Chapter 55 Bao Si (Part 3) Papermaking
When the party ended, it was already late at night.
The lanterns on both sides of the palace road emitted a dim light, stretching Lin Jiaojiao's shadow very long. She raised her hand to adjust the collar of her Shu brocade dress. The pearl embellishments swayed gently, making her fair neck look even more like the finest mutton-fat jade.
The drooping black hair was blown by the evening breeze, sticking to the cheeks and outlining the small jawline.
A'mo followed behind with a food box in his hand. Looking at his master's appearance, he secretly sighed in his heart: Madam Si is so beautiful that even the most skilled eyebrow-drawing maid in the palace cannot compare to her. No wonder the king made an exception and appointed her as the third lady.
Lin Jiaojiao rubbed the mint sachet around her waist with her fingertips, but her mind was reviewing the banquet just now, the obsession in King You of Zhou's eyes when he looked at her, the suppressed hostility of Queen Shen, and the hesitant inquiry of Taishi Bo.
The scene reminded her of her days as Daji, when she understood that this peerless beauty wasn't a burden, but a tool to change the situation. Emperor Xin once suspended his harsh rule because she said, "The people have no clothes," and he once spared a craftsman because she "disliked killing."
Now that she is in the Western Zhou Dynasty palace, this beauty must be used appropriately.
Half a month ago, King You of Zhou appointed her as one of the "Three Ladies" on the grounds that "Baoguo presented a virtuous woman who was suitable for the inner court", and her rank was second only to Queen Shen.
Lin Jiaojiao knew that this was not only a signal from King You of Zhou to win over the State of Bao, but also the result of him being attracted to her appearance.
On the day of her enthronement, she deliberately wore a plain silk dress and no makeup, but she was still so beautiful that King You of Zhou could not take his eyes off her. She wanted this kind of "undivided yet eye-catching" effect, which would make King You of Zhou remember her without appearing too ostentatious and causing Queen Shen to be more wary of her.
Sure enough, although Queen Shen secretly cut the expenses of the Qiongtai Palace, she did not dare to make trouble openly. After all, King You of Zhou still felt "novel" about her.
Lin Jiaojiao took advantage of the situation and asked A'mo to sell the extra pearl hairpins and exchange them for food to distribute to the poor palace servants. Looking at the grateful eyes of the palace servants, she knew in her heart that beauty was only a stepping stone, but kindness was the foundation for long-term survival.
The evening breeze carried the soft sound of copper bells in the corridor, mixed with the sound of drums in the distance. Lin Jiaojiao suddenly recalled the scene of singing "Pulling Grass Song" at the enthronement banquet.
At that time, she lowered her eyes, her voice was soft, but her peripheral vision accurately captured everyone's reactions. King You of Zhou's originally careless smile gradually became focused, and his fingers tapped the table unconsciously.
Queen Shen's frown relaxed for a moment, perhaps because they didn't expect her to sing such a simple peasant song. Even Tai Shi Bo in the corner put down his bamboo slips and looked at her with a bit of surprise and inquiry.
"Ling, was there some surprise in Tai Shi Bo's eyes at that time?" Lin Jiaojiao asked softly in her heart.
She didn't wait for Zero to reply before she took over the conversation herself, "I guess he didn't expect that a lady who 'relysed on her beauty to gain favor' would sing peasant ballads."
Zero's voice carried the subtle sound of data flow, and was accompanied by a vague "memory projection". In the picture, Lin Jiaojiao stood in the hall, the warm yellow light fell on her face, her long eyelashes cast a faint shadow, and her lips opened slightly with the singing. Her originally sharp beauty was given a bit of warmth because of her concentration and gentleness.
The ministers forgot to drink, the palace maids stopped pouring wine, and even the palace maid next to Queen Shen was stunned and her silk handkerchief almost slipped off.
"According to the scans, 90% of people were drawn to your singing and demeanor, while 60% focused on your appearance—especially when you sang 'Sending Grain to the School,' and the slight smile at the corners of your eyes made King You of Zhou pause for a second." Ling's tone was objective, yet it inexplicably made Lin Jiaojiao feel hot. "But Taishi Bo was more interested in your 'farming family background yet possessed elegance.' This might be beneficial later on, but don't rush. He's a cautious person, so he needs more 'contrasting' interactions."
