Outside Weiyang Palace, it was almost time to wake up. There was no stir from the room, and Little Li Zi was a bit anxious.
He could not afford to offend either of the two inside, but it would be even more unforgivable if the ancestral sacrifice were delayed.
Although he was the chief eunuch beside the emperor, the emperor's moods were unpredictable. He could not gauge the emperor's thoughts at all and could only keep looking at Qiuyue.
Qiuyue and Qiuju were also a little anxious. The emperor had dismissed them all the previous night and had not asked for water or for anyone to attend to him.
Unsure of what was happening inside, they did not dare to disturb them rashly. They could only raise their voices slightly to pay their respects outside the hall.
Jun Jiuli responded, and the breath that Qiuyue and Qiuju had held was finally released. They hurried in to help her dress and wash.
Not seeing the emperor, the two dared not say anything more. They only felt that their mistress was being wronged in their hearts as they nimbly did Jun Jiuli's hair and makeup.
Little Li Zi was so shocked by the news that he almost fainted. Where had the emperor gone? He had guarded outside all night, and if the emperor had any accidents, he would surely lose his head.
After paying his respects to Jun Jiuli, he and his entourage anxiously went to find the emperor. He was unsure whether to inform the Imperial Guard, but he could not afford to delay or cause a commotion.
The Empress seemed to pay no mind to last night's events. If the emperor had no accident, and he spread the word, he would surely face death.
The same applied to the host of palace servants. Upon hearing Little Li Zi's instructions, they dispersed to search for the emperor. Each one was as anxious as could be, wishing they had wings on their feet.
Little Li Zi first arrived at the emperor's sleeping quarters. After calling out several times without a response, Zhao Jingheng had already fainted.
Seeing his haste, Ling Yi immediately appeared.
Little Li Zi did not care who the person before him was and immediately inquired.
"Is His Majesty inside?"
"His Majesty is ill. Please trouble Eunuch Little Li to inform her. The sacrifice may be postponed; His Majesty is gravely ill."
"Who are you? How is His Majesty now?"
Ling Yi immediately showed his token. Little Li Zi knew he was the commander of the Imperial Guards and immediately bowed to pay his respects.
"Then I shall leave His Majesty in your care, sir. I will go and inform the Empress."
"Go."
Little Li Zi told Jun Jiuli everything, his head almost touching the ground.
The emperor was indeed excessive. Not only did he not accompany the Empress on their wedding night, but he also feigned illness and refused to attend the sacrifice. If he were the Empress, he would be furious.
He could only hope that the Empress would be magnanimous and not vent her anger on them, the servants. Of course, these thoughts were only dared to be harbored in his heart; outwardly, he maintained a professional demeanor.
"Oh, I see."
With just this sentence, Little Li Zi was somewhat bewildered. However, he could not linger in Weiyang Palace and returned to the emperor's sleeping quarters in a daze.
Shui Wa: "This child doesn't seem very bright."
Jun Jiuli: "Most of the old servants in the palace have died. He, the chief eunuch, was just a handyman grabbed at random. Zhao Jingheng doesn't trust those who are intelligent either."
Qiuyue: "Miss, what should we do? His Majesty is too much of a bully. How can it be right for the Emperor not to accompany the Empress for the ancestral worship?"
Qiuju put a finger to her lips. "He's so old and still has no sense. Be careful of eavesdropping. This is not like home; from now on, you'll have to call her 'Your Ladyship'."
Qiuyue immediately covered her mouth. Jun Jiuli raised her hand to signal that it was alright. The two fifteen-year-old girls, with red eyes, must have been feeling sorry for her.
Qiuyue: "Your Ladyship, what should we do? If we go like this, who knows how many people will laugh at you. His Majesty hasn't even issued an imperial decree, and the entire court and the harem are waiting for the sacrifice."
Qiuju: "Your Ladyship, should we still wear the ornate robes?"
"It's fine, of course, we should wear them. Whether he comes or not, I am the Empress of the Zhao Kingdom."
"Yes."
Upon hearing the situation, the court officials all had strange expressions. They did not voice any opinions and silently participated in this sacrifice attended only by the Empress.
Only the Prime Minister looked at his daughter with heartache. His heart was bitter, but he could not complain, simply because that person was the Son of Heaven.
Zhao Jingyi's tail was practically stuck in the sky. She never expected her brother to disrespect that woman so much.
She felt extremely delighted in her heart, believing that any woman who wanted to snatch her brother was a slut. If this got out, she would surely be pitied and ridiculed by the world. She deserved such an outcome.
Without the emperor's presence, the sacrifice was much simpler. As the ceremony concluded and everyone was dispersing, the Prime Minister was handed a note.
He clutched it tightly and only opened it after leaving the palace and getting into his carriage. It was from Jun Jiuli, reassuring him that she was safe. Seeing that she could send out such a note, the Prime Minister felt somewhat relieved.
Jun Jiuli returned to the palace and changed into casual attire. Shortly after, Qiuyue came to report that Princess Jingyi had arrived.
Jun Jiuli asked her to come in. This girl had also changed her clothes. She was wearing a crimson palace gown, and one might mistake it for her own wedding day.
She pretended to be well-behaved and harmless, holding up her skirt as she hurried in, displaying the demeanor of a young maiden.
She reached out to take Jun Jiuli's hand, but Jun Jiuli did not evade, wanting to see what tricks she intended to play.
Zhao Jingyi's eyes were filled with disdain. After her scheme succeeded, she withdrew her hand.
"Sister Wenxuan, you are truly beautiful, like a beauty stepped out of a painting. Jingyi felt an instant connection upon seeing you. May I visit often in the future?"
Her eyes were clear and innocent, with a slight blush on her cheeks. Her voice was deliberately sweet and childish, yet not lacking in politeness.
She appeared to be a person of utmost innocence, and it was no wonder she could act that way for so many years in front of the original owner without revealing a single trace of her cunning nature.
"Come whenever you wish."
"Oh, Sister, why are you so distant? Do you not like Jingyi?"
She pouted, feigning distress, and played with her hair with her hands. She looked like a little girl acting spoiled and seeking comfort, her gaze fixed directly on Jun Jiuli.
"Sister Wenxuan, are you angry with Imperial Brother? Imperial Brother did not mean it. Sickness is something beyond control. Jingyi is here to apologize to Sister on behalf of Imperial Brother."
As she spoke, a smile played on her lips, and she found a seat. Her eyes began to survey everything in Weiyang Palace, praising the layout and furnishings as if it were her own palace.
Shui Wa: "This buzzing fly is truly disgusting."
Jun Jiuli: "She's just a petty clown. If she's disturbing you, then send her away."
"When I was outside the palace, I heard that you and His Majesty have a deep brother-sister relationship. How is it that even when His Majesty is ill, the Princess does not go to see him?"
Zhao Jingyi smiled triumphantly, thinking to herself, "More than just a brother-sister relationship. Everything he has is mine. Just be aware of your place."
"Imperial Brother has imperial physicians taking care of him. I would not be of much help even if I went."
"That may not be true. I am sure His Majesty would be happy to have the Princess's concern."
"Then Jingyi shall take her leave. I assume Sister Wenxuan is still angry with Imperial Brother, so I will not invite you to come along."
"Mm, go."
Shui Wa: "Hahaha~ What kind of dramatic scene is this? Exciting!"