How could she possibly be a maid in your household?

Morning, Imperial Palace, Tianhe Hall

After the morning court session, Xuan Yuan Ren summoned Zhao Chengxian to the palace. As Zhao Chengxian was merely a titular prince with no real authority, he was not required to attend the morning court. Xuan Yuan Ren had two reasons for seeking him out: first, he wanted Zhao Chengxian to discreetly test the true intentions of the two old foxes; second, he wished to learn more about Hui Yue’er. The first time he met Yue’er, he sensed she was not an ordinary maid. Yet, in just a few days, she had sold herself as a servant to the Prince Jun’s residence, which piqued Xuan Yuan Ren’s curiosity. However, he dared not openly send anyone to investigate her, for if his mother or the imperial consorts caught wind that he was inquiring about a young woman, the consequences would be easy to imagine.

When Zhao Chengxian entered, he was just about to bow when Xuan Yuan Ren approached him and said, “No need for formalities!” He then waved to Lord Rong and the others, who, understanding the situation, led the palace maids and eunuchs out.

Seeing there was no one else present, Zhao Chengxian relaxed. He casually sat on the couch where Xuan Yuan Ren read memorials and took his rest, half reclining as he asked, “What brings me here today?” In truth, both men liked to use smiles to mask their true thoughts, but beneath their smiling façades lay starkly different natures. Xuan Yuan Ren exuded a natural aura of dominance and authority, and though his smile was a mask, one could still discern a certain coldness beneath it. Zhao Chengxian, on the other hand, if he let down his mask, was simply a big boy at heart—fond of playing tricks now and then, his smile radiating warmth and vitality.

Xuan Yuan Ren sat at the other end of the couch, gazing at Zhao Chengxian as he replied, “Those two old foxes recommended candidates for the post of Assistant Minister of Justice again today, all their own trusted men. I want you to quietly test those two and see which is better suited for the role!” If Xuan Yuan Ren were to attempt this himself, he could only gauge their literary and martial talents, not their character. Selecting officials affected the lives of the common people, requiring the emperor’s utmost caution.

He handed Zhao Chengxian the details of the two candidates. Zhao Chengxian glanced at the papers and laughed, “No problem, I’ll go meet them shortly!” Selecting the Assistant Minister of Justice depended chiefly on the candidate’s investigative methods—whether they coerced confessions, whether they possessed certain skills. He could arrange a few cases for them to solve, of course without appearing in person. He intended to set up some cases involving common folk to see if either man would patiently and diligently investigate them. As he pondered his strategy, Zhao Chengxian recalled that his collaborations with Xuan Yuan Ren always followed this pattern: Xuan Yuan Ren outlined the general plan, while Zhao Chengxian devised the specifics. It was the same with the border generals—Zhao Chengxian sent people to test them, and when none proved suitable, Xuan Yuan Ren took steps to resolve the matter.

With official business concluded, it was time to discuss Hui Yue’er. Xuan Yuan Ren glanced at Zhao Chengxian, who was leisurely enjoying some pastries, and asked, “So, how did that young lady come to serve as a maid in your household?” In fact, even if Xuan Yuan Ren hadn’t asked, Zhao Chengxian would have.

Zhao Chengxian grinned with playful nonchalance. “Call it fate and coincidence. How did you meet her?” He didn’t want his sister to be unable to hold her head high in the future; the fewer people who knew about this, the better. Everyone in the Prince Jun’s residence was strictly forbidden to mention the matter. He looked at Xuan Yuan Ren again, “How did you come to know her? And why did she not recognize you as the emperor?” He knew Xuan Yuan Ren would never visit that place, so how could he have met a female escort chief?

Xuan Yuan Ren smiled slightly. “Nothing special, really. We only met once.” Seeing that Xuan Yuan Ren was reluctant to say more, Zhao Chengxian didn’t press him—after all, everyone has matters that belong to themselves alone. The two exchanged a knowing smile.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, those neither young nor old—quickly shower me with gold medals, red packets, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm rage even fiercer!