Emperor's Cunning Wife

"Did you get your identification token and uniform?" Ning Lou asked seriously.

"To answer Your Ladyship, Tang mama said she'll have them deliver at night, she needed to inform the Department of Internal Attendants first and have them register my name." Taoyi replied while following Ning Lou to the table. All of the furniture in the Soaring Phoenix Palace is custom made from the finest red sandalwood. Carvings of lifelike phoenixes producing majestic and aloof vibes when one enter, the rare tributes white muslin curtains made a graceful arc as the wind kissed brought the visitors awe. Loving Piety Palace's interiors might not be even a tenth of the grandeur of the Empress palace.

The red lacquer painted beautifully creating a smooth surface of the table, even a little stain would be a blasphemy. The Empress' life was filled with luxuries. Taoyi already knew since morning when she the boxes of jewelries the empress possessed, still her heart trembled discovering new wonders.

"That's good. Now let's…." A pair of silver chopsticks Taoyi had laid in front of her made her stop from speaking. Images of jade wares overlapped with all the silver wares arranged in front of her at this moment. Widening her eyes, Ning Lou picked up the chopsticks and examined the tips of impurities. She did the same to the silver spoon. Then, after a few seconds she drifted it over the chicken soup and drowned half of it. When the color remained unchanged, she lowered her head and scooped some to hydrate her dry throat.

Taoyi didn't have any experience at serving official persons before, so her knowledge towards this aspect was lacking, therefore she didn't voice out any questions and only remained at Ning Lou's side waiting for orders.

Ning Lou also preferred to be left alone during meal time, since describing each dishes would be for naught, hence the minutes passed with silence nonetheless the picture was harmonious.

When Ning Lou was done, Taoyi attentively cleaned the table and exchanged the dishes for a bronze basin accompanied with a towel. Ning enjoyed the VIP service and happily accommodated the life of a royalty. She cannot deny that this identity has its perks, but what come after are hundredfold of risks.

"How about Xiao Taoyi? Did you have lunch already?" Ning Lou asked.

"Replying to Niang Niang, This servant will have lunch after Niang Niang takes her afternoon nap." Taoyi replied holding the basin.

"When there's food, one should not reject." Wasting food was Ning Lou's taboo. "Since Bengong is done eating, you should also have some fill. Besides what's the use of my feet and hands if Bengong stays immobile all day." Ning Lou said persuading the little maid to leave as she also needs to prepare some preparations for tonight.

Taoyi really wanted to reject but since the jade words left the Empress' mouth, one can only comply, albeit her heart was stuffed with a different feeling.

"Yes. This servant will return quickly. Would Niang Niang like this servant to call the others inside?" Taoyi probed.

"That will not be necessary. Seeing them will only foul Bengong's mood. Make them leave." Ning Lou reacted.

"Then this servant will take her leave." Taoyi said her final words pushing the tray along the way. Before closing the sliding doors, out of curiosity she raised her head and found Ning Lou walking towards the vanity.

...….

Sitting in front of bronze mirror, Ning Lou narrowed her eyes to see the blurred reflection of her face, she can't clearly distinguish her features and that's giving her a problem.

Her hands explored the things on the vanity mirror, each boxes were opened, lids of miniature porcelain were lifted, the fragrance of the cosmetics drifted to her nose. By instinct, she could tell how each was precious. She dipped a tip of her finger and smeared some of each on the back of her hands. Silently, she recorded their uses in her mind.

After how many minutes, Ning Lou, separated the things she will need from the pile and gather them in one conspicuous corner.

"Alright. All set. I just need the practice my vocal chords for later." Ning dusted her robes and returned to the bed. She lay on her back, put one arm under her head and proceeded to pinch her throat. Her mind kept recalling all Taoyi's habits, manners, and facial expressions.

"Niang Niang, this servant has returned." Taoyi announced and gave the door a knock.

"Come in. Bengong is about to take a nap." Ning Lou said a little drowsy. There's nothing to play with, no phone, no internet, it would be good to have dices or mahjong.

The door opened and Xiao Taoyi came, her clothes had a stain near the hem. It was evident that she met with trouble and the three must be involved.

Ning Lou nevertheless didn't dwell on the matter and closed her eyes not before saying, "Bengong will be sleeping just wake me up when Tang mama delivered your uniform and identity token."

"Yes." Taoyi responded and pulled a seat next to the bed, completely unaware of Ning Lou's plans.