Chapter 543: Chapter 542: 542: General Jiang's Spy

Jiang Ning instinctively took a half-step back, looking at Gucheng.

Gucheng wore a blank expression.

Clearly, he didn’t recognize this Palace Maid.

However, as long as he was by her side, her safety was guaranteed.

Jiang Ning composed herself and asked, “Who are you?”

“Your humble servant is Rui’er.” The palace maid responded respectfully.

“Why did you call me Miss?” Jiang Ning asked again.

“Because…” Rui’er looked around, her gaze swept over Gucheng, her eyes sharp. Then, she answered, “Your humble servant was originally a servant of the Jiang Family.”

Jiang Ning was taken aback, “You’re of the Jiang family? How did you end up in the palace?”

“My circumstances are the same as his.” Rui’er pointed to Gucheng.

Gucheng’s expression remained impassive.

Jiang Ning looked at him and asked, “Do you two know each other?”

“Miss, in most cases, we do not know each other,” answered Rui’er, “I was sold to a brothel due to my family’s poverty when I was little. It was the General who saved and raised me.”

Jiang Ning had not expected that Jiang Mubai not only took in boys, but girls as well.

However, as the General, he had many enemies both inside and outside. It was understandable that he raised some trusted people for himself.

But the fact that he sent the girls he adopted into the Palace couldn’t be considered as purely motivated.

Without asking, Jiang Ning could roughly guess why.

The Emperor had the Brocade Guards, and perhaps some other forces, to monitor the princes and ministers to prevent them from having improper thoughts.

Similarly, the ministers were not fools either. They could also secretly plant their people in the palace, making it more convenient to gather information or perform other tasks.

As far as Jiang Ning knew, not only Jiang Mubai but also her father, Jiang Ruobai, had eyes and ears in the palace.

All of them had beenbustling about the imperial court for decades, and none of them were not crafty foxes.

Since she was one of theirs, Jiang Ning felt reassurance and said with a smile, “Rui’er, is it? Get up and let’s talk.”

“Yes, Seventh Miss.”

Rui’er stood up.

Under the moonlight, Jiang Ning could see clearly that Rui’er had a chubby little face, clear brows, and bright eyes. Even when she wasn’t smiling or moving, she was quite appealing.

No wonder Jiang Mubai sent her to the palace.

Jiang Ning asked Gucheng, “Are there any others nearby?”

Before Gucheng could answer, Rui’er preemptively said, “Miss, don’t worry. Nobody will hear us for now. There are people in some guardrooms nearby, but at this late hour, they’re either sleeping or drunk and unconscious.”

“That’s good.”

“Miss, it’s cold outside. Shall we talk in my room?” suggested Rui’er.

“Your room?”

“I was also originally a maid of the Splendid Palace.”

Jiang Ning exclaimed, “No wonder you look familiar. But I’ve been here often before and didn’t see much of you.”

Rui’er said, “I am responsible for tending flowers and plants. It’s rare for me to be in the presence of the masters. It’s quite normal for the miss to feel that I’m unfamiliar.”

“I see.” Jiang Ning chuckled, “So, you’re quite familiar with Denghua?”

Rui’er shook her head, “Denghua is a first-class palace maid of the Splendid Palace and has been in the palace for many more years than me, serving Your Highness personally. She looks down on a lowly maid like me.”

Jiang Ning grinned, “I find you much more likable than Denghua.”

Rui’er chuckled, revealing a dimple in her cheek which was quite charming.

Jiang Ning asked again, “Do you know where Denghua used to live?”

“Yes.” Rui’er nodded, “Miss, did you come here to find Denghua’s residence? Actually, I have searched it several times but found nothing.”