Palace Fighting Naive Concubines’ Ascent to Power

27: Chapter 27: Nightmare 27: Chapter 27: Nightmare It was His Majesty… Lian Hua relaxed, her face expressionless, not responding, her eyes cold and indifferent, unlike her usual self.

Seeing her like this, the Emperor was startled.

Was she frightened by a nightmare?

He wiped the sweat off her, cradled her in his arms, and gently patted her back as he coaxed softly, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, it’s just a nightmare, I am here, be good, Lian Hua, don’t be afraid.”

After the person beside him fell asleep again, the Emperor gently laid her down, covered her with a blanket, and thought with some distress that he had indeed neglected her these past few days.

What if she has nightmares like this every day when he is not around?

What then?

Today, the Emperor had been discussing state affairs with the cabinet ministers until midnight.

After the meeting, he learned from Zhang Qing that the corruption case in the harem had been concluded, and Jieyu Wei had been taken to the Cold Palace.

Considering that Canglan Court was not far from the Cold Palace, he worried that someone might be disturbed.

Thus, in the middle of the night, he hastily made his way to Canglan Court.

By the time he arrived, most of the palace lanterns had been extinguished, casting shadows everywhere.

Knowing that Lian Hua had already gone to bed, he instructed not to wake her, quickly washed up, and then lay down beside her to sleep.

Now, seeing her entangled by a nightmare, he felt uneasy.

Could it really be that she was disturbed?

He put on his coat and stepped outside, quietly calling for Zhang Qing to fetch Xiao Jizi for a report.

“…Deposed Consort Lady Wei caused a commotion all the way, alarming the Young Master.

The Young Master went to see what had happened, and since returning, he has not been in good spirits and has had little appetite, retiring to bed early, presumably frightened.

This servant deserves to die, this servant failed to fulfill his duty to protect the Young Master, this servant deserves to die!” Xiao Jizi said as he kowtowed, his heart filled with sorrow, knowing well what His Majesty expected of him and that this incident was anticipated.

“What kind of servants are you, how could you let her witness such a scene?” the Emperor asked, suppressing his anger.

He knew how gruesome the sight of someone who had been punished in the Imperial Prison could be.

The Little Concubine was so timid, who knows how frightened she must have been.

If not for their negligence, how could she have been disturbed?

Zhang Qing quickly knelt down, slapping himself, “It is this servant’s incompetence in handling matters, not thorough in his actions, failing to instruct the guards from the Imperial Prison to avoid the Young Master, not anticipating a disturbance, this servant deserves to die, this servant deserves to die.

Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger and do not harm your health over this.”

He also did not realize it would be such a coincidence that Daying Lian happened to be there.

Wasn’t it said that Daying Lian had seldom gone out recently?

Yet just when she went out, she encountered the Deposed Consort.

Really, it was such bad luck.

He knew His Majesty cared for Daying Lian, but he did not realise how deeply he cared until this moment.

He had only mentioned it briefly, and yet this incident occurred.

“Your Majesty, this servant, this servant still has something to report…” Xiao Jizi said with a trembling voice.

“Speak!” the Emperor coldly looked down at the eunuch, curious to see what excuse he would make for himself.

“This servant later found out that the Young Master seems, seems not to remember having seen the Deposed Consort…” Xiao Jizi shared his hidden worry, knowing taking such a risk but feeling he must speak, for what would happen to the Young Master later if not?

The Emperor was surprised, “Explain in detail.”

Thus, Xiao Jizi recounted everything he observed and the conversations he had with Lian Hua.

After listening, the Emperor pondered for a moment, still unclear about the situation, thinking she must have been severely frightened into a daze, which caused her to forget and to appear in her nightmares.

Concerned about leaving her alone too long in case the Little Concubine had another nightmare, he decided to temporarily set the issue aside and to be more vigilant in the future.

The Emperor stared at the kneeling Xiao Jizi for a while, then asked, “Your name is Xiao Jizi?”

“Yes, it is this servant.” Xiao Jizi trembled, unsure of what fate awaited him.

“I know you previously served in the Star Palace and you are experienced.

From now on, you need not return to the Star Palace; you shall stay in Canglan Court to serve her.

She will be your master from now on.

If anything happens to her, I will hold only you accountable!”

The Little Concubine having experienced little and having few reliable people around her, this servant who had not shirked his responsibilities and appeared honest was for now retained.

His divided loyalties severed, from this point on, he was solely in her service.

“Yes, thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace.” Xiao Jizi bowed deeply in gratitude, his hair soaked with cold sweat.

He knew his fate was now firmly determined; from this point forward, he belonged entirely to Young Master Lian, tied to her fate completely, with no other path to choose but death otherwise.

Grateful to have his life spared, Xiao Jizi was content.

Serving the Young Master was not difficult; he had only lost his former gains and had to start anew.

The Emperor looked towards Zhang Qing, “Zhang Qing.”

“This servant is present.” Zhang Qing’s mouth tasted bitter, his punishment was coming.

“Considering your many years of service and generally efficient conduct, I will merely dock your salary for one year this time; if there is another offense, you will be demoted from being the Imperial Chief Steward.” Having said this, the Emperor walked back into the room, not daring to delay further, worried that the Little Concubine might have another nightmare.

“This servant, thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness.” This was after all the lightest punishment possible.

His Majesty had previously been very dissatisfied with him for not thoroughly investigating the corruption in the harem.

Although the matter had eventually been resolved, the impression remained, and this punishment likely also served as a warning to him.

The Emperor hurriedly entered the room and lay down again, checked on Lian Hua whose sleeping face was tranquil, and, feeling relieved, he returned to sleep, holding her close.