MCUS Chapter 21

Once outside Tenglong Palace, Yan Ge took out a silver note of one hundred taels and handed it to Gao Feng. “You can use this for now. As members of the Imperial Guard, you must know the proper channels to leave the palace. Arrange for a carriage to be prepared, and starting from tomorrow, wait outside the Beiyang Gate every morning at the beginning of the Chen hour.”

Gao Feng did not expect their new master to be so efficient, giving them a task so quickly. However, after a brief moment of surprise, he exchanged a glance with Gao Yun and responded, “Yes.”

Both of them felt some discontentment in serving under a Daying, but they dared not disobey the Emperor’s command.

“Both of you may return for today. In the future, come in plain clothes and wait outside the Tenglong Palace,” Yan Ge instructed.

Gao Feng and Gao Yun exchanged another glance and replied in unison, “Yes.”

Once they had walked away, Wan Xiang asked in a low voice, “Young Master, who are they?”

Yan Ge replied, “They were sent by the Emperor to protect me.”

Although Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi had been in the palace for several years, they had mainly performed menial tasks and had relatively simple thoughts. As long as it was what Yan Ge said, they were delighted to believe.

Back at the Chunfeng Palace, Zhou Wenhan was sipping tea in the pavilion. When he saw Yan Ge, he gestured to him.

Yan Ge instructed Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi, “You may return and tidy up. The Inner Court should send someone to assist.”

“Yes, Master.”

Yan Ge approached Zhou Wenhan, glanced at the sky, and smiled, “Zhou Daying, why are you sitting here alone? It’s quite hot today.”

Zhou Wenhan had a stern expression as he set down his teacup. “Yan Daying, don’t play dumb with me. Let me ask you, did you tell the Emperor that the music score belongs to you? Otherwise, why would the Emperor summon you instead of me?”

Yan Ge helplessly touched his forehead. “Then let me ask Zhou Daying, since the day I went to see you until yesterday, when did you see me leave the Chunfeng Palace?”

Zhou Wenhan was momentarily speechless. After moving into the Chunfeng Palace, he had spent a large sum of money to bribe a guard outside the Chunfeng Palace. He knew whenever the other three male consorts of the Chunfeng Palace entered or left. Indeed, he hadn’t received any news about Yan Ge leaving the Chunfeng Palace.

At this realization, his attitude immediately softened, and he smiled at Yan Ge. “It is indeed hot today. I’ve been sitting here for so long, and my head is feeling a bit dizzy. By the way, Yan Daying, do you know why the Emperor summoned you? Why did it take you so long?”

Yan Ge replied, “Oh, the Emperor asked me to move out of the Chunfeng Palace.”

Zhou Wenhan initially felt happy, but then a sudden shock crossed his face, and he hurriedly asked, “And move to where?”

Yan Ge responded, “To the Tenglong Palace.”

“What?!” Zhou Wenhan nearly fell off the stone bench.

Yan Ge stood up. “Zhou Daying, the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs have arrived. Please excuse me. We can talk another time.”

With that, he quickly walked away.

The seven eunuchs hurriedly made their way to the Chunfang Courtyard.

Yan Ge observed the one leading them, who held his head high with a hint of arrogance. Judging by his demeanor, Yan Ge guessed that he held a high rank. He politely inquired, “Are you the eunuchs from the Internal Affairs?”

The eunuch also treated him politely, immediately smiling and having his subordinates bow to Yan Ge. “We pay our respects to Yan Daying.”

“Please rise, eunuch.”

The head eunuch gave a flattering smile and said, “Thank you, Yan Daying. I am Zhang Yongfu, the Deputy Chief of the Internal Affairs. You may call me Xiao Zhangzi. Yan Daying is the first consort to reside in the Emperor’s chambers in nearly a millennium, so I have come here to congratulate you!”

There was a hierarchy among the palace guards, court ladies, and eunuchs, and as the Deputy Chief of the Internal Affairs, Zhang Yongfu held the rank of Fourth Class. Although Yan Ge was only a Fifth Class consort, being the Emperor’s consort made him the “master,” while Zhang Yongfu was a servant, so he still had to show respect to Yan Ge. However, his rank was higher than Yan Ge’s, so he did not need to kneel.

Just a moment ago, Yan Ge was still wondering why a small change in his residence required the Deputy Chief to personally assist him. The reason became clear now.

In the palace, people generally followed the survival rule that having one more friend was better than having one more enemy. Zhang Yongfu was no exception. Today, Yan Daying was able to move into the Tenglong Palace. Who knew if he would rise to a higher position tomorrow? Since entering the palace, this Yan Daying had been anonymous and silent, but now he suddenly moved into the Tenglong Palace. Truly, he had made a stunning debut! Once the news of his move spread, the entire harem would be in an uproar.

Yan Ge smiled and said, “So it’s Xiao Zhang. Thank you for your trouble. Please come this way.”

“I dare not. Yan Daying, please go first.”

When entering the palace, Yan Ge had brought along some personal items, as well as the basic necessities provided as per regulations and the rewards he had received this time. It was not much. Zhang Yongfu had brought six people with him, more than enough manpower.

As they walked out of the courtyard, Song Ruhao, Du Zhengfeng, and Zhou Wenhan came to see Yan Ge off.

Since he began training in swordsmanship, Yan Ge’s senses had become much sharper than before. He felt a piercing gaze on him and immediately looked over. Song Ruhao’s eyes instinctively evaded his gaze for a moment, perhaps just a second, before he quickly smiled, his expression warm and gentle, as if blessing him.

Yan Ge was amused inwardly. Unexpectedly, Song Ruhao was deceptive.

Song Ruhao, accompanied by Du Zhengfeng and Zhou Wenhan, walked over and smiled, “Congratulations, Yan Daying. The three of us are reluctant to part with you. If it weren’t for the Emperor’s decree to change your residence, I would have definitely sought an imperial edict to keep you.”

Yan Ge returned the smile and bowed, “Thank you for your kind words, Song Guiren. During this period, I have relied on the care of Song Guiren, Du Changzai, and Zhou Daying.”

Zhou Wenhan also smiled warmly, “ Yan Daying, you’re too polite. I believe that we will have the opportunity to meet again in the future.”

Yan Ge’s smile grew even brighter. “Indeed. It’s getting late. Song Guiren, Du Changzai, this servant will go ahead.”

Song Ruhao nodded.

The three of them watched as Yan Ge leisurely departed, with even Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi walking swiftly. The minds of the three were filled with different thoughts.