Approaching toward the residence of Xu Xiaomeng, Xiao Xi was holding a bronze basin filled with water.

The water seemed impossibly stable as if sitting still.

Regardless, as Xiao Xi entered the room, Xu Xiaomeng could be seen still in the same posture as five months ago. Thinking it was slightly uncomfortable sleeping like that, Xiao Xi shook her head before wiping Xu Xiaomeng’s rather delicate face.

Xiao Xi had attempted to move Xu Xiaomeng so that she could be cleaned easier, yet it was a futile effort, as Xu Xiaomeng would instantly move back into her previous location.

Xiao Xi’s cleaning seemed proficient, perhaps due to her physical capabilities, or perhaps the countless times that she had performed this set of actions. Thus, Xu Xiaomeng appeared to be clean of all impurities rather quickly. 

As Xiao Xi finished cleaning Xu Xiaomeng’s feet, a faint scent of orchid could be smelled coming off, slightly curious as to why the scent appeared, considering that Xu Xiaomeng originally had no smell omitting off.

Rinsing the towel within the water, Xiao Xi prepared to leave.

Xu Xiaomeng suddenly opened her eyes, giving off a light yawn, and closely observed the wooden box, before opening the lid. A perfectly preserved heart could be seen, the green from five months ago seemed to have faded, while the colour of mercury within the veins could be seen vividly.

Appearing content, a small smile blossomed on Xu Xiaomeng’s face. It was undoubtedly different from the benevolent smile that Li Ming carried, instead, it appeared incredibly innocent.

Noticing Xiao Xi, the smile soon faded, and an ice-cold expression appeared on its face.

The bronze basin had left her hands and could be seen on her feet instead.

If one stared attentively at the water within the basin, a few silver hairs could be seen.

Xiao Xi, regaining her composure, and carefully placed down the basin.

Xu Xiaomeng did not spend long idling, noticing her clothes had yet to be changed, she motioned Xiao Xi to aid her.

Xu Xiaomeng attempted to stand up, yet it appeared that her movements were slightly stiff, believing that it was due to the long-time Xu Xiaomeng had to spend sleeping, Xiao Xi swiftly moved to aid her.

Giving off a ‘hmm’ Xu Xiaomeng approached a mahogany table. Her reflection appeared within a bronze mirror, causing her to feel slightly nostalgic.

Xiao Xi came back with a yellow robe. Xu Xiaomeng responded with another ‘hmm’ to signal her approval.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Xiao Xi attempted to engage in small talk with Xu Xiaomeng.

“Lady Xu, do you feel uncomfortable staying in the same posture while sleeping,” Xiao Xi asked her tone containing a hint of curiosity.

“No,” Xu Xiaomeng simply replied, before thinking slightly,” Tie my hair in a bun after I have changed,” Xu Xiaomeng requested, her posture unchanged.

Xiao Xi gave off a quick nod and focused onto placing the light yellow robe around Xu Xiaomeng’s body.

As Xiao Xi was tying the silver hair, Xu Xiaomeng suddenly spoke, “Xiao Xi, how long has it been,” startling the maid.

“Lady Xu, it has been five months and ten days since the assassination, it has been 219 years since the founding of Sui,” Xiao Xi replied, before returning to doing Xu Xiaomeng’s hair.

“It is also the first year since the founding of Yao,” Xiao Xi corrected herself after some time passed.

“What is the situation of my father,” Xu Xiaomeng asked, her tone perfectly contained.

“Master Xu senior has proclaimed the kingdom of Yun Sui in opposition to Empress Wunan,” Xiao Xi replied, slightly surprised that Xu Xiaomeng addressed Xu Jin in a more intimate manner than before.

Xu Xiaomeng gave off a ‘hmm’ and did not speak any further, remaining completely still, though her posture was not as straight as Li Ming.

“Lady Xu, are you going to participate in court today,” Xiao Xi abruptly asked, her hands retracted after the bun was done.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Xu Xiaomeng shook her head, her bun swinging slightly.

“I shall be going on a walk,” Xu Xiaomeng instead said, surprising Xiao Xi, yet Xiao Xi did not speak any further.

Staring at the rather pleasant conditions of Dongan, Xu Xiaomeng did not show any expression, and remained wordless, placing her hands behind her back, as if imitating Li Ming, she walked at a rather slow pace.

The city seemed to have recovered from the flood, the streets are devoid of any damage, appearing to have been replaced, while much of the buildings destroyed have been rebuilt, with the paint still fresh.

As Xu Xiaomeng walked further, buildings could be seen hastily made, arranged with no form of planning, while it’s inhabitants could be seen clearly possessing more rural characteristics.

It was evident that they had migrated into the city recently.

Walking toward a rather old looking man, who appeared to be playing around with his grandchildren.

The old man seemed rather joyful when one of the children blabbered about some gibberish and pulled out a crafted toy from his rather baggy jacket.

The child seemed rather joyful upon seeing this and began to share it with their sibling, eventually, they asked the old man to let them play with other children.

Giving off a humble smile, the old man struggled to stand up and held his grandchildren with his two hands and left their residence.

Unknowingly, a slight smile crept up on Xu Xiaomeng’s usually expressionless face, watching the grandfather leave with his grandchildren, she turned toward Xiao Xi.

“What are the events occurring in court,” Xu Xiaomeng asked, a hint of her smile could still be seen.

“Lady Xu, in Dongan, I am merely considered as a maid,” Xiao Xi responded,” However, I have heard rumours that the military and civilian bureaucrats are arguing over government funding from some of the other maids,” Xiao Xi replied, her expression portrayed her lack of interest.

