Eunuch Su, Eunuch Su!

After all that had happened, Nanny Wei's attitude towards Hui Ming had naturally changed. She no longer bothered with the fake kindness she used to display. Thankfully, perhaps due to Eunuch Su and Nanny Xu's presence, she didn't actively make things difficult for Hui Ming. Instead, she chose a different approach—

Ignoring her completely.

Just like now, as Hui Ming bowed respectfully, Nanny Wei acted as if she didn't exist. Her gaze swept past her and landed directly on Su Jin. With her chin slightly raised, she said, "His Majesty gave a verbal decree. He's not feeling well today and doesn't want to see anyone. Unless it's an urgent matter, everyone is to be turned away." It was clear that Nanny Wei's attitude towards Eunuch Su was also different from the gentle demeanor she used to have. Her tone was flat, devoid of any warmth.

Su Jin, however, seemed oblivious to the change. Since Nanny Wei had relayed a verbal decree, he knelt on one knee, responding respectfully, "As you command." After that, he turned back and continued to admire the narcissus bonsai, as if it were the rarest treasure in the world.

Nanny Wei pursed her lips tightly and glanced at Eunuch Su's back before turning and entering the hall.

Perhaps it was a case of "the thief suspects his neighbor," but ever since Hui Ming had learned of Nanny Wei's "feelings" for Eunuch Su from Bai Hao, she couldn't help but see a hint of complicated emotions in her eyes. Compared to that, Eunuch Su's indifferent back seemed as cold as stone.

No, that's not right. That's disrespectful to Eunuch Su. Besides, with Nanny Wei's status and personality, it's only natural for Eunuch Su to be indifferent to her, right?

Thinking this way, Hui Ming lowered her head and took a step back, shaking her head to clear away these messy thoughts. As she took a deep breath and was about to take this opportunity to excuse herself with Eunuch Su, she saw him descend the steps and walk towards two men dressed in python robes.

At their age, the only ones who could wear python robes were Prince Rui and Prince Xin, the pair of rivals.

As expected, after a few routine greetings, Eunuch Su bowed slightly and said, "His Majesty was unwell at noon and was seen by the Imperial Physician. He has just fallen asleep and instructed that he is not to be disturbed. Your Highnesses, perhaps you could visit another time?"

"We wouldn't dare disturb Father's rest. However, this Prince still has some matters to report to Father. Since that's the case, we will wait in the side hall." The one who spoke was the Third Prince, Prince Xin, the legitimate son of the Empress. He had a bright and clear face, as gentle as the autumn moon. His actions were known for being gentle and refined, and even when speaking to palace servants, he was always soft-spoken and patient. Even when kept waiting, he would never show any displeasure. Everyone spoke highly of him.

In contrast, Prince Rui, the son of Consort Xian, appeared much rougher around the edges. Not only was he strong and sturdy, but he also sported a full beard. His voice was loud and booming, and although he also wore the luxurious python robe of a Prince, he looked more like a battle-hardened general, intimidating to behold. Even his personality and actions, when compared to Prince Xin, made him seem like a simple and straightforward man.

However… if he were truly a simple man with no ulterior motives, how could he have created this situation of two princes vying for the throne? Not to mention the armed rebellion three years later… Hui Ming observed coldly, feeling that Prince Rui was deliberately putting on an act to deceive others. In reality, he was cunning and ambitious, a wolf in sheep's clothing.

As expected, as soon as Prince Xin finished speaking, Prince Rui immediately boomed, "As it happens, this Prince also has a memorial to present. Let's wait together!"

Eunuch Su's expression remained unchanged as he calmly acknowledged their request. He instructed Yuan Bao to attend to the Princes and then retreated a few steps, returning to his post outside the hall.

Although Hui Ming didn't pay much attention to the power struggle between Prince Xin and Prince Rui, working in the Hall of Heavenly Virtue allowed her to sense that their rivalry was becoming increasingly open, with neither bothering to hide their animosity.

Hui Ming didn't understand the affairs of the court, but having spent so much time attending the Emperor, she could still discern some things, such as the current situation.

