Chapter 259 - Royal Debut (2/2)

”Resume?” The old woman asked in confusion with raised eyebrows.

”Experience...” Lei Xing quickly supplied and the elder woman gave a curt bow and said, ”Thank you, Your highness, for the praise...”

This elder woman currently having a meeting with Lei Xing in her reception hall is called Ming Shu.

When Lei Xing woke up this morning, the Emperor was already gone. Then this afternoon, Ming Shu arrived at her doorstep on the Emperor's orders to deliver the Empress's seal to Lei Xing. The woman then went on to introduce herself to Lei Xing as her newly appointed personal secretary for all management affairs.

The reason Lei Xing was feeling apprehensive and somewhat overwhelmed by this woman was because she had lived through too many changes in power. Ming Shu had apparently been appointed to this position during the Emperor GRANDFATHER's reign.

She had served the Emperor's father's two Empresses and to top it all off, the Empress dowager. One does not get to keep such a position for so long by being simple. So naturally, Lei Xing was feeling apprehensive of this person.

But the Emperor had sent the woman so Lei Xing's worries were a bit relieved by that. She knew the Emperor would not send her trouble but still, she could not help the need to be careful.

”Your highness, may I ask a question?” Ming Shu politely requested in a flat voice.

”Of course.” Lei Xing responded as she scrutinized the older woman trying to figure out how this woman had survived this long.

She clearly did not seem to like an ass-kisser or maybe it was just that she did not view Lei Xing as someone important enough that would warrant that treatment. But that would be quite stupid given the current state of affairs and the reason she was here...but a stupid person would not have survived and held on to her power as long this woman has.

With Lei Xing's permission, Ming Shu gave another curt bow and proceeded to ask her question, ”What kind of leader would you like to be?”

”I'm sorry?” Lei Xing asked with a raised eyebrow, taken aback by the question as she wondered if this was another interrogation session. It was one thing with the Empress dowager, but she was certain that she did not need to explain her qualifications to her ”personal assistant”.

Ming Shu glanced up at Lei Xing and quickly bowed her head and calmly went, ”I apologize if that question upset you but it is necessary for us to establish certain things from the start. That way I can know how best to serve you...For example, the late Empress was a leader who liked the process of management and wanted to be aware of all the matters in the palace. While the current Empress dowager was not interested in the general matters and only wanted to informed of important matters that required her approval...I would like to know what your preference is...”

”Ah, I see...that is a good question.” Lei Xing responded, finally understanding how this woman had made it this long. She was simply accommodating and gave as much or as little as was required to suit whoever her master was.

A smart worker who understood how to please, all the while retaining her sense of dignity. The sort never to overstep, therefore, never needed to be ”put in her place” as she always remained where she should be. Hence why she could get along even with the crazy Empress dowager and why the Emperor felt comfortable enough to send her here.

Lei Xing thought for a bit and then went, ”...I cannot answer that question right now as I do not have a good understanding of the palace affairs. Therefore I cannot decide one way or the other...So for now, explain to me the general affairs I am to oversee and we can go from there...”

Ming Shu nodded, Lei Xing nodded back and then to Ming Shu's surprise, she said, ”...Do take a seat. I'm sure this will take a while...I will have many questions.” Ming Shu blinked up at her, not sure she had heard correctly. But Lei Xing had already turned to Xiao Ruo and asking for tea and snacks to be brought for both of them.

Lei Xing turned back to see the elder woman still standing there. She blinked and said, ”Sit down.”

Ming Shu was considering declining the initial offer as it was not proper for her to sit. But now that Lei Xing said it as an order, she did not want to upset her with a refusal on their first day. So she quietly walked over to a seat on the side and then awkwardly and uncomfortably sat down.

”Okay, you may begin...” Lei Xing said as she looked at the elder woman with keen interest.

Ming Shu glanced at Lei Xing and then nodded and began.

This was a quite different scenario from what she was used to. This Empress seemed to be missing the loftiness that came with her position. Ming Shu concluded that it must because Lei Xing had not been in the palace long enough.

She would learn with time.