The two stared at each other, wide-eyed.
Li Yuanjing raised a brow slightly, his arm like an iron clamp around the slender waist of the "little palace maid." He feigned sternness: "The Great Qing palace has strict regulations. How dare you, a mere maid, defy imperial authority?"
Shen Wei pretended to tremble in fear.
Stammering, her delicate fingers brushed faintly against Li Yuanjing's arm as her eyes reddened: "This lowly maid... submits to Your Majesty's punishment."
...
Outside the tent, Eunuch Deshun stood guard dutifully.
He instructed the palace servants: "Prepare hot water at once, and bring fresh clothes. Be quick about it."
The servants hurried to obey.
As the sun dipped and dusk settled, the tent finally echoed with Li Yuanjing's summons for attendants.
