"If you like, you can pick one out for yourself later!" Xia Ruqing offered generously.
"How could a servant like me wear such an exquisite hairpin? It looks beautiful when you wear it, my lady!" Zi Yue said with a smile.
"You're always so sweet-tongued!" Xia Ruqing chided her gently.
In just two months, the mistress and servant had formed a bond. Amid their lighthearted chatter and laughter, the carriage of favor arrived.
Honored Ladies attending the Emperor at night were not permitted to bring their Palace Maids. Zi Yue could only see Xia Ruqing off onto the carriage.
Upon arriving at Zhaochen Palace, she was led to the same side room where the Emperor usually had his evening meal.
Little Zhuzi served her a cup of tea and said with a smile, "The Emperor is in the Imperial Study Room reviewing documents. He'll be back in a little while, so you might have to wait a bit, Honored Lady!"
"Approximately... how much longer?" Xia Ruqing asked with a smile as she accepted the tea.
