Eunuch Su, Eunuch Su!

Before Consort Xian spoke, Hui Ming still had a glimmer of hope in her heart. But after hearing Consort Xian's words so clearly, Hui Ming felt her mind go blank.

The palace maids often gossiped about "food companions." Compared to the strict rules of the previous dynasty, the current dynasty was more lenient. It was common among the palace people, especially the older ones. As long as it was kept private and didn't cause a scandal, even if the Emperor heard rumors, he would usually turn a blind eye. If he was in a good mood, he would just laugh it off.

But no matter what, such things could only happen in secret. To be exposed like this in public was a different matter. According to the rules, once a palace maid entered the palace, regardless of her age, appearance, background, or personality, she was considered the Emperor's woman. To have a "food companion" with a eunuch in the palace was undoubtedly forbidden.

Hui Ming couldn't even think about why Consort Xian would pay attention to the rumors between her and Eunuch Su, or why she would bring it up so casually at this moment. After she came back to her senses, all she could think about was what would happen to her and Eunuch Su now that the matter had been exposed. What kind of punishment would Eunuch Su receive? Was there a precedent for this in the palace? No, how could there be? Such disgraceful matters, once they became serious, were dealt with directly and discreetly. How could they be spread and become known?

Thinking of this, Hui Ming's heart skipped a beat. She instantly made up her mind. Not to mention that she and Eunuch Su were innocent, even if they really did have a secret relationship, she would never admit to this crime! She came back to life to ensure Eunuch Su lived a good and peaceful life, free from illness and disaster. She would never let him be implicated because of her!

"Your Majesty," Hui Ming took a deep breath and was about to stand up and defend herself. But before she could utter another word, Eunuch Su had already knelt in front of her. His voice was calm as he said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. Song Hui Ming was indeed transferred to the Imperial presence by this servant."

He only admitted that he had transferred her to the Emperor's service, but didn't say anything else. That was right. Although Consort Xian had said "Eunuch Su's person," she didn't explicitly mention the words "food companion." Even though everyone understood the implication, as long as it wasn't explicitly stated, offering an explanation would be like protesting too much.

Looking at Eunuch Su's back, Hui Ming calmed down. She understood that she was blinded by worry. Eunuch Su's approach was the right one. Now that she had come back to her senses, she knew that speaking rashly before the situation was clear would only make things worse. So, she closed her mouth and knelt down again.

The Emperor remained silent after hearing this, his gaze fixed on Su Jin. On the other side, the Empress covered her mouth with a handkerchief, her expression unreadable. Prince Rui and Prince Xin also stared at Su Jin and Hui Ming, their faces unreadable.

Seeing that none of them spoke, the other consorts and concubines present simply kept their eyes on their noses and their noses on their hearts. Not even a cough could be heard. The once joyous and lively West Warm Pavilion was now filled with a suffocating silence.

After a while, Consort Xian spoke as if nothing had happened. She was the one who brought it up in the first place, but now she was the one who continued the conversation, smiling as she said, "It's just Eunuch Su transferring someone. It's not a big deal. Why is everyone so quiet?"

Hearing his mother speak, Prince Rui let out a hearty laugh. "Mother is right. It's just a broken bowl, no big deal. On this auspicious day of the Winter Solstice Festival, there's no need for punishment. You guys, clean this up."

The Emperor slowly withdrew his gaze at these words. Without expressing his opinion, he picked up his teacup and took a sip. Seeing this, Su Jin stood up calmly and gestured for the palace servants to clean up the broken porcelain and spilled bird's nest soup. He then ordered Hui Ming to excuse herself.

Seeing the situation, Hui Ming, despite her turmoil, kowtowed respectfully and thanked him before backing away.

Hong Yun hurried away as soon as she left the pavilion, fearing someone might be following her. Hui Ming couldn't care less about her at the moment. After exiting the wooden door of the pavilion, she stood at the top of the stairs, feeling a little lost. What had just happened would definitely not be so easily forgotten. After such an incident, where should she go? What should she do to help Eunuch Su?

As she was lost in thought, she heard footsteps behind her. Hui Ming turned around and saw Nanny Xu, who had also come out.

Hui Ming went up to her and called out with a worried expression, "Nanny."

Nanny Xu shook her head reassuringly and looked at her dress, which was stained with bird's nest soup. "Go and get yourself cleaned up. As for what happens next, we'll have to see what His Majesty says."

Hearing this, Hui Ming became even more worried. "Should I go and explain things clearly for Eunuch Su?"

"No need." Nanny Xu shook her head again and explained, "Eunuch Su is different from others. His Majesty won't make a fuss over such a small matter. Go and change your clothes and rest for a while."

Although Nanny Xu said so, how could Hui Ming truly relax? She listened obediently but didn't leave. She just found a secluded spot outside the Warm Pavilion and waited. Not long after, she saw Nanny Wang coming out with Seventh Prince.

Seeing Hui Ming, Seventh Prince pursed his lips tightly, his beautiful eyes staring at her intently.

