16 Shen Courtyard (1/2)

I looked at the ladies got on their carriages. Then I looked at the girl who'll be living in the Shen Courtyard. All of the candidates have their worths and advantages. This girl. She's the most.. useless for the Emperor. She would serve no purpose, not even as a concubine. Maybe besides bearing a child, but any of the other candidates are capable to do that. Also her background, she would have been a fine lady if their family was able to bloom but pity it didn't.

Despite all that she was to live in that place. Of all places. Just what could this bastard plotting.

” Cease the thought, I am not plotting anything.” I turned to look at the man who made the list I've read. His eyes is closed and his everlasting smile is shown when he put his fan away.

”High - Priest, if you are not plotting anything then explain why she's in that courtyard. You... of all people know that place is..”

”Oh Zuo, Of course I know. That's why even if there's a reason, that place was chosen. Rather there's no one more fitting than her to be in that place.” He smiled, knowing this guy for long, this smile means he knew something I have yet to know.

”That aside, the Lord have visited me. This may change your view to that girl, so I'll tell you that.. The Lord asked me about something related to that girl.” He smiled then opened his fan before leaving with his servants.

The Lord asked him about that girl... about a girl?!

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Shen Courtyard

I looked around the place as we arrive here after a 15 minutes ride from the northern Sky Palace. It was near a small lake and borderline of the forest. It's peaceful and refreshing here, since it's surrounded by natural environment. It was quite pretty big place, but the architecture and designs of the place is simple. It has the mixture of ancient structure and traditional style. The place dazzles from the silver and white designs, but it gives of the feeling that it's the purest place you'll ever been to.

”Lady... This is where you'll reside for the past few months.” I looked over to Rory and some slaves that was given to me by Matron Esvele. Apparently, they never expected someone to be brought to this place so they didn't stationed palace maids here so now they are understaffed. I was even promised to be given a batch of servants tomorrow, but looking at this children. They seems to be working hard labor in a long time, plus they seems to know Rory so this is fine.

”Isn't this the place that was said His Majesty forbids people in entering..?”

”I heard there are a lot of ghost here..”

”Is our lady being condemned?”

I look at them. They are composed of two 12 year old girls and 13 year old boys who are triplets. Plus Rory being the eldest, 14 years old.

Now that I think about it, am I being punished by the Gods as I was reckless back then when I was this age so the Gods are making me look after them? I mean, I wasn't that bad and I don't really mind..

'Lady..?” I was pulled back from my thoughts when I heard Rory called me. I smiled at them and carried the luggages. I saw Rory trying to helped me, but I ignored it and lead them to the entrance of the residence.

I put aside my things at the flooring then opened the door and saw the place inside covered in white cloth. I picked one cloth and pulled it off, it revealed a elegant red sofa. The sofa frame is color gold and sculpted very detailed, showing different designs of dragon harmoniously existing together.The sofa foam is embedded in the frame and the red velvet cloth is so smooth and clean.

Clean? I thought this was somewhat abandoned based from what I heard from other people's talk and reaction earlier. Including how the Shen Courtyard is farthest and almost out of the whole Royal Place.

”Remove all the cloth and neatly fold it. Let see what we have here.” I told them and they did as I told. I looked around the place. It's definitely not all clean, but why is this sofa not the same? Like it's always being kept clean.

I looked at the sofa again, now that I looked at it. It's pretty big and too luxurious to be in this place. Because if anything, the atmosphere in this house is simplistic, homely, and pure. This furniture here is rather out of place.

”My lady, please rest whilewe clean the place.” Rory said as he handed me a warm towel. Which I accept and used to wipe my face and arms. Then I gave it back before rolling up my sleeves.

”Cleaning this place would take too long if it's just you guys. I'll help.” I said while I twist my hair into a bun and using a hair pin that Effreila gave me tokeep my hair up. They looked at me dazed as if I'm talking some kind of sorcery.