The twilight sunlight was dim and hazy, its afterglow warming the skin and inducing a sense of drowsiness, lulling one to sleep with the setting sun. Countless willow trees grew in the small garden of Chuxiu Palace, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, creating ripples on the lake's surface.
Chuxiu Palace is divided into east and west warm pavilions. The east pavilion is where high-ranking ladies-in-waiting live, while the west pavilion is where the daughters of ordinary officials live, clearly distinguishing between social classes.
The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the earth and into the room through the window. A woman in a lake-blue overalls sat in front of an embroidery frame, her delicate hands holding a small embroidery needle, moving back and forth between the embroidery frames, gradually forming the outline of a twin lotus flower.
"Rouge, come and take a look at my embroidery." Jiang Changle stopped what she was doing, looked at the maidservant beside her, and her tone was inscrutable.
Rouge was Jiang Changle's top maidservant, promoted three years ago. She was bold, meticulous, gentle, and obedient. Most importantly, she was a servant born into a family, and the indentures of her entire family were in Jiang Changle's hands, which made her feel at ease.
Upon hearing Jiang Changle's words, Rouge stiffened for a moment, then praised without hesitation, "The eldest young lady's embroidery skills are naturally excellent. Today it was just a momentary lapse in attention that allowed that lowly maid to take advantage. How could she compare to the eldest young lady? She can't even compare to the eldest young lady's little fingernail."
Having served Jiang Changle for over three years, Yan Zhi knew her mistress's personality well. Every word she spoke touched the heart of the other, making one feel an irresistible joy.
"Hmm, well said." Jiang Changle glanced at Yanzhi, then calmly looked away. How could he possibly be inferior to the daughter of a county official? Recalling Guo Yuanyuan's timid and pathetic appearance, Jiang Changle couldn't help but sneer twice. This kind of trash dares to compare herself to me, dares to put herself above me.
"I'll write a letter to my father later, and you can send someone to deliver it personally. We can't delay." That woman should be taught a little lesson so that she doesn't think she can act recklessly in Chuxiu Pavilion just because she has some skills, and completely forget her place.
Rouge reluctantly agreed, feeling a deep sympathy for Guo Yuanyuan. She knew that Guo Yuanyuan was in for a bad time for offending her young mistress.
Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Liu Mama, dressed in a brown palace gown, appeared at the door.
It was nearly dusk, and all the young ladies were resting in their rooms. It was quite strange that someone would come at this time. Although the governess was not a person of high status, she was the one who had the final say in the Chuxiu Palace. If she disliked any of the young ladies, she could say a few words to the nobles and the young ladies' fates would take a dramatic turn. Therefore, no one dared to offend her.
Jiang Changle was stunned for only a moment, then quickly put on a perfect, elegant smile and invited the person in.
"Please sit down, Granny Liu. These are pastries I brought from Jiangzhou. You can try them first." Everything she did was so smooth and natural, showing that Jiang Changle was already used to social interactions and displayed the demeanor and poise expected of a lady from a prominent family, leaving no room for error.
Granny Liu was fairly satisfied with Jiang Changle. Born into a noble family, she was considerate and attentive, destined for greatness. However, her arrogant nature was a major flaw. In her eyes, Jiang Changle's underhanded tactics to suppress her fellow candidates were trivial matters, hardly a big deal. But this time, Jiang Changle had run into a brick wall. It was simply bad luck.
But in other words, isn't luck also a form of ability?
“Miss Jiang, you young ladies will all be noble ladies serving princes and grandsons of the emperor in the future. I am just a lowly stewardess in the Chuxiu Palace. I dare not accept such a position.” Liu Momo pushed forward without moving her hand, looking like she was unyielding to both soft and hard approaches. This performance made Jiang Changle’s heart skip a beat.
"What are you saying, Granny Liu? You are the head nanny of Chuxiu Palace, an elder in the palace, and you taught us the rules. Chang Le is very grateful. What are a few small pastries? Granny, please speak your mind. Otherwise, Chang Le will feel uneasy."
Jiang Changle pouted, looking aggrieved, which made him appear more like a charming little girl, even though he was only 16 years old.
“Miss Jiang is a Noble Lady of Chuxiu Palace, and so is Miss Guo. Miss Jiang's bullying of Miss Guo like this will likely break palace rules and displease the higher-ups. This is not something a lowly servant like me can handle, but those above have said that if this isn't resolved properly…”
Leaving things unsaid leaves more room for imagination, and Granny Liu understood this principle well.
Jiang Changle outwardly concealed his inner shock. Guo Yuanyuan? The daughter of a mere county magistrate, yet she could alarm such a powerful figure, even prompting Granny Liu to personally reprimand him? He wasn't stupid; he had already grasped the gravity of the situation and his mind raced as he tried to find a way to salvage the situation.
"Chang Le acted impulsively. She couldn't help herself because others said a few extra words... In fact, Chang Le regretted it afterward. Even if Granny Liu hadn't come, Chang Le would have gone to apologize to Miss Guo."
Holding a handkerchief to wipe the wetness from the corner of his eyes, Jiang Changle covered half of his cheek and sobbed, complaining as if he had suffered a great injustice, as if he were the real victim.
In truth, Jiang Changle was already seething with hatred, wishing she could devour Guo Yuanyuan on the spot. The daughter of a mere county magistrate, of such lowly status, dared to complain to others, causing Jiang Changle to be reprimanded and possibly forced to apologize in public—she was utterly disgusting.
But there was no way to refute it, so he could only grit his teeth and accept it, trying to make a big deal out of a small one and let it go. Just wait, when I get the chance, I'll torture that little bitch to death, pull out her tongue, and see if she dares to gossip behind my back again.
"It would be best if Miss Chang Le had such a heart. Then please, tomorrow morning, Miss Chang Le, apologize to Miss Guo in front of all the ladies-in-waiting! I believe Miss Guo will feel Miss Chang Le's sincerity."
Granny Liu reached out and stroked the ceramic teacup in her palm, a half-smile playing on her lips, which caused Jiang Changle great pain in her heart.
She, the eldest daughter of a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Rites, was actually forced to apologize to a mere imperial concubine in front of so many people. Where would he put his face after that? Other concubines would probably think of him groveling and apologizing to a commoner. Wouldn't he become the laughingstock of the capital's elite circles?
He's destined to be a prince's consort, or even an empress, so how can he have such a humiliating past, which is being used to ridicule him at will?
"This is just a little squabble between sisters, I'm sure Miss Guo won't mind! Chang Le can just apologize to Miss Guo privately, so as to avoid gossip, which is not good for anyone." Jiang Chang Le gritted her teeth, feeling like she was about to vomit blood, but on the surface she looked weak and innocent.
"This is what the important person personally instructed. Unless Miss Guo is willing to give it up herself, if we offend the important person, neither of us will have a good outcome." Granny Liu gave Jiang Changle a meaningful look. Anyway, he had already achieved his goal, so let the two young ladies argue about the rest.
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