Yuan Chun stood by the window, gazing in the direction of Yanxi Palace, her fingers unconsciously tightening around her handkerchief.
At eighteen, her appearance remained as beautiful as when she first entered the palace, only now her eyes and brows held a touch of composure honed by the trials of the deep palace.
She was once a tea-serving maid in front of the retired emperor. Back then, she was young and naive, and she once dreamed that one day she could gain the emperor's favor and rise to a higher social status.
However, after the Emperor Emeritus abdicated, she went to great lengths to be transferred away from her old place and finally managed to gain a foothold in the Shanggong Bureau.
Although she is now just a female official, at least she has some semblance of dignity.
"Lady Jia, Consort Yu requests your presence." The announcement from the maid outside the door interrupted Yuan Chun's thoughts.
She straightened her clothes and walked quickly toward Jingren Palace.
Consort Yu was leaning on a soft couch, drinking tea. When she saw Yuan Chun arrive, she smiled and beckoned, "Yuan Chun, come and sit. Your cousin Lin Daiyu is currently very favored by the Imperial Consort. She was even granted the title of County Princess by the Emperor a few days ago. Have you gone to see her yet?"
Yuan Chun's heart tightened, but she showed no sign of it on her face. She said softly, "Your Majesty, I have been busy organizing documents these past few days and have not yet had time to pay my respects at Yanxi Palace."
Consort Yu gave her a meaningful look: "After all, we are sisters, we should visit each other more often. The Noble Consort is kind-hearted and won't hold it against you."
Yuan Chun bowed her head in agreement, but a complex mix of emotions welled up inside her.
Daiyu had only been in the palace for a little over a month when she was granted the title of county princess, while she had endured so many years in the palace and was still just a minor female official.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't envious, but there was more of an indescribable bitterness—the Jia family was now in decline, and Daiyu's rise to power was a good thing for the family, but this glory had nothing to do with Yuan Chun.
After leaving Consort Yu's residence, Yuan Chun finally made up her mind to make a trip to Yanxi Palace.
She deliberately changed into an elegant lotus-root colored dress, and only wore a silver hairpin in her hair, which was neither shabby nor ostentatious.
---
The palace servants of Yanxi Palace, seeing that it was Lady Jia, politely led her to a side hall to wait.
Yuan Chun sat upright in her chair, her gaze sweeping over the furnishings in the hall—a white jade incense burner sat on a sandalwood table, and calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hung on the walls, exuding understated luxury everywhere.
She couldn't help but think of the cramped room she lived in, and a wave of sadness washed over her.
"Sister Yuanchun?" A gentle voice came from behind.
Yuan Chun turned around and saw Daiyu wearing a light blue dress, with the familiar magnolia hairpin in her hair, standing at the door looking at her.
Daiyu looked very healthy, with bright and lively eyes, not at all like the sickly woman her mother described in her letter.
"Sister Lin!" Yuan Chun quickly stood up, stepped forward and took Daiyu's hand. "It's been a long time. You've become even more beautiful."
Daiyu smiled slightly and gestured for her to sit down: "What brings you here today, sister?"
Yuan Chun sighed, "I've wanted to come see you for a long time, but I was afraid of disturbing the Imperial Concubine. I heard that you were granted the title of County Princess, and I was overjoyed, so I mustered up the courage to come."
A palace maid served tea and snacks, and Daiyu personally poured tea for Yuanchun: "Sister has been in the palace for many years, and Daiyu should have visited her earlier."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yuan Chun carefully observed Daiyu. Seeing her composed demeanor and the air of a noblewoman she exuded, she couldn't help but sigh, "My sister is now favored by the Empress and bestowed with honors by the Emperor. She is truly blessed. If the old lady at home knew, I wonder how happy she would be."
When Grandmother Jia was mentioned, a tender look appeared in Daiyu's eyes: "My maternal grandmother's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain, I only regret that I cannot be by her side more often. I just sent a letter back to her the other day, I suppose she has received it."
Yuan Chun nodded, then suddenly lowered her voice: "Sister, are you getting used to life in the palace? If you need any help, please let me know."
Daiyu gratefully grasped her hand: "Thank you for your concern, sister. The Imperial Concubine treats me very well and arranges everything perfectly."
Yuan Chun hesitated for a moment, but finally asked what was on her mind: "I heard that Your Majesty often asks you to teach the Sixth Prince and Princess Zhaohua to read?"
"I only know a few characters," Daiyu said modestly. "Both of you are very intelligent and can understand things very quickly."
A hint of envy flashed in Yuan Chun's eyes, and she then smiled and said, "My sister is so talented, no wonder the Empress values her so highly."
She paused, her tone suddenly becoming complicated, "But... people's hearts are unpredictable in this deep palace, so my sister needs to be more careful."
Daiyu sensed a hidden meaning in her words and asked softly, "Sister, did you hear something?"
Yuan Chun shook her head: "These are just idle rumors, not worth mentioning. With the Imperial Concubine protecting you, I'm sure no one will dare to make things difficult for you."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, and Zijuan hurried in: "Miss, the Sixth Prince has woken up and is asking where you are."
Daiyu stood up and said apologetically to Yuanchun, "Please sit for a moment, sister. I'll be right back."
Yuan Chun hurriedly said, "Sister, go quickly, don't keep the prince waiting."
---
After Daiyu left, Yuanchun sat alone in the hall, lost in thought.
She recalled her ambition when she first entered the palace, her cautious struggles over the years, and the expectant eyes of her parents at home...
If she could have gained the Emperor's favor, how could the Jia family have declined day by day? But the Emperor only had eyes for the Imperial Concubine, and she didn't even have a chance to get close to him.
"Sister Yuanchun, you've been waiting for so long." Daiyu's voice pulled her back to reality.
Yuan Chun forced a smile and said, "It's alright. How is the prince?"
“The prince is a bit grumpy when he wakes up; he’s a little rascal.” Daiyu sat down with a smile, hesitated for a moment, and then said, “I’ve kept what you said in mind, sister. But… you’ve been in the palace for many years; I’m sure you’ve had many hardships.”
Yuan Chun's eyes reddened slightly, and she quickly lowered her head to hide it: "You'll get used to it."
Daiyu took her hand and said softly, "If you'd like, sister, you're welcome to visit Yanxi Palace often. Her Majesty is very kind and will certainly not blame you."
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com