Emperor's Cunning Wife

"Do you know where the laundry department is located?" Ning Lou queried remembering her nonexistent awareness of the landscape of the Imperial Palace.

Laundry Department? Is the Empress concern for those two palace maids? Come to think of it, she seemed unaware of what happened to them since she ask Su Su about their condition in the morning. Taoyi had some questions but one must not pry their master's mind as it would infer that she's nosy.

The cold palace and laundry department was separated by a big wall, nonetheless Taoyi was a great observer and despite being illiterate, she was adept at memorizing, thus she started tracing the paths in her head and gave Ning Lou accurate directions.

Ning Lou highly admired her mind for even noticing small details. It's too bad, Ning Lou thought as she sighed with pity. Such a talent to rot at this place!

"Xiao Taoyi! You're such an admirable person! If only Bengong met you in a different timeline then we both could become fated companions! You could even become someone wanted by all." Ning Lou said as she exposed her true thoughts

Taoyi was overwhelmed at the moment. The Empress was said to be stingy in praises and never gives other second glances, but now she become much more friendly and generous in compliments. A servant's life would be in the hands of the master, not all would be lucky to find a good master to serve. Some unfortunate servants would be exploited for the master's selfishness, some would be harassed, others would be sacrificed, rare are those who treasures people. In a different timeline? Taoyi didn't understand this but the rest of what the Empress said contained genuine feelings that made her heart palpitate.

Wanted by all? That's unlikely for her case, Taoyi doesn't much confidence in herself. At most she can be called pretty, plus her origin kept pulling her from dreaming.

Ning Lou clicked her tongue at the phrase 'wanted by all'. She wondered if Taoyi would become a modern person, what career would she pursue, what achievements would she accomplish, what rank would she be in the FBI's list?

Misunderstanding resulted from their parallel thoughts.

"Niang Niang, this humble servant isn't that great. It is Niang Niang who is admirable." Taoyi responded extremely flattered inside.

"Yatou Bengong is serious, you should consider changing profession! Your talents will take you far and wide." Mimicking a talent scout's ways of swindling teens on the street, her eyes shone with calculations. Her tease brought a myriad of emotions on the little maid's face.

"Niang Niang, the dynasty is strict with females. Not to mention that this servant doesn't know how to write and read, and of lowborn origin." Taoyi's voice turned inaudible at the mumbling the last part, she deeply feared if the Empress would suddenly despise her and picked another substitute. Her heart would be crushed if that happens as it already found an oasis amidst the desert.

"But this servant instead can learn fast and….this servant can also do.." Taoyi spoke not waiting for Ning Lou's reply, she bit her lips and tried list the things she could do, but embroideries, tea making, hairstyling, playing instruments, painting, or playing chess, these things that are supposed to be the foundation of a virtuous and talented woman had nothing to do with her thus she was unable to continue.

"Bengong already knows you're incredible, no need to boast. Alright, let's see how smart Taoyi is. How about Bengong teach you a little trick to broaden your horizon." Ning Lou hand reached for the small pin deeply inserted in Taoyi's hair and gaze at it admiringly. She's been looking at it for a long time since its tip resembled the pick locking tool her colleague loved. This thing might come in handy; Ning Lou believed and immediately proceeded to cheat the little maid. With a flick of her hand, the small pin was tossed in the air. The candle light flickered, a streak of silver hue flashed before it disappeared so quickly, lowering her eyes, she saw only two fists the Empress excitedly brought forward.

So fast! Taoyi exclaimed inside watching the series of movements the Empress made in just a few seconds. Not mentioning which hand held the pin, her eyes couldn't even follow her actions. Just based on that, the little maid could tell that she was very experienced. Initially Taoyi was worried that Niang Niang would test her where she was deficient but now her mood lightened up ready to play.

"Alright. Smart little lady, where do you think the pin is? Take your pick."

"Come on, pick one." Ning Lou urged her and raised both hands.

The little maid raised a finger and was greatly considering which knuckle was bigger. Even if there was only a micro difference, Taoyi was careful in examining. Finally, she picked the left hand.

"This servant picks this one." Taoyi made a decision with uncertainty.

"Are you sure?" Ning Lou asked confirming. Her face showed no signs of whether Taoyi was right or not.

Taoyi nodded finalizing the round.

Ning Lou grinned before opening her left hand. However the pin was not in it, which means her pin was on the Empress' other hand. Sighing, she admitted defeat.

Ning Lou flicker her forehead. "You lost. Let's go for another round."

"Okay." Taoyi spoke reliving her enthusiasm; she will win this round for sure. Taoyi purely believed that it was only due to her negligence and bad luck that she lost never attributing to be work of Ning Lou.

Ning watched her so lively and eager, the drive for winning displayed on her face.

"Alright watch the pin more carefully this time." Ning Lou advised which made Taoyi nod.

At the heat of the moment, Ning Lou tossed the familiar silver pin. Taoyi's eyes focused on that thing in the air never leaving it for a single moment.

Ah! Taoyi, with your ways you're bound to lose every round.