Three

At this moment, the man happened to cast his gaze over, a charming smile gracing his lips

Holding the precious artifact, Shaoguang instructed the palace attendants to walk slowly and remain silent

He said this while handing the tray back to her.

The original owner of the Chuluan Hall was named Yuan Jin, who was personally designated as the primary consort by Empress Dugu during her lifetime. Now, as autumn gives way to winter, it is likely that the once luxurious palace has long since changed beyond recognition. The noble woman of those years has already passed away, much like the jade hairpin flowers in the Qiongwuguan, withered and silent, never to be heard again

At this moment, the palace maid responsible for communication returned, instructing the palace attendants of the Si Bao Fang to bring the newly crafted treasures into the hall

Raising her face to look back at him, Shaoguang said, "In fact, Your Highness, if you do not mention it, no one would care about these things..."

Not speaking represents either ignorance or difficulty in expressing oneself... If it were someone else, they would likely offer excuses such as 'being unwell' or 'having other pressing matters that prevent them from attending'

The servant offers greetings to His Highness, the Han King

Your Highness is correct

Once the door is closed, we are ultimately all family. Since we are in the same boat, why provoke conflicts that harm others without benefiting oneself? Everyone has been doing well.

At this hour, the Crown Prince should accompany the newly appointed primary consort in the Water Pavilion

The palace maids in front of the hall saw them and each bowed respectfully, while the long corridor behind was empty, with only a few cleaning servants and two guarding attendants. A maid entered the hall to report that Shaoguang was waiting outside with the others

The servants have come to pay their respects to Her Highness, Lady Yun.

The strands of hair were gently lifted by the wind, highlighting her delicate jawline and cherry-red lips. Yang Liang's gaze fell upon the crown of her head, where a frost-white hairpin was inserted into her bun, with dark tresses cascading into two sections. Two strands of pearls were pinned at her ears, creating a simple yet elegant look. A few wisps of hair fell around her neck, further accentuating the contrast of black and white, resembling a figure of pure snow, rare in its graceful allure.

Not far behind the two individuals stood the silent and bowed palace maids of the Si Bao Fang, none daring to raise their heads, and even fewer willing to speak. A line of over ten palace maids seemed to exist as if they were invisible. Yang Liang stood so close, his tall figure casting a large shadow in the presence of Shao Guang, and the air around her was filled with the unique scent of masculinity, slightly warm.

Although it was a voice that could only be heard by two people, the words were rather too concise and sharp. ... Was he referring only to Shen Yunying, or was he also including the Crown Prince in his remarks? ... Simple-minded individuals cannot remain in the Eastern Palace ... . However, one is the lofty Eastern Palace, and the other is the inner court that serves it; on the surface, there should be no entanglements. ... Could it be that the newly appointed Crown Princess intends to assert her authority over the inner court, prompting him to offer a few pointers? ... But how did he come to know this information ...

It is getting late, and I must go to the Chuluan Hall to pay my respects to the Crown Princess

Open the door, the palace will be divided into several sections and several rooms, and no one will regard anyone else with any importance

Shaoguang was somewhat taken aback. The illustrious Fifth Prince, who once served as the Governor of Yangzhou and had a stronghold in the land by the water, could be said to possess half of Jiangnan. Yet, he had never shown any interest in the affairs of the palace. When did he start to pay attention to the trivial matters of the inner court? Upon reflecting on this, Shaoguang couldn't help but shake his head in silence, considering it merely a casual inquiry made for amusement.

Since your return to the palace, it has indeed been rare to see you. Considering the passage of time, it must be that the palace is now in the midst of preparing various items. Have you been very busy lately

No need for formalities

The wind lifts the gauzy curtains, transforming before my eyes into a swaying stream of light, while the man, dressed in vibrant red, stands with his hands clasped behind his back, both inside the hall and outside the curtain.

The discourse in such settings has always been the forte of the inner palace maidservants, and as a female official within the palace, she should be even more adept at it. He believed that if she were to speak, she would undoubtedly articulate her thoughts with impeccable precision

Time once again withdrew, speaking softly

Shaoguang shook her head, secretly thinking that she might be overthinking it again. She then turned around and instructed the palace servants behind her to follow her to the Danbi.

