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Lian Hua laughed heartily, feeling that Pang Ya was really skilled in dealing with the petty and complacent, utterly valiant.

She eagerly asked, "What about Xiao Jizi? How was he?"

Xiao Qing replied with verve, "Oh, he got swept by Pang Ya’s broom several times, crying out in pain, begging her to be gentle while dodging and dusting himself off. Pang Ya simply snorted coldly and didn’t bother with him anymore, putting the broom away."

"Yet he was not willing to give up. Just as he was gearing up to belittle Pang Ya, Nanny Qi heard the commotion and came out.

Seeing him behaving so improperly, she sternly lectured him, warning him against arrogance and to not get carried away in victory.

He was instantly silenced, daring not to say more, and with a sheepish succession of agreements, he bowed and scuttled away, not daring to strut around anymore! "

Lian Hua couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this, "Hahaha..."

This irritating eunuch, today basking in the spring breeze, wandered around the court looking for people to impress. He even dared to show off in front of Pang Ya; he truly deserved to be taught a lesson.

Who is Pang Ya? She’s someone who has been by Nanny Qi’s side for many years, even the Noble Consort has lost face because of her, let alone a mere managing eunuch.

Xiao Qing also laughed, then, lowering her voice, said, "My lady, did you notice that Xiao Jizi didn’t dare to face you directly tonight? Do you know why? His face got scraped by one of the broom’s twigs, leaving a mark as wide as a strand of hair."

As Xiao Qing said this, she gestured with her hands the location and size of the mark, "I saw it very clearly. He’s scared of looking bad in front of you, so he didn’t dare use that side of his face towards you, always shielding it. The place he covered is exactly where that hair-wide mark is."

Upon hearing this, Lian Hua stopped laughing, her spirits lifted, "Really?"

She had thought Xiao Jizi seemed a bit odd tonight, wondering if he was just not adjusted to the role of managing eunuch. But there was this reason as well.

"Really!" Xiao Qing nodded affirmatively. She had seen it with her own eyes and had been secretly paying attention. Every action of Xiao Jizi was under her scrutiny.

Lian Hua held a comb in one hand and touched her chin with the other, her eyes began to whirl around mischievously.

So, is there another amusing scene to witness?

Or perhaps, should she invite Xiao Jizi in for a closer look? To have a bit of fun with him?

The trickery from earlier in the day was a resounding success; to repeat it tonight would be even more perfect.

With that thought, she immediately perked up, tossed aside the comb—combing was for times of boredom!—and waved Xiao Qing over, whispering a few secretive instructions to trick Xiao Jizi into coming in.

This eunuch was too clever, slippery and elusive, not easy to fool. Tonight, he had been avoiding her, delegating any issues to Xiao Linzi, thinking of ways to keep out of her sight.

Xiao Qing listened closely, but just as she heard half of it, a noise came from the entrance of the Side Hall.

The two ceased their actions and looked over together.

Immediately, Lian Hua’s eyes crinkled with a smile, putting aside her plans to play a prank on Xiao Jizi, and she stood up with a beaming smile, "Has His Majesty returned?"

Xiao Qing hurriedly bowed her head in greeting and moved to the side.

As the Emperor stepped through the Small Crescent Moon Gate, he had already spotted her and her palace maid as though they were scheming something, their expressions sly as cats that had just stolen fish. Upon seeing him, their faces immediately changed to broad smiles, which he found amusing.

He could guarantee that his Little Concubine was just up to some mischief, and if his guess was right, it involved one of her eunuchs—most likely Feng Ji.

He hadn’t reached the entrance to the Side Hall when he heard the tinkling laughter from inside, as if they were telling someone’s humorous story. His Little Concubine’s laughter was especially unrestrained, crisp and sweet. Hearing it, he felt himself relax and couldn’t help but smile as well.

Outside the Side Hall stood her two eunuchs.

The slightly dim-witted Young Eunuch noticed him early and paid his respects, while Feng Ji, now promoted to Managing Eunuch, was later to realize his presence.

Before he did, Feng Ji seemed embarrassed by the laughter from the hall, occasionally covering his face.

Feng Ji had been promoted to Managing Eunuch of Canglan Court, a decision Nanny Qi had informed him of, and to which he had agreed.

With only three servants by his Little Concubine’s side, only Feng Ji was the suitable choice. If he were to bring in another servant for the role, his Little Concubine might be unhappy. Therefore, it was best to select someone from within her circle.

He was fairly satisfied with Feng Ji’s past performance; after all, Canglan Court ultimately needed a head eunuch, someone intelligent, capable, and composed, but most importantly, absolutely loyal.

Feng Ji was reasonably smart for his age, his actions were well-considered, though he lacked a bit in composure and was prone to indulge in silliness with his Little Concubine.

His discipline was not yet strong, his experience limited.

However, he had one redeeming quality: his absolute loyalty to his Little Concubine.

Initially, he had cut off Feng Ji’s duplicity, confining the eunuch to his Little Concubine’s side. In hindsight, this proved to be a wise decision, as Feng Ji had indeed played a significant role at her side.

Having observed for some time, he found Feng Ji to be highly loyal to Nannan, which might not seem apparent in minor, harm-free matters. Yet, in serious situations, one could see that Feng Ji would even dare to commit capital offenses to protect his master.

The incident with the Serpent was an example.

His Little Concubine had falsely transmitted his decree, and while others were slow to react, Feng Ji knew the truth immediately yet still dared to conspire with Nannan, even committing many bold actions to help her cover her tracks, accepting responsibility for his actions afterward.

He hadn’t punished Feng Ji for that incident, merely warning that Nannan should not be put in such peril again; otherwise, he would not be lenient.

For the head eunuch of Canglan Court, absolute loyalty to his Little Concubine was the primary requirement; everything else could be considered in due course. Feng Ji met this criterion; there were no major issues on the surface, and the rest could slowly improve.

People had potential after all, and it was just that Feng Ji was still lacking some experience. Under Nanny Qi’s guidance, he believed Feng Ji would become ever more reliable over time.

Therefore, he had tacitly agreed to promote Feng Ji to be the Managing Eunuch of Canglan Court.

Wasn’t today Feng Ji’s first day as the newly promoted Managing Eunuch? Looking disheveled, could it be that the butt of the joke from the Side Hall was indeed Feng Ji?

Such minor issues usually didn’t concern him, but when it came to his Little Concubine, he couldn’t help but pay some attention.

These thoughts crossed the Emperor’s mind as he stepped into the Side Hall, and upon seeing his Little Concubine’s expression, he knew the answer.

He approached with a smile, pinched her chubby cheeks, and teased, "What sort of mischief were you plotting just now?"

Xiao Qing, now very composed and well-trained, saw that the Emperor had entered and quietly slipped out. That had been her routine these days; whenever His Majesty returned, she would excuse herself.

Lian Hua grabbed the Emperor’s hand, aware that he had seen her whispering with Xiao Qing.