Emperor's Cunning Wife

(This part took place in a different time several hours before the intruder and the fights begun, in between Xiao Yan's duty at the Laundry Department, So before lunch time my dear readers.)

Outside the small gateway of the Loving Piety Palace, Taoyi had arrived and was currently waiting for someone to receive her after relaying Ning Lou's command.

She had her eyes lowered after receiving fierce gazes from the guards stationed in front. She seemed to understand their thoughts because of her uniform that belong to third rank maids. How can a third rank maid jump directly to first class? And why would that picky Empress pick this little maid of low status? This was ludicrous! Even Taoyi thought she was dreaming. The earlier exchanges with the Empress had stirred her emotions away from the promotion, but after the calming effect of the long walk towards Loving Piety Palace, she felt more and more overwhelmed.

When no one was paying attention, she even decided to pinch herself. If felt like she was walking on clouds, light as a feather. She never felt this way before and that made the smile on her face difficult to conceal.

Tap- Tap-

Taoyi saw two pair of palace mama's shoes and three pair of eunuchs' footwear from the corner of her eyes. Based on the rumors, none of the palace ladies were able to set even one foot inside Loving Piety Palace grounds with the exception of Ning Lou who could walk sideways and parade her entourage, so this must belong to…

"You've come."

Taoyi heard Tang mama's familiar voice and sighed confirming her guess seconds ago.

"Yes, this servant is under the Empress orders." Taoyi replied with respect tactful of her manner even though Tang mama had no title.

There was silence for few seconds before Tang mama spoke again. "This is Shi mama, you can come to her if you need anything in the future. Tonight, I'll have the Internal attendants department register you and prepare your identity token and uniform." It is evident from Tang mama's tone that she was in good mood.

Taoyi bent even further to receive Tang mama's grace. "This lowly one thanks Tang mama's grace and care." It was unexpected of Tang mama to speak in front of the crowd; this must be her acknowledgment. It is evitable that rumors would circulate around the palace that the Empress preferred a third rank maid of low origin to be her close confidant. Her words will cement some foothold for Taoyi.

Tang mama hinted Shi mama to prevent Taoyi from bowing.

"You're a first class maid now of the Empress right now. This old bones should be the one giving you respect."

"Tang mama is jesting this lowly one doesn't have qualifications to receive such grace. This lowly one should be the one paying her respects. Tang mama please accept this lowly one's bow." Taoyi's heart leap into her throat upon hearing Tang mama's reminder: I shouldn't get big headed and start having different thoughts. Taoyi didn't dare to have any, this was her principles, disdaining pursue of glory, treasuring sentiments.

"Good…Good…" Those two repeated words echoed in the ears of people nearby, the feelings behind their gazes changed as they stared again at the little one paying Tang mama respect.

"This servant sees this yatou is good. Tang mama has a good eye."

"Yes. Tang mama far more farsighted than us."

Tang mama's entourage each gave their praise for Taoyi, but most of it was still directed at Tang mama.

Taoyi had been accustomed to this scene and had no feelings. She only thanked them half-heartedly raising her good impression on Tang mama's mind.

"Alright it's almost time for lunch. b

Better have the kitchen prepare some meals for the Empress. Remember to serve well." Tang mama said with smiles and left towards another direction. Tang mama seemed to have a task at hand as well.

Taoyi remained where she was until Tang mama's entourage was gone. She also lifted her feet planning to return to the Soaring Phoenix Palace. Amidst her trip, some maids and attendants gave her flattering smiles and greetings in which she returned with a nod. Others thought this was her being arrogant after touching the clouds, but this was not the case since Taoyi kept herself from associating with outsiders to prevent malicious rumors towards Ning Lou.

Taoyi frowned inside when she thought of how her promotion spread so fast. The wag of their tongues spread faster than the subject of the rumors. Taoyi couldn't help but be more on guard thinking that this wasn't simple as gossips made by idlers.

Thus, she hastened herself to the direction of the Soaring Phoenix Palace.

Walls have eyes and ears, this she always needs to keep in mind.