The newly appointed Crown Princess represents the dignity and authority of the Eastern Palace, and naturally, she also represents the Emperor. It is indeed quite disrespectful to the royal authority for someone like Yu Xizi from the Si Bao Fang to bypass a prominent consort of the Eastern Palace and instead pay respects to the recently promoted senior eunuch of the inner court. However, it is often better to avoid unnecessary trouble, as the internal factions tend to have an unspoken understanding regarding certain matters.

Time gently lowers its eyelashes, merely treating the sound of the wind as a whisper, yet smiling without speaking

I am already under the command of the Si Bao Fang; we share both honor and disgrace. I will certainly serve with utmost dedication, ensuring that the leader is not disappointed.

As Shaoguang softly finished speaking, she was about to take her leave. However, at that moment, Yang Liang grabbed her, while his other hand directly took the tray containing the rouge and gold censer from her arms. Shaoguang instinctively tried to stop him, but the tray was easily snatched away by him. "Greetings to the Crown Princess, why is it only you who has come? Where is the head of the Si Bao Fang?"

When I was in Jiangnan, I encountered several exquisite pieces crafted by an old master of bone carving, such as the bone-carved dragon lamp, which was once offered as a tribute to the palace. It is a pity that I could not find the master later; otherwise, having him serve in the inner court would have been of great assistance to you

Shaoguang did not expect to encounter Prince Han Liang in the Eastern Palace. Taken aback, as the highest-ranking female official at that moment, she immediately clasped her hands together and performed the highest court etiquette towards him

Yang Liang made a sound of acknowledgment, yet remained in front of her, "So has everything been completed now"

After Shaoguang responded, he was also thinking that at this moment, when all the departments were busy presenting gifts to the Eastern Palace, the fifth prince, who held the esteemed title of Han Wang, appeared here, which was rather surprising

The soft and gentle touch fell upon her shoulder, as the fleeting moments lowered their eyelashes, bowing in acceptance of the decree

He leaned slightly closer, causing Shaoguang to lean back. "It is merely the duty of a servant. It is only because the deadline is approaching that I have been working day and night, hoping not to fail in my task. Thank you, Your Highness, for your consideration."

Your Highness, the Han Wang

Time passed with pursed lips, head bowed in silence

Since Your Highness also considers this an excuse, there is no need for this servant to take such unnecessary actions

He lowered his head to look at her and kindly offered a suggestion

Thus, Yu Xizi gave a few more instructions and personally led a few palace maids from the Si Bao Fang directly to the Neishi Jian. Meanwhile, Shaoguang, the sixth-rank Dianbao, also took the precious items and hurried to the Chuluan Hall of the Eastern Palace to congratulate Shen Yunying

The sunlight quietly falls on the ground through the sparse shadows of the flowers and leaves, creating an exceptionally tranquil and serene atmosphere. Time maintains a posture of quiet standing with its head bowed, and once he finishes speaking, there are no further words; the area in front of the hall thus falls into silence.

Time turned in her heart as she pondered, wanting to inquire more clearly, yet she knew she should not say much in this place. When she looked up at him again, Yang Liang had already turned away gracefully, his luxurious scarlet brocade robe shimmering with a dazzling light as he walked with unrestrained steps

Time bowed its head, and Yu Guangzhong could be seen intently examining the other treasures in the tray, his profile reflecting a deep seriousness. The fabric of his clothing brushed lightly against her shoulder, leaving a faint trace that was almost imperceptible.

"It should be changed to calling you the Crown Princess now." Yang Liang looked at her, his eyes filled with even more amusement.

She bowed her head and spoke with humility

There is still some outstanding

Yang Liang gently nodded, retracting his body, and picked up a gold-inlaid jade screen from the tray, examining it closely and saying: "The craftsmanship is indeed excellent, using only thin jade, intricately carved, without damaging the quality of the jade. The inlay on the outside, is it bone carving?"

