Chapter 8 Was it a marriage alliance? She only woke up the next day; the older sister in the communal sleeping quarters…
She woke up the next day, and the older girls in the dormitory came to pull her away, fluttering around like little sparrows picking up coarse rice.
"Qingqing, Supervisor Wang is here! Get up, get up!"
Wang Dajian?
I've long heard of his name, but have never seen him in person. All I know is that he's a renowned high-ranking eunuch, in charge of all the palace's junior eunuchs.
He came to pick me up in person?
Does a mere maidservant need such a high-ranking person to personally receive her?
Yang Liuqing was a little hesitant to think about it, but Deng Mengnu and a few other women who didn't talk much quickly and without saying a word put her clothes on her and pushed her out of bed.
As soon as she stood still, she looked at Deng Mengnu in the bronze mirror from three meters away and was terrified.
A pair of tiny pearls, no bigger than grains of rice, had appeared on her ears. Her face was powdered with white powder, concealing her original darkness. But the powder was uneven, looking mismatched and even rather eerie upon closer inspection. And on her feet, she wore light blue satin embroidered shoes, half-covered by long silk trousers. The colors didn't match, making her whole appearance strange.
Yang Liuqing asked, puzzled: "Aren't these?"
She only had a few coarse blue clothes to change into, and her shoes were also black with patchwork soles. None of these things she wore belonged to her.
Deng Mengnu laughed first: "You've gone to work over there, and you're the first one from our Yeting Palace to do that! Those sycophants who look down on us already do, we can't let you lose face!"
The older women standing in the back row nodded in agreement:
"that is!"
“Qingniang, if you dress nicely, those snobbish people will naturally be more polite to you. I haven’t saved much money in all these years in the Yeting Palace. These earrings are the only decent thing I have. You can use them to save face for now, and return them to me later.”
"That makeup powder won't damage your skin. I have another box; I'll give it to you later. Use it often. Once your skin is fair, you'll naturally be beautiful."
"My embroidered shoes were made from a gift from the Empress herself..."
She waited for them one by one, her face full of anticipation. Yang Liuqing was stunned; she really hadn't expected her sisters to bring out their best possessions to support her.
Yang Liuqing couldn't help but chuckle at this sudden surge of collective honor.
"But I can't take it," she said, thanking them but firmly refusing. They were anxious, so Yang Liuqing added:
"The servants at Xianning Palace can tell my worth at a glance. I'm incompetent, and I might even be plundered. I won't be able to get my things back then, and I'll just have to consider it an offering from my ancestors."
Sisters, don't worry about me. I'll find a way to survive and then do my best to help you all.
There was a knock at the door. "Hurry up!" Deng Mengnu and the others fell silent. Yang Liuqing took the things down and laid them out on the bed, sorting them carefully. She put her coarse cloth shoes back on, took out her bundle, and stuffed all her belongings inside. As she reached the door, she smiled at them:
"Sister Wu and Sister Wang are not here, please help me say goodbye."
Deng Mengnu's eyebrows furrowed into a V-shape as Yang Liuqing opened the door. As daylight streamed in, the most taciturn girl in the inner palace quietly departed.
Upon reaching the courtyard gate, Liu Ao was leaning against something, seemingly waiting for someone.
Yang Liuqing paused, nodded to her, and without waiting for her to return the greeting, crossed the last threshold at her own pace.
"Girl." Aunt Liu suddenly called out to her.
Yang Liuqing gripped the bundle knot, one foot dangling precariously.
Aunt Liu didn't follow; she remained leaning against the doorframe, her tone unchanged from when she first arrived—cold and indifferent.
"Be more careful after you get out. Don't assume someone is a good person just because they're nice to you."
She tightened her grip in an instant, and Aunt Liu yawned, saying nothing more.
Yang Liuqing suddenly pursed her lips and murmured:
"Thanks."
Outside the gate, the rumored Grand Eunuch Wang was indeed waiting. Yang Liuqing walked steadily forward, and seeing the exceptionally tall hat on the man's head, she immediately recognized him as that powerful official.
I only caught a glimpse of him and didn't dare look any longer. He seemed quite young, maybe in his early twenties.
He said, "Are you Yang Liuqing, the palace maid who saved the emperor?"
She hunched her shoulders and said, "I am a slave."
"...No manners." His Majesty's tastes these days are really hard to compliment; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them mere curiosity.
The future of the Great Jin Dynasty...!
He sighed inwardly, then coldly raised his voice:
"Come with me."
Yang Liuqing agreed. Without looking back, she focused her energy and walked step by step toward the future.
*
This is Yang Liuqing's first time visiting Xianning Palace.
My first reaction upon arrival was how huge and luxurious it was. The Jade Flower Palace looked like a tiny grain of sand next to it.
Why do I say that?
To exaggerate a bit, if the imperial city has 9,999 palaces, then Xianning Palace alone occupies 1,111 of them.
