Palace Fighting Naive Concubines’ Ascent to Power
Chapter 182: Adorable Little Concubine (Extra 1: Reward for Young Master’s Completely Correct Answers)

Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Adorable Little Concubine (Extra 1: Reward for Young Master’s Completely Correct Answers)

Upon hearing Nanny Qi say this, the Emperor hastily asked, "Nanny, could you describe in detail what happened at that time?"

Despite his Little Concubine’s claims of how formidable she was, appearing as if nothing had happened, he feared that the most thrilling moment might have been omitted; he wanted to hear what Nanny Qi had observed.

Nanny Qi nodded her head and began to narrate...

After she had finished, shame and gratitude were written all over her face: "This old servant has never been protected by such a young girl throughout my life; I am deeply ashamed, I have failed His Majesty’s trust..." As she spoke, she couldn’t help but bow down.

His Little Concubine had done something so extraordinary that the Emperor felt both alarmed and frightened. Seeing Nanny Qi like this, he quickly supported her and comforted her, "Nanny Qi, it’s easy to dodge an open spear but hard to guard against a hidden arrow. This time it was my oversight that has implicated you."

At this point, the Emperor’s face grew stern and he said, "But rest assured, Nanny, once we have identified the mastermind behind this, I will eliminate them one by one."

Nanny Qi nodded her head and said no more.

The Emperor asked, "Canglan Court’s Main Hall is currently under repair, which allows the busy traffic to provide opportunities for villains and thieves. If we were to relocate her to another hall temporarily, what do you think, Nanny?"

This was an issue he had been contemplating since the incident began, but he found it somewhat difficult to decide.

Nanny Qi sneered and glanced at the Emperor, "What’s the use of changing? If she’s closer to Noble Consort Xue, even her pregnancy might suffer. Have there been any good tidings in the palace over these years? Hmph."

The Emperor touched his nose and remained silent, allowing Nanny Qi to speak.

"Since the intrigue has already begun, where could she go that would make any difference? Canglan Court might be off-center, but its seclusion is beneficial for pregnancy care."

"If she were to move to the east, just Lady Xue alone is not easy to deal with. Emperor, can you deny that the Harem isn’t controlled by Lady Xue? If you didn’t mistrust her, why would you have had me return," Nanny Qi glared at the Emperor.

Talking about this enraged her; how could the Emperor allow a person with ill intentions to control the Harem for years? Over time, people’s hearts might grow complacent and their courage too bold.

She found Rong Ying to be outstanding, but Lady Xu had joined the palace too late and was one who didn’t like to meddle in affairs, alas... The Emperor was also in a difficult position.

The Emperor kept silent, listening carefully to the scolding, knowing that Nanny Qi was furious and wouldn’t spare anyone’s dignity. If he had not encountered Nannan back then, he wouldn’t have let things slide as they were...

Seeing that the Emperor didn’t respond, Nanny Qi felt a bit calmer and continued, "Nowadays, Lady Xue’s people are everywhere in the harem; a situation not formed overnight and not something that can be resolved in a day or two. If you move her there, can you really rest assured? Perhaps there will be no peace at all, and the schemes will never stop. Do you expect my little girl to face people every day and live in constant fear?"

While listening, the Emperor sighed inwardly; his Little Concubine had indeed accomplished something remarkable. Had she now become Nanny Qi’s little girl too?

He wondered what else this clever spirit had done besides saving Nanny Qi, winning her over completely.

At last, Nanny Qi concluded, "It’s better to stay put in Canglan Court, assigning more people to guard the gates properly to ensure peace."

The Emperor nodded in agreement; Nanny Qi’s points were valid, and indeed, this was where he had hesitated.

He had initially thought of temporarily moving his Little Concubine to the Side Hall of Huaying Hall, at Xu Zhaoyi’s residence.

Rong Ying might speak bluntly, but she was fair, honorable, and not foolish. She had protected his Little Concubine before and could be trusted.

Listening to what Nanny Qi had said, he dismissed the idea. Xu Rongying was also someone who didn’t love meddling, and she indeed had her fair share of thorns in other parts of the palace.

It seemed best to stay in Canglan Court then, without outsiders. Bringing in others would only add to the confusion; better if he were to watch over things himself, so they would stay at Canglan Court.

Having come to this realization, the Emperor summoned someone, and together with Nanny Qi, they made additional arrangements to ensure nothing would go amiss.

After the arrangements were made, he saw Little Concubine poking her head around and looking this way, her expressions hesitant as she paced around in circles on the spot.

The Emperor couldn’t help but smile. His Little Concubine was truly adorable—was she hoping for his return?

Seeing this, Nanny Qi also smiled rarely; the young girl knew how to pine for someone—truly spirited and endearing.

She waved her hand and said, "Your Majesty, everything that needed to be done has been done. From now on, I will be cautious. Please, you should go now." To prevent the young girl from continuously craning her neck this way.

The Emperor nodded, "From now on, I’ll trouble Nanny Qi to take care. She is young and often acts rashly and inconsiderately. When I return, I will teach her. Please continue to take care of her and point out whenever something is not suitable."

Sometimes, there were things he really couldn’t bring himself to say, like this time when his Little Concubine risked herself. He deeply disapproved, but he feared that harsh words might hurt her. With Nanny Qi around, he could be more at ease.

Upon hearing this, Nanny Qi was displeased and glared, saying, "How exactly do you intend to teach her?" Such a lovely girl, what more does the Emperor want!

The Emperor was taken aback, "Didn’t Nanny say last night that..."

Nanny Qi gave the Emperor a sideways glance and said, "Last night, it was I who was blinded by lard. Didn’t polish up my tricks well. Today I see that Beauty Lian is excellent, understands all the etiquettes and rules. It’s fine as long as she doesn’t make big mistakes out there. Besides, even if she doesn’t do well, won’t I still cover for her?"

Nanny Qi finished speaking and walked away without looking back.

The Emperor was left alone, pondering what potion Beauty Lian could have given Nanny Qi to make her so protective.

But the question now was, how should he speak to his darling Little Concubine about it? It was really difficult; ruling government affairs was not even this challenging.

Upon seeing Nanny Qi leave, Lian Hua knew that His Majesty and Nanny Qi had finished their conversation. She couldn’t help but walk over with a smile.

After separating from His Majesty and Nanny Qi, she took people with her to fetch water and eat cakes; after quenching their thirst and filling their bellies, she took Xiao Qing and Xiao Jizi to the kitchen to prepare dinner, as it was just the right Shichen Chinese Time for it.

She first organized the meals for His Majesty and Nanny Qi, and then she took care of her own meal.

Now, following the dietary restrictions given by Hei Tan, Nanny Qi had her meals prepared thrice a day by Pang Ya. Although she didn’t quite enjoy the taste, Lian Hua made some arrangements combining both needs, which avoided forbidden foods and still catered to their taste buds. Both she and His Majesty could enjoy it. She thought Nanny Qi wouldn’t say anything about it, well... it would be better to let Nanny Qi know once the meal was ready.

After she had finished setting up and made some final touches, His Majesty had not returned yet, so she decided to come over and check.

Actually, she had already been peeking over this way, but as His Majesty and Nanny Qi were discussing very important matters and it was broad daylight, it wasn’t proper for her to approach closely or to hide and surprise His Majesty.

Now that everything was finished, she could no longer hold back and walked over, delighted to see His Majesty.