Shangguan Yin's features were etched with a cold, dewy frost. His narrow eyes narrowed, pupils like an unfathomable abyss, impossible to see the bottom. A chilling wind permeated the air, making one's scalp tingle at a mere glance.
Shangguan Lin dared not speak further, lowering his head.
"Do not concern yourself with this matter. I have my own plans. Your duty is to ensure that Wen Jialian reveals if there are any other accomplices in this court."
"Your subject obeys."
Shangguan Lin withdrew, a murderous aura surrounding him. If Wen Jialian dared to refuse, he would have him flayed and his skin torn, to see whose resolve was stronger – his mouth or his instruments of torture.
Regarding the princess's wedding, Shangguan Yin had entrusted all matters to the Ministry of Rites, to be handled according to the established customs of royal alliances. No expense was to be spared for the princess.
News of the court's proceedings quickly reached Qingxiao Palace.
Zhuiyue, under orders to gather information, heard these tidings early in the morning and hurried to report to the Empress.
Yun Xiao had just finished her breakfast and had ordered plum blossom tea to be brewed for her enjoyment. The hall was filled with a delicate fragrance. She listened to Zhuiyue's report with leisure, saying nothing and showing no signs of anger.
Wanwan and Qiao'er attended her left and right, unable to refrain from whispering.
"These people truly have a wild imagination. The Emperor takes a consort so soon after welcoming the Empress into the palace. It's clearly ill-intentioned."
Yun Xiao pursed her lips. These people were indeed ill-intentioned. Perhaps they wished to disrupt the affection between the Emperor and her, leaving him too occupied to deal with them. Or perhaps they intended to use flattery to bewitch the Emperor, making him hesitant to act against them. Such naive thoughts! Did the Emperor not see through this? Still, should she assist Murong?
Yun Xiao took another sip of tea. Wanwan, standing by her side, grew anxious.
"Your Ladyship, please say something! They are all suggesting the Emperor take a consort. Are you not angry?"
Yun Xiao chuckled softly, her expression unchanged as she replied, "Why should I be angry? The Emperor will handle it. What is there for me to be upset about?"
"You?"
Wanwan stamped her foot. It was like the eunuchs being more anxious than the emperor himself. They now wished to teach those ministers who dared to make such suggestions a good lesson; they truly did not show the Empress enough respect.
Yun Xiao waved her hand and instructed Zhuiyue, "Continue gathering information."
"Yes, my lady."
Zhuiyue withdrew. In the hall, Yun Xiao summoned Zhao Shangyi. "Please summon the head palace maid. Also, I hear the documents for the marriage alliance between the two nations have arrived. Inform the eunuchs to summon the Vice Minister of Rites."
"Yes, this servant will attend to it."
Zhao Shangyi, responsible for etiquette training, was elegant and dignified in appearance, clearly a capable individual. She took her leave and went to carry out the orders.
Soon, the head palace maid, addressed by everyone in the palace as Aunt Lin, was brought in. She respectfully paid her respects. Yun Xiao glanced at her, deeming her to be shrewd and well-behaved. She nodded and spoke slowly.
"How many palace maids are there in the palace currently?"
The head palace maid, slightly older, responded respectfully, "Replying to Your Ladyship, there are a total of one thousand seven hundred and thirty-one servants, both big and small, in the palace."
As soon as Aunt Lin finished speaking, Yun Xiao gasped. There were only two masters in the palace, herself and Princess Anle, yet they had to support so many people. The daily expenses and expenditures must be immense.
Furthermore, when these palace maids had nothing to do, they would cause trouble, leading to increasing chaos and difficulty in management. It would be better to release them in batches. Yun Xiao thought, then looked down at the kneeling head palace maid.
"There are too few masters in the harem, unlike in the past. Therefore, I have decided to release a batch of people. You, according to the roster, should release all those who are older and of marriageable age. Investigate past precedents and compare them."
"Yes, this servant obeys."
The female official bowed her head quickly. Honestly, with so few masters in the palace now, so many people were indeed causing some disarray.
"May I ask how many people Your Ladyship plans to release in the first batch?"
"Release two hundred first, and then gradually release more."
With Yun Xiao's decree, Aunt Lin quickly accepted her mistress's command and withdrew.
At noon, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue arrived as summoned, reporting on matters related to the princess's wedding. Yun Xiao listened, finding his report satisfactory. As there was nothing else to discuss, she urged the Ministry of Revenue to handle the matter well. This marriage alliance between Dongqin and Beichao was crucial for long-term friendship, and they must dedicate their utmost effort.
After the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites withdrew, Yun Xiao felt a bit bored in the palace and decided to go out for a walk. However, she first went to inform the Emperor, leading her attendants towards the Imperial Study.
Outside the Imperial Study, a eunuch called out. Shangguan Yin put down his wolf-hair brush, his eyes shining as he looked at the person entering. He opened his arms, and Yun Xiao naturally walked into his embrace and sat down, smiling as she spoke.
"Murong, Xiao'er is going out for a while."
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yin tightened his embrace, his voice laced with concern. "How can you go out now? The remnants of the Xishan Skull Blood Bandits have not yet been cleared. If you venture out rashly, you might be in danger."
Yun Xiao's face darkened. "Your Majesty, I have several people who can protect me."
Shangguan Yin ignored her, still holding her tightly. However, a spark lit up in his handsome and outstanding features as he spoke with great interest, "How about I accompany you out of the palace?"
"What?"
Yun Xiao's eyes nearly popped out. The Emperor was truly in good spirits to accompany her out of the palace.
"No, Murong. You should stay and handle state affairs. I can manage on my own." Yun Xiao sighed inwardly. With such a person accompanying her, could she freely bully and discipline others?
"No, I am also tired. This is a good opportunity to accompany Xiao'er out. It is our wedding period now; I should spend more time with you."
Yun Xiao really wanted to roll her eyes. She hadn't wanted him to accompany her. If she were caught by those court ministers, it would lead to another round of gossip.
However, seeing his look of exhaustion, the weariness in his eyes undeniable, her heart ached for him. This man was hers, and she could not let him be overworked. Where would she find another person like him?
"Alright, then we'll go shopping together, seek leisure, and listen to gossip. But there's one thing that must be done as I say."
"Alright."
Shangguan Yin's agreement resulted in a reflection in the bronze mirror showing a rugged man with a stern brow, dark eyes, a prominent nose, and thick lips. He gaped for a long time, then looked back at Yun Xiao, who was chuckling merrily behind him, her dimples like wine, her charm more vibrant than flowers.
"Xiao'er, must I go out like this?"
Shangguan Yin pointed at the bronze mirror and then at himself. Truthfully, in the past, he would rather wear a mask than have his face painted in such a bizarre manner.
However, he had to admire this girl's skill in transforming a peerless beauty into an ordinary, rugged man.
"You have two choices: return to the Imperial Study, or leave now."