The Emperor was getting old. After falling so seriously ill this time, even with the Imperial Physicians' best efforts, he couldn't fully recover to his previous health. Although his mind was clear and he could speak and move normally, his speech was still slurred, and his limbs would occasionally stiffen and become numb. He required acupuncture from the Imperial Physician every few days to alleviate the symptoms. As for resuming his previous workload in handling court affairs, that was out of the question for now.

With the Emperor's health failing, he had no choice but to entrust the affairs of the state to someone else. To a certain extent, the person chosen for this task also represented the Emperor's choice for the future ruler. At such a crucial time, every inch of ground was naturally contested. In recent days, Prince Xin and Prince Rui would practically visit the Hall of Heavenly Virtue eight times a day. On the surface, it was out of "filial piety," but more importantly, it was to report on the tasks the Emperor had assigned them, demonstrating their governing abilities and hoping to gain an advantage over the other in the Emperor's eyes.

Hui Ming was used to the tension between the two princes and wasn't surprised. After witnessing this scene from the corridor, she initially wanted to approach Eunuch Su and excuse herself. However, looking at him standing guard at the door, she hesitated—

If she wasn't mistaken, Eunuch Su's expression seemed particularly cold at that moment.

When facing others, Eunuch Su always had an unreadable expression, like a deep well that revealed no emotions. But at this moment, the depths of that well seemed to have frozen over, emanating a bone-chilling coldness that sent shivers down one's spine just by looking at him.

In truth, Hui Ming might not have many strengths, but she was observant and sharp. Perhaps this was a necessary skill for survival in the palace. Although she wouldn't show it on her face, she could often discern the unspoken thoughts and feelings of others with just a glance.

Otherwise, how could she, an inexperienced and ordinary girl, have gained the trust and closeness of the young Emperor, surpassing countless other palace servants? Besides her attentiveness, a large part of it was due to her innate perceptiveness, which allowed her to pick up on the subtle cues in the young Emperor's unusual behavior, gradually figuring out the right way to interact with him.

Over the years, Hui Ming's talent had only failed her once, and that was with Su Jin. In her past life, she had convinced herself that she had seen a glimmer of desire and improper intentions in the eyes of the gentlemanly Eunuch Su. In the end, she was proven wrong by his selfless act of saving her life in the final moments. Now, whenever she recalled the words Eunuch Su had entrusted to Yuan Bao to relay to her, she was filled with shame and humiliation.

Especially after asking about their past today! With Eunuch Su's background and capabilities, how could he possibly be interested in a plain and ordinary girl like her, who had even had her head shaved bald?

Enough, stop thinking about the head-shaving incident! Realizing that she was once again fixated on this matter, Hui Ming couldn't help but shake her head repeatedly. Eunuch Su was busy with important matters every day, so how could he possibly remember such a trivial matter from years ago? Her constant dwelling on it was nothing but self-inflicted torment, only serving to disrupt her own peace of mind!

Even though she knew this logically, such things weren't easily controlled by willpower. In fact, most of the time, the more she tried not to think about it, the more persistently the thought would pop up. In the end, Hui Ming had to resort to recalling the terrifying scene of her own death by white silk in her past life. The chilling image instantly cleared her mind, and she composed herself before approaching Eunuch Su to excuse herself.

When she looked up again, Eunuch Su's expression was surprisingly calm. He even showed a hint of concern in his voice, "His Majesty won't be awake for a while. Go and rest for a bit. They haven't found a replacement for you yet, and you're on duty every day. Learn to be smart and take care of yourself."

Hui Ming naturally responded respectfully and, in return, advised Eunuch Su to go inside and sit down. Eunuch Su didn't find her bothersome and readily agreed. There was no trace of the chilling coldness she had sensed earlier in his words or demeanor.

Because of this, Hui Ming found herself doubting her own perception as she recalled the chilling look on Eunuch Su's face earlier. Was the coldness she had seen real? Or was she mistaken again?

Author's Note:

Hui Ming, doubting herself: How could I possibly understand Eunuch Su's thoughts? I must be wrong again!

Su Jin, not at all flustered or guilty: No, no, you're not wrong at all…

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