray. Folded clothing lay upon it and on top of them were a few pieces of jewelry.
Qiu Ling lowered her head and curtsied in greeting. “This servant pays her respects to Your Majesty and Lady Zhou. Her Majesty sent this servant to give Lady Zhou some clothes.”
“The empress is as thoughtful as ever.” Zhao Xu nodded. He turned to Lady Zhou and said, “You will follow us to the Palace of Prolonged Autumn later to pay your respects to the empress.”
“Yes, this subject understands.” Lady Zhou nodded tactfully. The emperor and the empress were her immediate superiors, so it was best not to do anything that might offend them.
“Make her presentable,” Zhao Xu ordered Qiu Ling and turned to leave the bedchamber.
Qiu Ling was stunned for a moment but immediately answered with: “As Your Majesty commands.”
Qiu Ling was a fourth rank court lady, while Lady Zhou was a mere ninth rank selected lady. A court lady under the empress serving a ninth rank selected lady was practically a slap to the empress’ face.
But Qiu Ling couldn’t refuse a command from the emperor.
Qiu Ling moved beside the dragon bed and placed the tray atop it. She said, “Lady, please rise.”
Lady Zhou removed the blanket only then, and her kiss-marked body was revealed as she stood. Qiu Ling only briefly glanced at it before she began to dress Lady Zhou.
“Issuing a new task: befriend Court Lady Qiu and acquire information about the empress. Task reward: divine voice.” Once again, the favored concubine system issued a mission.
‘Divine voice’? Did that mean that her voice would be very pleasant when she spoke and sang?
Lady Zhou glanced at Court Lady Qiu, who had bent over to help tie her belt, and said, “I’m sorry to trouble you, Court Lady Qiu.”
“You exaggerate, Lady. His Majesty commanded this servant to do this, thus this servant will do it well.” Court Lady Qiu’s tone was courteous but Lady Zhou understood the implication.
‘I’m only doing this because of His Majesty’s command. Without that, who’d be fucking willing to serve you?’
“Please sit, Lady. This servant will do your makeup,” Court Lady Qiu said. She had already finished tying the belt and had straightened up as she faced Lady Zhou.
Lady Zhou sat down, quite frustrated with her current status. It was still very low. Even if she attempted to befriend others, they would ignore her.
Lady Zhou’s tone was very sincere when she said, “Court Lady Qiu, I’m somewhat nervous as I’ve never met the empress. I want to know if there is anything Her Majesty doesn’t like? I’m afraid that I’ll displease Her Majesty on our first meeting.”
“There is no need to be nervous, Lady. Her Majesty is very amiable as long as the rules are followed.” Court Lady Qiu’s reply was evasive.
That was equivalent to saying nothing! Lady Zhou’s expression remained unchanged, but she cursed inwardly.
The empress was no pushover either. Delivering these things reminded the emperor that the inner palace is a large workplace. However, it was far more dangerous than a normal workplace. The loser would lose everything: their status, their wealth, their life, and anything they held dear.
“You failed to acquire information about the empress. You have three chances. To encourage you to take the task seriously, you will be punished for your failure if you fail more than three times,” the mechanical voice of the favored concubine system said.
Translator: Kiara
MTL Editor: Shark
TLC: Kaho
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