"It's fine. From now on, you don't need to be so reserved when you follow me. I hope the few of us are not just master and servant, but also friends and family."
Yun Xiao's words fell. Wanwan didn't take it to heart, as she had long known about her master's astonishing actions.
However, it was the first time Jingyun and Liuxing had heard such endearing words. A warm current surged through their chests. They, as hidden guards, had always lived in cold corners. When had they ever heard such warm words?
Although the prince treated them well, there was still a difference between superior and subordinate. Moreover, the prince was a man of strict principles and was very demanding of them, as he wanted to provide the most capable people for his master, those who could best protect her.
"Friends, family?"
Jingyun repeated the words and finally nodded forcefully, "Okay, Miss, we will be friends and family from now on."
Despite their short acquaintance, Yun Xiao already knew that Liuxing had a steady and indifferent personality, while Jingyun was the opposite. Jingyun was outgoing, lively, and also very pure-hearted.
"Good," Yun Xiao nodded, a warmth filling the room. She slowly parted her lips and said, "You two stay in the palace these few days and keep an eye on the palace's movements. Report any situation to me immediately. Be very careful, as there are many powerful people in this palace."
Yun Xiao thought of Murong Chong, who was always appearing and disappearing. Then there was Ximen Yue, who lived in Qingfeng Pavilion. Although that person rarely came out, she had witnessed his abilities that night.
And the hidden people in the palace, the Emperor's subordinates.
In short, it was best to be cautious everywhere.
"Yes, Master, we understand."
Liuxing and Jingyun cupped their fists. When it came to serious matters, they were equally serious.
After Yun Xiao instructed her two subordinates, she remembered asking Liuxing to administer the medicine today and couldn't help but ask with concern, "Which concubines did you administer the medicine to today?"
"Your subordinate does not know which concubines, but the one in Zhaoyang Palace was among them. Moreover, your subordinate saw them all drink it."
Liuxing reported respectfully. Yun Xiao nodded. There were so many concubines in the palace; how could he possibly distinguish them all?
However, as long as it was administered, there would be good drama tonight. Thinking of the good drama, Yun Xiao's eyes immediately lit up, her typical, mischievous smile appearing.
"Let's go, Wanwan, let's go watch the show."
"Ah, right now?" Wanwan's eyes widened. She listened to the sounds outside the room. The wind howled, and snow fluttered. On such a cold night, their Empress was still in such high spirits. However, it might be better not to.
"Your Highness, it's snowing, and it's so cold. Also, your mouth injury hasn't fully healed yet. Let's go to sleep."
"Mmm, it's okay. Although it still hurts a little, it doesn't affect my speech. How can I sleep at a time like this? There will be a good show soon."
Yun Xiao hugged the small hand stove in her arms. She had already jumped off the soft couch, turned, and looked at Liuxing and Jingyun, "You two can go down. I'll call you if there's anything."
"Yes, Master."
The two of them flashed away. Yun Xiao didn't want anyone to know about Liuxing and Jingyun's existence. They were her life-saving talismans, so how could she let others know?
Since they were going to sneak a peek at the show, it was not appropriate to alert others. Yun Xiao and Wanwan sneaked out from the back.
In the deep palace, figures were sparse. The cold night was so desolate. Who would be running around? It was probably only her master who was so interested.
Wanwan put on a bitter face, staring at the small figure in front of her. Helplessly, she accompanied her, passing through corridors and pavilions towards Jingfu Palace.
In the vast imperial palace, apart from the night patrol guards, it was probably only the two of them, awake in the middle of the night to watch a show.
Around Jingfu Palace, there were several towering ancient trees. Even in winter, with heavy snow falling, they were still lush and green. They were perfect for concealing themselves at this moment.
The two of them nimbly climbed the trees, concealed their figures, and waited for what would happen next...
Not long after, a soft sedan chair was seen stopping in front of Jingfu Palace. Two palace maids stood on either side of the sedan. When the sedan chair stopped, they lifted the curtain and invited the person inside to alight. Two small eunuchs carrying lanterns led the way.
Under the dim lamplight, Yun Xiao immediately recognized the first woman to appear as Ye Suxue, who had been demoted. She saw the entourage hurrying towards the entrance of Jingfu Palace.
Yun Xiao, perched on the tree, couldn't help but raise her eyebrows. Liuxing indeed did his job effectively.
The first one was indeed Ye Suxue. Her mood improved even more as she thought about this. It was truly wonderful. Sitting on the treetop, swinging her legs, she felt incredibly comfortable. Poor Wanwan on the side kept exhaling, accompanying her master.
In front of Jingfu Palace.
Several eunuchs were on duty. Upon seeing Ye Suxue arrive, they immediately perked up and respectfully greeted her, "Greetings, Lady Shuyuan."
Although Consort De had been demoted, everyone knew in their hearts that she was the Empress Dowager's own niece. Her rank would be restored sooner or later, and she might even be directly promoted to Empress. Therefore, everyone in the palace still treated her with the same respect and caution as before.
Ye Suxue's expression was unpleasant. Hearing the eunuch's words, she remembered her demotion, and resentment welled up in her heart towards her aunt.
"This consort wishes to see the Emperor."
The little eunuchs quickly replied, "Your Highness, please wait a moment. This servant will report to Eunuch Ting immediately."
Ye Suxue did not speak. Although it was winter, she felt as if she were on fire, wishing she could shed all her clothes. Her mind was filled with the Emperor's proud figure. When had she become so unbearable?
As Ye Suxue thought this, she fanned herself with her jade hand. Yue Mei, her personal maid, looked at her strangely and whispered,
"Your Highness, what's wrong?"
"I'm a little hot."
As Ye Suxue spoke, her eyes couldn't help but glance at the little eunuchs opposite her. These little eunuchs were tender-skinned and good-looking. The more she looked, the more she liked them.
Yue Mei frowned, sensing something was different. She quickly reached out to take a brocade handkerchief to wipe the sweat from her master, whispering, "Your Highness, has something gone wrong?"
Ye Suxue lightly shook her head, her temples slightly loosened, her eyes eager. She reached out and tugged at her collar, her breathing becoming slightly heavy.
At this moment, the little eunuch who went to report came out, and the head eunuch, Eunuch Ting, also walked out. He announced, bowing respectfully, "The Emperor has decreed that Lady Shuyuan may enter."
Ye Suxue followed the head eunuch Eunuch Ting inside, while Yue Mei and the maids and eunuchs from Zhaoyang Palace remained outside the hall.
The study in Jingfu Palace, although not as luxurious as the Imperial Study, was still magnificent. Four corners were inlaid with glazed palace lanterns, illuminating the study as bright as day.
This was where the Emperor received his inner officials and handled state affairs. Sometimes, he would also rest here.
Therefore, the spacious soft couch was covered with a long-haired, bright red carpet. Shangguan Yao, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, lazily reclined on the soft couch, glancing at Ye Suxue as she entered.