Editor: Henyee Translations
ng Wanfu would never fault Ding Xiang. In fact, he might even sympathize with her for having to take on such tasks.
While Qiao Xuan had to maintain a certain decorum in front of everyone, Ding Xiang had no such constraints. Ding Xiang would be more than willing to carry out her duties.
Qiao Xuan chuckled. "That’s not a big deal. I know how to handle things with a touch of sarcasm, so don’t worry, Emperor. But there’s one more thing I’d like to ask. Do you often have these ’coincidental encounters’ in court?"
Shao Yunduan looked puzzled. "What ’coincidences’? You an those aren’t coincidences?" His annoyance turned into a wry smile. He reached out and pinched Qiao Xuan’s cheek playfully. "Stop talking nonsense!"
He had a particular dislike for the term "coincidence," especially given his past experiences with Tian Shanshan’s persistent sches. He had only intended to offer a friendly warning, yet everything had spiraled out of control.
Fortunately, he and his wife had survived that ordeal.
Qiao Xuan laughed. "If you don’t want to share, that’s fine. Just don’t bla if I cut off the Emperor’s affection!"
Shao Yunduan, caught between laughter and exasperation, leaned in and nipped at her lips. "I’ll make sure to address this tonight, word by word..."
Qiao Xuan blushed. "I’m so hungry; it’s ti for lunch!"
Shao Yunduan smiled and led her to lunch, appreciating her playful deanor.
Since Shao Yunduan ascended to the throne, Qiao Xuan had closely monitored the palace staff, sending many to North Park Palace and planning to recruit additional maids from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, despite her efforts, she could never fully grasp the motivations of everyone involved. Many palace maids were eager to advance their social standing and make a na for themselves, driven by personal ambitions.
As the sole Empress, Qiao Xuan stood alone in the court. Shao Yunduan had not taken any noble ladies or concubines, leaving the young and attractive palace maids vulnerable to temptation.
For them, the opportunity was imnse. With the Emperor having no other concubines and the Empress occupied with her duties, any maid who caught the Emperor’s eye had the chance to rise in status significantly. Even if she ca from a humble background, gaining the Emperor’s favor could lead to a noble position. If fortune favored her and she managed to bear a child, she might even beco a concubine.
The Emperor had multiple palaces and courtyards, making it almost certain that he would take notice of the maids. As long as he desired, they could be his.
The Empress’s potential displeasure was secondary. It was expected for an Empress to show tolerance, especially given that future concubines were inevitable.
Even if she wanted to be cautious, her main concern should be with the noble ladies!
Many palace maids, driven by temptation, acted swiftly to catch Shao Yunduan’s eye. They made a point of appearing in his presence and dressing attractively, hoping to create a chance encounter with him. After all, such etings were often seen as fated and a sign from the heavens.
Liqiu, Caiyue, and the others had already taken note of this behavior. Auntie Liu, Auntie Qing, and Eunuch Shi—whom Qiao Xuan had assigned to oversee the palace—also made it a point to remind her of the situation. Ding Xiang, having visited the court frequently, was aware of the issue and had reprimanded the maids several tis for their conduct.
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