Even during the reign of the emperor before him, Xianning Palace was only one or two times larger than other palaces. However, by the time of Yan Dibai's father, Emperor Chengde (Yan Qi), a debauched and tyrannical emperor, Xianning Palace was transformed into a combined institution for eating, living, playing, and working, all for his own amusement.
The outermost section was for ordinary workers, the middle section for higher-level workers, and the very center for the emperor, with an additional front hall for ministers to use when holding court.
Wang Dajian was quite annoyed with her from the bottom of his heart. In addition, Yan Dibai had only given the order casually, so after judging, he made Yang Liuqing carry her bundle and move to the outermost side room. Her job was to wipe the pillars and walls of the palace and sweep the steps.
When she saw the place, she felt a little angry deep down.
But Yang Liuqing is an optimistic person, and although she often has bad luck, she has learned to find joy in hardship. Putting that aside, she is quite satisfied with not having a roommate.
However, this was entirely because the accommodation they were assigned was the worst...
But regardless, it was a huge step forward. She was quite happy.
Zheng Zhong took over the tattered broom with only a few tassels left and began his new life as a laborer. A month passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Yan Dibai did not come to see her in person, but instead found a eunuch who was knowledgeable in music to listen to her sing and record the music.
Well, she understood that winning the Emperor's favor wasn't so easy.
At first, her colleagues were very curious about her, as if they had heard some scandalous news about "the young emperor meeting a maid in the inner palace at night, and the maid risking her life to save him for love". They came up to her several times to ask for confirmation.
However, whenever they see their own appearance—"So this is it? I knew it was fake!"
Yang Liuqing chuckled awkwardly: "That's right, unless His Majesty is blind, how could he possibly flirt with me?"
As a result, people quickly lost interest in her and refocused their attention on the gossip surrounding the emperor and his consorts.
Yang Liuqing was "forced" to learn a lot of exciting gossip—the kind the system hadn't explained in detail.
For example, Yan Dibai was mentally abnormal from a young age, and at the age of five or six, he showed a lecherous talent similar to his father. Later, he used the harem as a starting point to plunder all the beauties in the entire Great Jin Dynasty.
For example, Yan Dibai did not even spare his half-sisters or cousins. He attacked his own sister at night and harassed his sister-in-law, forcing some of them to shave their heads, some to marry far away, and the rest to run away to the capital to establish their own households and find husbands.
He was also addicted to cross-dressing, enjoying dancing and singing with actors in theatrical costumes. He hated going to work, and would fly into a rage and go crazy on the spot, cursing his officials for being insane.
For example, he would often pretend to be a beggar, kneeling in front of the palace gate with a golden bowl, forcing the trembling ministers to insult him and then throw money at him. Those who did not comply would be imprisoned and not allowed to go home after get off work.
Yang Liuqing couldn't help but exclaim: "How heavy-handed!"
That's too much!
If that's the case, the Yan Dibai she met twice was much more normal than the rumors suggested. She really got incredibly lucky.
Getting back to the main point, Yang Liuqing's relationship with the people in Xianning Palace was just so-so; at most, she changed her discrimination into nodding acquaintances.
She felt it wasn't her fault at all. The people in Xianning Palace were all quite strange. Perhaps due to the long-term high-pressure environment, everyone harbored a lot of resentment, yet they insisted on putting on a mask of happiness. Over time, this led to polarization. This state even permeated the lowest levels of society, with many people speaking veiledly and sarcasticly in private.
At first glance, it looks similar to the Yeting Palace, but it is actually completely different.
Although the women in the imperial harem also follow human instincts, they occasionally have an innocent and adorable side, and they don't hit people's legs with brooms at the drop of a hat.
Yang Liuqing, who was off work today, rubbed the bruises on her calves, took a nap, and then got up to take a shower. Only after lifting the lid did she realize that the small tub of water she had stored was empty and she had to refill it.
She was soaking wet and couldn't wait a moment longer. She ran to the well and discovered that the palace seemed unusually lively today.
Yang Liuqing was curious. Chuntao, who was taking a lunch break, had brought back a pancake to eat. They bumped into each other on the way and Yang Liuqing went over to strike up a conversation.
Chuntao was indifferent, but she still replied.
"You mean today? Today, Xiao Yuanjing, the head of a prominent family in Longnan, is here to pay homage to His Majesty with his sister, Xiao Yuanshu."
"Xiao Yuanjing?"
[Ding ding ding! Xiao Yuanjing, one of the possessors of Emperor's Aura, is a powerful and formidable rival from a prestigious clan! Host, please be careful.]
Yang Liuqing was taken aback. An electronic voice—was it really giving her a special reminder at this moment?
The mission hadn't even taken a proper first step before a second powerful figure appeared?
She asked instinctively, "Just how strong is he? Is he worthy of being called terrifying?"
System warning: [This character currently has an Emperor's Aura value of 50.]
"..."50?
Yang Liuqing almost thought she had misheard.
…50.
Yes, he was only half as good as he was to dominate the world, 50.
Yang Liuqing was dazed, and only now did she truly understand the arduous task that lay ahead of her.
