An Ning’s lips curled up.

She couldn’t help but laugh thinking about Luming catching Xie Qianyun gambling.

Luming has been so rigid since he was young; someone should have come along to change his life long ago.

"I also heard, after the Empress was punished by the Emperor, she climbed a tree to fetch a bird’s nest, and then was caught by the Emperor again. Now the Emperor has sent veteran nannies of the harem to teach the Empress etiquette, saying if she doesn’t learn it in one day, she’ll have to keep learning it," reported a Palace Attendant.

An Ning couldn’t stop laughing.

Xie Qianyun even climbed a tree to fetch a bird’s nest.

Such a bold and carefree personality, she liked it.

Xiao Jinxing glanced at An Ning.

Not knowing what she was laughing about.

He remarked, "The Empress should naturally act like an Empress. Although Qianyun is cute, she must adhere to royal rules and not let things go awry."

"No wonder Luming has such a bad personality, it’s entirely your fault!" An Ning retorted.

"How is Luming’s personality bad? As a ruler, he should..."

"Xiao Jinxing, are you going to argue with me about who is right and wrong now?"

"..." Xiao Jinxing pursed his lips.

"I’m not eating anymore." An Ning suddenly set down her bowl and chopsticks.

Xiao Jinxing immediately grabbed An Ning’s hand.

"My mistake, I shouldn’t have questioned you." Xiao Jinxing instantly backed down.

The nearby Palace Attendants couldn’t help but let out low laughter.

It’s well-known how the Supreme Emperor spoils his wife.

With a single look from Xiao Jinxing.

The Palace Attendants trembled and quickly knelt on the ground.

"Everyone, out!" Xiao Jinxing commanded.

The Palace Attendants promptly withdrew.

Of course it’s understood, between husband and wife... a quarrel at the head of the bed, a reconciliation at the foot.

...

In the afternoon, Xie Qianyun was being "cared for" attentively by an old nanny.

She was instructed to first learn imperial etiquette, what kind of rituals should be performed when, and what kind of words should be said.

Xie Qianyun actually learned these quite quickly.

The group of old fools at the Ministry of Rites had taught her before, she barely remembered.

Even the old nanny was somewhat surprised by the Empress’s ability to understand, completely different from what the Emperor and Grand Duke had described.

After teaching her for a day, she returned to report to the Emperor, saying the Empress had become well-versed in etiquette and no longer needed further instruction.

Xiao Luming was skeptical, so the next day he brought her to Xie Qianyun’s palace. Before his eyes, Xie Qianyun demonstrated everything the old nanny taught her yesterday. One must say, a quiet Xie Qianyun was completely different from her usual "Demon Lord of Mayhem".

She had a hint of what an Empress should be.

Xiao Luming seemed satisfied.

He nodded, "Since the Empress understands all the rituals, I won’t make it difficult for the Empress to learn more. I only hope the Empress, as the nation’s Empress, with her noble status, will always strictly discipline herself, and with her words and deeds, not disgrace our Daxuan royal family!"

"I humbly follow the Emperor’s teachings," Xie Qianyun performed a ritual.

Xiao Luming didn’t linger long and left.

Xie Qianyun only relaxed after seeing everyone leave.

The originally rigidly straight back instantly slumped.

If this continues, her old back will be gone.

Luckily, she managed to fool the little Emperor.

Her goal was simple, to dispatch Xiao Luming so he wouldn’t bother her, affecting her free life in the Imperial Palace.

"Will the concubines be released tomorrow?" Xie Qianyun asked Qiu Yin excitedly.

"The day after tomorrow, Your Highness."

"The day after tomorrow? That works too!"

"What is Your Highness planning to do?" Qiu Yin was scared.

Whenever the Empress smiled, she felt like she was nearing her death.

"After being confined for three days, of course, the concubines need to be released to stretch their legs. Anyone who stays locked up for too long will get sick; I want to throw them a party."

"..." Qiu Yin felt uneasy and quickly said, "Your Highness, the Emperor just praised Your Highness for knowing etiquette. Please don’t let the Emperor down."

"Don’t worry, I won’t host a gambling party; I’ll just have a dinner gathering with the concubines," Xie Qianyun said. "Improving the relationships among the harem sisters, what could the Emperor say about it? Does he want to see the harem catch fire?!"

Though she said so, Qiu Yin had a feeling the Empress wasn’t taking the usual path.

And surely enough.

Once the concubines’ confinement was lifted, they received invitations from the Empress to dine at Jingxiu Palace.

Each concubine was extremely nervous.

Afraid the Empress would harm them.

But not daring to disobey the Empress’s command, they all cautiously and apprehensively arrived at Jingxiu Palace.

Upon entering, they could feel the lively atmosphere of Jingxiu Palace.