After thoroughly bad-mouthing the Third Prince in front of Emperor Wanwu, Ren Ye rose and left the bamboo cottage.
He walked briskly along, planning to rest in the waiting rooms outside the palace and wait for the evening court assembly.
Unexpectedly, just after leaving Moon-Reflecting Lake, he saw Rat Lord leading Qingping over for an imperial audience.
As they passed each other, Ren Ye winked at her and transmitted his voice. "Troops are definitely being deployed. Don't clash head-on with His Majesty, little sister Qingping. Say something conciliatory and secure all the benefits you can."
The Dragon Head raised her chin, clasped her little hands behind her back, and said with an air of importance, "I understand."
"Negotiate properly. You can secure some benefits for Qingliang Prefecture too, if necessary." Ren Ye never passed up a chance to make money. "At worst, afterward, I'll have Ai Fei take you to the Migration Land for a big wavy perm and some polish on those little toenails, and turn you into a pretty boy."
"Hmph."
The Dragon Head's pretty face flushed, and she quickened her pace as though fleeing for her life.
A quarter of an hour later, inside the bamboo cottage.
The Dragon Head lifted the hem of her white robe and knelt to salute as a commoner, calling out expressionlessly, "Your commoner Ao Qingping greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty, for ten thousand years and ten thousand upon ten thousand years."
"Rise." Emperor Wanwu's voice was imposing. He merely looked down at the memorials on his desk without giving Ao Qingping so much as a proper glance.
The Dragon Head rose and stood there, graceful and straight-backed.
The bamboo cottage was quiet, with only the occasional rustle of Emperor Wanwu turning through memorials.
The Dragon Head remained composed