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That day, Consort Xu De swept through the harem, and he could clearly see that those who were dismissed were mostly Noble Consort’s people, even the Chief Eunuch of the Etiquette Bureau had been removed, now assigned to emptying chamber pots. He felt very uneasy about it.

He had indeed done some tasks for Noble Consort, but those were all within the rules; he was just following the rules, not truly Noble Consort’s man.

Fatty Gao, the Chief of the Imperial Kitchen, had quietly connected with Canglan Court even when Master Lian was still Daying. This grandson would call him "Old Brother" day in and day out but didn’t tip him off when he received news beforehand.

In comparison, he was arriving late. Adding icing to the cake was far inferior to sending charcoal in snowy weather; regardless of whether it would succeed, he had to try.

However, compared to others, he was among the early ones.

Others couldn’t even find the opportunity.

Master Lian was carrying the dragon’s seed, guarded by Nanny Qi and showered with His Majesty’s profound affection, making her one of the most elusive masters in the palace.

He was here because of Feng Ji’s promotion.

Since Eunuch Liu entered the gates of Canglan Court, the sights he saw along the way puzzled him. It was his first time in Canglan Court; there had been no need to come before, and later, he couldn’t come even if he wanted to. He also had relied on this easterly wind.

Speaking of the sights he saw, he truly couldn’t understand from the bottom of his heart. The arrangement of Canglan Court was too unique, unlike any other place in the palace. It was his first time seeing such.

As the Deputy Steward of the Bureau of Palace Attendants, he had some knowledge about the layouts and Feng Shui arrangements.

Other palaces nearly always were adorned with precious plants and trees.

Larger palace courtyards also had pavilions and towers, very organized, each with its own system.

He could instantly tell from which layout and what Feng Shui momentum they had drawn.

But as for Canglan Court, he truly couldn’t figure out any logic; a main pathway led straight from the main gate to the Side Hall, with poles on both sides of the pathway holding palace lanterns for lighting—quite ordinary. However, the other areas were different.

Within his sight were patches of land, all bare, looking very neat but each different.

Some seemed artificially turned over, their soil exposed looking loose and soft;

Some were ridged, appearing higher in the middle and lower at the ends like walkways, seemingly meant for walking; but what were the raised parts used for?

Other patches even retained some... sticks?

Each patch of land was different. Taken together, they looked disorganized and lacked any apparent layout.

Eunuch Liu secretly pondered. Could there be some hidden principles of the Mysterious Gate here? Otherwise, how could Master Lian rise higher and higher, bearing the dragon’s seed and still being the sole favorite of the harem?

He had to delve into it., thinking about how to praise Master Lian later, in a way that would hit the mark and make Master Lian see him in a different light...

While thinking about taking a closer look, he suddenly snapped back to attention and saw a tall palace maid in front of him apparently waiting for him.

Luckily, he had seen many things, or else it would have certainly startled him; Little Doggie by his side indeed got a fright, almost dropping the tray.

He immediately glanced at Little Doggie with his eyes.

Little Doggie clearly understood the reproof in the glance, quickly holding the tray steady, lowered his head to compose himself, his heart still thumping wildly.

It wasn’t his fault; the palace maid was just so tall, taller than any other palace maid he had seen, and taller than most eunuchs. Her sudden appearance made him think she was there to hit him. Was it any wonder he was frightened?

This task was already making him very nervous, fearful of making any mistakes, and his spirits had been tense. That scare had almost made him lose composure.

Xiao Qing glanced at Little Doggie, then at the tray, and looked towards Eunuch Liu, giving her respects. "Is it Eunuch Liu? My master is not in the Side Hall; she sent me to fetch you."

Eunuch Liu’s expression involuntarily carried a trace of flattery as he smiled and said, "Indeed, it is I. I’ve come to deliver the Eunuch Manager Uniform to Eunuch Ji. Master Lian’s consideration is truly touching, and it greatly moves me."

"Someone coming specifically to fetch us, what does this imply?" It implied they were granted an audience with Master Lian!

Xiao Qing nodded, as she had known about it beforehand.

The Master had just heard the report that someone from the Bureau of Palace Attendants had come to deliver the Eunuch Manager Uniform to Xiao Jizi. Upon hearing this, the Master was overjoyed and declared it was truly a double blessing and bade them enter.

The Master then suddenly remembered that there was no one in the Side Hall since everyone had gathered at the pavilion end. Thinking it over and noting her distinct height, he decided to send her to receive them.

Leading the way, Xiao Qing was addressed by Eunuch Liu, "May I ask how to address you, Miss?"

Xiao Qing was surprised, turned around to look at him, and honestly said, "I’m only fourteen and a half, not yet of age to be called Miss. Just call me Xiao Qing."

Eunuch Liu almost choked on his saliva, his first thought being how could such a tall palace maid be under fifteen? If she grew taller, just how tall would she be!

His second thought was about the maid’s forthrightness.

’Miss’ was a respectful term for palace maids, and he had used it hoping to flatter her, but he had not expected the maid to be so straightforward.

She seriously explained it to him, disregarding the flattery in his words, which was completely different from what he had envisioned.

Little Doggie was shocked. What? This palace maid is only fourteen? This tall? This big? What has she been eating to grow so much!

He couldn’t help but look up and down, nearly bumping into a nearby post, causing his hands carrying the tray to wobble.

With an awkward laugh, Eunuch Liu was just about to say something when he noticed Little Doggie’s gaffe and shot him a displeased glance.

He then turned back to Xiao Qing and said, "Sister Xiao Qing, this young eunuch is inexperienced, please forgive him."

"It’s nothing." Xiao Qing didn’t mind and directly walked by, before Little Doggie could react, she took the tray with one hand. "I’ll do it."

She had noticed earlier that the young eunuch seemed unable to hold the tray steady anymore, probably due to carrying it too long and losing strength.

The young eunuch, being thin and frail, looked as if he would fall over with the slightest breeze. She could lift him with one hand.

These two were walking too slowly, and the Master was waiting to see, delaying too much time; she might as well carry it herself.

Taking over the tray, Xiao Qing led the way, her steps much quicker than before, heading straight forward.

Eunuch Liu and the still stunned Little Doggie were both taken aback.

After regaining their composure, Eunuch Liu glared at Little Doggie sternly and quickly jogged to catch up, "Sister Xiao Qing, how can we trouble you? Let us handle it..."

Panicked, Little Doggie also started to run after them, trying to compensate, "This isn’t proper; let your servant handle it, let your servant handle it..."

Xiao Qing simply said, "It’s fine, I’m strong." She swiftly walked toward the pavilion, holding the tray effortlessly.

Along the way, Eunuch Liu and Little Doggie tried to catch up and persuade her to hand back the tray, but Xiao Qing never returned it. She reassured them she was strong, carrying the tray as if it weighed nothing.