The Prime Minister's Darling novel Chapter 703

Chapter 703: 330 Fetus movement (two more updates)

Gu Jiao entered Renshou Palace primarily because of her good looks, which drew the recognition of everyone, from high-ranking officers to palace maids. They knew she was the apple of Empress Dowager Zhuang’s eye and therefore, no one dared to stop her.

Although Empress Dowager Zhuang had ordered not to be disturbed in the afternoon, Gu Jiao was an exception.

Noble Consort Zhuang, however, wasn’t as fortunate.

She was stopped by palace guards as soon as she arrived at the entrance of Renshou Palace.

Noble Consort Zhuang said, "Have someone announce my presence. I have an urgent matter to discuss with the Empress Dowager."

The Palace Guard replied, "Apologies, but the Empress has ordered that she is not to be disturbed."

Noble Consort Zhuang frowned, "You let someone in a moment ago. Why is that?"

"That was Miss Gu. She came to examine the empress," the palace guard replied, careful not to incur Gu Jao’s displeasure.

Learning that it was a medical matter, Noble Consort Zhuang felt a bit reassured. However, her worry soon returned. "Is Empress Dowager unwell?" she asked.

"The Empress felt a little unwell yesterday and asked for Miss Gu to look at her. Today is the follow-up visit," the palace guard explained.

After some thought, Noble Consort Zhuang said, "In that case, I should insist on seeing her."

"This..."

"I won’t make things difficult for you," Noble Consort Zhuang said. "The Empress Dowager instructed you not to disturb her, but Gu Jiao didn’t. Go alert her to my presence."

"Yes," answered the palace guard, signaling to a nearby palace maid.

The maid moved swiftly and tracked down Gu Jiao.

Gu Jiao was in a small garden in front of the hall, chatting with Eunuch Qin.

"Miss Gu, Eunuch Qin, Noble Consort Zhuang is here, and she wishes to see Miss Gu," said the palace maid.

Eunuch Qin, a perceptive man, understood that Noble Consort Zhuang hoped to use Gu Jiao as her messenger to the Empress Dowager. "... the Empress Dowager is reviewing documents. We dare not disturb her," he relayed.

"Hmmm, I’ll wait then," Gu Jiao said without making a fuss.

"Sure," grinned Eunuch Qin and led Gu Jiao away to Empress Dowager Zhuang’s sleeping quarters.

Given her close connection with the Empress Dowager, Gu Jiao’s presence would hardly trouble the empress. In fact, her visits were a pleasant break from days filled with monotonous official affairs.

Gu Jiao, given her close ties to the empress, avoided becoming a nuisance. She had a well-understood sense of propriety and personal boundaries.