The women of the harem were delicate creatures, seeking only the imperial favor that would grant them security.
"Forget it. I see I've frightened you. It was just a casual question, so it's fine if you can't answer,"
Because of what Jiang Xian had said, he let Ma Wan Yi off lightly. "Leave the milk cakes here. I will eat them myself. You may leave."
Ma Wan Yi departed uneasily.
After she left, the Emperor began to grumble to Liang Yuyin, "Ma Wan Yi has been in the harem for ages. She's skilled at fawning and currying favor, yet she can't even manage to grind ink properly."
"In my opinion, Lady Wan Yi was likely just a bit overeager, having not seen Your Majesty for so long."
"The way I see it, she was hoping I would serve *her* instead!"
The Emperor snorted coldly, his mood worsening.
A moment later, he said, "What about Chen Daying from Yizhu Pavilion? Summon her."
