The entire day, though Gu Qianying was the one competing, Duan Xifeng and Xiao Yihao, who followed her, did not have a moment of ease.
They were either helping her tend to the ailing woman or anxiously awaiting the results of her final poison-testing trial.
Fortunately, in the end, there were no major incidents, and Gu Qianying successfully advanced to participate in tomorrow's competition.
The two breathed a sigh of relief. When dinner was served, they eagerly devoured it.
"You two, slow down. It's as if you were the ones competing today," Gu Qianying shook her head, watching their voracious appetite.
"Mother, Yihao's stamina was greatly depleted today. If I don't eat more now, I might hinder my growth," Xiao Yihao mumbled, his mouth full.
Knowing her precious son had worked hard today, Gu Qianying rubbed his head and quickly placed more meat dishes into Xiao Yihao's bowl.
"Thank you both, brother and Xiao Yihao, for your help today. Without you two, even with my immense abilities, I wouldn't have been able to perform at my best."
She was truly grateful to them. She had initially thought they were just coming to the palace with her for the excitement, but after experiencing the day, she realized that without their assistance, her actions would have been greatly inconvenient.
Seeing her praise them so readily, Duan Xifeng and Xiao Yihao clapped their hands.
"Oh, someone actually remembers us! Xiao Yihao, it wasn't for nothing that we both disguised ourselves as women and worked so hard," Duan Xifeng, despite his mouth full of food, couldn't stop talking. But because of them, Gu Qianying could finally relax.
Dada da.
As they were laughing heartily, footsteps were heard from outside. As the door opened wide, a person dressed as a man walked in with their head bowed. Gu Qianying knew he must be a male servant.
"Miss Gu, after you finish your meal, my master wishes to see you." He was indeed polite, but Gu Qianying and the other two became suspicious.
"Who is your master? And why do they want to see me?" This was the imperial palace, not the outside world. If someone harbored ill intentions, she needed to be more cautious.
But as she asked, the male servant merely bowed and retreated to the side, not answering her question.
Seeing his demeanor, Gu Qianying understood that her master's identity must be unusual, and he was likely instructed not to speak casually.
Thus, Gu Qianying did not rush to get up but continued to dine leisurely with Xiao Yihao and Duan Xifeng.
After a long while, the male servant stood beside them without speaking or reacting.
Seeing him like this, Gu Qianying put down her chopsticks. "If you won't speak, then I can only refuse. Tell your master that since she is unwilling to reveal her identity, there is no need for me to go and see her."
Seeing Miss Gu's stubbornness, the male servant suddenly knelt on the ground.
Gu Qianying showed no reaction to his sudden action, her gaze calmly waiting to see what trick this male servant would pull.
As expected, his face turned mournful, and he repeatedly kowtowed.
"Miss Gu, if you do not see our master, this servant can only die before you."
How interesting. Gu Qianying looked at the person kneeling before her, her gaze becoming casual.
"Oh, really? Do you think you can threaten me with your life? What if I insist on not going?"
Her words were full of provocation. Seeing her so stubborn, the male servant could only increase the intensity of his kowtowing.
After only a few strikes, blood flowed from his head. However, Gu Qianying was no saint. Seeing him torment himself like this, she grew impatient.
"You're dying too slowly like this. Why don't I help you end it quickly, saving you further suffering?"
Her words truly shocked the male servant before her. He merely wanted to use his pitiful state to gain Miss Gu's sympathy, but he never expected her to be indifferent, let alone offer to help him end his life.
Seeing the male servant's terrified expression, Gu Qianying picked up her chopsticks again.
"Pa pa pa." The sound of clapping came from behind the door, and several guards rushed in.
Surrounded by them, a woman dressed in luxurious attire, with a sparkling jeweled crown on her head, walked in.
Seeing such a grand entrance, Gu Qianying knew this female official was no ordinary person.
The guards walking in front moved a grand chair to the front of the female official and helped her sit down. Then, they ordered the three people still sitting at the dining table, who showed no reaction.
"Bold commoners! How dare you not kneel when you see the Grand Tutor."
So it was the Grand Tutor of Nanyi Kingdom. Gu Qianying had inquired about this person when she arrived. Her surname was Su, and her given name was Qingqing. She had risen to her current position from humble beginnings and was now a favored figure by the Empress.
Looking at the woman with heavy makeup and red lips, Gu Qianying merely frowned, having no intention of rising to pay her respects.
"Are you still not kneeling? Are you seeking death?" Seeing the three remain motionless, the guards moved to take action, but before they could approach, Su Qingqing stopped them.
"Stop! Did I ask you to speak so much?" She silenced the guards' commotion, but then her face turned into a smile.
"I have heard about today's competition. Miss Gu's medical skills are exceptional, and she truly stood out in today's matches."
It had been a long time since such an outstanding person had appeared in the palace. After hearing about today's competition, she wanted to see what such an intelligent person looked like.
Looking at Gu Qianying's fair face and her eyes, which were like clear springs, exuding an extraordinary captivating charm, beneath such astonishing beauty lay such outstanding talent. She was indeed a rare and remarkable woman in this world.
Seeing her gaze constantly shifting over her, Gu Qianying finally rose to pay her respects and then sat down to inquire.
"May I ask what instructions Grand Tutor has for me today?"
She naturally understood that with Su Qingqing's status, there was no one she hadn't met. Her visit today must have a purpose.
Seeing this graceful woman pay her respects, Grand Tutor Su's smile deepened.
"I naturally have no major matters, but I do have a proposal. I hope Miss Gu can accompany me to my residence for a discussion."
She meant to take her away.
Considering the person's status in the palace, Gu Qianying thought for a moment and readily agreed.
Seeing her act so recklessly, Duan Xifeng quickly grabbed her arm.
"You can't go. We don't know what she intends to do. If there's any danger, I won't be able to save you in time."
These words were whispered into Gu Qianying's ear. Having experienced so much in just three days since entering the palace, it was absolutely unacceptable for her to leave her sight.