"Is there a character synopsis? Will they have a significant impact in the early stages?"
[Brief Summary: Xiao Yuanjing of Longnan, twenty-four years old. He began fighting on horseback at the age of ten and is proficient in all eighteen martial arts. A master of military strategy, he is known as the reincarnation of Sun Tzu and commands a large number of capable men. He is a first-rate warlord of his time. He has no direct relationship with the host in the early stages.]
Yang Liuqing pursed her lips, lost in thought. Seeing her distracted, Chuntao beside her impatiently repeated:
"A powerful and influential family from Longnan. They said they arrived secretly last night. Have you asked enough? I'm going to eat."
She jumped in surprise and quickly smiled apologetically, "Please eat, please eat, thank you so much. Next time I'll sweep half of your steps."
Chun Tao nodded and continued eating her pancake. Yang Liuqing sat by the well, lost in thought. Looking at the sky again, she felt inexplicably dark.
"Alright," Yang Liuqing patted her bottom, put on her work clothes, picked up a broom, and quietly returned to her post.
Chun Tao was sweeping the floor outside the main hall of Xianning Palace when she saw her coming again, and her face darkened.
"What are you doing?"
Yang Liuqing said earnestly, "Chuntao, I'm free today anyway, so I thought I'd keep my promise to you. You go back, and I'll cover for you for the rest of the day, okay?"
"You?" Chun Tao sized her up, then glanced around. The eunuchs were all waiting inside; today, powerful families were entering the palace, and the higher-ups were watching closely, so they couldn't just give a perfunctory answer. She was truly annoyed… Chun Tao tossed aside her broom and said:
"Use mine, you stay out of sight and don't let anyone see you."
Yang Liuqing nodded hurriedly and immediately took over, getting closer to the source of the information.
The girl diligently swept the floor, then began to worry seriously.
What would it be like if Yan Dibai and Xiao Yuanjing clashed? Or would he be carrying his sister...? Her hand paused.
If I'm not mistaken, it's about a marriage alliance, right?
Hiss... The imperial concubines are probably going to have to be on high alert.
Just then, a long-lost beauty suddenly appeared before her. "Qingniang," she said, her voice as sweet as sweet soup. Upon hearing this, Yang Liuqing exclaimed:
"husband--"
"Shh." She flicked her finger and beckoned to her: "Come here, I have something to tell you."
Inside the hall.
The scene was a little different from what Qingqing had imagined.
They toasted each other, and after several rounds of drinks, the courtiers laughed and raised their cups in a lively atmosphere. The young emperor, wearing a nine-dragon crown and a magnificent robe, with powdered face, watched the singing and dancing below with a smile. Seemingly overjoyed, he raised his wine cup high, then, as if possessed, his robes were wide open, revealing his chest and back.
He couldn't help but exclaim in praise: "Wonderful! Wonderful! My dear minister, what do you think of the piece I've arranged?"
The young man sitting below smiled and responded:
"Your Majesty's music is sometimes light and cheerful, sometimes powerful and majestic. The two are blended together in a way that ordinary people cannot achieve. If Yu Boya were here, he would surely call it a masterpiece."
After he finished speaking, he stroked the wine cup once with one hand, then turned to Yan Dibai and said:
"To be honest, Your Majesty, my sister also loves music and dance. If Your Majesty grants permission, my sister may play a piece on the zither."
Yan Dibai paused for a moment, then burst into laughter again:
"Very well! I'd like to see what Yuan Jing's younger sister is capable of! Guards, bring the zither!"
The beautiful young girl sitting next to her brother quietly pursed her lips, smiled, and bowed.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I, Yuan Shu, have made a fool of myself."
Xiao Yuanjing smiled faintly. The music ended, and Xiao Yuanshu smugly withdrew his hand, waiting for the young emperor's reaction.
Unexpectedly, the young emperor suddenly stretched out his head, his eyes narrowing in a deep, mysterious way:
"Not bad, she's not inferior to my wives. I didn't notice her before, but now that I look closely, Miss Yuan Shu is truly beautiful."
The flirtatious tone made Xiao Yuanshu's face tighten. She cursed the tyrant inwardly, thinking how could he compare her to a group of ordinary concubines? And to tease her like that...it was truly disgusting!
The rumors were indeed true!
Xiao Yuanshu and Yan Dibai were seated behind the Prime Minister, not particularly close. Yan Dibai had applied a thick layer of rouge and powder, blurring his features from a distance. Therefore, in Xiao Yuanshu's eyes, this young emperor was a lecherous man who was neither male nor female.
Xiao Yuanshu glanced at her brother, her heart filled with reluctance. To marry such a man would be a disgrace to herself!
Even the Empress is not allowed!
Xiao Yuanjing met her gaze, his expression unchanged. Under the table, he flicked his left finger, signaling her to remain calm.
The young man stood up, respectfully:
"Since Your Majesty likes Yuan Shu so much, and Yuan Shu has long admired Your Majesty, why not have Yuan Shu accompany Your Majesty?"
A note from the author:
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Sorry for the long wait.
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