Chapter 133 - 131. The Cold Hearted Empress II (1/2)

Third person POV

Everyone including Lu Cixi turned their eyes towards Hong er.

Lu Cixi: ” Is something wrong Miss Xu?”

Hong er: ” Your Majesty, I deeply apologize but in my opinion, this eunuch didn't do any mistake.”

Hong er said firmly, Lu Cixi didn't see any fear nor hesitation in Hong er's eyes. The eunuch gawked at Hong er with tears streaming out his eyes, even for trained soldiers to be flogged 20 times means they would definitely have a hard time to walk, if it was him then he would be dead. He looked at Hong er like she was his only hope to live. Princess Yue watches Hong er with interest.

Princess Yue: ' Hoo~ My sister-in-law has quite a big gut huh~ Just like those drama, [ Mother-in-law vs Daughter-in-law]'

He didn't hate nor blame Lu Cixi for punishing him because he knew his mistake and incompetence of doing his job right. Actually Lu Cixi was a very kind master compared to his previous masters, she accepted him as her close servant even though he was from the slum. She provided food and a place to rest for his little sister, since his little sister was too young and inexperienced to serve beside Lu Cixi, she was assigned as maid's assistant. Lu Cixi never threatened him by using his little sister's life that nobles in common always do.

Lu Cixi: ” Why did you say so? Are you saying that Ai Jia's a cruel master that's always punishing her servants? Hm?”

Lu Cixi said lazily whilst sipping her tea, but she found out that her cup was empty as she drank up all of it when she was irked by Murong Qing. Then Hong er politely offered to fill up the cup for her which she gladly accepted.

Lu Cixi: ' Even at time like this, she still pours tea for me.'

Hong er: ” From this lowly one's point of view, that eunuch was struggling on keeping Miss Murong to not enter the palace and even if what he did was wrong by letting someone without permission to enter, 20 flogs are too much. And this lowly one didn't mean to say that Your Majesty is a cruel master, and if I have to say, though it may seem strange, Your Majesty is a very caring master.”

Lu Cixi slightly widened her eyes in astonishment, she didn't expect Hong er to compliment her. She suspected that Hong er was trying to lick her boots to gain her favor but considering what Qi Zongguan and her son said about Hong er was an honest and straight-forward person, she pushed back her suspicion to the back of her head. She had always believed her son as he never lied to her whatever it was.

Unknown to her, every servant in the hall nodded their head in their heart.

Lu Cixi: ” Ohoo~ What makes you say that?”

Even though Hong er was wearing a mask, Lu Cixi could see Hong er's smile through her eyes.

Hong er: ” Forgive me for being nosy but I had been observing the servants since I entered the palace. All of them seem to have healthy body even the lowest class of servants have pink rosy cheeks, that means they got enough food and warm place to stay. Even though the servants in Your Majesty's palace looks serious and strict, I can see that they're genuinely happy to serve Your Majesty.”

The servants kowtowed to Lu Cixi and spoke in unison.

Servants: ” This lowly servant will always be loyal to Your Majesty.”

Lu Cixi: ” Hhmm, mian li. You aren't lowly. How can Ai Jia's servants be lowly?”

Servants: ” Your Majesty!”

Tears welled up on their eyes as they happily kowtowed to Lu Cixi. Lu Cixi smirked, it felt like she had 20 children.