We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 427: Zhou’s National Preceptor—It Was Her?!

“...”

Sili spoke, and Xiao Mo couldn’t help stroking his chin.

Xiao Mo was well aware that this personal maid of his was either Empress Dowager Yan’s informant or Yan Shanao’s.

As a puppet emperor, Xiao Mo could only endure it and pretend not to see.

Otherwise, Empress Dowager Yan and Yan Shanao would confront him with, “Why is Your Majesty rebelling?”

However, what Xiao Mo hadn't anticipated was—

This maid had actually spoken of it herself.

That was truly beyond Xiao Mo’s expectations.

As Sili finished speaking—

A profound silence descended upon the sleeping palace.

Mixed with his thoughts, Xiao Mo poured himself some tea and took a delicate sip.

Could this be some new tactic devised by Empress Dowager Yan or Yan Shanao?

Setting his cup down, Xiao Mo gazed at the woman named “Si Li” and spoke with deliberation. “Your speaking of this matter now—what is your intention? What do you mean by the Empress Dowager keeping watch over me? Though I am not the Empress Dowager’s biological son, our relationship is closer than blood. How could Mother possibly have someone observing my every move?”

“Replying to Your Majesty, all that this servant girl utters is the truth. The Empress Dowager truly did command this servant girl to observe Your Majesty.”

Sili perceived Xiao Mo’s act but feigned ignorance, responding with genuine earnestness.

“Even if Mother were to act this way, what then? Setting aside whether I would punish you or not, if my Empress Dowager were to discover this, do you understand the consequences you would face?” Xiao Mo’s brow furrowed.

“Si Li is naturally aware!” Sili declared, her expression tightening. “But Your Majesty, this servant girl still cannot keep watch over Your Majesty for the Empress Dowager!”

“A reason.” Xiao Mo regarded the palace maid with evident interest.

“This servant girl’s father passed away in his youth, and I was raised by my grandfather from childhood.

And this servant girl’s grandfather served as the county magistrate of Jinjiang County, unwavering in his loyalty to Great Zhou and to the late emperor.

Although this servant girl’s household has experienced a decline, Grandfather always imparted to me that the current Emperor is, in essence, a sagacious ruler with grand aspirations, but Great Zhou is presently dominated by treacherous ministers, leaving Your Majesty without the means to realize your ambitions!

Grandfather also lamented on several occasions that this servant girl was not born a man, thus unable to serve the court and aid Your Majesty. In the end, Grandfather passed away with lingering regret.

However, women too possess their own capabilities.

Fortunately, this servant girl was granted entry into the palace.

Even as a mere palace maid, this servant girl harbored a dream of one day meeting Your Majesty and rendering service.

By the grace of my grandfather’s spirit watching from above, this servant girl never imagined being chosen as Your Majesty’s personal maid.

The Empress Dowager once informed this servant girl that should I agree to monitor Your Majesty on her behalf, I would undoubtedly secure a position within the rear palace in the future—at the very least, as a Talented Lady.

In order to remain by Your Majesty’s side, this servant girl feigned agreement with the Empress Dowager.

Yet, no matter the circumstances, my actions constitute the crime of deceiving the sovereign. This servant girl humbly begs Your Majesty to grant me leave to die!

But my heart’s devotion to Your Majesty—Heaven and Earth can attest—harbors not the slightest ill intent!”

Sili’s voice resonated through the sleeping palace, conveying an extreme degree of sincerity.

Mixed with his contemplations, Xiao Mo regarded the woman kneeling before him.

He found himself in a state of partial belief and partial doubt regarding her words.

But if all that she claimed were true, if her loyalty to him was absolute—

Then he could turn the situation to his advantage, utilizing her as his eyes and ears within Empress Dowager Yan’s circle. This would prove immensely beneficial for his future endeavors to seize power.

“Your voluntary disclosure of this matter does not constitute deceiving the sovereign,” Xiao Mo stated calmly, placing down his teacup. “I shall spare your life. Rise.”

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s boundless mercy.”

