Embroidered Uniform Guard and East Chambers, Summoned by the Emperor

Soon, Ling Shuang arrived at Gao Xuan's courtyard, and the two of them went together to Qianqing Hall.

Along the way, they saw many eunuchs and even members of the Imperial Guards rushing anxiously. Gao Xuan, feigning confusion, asked, "Ling Shuang, what's happening? Why are all these people heading towards Wan Gonggong's residence?"

Ling Shuang, seeing that his expression didn't seem deceitful, explained, "Don't you know that Wan Deshou has gone missing?"

"Ah?"

Gao Xuan was taken aback and scratched his head. "I did hear some rumors among the eunuchs under me, but I didn't believe it. I didn't expect it to be true."

Shaking her head, Ling Shuang said, "It's still uncertain at the moment. His Majesty wants to ask you about it. It seems you're also unaware. When you meet the emperor, just tell the truth."

"Oh."

Gao Xuan nodded and obediently followed behind Ling Shuang.

As they walked, he suddenly realized that the scenery behind them seemed to have a different flavor.

Ling Shuang wore a slim silver-white dress embroidered with peonies in golden thread, perfectly outlining her graceful figure as she walked with a heroic demeanor.

Following Ling Shuang's footsteps, Gao Xuan found himself unable to look away for a moment.

This woman who practices martial arts is truly extraordinary. Her figure is far superior to that of ordinary women. Her legs are straight and slender but not overly thin, and her S-shaped figure exudes a healthy beauty.

For some reason, when he saw her perky buttocks, Gao Xuan had the urge to slap them and experience what it would feel like.

Of course, he could only satisfy his eyes, unless he wanted to court death. That woman's sword was not for show.

Lost in his thoughts, Gao Xuan suddenly collided with Ling Shuang when she abruptly stopped.

"Why are you so close?"

Ling Shuang furrowed her brows and turned her head, a hint of dissatisfaction in her eyes.

Gao Xuan felt a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Ling Shuang. I didn't do it on purpose, believe me?"

"Believe you, my foot! Walk in front! If you have any ill intentions, be careful I chop you!" Ling Shuang picked up her sword, threateningly glared at him.

"Cough, alright then."

Gao Xuan, seeing the situation, could only walk ahead.

After taking a few steps, they noticed two groups of people approaching from a distance. One group wore inner court attire resembling eunuchs, but with slight differences - they had wrist guards and leg wraps, and their clothing was more fitted, allowing for easier movement.

The leader was an old eunuch with exceptionally long white eyebrows. His face was pale, and his eyes had a hint of sinister cruelty.

The other group wore flying fish uniforms with embroidered spring knives at their waists. The one leading them was a middle-aged man wearing a cloak, his square face adorned with a short beard.

"Be careful," Ling Shuang whispered from behind and reached out to grab Gao Xuan, signaling him to hide behind her.

Gao Xuan felt warmth in his heart. She was worried that he would expose his identity by walking in front. They switched positions, slowed their pace, and Gao Xuan asked in a low voice, "Ling Shuang, who are those people?"

At this moment, Ling Shuang couldn't care less about whether Gao Xuan was taking advantage of her or not. She focused her eyes and said,"They are from the East Chambers and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. They should also be investigating Wan Deshou's disappearance."

"I see."

Gao Xuan nodded. He was not unfamiliar with these two organizations. He had often seen them in TV dramas in his past life.

It seemed that the East Chambers and the Embroidered Uniform Guard here had similar functions to their counterparts in his previous life, responsible for intelligence gathering and espionage. They were also in charge of investigating cases like this.

Ling Shuang continued in a hushed voice, "The old eunuch with long eyebrows on the left is called Bai Shouhe, also known as Bai Mei. He is the supervisor of the East Chambers."

"The one on the right is the Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, named Lu Bing."

"You need to be more careful. If they discover your true identity as a fake eunuch, not even the emperor can save you!"

"Got it, got it."

Gao Xuan nodded repeatedly, and adjusted his weapon, not daring to have any crooked thoughts.

Soon, the two groups met. Bai Shouhe, the supervisor of the East Chambers, and Lu Bing, the Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, nodded slightly in acknowledgment when they saw Ling Shuang.

As someone closest to the emperor, Ling Shuang naturally had that status and position.

When the two men glanced back and saw Gao Xuan, they casually sized him up without lingering too long.

Ling Shuang also nodded slightly, and the two groups passed by each other.

Once they were out of each other's sight, Ling Shuang sidestepped and kicked Gao Xuan's buttocks, then turned her head and coldly said, "You walk in front."

Gao Xuan dared not protest but thought to himself that this woman changes her mind faster than turning a page in a book.

After walking for a while longer, they arrived at Qianqing Hall.

Gao Xuan entered the hall and paid his respects.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

The Emperor set aside the memorials and raised her gaze, nodding slightly. "Rise, and let's talk in the inner hall."

With that, she got up and left, and Gao Xuan followed her into the inner hall.

Seated on the main seat, the Emperor took a sip of tea and said, "Do you know why I called you here?"

Gao Xuan nodded and cupped his hands. "Ling Shuang already informed me on the way."

"Hmm."

The Emperor placed down her teacup and looked at him. "So, what do you think about this matter? After you returned, did Wan Deshou try to contact you?"

"In response to Your Majesty, Wan Deshou did indeed contact me that night. However, I managed to deceive him with an excuse, and he left. Since then, I haven't seen him again," Gao Xuan replied.

The Emperor showed a pensive expression and asked, "So, it means he disappeared after leaving your place?"

"I'm not sure about that, Your Majesty."

Gao Xuan remained composed and answered honestly.

The Emperor remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly, "That's fine. Regardless of how he disappeared, it's one less trouble for me. In that case, you can take his place in due course."

"As one of the twenty-four departments of eunuchs, the Mixed Bath Division is responsible for bathing affairs in the inner palace and cannot be left without a leader. I will draft an edict later to appoint you as the supervisor."

Gao Xuan quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your favor."

"Rise."

The Emperor waved her hand. "Although Wan Deshou is gone, there are likely still many other forces within the Mixed Bath Division. After all, it's the place closest to me."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I know what to do."

Once he gained power, he would naturally eliminate any dissidents; otherwise, even sleep would be restless.

"Hmm."

The Emperor's beautiful eyes looked at him and she said, "I called you here not only for that matter but also for another important thing. Tonight, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will arrange for me to draw lots. Prepare yourself in advance."

Upon hearing this, Gao Xuan's heart leaped with joy.

In previous years, the Emperor deliberately took in numerous consorts to deceive public attention, filling the Three Palaces and Six Courtyards.

Ever since that night when he slept with the Empress, he had been yearning for it, and now the opportunity had finally arrived!

...