After changing into the attire of a palace maid, Leng Jiu returned to the imperial palace. As she walked, she contemplated the matter of opening a gambling den. For her, running a gambling establishment was a straightforward task, but she lacked an essential element—a backstage support. Despite the lofty status of the Empress Dowager, she couldn’t use that position to run a gambling den. Even if she dared, Long Yi would never approve, and the officials at court would likely drown her in criticism. Therefore, she needed to find a suitable partner, someone with high status and influence, who could also earn her trust!
Lost in thought, she wandered absentmindedly and suddenly was startled by a stern shout.
“Halt!”
“Her Ladyship Shufei is calling you, stop!”
Shufei? Wasn’t she known for her gentle and refined demeanor, rarely leaving the palace? How did she become so unlucky to encounter her today? The stern shout just now, was it from the gentle lady’s lips? Leng Jiu’s mind raced with a hundred thoughts. She turned slowly, bowing her head to conceal her appearance. “Greetings, Her Ladyship Shufei.”
Shufei, dressed in a light blue palace gown, walked towards Leng Jiu with an elevated brow. “Which palace are you from?”
“Palace of Eternal Beauty!”
“Pfft! So, you’re from that palace of that wretched woman. Truly…” Shufei didn’t finish her sentence, changing the subject abruptly. “Seeing you wandering around empty-handed, it seems you have nothing to do. I have a bowl of bird’s nest soup here. Deliver it to Lady Lifen without any mistakes, understood?”
“But… this servant… this servant also needs to return to Her Majesty’s place. If Her Majesty doesn’t see this servant later, she will surely inquire, and this servant will be punished!” Leng Jiu spoke with a timid and feeble voice, bowing her head even lower.
As Shufei observed, her amusement deepened. A large palace maid by her side impatiently shoved a box of swallow’s nest into Leng Jiu’s hands, saying, “If Her Ladyship tells you to go, then go! Why so much talk?”
“But…” Leng Jiu hesitated.
“No ‘buts’! If this bird’s nest congee gets cold because of your delay, you’ll be the one to blame!” The maid scolded. “Now, hurry up and deliver it!”
“Fine… I’ll go right away!” Leng Jiu took the box of bird’s nest congee and left hastily. However, someone shouted after her, annoyed, “Are you daft? Lady Lifen’s palace is in the other direction!”
“Oh!” Leng Jiu weakly responded, bowing her head as she headed towards Lady Lifen’s palace. Behind her, Shufei’s laughter echoed.
As Leng Jiu turned a corner, she immediately straightened up, raising an eyebrow with a sly smile. The timid demeanor had vanished, replaced by a glint in her eyes. Lifting the box of bird’s nest congee, she chuckled, “Rest assured! I’ll make sure to deliver it to you!”
Lady Lifen’s current status, pregnant and surpassing everyone in the palace, had attracted numerous jealous individuals. Leng Jiu doubted that Shufei genuinely wished to send bird’s nest congee to Lady Lifen. There was undoubtedly some scheme involved. If anything happened, and Long Yi was summoned, she could be framed easily. Leng Jiu knew well enough that with her past reputation as Cold Qinghua, accusations would stick. Smirking, she said, “Oh, Shufei, Shufei! I haven’t provoked you. Now that you’re scheming against me, don’t blame me for not showing mercy!”
With those words, she navigated through the palace, delivering the box of congee to Lady Lifen’s palace. However, before doing so, she took a detour to Shufei’s palace, stole some clothing and tokens, and arrived at Lady Lifen’s palace. Handing the box of bird’s nest congee to a senior palace maid, she made sure the maid noticed her waist token. Only then did she return the stolen clothing, reclaim her own attire, and head back to the Palace of Eternal Beauty, wondering if tonight would bring some interesting developments.