The Emperor’s eyes were filled with a smile. “It seems I’ve interrupted your conversation.”

“Your Majesty, that’s not what I meant,” Shen Meizhuang replied, slightly bowing as she spoke.

With two beautiful women by his side, the Emperor couldn’t help but feel pleased. “What were you two talking about just now? Would you mind sharing it with me?”

Shen Meizhuang smiled gently. “It was just some private conversation between women.”

Zhen Huan also spoke up, “Your Majesty, as the ruler of the nation, you’re still asking about our private thoughts? Aren’t you afraid others will laugh at you?”

After saying this, she glanced at Shen Meizhuang, and the two of them laughed together.

“Look at her,” the Emperor said, pointing at Zhen Huan as he spoke to Shen Meizhuang. “In my harem, there are so many concubines, but only she dares to speak to me like this.”

Shen Meizhuang glanced at Zhen Huan, covering her mouth with her handkerchief, and smiled. “That’s because Your Majesty favors her so much, and now you’re speaking of her like this.”

Just as the Emperor was about to continue, Caixing came to report.

“Your Highness, the Hua Consort just sent someone to say she wants you to come to Yikung Palace. She has something to discuss.”

“I understand, I’ll go shortly.”

Zhen Huan thought, so it’s finally happening!

Just as Shen Meizhuang was about to bid the Emperor farewell, Zhen Huan beat her to it.

“Your Majesty, I heard that Hua Consort’s Yikung Palace is next to the Thousand Carp Pond. Although I’ve never been there, it’s already dark, and the lake water is cold and eerie. It might make people feel uneasy. Sister Meizhuang is going alone, and I really can’t feel at ease…”

Zhen Huan then glanced at the little eunuch beside her.

“My little eunuch in the palace is skilled in martial arts. I think it would be best if he accompanies Sister Meizhuang. That way, she won’t be scared, and if anything happens, the little eunuch can protect her. I hope Your Majesty will grant permission.”

The Emperor raised his hand, signaling for Zhen Huan to stand. “This is no trouble. Let the little eunuch accompany Shen Guiren.”

“Zhen Huan thanks Your Majesty,” she said, pretending to look troubled. “But…”

“But what? If you have something to say, just speak it, Guiren.”

“It’s just… my little eunuch is from my palace. I’m worried Hua Consort might blame me for interfering.”

“To avoid unnecessary trouble, I think it’s better if the little eunuch stays hidden and protects Sister Meizhuang in secret. Only then can I feel at ease.”

“Then do as you wish.” The Emperor looked at Zhen Huan with even more tenderness in his gaze. He was a man, after all, and he liked those who were affectionate and loyal. He then turned to the little eunuch. “Little Eunuch, did you hear your master’s words?”

The clever little eunuch immediately knelt in front of the Emperor. “I heard, Your Majesty. I will definitely protect Shen Guiren well and ensure she’s not scared.”

Shen Meizhuang understood that Zhen Huan was worried that Hua Consort might cause trouble for her, so she had specifically asked the little eunuch to follow and protect her.

That’s why, when Zhen Huan and the Emperor were speaking earlier, she hadn’t interrupted.

So, the little eunuch quietly followed Shen Meizhuang all the way to Yikung Palace.

Later, to avoid being seen by Hua Consort’s people, he hid in a discreet spot.

“Long live the Hua Consort, may you be well. May I ask what you need from me?”

When Shen Meizhuang entered the hall, she accidentally noticed that Song Zhi was holding the copy of the Women’s Analects that she had transcribed.

But the room was too dark, and Hua Consort probably did this on purpose.

It seemed like she was trying to make things difficult for her.

However, in this dark room, Hua Consort’s voice rang out.

“Shen Guiren, do you have any objections to me having you transcribe the Women’s Analects?”

Shen Meizhuang quickly gave a deep bow. “I wouldn’t dare, Hua Consort. It’s my honor to receive your guidance.”

“You wouldn’t dare?” Hua Consort gave Song Zhi a look, and Song Zhi immediately understood. She handed the book over to Shen Meizhuang for her to read.

“Shen Guiren is supposed to be a lady of a prestigious family, yet you’ve written such… childish and inconsistent characters. Do you think so little of me?”

Shen Meizhuang glanced at the characters she had written. While they weren’t perfect, she had done her best.

As for the inconsistent size of the characters, that could be forgiven, but what did she mean by “childish”?

Once a person’s handwriting was formed, it couldn’t possibly change overnight, could it?

Faced with Hua Consort’s deliberate nitpicking, Shen Meizhuang felt aggrieved in her heart, but she still had to submit and be accommodating.

“If the Hua Consort is dissatisfied, I can take it back and transcribe it again.”

“No need. Just do it here. That way, you won’t slack off again, and I won’t have to send someone to call you. I would be annoyed, and you don’t want me to be annoyed, do you?”

“Yes, Consort.”

Now in a position of submission, Shen Meizhuang, though unwilling in her heart, had no choice but to lower her head.

“Go ahead and copy it. I’ll take a nap first,” Hua Consort said lazily, lying on the couch.

“Song Zhi, the room is too bright. Dim a couple more lamps.”

It was already quite dark, and now if more lamps were dimmed, how could she possibly see to write?

Shen Meizhuang thought this but dared not hesitate in her actions.

As she copied the text, the darkness made it so hard to see that her eyes were almost unable to make out the words.

She rubbed her eyes, feeling the pain, and just when she thought she had reached the final stage, Hua Consort didn’t even glance at her and dismissed her.

Meanwhile, outside, the little eunuch was getting anxious. He couldn’t even catch a glimpse of Shen Meizhuang.

Though he was worried, he didn’t dare move a step, afraid that something might happen to Shen Meizhuang, betraying his master’s trust.

Just as he was feeling desperate, he suddenly saw Shen Meizhuang and Caiyue walking towards him.

Shen Meizhuang was looking around as though searching for something. “Where’s the little eunuch?”

She softly spoke to Caiyue beside her.

Caiyue also looked around. “Master, did you forget? Guiren asked him to follow secretly, so no one would notice. If we can find him, wouldn’t people with ill intentions have already seen him?”

“You’re right.” After hearing Caiyue’s words, Shen Meizhuang’s heart settled down.

“Since I’m not tired, why don’t you accompany me to the Thousand Carp Pond to see the fish? I heard His Majesty is there lighting lanterns, and the red fish look beautiful at night.”

Shen Meizhuang, seeing the moonlight, suddenly felt interested.

Caiyue, seeing how her master had suffered in Yikung Palace, agreed that getting some fresh air was a good idea. She and Little Shi accompanied Shen Meizhuang to the Thousand Carp Pond.

Meanwhile, the little eunuch, still trailing behind, couldn’t help but mutter to himself:

“I know my master asked me to protect Shen Guiren in case something happens, but it’s already so late. Why is she going to the Thousand Carp Pond to see fish instead of going back to rest?”

He thought this, but despite his grumbling, he didn’t slack off. His eyes stayed fixed on Shen Guiren’s movements.