Tianmiao was somewhat surprised. She knew that some humans could tell she wasn’t the original person. But for someone like the Imperial Physician Wu to recognize it with just a glance was extremely rare.
"Where is she?" Imperial Physician Wu asked softly, neither humble nor overbearing. The person before him looked exactly the same, even with the same black mole at the corner of her eye, yet he just knew she wasn’t her.
"She’ll wait for you." Tianmiao said softly and then turned away with her people.
Imperial Physician Wu didn’t understand but knew he couldn’t pursue for answers, so he held his tongue, bowed, and retreated. The Emperor’s men were waiting for him, ready to escort him to Le City.
Tianmiao walked slowly under the corridor, with the sounds of Kong Hou and Dong Xiao echoing in her mind.
"Master, how can humans tell you’re not the original person?" Kong Hou was very curious. This is a small world, and humans are very weak, with no mana at all. How could they tell that the master isn’t the original Empress?
"Perhaps it’s human emotions," Tianmiao answered.
"Master, humans truly are fascinating creatures. I remember during an immersive mission, the target’s mother took one look at you and said you weren’t her daughter. Later, you said it was maternal love, and that maternal love is great. What’s it this time?" Dong Xiao asked curiously.
"Love?" Kong Hou interjected, asking.
"It should be, I suppose." Tianmiao looked up at the green trees and fresh flowers in the garden, lush and delightful. Summer is a very distinct season.
"And what about the original Empress? Master, your words just now implied that the original Empress would be waiting for this person at the Naihe Bridge?" Kong Hou asked curiously.
"Figure it out yourself in the future. For now, let’s go boating and fishing." Tianmiao glanced at the few concubines peeking and waiting for her ahead and couldn’t help but chuckle. These kids are at an age where they love to play. Now none of them fear her; they’re always eager to be around her.
This time it’s fishing, not angling.
The young ladies were all eager, some with fishing nets and others with fish spears. Tianmiao had already dug a stove near them, prepared the firewood, just waiting for the fish. Planning to make grilled fish and fish soup.
"Watch me, watch me." Concubine Rong was the most excited, taking a fishing net, boarding a small boat, and casting the net out. As she pulled it in, she bragged, "Empress, I’m not exaggerating, but when I was little, my brother and I would break the ice and fish by the river in winter."
"Wow! Concubine Rong is amazing!"
"Wow, Concubine Rong, tell us how you broke the ice."
Before the Empress could speak, the lower-ranked young concubines looked at Concubine Rong with admiration, urging her to speak of her childhood ’heroic deeds.’ Then Concubine Rong started to talk nonstop.
The Emperor came to the Empress’s side, and none of the concubines noticed.
When everyone realized and wanted to salute, the Emperor waved his hand: "No need, continue with what you’re doing. Concubine Rong, I want to see your fish-catching skills. Later, I want to drink the soup made from your catch."
"Alright, Emperor, watch me." Concubine Rong beamed with enthusiasm, feeling for the first time that the Emperor was so approachable.
"Continue playing; pretend the Emperor was never here." The Empress smiled and waved at everyone, "The Emperor will not blame you. If you act too restrained, it will make the Emperor angry. He likes to see you all playing around."
The Emperor nodded, smiling, agreeing with the Empress’s words.