Transmigrated Female Official

After Ji Qiran entered the palace, the Empress granted Chu Qingluo a few more days of rest, intending to allow her to temporarily relieve herself of her heavy burden.

However, the position of a sixth-rank female official had not yet been decided, and Chu Qingluo still had many complicated matters to handle. She was too embarrassed to really rest for so long, so she went back to court the next day.

However, this day was different from usual; she did not ride in a carriage, but was escorted to the palace by Ji Qiran on horseback.

In Ji Qiran's words, it was to let her get used to the feeling of being on horseback so that she could learn to ride a horse as soon as possible.

Thinking that she might soon be riding a horse dashingly across the boundless grasslands, Chu Qingluo naturally wouldn't hesitate.

Having survived a near-death experience, she must cherish her life. Besides, there are still so many things she wants to experience and try...

Upon entering the palace gates, Ji Qiran nimbly lifted Chu Qingluo off the horse and sighed, "Alas—, our Qingluo is working too hard. His Majesty has already granted you special permission to rest, but you still insisted on running into the palace."

"You know I'm very busy these days." Chu Qingluo straightened her official robes as a first-rank female official, then smiled and tugged at his sleeve, saying, "There's plenty of time in the future. Are you worried I won't have time to rest?"

"I can't argue with you, so I'll wait for you here at noon." Ji Qiran had no choice but to gently pinch her cheek to show his dissatisfaction.

"Okay, see you then." After Chu Qingluo finished speaking, she turned around and was about to walk forward when Ji Qiran suddenly pulled her back.

"Hmm?" He pointed to his left cheek, oblivious to everyone around him and with a shameless air.

Chu Qinglu rolled her eyes with a smile, leaned over, and generously gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Not satisfied, Ji Qiran gave her a quick, light kiss on the lips before grinning and saying, "This is a return gift."

She laughed, realizing there was really nothing she could do about him.

……

On the Qingming Hall.

Standing behind the Sixth Princess, Chu Qingluo felt the once lofty Phoenix Throne suddenly become incredibly close. She only needed to climb a few steps to reach it.

No wonder princesses always flock to it. The phoenix throne is right before their eyes, gleaming with dazzling golden light. It's no wonder they become covetous after staring at it for so long.

The Empress was somewhat surprised that Chu Qingluo had appeared today. "Why didn't you rest for a few more days, Minister Chu?"

"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. However, there are still some trivial matters in the palace that have not been properly handled, and I dare not continue to slack off."

The Empress nodded approvingly and said, "You've worked hard, my dear minister."

Fortunately, Chu Qingluo arrived, because the first thing discussed at the morning court session was who should take over the position of a sixth-rank female official.

Chu Qingluo had discussed this issue with Shaoyao in private.

From a suitable perspective, Peony is indeed an excellent candidate to succeed her. She is already very knowledgeable about handling all internal affairs, and she can even brew Chu Qingluo's specially made fruit tea quite well. She also has a thorough understanding of the breeding farm outside the palace and the process of making down comforters.

From Chu Qingluo's personal perspective, she didn't want to see Shaoyao get involved in all sorts of ruthless struggles.

But everyone has their own ambitions, and Peony has the desire to advance further, so Chu Qingluo will respect her choice. Therefore, when the Empress asked for everyone's opinions, she submitted Peony's name.

Now that the Sixth Princess reigns supreme, as long as Peony does her job peacefully, she shouldn't be maliciously harassed.

As soon as Chu Qingluo finished speaking, the Sixth Princess was the first to second her opinion: "Your Majesty, Anyang agrees with Lord Chu's proposal and believes that Mo Shao is also capable of managing internal affairs."

In the eyes of the Sixth Princess, Peony's abilities and role were far inferior to Chu Qingluo's, but that didn't matter. Peony only needed to handle the affairs of the inner palace in an orderly manner. She didn't need to be too smart; she could leave the tasks that required brainpower to others.

Following the Sixth Princess's call, Yao Man and Jiang Sha naturally followed suit.

Seeing that no one else had any objections, the Empress did not hesitate for long and immediately decided to let Peony replace Chu Qingluo as the new sixth-rank female official.

……

Inside Guangrentang, Chonghuan had just left after issuing the imperial edict.

"Qingluo—! You're so good to me! I'm so grateful to you!" Peony immediately jumped up from the ground and gave Chu Qingluo a big hug! Her excitement at this moment was beyond words!

Chu Qingluo grinned foolishly along with her, but couldn't help asking, "Are you really that happy?"

"Of course!" Peony's eyes welled up with tears as she held Chu Qingluo's hand and said, "Do you know that starting with me, the history of our Mo family will be rewritten!"

Hearing what Shaoyao said, Chu Qingluo couldn't help but recall the old house that had weathered many storms in her family, and the name her mother had given her, a name born of the hope that her daughter would become a phoenix...

When has the burden on the peony's shoulders ever been lighter?

"...Peony, congratulations." Chu Qingluo had many things she wanted to say, but suddenly she couldn't say them. She could only sincerely wish her a smooth career path.

“I know what you’re worried about.” Peony sniffed and said, “You must be afraid that this is really helping me.”

Chu Qinglu did not deny it.

"If Zizhong Xin were to choose again, I believe he would still choose to appear before the Empress in the gorgeous clothes you designed. He would never regret his decision."

"Peony..."

“Me too.” Peony didn’t give Chu Qingluo a chance to speak, and continued, “Rather than living a life of obscurity, I would rather have my moment of glory. Qingluo, I’m willing to take the risk.”

Even at the cost of one's life?

"Yes!"

Since Peony had said so, what else could Chu Qingluo say? She could only admire Peony from the bottom of her heart; beneath her slender frame lay such great drive.

I just wish everything would be alright.

……

"Lord Chu, please wait—"

Chu Qingluo was walking along the corridor leading out of the palace when she suddenly heard the sound of running behind her. She instinctively turned around and saw a small face covered in sweat.

"Ah... I remember you." Chu Qingluo remembered the person in front of her; he was the one who left the deepest impression on her among the newly promoted executives this year, but she couldn't remember his name.

"Greetings, Lord Chu. My name is Tong Ling, and I am the executive officer of the Music and Etiquette Bureau." She said, panting, as she wiped the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve.

"Tong Ling? What a nice name." Chu Qingluo remembered how innocent and straightforward she was, without a trace of guile. "What do you need me for?"

"I..." Tong Ling bit her lower lip tightly, and finally mustered up her courage to ask, "Lord Chu, may I ask where Mr. Wuyang plays his instrument outside the palace?"

"Huh?" Chu Qingluo was taken aback at first. When she saw Tong Ling's head hanging low and her neck turning red, she couldn't help but laugh and said, "Wu Yang is no longer playing in the music hall."