"Yes."
The leading eunuch laughed, curling his finger like an orchid as he pointed at Su Yan
"Exactly, you. Come with me to receive a reward from the Emperor."
Su Yan was puzzled
"A reward?"
"You have protected the royal family’s honor, of course, you deserve a generous reward. Let’s go."
With that, the eunuch beckoned, and a group of guards surrounded Su Yan so tightly it seemed they feared she would run away.
Su Yan licked her lips, offering no resistance, and followed the eunuch with measured steps.
The sky was already turning to dusk on this day, and the leaves were a dull yellow, signifying deep autumn.
For Xuanyuan Country, this day marked a momentous occasion.
Instead of leading Su Yan directly to the Emperor, the eunuch took her to a place for bathing.
Pushing open the door and entering, a huge bathing pool appeared before them, the water inside steaming hot.
White silk curtains billowed in the breeze, adding a sense of mystery.
The eunuch then instructed the five palace maids standing by
"After she is prepared, take her to Chenghuan Hall. Make sure not to upset her, the Emperor has taken a liking to her, and she might enjoy a period of great favor."
After giving these brief instructions, the maids, well-practiced in such matters, knew what to do.
After all, Su Yan was not the first one.
"Yes."
The maids acknowledged this, the eunuch nodded, and then he turned to leave.
Su Yan stood in front of the pool, looking at the warm water, and tested the temperature with her hand.
Yes, perfect for a bath.
As she was thinking, a maid came over, ready to undress her
"Miss, allow your servant to serve you."
Su Yan stepped back a bit and blinked
"What for?"
One of the maids smiled, curtsying
"Miss, we mean no harm. We are here to serve you as you bathe."
Su Yan glanced sideways at the large bathing pool.
She shook her head
"There is no need to serve me."
The maids hesitated
"But..."
Then they heard her say
"I can wash by myself."
Hearing this, the maids were relieved.
Moreover, Su Yan, who appeared compliant and tender, was someone not just anyone could approach.
"Miss, if you need anything, please feel free to call us," the maids said.
Having said that, the maids curtseyed in unison and stepped aside.
Su Yan carefreely undressed herself and stepped into the water.
Xiao Hua watched with envy
"Host~ bathing looks quite comfortable."
"Very comfortable."
Su Yan, with her eyes closed, leaned against the edge of the pool.
Xiao Hua couldn’t help but ask
"Is this the Emperor’s reward? But I just saw that eunuch whispering something to those maids. Could they be plotting against the Host?"
Su Yan, eyes still closed, shook her head
"I don’t know."
Right now, she was completely engrossed in the joy of the bath, unconcerned about what might happen after.
She soaked for two hours.
When she felt satisfied and was about to step out of the pool,
a perceptive maid approached, draping a long bath towel over Su Yan’s shoulders.
Soon after, four or five maids gathered around; one of them carried a tray.
On it lay a piece of red silk and satin clothing.
The maid handed it over and said
"Miss, please get dressed."
"You want me to wear this?"
"Yes."
Su Yan was compliant, donning the garment as instructed.
Only after putting it on did she realize the clothes were... a bit thin.
The outlines of her body were subtly visible, and the skirt split open from the calf, hinting a seductive figure.
Immediately, the maids praised her
"Miss looks truly beautiful in this outfit."
While speaking, they had already led Su Yan to sit down in front of a dressing table.