Xiao Nianzi and Xiao Anzi were clearly stunned. The head eunuch of the harem was a coveted position, a dream for many eunuchs.
Now this good fortune had fallen upon both of them. In truth, ever since they began following the Empress, they had only wished to serve their mistress diligently and had never imagined such a fortunate turn of events. Once they recovered from their surprise, they immediately thanked the Empress with joyful kowtows.
"Your servants thank the Empress. Your servants will surely manage the harem with all their hearts."
"Good. The two of you go and mobilize some of the eunuchs in the harem. Search in every dark corner, and even dredge the deep wells, for any traces of Caixia and the former chief eunuch."
"Your servants obey the decree." Xiao Anzi and Xiao Nianzi immediately walked out respectfully. The moment they stepped outside, they felt the advantage of their new status. The young eunuchs guarding the palace doors looked at Xiao Nianzi and Xiao Anzi with envy. They had already heard the Empress's words, and their address immediately changed, referring to them as Chief Eunuch An and Chief Eunuch Nian.
Xiao Nianzi and Xiao Anzi exchanged a glance and silently vowed to serve the Empress even more diligently in the future, without the slightest error. They immediately proceeded to the chambers of the former chief eunuch to gather personnel to search for the former chief eunuch, Afeng, and Caixia.
In Wei Yang Palace, everyone was happy for Xiao Anzi and Xiao Nianzi. Their reputation in the harem was well-regarded, and it meant the rest of them wouldn't have to work as hard. However, they also harbored deep concerns.
Caixia had disappeared without a trace, and it was rumored that Chief Eunuch Afeng was also missing. This caused widespread unease. They hadn't expected that people in the deep palace could simply vanish. This made the eunuchs and palace maids very afraid.
Everyone speculated that Caixia and Chief Eunuch Afeng must have met with some misfortune.
Just as everyone was feeling unsettled, a young eunuch entered from outside and reported respectfully.
"Reporting to the Empress, Princess Jielan requests an audience."
Although they knew Princess Jielan would eventually become Prince Yan's Consort, the wedding had not yet taken place, so it was not appropriate for the eunuch to directly address her as Prince Yan's Consort. Thus, he continued to call her Princess.
Upon hearing that Jielan had come to visit, Liu Liu recalled that the Empress Dowager had recently mentioned holding a grand wedding ceremony for Prince Yan and Princess Jielan. It seemed the Princess had come to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. She immediately waved to the young eunuch, signaling him to invite Princess Jielan in.
"Let her in."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The young eunuch retreated quickly. Soon, Jielan, accompanied by Feng Xinhun, entered the main hall. Jielan's expression was serene, and her demeanor was like a secluded orchid in a deep valley. Standing in the center of the hall, she smiled gently and bowed, "Jielan pays her respects to the Empress."
Beside her, Xinhun also smiled happily, "Xinhun pays her respects to the Empress."
Seeing the little one, Liu Liu's face lit up with joy. She quickly waved, signaling for the mother and son to rise, and then ordered, "Grant them seats."
"Thank you, Empress." Jielan thanked Liu Liu again and gracefully walked to the side to sit down. Palace maids brought tea and then withdrew. Liu Liu smiled at Jielan. In the more than two months since they last met, Princess Jielan's complexion was clear and radiant, her eyes seemed to be imbued with ink, filled with brilliance. Her every movement exuded maternal love.
Liu Liu knew that she had forgiven Prince Yan. The Empress Dowager had already instructed the Imperial Astronomy Bureau to select an auspicious date for her and Prince Yan's wedding ceremony.
"Princess, you are too kind," Liu Liu said, covering her mouth as she smiled. She shed her usual cool demeanor, revealing a captivating and alluring beauty.
Jielan was momentarily stunned and sighed inwardly, "No wonder Feng Lie finds it difficult to forget such a beauty. If it were me, could I forget someone as sharp and intelligent as this?
Perhaps not. Fortunately, he had promised never to mention her again. She was merely a memory in his heart. A person's life may fade, but human memory is indelible. Moreover, they were best friends in their youth, and due to their naivety, they had missed each other.
Seeing that the Princess had fallen into deep thought, Liu Liu slightly raised an eyebrow, "What is it, Princess?"