Sili rose, dabbing at the corners of her eyes. With her head bowed, she appeared exceedingly distressed.

“What you have just spoken requires my careful consideration. However, for the present, continue to fulfill your duties by my side. You may withdraw for now,” Xiao Mo gestured dismissively.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sili executed a polite curtsy and departed from the sleeping palace.

As the door closed, Sili stood at the entrance of the sleeping palace, a faint smile gracing her lips, devoid of any trace of her previous distress.

“There is no need for haste. Proceed slowly. All in good time.”

The door remained firmly shut, and Sili, pressing her lips together, suppressed the urge bubbling within her. She whispered softly, her voice barely audible.

Reaching a hand into her robes, Sili began to loosen the chest-binding cloth that had been a constant presence.

When she was initially chosen as a palace maid, Sili had managed to pass the selection process after bribing the supervising lady-official. However, this success came with a condition: she had to adhere to the lady-official’s demand and tightly bind her chest.

This was a preventative measure, intended to conceal her alluring figure lest the Empress Dowager notice and banish her from the palace.

But those days were now over.

She no longer needed to hide.

“Master…”

Sili gently placed her small hand on her heaving chest, gazing at the door as she softly called out.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, giving the impression they might spill over at any moment.

The following day, as the hour of Chen arrived.

Not long after Xiao Mo awoke, a gentle knock echoed at his door.

“Your Majesty, this servant girl has brought hot water for you to wash up,” a voice called from outside. It was Sili.

“Come in,” Xiao Mo responded, yawning as he swung his legs out of bed.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Sili entered and promptly placed the basin of hot water on the table. She then proceeded to assist Xiao Mo with his attire.

Yet, as she helped him dress, Xiao Mo sensed something was… different.

He couldn’t shake the feeling of two soft, yielding mounds either brushing against his arm or his back.

Xiao Mo turned his head, his gaze falling upon Sili, and a wave of surprise washed over him.

Although she wore the same garments as the previous day, her figure seemed dramatically altered.

Had she employed some secret technique? How could such a radical change occur overnight?

Sensing Xiao Mo’s scrutiny, Sili lowered her head. A delicate blush crept onto her cheeks as she shyly explained, “This servant girl previously heard that the Empress Dowager preferred newly appointed palace maids without overly conspicuous figures or beauty. Therefore, I have always used a chest band to conceal myself.

“However, with the passage of time, it became exceedingly uncomfortable. This servant girl also desires to present herself before Your Majesty without pretense, so…”

Sili’s voice grew softer with each word, her expression now carrying a playful, alluring charm. “So this servant girl… has removed that band. If Your Majesty finds this improper, I shall reapply it.”

“There is no need,” Xiao Mo stated, withdrawing his gaze. “It is a minor matter; you may decide for yourself.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Sili nodded with a slight inclination of her head and resumed assisting Xiao Mo with his clothing.

“Kindly prepare the carriage. I intend to visit a certain location, and you shall accompany me,” Xiao Mo instructed in a measured tone after finishing his dressing.

“Understood.” Without further inquiry, Sili promptly went to make arrangements for the imperial palanquin.

After the time it took for two sticks of incense to burn, the imperial palanquin came to a halt.

Xiao Mo disembarked, with Sili following close behind, and they stood before the entrance of a grand residence.

Raising her eyes, Sili’s gaze fell upon three prominent characters inscribed above the gate: National Preceptor’s Residence.

Xiao Mo knocked on the door. “Is Lady Jiang present?”

No response came from within the National Preceptor’s Residence, yet the gate creaked open of its own accord.

Xiao Mo gestured for Sili to enter, leading the way.

Sili’s eyes darted around, taking in the surroundings of the residence.

Shortly thereafter, a woman shrouded in a veil emerged from a chamber.

The instant Sili’s gaze met the veiled woman, her eyes narrowed sharply.

“The National Preceptor of Zhou—It was her?!”

Sili involuntarily clenched her small fist, her heart pounding with a sense of confrontation, as if she stood before a formidable adversary.

Jiang Qingyi’s eyes shifted to Sili, and her finely arched brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.