Si Ning stood in front of the mirror, watching Xiao Pei who was gently inserting different types of thin golden hair clips in his hair, to complete the hair adornment, Xiao Pei carefully inserted the dragon-shaped hairpin through the hole in the head diadem that secured Si Ning's half ponytail and he made sure to leave some strand flowing loose at the side of Si Ning's face before taking two golden bangles and secured it on Si Ning's wrists, on top of his sleeves.
It was quite surprising for Si Ning to see the poker face Xiao Pei dressing him up like royalty but Si Ning had no complaints even though he felt like he was wearing too much gold but he knew Xiao Pei must know what he was doing since he worked for Xiu TianZhao and he must have a reason for adding all the golden accessories.
Since Si Ning had to go to the palace and he had wasted time eating to his fill, soaking for long in the tub because he was enjoying the flowering scents from the flower petals that floated on the water and even made sure to complete his beauty routine, all he had left was little time to dress up and Xiao Pei was killing it.
Ge Mengshu sent a lot of maids to assist Si Ning by helping him bathe and dress up but Si Ning rejected the idea. It was long since he had done any sexual activities and doesn't trust his body not to react if he had some beauties groping him in the bathtub. Since Ah Dai was not around probably on the errand he sent him and that made Xiao Pei the one to dress him up and even styled his hair. Si Ning would not mind having the maids style his hair but Xiao Pei had done a great job so far and even added some oil to the edges of his hair and styled it well, he had done a better job than the hairdressers on set that used to style the Actors and Actresses hair during the shooting of some historical dramas.
Si Ning would not lie that he had never looked so beautiful even though Xiao Pei didn't apply any makeup for him except lip balm to make his lips popped up and pinker. Si Ning wished he had a phone to take a picture, what would he not give to take a picture and if he wasn't going to the palace he would have called for a painter to make a large painting of him because he felt like his dressing would go to waste if he doesn't have anything to keep as a memory.
The color of the outer brocade robe suited him well with the inner robe allowing him to display the accessories on his wrist if he lifted his hands a little. Si Ning felt like a Prince and couldn't help but let his lips curled up in a smile not allowing the small voice in his head that kept reminding him that he was dressed like the Emperor's Consort spoil his mood.
"Young Master."
"Come in." Si Ning said, feeling in high spirits as Xiao Pei stepped back.
The door opened to reveal Yanyu and a guard. The guard held a golden box and they both bowed when they stepped in.
"Young Master, this is the gift Madam picked out for his Majesty from the Si family treasures and Madam asked me to see if Young Master is contented with the gift," Yanyu told him.
The guard at Yanyu's side already froze on the spot, his mouth wide open as he stared at Si Ning in astonishment making no move to put the box down. He only snapped out of it when Yanyu nudged him at the same time Xiao Pei faked a cough to remind the guard to know his place. The guard jolted, his cheeks red in embarrassment as he quickly carefully placed the box on the floor and opened it, bringing out a golden ornamental small tree standing on a golden platform with small diamonds scattered around the branches that symbolized as the fruits of the tree.
It was breathtaking that when the guard placed it on the table, Si Ning quickly moved towards the table and hesitated when he wanted to touch it as Xiao Pei sprayed him a little mild scent perfume. The tree almost looked like it shouldn't be touched yet Si Ning couldn't help but trailed his fingers on it, wondering how it was carved and how the diamonds were fixed on it. He could tell it was made with pure gold and heavy. Seeing how it looked, Si Ning wished he doesn't have to give Xiu Zhicheng and keep it for himself. If he had a treasure like this when he was still an Actor, he would have turned instantly into a wealthy man the moment he sells it.
"The late great General Si Yunsheng was able to procure it as a gift from the Emperor of Yokohama nation during a wager between him and Emperor Hyuga Akihiko. This was when he crossed the sea on a venture to Yokohama nation." The guard added in a small voice, his head bowed.
It was a gift suited for the Emperor that Si Ning had no complaint but sadly touch the sparking stone diamonds on it before stepping back and nodded in approval.
Si Ning watched as the guard placed it back in the box, turning once it was out of sight, and allowed Xiao Pei to wear his shoes for him. He glanced at his sword at the corner of the room wondering if he was supposed to carry it with him. Looking at the sword he wondered if it had a name and he would probably not know until he asks Ah Dai.
When Xiao Pei was done and straightened out Si Ning's outer robe and stepped back. Si Ning started heading out since Xiao Pei didn't mention his sword or his green named tag means he doesn't need to carry his sword or fix the tag to his cloth. It was also a relief for him since he doesn't want to ever use a sword.
Xiao Pei quickly opened the door for him. The moment Si Ning stepped out, Jiang Ye eyes widen in shock but Si Ning didn't pay any attention to him, he only started walking out of his quarters and when he appeared, he could see how shocked some palace guards looked that he could see the rest of the guards quickly looked up and some even gasped but Si Ning didn't pay any mind to them, his eyes on his Mother that was walking up to meet him halfway.
Ge Mengshu stopped when Si Ning got closer. "Little Ning, you can come back at any time and if possible have dinner with the Emperor." She said in a quiet voice as she placed a hand on Si Ning's cheek.
Si Ning placed his hand on his mother's hand on his cheek. "Yes, Mother."
"Hmm." Ge Mengshu nodded and took a step back not wanting to delay him any further.
Si Ning turned, walking up to the palanquin that Chen An held the curtain opened for him. His house was quite far from the palace and since he had to ride in the palanquin means he had enough time to think of his next move and with this, Si Ning seated comfortably and closed his eyes as he felt the palanquin lifted from the ground.