Chapter 5, Offering Black Silk to the Imperial Palace (Part 2)

Shen Ao saw the main figure arriving, so he got up from his chair, clasped his hands behind his back, and raised his neck as high as he could, displaying the imposing demeanor of a young noble from a small state

Ah? Is there? No woman is indifferent to her appearance. Upon hearing this, Caiyue quickly sniffed, and the smell indeed seemed unpleasant, but it was far from as bad as Shen Ao had described it as spoiled. "Are you kidding me?"

This indeed wronged Shen Ao, for he was genuinely curious. After all, this was his first time in the depths of the imperial palace in the true sense. He discovered that this place was vastly different from the Forbidden City he had visited in his previous life, and it was likely that history had changed; it was only natural for the imperial palace to be different.

Cai Yue's face was adorned with a smile, clearly indicating that she was in a good mood. In fact, her relationship with Shen Ao had always been very good. One was the absolute confidant of Empress Zhao, while the other was a small prince regarded as a son. They often met, and each time they did, they would even pinch each other playfully.

Cai Yue, the head maid beside Empress Zhao, is commonly referred to as a female official in the outside world, enjoying the salary of a fifth-rank official

Fortunately, the previous Shen Ao and the current Shen Ao share many similarities in their personalities, so there is no need to exert great effort to adjust one's state of mind

Hehe. Shen Ao was not in a hurry; on the contrary, he glanced at Cai Yue. Noticing the layer of sweat beads forming on her fair forehead, he smiled and said: "Sister Cai Yue, you are sweating a lot, and you smell bad. Why don't you hurry and take a bath? It doesn't matter for me, but if you end up making your aunt uncomfortable, that would be a sin"

It is now the weather of June, approaching noon, and the sun is scorching hot; just walking a little while causes one to sweat profusely. Shen Ao walks so slowly that it is no wonder Cai Yue is getting angry. She is already thinking in her heart that she must find a way to punish Shen Ao later, to make him play tricks on her.

Shen Ao strode into the palace and, upon reaching the main entrance, saw Concubine Zhao already standing there. Immediately, Shen Ao knelt on the ground with a thud and said, "A'Er pays respects to my aunt."

At this moment, it is the season for lotus flowers to bloom. On the small river in front of the palace, among the lush green lotus leaves, the elegant lotus flowers stand tall, resembling fairies draped in light gauze bathing on the lake, smiling gently, shyly poised to speak

"Yes." The two accompanying eunuchs immediately responded, then bent down to pick it up and followed behind the procession. This scene caught Cai Yue's attention; she frowned slightly, feeling somewhat perplexed. In her impression, the young duke had always come empty-handed and returned fully loaded; when had he ever taken anything with him?

"Not at all. Alright, go take a shower, it won't take long. I will explain it to the aunt," Shen Ao said with a smile on his face. He then reached behind him and took out a wrapped bar of soap from the box held by the eunuch and handed it over. "Remember to use this to wash, okay"

A person regarded as a close confidant, she handles almost everything on their behalf. Such a relationship has also significantly enhanced their friendship

After Shen Ao was born, he never even saw his father's face, as Shen Yuntian died while shielding Emperor Qingshan from an arrow. Later, when Tang Qingshan defeated the Beidi and returned with his army, successfully ascending to the throne, he posthumously conferred the title of Duke of Loyalty upon the deceased Shen Yuntian, with the title to be inherited without exception. Thus, the still-infant Shen Ao became the youngest duke in the realm.

However, it was merely curiosity. Caiyue knew that Shen Ao and the Empress had a relationship, and she would absolutely not bring any contraband into the palace. Therefore, she did not ask further, only thinking that after returning to Juheng Palace later, she would investigate the matter further.

"Hmph, really good at pretending," Caiyue thought to herself, but she readily replied, "Yes, Your Grace."

"Hurry up, Young Lord, or the Empress will soon become anxious." Upon arriving at the Gathering Lotus Palace, there were no outsiders present, and when Caiyue spoke, she naturally had fewer reservations.

Thus, what was originally a journey of a tea break (15 minutes) turned into a full incense stick (30 minutes) before arriving. As soon as I entered the Gathering Lotus Palace, a wave of coolness greeted me.

Cai Yue walked ahead, while Shen Ao followed at a leisurely pace, taking steps in a wide stance, seemingly interested in everything around him as he looked around. Cai Yue had no choice but to slow her pace, waiting for Shen Ao to catch up with her speed. However, her small face had already turned slightly red due to the heat.

Seeing Shen Ao's diminutive figure, for some reason, Cai Yue felt an urge to laugh. However, as there were still more than ten eunuchs standing in front of the bridge, she refrained from breaking the rules. Thus, she suppressed her laughter and stepped forward, bowing slightly as she said: "The lady-in-waiting Cai Yue, on the orders of Her Highness, the Zhao Consort, requests Duke Zhongguo to proceed to the Gathering Lotus Palace"

"Well, lead the way," Shen Aoyang said, with an air of indifference, as if he were above others.

Not merely out of curiosity, Shen Ao was also observing the structure of the palace, which was one of his habits. No matter where he went, he was always willing to imprint everything into his mind as much as possible. While this practice may not have any particular benefits, it certainly would not have any drawbacks

This is also an unavoidable situation. In the past, Shen Ao had always behaved this way; he could not simply change overnight. Outsiders might not notice anything, but those who are very close to him would have a different perspective. To avoid raising suspicion, Shen Ao had no choice but to act in this manner.

Shen Ao lifted his leg and walked towards the Golden Water Bridge, but after taking just one step, he seemed to think of something and pointed at the two cardboard boxes in front of Shi Lei and Feng Xun, saying: "Take these along as well"

Empress Zhao has a great fondness for lotus flowers, and even Emperor Qianwen would often collect some rare lotus seeds and send them over. Walking in the pavilion by the riverside bridge, feeling the cool breeze and gazing at the green waves, Shen Ao's mood was greatly uplifted, as if the scorching heat of the sun just moments ago had instantly vanished.

The Empress Zhao spoke, and Caiyue responded with a light and crisp voice, quickly leading two palace maids and two eunuchs straight to the front of the Jinshui Bridge. At this moment, Shen Ao, having just finished two cups of tea, caught sight of the slender figure of Caiyue approaching from a distance

Zhao Fei, who has always regarded Shen Ao as a son, naturally would not refuse the visit of the young duke. As for the playful remarks from the maid Cai Yue beside her, they were merely intended to demonstrate the close relationship with Shen Ao, the young duke.

Poor Shen Ao was without the care of both parents, having grown up almost entirely in front of Consort Zhao. It was not until she later gave birth to the sixth son, Tang Jia, for the Emperor that Shen Ao was sent out of the palace and granted a separate residence. Her uncle, Duke Zhongcheng Shen Yunyi, would often visit her.

Having spoken, without paying any attention to Cai Yue's reaction, Shen Ao strode forward with two palace maids and two eunuchs towards the Juhe Palace, leaving Cai Yue standing alone in the pavilion. After a few moments, she indeed hurried towards her own bedroom.