Palace Fighting Naive Concubines’ Ascent to Power
Chapter 247: Kick Scattered

Chapter 247: Chapter 247: Kick Scattered

Xiao Linzi touched his head, which was a bit sore, and shook his head, refusing to leave, "Steward Zhang, not only do I have to wait for His Majesty, Brother Xiao Ji said that one must always be by the master’s side, I need to stand guard here."

Brother Xiao Ji and Xiao Qing had gone to the kitchen range, leaving him behind to await the master’s commands at any time, to summon them if anything came up, so he could not leave.

Usually, when His Majesty and Steward Zhang were away, it was always like this. Brother Xiao Ji had said that of the three people from Canglan Court, at least one must stay by the master’s side without taking a step away, and if the other two had things to do, at most only one could go far off to handle affairs, while the other must remain close by, within shouting distance.

So no matter what Steward Zhang said, he couldn’t go far. If he left Canglan Court, there would be no one to watch over the master.

Zhang Qing felt helpless, this kid was stubborn to the core, so obstinate; there were so many people here, they could hear if His Majesty or Master Lian had any commands with a slightly raised voice.

Telling him to stay a bit further away didn’t mean he would be too far to hear the commands!

Besides, with His Majesty inside, what was he so worried about? His Majesty was more concerned about Master Lian than anyone else; there was no need to fear that something might happen.

What a blockhead.

Other people were easy to send away, but this Xiao Linzi, no matter what, could not be driven off; he was still near the entrance of the Side Hall, so when the master came out, he could see someone eavesdropping just around the corner—such an eyesore.

This young fellow was waiting for His Majesty to come out to report today’s events about Master Lian leaving; he also had the task of guarding Master Lian, no calling could make him leave.

Only if His Majesty or Master Lian came out might they be able to send him away, oh well.

Zhang Qing gave up, shaking his head as he walked towards a spot not far away; the movements inside were not for an eunuch like him to listen to. Xiao Linzi was innocent and wouldn’t gossip anyway, so let it be.

Just then, he caught sight of Feng Ji coming from the direction of the small kitchen, looking around stealthily at the Side Hall, and then turning his head to look at him, making his way over.

Zhang Qing stood still waiting for him; as Feng Ji approached, he clasped his hands in greeting and whispered, "Chief steward, the evening meal is ready, I do not know if I should now go and inform Nanny Qi?"

As he spoke, he glanced once more toward the Side Hall, meaning to ask when it might be appropriate to serve the meal.

Zhang Qing, with his hands behind his back, silently sighed. His Majesty and Master Lian were still engrossed with each other; it was hard to say when they would finish—it was difficult to tell.

He said, "Just keep it warm for now."

Xiao Jizi hesitated, "Normally, in the afternoon, the master would have an added snack of cakes or broth. Today in the afternoon after returning, she did not consume any, I am worried that the master might be hungry."

The master was moreover pregnant, and should not go hungry.

Zhang Qing pondered for a moment; considering this, Master Lian should dine sooner rather than later. It was still best to inform His Majesty that the evening meal was ready first and see if he would summon them for the meal.

He nodded his head, "It would be good to visit Nanny Qi now, I will go and inform His Majesty. Given how His Majesty dotes on Master Lian, I think they’ll serve the meal very soon."

Xiao Jizi made a sound of agreement, nodding repeatedly as he thanked him, "Thank you, Chief Steward Zhang, for your concern."

Zhang Qing waved his hand, letting him go and said, "There’s no need for such formalities; we’re all here to serve the master well, go on."

Xiao Jizi said no more and under Zhang Qing’s watchful eye, walked in the opposite direction.

He briskly made his way towards Xiao Linzi and with a kick scattered Xiao Linzi’s pile of pebbles, grabbing Xiao Linzi by the scruff to pull him up, whispering, "You dimwit, hurry and ask Nanny Qi to come over, tell her the evening meal is prepared."

Xiao Linzi obeyed the force of Xiao Jizi’s pull, compliantly responding, "Yes, Brother Xiao Ji," and obediently scurried off towards Nanny Qi’s location.

