That night, a guest arrived in the main courtyard. Lingxiu finally met the person she had been waiting for.
"Your Highness, the one from Juyuan has arrived." Lingxiu entered the Fujin's room and said to Ulanara, who was already lying in bed.
"Her?" The princess thought for a moment, then sat up.
Inside the main room, Shui Ling wore a light blue cheongsam and had her hair styled in a flat, square updo with a few scattered pieces of jewelry, giving her an air of poverty and destitution.
She sat in the spot where everyone used to greet the Fujin (principal wife), holding a blue-and-white porcelain cup with intertwined floral patterns. She had just sat quietly in her cold room for a long time before sneaking out of the Chrysanthemum Garden when the night was so dark that no one could see anything, avoiding Yun Shi next door and Zhang Mama at the gatehouse.
At this moment, even though no one was in the main room of the Fujin, a warm glowing charcoal basket was still burning.
"I'm sorry to have kept Madam Ji waiting." Lingxiu helped the Fujin, who was dressed up, out. The Fujin was wearing a deep purple qipao with chrysanthemums in bloom, and a moon-white bi-shoulder over it. Her hair was simply styled in a bun, and she had just gotten out of bed.
"This humble concubine greets the Lady, and it is truly my fault for disturbing your rest!" Shui Ling quickly put down her teacup, stood up, walked to the Lady's seat, and made a gesture of utmost humility.
A smile appeared on the face of the Fujin, which was already showing signs of aging and withering. She raised her hand to help her up and said, "Get up quickly. I heard you're much better now. You shouldn't be out in this cold weather."
"I am but a lowly concubine, how could I possibly trouble you with such a concern, Madam? I am quite robust." Shui Ling stood up and saw Madam yawn.
She then said, "When I was a maid, I was most skilled at massage, which can boost spirits and relieve fatigue. Why don't I serve you, Madam?"
Seeing that Shui Ling was indeed a remarkable person, Lingxiu immediately seized the opportunity to climb up the pole.
The Fujin readily agreed. Having not appeared in the inner quarters for many years, she was naturally pleased to see Shuiling so humble. In no time, Shuiling had the Fujin smiling frequently as she served her.
"Madam Ji is not only beautiful and fair, but she also possesses such a unique skill. It's no wonder the Prince doesn't favor you," the Princess Consort said.
"This humble servant is of lowly birth and is truly unworthy to serve Your Highness," Shui Ling said meekly. She understood that her status was indeed lowly enough, and if she wanted to gain the Fujin's secret assistance, she would have to lower her stance.
“You’ve already conceived the Prince’s child, how can you say such things?” The Princess Consort said in a tone of concern for the Fourth Prince’s offspring. “Tomorrow, when you’re sweeping the tombs, you must dress up. If the Prince sees your beautiful appearance, he will surely be pleased.”
Shui Ling was secretly delighted, but said aloud, "I have just recovered from a serious illness, and Consort Fu forbade me to go, for fear that I might pass on my illness to others."
The Fujin knew that the concubine she was referring to was from the South Courtyard, so she said unhappily, "Now that you are well, how can you give yourself to someone else? She is only worried about this. You don't need to worry. You can go tomorrow."
Shui Ling was naturally pleased to receive the Fujin's consent, and said, "The Fujin must also go tomorrow. After all, you are the Fourth Fujin."
The Fujin's eyes flashed, and she said resolutely, "Of course, I will go tomorrow. In the past few years, I was unwell and troubled the Consort. Now it is time to return it to its rightful owner."
A misty look flashed across Shui Ling's eyes as she softly said, "I also feel that it is right for the Princess Consort to preside over this memorial ceremony."
The Princess Consort said, "Alright, Lingxiu, take out those few bolts of brightly colored cloth from my cabinet and give them to Madam Ji to take back with her. Tomorrow, go to the embroidery workshop yourself and tell them to go to the Chrysanthemum Garden to take Madam Ji's measurements and make her a dress. Don't delay. Shuiling, I won't keep you any longer. Go back and rest early. I'll be very happy to see you tomorrow."
"Thank you for your generous gift, Madam. However, please keep these fabrics with you for now. I feel uneasy receiving such a reward before I have even accomplished anything. It would be better to give them to you after I have presented you with a New Year's gift. Besides, if people find out that you have been kind to me, it will surely cause a lot of trouble. Therefore, I think it is best not to let anyone know that I have any connection with you. If I have any problems in the future, I will report to you as I have done today," Shui Ling said loudly.
Shui Ling immediately bowed and waited for the Fujin to help Ling Xiu into the inner room before she got up and slowly walked out.
"Madam Ji! Wait a moment!" Lingxiu called to the maid to help the lady undress, and then chased after her.
“Aunt Lingxiu, I can go back by myself.” Shui Ling stopped and turned around to see Lingxiu chasing after her with a lantern in her hand.
"It's too cold. The Princess Consort instructed me to bring this. Please put it on Madam, and you can carry the lantern yourself." Lingxiu held a black rabbit fur cloak on her other wrist.
“This is unacceptable. I am a concubine, how can I have such a fine cloak? If others see it, it will surely cause trouble.” Although Shui Ling was very cold, she still insisted on refusing the rabbit fur cloak.
After she walked away with the lantern and her figure gradually disappeared into the darkness, Lingxiu turned around and went inside.
"She's gone?" The Fujin was already lying on the bed, looking at the longevity pattern on the ceiling of the tent.
“Yes, she’s gone. She still didn’t take that cloak. I think this person’s character is more resilient than any of the Fujin’s previous supporters. Perhaps the one who can really make Niohuru suffer is this insignificant concubine,” Lingxiu said.
"Hmm, she didn't rush to show any interest after seeing the item; she's quite composed and patient. In that case, you should secretly help her," the Fujin said.
“Yes, this servant will secretly keep an eye on her every move,” Lingxiu said.
The princess waved her hand and turned over to sleep. Lingxiu walked to the candlesticks, blew out one, leaving only one candlestick, and then withdrew.
Meanwhile, Shui Ling carried a lantern and walked along the path in the back courtyard towards the Chrysanthemum Garden. Afraid of running into acquaintances, she deliberately chose a secluded and roundabout route.
Night had swallowed everything, and occasionally the calls of wild birds could be heard from the gloomy bushes nearby. But Shui Ling seemed unafraid, continuing to walk step by step toward her simple little house.
Although it was cold, a fire was burning in her heart. She was determined to personally reclaim her lost face, bit by bit, and make those who had mocked her pay the price.
As long as she could occupy even a small place in the Fourth Prince's heart, there would be no place for her in this inner quarters. Shui Ling thought to herself, her heart as cold as the hard ice and snow on the ground in this cold night.
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