Volume 4, Chapter 17: Tool of Politics (1/2)

When the bare branches were spouting buds, a meek-faced messenger showed up.

(Something bothersome again?)

Maomao accepted the message apathetically and noticed that it wasnt from the usual gorgeous noble. No, theres no mistaking they are a gorgeous noble though

Is it Ah Duo-sama?

It was from the former high ranked consort.

As she wondered what was up, the carriage rocked up to the outer court rather than Ah Duos villa. The palace of the outer court was situated on the border of the inner court that enclosed the inner palace.

Maomao swung her legs like a child atop a chair, still wondering what this could be about.

There were military officials at the entrance of the spacious room. She thought they were military officials, but she recognised those officials from the inner palace before. In other words, they were eunuchs.

(Why eunuchs?)

If they were outside the inner palace, it would be normal to use military officials. Her question was quickly answered.

Thanks for waiting.

Speaking like a man, the person who entered the room was Ah Duo. It was Ah Duo with her figure tall and slender, clad in barbarian robes. Then, Maomao could see a small shadow hiding behind her.

Ah Duo-sama, and.

It was Consort Riishu, on the verge of tears.

This time is special. I was planning to borrow the flower of the inner palace for a short while.

Ah Duo declared with the bearing of a dignified actor.

And so, together with Consort Riishu who was specially allowed to go out, Maomao was at Ah Duos villa. Maomao was overawed by the atmosphere of the tea party that started in the gazebo.

(This aroma would have to be rose tea.)

The tea was made from roses the aroma and taste were both bittersweet. Though it was called a rose tea, it seems the red colouring wasnt from roses but a red flower from the southern countries. It beautified skin and was also good for health, but at any rate, that flower was rare so it was a product that even Maomao hadnt drunk outside the inner palace.

(The older sisters might like it.)

I wonder if she can give me some later it was her usual thought.

However, she also thought the rare high-class item was a little out of place here.

Ah, thats mine

I dont care. I took it first so its mine

Laughing rowdily around them, were the children who lived in the villa. They were different to the survivors of the Shi Clan, it seems the whimsical owner of the villa looks after orphans. The Shi Clan children were nowhere to be found, and Suirei wasnt around either, so they were probably somewhere else. Consort Riishu wouldnt have known, but just in case, it was better that she doesnt meet them.

And so, even the high-class tea was treated as paint to stain the tablecloth. The powder from the baked sweet that had been served on the plates was scattered all over the table. Since they were picking up the sweets with muddy hands, Consort Riishu, who had a good upbringing, was completely taken back. Ah Duo chided them with a slightly troubled expression.

(These guys, wont they listen after you hit them?)

Unfortunately, while disguising as a man was a strong point of Ah Duo, her disposition seemed to be gentle, so she probably wouldnt accept Maomaos education by fists.

The one who was more out of place here than the child-hating Maomao was Consort Riishuu. She was quivering like a small animal as she was being surrounded by children smaller than her.

Come on, play over there.

Ah Duo finally said. The maidservants pulled the childrens hands.

Ah Duo and Consort Riishu. The two had known each other for a long time. However, why did Ah Duo take Consort Riishu out of the inner palace like this? And called Maomao as well?

Speaking of that reason.

I heard that you opened an inner palace class before. Can you hold one now for this child?

Hah?

In response to Maomaos amazed reply, Consort Riishu trembled like a baby mouse.

Consort Riishu is sixteen this year.  Even if the emperor didnt crook his index finger, it was the age where she must attend to him.

Amongst the four high ranked consorts, Rouran was gone. Consort, no, Empress Gyokuyou and Consort Rifa had each recently given birth to imperial princes. Even if it was like this, Consort Riishu must accompany the emperor in the bedroom. The emperors position would also have to be bad.

It was about whether or not her heart is in it.

Hm, Maomao nodded. Since its Ah Duo, she must have properly gotten the emperors permission. That was because, rather than the fact that she was a former high ranked consort, she was thinking about Consort Riishus matter.

However, on the other hand, she noticed that the former consort was producing needless complications.

Gloomy regret was also mixed within the fear-filled eyes of the trembling Consort Riishu. Unfortunately, Ah Duo hadnt noticed that.

(Ah, oh boy.)

Maomao wont talk about other peoples matters, but Ah Duo would have to be that kind of person. It was likely that since she, as a person, was biased to the allocation of ability*, she was the type who couldnt recognise the emotion she should have recognised.

And so, the first thing Maomao, who was watching cooly as the third party, said was.

In that case, can I be alone with Consort Riishu?