"Oh, nothing," Jielan shook her head. She no longer felt jealous of the Empress, for she understood it was due to her own past ignorance. It had nothing to do with the Empress.
Now, both she and Feng Lie were parents. For Xinhun's upbringing, they would spend their lives together. Sometimes, it is not a love that pierces the heart that sustains a relationship; rather, kinship can be even more enduring.
Seeing that Jielan was unwilling to say more, Liu Liu did not press the matter. She looked at Xinhun, whose little face was rosy, completely free from the aloofness seen previously. It seemed he had accepted Feng Lie as his father. She presumed Feng Lie had put in considerable effort, and smiled at Jielan.
"Muxing has been constantly mentioning Xinhun. There has been too much disturbance in the palace recently. Once matters are settled, I will arrange for Xinhun to study with Muxing."
Jielan was very agreeable to this. The Crown Prince's tutor must be highly educated. It would be best for Xinhun to study well. As a mother, she always wished for her son to receive the best education. A gentle smile adorned her face, "Very well. If he can enter the palace to study with the Crown Prince, it will be Xinhun's good fortune."
As they were talking in the great hall, cheerful voices could be heard from outside. Speaking of the devil, Muxing, upon hearing the eunuch report that Xinhun had entered the palace, had already rushed over impatiently.
He was so bored alone in the palace! Apart from that little brat, there was no one else to play with. Just like on Xiaoyao Island, he could only play with Xiao Jin and Xiao Hei. Now that Xinhun was back, he would have someone to play with.
"Xinhun, Xinhun!" Muxing called out as he entered the great hall. Liu Liu smiled, her son seemed bored and had been constantly complaining about having no one to play with. It was rare for Xinhun to visit the palace. Liu Liu smiled and said, "Muxing, since Xinhun is here, you two children go and play. Cui'er, take good care of them."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Cui'er nodded, taking them by the hand one by one and leading them out. Outside the palace gates, capable subordinates of Lord Riying were waiting. They were specifically assigned by the Empress to protect the Crown Prince's safety.
In the great hall, Liu Liu descended from her high seat and walked to Jielan's side, smiling calmly, "Princess, you haven't met the Empress Dowager yet, have you? Come, let's go together to see the Empress Dowager."
"Alright," Jielan rose and followed behind the Empress as they walked out. Hong Xiu and Ming Yue, leading several palace maids and eunuchs, also followed behind the Empress towards Cining Palace.
The group walked through the corridors with carved railings and jade balustrades. Outside the corridors, fallen blossoms lay scattered on the ground. An autumn wind suddenly arose, sweeping a ground full of fallen flowers into the air. They swirled upwards, then spiraled down. Palace maids were sweeping the garden paths. Chrysanthemums in the garden were in full bloom, in various forms and colors. It was amazing how even single chrysanthemums could bloom so fragrantly, their scent filling the air. In the distance, there was a pond. Broken lotus leaves floated in the pond, and willow trees on the bank were reflected in the water. The desolate cold wind blew, shaking off a pond full of withered yellow willow leaves. Autumn, everywhere, exuded a sense of desolation.
The two women walked together and soon reached the entrance of Cining Palace. Fallen leaves drifted on the stone steps before the gate. Several palace maids and eunuchs guarding the gate saw Liu Liu and Princess Jielan approaching and immediately bowed respectfully, "Your servants greet the Empress and Princess Jielan."
"Is the Empress Dowager in the palace?" Liu Liu asked, raising an eyebrow. Her imposing demeanor, even without anger, made the palace maids dare not be careless. They bowed respectfully, "The Empress Dowager was sleeping for a while. She has just woken up and is conversing in the great hall."
As soon as the palace maid finished speaking, the head eunuch, Qing An, emerged from within. Liu Liu observed him closely. Head Eunuch Qing An had also aged, with a few streaks of white at his temples. Upon seeing Liu Liu, he smiled and performed a kowtow, "The Empress Dowager has asked the Empress and the Princess to enter."
"Mm," Liu Liu smiled and nodded. Liu Liu had a good impression of the head eunuch, Qing An. Since she was out of favor, he had treated her well. As he was a trusted attendant of the Empress Dowager, he naturally wouldn't treat her poorly. The two followed Qing An into the great hall.