Ms. Zhang picked up the tea and took a sip. Meng Qi behaved very well. She didn't need to be taught much about the rules. Even the strict Aunt Guan didn't say much.
The reason why she said in front of the prince that Meng was not good at studying and was throwing a tantrum was because she relied on the fact that the prince would not ask Nanny Sang and Aunt Guan about these things.
In fact, even if she was asked, she would not be afraid. After all, she and Ms. Li went there once every five days, and they had not been there many times in total. She only reported what she saw that day.
As for Ms. Li, Ms. Zhang narrowed her eyes. Since she wasn't on the same path as herself, they could only go their separate ways. Fortunately, she was a tight-lipped woman, and her thoughts weren't entirely on the palace anymore. She was probably just waiting to apply to the palace when she was old enough to live her own life.
Under the Great Xia Dynasty, female historians in the royal palace also had a term limit, just like palace maids. While palace maids could marry freely upon reaching the age of 28, female historians could marry while on duty, and could continue to serve after getting married, or apply for retirement.
If they do not actively apply, they usually choose to retire at the age of 30. Except for those who are favored by the princess, they can stay by her side forever, such as Ms. Xu who is beside Princess Jing.
But neither she nor Lady Li could go that far. It had been almost a month since Lady Meng entered the palace, and Jing'an Garden had never once invited them there. Even for matters like entering the palace, which should have been accompanied by Lady Li, they would rather take the maids who were not allowed to enter the inner palace with them than ask them to go.
The back streets of the palace were also divided into different levels. The front streets were inhabited by the palace's chief historian, ceremonial officials, staff, and guards, etc. High-ranking eunuchs like Zhang Decheng and Li Mancang, as well as Madam Hai, herself, and Ms. Li, could all live in the front streets.
Next up are the servants in the mansion. When they are not on duty, they go home. Those who are not old enough to enter the mansion live there.
Of course, those who have won the master's favor rarely go back, because the master cannot live without them.
Ms. Zhang had no home. She had been married before, but her husband had died unexpectedly, leaving no children. Ms. Li had never been married, and it looked as if she didn't think about it. So if they went back, they would be alone anyway, so it would be more convenient for them to live in the east wing.
I think that I am 25 years old this year and I will be leaving in 5 years. During these 5 years, I must get things done. 5 years should be enough.
Fortunately, I worked hard to gain Wu's trust, which gave her a reason to visit various courtyards. This was even more important when I was not valued by Meng.
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Bai's maid followed closely behind Bai, holding the box of snacks given by Xiaolin as a reward.
Bai walked slowly, lost in thought. She didn't notice the branches extending from the path blocking her way, and bumped into them, splashing snow all over her face.
The maid quickly stepped forward and took out a handkerchief to wipe Bai Shi's wound, but Bai Shi took it herself and said, "It's okay."
The girl thought for a moment and said, "Why did you help Concubine Lin to come up with a plan just now? If you hadn't suggested that she take the initiative to submit the account books to the princess, perhaps the prince would really let the princess take back her power. If that were the case, we would also..."
Bai waved her hand, looked around and said, "It's not time yet. If Lin loses power at this moment, we won't have a good life. We are tied to her."
Bai frowned, pulled the branch that had just blocked the road, and gently flicked the snow off it.
The girl shook her head. "You do this for her, but she never thinks about you at all. I just feel sorry for you."
Bai let go, and the branch bounced back, shaking the snow from the branches above. She sighed, "For a maid like me who came with the dowry, being the prince's concubine is a great blessing. All we need to do is keep Concubine Lin, this big tree, in our way."
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