"Ah, such a precious object, Mother has given it to me..." The Emperor looked at Tianmiao, his eyes moist. How wonderful it was to have a mother, truly wonderful.
"Good things are, of course, for my son." Tianmiao smiled kindly.
"Mother is truly good." The Emperor was even more moved, "Then, Mother, where is the person who gave you the Jade Pendant? In matters like this, he should have a way, right?"
"That person wanders around the world without a permanent residence. The crucial part is that I don’t know who he is either. I met him by chance at the temple while offering incense, and the monks there said they didn’t know him. He gave me the Jade Pendant and left." Tianmiao made up the story.
"I see, it’s truly a pity." The Emperor showed a face of regret.
"It’s alright, let’s just wait and see." Tianmiao consoled, "They rely on those little spheres merely to earn your favor, suggesting they can predict your thoughts and schedule. I believe it’s speculation; nothing can truly understand a person’s mind. A person’s thoughts are fickle, for example, we might want to eat peeled grapes but then prefer the sliced and chilled watermelon nearby."
"Indeed. What Mother said makes a lot of sense." The Emperor frowned, seriously pondering, "I shall try later."
"Yes, you are the Emperor, the sovereign ruler, blessed with Dragon Qi, demons cannot harm you. They would only resort to trickery to steal your Dragon Qi. Don’t worry, there won’t be any trouble." Tianmiao reassured once more.
"Yes, yes, with Mother around, I’m not afraid." The Emperor nodded, "Mother, do you think there are other concubines in the palace like this? Carrying such little spheres?"
"This, my son should pay attention. If you discover it again, come tell Mother." Tianmiao soothingly patted the back of the Emperor’s hand.
"By the way, Mother, Jing Concubine’s sphere predicted that I would eat roast lamb at your place tonight." The Emperor recalled.
"Then let’s change it up tonight and eat something else." Tianmiao said with a smile.
"Good. At that time, I’ll see what Jing Concubine’s sphere says next." The Emperor also laughed. From the earlier fright to now discussing how to play games with Tianmiao, the Emperor indeed had a broad heart.
After chatting with Tianmiao for a while, the Emperor then proceeded to the Imperial Study Room.
After sending off the Emperor, Tianmiao also yawned and walked towards her quarters: "Ah, getting old, getting old, I shall take a nap now. No one is to disturb me." The Emperor found two strategists; for now, it seems there’s nothing to fear, he has adapted. When new strategists are discovered, the Emperor will likely be completely accustomed by then.
"Yes." The eunuchs and palace maids bowed and complied.
The Emperor knew that when the Empress Dowager rested, she wouldn’t be disturbed, but some concubines, under the guise of paying respects, actually wanted to curry favor. Such people, absolutely must not be allowed to disturb the Empress Dowager’s rest.
In the evening, after the Emperor and Tianmiao finished their dinner, he returned to his palace, and Jing Concubine sent over mung bean soup.
The Emperor looked at the mung bean soup and displayed a triumphant smile.
Mother truly was right; those little spheres can’t entirely accurately predict his actions. That makes it manageable.
Additionally, he needs to find an opportunity to determine which concubines in the palace might have problems. When the concubines pay their respects to Mother tomorrow morning, should he go and see? No, some concubines of lower rank don’t have the privilege of paying respects, can’t see them all.
I’ve got it, discuss with Mother to hold a flower-watching assembly and invite all the concubines; then he’ll be able to tell who has an issue.
Yes, that’s the plan!
After lying down, the Emperor pinched the fat at his waist, slightly stressed, wondering if he’s getting fatter. Would Mother dislike him? Should he start paying attention?
In his worries and anticipation for the flower-watching assembly, the Emperor slowly fell asleep.