The time in the palace is actually much more leisurely than imagined. The morning and evening shifts alternate, and when he is not on duty, he can go home and visit his mother. However, this kind of life is not what Xiao Rufeng desires. He entered the palace with a certain purpose in mind. He doesn't aim for great success, but he cannot be so idle either. He needs an opportunity to show his face in front of the emperor, even if it's just for a moment.

Xiao Rufeng did not expect that this opportunity would come so quickly, catching him off guard.

It was a relatively warm afternoon when Xiao Rufeng spotted a seductive and graceful woman from afar. She took small steps as she approached, most likely a consort from the imperial harem based on her attire.

Xiao Rufeng immediately exchanged a glance with his colleague who was on guard duty with him. However, his colleague paid no attention to him, as indifferent as a pillar, completely ignoring his signal.

Today, Shen Fang, my colleague who stood guard with me, comes from a prominent family. His father is also an official in the court, so he could be considered a true second-generation official. He relied on his family's influence to secure such a good job of being involved in palace affairs.

He did not enter at the same time as Xiao Rufeng. Xiao Rufeng relied entirely on his strength, but he was afraid that everyone knew it without saying it. Unfortunately, this person was still very arrogant, looking down on Xiao Rufeng's lower-class background and sneering at him.

Originally, Xiao Rufeng wanted to discuss with him, but now Shen Fang's indifferent attitude has already made it clear that he doesn't care.

Seeing that the woman who seemed to be a concubine was approaching closer, Xiao Rufeng remembered the instructions the Emperor had given before entering. He gritted his teeth and held out his hand, blocking the woman just as she was about to reach Zhongyang Palace.

The woman had not yet said anything when the maid behind her spoke up, "How audacious! How dare you obstruct Lady Yafei."

"My apologies for my lack of vigilance. I was unaware that Her Ladyship, Princess Ya, had arrived. Please forgive me, Your Ladyship!" Xiao Rufeng bowed and clasped his fist in salute. "However, the Emperor has instructed me not to allow anyone to disturb him at this moment. Therefore, Your Ladyship, please return!"

After spending over a month in the palace, Xiao Rufeng naturally heard of this elegant concubine, who was said to be greatly favored by the emperor and held the highest position among all the concubines.

Consort Ya was taken aback, seemingly not expecting to be stopped by the guards outside the Zhao Yang Palace.

Please report back, I have prepared a bowl of lotus seed soup for the Emperor. I believe the Emperor will allow me to enter for a moment and not disturb his tranquility. The gentle tone was full of Princess Ya's elegance and virtuousness.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I dare not disobey your orders, nor do I dare disturb the Emperor. I kindly request Your Majesty's return!" Xiao Rufeng remained resolute, refusing to back down.

He knew that by doing so, he would offend the favored consort in the imperial harem. However, compared to offending the emperor, he would rather do so.

At this point, even if Yafei had a good temper, she couldn't help but get angry. Moreover, no one had ever dared to obstruct her before, so her maidservant behind her couldn't help but reprimand, "How audacious! Who do you think you are? How dare you be so unreasonable!"

Just as both sides were deadlocked, the door opened and a deep voice came out, saying, "What's going on?" Immediately after, Murong Junsheng walked out with a solemn face!

"My subordinates (slaves) pay respects to Your Majesty!" Everyone bowed their heads and greeted.

"I, your humble concubine, greet Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed and prosperous!" Consort Ya immediately smiled brightly, her demeanor gentle and graceful.

"Dear consort, there's no need for formalities!" Murong Junsheng supported Consort Ya and prevented everyone from standing up. "Consort, please tell me what has happened."

"Your Majesty, allow this humble concubine to report. This humble concubine had prepared lotus seed soup for Your Majesty, but unexpectedly encountered obstruction from this guard here, who prevented this humble concubine from seeing you!" Pointing at Xiao Rufeng, who was still kneeling on the ground, Yafei pouted in frustration.

"My beloved concubine, you have been wronged, but he was only following my orders. You don't need to be angry with him." Murong Junsheng glanced at Xiao Rufeng, paused for a moment, and said, "However, he did offend you after all. As a small punishment, I will have him receive twenty strokes of the cane!"

"Your Majesty, since you say so, this guard is not at fault, it is my mistake. I will speak on behalf of this guard and request leniency to spare him from punishment!" Even if Consort Ya is unwilling, she still needs to maintain her image of being generous and kind in front of the emperor.

"Your Highness does not need to plead for him, he must be punished!" Interrupting Consort Ya's words, he turned to Xiao Rufeng and said, "Go and receive your punishment later!"

"Yes!" Xiao Rufeng replied in a low voice.