The imperial harem.
Led by the Minister of Ceremonies, Mi Shan arrived at the Jade Lotus Palace.
As the highest-ranking member among this year's newcomers, she was the only one entitled to reside in the main palace.
The side hall was where Consort Qin lived.
Murong Wan also lives in Huali Pavilion, which is in the backyard of Yufu Palace, not far away.
Feng Cairen resides in Zhaoyang Pavilion.
Sister Xue lives in Qingxin Garden.
Mi Shan didn't pay attention to the other people around her.
She wrapped herself in a light pink veil, revealing her smooth, alluring, snow-white shoulders.
Step into the courtyard.
The pond was filled with swaying lotus flowers, rippling water, and dazzling light.
No wonder this place is called the Jade Hibiscus Palace.
"I've heard that these lotus flowers never wither, no matter the season. When the seasons are tough, people come to take care of them day and night, nourishing them with hot spring water. The fact that His Majesty has arranged for you to stay in the Jade Lotus Palace shows how much he favors you."
Mi Shan's gaze remained unchanged as she quietly glanced at the continuous stream of rewards that had been sent to the palace since the beginning.
Some were given by the Empress, while others were given by the Imperial Concubine Ling, Consort Yu, and other concubines from various palaces.
Most of them were jewelry, rouge, jade and silk ornaments, etc.
It was also a way to show consideration for the newcomers to the palace and to demonstrate one's own dignity.
His fingers traced the surface lightly, his eyes dimming.
"They are all external possessions; what use are more of them?"
You can't take it with you.
Sooner or later, they'll all be in their coffins.
Mi Shan listlessly put down her hand, then suddenly noticed a plate of orchids, which, unlike the gifts, were quietly and gracefully blooming.
Take a step closer.
I couldn't help but reach out to touch it, but then I saw a toad, its fiery red tongue lolling out, dart out from under the leaves.
"Be careful, my lord!"
A young palace maid beside her reacted quickly and pushed her away.
The venom that the blue-eyed toad spat out missed its target, and it jumped to the ground.
Everyone panicked.
Xun'er mustered her courage and tried to step forward and stomp it to death.
But then Mi Shan calmly took a glass cover, coldly tossed it on the ground, and accurately covered it.
The blue-eyed toad struggled and jumped inside the glass case.
Mi Shan squinted her eyes, then suddenly smiled broadly.
"Indeed, I never thought I would find the Jade-Eyed Toad, which I have been searching for for so long, here."
If placed in a cauldron, it would be an excellent ingredient for alchemy, which would be of great use to her in the future.
Before being refined, its attack power was even stronger than that of a weapon.
If you are infected by its venom and do not receive timely antidote, it can cause nerve paralysis without your knowledge, and you will become paralyzed and disabled after a few days.
"My lady, are you alright? Are you injured? This toad is poisonous, you should throw it away quickly!"
The young palace maid protected her, speaking urgently while staring at the toad, her whole body covered in goosebumps.
Xun'er was also very frightened, her eyes welling up with tears: "That was so dangerous just now, thank goodness you saved me, I was so scared... so scared of you, my mistress..."
"Don't panic. It has already sprayed poison, and it won't spray a second time anytime soon."
Mi Shan covered the glass case with the toad and reluctantly looked away from it.
He turned to the young palace maid who had just protected him.
To her surprise, she turned out to be the one who had been tricked by Qin Miaomiao on the day of the talent show.
In fact, Mi Shan had a deep impression of her back then.
Because in a previous life there was a legendary palace maid.
She rose from a lowly palace maid to become a favorite of the Empress Dowager, and was eventually recognized as the Empress Dowager's goddaughter and given the title of Princess Heyi for her meritorious service in saving the Empress Dowager's life.
It wasn't until the Empress Dowager grew old that she left the palace to guard the border, where she made many military achievements. It was rumored that she was highly skilled in martial arts, no less than a man.
If he hadn't offended the daughter of the Minister when he first entered the palace, and had one of his hands crippled by her, his achievements would probably be even greater than this.
Now, such a capable person is standing right in front of me.
Mi Shan's eyes gleamed with an unusual light as she asked, "What's your name?"
"This servant, Shangguan Chan, greets Mistress Mi. I have never had the chance to thank you in person. That day, if it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would have lost both my hands."
Shangguan Chan knelt on the ground, tears glistening in her eyes, "I hope Your Highness can take me in and serve you in the Jade Lotus Palace to repay the kindness you showed me that day."
"Achan, get up quickly."
That day, Mi Shan didn't save her out of pure kindness.
Unexpectedly, Shangguan Chanzhen silently remembered her kindness and chose to come to Yufu Palace.
"You are a blessed person. I only helped you once. Now, haven't you saved me once in return?"
"only……"
Mi Shan's eyes flickered slightly, and she asked gently, "How did you know there was something wrong with this orchid?"
“Yes, just now, my lady’s hand was outstretched, and I didn’t see anything before you pounced on me. Could it be that you can predict the future?” Xun’er asked curiously.
Shangguan Chan lowered her gaze, her face flickering with unease, as if she were pondering something. Finally, she said, "From where I am standing, I can just see a shadow moving under the orchid, glowing with an eerie green light."
"Is that all?" Mi Shan stared sharply at her.
"Really, my lady, no matter what, I would never harm you. I only want to stay by your side, protect you, and repay you!"
She expressed her heartfelt sentiments in this way.
Xun'er, who was standing to the side, was also moved and gave Mi Shan an approving look.
Mi Shan, having considered the matter, helped her up again.
"Alright, then you'll stay by my side like Xun'er and be my personal maid."
"Thank you, my lord!"
Shangguan Chan was overjoyed. She and Xun'er exchanged a glance, their faces beaming with smiles.
The maids and eunuchs around them were filled with envy, their eyes brimming with jealousy.
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