Emperor's Cunning Wife

After the tenth round, Taoyi begun to doubt life, again and again her confidence towards her observational skills was crushed and pounded mercilessly by Ning Lou. No matter what method and how hard she concentrated it was useless. Niang Niang! This servant is unable to learn anything!

If this was a real betting game with stakes involved, Taoyi would long lost every single penny she had. Ning Lou was already a veteran in the sleight-of-hand combining with her abilities in misdirecting; no one could escape getting ripped off.

"Ten rounds and all lose. Taoyi, don't gamble in the future or you'll go home crying every time."Ning Lou gave an earnest advice, letting the girl off.

She stood up and patted the little girl's head comforting her, "Alright, I'll return the pin to you." She took a pin from her head and tucked the silver pin inside her sleeves. Taoyi was oblivious about the substitution. The delicate face accentuated by a gold hairpin invoked a budding beauty.

"This servant won't even try." Gambling are activities for men, she would be drown in spits if she ever goes to one, and most importantly after playing with the Empress, she had no hopes in betting anymore.

"That's good. Good children listen to elders." Ning Lou laughed noticing her sulking for the losses.

The slits of Taoyi's eyes widened at the mentions of 'elders', her eyes drooped. Sadness covered her whole person. But it took only a few seconds to pass when the little maid regained composure. That abrupt moment transmitted some information to Ning Lou.

Even though this was not so shocking, she still had some surprise.

"Ah, Bengong wonders when your uniform will arrive." Ning Lou found a place to sit comfortably and beckoned Taoyi.

Who knew at this moment, there was a series of footsteps at the door and Ning Lou's own questioned was answered. The key to escaping was finally arriving!

"Niang Niang! This lowly one is from the Internal Attendants Department." A feminine voice sounded informing them of the purpose of visit.

"Xiao Taoyi, Go and receive her." Ning Lou commanded, thoroughly trying to hide her impatience.

"Then this servant will excuse herself." Taoyi curtsied, her face full of evident joy.

The little maid footsteps sounded rushed, she left the Empress' side and opened the door to receive the things the female brought.

The females outside saw the delicate face of Taoyi and the slightly shimmering gold pin in her head, their faces had some changes. Initially, one would not immediately believe such news, but looking at person personally receiving a royalty's favor over one night, made the other's sighed and awe. Girl, what methods did you use to tame that lion inside? That stingy person never rewards the maids serving her before; the delicate little maid was the first in history.

"Congratulations Lady Taoyi, this one is called Baiyan serving under assistant manager in the Internal Attendants Department. If Lady Taoyi doesn't disdain my crude things, please accept this one's sincerity. Hoping that Lady Taoyi will look out for me in the future." With the opportunity laid before her, Baiyan took advantage of her visit to establish some relationship with Taoyi. After taoyi seized the things in the tray, she presented a small wooden box before the little maid.

"Taoyi thanks Lady Baiyan for the gifts but I'm afraid I had nothing to return." Taoyi rejected concerned for the intention behind.

"Lady Taoyi jest, Baiyan only wanted to be friends with you. The silver bracelet inside doesn't cost much, please accept it." Baiyan brows furrowed barely maintaining her calmness.

Her other female companion holding a lamp only snickered at Taoyi's arrogance. She felt that this little maid after getting a gold pin, her head got bigger and already thinks she's a noble.

When one gifts the other, the other expected to do something in return. There was no free meal in this world. Taoyi knew this fact and feared Baiyan's intention. She was fine if the other party had malicious motive, but if she made a wrong move and accepted a snake that might bite her in the future, she could only blame herself for being blind.

"Lady Baiyan, this one thanks for delivering the uniform and token." Taoyi hugged the uniform and gripped the token tighter, putting a stop to Baiyan's persistent attitude.

But, before Taoyi can turned around, Baiyan knelt, followed by the girl holding a lamp.

"Greetings to the Empress." Both saluted with respect, hearts pounding under Ning Lou's stare.

"Accept it. Bengong thinks she's sincere." Ning Lou only said those words directed at Taoyi.

What else could be done, when the mouth of the Empress already gave a command one could only follow. Xiao Taoyi dusted off any reluctance anymore and listened to Ning Lou, thinking that perhaps her words were right.

Her Majesty's voice tinge with smoothness and nonchalance made one unable to forget, as it carried some sort of spell dispelling one's weary feeling.

Baiyan raised the box closer to Taoyi.

Taoyi received it, "Thanking Lady Baiyan for the gift. If it is okay, Taoyi also wanted to give you something." She was about to reach the pin in her head, when a slender hand gripped her wrist.

"That's enough. Leave and save your interactions for tomorrow. Bengong still wants to talk with Taoyi." Ning Lou waved her hands dismissing the two maids kneeling.

"Yes, we servants will comply." Baiyan and the other one left hurriedly afraid that the longer they will remain, Ning Lou would see them as an eyesore. Still, the Empress actions within that short time, was an eye opener.

Ning Lou held the little maids hand even when they went inside, Taoyi other hand was occupied by the uniform and token. The hand of the empress emitted some heat to her skin, and it carried some warmth.

That was a close call! Ning Lou exhaled.