Chapter 496 Someone from the palace came to show his power
Su Wan sat beside her, feeling nervous and uneasy at first, but then gradually relaxed.
She looked at Chu Ruohan, who was talking and laughing happily, and calmly responding to the inquiries and criticisms, whether overt or covert, and an indescribable admiration welled up in her heart.
She knew that if it weren't for Chu Ruohan, she would have been in an embarrassing situation today and become the laughing stock of these people in private.
In the whole morning, we sent away group after group of guests.
Although Chu Ruohan also felt a little tired, her face was still full of energy.
After the last group of guests left, the front hall finally returned to peace.
Chu Ruohan finally breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at Su Wan, "We've finally gotten through today. Sister Su, I'm sorry to have scared you."
Su Wan quickly shook her head, her eyes reddening a little: "Sister Ruohan... today is all thanks to you. I... I don't know what to say."
She had previously called her "Madam", but in a moment of urgency, she changed her words and called her "Sister Ruohan".
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly and didn't care about the details of the address.
"You and I are sisters, so why be polite? His Majesty has entrusted you to me, so naturally I must protect you."
She paused, then continued, "These people are just here to test your strength today. When you enter the palace, the real storm will just begin."
"But don't worry, His Majesty and the Gu family are here for everything."
Su Wan nodded heavily, feeling warm in her heart.
She knew that the lady before her was not only a capable assistant to her future husband.
He is also the first person who treats her sincerely and protects her in this unfathomable capital city.
She will always remember this friendship in her heart.
Su Wan lowered her head, her slender fingers stroking the wall of the cup. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, "Actually, my meeting with Your Majesty... and Brother Fan was also accidental."
The "Brother Fan" she mentioned was naturally Zhao Yunci's pseudonym when he was a monk, Liaofan.
"He was seriously injured and unconscious in the forest. I found him while collecting herbs."
Su Wan recalled the past, a gentle light in her eyes. "I brought him home to take care of him. He was... very weak at that time, but he was always kind to others."
"After he recovered from his injury and passed away, I thought we would never see each other again. I never imagined..."
She sighed softly. The wonder of fate made her still feel like she was in a dream.
Chu Ruohan listened quietly without disturbing anyone.
She could feel the sincerity in Su Wan's words, an emotion without any utilitarianism, pure and moving.
"My parents died when I was young, and I grew up eating at various houses. I don't have any distinguished family background to speak of." Su Wan's voice lowered, with a barely perceptible hint of sadness. "I'm all alone, with no worries."
Chu Ruohan looked at her, and the loneliness that flashed across her eyes for a moment made her heart move slightly.
It is really not easy for such a helpless woman to have such a strong and kind heart.
"Sister," Su Wan raised her head and asked hesitantly, "His Majesty said that I am the Duke's adopted sister... Will this matter cause trouble for the mansion?"
"I...I'm afraid that because of me, the Duke and sister will be embarrassed."
Her clear eyes were filled with worry, and she obviously took this matter to heart.
Chu Ruohan looked at her gently and said, "You're overthinking it. This is His Majesty's intention. With this status, you will be able to avoid a lot of unnecessary troubles in the palace in the future."
"When the Duke said those words in the court, he tied the Gu family's reputation to you. We are family, so how can there be any trouble?"
After hearing this, Su Wan's eyes moistened slightly and she nodded vigorously: "Sister, I understand everything. Su Wan will never forget this kindness."
Chu Ruohan felt even more appreciative of Su Wan's intelligence and kindness.
It's not that she is ignorant of the world, she just chooses to face it with the purest heart.
For the next two days, Su Wan spent a rather peaceful time in the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.
Chu Ruohan often came over to talk to her to relieve her boredom, and Chu Yueshu would also come over to sit with her when she felt well. The three of them got along well.
It was not until the afternoon of the third day that the teaching nanny sent from the palace arrived.
The man's surname was Li, he was about fifty years old, a little thin, with a serious face and a pair of eyes so sharp that they seemed to be able to see through people's hearts.
She was wearing the uniform dark robe of the palace, and walked meticulously. As soon as she stepped into Tingzhuxuan, she brought an invisible pressure.
"Your servant Li greets Miss Su." Nanny Li bent her knees slightly, her voice flat and without any emotion.
Su Wan quickly stood up and returned the greeting: "Madam, please stand up quickly. No need to be so polite."
Nanny Li stood up and looked Su Wan up and down. Her eyes were cold and expressionless, as if she was examining an item to see if it complied with regulations.
She did not respond directly to Su Wan's politeness, but turned to Chu Ruohan beside her: "Madam Zhenguo, this old servant has been ordered by the emperor to teach Miss Su the rules of the palace."
"Time is running out. I hope Miss Su can study hard and not let down His Majesty's kindness or disappoint the Empress."
It sounded like it was a matter of duty, but Chu Ruohan could hear the disapproval in the tone.
It seems that some people in the palace are not so optimistic about this commoner girl who is about to enter the harem.
Chu Ruohan remained expressionless, "Thank you, Madam Li. Sister Su is very smart, I'm sure she'll be able to get the hang of it quickly."
Nanny Li said "hmm" without comment, and then began to explain the complicated items of palace etiquette to Su Wan.
From standing posture, sitting posture, the degree of salute, to the tone of voice and eye contact, there are strict regulations on everything.
Su Wan grew up in the countryside and had never been subject to such restrictions.
She tried hard to follow Li Ma's instructions, but always seemed clumsy.
"Miss Su, keep your back straight and don't hunch your chest!"
"Put your hands here, with your fingertips slightly together. I'm not asking you to place them anywhere you want!"
"When you reply, your voice should be soft and your speech should be slow. You are so hasty, it's outrageous!"
Fine beads of sweat oozed out of Su Wan's forehead as she repeated the boring movements over and over again. If she was not careful, she would be scolded.
Although the gate of Tingzhuxuan was closed, Nanny Li's high-pitched scolding could still be heard outside from time to time, attracting the glances of passing servants and whispering to each other.
"Tsk tsk, the future queen will probably have a hard time."
"That's right. Madam Li is well-known in the palace for being ruthless and impartial. She doesn't give face to anyone."
"After all, I came from the countryside. I'm afraid it will be difficult to learn these rules."
Chu Ruohan was listening not far away, frowning slightly.
She knew that the palace had strict rules and understood the duties of a teaching nanny, but Nanny Li was so strict and even a little picky, which was a bit too much.
When she walked into Tingzhu Pavilion, she saw Su Wan being ordered by Nanny Li to redo a curtsy for the tenth time because she did not do it properly.
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