“Not coming, not coming. When the two of us play chess, we’re evenly matched—there’s nothing to see, people would just laugh at us. Why not play a game of backgammon instead? That’s much more relaxing!”

Grace Harper laughed as she put down the chess pieces, suddenly yawned, and saw that Eric Blake was also nodding off, dozing with her head bobbing. She couldn’t help but find it amusing, gave her a hard push, and signaled that they should each go to bed. However, before the two of them could tidy up and go to sleep, a sudden commotion erupted outside. In no time, Ruby rushed in like a gust of wind, her face showing both alarm and excitement.

“Lady Harper, His Majesty... His Majesty and Empress Wei have come together!”

This sudden news left both Grace Harper and Eric Blake stunned. In an instant, before Eric Blake could react, Grace Harper grabbed a piece of clothing and threw it over her shoulders, hurriedly instructing Eric Blake, “Go hide in the study. Don’t come out unless I call you!”

With that, she rushed out to greet them. Everything happened so quickly that even if she wanted to tidy herself up, there was no time.

Even if Grace Harper hadn’t said anything, Eric Blake would never have recklessly shown herself to the new emperor in the palace of a newly appointed consort in the middle of the night. She wasn’t foolish—what if people thought she was deliberately waiting here to seduce the new emperor?

So, she grabbed her cloak and slipped into the large study next to Grace Harper’s bedroom. Grace Harper had always loved books, and the study was separated from the bedroom by just a curtain, with bookshelves stacked high inside. As long as no one came in to search, the chances of being discovered were slim.

Still, she couldn’t help but be curious. In the dead of night, it was normal for the emperor to visit a favored consort, but why would Empress Wei come along?

Outside, she could faintly hear voices, along with the scent of cosmetics drifting in, and the occasional jingling of ornaments. Before long, hiding behind the bookshelves, Eric Blake saw Grace Harper accompanying George Thompson and Empress Wei inside. Perhaps because he had become emperor and was now in charge, George Thompson’s face looked a bit rounder, while Empress Wei was all smiles, no longer showing the cautious demeanor of the past. At that moment, George Thompson seemed to be chatting animatedly with Grace Harper, while Empress Wei looked around, as if searching for something.

Searching... Could it be they already knew she was here?

Eric Blake felt a sudden, inexplicable panic. She quickly held her breath and sat quietly on the floor. Suddenly inspired, she pulled a few scrolls from the shelf, spread them on the ground, and then leaned against the corner, closing her eyes. Not long after, she heard footsteps approaching, and even with her eyes closed, she could sense a brighter light shining on her. Her heart pounded with fear. At this moment, the voices nearby became clearer.

“I’ve long heard, Grace, that you’re quite close with a young girl from the Wu family. I didn’t expect that on the very day you were appointed as Jieyu, you’d still let her stay over. Didn’t you plan to welcome His Majesty?”

“This girl is a bit of a fool, but she and I have always gotten along. Her favorite thing to do when she comes here is read, and she’s been holed up in this study more than once or twice. I’ve always let her be and never thought much of it. Besides, this Jieyu title was only given to acknowledge past events—if I took it seriously, wouldn’t that be a joke? Tonight, so many people came to flatter me, but what do they know? All I can do is write a little. Her Majesty the Empress is the one with true grace and authority.”

“Your Majesty, just look at Grace. After all, she’s been at Mother’s side for so many years, and her eloquence is unmatched! Those ordinary women in the harem actually dare to provoke her? In my opinion, the title of Jieyu is beneath her. Think about it, even those officials in the Secretariat are all fools compared to Grace’s literary talent.”

“A’Wei, if you say she’s good, then she’s good! From now on, Grace will continue to handle the drafting of edicts. As for her title, if you want to change it, just do as you wish.”

“You said it, Your Majesty!”

As the conversation continued, Eric Blake felt as if a lamp was swaying in front of her, but she didn’t dare move at all. She did her best to pretend to be sound asleep, breathing as evenly as possible. Fortunately, this tense moment didn’t last long. Soon, the footsteps receded, and the voices grew quieter, until only faint laughter could be heard from outside.

Even so, Eric Blake still didn’t dare move, inwardly cursing the emperor and empress for their sudden intrusion. She couldn’t open her eyes to see what was happening outside, but the sounds told her everything she needed to know. The saying goes, “Countless romantic scenes, secret fragrance behind the red gauze curtain.” With one man and two women outside, it didn’t take much imagination to picture the scene.

She had been sleepy before, only startled awake by the emperor and empress’s sudden arrival. As time passed, leaning against the wall, Eric Blake gradually dozed off and actually fell asleep. She didn’t know how much time had passed before someone shook her awake. Rubbing her eyes open, she saw the disheveled Grace Harper looking at her with annoyance.

“They’re gone?”