With black hair adorned by a brocade crown, and a scarlet robe cinched with a jade belt, the flowing cloud patterns embroidered with gold and silver threads on his garments sway gently in the wind, resembling rippling water under the sun. Against the backdrop of swirling smoke filling the hall, the man's visage is extraordinarily beautiful, with an air of proud elegance that cannot be concealed between his brows. His light azure eyes, with their corners slightly upturned, shine with a clear and warm brilliance, akin to the winter sun

Yang Liang was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled lightly, "You, oh you, really dare to say that. This prince knows that your leader is currently with Zhao Fuquan, isn't that right? Do you know what this is called..." He leaned in again, this time even closer, his warm breath brushing against the ear, softly yet firmly uttering a few words, "Great disrespect"

The sun was somewhat large, glaring and dazzling. After quite a while, a creaking sound of a door opening was finally heard

Yang Liang seemed somewhat reluctant as he reached out to adjust the red cloth in her hand, his long fingers brushing over the back of her hand. "The current Chuluan Hall is indeed a place fraught with disputes. That newly appointed legitimate consort, I have met her, and she is certainly not simple. You, as a young lady-in-waiting, must be cautious; if you suffer a loss, it will not be so easy to endure."

Yang Liang looked at her for a moment, unable to resist reaching out his hand to gently tap her forehead, and said: "Indeed, your Six Shang and Twenty-Four Departments have always been complicit in such matters, deceiving both superiors and subordinates."

"That is merely an excuse you have made for yourselves, just a pretty way of speaking. In essence, are you not all just a bunch of scoundrels?" The man crossed his arms and shook his head with evident disdain. As he spoke these words, a bright and radiant halo rippled in his eyes, and the slightly mocking phrases were all dissolved in that intoxicating expression, leaving only the color of his gaze, akin to a gentle ripple of water, captivating and enchanting. As he spoke these words, a bright and radiant halo rippled in his eyes, and the slightly mocking phrases were all dissolved in that intoxicating expression, leaving only the color of his gaze, akin to a gentle ripple of water, captivating and enchanting.

Yu Xizi smiled, contentedly patting her shoulder, "Very well. Now, I shall go to pay my respects to the new lady of the Inner Court. You will go alone to the Eastern Palace; if you encounter the newly appointed Crown Princess, be sure to treat her well and do not be disrespectful."

As time turns, on the snow-white steps, a red carpet is laid out, and in the mesmerizing halo of sunlight refracted, a vermilion door adorned with golden carvings slowly opens before me

Shaoguang was momentarily taken aback, looking at him with a puzzled expression

Time steadily catches hold, covering that red woolen fabric once again. "In fact, there is a term for it, called - sharing the same roots and branches."

Time hangs delicately on the eyelashes, with a voice that is soft and gentle, speaking in a serious manner

He then strolled down the steps of the platform, his gaze sweeping past the trays held by the palace attendants. He extended his hand and casually lifted a corner of the red cloth, asking, "What is the purpose of bringing so many items?"

He asked her with a smile

The royal blue silk skirt gown, exclusive to the Si Bao Fang, resembles layers of petals, stirring up a flurry of floral waves in the wind. For a moment, the Chuluan Hall appears as if it is raining, with fallen blossoms scattered like dust. The figure in front of the hall shines like dazzling morning glow, radiant and compelling, so bright under the sunlight that it is almost blinding.

Shaoguang was taken aback for a moment and nodded, saying: "Your Highness is well-informed and knowledgeable"

The Eastern Palace is located on the southeast side of the Mingguang Palace, separated by five long broad avenues, directly opposite the Fuyang Gate. A group of people passed through the spacious and open marble square, traversed the corridor, and crossed the three covered walkways over the lotus pond. Leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance, one can see a graceful water pavilion standing in front of the Eastern Palace. With its water curtain and pearl-like drapery, emerald curtains and carved railings, the magnificent palace is nestled among the flowers and trees, resembling a bright pearl in the azure sea, noble and elegant.

Yang Liang raised his hand, his pleasant voice revealing a hint of exuberance due to his smile

The female officials and palace maids of His Majesty Dan, upon seeing him, all bowed respectfully and submitted with deference