The crown princess’s side had never paid any attention to Henry Faulkner, who was out of favor. They sent someone to ask a couple of perfunctory questions and then agreed, thus driving Yilan out just like that.

But that’s all in the past and needn’t be mentioned for now. At present, after Yilan was taken away, only Edward Young and Irene Wynn were left in the room.

“You both did very well today. Since you are loyal to me, I naturally won’t treat you poorly. Alice Green grew up with me, and our bond goes without saying. Now that I have the two of you by my side as well, as long as you remain loyal, I will treat all three of you equally.”

As Henry Faulkner spoke, she stood up and personally walked over to Irene Wynn and Edward Young, taking one in each hand and helping them up.

The two of them, upon hearing this, immediately pledged their loyalty.

Whether they were sincere or not would have to be observed over time, but for now, having thrown out a troublemaker and gained two capable aides was quite a good deal.

It also established her authority in front of the servants at Biluozhai. Killing the chicken to scare the monkey was far more effective than empty words—a win on multiple fronts.

The next day.

Irene Wynn accompanied Henry Faulkner to Wutong Courtyard to pay respects, while Alice Green went to the front courtyard to deliver the fan pendant and sachet.

Chief Eunuch Robert Holmes had gone out with Brian Parker, so the items were delivered to Robert Holmes’s apprentice, the second-in-command of the front courtyard, Joy Foster.

To ensure the items would ultimately reach Brian Parker, Alice Green even slipped in some silver.

As the saying goes, it’s easy to see the King of Hell, but hard to deal with his little devils.

However, Joy Foster was efficient. That afternoon, after Brian Parker returned, he promptly presented the two items.

There were many matters at court today. Brian Parker and his dear cousin, the Crown Prince Steven Parker, had another unpleasant quarrel. Emperor Chengjing naturally favored his own son, leaving Brian Parker feeling both disgusted and frustrated.

When Joy Foster came to deliver the items, Brian Parker was about to lose his temper, but the faint fragrance from the sachet calmed him a little, so he kept them.

He had seen these items before and naturally knew where they came from.

As he played with the sachet, the delicate, youthful, and innately alluring figure of Henry Faulkner slowly surfaced in his mind.

Suddenly, Brian Parker thought of something and gave a deep order.

“Send word to Biluozhai: tonight, have Lady Fang come to the front courtyard to attend me.”

Robert Holmes responded and gave Joy Foster a look. The latter understood and quickly scurried out.

After receiving the message, Henry Faulkner gave a reward before having Edward Young properly see the messenger out.

Alice Green and Irene Wynn were both delighted and immediately bustled about—one boiling water, the other preparing dinner.

Only Henry Faulkner seemed quite calm. After choosing an outfit, she let them fuss as they pleased.

After a simple dinner, she got up and went to the front courtyard.

This time, she wasn’t made to wait. As soon as she arrived, Robert Holmes led her straight into Brian Parker’s bedchamber.

Chapter 11: Easing Doubts

Inside the bedchamber.

Brian Parker had just finished bathing, dressed in a white nightgown, eyes closed as he reclined in a grand master’s chair, while servants attended to drying his hair.

On the table, the warm yellow flame of the candle flickered gently, casting a hazy shadow over the man’s face, softening his handsome yet cold features.

This face was truly well-formed.

Henry Faulkner thought to herself.

“Your Highness, Lady Fang is here,” Robert Holmes approached and whispered.

As Brian Parker opened his eyes, Henry Faulkner was already standing properly, bowing in greeting.

Today, she wore a newly made outfit, crafted from fabric rewarded by Brian Parker.

A peach-pink high-waisted ruqun embroidered with large roses, her hair all pinned up in a round, cute yuanbao bun, revealing a smooth, slender neck, making her look both charming and sweet.

Henry Faulkner’s features were youthful: almond-shaped eyes, a delicate nose, cherry lips, and an oval face, giving her an innocent and obedient appearance. Yet, deep down, there was a hint of allure. The combination resulted in a naive, coquettish charm.

Like a little fox inexperienced in the ways of the world—adorable and captivating.

Brian Parker studied the woman before him, his gaze darkening slightly, and said coolly,

“Come here.”

At the same time, he signaled to the side.

Robert Holmes immediately understood, motioned for the servants to withdraw, and took the towel for drying hair, handing it to Henry Faulkner.

Taking the towel, Henry Faulkner walked behind Brian Parker, wrapped his hair, and gently dried it.

“Is Your Highness troubled by something?”

Seeing Brian Parker’s slightly furrowed brow, Henry Faulkner asked softly.

Brian Parker gave a low reply.

“Court affairs are trivial and always give one a headache.”

“Then let me massage Your Highness later. My late mother used to suffer from headaches, and I learned a set of techniques from my nurse that are quite effective.”

Henry Faulkner automatically ignored the words “court affairs are trivial,” skillfully steering the conversation away.

After all, the harem must not interfere in politics. It was best for her to be cautious—what if Brian Parker was setting a trap for her?

Falling into it would be disastrous.

She was careful, but Brian Parker didn’t seem to notice. He nodded and instead asked about Henry Faulkner’s birth mother.

“Your mother—did she pass away from illness?”

Mentioning her birth mother, Concubine Song, Henry Faulkner couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion.

Her hand, which was drying Brian Parker’s hair, paused for a moment.

Sensing her change, Brian Parker spoke again.