Chapter 344

He Jinglan was quite satisfied; since Mu Nan Zhao had already secured the situation in advance, she could also go to the rear palace with peace of mind.

Although her relationship with her cousin wasn't close, she still had to go through the required formalities.

Gu Xixi continued walking east, following the little eunuch.

The little eunuch led the way ahead, occasionally looking back to see if Gu Xixi was keeping up.

After several times like this, noticing that Gu Xixi kept looking at him, the little eunuch felt a bit shy and also somewhat frightened.

He thought for a moment and still said, "Boss Gu, since this is your first time entering the palace, you can ask me about any questions."

"As long as I know it, I will tell you everything."

"It... will not be passed on to a third person."

Gu Xixi had been waiting for these words; she smiled and made small talk, "May I ask your name, sir? Your accent doesn't sound like someone from the north."

The little eunuch was startled.

Unlike the attendants who serve close to the emperor, he only waits outside the Imperial Study and has yet to have a chance to appear before the emperor.

Ordinary people who come and go in the palace are either rich or noble; who would bother with what a little eunuch is called?

The little eunuch habitually lowered his head and drooped his eyes, yet his gaze was bright.

"Originally surnamed Yan, I am a person from Lingjiang in Jiangnan."

"I only ended up in the inner palace; I dare not use my original surname, lest I disgrace my ancestors. Now my name was given by my adoptive father, and it is Jingdong."

Jingdong? That name…

Gu Xixi pressed down the corner of her mouth and asked, "Your adoptive father? Oh, if it's inconvenient to say, then forget it."

Jingdong smiled, his eyes somewhat dim, and said, "My adoptive father was the Chief Eunuch who served beside the late emperor."

"The late emperor passed away, and my adoptive father loyally died in service……"

Gu Xixi sized up Jingdong's expression, secretly thinking, no wonder they sent him to run this errand that requires effort but brings no profit.

His adoptive father was the former superintendent; the current superintendent might not look after him, and might even give him the cold shoulder out of jealousy.

Jingdong didn't know what he was thinking of, and just stared off into space.

As they turned a corner, Gu Xixi suddenly asked, "Besides receiving your palace assignment to pick me up, did anyone else give you any instructions?"

Jingdong was startled, hastily looking left and right.

After confirming no one was around, he then relaxed and said, "Yes."

Gu Xixi looked at Jingdong with some sympathy and sighed, "Indeed, you were threatened, weren't you?"

She continued walking and said, "Actually, you don't need to be too afraid."

"You haven't done anything wrong against me, and I won't falsely accuse him."

"Moreover..." Gu Xixi's eyes flickered as she said, "The him I know is certainly not someone who treats people like grass and abuses power."

Jingdong was taken aback, hastily waving his hands, "No, no, Boss Gu has misunderstood!"

"The Prince did not threaten me, yes, yes……"

He stammered, obviously having something difficult to say.

Gu Xixi said seriously, "I understand what you mean; as for the details… this isn't the place to talk, so I won't say more."

The path ahead is the final route to the Imperial Study.

Jingdong glanced at Gu Xixi with some gratitude, hid his extra expression, and, as always, kept a stiff face while focusing on guiding the way.

No one who saw them would detect any hint.

Outside the Imperial Study, a few officials happened to come out.

Jingdong immediately stepped in front of Gu Xixi and retreated to stand at the side of the main hall.

Because Jingdong stood in front, with the pillars and shadows blocking the view, none of the passing officials noticed Gu Xixi's presence.

Gu Xixi glanced at Jingdong secretly and formed a new impression of this little eunuch.

When they first met, he appeared timid and shrinking, seeming quite cowardly.

But upon looking again now, he actually bore the calm composure of a skilled expert who is bold.

Jingdong watched those people walk away, then gave Gu Xixi a slight nod, signaling her to follow.

Only then did the two walk to the front of the main hall's main gate.

Jingdong stepped forward himself and said a few words to a palace attendant.

That attendant glanced at Gu Xixi from afar, then hurried into the hall.

Watching Jingdong approach, Gu Xixi saw a relaxed smile on his face and sensed that she would soon be granted an audience.

She took a deep breath and rallied her spirits.

Jingdong said with a smile, "Boss Gu, please wait here for the summons."

Gu Xixi nodded, "Thank you, Eunuch Jing."

Jingdong performed a salute, then withdrew slowly.

While waiting, Gu Xixi examined everything within her sight to keep herself alert.

But as soon as she spotted the fifth window on the west side, she heard the door open.

At the same time, the eunuch's distinctive voice called out, "Announce! The daughter of the Gu clan, a local gentry family from Qing Tian County in Xi Bei, is to be received!"

Gu Xixi was still hearing her own title spoken at such length for the first time.

She lowered her brows and bowed her head as she stepped forward to reply, "I am the commoner Gu."

The eunuch gave her a once‑over and said, "Miss, follow the attendants inside."

Gu Xixi thanked him and followed the eunuch inside.

She walked lightly, keeping her eyes lowered on the ground, stepping over the threshold, treading on the hanging‑flower vine carpet, and always keeping a distance of three steps from the eunuch ahead.

This was the etiquette that He Jinglan had trained her in overnight the previous night.

Fortunately Gu Xixi learns quickly; today, in actual practice, she can finally perform normally.

She glanced and saw the eunuch ahead stop; Gu Xixi also stopped, and in her peripheral vision she caught a glimpse of that bright yellow, and immediately knelt to pay respects.

"The commoner lady Gu pays her respects to Your Majesty."

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his tone kind, "No need for formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Gu Xixi secretly let out a breath of relief, rose but kept her head lowered.

As a soul from modern times, she of course is not accustomed to this way of meeting.

But there's no choice; under imperial authority, if you don't bow your head, you die.

She could only console herself to follow local customs.

Then she heard the emperor say, "Grant Miss Gu a seat."

Soon two eunuchs quickly brought over a chair and placed it beside Gu Xixi.

Gu Xixi again expressed thanks, and as she sat down she took the opportunity to lift her gaze.

She saw Mu Nan Zhao sitting directly opposite her, also seated.

However, Mu Nan Zhao did not look at Gu Xixi; he was just indifferent, unknown what he was thinking.

The emperor smiled, "Miss Gu, no need to be formal; you are an old friend of the Regent Prince, and also acquainted with Huo Ai Qing, so you are not an outsider. Today it's just the three of us here, so let's just chat as old acquaintances."

Gu Xixi sighed inwardly; this emperor is clearly pointing at her.

Indicating he knows everything; later when questioned, she must not think of hiding anything.

But since the emperor said it's just casual conversation.

Gu Xixi simply and frankly looked up, "Yes!"

The emperor began with small talk, but in fact threw out one question after another.

The most important ones: What was Mu Nan Zhao's poisoning condition? How was the toxin cured?

How did Huo Jiang find Gu Xixi? Who first proposed to develop wasteland in the Xi Bei border?

Gu Xixi answered all truthfully.

Because she hadn't coordinated with Mu Nan Zhao beforehand, her responses seemed all the more genuine.

The emperor looked fairly satisfied and smiled, "Having soldiers cultivate land during idle times to boost grain supplies—proposing such an excellent method. Earlier Huo Ai Qing said it was a farm woman who suggested it; I thought he was joking."

"Having seen you in person yesterday, your courage, adaptability, and quick-wittedness are all outstanding; possessing many talents is no surprise."

Gu Xixi knew the emperor was still probing her; she simply met his gaze openly, without evasion.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty; this commoner dares not accept it."

The questions just now seemed to be merely casual talk about old times.

In fact, any poorly answered question could turn into a deadly trap.