Wordless, Xu Xiaomeng turned back toward the palace, considering a few matters within her head.

After Xu Xiaomeng had returned back to the palace, the court session had ended. Realising that her timing was slightly off, Xu Xiaomeng decided to return to the study.

Walking past the artificial lake, she noticed Ling Ping sitting rather absentmindedly. Preparing to walk past the young scholar, Xu Xiaomeng did not stop.

Suddenly, her sleeves were suddenly pulled.

Ling Ping had seen Xu Xiaomeng’s reflection on the artificial lake, rubbing his eyes, he silently chucked, thinking that he had been too stressed in court.

Yet Xu Xiaomeng’s reflection was still within the lake, thus, prompting Ling Ping to turn toward the direction of Xu Xiaomeng.

Noticing it was not an illusion, Ling Ping carelessly attempted to stop her from leaving, appearing slightly rude, disrespecting the boundaries between man and woman.

Xu Xiaomeng still retained her expressionless face and stood silently. Ling Ping, finally realising his inappropriate actions, pulled his hands back toward himself.

“Lady Li, have you just woken up?” Ling Ping asked, his face appearing joyful.

“No,” Xu Xiaomeng replied, causing Ling Ping to be rather confused.

“Lady Xu had woken up today and had decided to take a stroll down the alleys of Dongan,” Xiao Xi, realising that Xu Xiaomeng would not elaborate further, said.

“I see, however Xiao Xi, you must ensure that Lady Li have adequate rest,” Ling Ping reprimanded, before leaving with a rather joyful expression. It appeared that in his joy, he did not notice the drastic change between Li Ming and Xu Xiaomeng.

Xu Xiaomeng, noticing that Ling Ping had retreated, proceed toward her study.

The study itself had been completely repaired, and the majority of the bamboo slips and paper Li Ming had used to administer the country had been stored away, leaving only the inkstone, while the mahogany furniture had been replaced with rosewood furniture.

Xu Xiaomeng turned toward Xiao Xi with a slightly curious expression, as if questioning her why the furniture had been replaced.

“Lady Xu, after the mahogany furniture was damaged during the assassination, the court had decided to replace it with rosewood, in hopes of a speedy recovery,” Xiao Xi replied, lightly tapping her knuckles against the still pink furniture.

Xu Xiaomeng gave off a sound of acknowledgement, before sitting down before the table.

“Xiao Xi, paperwork,” Xu Xiaomeng said. Xiao Xi quickly bowed in response and rushed out the room.

During this time, Xu Xiaomeng had begun to grind the inkstone, yet her motion seemed quite inexperienced and lacked the proficiency possessed by Li Ming.

Ultimately, some parts of her hand become tainted by splashes of ink.

Soon, Xiao Xi had arrived carrying a large pile of bamboo slips and paper within her arms.

“Lady Xu, the majority of the work you have originally done have been distributed to Ling Ping and another official named Hong Wang, however, they still complain that the work is too much,” Xiao Xi said as she used a towel to wipe the ink stains on Xu Xiaomeng’s hand.

Xu Xiaomeng did not reply, and the brush soon moved the surface of a bamboo slip.

“Are you not leaving,” Xu Xiaomeng suddenly asked, her eyes still on the paperwork.

“Lady, I will stay here to ensure your safety,” Xiao Xi replied, her hand still moving to wipe the ink stains.

If Li Ming was here, she would undoubtedly stubbornly sent Xiao Xi away, however, Xu Xiaomeng simply gave off a ‘hmm’ and free her free hand, continued to write on the bamboo slip.

Furthermore, Li Ming would not let Xiao Xi touch her hands.

After some time passed, Ling Ping arrived with Hong Wang, both appearing rather excited.

Xu Xiaomeng raised her head to look toward them and remained motionless afterwards.

“Lady Li, congratulation on the recovery of your health, the two-man said in unison.

“Thank you, continue working hard,” Xu Xiaomeng replied.

Hong Wang stared at Ling Ping, who gave off a sigh and began to speak of the recent events at court.

“Lady Li, Liu One had been too outrageous, despite that one-third of all government revenue goes toward him, he still demands more to be given,” Ling Ping said, his posture changing to one of a bow.

“Indeed, Liu One is short-sighted and is only fit for command on the battlefield, and not for the management of the military as a whole, I propose we find an individual that will contribute much more toward the building of our revolution,” Hong Wang said, taking a slip of paper from his sleeve, and placing it the rosewood table.

“This is a petition signed by three-quarters of the court to remove Liu One from his position, I hope that Lady Li will be wise,” Hong Wang said upon noticing Xu Xiaomeng eyeing it with hints of curiosity.

“I see, call in Liu One for me,” Xu Xiaomeng said, as a slight itching sensation occurred on her temples.

Afterwards, Hong Wang and Ling Ping left after congratulating Xu Xiaomeng regarding her recovery once more.

“Hong Wang and Ling Ping are not in the wrong, Liu One, despite his ability to rally others and martial prowess, lack a proper form of education in his youth, he is not suited to remain in the position as the second in command of the army,” Xu Xiaomeng said upon noticing Xiao Xi staring rather viciously at Ling Ping and Hong Wang’s disappearing silhouettes.

“Then who will take his position,” Xiao Xi asked.

“A person once told me that the person must be skilled in logistics and studying the enemy, along with planning to be in charge of the military, while the general simply works under their command,” Xu Xiaomeng said.

“That is too difficult for one person to manage,” Xiao Xi replied.

“Indeed, that is why we need more than one,” Xu Xiaomeng said, pausing for sometime before continuing,” Thus, we need to select more individuals to aid in the formulation of battle plans,” Xu Xiaomeng said, her grip tightening around the pen.