Chapter 73 Hailan
"Your Highness, are you really not going to report it? I see everyone else seems to have reported it..."
Unable to bear it any longer, Su Xin looked at Ruyi sitting on the soft couch with her eyes closed, and, out of kindness, offered a word of advice.
Ruyi's nail guards swayed slightly as she looked at Su Xin with an expression that said, "You don't understand."
"The women in the harem are all eager to pursue fame and fortune, and they devote themselves to girls' education, but they neglect the emperor. This is really unwise."
No, it's normal that after all these years of trying to break you up.
I should have known better than to serve Ruyi back then just to prove myself.
Su Xin remained silent. She tried to argue one more time, "But my lady, Her Majesty the Empress also said that the Emperor values girls' education very much..."
Ruyi shook her head, "The Empress is just exaggerating to prove her abilities. After all, she made a mistake when she first entered the palace, and now that she has become Empress, she can't wait to make a name for herself."
“Exactly,” Aruo walked in from outside, carrying a teacup, and squeezed past Xinxin to join in: “How can the Empress compare to our Lady? She comes from a noble family, remains calm in the face of adversity, and is still petty.”
"A'Ruo." Ruyi called her name lightly, without punishing her, which suggests that she agreed with her decision.
Su Xin laughed angrily. The Empress's entry into the palace was ancient history; everyone else had moved on, but Ruyi was fixated on it. It was as if the Empress had done something wrong, and Ruyi could take her place.
Unable to persuade her any further, she gave up. She was already used to losing face anyway. With a forced smile, she replied perfunctorily, "You are wise, sir."
Ruyi smiled, her red lips raised. "We gaze at each other from afar, and the moment I see you, my heart breaks. Everyone is thinking of rank and rewards, but I alone think of the Emperor and my young lover."
"Let them rush to the girls' school. I will take good care of His Majesty."
Aruo chimed in, "Indeed, Your Majesty's love for the Emperor is truly genuine!"
Xin Xin replied perfunctorily, "The master is wise."
At this moment, a young eunuch at the palace gate called out, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Household Department has sent someone to deliver clothes to you."
"Let them in."
"This servant greets Consort Xian, wishing her a long and peaceful life."
Ruyi looked at the group of people who were curtsying to her, examined the packages they were carrying, and asked curiously, "Are these new clothes made for me?"
The leading palace maid replied respectfully in a gentle voice, "Your Majesty, these are special garments made by the Imperial Household Department at the Emperor's behest to celebrate the promotions of the ladies. They were meticulously embroidered by the needlework department working day and night, hoping to please Your Majesty."
Ruyi frowned slightly, pleased with Hongli's intentions but disliking his indiscriminate treatment. However, she did not make things difficult for the palace maids, and gently called out, "Get up, let me see you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The group stood up, untied the ribbons from the bundle, and slowly unfolded the garment in front of Ruyi.
The clothes were made of the finest silk, soft and smooth to the touch, like flowing water.
The collar is delicately embroidered with a band of intricate patterns in silver thread. The patterns meander and twist, like vines blooming in spring, lifelike and vivid. The cuffs are embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns in colorful silk threads. The layers of cloud patterns appear as if real clouds are floating in the air, lively and graceful.
The most stunning parts are the front and hem of the dress, where the embroiderer used the exquisite techniques of Suzhou embroidery to create a scene of red plum blossoms in the snow. The delicate silk threads embroider a winter scene covered in silver, with red plum blossoms standing proudly amidst the white, their colors so vibrant and fresh, as if they were real flowers that had just bloomed. It is truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
Ruyi couldn't help but stand up gently, her eyes filled with surprise and admiration. She slowly walked forward and gently stroked the plum blossoms on her clothes, her heart filled with sweetness. Hongli really did care for her and had specially embroidered plum blossoms for her.
"This embroidery is truly exquisite; I like it very much."
Upon hearing Ruyi's praise, the leading palace maid immediately smiled with satisfaction.
"To win Your Highness's favor is our greatest honor. We have carefully considered the style and color of this dress for a long time, hoping it will be worthy of Your Highness's elegance."
Ruyi smiled and said to Suxin, "Suxin, go and get some reward money for these embroiderers. They've worked hard."
Turning her head, she was met with the face of the leading palace maid, and Ruyi was stunned.
Her features were exquisite, her appearance fresh and refined, and she was captivatingly beautiful, easily rivaling most of the concubines in the harem. However, a hint of timidity in her eyes detracted from her overall beauty.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Looking at the palace maid who thanked her softly, Ruyi subconsciously asked, "What's your name? Have you always worked in the Imperial Household Department?"
"This servant, Hailan, has been working as an embroiderer in the needlework room of the Imperial Household Department since I entered the palace."
"Hailan..." Ruyi seemed to be thinking. Seeing that Hailan hesitated for a moment, then showed some panic and fear on her face, Ruyi was even more satisfied.
"Yes, it's a good name. Su Xin, go see them off."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Hailan breathed a sigh of relief, not understanding what Consort Xian wanted to do, and hurriedly left Yanxi Palace with Suxin.
Seeing Ruyi staring blankly out of the palace, A'ruo curiously stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"
"It's lonely in this palace. I'd like to find a sister I can chat with..."
Upon hearing this, A'Ruo's eyes lit up, and she wished she could volunteer on the spot. Trying hard to control her excitement, she replied, "Your Majesty is right. Now that Your Majesty is in the rank of Consort, you should have two concubines to accompany you. However, I think the best choice would be someone you trust..."
Ruyi noticed A'Ruo's agitation, but she would not choose A'Ruo. She could no longer be the principal wife of her young lover, and only hoped that A'Ruo could become a principal wife in the future, believing that A'Ruo would understand her.
"I think that embroiderer was quite good. Now that His Majesty's harem is empty, everyone else is busy with girls' schools and doesn't care about His Majesty. Naturally, I have to consider His Majesty's interests."
Ruyi clearly positioned herself as the Empress, speaking in a grand and dignified manner. But A'ruo was already used to her words, and her only displeasure was that Ruyi would rather choose a newly acquainted embroiderer than her.
Suppressing her resentment for the time being, A'Ruo pressed on, "Then what does Your Highness intend to do?"
"This matter is too late; the opportune moment has not yet arrived..."
Hailan was completely unaware of the plans the master and servant in Yanxi Palace were discussing to use her.
Back in the sewing room, she was overjoyed, for she had just received a notification that she had passed the selection process she had participated in a couple of days ago. She had been chosen as the embroidery assistant for Consort Chengyi, and she would soon be transferred to the girls' school! Her future was bright!
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