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墨書 Inktalez
Cooperating with the royal family can lead to astonishing results, but it also comes with significant risks. If one fails to meet the expectations of the other party, the consequences can be severe.
After Dugu Hao left, Yang Yichen pondered for a long time. Since he had come, he had no intention of allowing Liu Qingxi to refuse. However, the most pressing issue was that the royal power struggle had reached a boiling point. Was it good or bad for Liu Qingxi to get involved now?
Regardless, he needed to be cautious and prevent any unforeseen issues. While working for Dugu Hao, he could not let his guard down.
In the blink of an eye, it was time for Liu Qingxi to install heating in the palace. To be honest, it was her first time entering the palace, and she couldn't help but feel a bit curious and slightly anxious, along with a sense of reverence.
Due to Liu Qingxi's first visit to the palace, Yang Yichen took special leave to escort her to the palace gates. As for what happened next, he was just a Fifth Rank official and had no authority to accompany her further.
As a specially invited guest, or perhaps someone Dugu Hao had informed in advance, Liu Qingxi received decent treatment. Passing through the heavy palace gates, she was greeted by a familiar face.
Indeed, it was Liu Gonggong, someone she had spent over half a month with.
"I have met Liu Gonggong."
" Miss Liu, no need for formalities. I have come on the emperor's orders to escort you. I didn't expect we would meet again so soon." Liu Gonggong was surprised that within just two months in the capital, everyone in the palace had heard of Liu Qingxi's achievements.
Especially this time, her godfather had specifically instructed that Liu Qingxi be treated with respect because she possessed a unique skill. "Liu Gonggong, you flatter me. I am merely fortunate to have such good luck."
Liu Qingxi exchanged a few pleasantries with Liu Gonggong but refrained from saying much more. After all, there were eyes everywhere in the palace; one careless word could lead to serious trouble and even cost her life.
She followed Liu Gonggong with her back straight and demeanor calm, not glancing around or showing any signs of nervousness or unease typical of someone entering the palace for the first time. This made Liu Gonggong regard her with greater respect.
However, before Liu Qingxi reached her destination, she caught glimpses of the palace out of the corner of her eye and noticed that it bore similarities to well-preserved royal residences in modern times.
After walking for about half an hour, Liu Qingxi saw a magnificent building appear before her, with three grand characters carved on the plaque: Yanlong Palace!
As the name suggests, it symbolizes that the emperor residing here can prolong his life, maintain good health, and ensure the continuity of the nation for generations.
" Miss Liu, this is His Majesty's sleeping quarters. Please wait a moment while I go in to announce your arrival," Liu Gonggong said softly, carefully explaining to Liu Qingxi.
Liu Qingxi nodded, standing still without wandering around or looking about, waiting for the Sovereign to summon her.
Inside Yanlong Palace, Dugu Han appeared weak and pale, abnormally bloated, with only Liu Gonggong by his side; even his beloved Queen Wang was not allowed to care for him here.
When Liu Gonggong entered and saw this scene, he realized it was the most common sight he had encountered during his visits. He quietly approached and knelt down to pay his respects: "Reporting to Your Majesty, Liu Qingxi has arrived."
"Ah, let her in," Dugu Han replied gently.
Perhaps due to his illness and having to accept his frailty, his entire mindset had undergone many changes.
Moreover, with Yang Yichen having gained a certain position in his heart, Liu Qingxi, as Yang Yichen's fiancée and possessing unique qualities, piqued his curiosity about this girl.
Otherwise, how could he, a dignified prince, possibly meet a girl of no renown?
Thinking of this, Dugu Han sighed inwardly. He never expected to feel this way; his body was increasingly failing him. If he could once force himself to handle memorial duties despite his condition, now he found himself utterly powerless.
Reluctantly, he had no choice but to temporarily entrust official matters to the Crown Prince.
In the harem, at the Phoenix Palace, Queen Wang wore her usual bright red palace attire, adorned with exquisite makeup. Her enchanting eyes were the finishing touch to her alluring appearance as she absentmindedly listened to her attendants report.
"You introduced a woman into the palace? She's already at Yanlong Palace? What does she want?" Even when angry, her beauty was hard to resist, making one want to pull her into an embrace and care for her.
At forty years old, Queen Wang still looked and spoke like a woman in her twenties, a remarkable feat indeed.
"Replying to the Empress, we are still investigating the matter," one of the palace maids said, nearly bowing so low that she could disappear into the ground, not daring to meet Queen Wang's gaze.
"Then hurry up and investigate!" With a light remark, the maid shrank back in fear and hurriedly scurried out to gather information, terrified that the next moment might bring a deadly command from this formidable woman.
Queen Wang's fox-like eyes blinked lightly, her red lips moved as she uttered two words: "A woman?"
Dugu Hao, are you trying to challenge me openly? I will accompany you to the end.
Among all the women in the harem, which one would not submit before her? Did you think sending one woman could shake my position? You underestimate me.
From beginning to end, even now, Queen Wang did not believe Dugu Hao had the ability to compete with her. In less than two months, Dugu Han would pass away, and then it would be Dugu Li's turn—then it would all be hers!
No one could have imagined that this seemingly delicate woman harbored such overwhelming ambition.
In other palaces of the harem, concubines of some standing had their own informants. They learned around the same time about a woman's arrival and that she had entered Yanlong Palace.
"Another vixen has come; let's see how I deal with her."
"Hmph! Even with the Emperor like this, he still doesn't forget to seek out wild women. What place does that leave us concubines?"
The women were itching to rush in front of Liu Qingxi, claw at her face, and tear apart this woman who had captivated the ruler.
Liu Qingxi was unaware that her arrival had stirred up a storm in the harem.
Well, it truly was quite an unexpected situation.
At this moment, Liu Qingxi stood in the grand hall, where bright yellow decorations filled every corner. Golden tables and chairs were forged from metal, and jade stones were piled up as embellishments. The bright yellow canopy exuded a serene atmosphere.
In the vast hall, there were only her and the guiding Liu Gonggong; she could even hear her own heartbeat.
Just then, an elderly man dressed in blue eunuch robes slowly walked out from behind. His voice, slightly gentler than that of a man, rang in Liu Qingxi's ears: "Miss Liu, I am Liu Gonggong by the Emperor's side. The Emperor has summoned you to Yanlong Palace due to some inconveniences."
The implication was clear: although Yanlong Palace was not an official office, for a commoner like you, being given this opportunity is already quite generous.
How could Liu Qingxi dare to refuse? The imperial authority was supreme; she was merely a commoner.
"The Emperor wishes to ask you a few questions. Please come forward!"
Following this, Liu Qingxi obediently stepped forward, lightening her footsteps as much as possible to avoid making any noise, slowly approaching the sleeping quarters at the back of the hall.
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