"Second Miss Liu?"
The servant at the gate froze.
Who was Second Miss Liu?
The servant glanced at the palace maid. She was certainly no ordinary person.
He hurried off to report her arrival.
"Master! Master!"
Jing Yu was sending a message to his master, along with the moves he had just played against Li Ping'an.
He waited for Master Zhong's response.
Before long, a reply arrived from Master Zhong.
Only then did Jing Yu return to the board and place a stone.
"Hmm."
Li Ping'an raised an eyebrow slightly. "That was quite a skillful move."
Jing Yu smiled confidently.
Li Ping'an placed another stone.
Jing Yu frowned. "Wait a moment."
Then he ran off again to send Master Zhong a message.
A while later, he ran back.
He placed a stone.
Li Ping'an: ...
Why was there a middleman involved?!
"Why don't we invite Master Zhong over?"
"Why?" Jing Yu feigned ignorance.
"Master!"
Fortunately, the servant approached just then.
"What is it?"
"There's a visitor outside who calls herself Second Miss Liu."
"...Second Miss Liu?"
Jing Yu paused in surprise.
"She has quite an entourage, including some most extraordinary guards," the servant said.
Li Ping'an took a sip of tea and said mildly, "I suspect the Empress is here."
Jing Yu nodded and glanced at Li Ping'an.
Shortly afterward, Jing Yu led his entire household, young and old, out to welcome the Emperor.
Naturally, the Empress would not alight outside the gates. Her carriage slowly entered the Jing Residence.
"Your subject, Jing Yu, brings his household to pay respects to Your Majesty."
As soon as she entered, Jing Yu bowed in greeting.
Behind him, his son, his wife, and all the servants bowed together.
They could not help feeling a little nervous. After all, the Emperor of Great Sui