Han Cairen suddenly spoke, "Sister Li, the scriptures that the Empress Dowager needs have not been fully transcribed yet, so I dare not disturb you further and will return to the palace first."
After speaking, she turned to Beauty Zhou and bowed, saying, "Sister Zhou, would you like to walk with me?"
Beauty Zhou originally intended to stay, but upon hearing Han Cairen speak this way, despite her reluctance, she felt it inappropriate to insist on staying, so she bid farewell to Li Yuyu with a bow.
"Take care, sisters," Li Yuyu said with a smile, her willow leaf eyes slightly turning. She looked at Noble Lady Ying standing before the chair, "Since Noble Lady Ying is free, let us go forth together to greet the Emperor."
"Thank you, Sister, for your kindness." Noble Lady Ying’s face showed barely concealed excitement as she grasped her handkerchief and followed Li Yuyu.
On the palace road, Beauty Zhou spoke with some displeasure to Han Cairen, "Sister Han, I invited you with good intentions to give us a chance to meet the Emperor. Lady Li offered an invitation, why did you not seize it?"
You not only missed the opportunity yourself but also wasted mine.
Beauty Zhou regretted inviting Han Cairen to accompany her out of the palace today; otherwise, even if she couldn’t dine with the Emperor, she could have had close interaction with him and learned his tastes, which would be progress.
Han Cairen listened patiently to Beauty Zhou’s complaints, smiling gently. After she finished, Han Cairen softly explained, "I heard that yesterday after 5 p.m., when the Emperor and Lady Li were strolling in the Imperial Garden, they encountered Noble Lady Ying. At that time, the Emperor said something interesting."
"What was it?" Beauty Zhou asked with an impatient tone.
Han Cairen didn’t mind, "The Emperor ordered Eunuch Shen Quan to keep irrelevant people away."
Beauty Zhou looked surprised, "Is this true?"
Han Cairen softly smiled, "I have never spoken falsehoods."
Beauty Zhou pressed her lips tightly, her mind churning with thoughts.
Han Cairen gently linked arms with Beauty Zhou, "Sister, just wait, soon enough we will hear amusing stories from Luaxin Pavilion."
"Alright, in that case, let’s return to Purple Cloud Pavilion and wait for the news," Beauty Zhou chose to believe Han Cairen.
Within the palace, Han Cairen seemed inconspicuous and understated, but she was very well-informed. After hearing her speak just now, Beauty Zhou was mostly convinced.
On the way back to Purple Cloud Pavilion, the two of them saw the golden Dragon Carriage from afar.
"The Emperor," Beauty Zhou opened her eyes wide with surprise.
Han Cairen gently released Beauty Zhou’s arm and stepped forward toward the Dragon Carriage.
"This concubine, Talented Lady Han, greets the Emperor, wishing the Emperor good fortune."
"This... this concubine greets the Emperor."
Beauty Zhou also quickly knelt to pay respects. Compared to Han Cairen’s calm and gracious demeanor, Beauty Zhou’s greeting seemed a bit flustered and nervous; Yan Xiu couldn’t even hear what she said clearly.
"Han Cairen?" Yan Xiu looked toward Shen Quan, who was beside the Dragon Carriage.
"Your Majesty, Han Cairen is the youngest daughter of Academician Han," Shen Quan quietly reminded.
"I have heard that the daughter of Academician Han is skilled in calligraphy."
"Your Majesty flatters me, my simple calligraphy has barely caught the Empress Dowager’s eye. She bestowed upon me the task of copying scriptures, and I was just about to return to Purple Cloud Pavilion to continue."
Han Cairen raised her head, looking up at the exceptionally handsome Yan Xiu seated within the Dragon Carriage, responding neither hurriedly nor slowly.
She spoke clearly, her voice gentle and melodious like spring water flowing over rocks, her clear eyes radiating poise without any hint of coquettishness or entreaty for favor.
In contrast, beside her, Beauty Zhou knelt with eyes full of longing, her gaze glued to Yan Xiu’s face, making Yan Xiu feel an unpleasant sense of aversion.