Nanny Wang explained, "His Highness became restless after seeing what happened to you. I was afraid that if this continued, His Highness would make a scene and make things worse, so I excused myself to the Empress's maid and left first."

Hui Ming nodded and squatted down. In the little prince's bright, black eyes, she saw her own reflection. Although he didn't speak, anyone could see the pure and innocent concern in his eyes.

Seeing the little prince's worry for her, Hui Ming's heart softened despite the current situation. She reached out and gently patted his hand. Although Hui Ming never deliberately coaxed him because of his young age and "stupidity," she knew that the prince, who was confined indoors, had a pure heart and wouldn't understand Consort Xian's insinuations. So, she explained, "It's nothing, just a broken bowl. The Consort said it was fine. At most, they'll deduct some silver as punishment. You don't have to worry, Your Highness."

Seventh Prince didn't know if he understood, but after hearing her comfort, he lowered his head again after a while.

Hui Ming was truly worried about the little prince at this moment. Seeing this, she urged Nanny Wang to take him back to rest quickly. She then forced herself to endure her anxiety and continued to wait.

Logically, on the Winter Solstice Festival, the whole family should stay together all night. But with the Emperor's health, it was impossible for him to tire himself out like this. Therefore, before midnight, seeing the Emperor's fatigue, the Empress stood up and persuaded him to rest, and the banquet was dismissed.

Su Jin, as if completely unaffected by the previous incident, stood calmly at the door, seeing off each of the guests. Consort Xian stayed behind to speak with the Emperor. Dressed in a riding outfit, Prince Rui waited patiently outside. Seeing that everyone else had left, he put his arm around Su Jin's shoulder, pretending to be drunk, and joked, "Haha, Eunuch Su sure is popular with the ladies…"

A flash of coldness flickered in Su Jin's eyes, but he didn't say anything. He even took a slight step back, revealing his displeasure without any disguise.

Prince Rui, as if he didn't notice, continued to laugh heartily. "You're too cautious. If you like a palace maid, just say it. With your contributions, would Father blame you? Why do you have to sneak around like this? It's only making things difficult for her. Today, Mother helped you make things clear, so you don't have to be embarrassed!"

What kindness? It was nothing more than trying to tie him tighter to this sinking ship. But Hui Ming… he didn't expect Consort Xian to act so decisively. He had still implicated her…

Thinking of this, Su Jin suddenly closed his eyes, suppressing the emotions welling up in his heart. When he opened his eyes again and looked at Prince Rui, his expression was even more somber. "Then I'll have to trouble Your Highness to thank Consort Xian on my behalf."

"You're welcome, you're welcome." Prince Rui, whether he was truly oblivious or just pretending, didn't seem to notice the sarcasm in Su Jin's tone. He waved his hand with a smile and, as if drunk, stumbled down the stairs.

Seeing Prince Rui walk away, Su Jin turned around as if to return to the Warm Pavilion. Hui Ming, who had been waiting in the shadows for more than an hour, couldn't help but take a few steps forward and call out hurriedly, "Eunuch Su."

Hearing her voice, Su Jin stopped in his tracks, his body stiffening. He could barely bring himself to turn around and look at her.

Hui Ming didn't care about these details at this moment. She took a few steps forward and approached Su Jin, whispering urgently, "Will Consort Xian's words implicate you? Will His Majesty punish you?"

Su Jin lowered his head, his fists clenching tighter and tighter. Hearing Hui Ming's words, his heart felt as if it was being squeezed tightly, making him unable to even look up.

Seeing Su Jin's reaction, Hui Ming thought the situation was truly serious. Even the usually calm and collected Eunuch Su was so troubled. Naturally, she became even more anxious.

That's right. As the Chief Eunuch, Eunuch Su had always enjoyed the Emperor's trust. Now that such a thing had happened, even if he wasn't punished openly, there was no guarantee that the Emperor wouldn't be displeased. As a palace servant, the most important thing was the master's trust. A Chief Eunuch who displeased the Emperor was like having a knife constantly held to his throat. Affecting his future was a small matter; who knew when the blade would silently pierce him?

Hui Ming's face turned pale. Just as she was about to say something, the curtain was lifted. Plum Blossom, the head palace maid of Wanxi Palace, stepped out first and helped Consort Xian out.

Hui Ming lowered her head and stepped back. Su Jin, seeing this, frowned slightly and stepped forward, subtly shielding Hui Ming behind him.

Consort Xian stopped in front of them. Seeing this, she smiled meaningfully and walked away.

Su Jin finally came back to his senses. He still kept his head lowered in front of Hui Ming. "I'm fine, but you…" He stopped, unable to continue. He looked up briefly at her, then turned his head away, clenching his jaw. "Things have come to this. I'm afraid I've ruined your reputation."

"Master, His Majesty summons you," Yuan Bao said in a low voice, having finally found them.

Hearing this, Su Jin gave Hui Ming a final apologetic look and turned to enter the Warm Pavilion.

ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

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