After delegating the matter of the phoenix crown, the large stone in Xia Ruqing’s heart finally settled.
After lunch, she took a sweet nap.
When she woke from her midday rest, she stretched languidly and sighed.
"Once this lighter phoenix crown is done, my neck will finally be spared!"
While helping her change clothes, Zi Su remarked.
"Madam, what if that old craftsman doesn’t keep his word and leaks your secret?"
Xia Ruqing’s almond eyes lifted slightly.
"Would he dare?"
"Judging by his demeanor, he seems to have served in the palace for many years; he should know better. Don’t worry!"
But Zi Su was still uneasy.
"If worse comes to worst, I can have Xiao Xizi keep a secret eye on him, or give him another lesson!"
"Either way, I can’t help but worry!"
This was a matter of the Empress’s reputation, if it got out, it would be disastrous!
Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but laugh and cry.
"Enough!"
"There’s no need to go to such lengths!"
"But just in case, we should investigate his background thoroughly!"
"Leave this task to Xiao Xizi!"
"Alright!"
Hearing this, Zi Su quickly and efficiently dressed and styled her hair.
Then she hurried out.
Almost colliding with Zi Yue, who had just come in with a tray of tea.
"Oh dear!"
"Zi Su, why are you in such a hurry!"
Without stopping, Zi Yue promptly replied.
"The Mistress has given me an order, I’ll tell you later!"
And with that, she dashed out.
Zi Yue went inside to ask Xia Ruqing.
Xia Ruqing took two sips of tea and smiled.
"That girl, she’s worried that the old craftsman might spill the beans, embarrassing me!"
"I’ve sent her to have Xiao Xizi look into the man’s background!"
Zi Yue thought for a moment and said.
"I believe it shouldn’t be a problem!"
Xia Ruqing shook her head helplessly.
"That’s just her nature, let her be!"
"Alright!"
Zi Yue didn’t ask more.
Xia Ruqing, fully dressed, checked herself in the mirror, found nothing amiss, and went to the side hall to see Yue Er!
...
Zi Yue and Zi Su, as her First-Rank Senior Palace Maids, have been with her from when she was a young Lady to now as Empress.
They shared a deep bond over more than ten years of mistress-servant relationship.
Zi Yue is composed and steady, but her flaw is being too conservative and lacking drive.
Zi Su, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. This girl’s temper is very stubborn, she’s bold and audacious, often speaking without regard for formality.
But she is loyal to a fault.
In any situation, she would rather stand at the forefront to shield her, not letting her suffer the slightest grievance.
These two complement each other perfectly, and are very endearing to her.
In her heart, Xia Ruqing has long regarded them as sisters.
Of course, in this ancient setting.
A mistress is a mistress, and a servant is a servant; there is no possibility of them being sisters.
These thoughts could only be buried deep in her heart.
At most, she could reward them materially, with more silver and delicacies, sharing the good fortune!
...
Yue Er was already over one year and four months old.
Able to run, jump, and speak very clearly.
She could call father, mother, and brother, and could say simple sentences.
When Xia Ruqing arrived.
Yue Er hadn’t woken up yet.
The older maid chuckled.
"Madam, every afternoon the Little Princess sleeps until the Shen Hour to wake up!"
Xia Ruqing nodded.
"I know!"
"Children need more sleep to grow strong!"
The older maid beside her quickly added.
"The Empress is right! The Little Princess is very healthy thanks to your care, Madam!"
Speaking of nurturing well.
Xia Ruqing suddenly remembered and turned to instruct Zi Yue.
"Last night the Emperor sent a basket of cherries. Take them to the Imperial Kitchen and have Chef Su make a dessert; Yue Er loves them!"
"Yes!"
Zi Yue nodded with a smile.
The older maid by the side took it in stride.
Technically, the Little Princess, being only a little over one year old, shouldn’t be eating these things.
But the Empress seemed unconcerned about this.
After the Princess turned eight months old, she was given hard roasted milk sticks as teething rings.
After she turned one.
The Little Princess ate everything.
Fish, meat, eggs, milk, fruit, vegetables, abundantly.
Initially, she was a little worried, but then Sister Jiang and Sister Liang reassured her not to worry.
Only then did she resist the urge to stop the Empress.
Now the Princess is one year and four months old, and she’s grown into an adorable, lovely child.
Not only that, but she’s also very healthy.
In the wayward weather of spring, when even adults caught colds and fevers, not much affected the child.
Apart from a few times catching a cold with a runny nose, she hasn’t gotten sick.
It’s truly a miracle!
She couldn’t help but admire!