Chapter 13: Want to See a Living Emperor?

Yun Xiangyi paused for a moment, then a knowing smile appeared on her face. "Is Miss still concerned about being summoned to the palace by the Empress Dowager today?"

Grace caught on. "Do you know something about this?"

Yun Xiangyi, originally a noblewoman, had a problematic father. After winning the title of Flower Moon Scholar in Huizhou, she resolutely left her hometown and followed her uncle to the capital. When she heard that the eldest daughter of the Qingyun Marquis needed a tutor, she came. However, once inside the household, she ended up living a life of ease, seemingly without any intention of starting over elsewhere.

But that didn't mean she had lost her skills.

After eating seven or eight candied walnuts from Grace, Yun Xiangyi, like a cunning Zhuge Liang waving his feather fan, patted Grace's arm. "The Empress Dowager has her plans. When you enter the palace tomorrow, just act like your usual self—no need to pretend."

Ignoring the implication, Grace asked, "What if she wants me to do something?"

"The Empress Dowager won't ask you for anything."

"But what if she does?"

"If she does, just don't agree to it."

Grace already knew this and felt that Yun Xiangyi wasn't being particularly helpful.

She decided to ask something more practical. "You haven't explained the significance of only three titles in the Flower Moon Festival per province."

Yun Xiangyi elaborated, "Three titles per province might not seem significant, especially for common girls without the means to study or train."

"Though the titles are few, the Flower Moon Festival brings a lot of attention. Many seek this honor not just for social elevation but also for the prestige it confers. The Jade Flower Moon Seal bears the emperor's approval on one side and the Empress Dowager's decree on the other—an honor worthy of passing down through generations.

"In these peaceful times, wealthy gentry have amassed fortunes, but not all have the connections to gain influence. A Flower Moon Scholar title can bring great honor. Many spend lavishly to train a scholar, leading to an increase in female tutors and matchmakers, and the proliferation of female-run medical clinics and martial arts schools. Even those who don't win often continue in these fields.

"These ventures also employ maidservants, nannies, and cooks, creating numerous job opportunities for women. This shift in the Flower Moon Festival has indeed transformed societal attitudes, leading to businesses hiring female workers, which is now quite common."

Grace was stunned. The Empress Dowager, despite her imposing and threatening demeanor, had incited such significant social change in this feudal society. No wonder she allowed Grace to return to the marquis's residence. Experiencing society firsthand, Grace could understand the transformation better.

Given the festival's importance, it was naturally rife with opportunities for corruption, as evidenced by the recent scandal involving the Vice Minister of Rites.

The Empress Dowager's ability to drive societal progress warranted respect, but that didn't justify her oppressing a fellow time traveler.

"Aren't we all in this together? Doesn't she understand team spirit?" Grace muttered.

"Girlie, why are you grinding your teeth? Do you have a toothache?" Xiaolan asked, concerned.

Grace quickly rubbed her face.

Thinking about her impending palace visit, Grace felt a wave of depression. What would the cunning Empress Dowager ask of her tomorrow? Could it be related to Shi En's case?

That night, Grace struggled with the constant presence of attendants during her bath, toilet visits, and even drinking water at midnight. She eventually faced the dawn with open eyes.

At breakfast, she instructed Xiaojv, "I'm going to the palace to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. If I'm not back by afternoon, have the marquis fetch me."

Xiaojv obediently agreed.

After giving her instructions, Grace headed to the palace.

In the main hall of Cining Palace, Gao Shu stopped her under the eaves.

Hearing a clear voice from within, she couldn't help but ask, "Who is inside?"

Gao Shu glanced at her. "It's the Emperor."

Grace's mouth formed an "O" shape, and she craned her neck to get a glimpse.

She hadn't seen a living emperor before! How impressive could he be?

Gao Shu, slightly intrigued himself, asked, "Does Miss want to see the Emperor?"

Grace initially wanted to say yes, but realizing she only wanted a look without any other purpose, she waved her hand. "I just wanted to take a peek."

Gao Shu cautioned, "Miss, be careful with your words. Seeing the Emperor is a privilege; do not speak disrespectfully."

In other words, no "casual peeking" allowed...

Grace pondered. "Can I take a proper look then?"

Gao Shu hesitated. "Has Miss never properly seen the Emperor?"

Grace remembered that as the daughter of a close minister, she must have seen the Emperor before. Unfortunately, she had no recollection of his appearance because she always avoided him due to fear.

"Farewell, Your Majesty!"

At that moment, the eunuch's voice came from the hall.

Grace tried to peek again but was pulled back by Gao Shu, who gestured for silence.

In the brief moment she withdrew her gaze, she caught a glimpse of bright yellow robes passing two feet away.

Once the commotion outside ceased, Gao Shu signaled Grace to enter the hall.

Grace entered, seeing the Empress Dowager on the couch, perusing documents—all with similar covers, likely official papers.

Suppressing her frustration, Grace greeted, "Empress Dowager, I'm here."

The Empress Dowager didn't respond.

Just as Grace mustered the courage to speak her mind, the Empress Dowager, without looking up, gestured towards a pot under the curtain. "Perfect timing. I only had a bowl of milk for breakfast. It's almost noon; prepare a hotpot."

"…"

Hotpot?

Did she really think of her as a cook?

What did her breakfast have to do with her!

But on second thought, satisfying the Empress Dowager's appetite first might make her more cautious in her decisions later.

Looking at the pot, it was round with an S-shaped divider—an authentic mandarin duck pot! Moreover, it was brand new.

Grace stared at the Empress Dowager. "Didn't you just have this pot made yesterday?"

The Empress Dowager turned another page without raising her eyes. "A clever woman can't cook without rice. If I hadn't prepared the pot, could you have made hotpot? And remember, make it spicy. I'm from Tanzhou."