Time travel, quick transmigration

Xiao Die, Shen Zhi returned to the palace smoothly. Shen Zhi led her into Nanxun Palace while wearing the guard's uniform, avoiding the eyes and ears of the palace.

"Wait for me, I'll go back to my room to change my clothes first, and then we'll go together to report to Her Majesty."

Shen Zhi nodded and watched Xiao Die run away.

Not long after, Xiaodie, who had changed her clothes, walked towards Shen Zhi carrying a bundle.

"Here you go, this guard uniform is yours. We need to be careful. This kind of outfit can't be shown in Nanxun Palace. If someone with ulterior motives sees it, it will definitely cause some unnecessary trouble."

Shen Zhi understood this principle; it was always better to be cautious in the harem.

He took the bundle from Xiaodie's hand and held it in his own.

"Shall we go see the Empress?"

Xiaodie nodded.

"Of course, Her Majesty must be waiting for us. Let's go."

The two walked towards Mianhua Pavilion one after the other. Occasionally, maids and eunuchs who were responsible for sweeping would pass by and glance at them, as if to say that their relationship was unusual and there was something fishy going on. They were really curious and gossipy.

Xiaodie was completely unaware of their gazes and continued chatting and laughing with Shen Zhiyou.

Just as they arrived at the entrance of Mianhua Pavilion, they bumped into Aman, who was coming out.

Aman's eyes lit up.

"Sister Xiaodie, Her Majesty is waiting for you in the inner room. Please come in quickly."

Xiaodie smiled.

"Yes, I'll go see Her Majesty now. What are you planning to do there?"

Ah Man handed the tray he was holding forward.

"The Empress is painting, and these tools need to be cleaned."

Xiaodie glanced at the small white porcelain dishes on the tray, which contained various colors of paint.

"You can leave these cleaning tasks to your subordinates. You are a senior palace maid who serves Her Majesty closely, equivalent to a female official. You don't need to do these things yourself. Just focus on serving Her Majesty."

Ah Man was embarrassed.

"I see. I thought so too. But it's nothing serious. I'll be right back. You go in first, don't keep Her Majesty waiting."

Xiaodie knew that Aman was a simple-minded and easy-going person. Seeing Aman's carefree and easy-going nature, she felt both pity and indignation for Aman.

"They only do this because they think you're easy to talk to and don't hold grudges. It's their job, but they made you do it. I'll talk to them about this later."

“Everyone has their own responsibilities. Sometimes Her Majesty can’t attend to many things. If I’m not around, you are the person she is most close to, trusts and relies on the most. I’m not saying whether they are as dedicated as they are, but they certainly don’t treat Her Majesty as meticulously and thoughtfully as the two of us do.”

"Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Ah Man nodded as if she understood but not quite.

"I've remembered everything Sister Xiaodie said."

"But Sister Xiaodie, you shouldn't blame others. I'm willing to do these chores too. Sometimes I'm not quite sure what I can do to repay Her Majesty's kindness, and it seems that doing more things makes me feel less lost. Unlike Sister Xiaodie, I'm not clever and quick-witted; in fact, I could be described as a bit foolish..."

Xiaodie suddenly fell silent upon hearing this.

"It was my oversight. I usually see you as straightforward and unpretentious, but I never expected you to be so thoughtful."

"I'll take you under my wing more often and teach you more."

Aman smiled from the bottom of her heart.

"Really? That would be wonderful."

"Sister, go inside. I'll be right back after I've washed everything."

Xiaodie smiled slightly.

"Go ahead."

After Aman left with the things, Shen Zhi, who hadn't said a word, smiled and said.

"Xiaodie is the kindest girl I've ever met."

Xiaodie's cheeks flushed at what she was told, and she glanced at Shen Zhi.

"Get lost, you're just making fun of me."

With that, he stepped inside.

Upon seeing this, Shen Zhi immediately followed.

"Mother, my servant is back."

Xiao Die ran excitedly to Shi Yan and looked at her with a smile.

Shi Yan raised her eyes and glanced at the two people who had come hand in hand. She responded with a soft "hmm," then put down the wolf-hair brush in her hand, spread out the peony painting that she had painted most of the way through, and smoothed it out.

"You came back earlier than I expected. You two have worked hard."

As he spoke, he stepped aside from the desk and sat down in a large pearwood armchair.

"You two sit down and talk."

"It's lunchtime soon, so you two, along with Aman, will dine with me at Mianhua Pavilion. I've asked Aman to instruct the Imperial Kitchen to prepare a few extra dishes. I'll be happy to have you all with me."

Xiao Die and Shen Zhi were both taken aback.

Xiao Die, who was the first to react, was about to refuse when Shi Yan interrupted her.

"This is my order. You are not allowed to refuse or object."

"Xiao Die, you and Xiao Shen went to the dangerous outside the palace for my sake, and you were worried sick. Shouldn't I reward you?"

Xiaodie was rendered speechless.

Upon seeing this, Shen Zhi immediately spoke up.

"Your Majesty's intentions are appreciated, but we beg Your Majesty to rescind your order. We have no right to dine at the same table as Your Majesty. Moreover, we are Your Majesty's subordinates, and it is our duty to serve you wholeheartedly. There is no need to talk about rewarding us."

A hint of admiration for Shen Zhi appeared in Shi Yan's eyes.

"I know that you have always been upright."

"No need for further words. Xiaodie is more than just a maid to me; I have long regarded her as a younger sister. Since you are the person she likes, the two of you don't need to be so formal in front of me."

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

"Xiao Shen, you may leave now. I have something to say to Xiao Die alone."

Shen Zhi nodded.

"Since Your Majesty has something to say to Xiaodie, I will take my leave now."

As he spoke, he looked up at Xiaodie, their eyes met for a moment, and then they both looked away.

Shen Zhi bowed and took his leave. After he left, Shi Yan said to Xiao Die.

"Xiaodie, did Haiyue say anything after reading the letter?"

Xiao Die hesitated upon hearing this, her mind filled with Hai Yue's sorrowful eyes and his dejected expression after Hai Yue confirmed that Xiao Huanling was very important to Shi Yan.

"Haiyue asked me to tell you that she will complete the tasks assigned in Her Majesty's letter satisfactorily, so you can rest assured."

"Moreover, he asked me to inquire after Your Highness's well-being, saying that Your Highness should take good care of herself."

Shi Yan smiled sweetly.

"He's thoughtful."

“Haiyue and the others are reliable. I feel more at ease with them protecting A-Ling from the shadows.”

"Have you conveyed my message to Haiyue? Although the things I explained in my letter are important, in critical moments they still need to prioritize their own lives?"

Xiaodie was stunned for a moment, feeling somewhat annoyed.

"I forgot to mention..."

Shi Yan shook her head, but did not blame her.

"It's alright, I also gave instructions in my letter, I'm sure he'll keep them in mind."

"You've had a long day. After lunch, you can go back and rest. I'll grant you half a day off."

"After we finish these current matters, I will begin to arrange your marriage with Xiao Shen in a while. I heard from Xiao Shen last time that he has already purchased a residence outside the palace. It seems that Xiao Shen intends to use that place as your marital home. Then you will have a place to stay after your marriage, and you will have your own home. That would be wonderful. Don't worry, I will prepare a generous dowry for you."