Volume 1 Chapter 17

After changing into the attire of a palace maid, Leng Jiu returned to the imperial palace. As she walked, she contemplated the matter of opening a gambling den. For her, running a gambling establishment was a straightforward task, but she lacked an essential elementa backstage support. Despite the lofty status of the Empress Dowager, she couldnt use that position to run a gambling den. Even if she dared, Long Yi would never approve, and the officials at court would likely drown her in criticism. Therefore, she needed to find a suitable partner, someone with high status and influence, who could also earn her trust!

Lost in thought, she wandered absentmindedly and suddenly was startled by a stern shout.

Halt!

Her Ladys.h.i.+p Shufei is calling you, stop!

Shufei? Wasnt she known for her gentle and refined demeanor, rarely leaving the palace? How did she become so unlucky to encounter her today? The stern shout just now, was it from the gentle ladys lips? Leng Jius mind raced with a hundred thoughts. She turned slowly, bowing her head to conceal her appearance. Greetings, Her Ladys.h.i.+p Shufei.

Shufei, dressed in a light blue palace gown, walked towards Leng Jiu with an elevated brow. Which palace are you from?

Palace of Eternal Beauty!

Pfft! So, youre from that palace of that wretched woman. Truly Shufei didnt finish her sentence, changing the subject abruptly. Seeing you wandering around empty-handed, it seems you have nothing to do. I have a bowl of birds nest soup here. Deliver it to Lady Lifen without any mistakes, understood?

But this servant this servant also needs to return to Her Majestys place. If Her Majesty doesnt see this servant later, she will surely inquire, and this servant will be punished! Leng Jiu spoke with a timid and feeble voice, bowing her head even lower.

As Shufei observed, her amus.e.m.e.nt deepened. A large palace maid by her side impatiently shoved a box of swallows nest into Leng Jius hands, saying, If Her Ladys.h.i.+p tells you to go, then go! Why so much talk?

But Leng Jiu hesitated.

No buts! If this birds nest congee gets cold because of your delay, youll be the one to blame! The maid scolded. Now, hurry up and deliver it!

Fine Ill go right away! Leng Jiu took the box of birds nest congee and left hastily. However, someone shouted after her, annoyed, Are you daft? Lady Lifens palace is in the other direction!

Oh! Leng Jiu weakly responded, bowing her head as she headed towards Lady Lifens palace. Behind her, Shufeis laughter echoed.

As Leng Jiu turned a corner, she immediately straightened up, raising an eyebrow with a sly smile. The timid demeanor had vanished, replaced by a glint in her eyes. Lifting the box of birds nest congee, she chuckled, Rest a.s.sured! Ill make sure to deliver it to you!

Lady Lifens current status, pregnant and surpa.s.sing everyone in the palace, had attracted numerous jealous individuals. Leng Jiu doubted that Shufei genuinely wished to send birds nest congee to Lady Lifen. There was undoubtedly some scheme involved. If anything happened, and Long Yi was summoned, she could be framed easily. Leng Jiu knew well enough that with her past reputation as Cold Qinghua, accusations would stick. Smirking, she said, Oh, Shufei, Shufei! I havent provoked you. Now that youre scheming against me, dont blame me for not showing mercy!

With those words, she navigated through the palace, delivering the box of congee to Lady Lifens palace. However, before doing so, she took a detour to Shufeis palace, stole some clothing and tokens, and arrived at Lady Lifens palace. Handing the box of birds nest congee to a senior palace maid, she made sure the maid noticed her waist token. Only then did she return the stolen clothing, reclaim her own attire, and head back to the Palace of Eternal Beauty, wondering if tonight would bring some interesting developments.