Page 189

Lian Hua’s taste buds were still immersed in the rich fragrance of cow’s milk as she absently replied, "Very good, everything’s fine, it’s just that my vision isn’t very good."

"What do you mean by ’not very good’?" The Emperor asked quietly, wanting to know if she meant blind or foolish with her comment about poor vision.

Unaware of his thoughts, Lian Hua said, "Didn’t you ride horseback on a long journey a few days ago?

Soon after you left, with nothing to do, I thought about making a swing.

The sun was still high, but Steward Zhang said it was too late in the day, fearing I might bump into something.

He sent everyone away, and the swing was never made.

Would you say that isn’t poor vision on Steward Zhang’s part? "

Indeed... he had overthought it. His Little Concubine was straightforward; poor vision was meant in the literal sense.

After his day at Yixiang Palace, such an event had indeed occurred. How could he dare let her swing, in case she could not resist the temptation and fell?

In this case, Zhang Qing’s actions were quite commendable. He had dispelled her thoughts, and she hadn’t brought it up since.

It seemed there indeed needed to be someone to block his Little Concubine when necessary, and the cunning old Zhang Qing, who knew her well, might just be the perfect fit...

Yet, Zhang Qing’s faults could not be simply overlooked.

Watching his Little Concubine lean her head close to the milk pot to scoop up the cream, the Emperor made up his mind.

He cleared his throat and, keeping a straight face, responded to her question, "Indeed, it’s not good."

While speaking, Lian Hua scooped up cream, "See, that night when you and Charcoal Head went out, I walked by Steward Zhang and he didn’t even see me. It’s clear his vision is truly poor. Later, we must make him a big, bright lantern to light his way."

She had scooped the milk from the side, creating a hole in the cream, which she gathered together, fortunately scooping it all up.

The Emperor affectionately shook his head; his Little Concubine was truly unguarded around him, inadvertently revealing eavesdropped matters and getting herself thoroughly exposed.

Lian Hua lifted the scooped cream towards the Emperor, "My Lord, try this, it’s also delicious." Cream was especially rich and flavorful.

Smiling, the Emperor opened his mouth and took it in. Delighted, Lian Hua began eating another spoonful, and the half pot of cow’s milk began to be shared alternately between them.

When Nanny Qi arrived, what she saw was the little girl sitting on the Emperor’s lap, the two of them fondly feeding each other.

Her old face blushed, this, this, this, what sort of decorum was this? It was utterly embarrassing for her as an old nanny!

Speaking of Nanny Qi, after parting from the Emperor, she returned to her room to rest a bit.

Her room, front and back, had been sprinkled with realgar wine by Pang Ya, and the blankets and mats had been changed to new ones.

The things messed up by the little girl had been either thrown away or set straight, thoroughly tidied up once over.

She indeed felt a bit tired today and went to bed in a daze, with Pang Ya watching over her.

After resting for a while, she felt much better. Seeing it was getting late, she remembered the little girl had asked her to have dinner together, so she freshened up and set out a bit early.

Before she approached the Side Hall, she saw a figure kneeling toward it from a distance. As she drew closer, she realized this person was the Imperial Chief Steward, Zhang Qing.

Nanny Qi understood and said nothing, gently patting the eager Pang Ya and steadying her hand as they walked past.

If the Emperor wanted to deal with someone, that was his prerogative, not hers to comment on.

Zhang Qing was indeed loyal, but this time his task was mishandled, almost causing a grave error. It was a deserved punishment, a lesson to be remembered, from henceforth he must sharpen his astuteness.

Being a servant in the palace, mere loyalty is insufficient; one must also be observant and discerning.

This matter serves as a warning for the servants of Star Palace and Canglan Court to diligently fulfill their duties henceforth, and not to become complacent. Even if it involves the Imperial Chief Steward, His Majesty would show no mercy in handling them.

Nanny Qi had a good point; this incident indeed had a significant impact on the people of Star Palace and Canglan Court.

Who was Zhang Qing? He was the Imperial Chief Steward, the number one person in the palace’s inner workings.

All servants in the harem, unless they belonged to a specific master, were under his command.

Which of the Consorts did not afford him respect, and even court officials had to give him some deference upon meeting him.

Thus, the people from Star Palace and Canglan Court kneeling in Canglan Court were profoundly shaken.

Especially the young eunuchs of Star Palace, each one was anxious and careful in their duties, not daring to relax since Steward Zhang was not only the Imperial Chief Steward but also the top person of Star Palace, their direct supervisor.

Now that their immediate superior was punished, there was no one to guide them.

Steward Zhang was prudent in his conduct and never unclear in his dealings. He was easy to work with on a daily basis, not excessively harsh on his subordinates like some stewards from other palaces might be.

As long as it did not concern serving His Majesty, even if they made minor mistakes, he would turn a blind eye and let it pass. In many ways, Steward Zhang took care of them.

Now that an incident occurred in Canglan Court, Steward Zhang was the first to be affected. Some young eunuchs were distressed and wanted to kneel with Zhang Qing, but before they could kneel, he sent them away, telling them to focus on their duties and not to cause more trouble.

The young eunuch who wanted to kneel was Xiao Linzi. Though he belonged to Canglan Court, Steward Zhang had always treated him well. Even though he often scolded him, it was for his benefit, which Xiao Linzi appreciated deeply. Seeing Steward Zhang in such a state pained him.

Xiao Jizi sighed and pulled the bewildered Xiao Linzi away.

In the palace, everyone ultimately belonged to His Majesty, and loyalty to His Majesty was paramount.

Thunder and dew are both the grace of the emperor; Xiao Linzi kneeling in protest was an absurd act.

Was it dissatisfaction with His Majesty’s decision or something else?

Doing so did not help Steward Zhang but rather harmed him.

This fool really was foolish, not understanding the consequences of his actions.

Steward Zhang being punished weighed heavily on Xiao Jizi’s mind as well, and it sounded an alarm in his heart. He feared that none of them in Canglan Court would be safe.

Their conduct today had indeed been poor, failing to protect their master and Nanny Qi. Instead, they had allowed their master to risk herself, from fighting the serpent to save Nanny Qi to catching the thief in the Main Hall.

If they were to have a future, they must better protect their master, ensuring that at least two people were by her side. If an incident occurred, one could scout ahead while the other stayed to guard their master.

Xiao Jizi looked toward the Side Hall, his thoughts filled with the naive and sincere nature of his master, warmth flooding his heart. His Majesty cherished his master so dearly, perhaps even if they were punished, His Majesty would surely protect her...

Speaking of the Side Hall, it’s necessary to return to Nanny Qi accepting Lian Hua’s invitation for the evening meal, coming to the Side Hall earlier, only to stumble upon Lian Hua feeding the Emperor on his lap, which made the atmosphere somewhat awkward.

As Nanny Qi had walked to the doorway and had been seen, it was impossible to just walk back out.

To retreat now would only make matters worse and more uncomfortable for both parties. Moreover, that was not her style.

Nanny Qi patted Pang Ya’s hand, signaling her to leave first, then slowly walked into the Side Hall, giving the people inside time to adjust.