"I know." Lin Jiaojiao coughed lightly, shifting her thoughts. "Just like last time, I used my beauty to make Emperor Xin relax his guard, and then slowly built up his trust through kindness. Now, it's the same. I'll use my beauty to get King You of Zhou to protect me, and then quietly win over the palace ladies and ministers to pave the way for papermaking and dealing with Queen Shen."
She raised her hand to brush away the fallen leaves on her shoulders, her fingertips brushing against her skin, bringing a hint of coolness. "Tomorrow when we go to the side yard, I'm going to make good use of this face. Xiao Tao is timid, and seeing my gentle appearance, she'll be more likely to let down her guard."
Back in Qiongtai Palace, Lin Jiaojiao took off her heavy pearl hairpin, and her black hair fell like a waterfall, making her cheeks look even more delicate.
She changed into a plain silk nightgown, the neckline loosely fitting over her collarbone, her skin shimmering in the candlelight. As Ah Mo placed the food boxes, he couldn't help but sneak a peek, thinking to himself: "Madam, even in plain clothes, looks better than other ladies in fancy clothes."
"Tomorrow morning, let's go check out the side courtyard." Lin Jiaojiao made a "wait and see" gesture to A'mo, then pointed to the honey cake in the food box. Ling made it according to Weishui's recipe, the golden cake dipped in honey, and the sweet aroma was tangy. "You go over first to test the waters. I'll wait nearby. Remember, if Xiaotao gets nervous, just say, 'My wife is beautiful, but not fierce at all.' Let her be mentally prepared."
A'mo was stunned for a moment, then he understood Lin Jiaojiao's intention. She wanted to appease Xiaotao with the impression of "beautiful and gentle" first, and then meet her in person.
A'mo nodded vigorously, with a glint of recognition in her eyes. After spending these few days together, she was no longer as cautious as she was at the beginning. The look in her eyes when she looked at Lin Jiaojiao was more dependent and trusting.
Ling's voice chimed in at the perfect moment: "There's only one neutral old maid sweeping the side courtyard. She won't tell on you. Xiaotao's mother was once a weaver in Bao State, and she was your brother's neighbor. You can let Amo mention this connection, and with your beauty, she'll be quicker to let down her guard."
"That's a good idea." Lin Jiaojiao's eyes lit up, and the corners of her eyes curved like crescent moons. "A'Mo has a gentle personality, and with my 'beauty filter', Xiaotao will definitely not be afraid of me." She smiled, and the hall seemed to be brighter. The candlelight reflected in her eyes was like starlight.
It was a dreamless night. The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, Lin Jiaojiao set off with A'mo.
She was wearing a light blue plain silk dress and had no makeup on, but she was still eye-catching. When she passed by the palace gate, the guards on duty subconsciously straightened their backs and followed her movements with their eyes, until Ling quietly disturbed their consciousness, and then they lowered their heads with red faces.
"Look," Lin Jiaojiao said to Ling in her heart, "Even the guards couldn't help but look at me. Xiaotao will definitely think I'm 'non-threatening'. This is the advantage of beauty. It can easily bring people closer."
The side courtyard where Xiaotao lived was on the west side of the palace, near the utility room. The courtyard wall was mottled and the stone steps were covered with moss.
Lin Jiaojiao asked A'mo to take the honey cake in, while she stood under the willow tree, pretending to enjoy the morning scenery, but actually paying attention to the movements in the yard.
She deliberately adjusted her dress to make the light green fabric appear softer in the morning light, and tucked her scattered hair behind her ears, revealing her smooth forehead - she knew that this look would make Xiaotao more relaxed.
Not long after, low conversations were heard in the yard, followed by A'mo's soothing voice.
Lin Jiaojiao felt at ease. Ling's voice rang out, "Xiao Tao is now calm. When Ah Mo mentioned you, she asked, 'Is Madam Si really as beautiful as the rumors say?' She has no hostility towards you."
After waiting for another half a cup of tea, A'mo came out and made a "OK" gesture.
Lin Jiaojiao straightened her dress and slowly walked into the side courtyard. Xiaotao was sitting on the stone steps, holding a honey cake in her hand. When she saw her come in, she quickly stood up. Although her eyes were reserved, she was no longer in fear. "Greetings, Madam Si."
"No need to be so polite, just sit down." Lin Jiaojiao sat down beside her, her voice very soft. She deliberately tilted her head slightly, revealing a soft profile. The morning light fell on her face, her light blue dress swayed gently in the wind, her black hair was tied up with a wooden hairpin, and a few strands of hair stuck to her cheeks. "A'Mo said your mother used to weave cloth in Baoguo? My brother's family used to live next door to yours. I remember the cloth your mother wove was soft and strong."
