Emperor's Cunning Wife

When Taoyi reached the magnificent gates of the Soaring Phoenix palace, the guards at the entrance only asked her name, the uniform on her body seems to become an identity token as of the moment. A third rank palace maid that should have been assigned heavy labor jobs jumped in ranks and became the Empress' confidant.

"May I ask the Lady's name?" Despite the guards already knew her identity, they couldn't skip security procedures.

"Gentlemen, this one is called Taoyi." Taoyi replied modestly.

"Taoyi?..." The guard mumbled and asked again unsure if he heard it right.

"Yes. Gentlemen, is there any problem?" Taoyi asked not knowing what might be bothering their mind.

The guards looked at Taoyi and notice that she wasn't kidding, so they looked at each other instead. After a few seconds of exchanging their thoughts through their eyes, one of them finally let Taoyi in.

"Lady Tao…yi. my comrades had never seen such a beautiful lady before so they were just momentarily mesmerized. Forgive them." Taoyi raised her head to look at the guard smiling and blushed. Although she had practiced hiding her expression, she was still a teen, and upon receiving such words reddened her cheeks.

"Gentleman is making a joke. Taoyi doesn't dare accept the compliment." Taoyi said with her heart beating fast.

"It is approaching lunch time. We will not hold Lady Tao…yi anymore." The handsome guard made way for her while giving his comrades glances.

His comrades realized their rude behaviors and also made way for her.

"Then, Taoyi bids the gentlemen goodbye." Taoyi entered with thoughts occupying her mind.

Watching the back of the lady getting smaller, the handsome guard gave his fellow guards some smacks on the foreheads.

"Why are you staring at? The Lady is gone!" The handsome guard said smiling knowingly.

"Hey Situ, I'm not staring at her. I was just wondering who gave her that name."

"You're so rude! No one commented about your name."

Puchi-

Soon bouts of laughter echoed around them, the man who was lectured grabbed Situ's collar intending to fight.

"Bah..I didn't you're so anxious to be in the disciplinary hall again." The handsome man teased not minding his rude behaviors at all as if it was just a common occurrence.

The man let go of his clothes like he touch something hot. His eyes only glared at him for bringing the shameful matter regarding his name.

"But seriously who gave her such a name? Such a lovely girl doesn't suit to be called Taoyi at all." The man stated without any hint of blossoming spring. He had a serious expression on contemplating the intention behind Taoyi's like it should have some sort of story like his case.

"Lady Taoyi doesn't seem to mind her name, so it's not your turn to care. What about sharing your story her, who knows that Lady might consider telling you hers and a flame might ignite along the way." The handsome man teased him again albeit also considering the other man's words.

"…" The other man widened his eyes, his stance preparing to pounce on Situ.

Their comrades laughed happily watching the two's comedic acts.

The culprit of the name bestowing, Ning Lou was currently waiting for the little maid to come back. Her intentions for sending her to Tang mama was for a uniform and an identity token that allows one to pass through the security. With those two she can stroll around the imperial palaces unhindered and sneaked to the laundry department to ask the palace maids who serve her before.

"Niang Niang?" A knock came from the sliding doors and Ning Lou tidied herself to receive the people.

"Who is it?" She asked.

"It is Biying. The kitchen staff sent lunch. Would Niang Niang like to be serve?" Biying said eager to poke a hole in the wall to see the situation inside.

"Bengong likes Taoyi to serve me, inform me if that yatou comes back." Ning Lou replied downcast.

"Niang Niang, this servant Biying can serve Niang Niang better. How about giving this servant a chance?" Biying protested not liking Ning Lou's fondness for Taoyi.

"Niang Niang, this servant can also steep some good tea." Pei Zhi soon followed not allowing Biying to get a chance.

Su Su watched them competing with each other and remained silent at the side while quietly listening. She had been thinking since Taoyi's departure of what could be done for Ning Lou to notice her, but flattering and showcasing some talents might not work as Ning Lou was different from the rumors. Ever since Su Su witnessed the Empress's behaviors from the bath to the receiving hall, and until the matter of promoting Taoyi, the Empress thought was so difficult to understand, each action was explosive. Su Su doubted if she was cheated. She reminded herself evaluate the credibility of the hearsays next time.