Imperial Garden Pavilion
The rules of the imperial harem were strict, and such lively activities were rare. Even when they did occur, they were usually solemn and dignified occasions.
Above were the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, and the Emperor, while below were court officials and their wives.
Whether they were concubines, palace maids, or eunuchs, everyone was serious and attentive, and dared not relax their minds.
Today's Qixi Festival, a rare occasion for concubines and palace maids to participate in, is a time for them to enjoy themselves with the people and relax a little.
Because there were no strict rules, the concubines, palace maids, and eunuchs present were all very relaxed.
The concubines were seated in the pavilion, with only a few palace servants standing behind them, unlike the usual large group.
As for the other palace servants, they were allowed to watch the competition from the outskirts of the Imperial Garden if they had no duties to perform.
Outside the pavilion, dozens of palace maids stood in a row.
These are all palace maids nominated by the concubines of the various palaces to participate in tonight's moon-threading needle activity.
The dozens of palace maids stood with their hands clasped together at their sides, their expressions solemn and natural, their heads held high, displaying an air of impeccable manners.
In front of each person was a wooden table with a ceramic bowl filled with water. Along the table were ten silver needles and a roll of red thread.
These are all the props for tonight's needle-threading competition.
The second person on the left, dressed in a bright green palace maid's qipao, is Qingruo, the second-class palace maid beside Yunyi Palace who was recommended to participate in the competition.
Qingruo was Consort Tong's hairdressing maid. She was known in Chengqian Palace for her skillful hands. She was meticulous and clever, and could comb any hairstyle. She was fast and steady, and the hairdressing process was comfortable for everyone.
Besides her skill in combing hair, Qingruo's embroidery skills are also quite impressive. With these two skills, she is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate from Chengqian Palace to participate in the competition.
"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!" The eunuch's shrill voice rang out in the Imperial Garden. Empress Niohuru, supported by her maids, slowly walked into the pavilion.
All the concubines present, as well as the palace maids and eunuchs of all ranks, bowed to the Empress.
"Your humble servant/concubine greets Your Majesty the Empress."
"This servant greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty be well."
Upon reaching the center of the pavilion, before the Empress could even sit down, she instructed everyone to rise.
"No need for formalities. Today is the Qixi Festival, a joyous occasion for our sisters. Let's all enjoy ourselves and skip these empty formalities."
Niohuru looked at everyone with a faint smile on her lips and said.
He then said a few words to the palace maids and eunuchs outside, telling them to enjoy themselves and not to be bound by palace rules and etiquette.
Everyone expressed their gratitude.
Niohuru sat upright, and the competition officially began.
The first event of the competition was standing needles upright. Within the time limit of one incense stick, the needles had to float on the water without sinking. The five people who could stand the most needles upright were eliminated and did not advance to the second round.
The second event of the competition was the real "threading the needle under the moonlight." The participating palace maids had to thread the needles under the moonlight. There were ten needles in total, and the first one to finish would win.
The winner will be the most skilled palace maid in the competition, and will receive a jade hairpin and 50 taels of silver as a reward from the Empress. In addition to the Empress's reward, each palace will also receive other prizes.
To show respect, Yunyi offered a reward slightly less than that given to the Empress: 30 taels of silver plus a plain silver bracelet.
The rewards for the other concubines were similar, only decreasing in number according to their rank.
Because of the generous reward, the dozens of palace maids below were very diligent.
The palace maids and eunuchs watching from the sidelines, though not participating in the competition, were all very engrossed in the game.
However, Yunyi's mind was not on the competition at this moment. Ever since the Empress appeared and entered the pavilion, she had been silently observing Empress Niohuru, waiting for an opportunity to act.
After observing for a while, Yunyi was dismayed to find that the Empress seemed to be ill, as she hadn't eaten much and rarely drank the tea in front of her, leaving Yunyi at a loss for what to do.
Seeing her like this, the system Xiaoqi kindly spoke up.
Host, I have a way to accomplish your plan!
The system, Xiaoqi, spoke to Yunyi in its soft, childlike voice.
"What method!" Xiao Qi's words pulled Yun Yi's thoughts into the system space, and she immediately responded.
Xiao Qi didn't keep her in suspense. Knowing that her host was anxious, she didn't keep her waiting long and immediately revealed her plan.
I just scanned the Imperial Garden and noticed that Liu, the nanny who serves the Empress, is walking this way. She is carrying a food box containing a bowl of nourishing soup.
Don't worry, host. Once Granny Liu brings the health-preserving soup to the Empress, I'll take the opportunity to slip the Great Rejuvenation Pill inside. It will be done so discreetly that no one will notice.
Upon hearing Xiao Qi's words, Yun Yi's eyes lit up, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, and she nodded with a smile, giving Xiao Qi a big thumbs up.
Xiaoqi, you're amazing! You really helped me a lot.
Your ability to drop objects from a distance is truly amazing; it's practically a god-level skill for palace intrigue.
Hehe, host, don't be too happy yet.
Xiao Qi chuckled sheepishly, interrupting Yun Yi.
This god-level skill requires points, and it costs 2 points each time!
Yun Yi's lips twitched, and she wiped the smile from her face. Okay, I was too happy too soon, too naive. I didn't expect this to be a paid skill, not a free feature.
After a moment's thought, in order to ensure the smooth completion of her plan, Yunyi reluctantly paid two points to the system Xiaoqi to purchase the right to use the teleportation skill (one-time use).
Xiaoqi was quick and efficient (she didn't actually use her hands or feet) in deducting the money.
As soon as Granny Liu appeared, Xiao Qi's voice echoed in Yun Yi's mind.
Rest assured, host, the Great Rejuvenation Pill has been successfully administered.
Upon hearing Xiao Qi's notification tone, Yun Yi glanced at Niohuru without leaving a trace.
Seeing her eat the nourishing soup containing the Great Rejuvenation Pill, and hearing Xiao Qi say that the pill had taken effect, Yun Yi finally felt relieved.
With a huge weight lifted from her heart, Yunyi was finally able to focus on watching the game.
The competition had now entered its second round, and it was at its most intense moment.
The Imperial Garden was bustling with activity. Unseen by the crowd, a dark figure was carefully avoiding the patrolling guards and secretly sneaking into a palace.
Knock knock knock, a soft knock on the palace gate.
The palace maids waiting inside exchanged a secret signal with the man in black before immediately opening the door and letting him in.
Surprised by the visitor, the palace maid lowered her voice and asked in astonishment, "Why did you come in person, sir? Such a matter could have been handled by a mere palace maid or eunuch. Why did you have to come personally? It's far too dangerous."
Seemingly unwilling to say more to the palace maid, the man in black waved his hand, "It's alright. This matter is of great importance. I wouldn't feel comfortable entrusting it to someone else."
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