“Hongqiao, this is an opportunity. Do you want to officially become one of our concubines?” Baizhi asked.
“I want to go back to Lady Fucha’s side. I want to stay and serve Lady Nian,” Hongqiao said quickly.
"If you can help our concubine achieve her wish, she will definitely value you highly. Hongqiao, think about our prince's future prospects, and the concubine's advancement goes without saying. In the future, she will be the head concubine of the palace. If you gain the concubine's favor, you will surely enjoy wealth and honor in the future," Baizhi continued to tempt her.
Hongqiao was indeed moved by Baizhi's words, but she was extremely hesitant because she knew that this meant she would have to return to Fucha's side and work for Nian Shi.
“Hongqiao, I know you must feel sorry for Princess Fucha, after all, she used to be your mistress. Well then, I’ll think of a way myself and see if I can come up with an idea to share the burden for the concubine,” Baizhi said, then made as if to leave.
"Baizhi, wait a minute," Hongqiao said. She knew she couldn't do nothing. Consort Nian wouldn't take her in forever; she would eventually have to return to Lady Fucha's side.
Bai Zhi turned her head and said apologetically, "Hong Qiao, don't worry about it anymore. Why don't you go back to Princess Fucha's side and beg her properly? Maybe she will let you continue to serve her."
Bai Zhi's words easily touched the deepest pain in Hong Qiao's heart. She recalled the days when she was by Fucha's side, and it seemed that she was often beaten and scolded by her. Even if she did very well, she would still beat and scold her at the drop of a hat.
After living with Lady Nian for more than ten days, Hongqiao felt that it was worlds apart from her days with Lady Fucha. She realized that being a servant didn't have to be like that. In fact, she didn't know that Lady Nian was deliberately trying to win her over, which was why she was so kind to her. Unfortunately, that's how people are; they won't truly understand until they experience it for themselves.
“Alright, for the sake of Consort Nian, I will go back. I will return to Lady Fucha’s side and become her eyes and ears, keeping an eye on Lady Fucha’s every move,” Hongqiao said resolutely.
“Hongqiao, don’t force yourself. If the concubine finds out, she won’t agree. The concubine has always been kind to us and has never forced us to do anything,” Baizhi said.
“I am willing to share the burden for the concubine. Baizhi, please take me to see the concubine. I want to tell her personally that I will definitely keep an eye on Lady Fucha for her,” Hongqiao said.
Bai Zhi nodded and said, "Okay, come with me!"
The two walked hand in hand into the main room of Madam Nian. Madam Nian was instructing the maids to take Hongsheng's measurements and make clothes for him.
"This servant greets Consort Nian!" Hongqiao followed Baizhi to Consort Nian's side and curtsied.
"Get up, you two have come at just the right time. Look at our Third Prince, isn't he handsome in this golden fabric?" Madam Nian said, pointing at Hongsheng with great pleasure.
“The Third Prince is very handsome; he looks good in anything,” Bai Zhi flattered.
“The Third Prince inherited the good looks of his concubine, and his skin is fair. Wearing this kind of very selective clothing, he is not overshadowed by the luster of the fabric at all. On the contrary, it makes the fabric shine even more,” Hongqiao said.
Ha ha!
After hearing Hongqiao's words, Lady Nian laughed happily, "Look at that little mouth of yours, you really know how to talk. Lady Fucha really has no taste if she doesn't treat you well. Why don't I have someone as clever and eloquent as you to serve me?"
Seeing that Lady Nian had brought up this point, Hongqiao quickly continued, "If I were fortunate enough to serve by the side of Consort Nian, it would be my honor. I beg Consort Nian to let me stay; I am willing to go through fire and water for her."
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Lady Nian's eyes as she glanced at Bai Zhi and said, "Hong Qiao, you are Fucha's maid, why do you suddenly want to switch allegiance to this concubine?"
“Hongqiao feels that Consort Fucha no longer trusts her, so there’s no point in staying by her side to serve her. As the saying goes, a good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and Hongqiao doesn’t consider herself a good bird, but she has seen how kind Consort Fucha is to her servants,” Hongqiao said. “This servant is willing to temporarily return to Consort Fucha’s side to monitor her every move. One day, this servant hopes to return to Consort Fucha’s side to serve her.”
Lady Nian looked at Hongqiao with satisfaction, exchanged a glance with Baizhi, and then said, "Hongqiao, do you know that going back to serve Sister Fucha means you might have to do things that are even more dangerous than before? Because you will have to come and report her movements to me frequently."
Hongqiao quickly replied, "This servant is not afraid. This servant knows Fucha Shi. As long as we are careful, it should not be a problem."
Lady Nian nodded and said, "Alright, Hongqiao, this is a reward for you from this concubine. Take it!" With that, Lady Nian plucked a pearl flower from her hair and handed it to Hongqiao.
“This servant has done nothing, so I dare not accept the concubine’s reward. It’s not too late to accept the reward after this servant has done something for the concubine!” Hongqiao said.
Lady Nian was slightly surprised, then nodded and said, "Alright, I like maids like you. I'll leave this hairpin here for now. Once you return to Lady Fucha's side and do a good job for me, I will naturally reward you handsomely. From now on, you will be in direct contact with Baizhi. I will also have Baizhi inform you of any instructions I give."
“Yes, I’ve got it.” Hongqiao replied.
"Baizhi, I'm entrusting Hongqiao's affairs to you from now on. Take her downstairs first and teach her some ways to communicate. Make sure her safety is guaranteed. Lady Fucha is suspicious, so she shouldn't be contacted too often," Lady Nian said.
Bai Zhi and Hong Qiao both withdrew and returned to Bai Zhi's room. Hong Qiao thought for a moment and said, "If I want to successfully return to Lady Fucha's side, I must do something to make her feel that I am loyal again."
“You’ve come to the same conclusion as me. Hongqiao, I’m afraid you’ll have to suffer,” Baizhi said.
"What's your idea?" Hongqiao asked.
“Let’s put on a show of self-inflicted suffering for Lady Fucha. Let her know that you’ve been praying for her all these days, without a trace of resentment,” Bai Zhi said.
“But how can I let her know?” Hongqiao asked.
"Have the concubine summon her tomorrow. Once I've brought her here, you can say those things to her. She'll surely believe me," Bai Zhi said.
“That’s not difficult, alright. Tomorrow I’ll put on a good show for Lady Fucha,” Hongqiao said.
The two of them spent a long time discussing it together and finally came up with a good idea, just waiting for Lady Fucha to come the next day.
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