Zhang Qing watched, feeling annoyed inside. Just now, when he tried to persuade this youngster, several attempts to make him move were futile, yet Feng Ji said just one sentence to him, and off he went.

In the past at the Star Palace, this lad used to listen to him quite obediently, but now, his words seemed to be less effective than Feng Ji’s, and he got whisked away just like that. Oh, how he felt an unpleasant taste in his heart.

After sending Xiao Linzi away, Xiao Jizi briskly returned, wanting to ask if Steward Zhang had any further orders, as he was ready to await dispatch.

Seeing that Steward Zhang’s expression was somewhat off, he felt a bit puzzled. Had he done something wrong? Why did Steward Zhang look like this?

Feeling rather clueless and truly unaware of any mistakes, he decided not to dwell on it any longer, bending at the waist with a smile, awaiting for Zhang Qing to go into the Side Hall to make his report.

Zhang Qing composed his expression and went to the entrance of the Side Hall to announce his presence, and just as he had anticipated, His Majesty had called for the meal to be served.

Upon hearing the command, Xiao Jizi bowed to Zhang Qing and, leading a few Young Eunuchs from the Star Palace, headed toward the kitchen.

Inside the Side Hall, the Emperor helped Lian Hua tidy up her disheveled clothes and hair, unable not to kiss her once more.

His Little Concubine appeared as if coated in a layer of bright color, her cherry lips exceptionally tender and bewitching.

Lian Hua quickly glanced toward the doorway and pushed him, saying, "Brother Zhao, Nanny will be here soon, you—"

should stop kissing. If Nanny catches them once again, she’d be too embarrassed to face anyone.

The Emperor was very pleased with her form of address, letting out a muffled chuckle, "Don’t worry, Nanny understands."

His Little Concubine was overly worried; since the time Nanny Qi caught her seated upon his lap, Nanny Qi had always coughed once before coming in afterwards, to remind them to be careful.

Lian Hua’s face turned red, and she pouted, inwardly grumbling about how thick-skinned His Majesty was.

Recalling earlier, her face grew hot once more. This time, it seemed like the kiss had lasted a long while, both of them becoming too lost in the moment, and now it was time for the evening meal.

She was hungry.

Soon the meal was set up, and Nanny Qi arrived precisely on time.

Lian Hua affectionately went up and took Nanny Qi’s hand, sweet-talking as if she had honey on her lips: "Nanny, not seeing you for a day, I’ve really missed you."

The Emperor watched his Little Concubine with some amusement. She truly had a sweet mouth, which everyone loved to hear.

Nanny Qi’s eyes twinkled with mirth. The words from the little miss were heartwarming and endearing.

She asked with concern, "Was everything alright when you went out today?"

She had heard that Noble Consort Xue had also invited people over. Originally, she wanted to come over as soon as the others returned, but after some thought, she decided against it.

Noble Consort Xue was a deeply scheming person, with one facade in public and another in private. Nanny Qi didn’t believe she had such good intentions to only invite the young miss for a simple visit. There must be a purpose behind it, and she felt uneasy not checking on her.

She couldn’t help but scrutinize Lian Hua closely, her complexion rosy, but Nanny Qi was still not at ease.

Lian Hua cheerfully said, "I had a great time. Sister Zhaoyi’s place has so many fun things. I just played a bit too long. Next time I’ll come back earlier so you won’t worry, Nanny."

The Emperor’s hand twitched slightly upon hearing this. Was there to be a next time?

Nanny Qi understood. No wonder she took so long. The young miss wasn’t even twenty years old, with an age-appropriate fondness for play, yet "Now that you are with child, you must be more careful. Have your fun, but always mind your limits."

Lian Hua hastily nodded and replied, "Of course, Nanny, don’t worry. I was very careful when I went out. Sister’s place has this very impressive little stone horse, which I didn’t even ride. There were a lot of fun things, but I just looked and didn’t play with anything... "