The favor in this palace is like the pancake in a pot, one person gets a whole one to eat, two people split it and get only half.
Our Miss just appeared before the Emperor, and yet Mu Daying’s already trying to snatch the affection.
Chunqi has been resting for several days, eager to exert some energy, and was about to retort against Mu Daying.
But was stopped by Qiu Ming who stood nearby.
He stepped forward with a stern face, addressing Mu Daying.
"Miss Mu, please be cautious with your words. Our Miss holds the same position as you, regarding arrangements for the Dragon Boat Festival, you have sought the wrong person."
Mu Lanchun looked innocent, her expression a mix of fear and regret as she faced Qiu Ming.
She had only served once before the imperial court and was too nervous to remember anything, leaving little impression of Eunuch Qiu Ming.
Now, being interrupted by him instilled some fear.
This statement from Qiu Ming did save Lin Wanyi a lot of trouble.
If Lin Wanyi dodged the topic, Mu Lanchun might grow resentful.
If Lin Wanyi accepted, rumors might spread that she was arrogant due to favoritism, even wanting to meddle in seating arrangements for the Dragon Boat Festival.
In any scenario, it wouldn’t yield a favorable outcome for Lin Wanyi.
Qiu Ming indeed was as he taught Xia An, that they should always stand in front of their master no matter when.
Chunqi and Xia An both looked at Qiu Ming with admiration, standing on either side of Lin Wanyi like protectors.
This display instantly dissipated the little momentum Mu Lanchun had.
She could only say sheepishly.
"Sister, it was impulsive of me."
"It’s no problem, Sister. Palace rules are above all, and I can’t bypass them; please understand."
Mu Lanchun gave an awkward smile, and seeing Qiu Ming’s serious face, felt embarrassed to remain any longer.
So she found an excuse and left Xianyi Palace.
Right after she left, Qiu Ming immediately summoned Xiao Hezi over, scolding urgently.
"I told you to guard the palace gate. How did you let someone in? You can’t even manage this small task? What else can I entrust to you in the future?"
In the courtyard, Qiu Ming stood on the steps, while Xiao Hezi stood below, head bowed.
Already weakened in momentum, he couldn’t raise his head under the reprimand.
Xiao Luzi watched him with a pitying look, but his lips were pressed tightly together.
As Eunuch Qiu Ming said, they are the iron wall of Xianyi Palace, rendering themselves useless if people can come and go freely!
If Xiao Hezi had kept Mu Daying out today, the issue would have faded away.
As it stands, it’s merely added to their master’s troubles.
In the harem, where changes brewed unpredictably, nobody knew when or who might seize an opportunity.
Should Mu Daying rise one day and remember this incident, wouldn’t the people of Xianyi Palace be the ones in peril?
Xiao Hezi harbored unspoken bitterness.
He happened to step out for a brief moment, and who would think Mu Daying would appear, scaring him half to death with a cold sweat.
Again scolded by Eunuch Qiu Ming, his day was indeed unfortunate.
"Forget it, you and Yan’er shall return to the Inner Court Department first. It was only a temporary assignment for half a month; a few days early won’t matter. Now Xiao Luzi and Chunqi have mostly recovered, enough to attend to our Miss."
Xiao Hezi was so frightened he immediately knelt to the ground, near tears, pleading.
"Eunuch Qiu, this servant truly didn’t do it on purpose. Should we be dismissed because of this, it’ll be hard to find good placements in the future. Please consider letting this servant off this time, Eunuch Qiu."
His loud cries could be heard by Lin Wanyi and the others standing inside.
Yan’er, standing inside, held back her tears as she listened.
In the palace, making something of oneself depended on personal ability and the master’s fortune.
When coming to Xianyi Palace initially, she hadn’t thought much of it.
But witnessing so many favors in recent days naturally led to making plans.
Yan’er wondered if Eunuch Qiu might allow her to stay in Xianyi Palace like Xiao Luzi did, under borrowing terms.
Given enough time, staying there could become a reality.
Especially with the Miss receiving affection, a promotion might come anytime.
At that point, she’d naturally remain, but now, Xiao Hezi’s mistake was causing both of them to be sent back.
Seeing her future prospects go from promising to starting over, anyone would feel disappointed.
Yan’er was, of course, no exception.
Chunqi, looked after by Yan’er these days, naturally cared for her plight more deeply.
She looked to Lin Wanyi and softly said.
"Miss, this has nothing to do with Yan’er. Could you allow her to stay a few more days?"
Yan’er immediately looked up at Lin Wanyi, eyes full of hope.
Yet was promptly scolded out by Xia An standing by.
"Foolish, now that Eunuch Qiu is the Chief Eunuch of Xianyi Palace, all matters are handled by him, and his arrangements must be followed! Chunqi, have you forgotten the rules after your illness?"
Xia An now kept Qiu Ming’s words firmly in mind.
Chunqi’s plea would only place Lin Wanyi in a difficult position.
Their Miss is merely a concubine; currently, having four people attending is already the limit.
Returning Xiao Hezi and Yan’er is inevitable, what’s the use in giving false hope?
Chunqi realized she misspoke after hearing Xia An.
Seeing Yan’er’s gaze shift from hope to disappointment, to eventual sorrow, Lin Wanyi understandably felt a stir of emotion.
But she had already delegated palace management responsibilities to Qiu Ming and could not easily change her stance.
Otherwise, not only Qiu Ming would lose authority, she’d find it hard to manage the rest.
More so, everything Qiu Ming took care of aimed for her future benefit, and speaking against it might dishearten him.
Hence, she wouldn’t and couldn’t do so.
When Yan’er and Xiao Hezi packed their belongings to bid farewell in the inner chamber.
"Though we have known each other only a few days, some sentiment has formed, and if you encounter difficulties in the palace, I’ll certainly help if Xianyi Palace is able."
Then she had Chunqi give them each two sachets, with Xiao Hezi sincerely thanking her upon receiving them, yet Yan’er’s eyes still showed some sadness.
After seeing them off, Qiu Ming gathered the remaining three and reiterated the rules.
"We should all take this matter as a lesson. In future duties, we mustn’t be careless, understood?"
Xiao Luzi and Xia An responded loudly, while Chunqi felt Qiu Ming excessively rigid, fearing his formality without flexibility, thus replying less loudly.
Qiu Ming, with keen ears, promptly picked out Chunqi.