"Serve... His Majesty?"
Si Li lightly pinched the hem of her clothes, her expression three parts anticipation, four parts nervousness, and three parts joy.
At that moment, Si Li looked exactly like a woman on the verge of securing a higher position, yet afraid to show it.
Empress Dowager Yan was very pleased by the sight of her.
Empress Dowager Yan was not afraid of Si Li harboring ambitions; she was afraid of Si Li having no desire to rise.
"Yes, I want you to serve His Majesty."
Empress Dowager Yan nodded and rested her hand on Si Li's shoulder.
"As you know, not just anyone is qualified to serve His Majesty. Many palace maids spend ten years in the palace without even catching a glimpse of him.
Perhaps one day, you might even receive His Majesty's favor and become a consort. That is not impossible, either."
"This servant would not dare entertain such thoughts."
The moment Empress Dowager Yan finished speaking, Si Li hurriedly dropped to her knees, looking utterly terrified.
"What are you afraid of? Isn't it perfectly normal to have such thoughts?" Empress Dowager Yan's lips curved upward. "Still, since I am sending you to serve His Majesty, I must lay down a few rules, lest you make a mistake when the time comes."
"This servant will obey Your Majesty," Si Li said hurriedly.
"First, once you go to Yangxin Hall to serve His Majesty, you must tell me what he says, what he does, and which noble lady's bedchamber he visits in the future. Do you understand?"
Si Li's eyes shifted twice before she hurriedly agreed. "Yes, Your Majesty. This servant understands."
"As for the second matter..."
Empress Dowager Yan glanced at Si Li, assessing her figure.
"You have a pretty face and a decent figure.