As she spoke, she looked at Xiaotao gently, her long eyelashes trembling slightly. Xiaotao's originally nervous expression gradually relaxed - the Madam Si in front of her was more beautiful than the rumors said, but she was not fierce at all. Instead, she looked like the neighbor's sister.
"Madam, do you know my mother?" Xiao Tao's voice softened a lot. "My mother is indeed good at weaving. She also taught me... Before entering the palace, she told me to work hard and come home when I make money, but now I..." As she spoke, her voice lowered, her eyes full of loss.
"There will be opportunities in the future." Lin Jiaojiao patted the back of her hand gently, her fingertips feeling cool but reassuring. "You just accidentally broke something, you don't deserve such a severe punishment. If someone bullies you again in the future, let A'Mo tell me, I will help you find a way." She deliberately slowed down her speech, her tone filled with genuine heartache, and with the blessing of her beauty, her gentleness was even more contagious.
Xiao Tao raised her head, looked into Lin Jiaojiao's clear eyes, and felt the warmth on the back of her hand. Her heart seemed to melt. She nodded heavily, her voice choked with sobs, "Thank you, Madam... The ladies in the palace used to only beat and scold us. No one has ever been like you... so beautiful and kind..."
Lin Jiaojiao smiled and said nothing more. She just sat with Xiaotao for a while, listening to her talk about the old days in Baoguo, before taking A'mo away. Before leaving, she asked A'mo to leave some honey cake and wound medicine, and specifically reminded him: "Apply a little on the wound if it hurts, and don't let it get infected."
"Momo's loyalty has increased to 50%. We can't trust her completely yet. We need more interactions." Ling's voice echoed in his mind. "Next, we'll go to the laundry department. Do the same with Azhu. Let's put her guard down."
"I know." Lin Jiaojiao nodded, agreeing in her heart.
The laundry room is located in the southeast corner of the palace. The yard is filled with clothes hanging out to dry, like a sea of flowers.
The air was filled with the smell of wood ash and water vapor, and it was much more lively than the side courtyard.
Lin Jiaojiao asked A'mo to go in first with the orchid handkerchief she embroidered, while she waited nearby.
She stood in the sunlight on purpose, her light green dress glowing softly, her black hair fluttering in the wind - she knew that when the palace maids in the laundry department saw her, they would first be attracted by her beauty, and then slowly listen to what A'mo said about her good points.
When Ah Mo walked into the laundry, Ah Zhu was washing Queen Shen's clothes. Seeing her coming, she was stunned for a moment, then put down her work and went to greet her: "Miss Ah Mo, why are you here?"
"My wife asked me to give you something." A'mo handed her the handkerchief and gestured.
Ah Zhu took the handkerchief and looked at the delicate orchid embroidery on it. Her heart warmed. She had long heard that Madam Si was beautiful and gentle, and now it seemed that it was true. She smiled gratefully at Ah Mo and said, "Thank Madam Si for me. I will definitely come to thank you someday."
After A'mo went back and told Lin Jiaojiao the situation, Lin Jiaojiao straightened her clothes and went into the laundry room.
The maids stopped what they were doing when they saw her, their eyes fixed on her—some curious, some amazed, and even a bit in awe. Ah Zhu quickly put down her work and went to greet her: "Greetings, Madam Si."
"No need to be so polite. I'm just passing by and stopped by to take a look." Lin Jiaojiao said with a smile, her eyes fell on the handkerchief in Azhu's hand. She deliberately narrowed her eyes slightly and showed a gentle smile. "Is this handkerchief useful? If you like it, I will embroider a few more for you in the future."
Her smile was particularly dazzling in the sunlight, and her beauty and affinity made the palace maids around her let down their guard.
Ah Zhu was stunned for a moment, then realized that Lin Jiaojiao was trying to help her out. The handkerchief was a gift from Madam Si, so no one would dare to bully her in the future. Ah Zhu's voice was filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Madam. This handkerchief is very useful."
Lin Jiaojiao walked to the wash basin, picked up a piece of wood ash, and whispered, "When I was in Baoguo, I also helped my mother wash clothes. I know this job is hard, especially in winter. The water is cold and icy, and it is easy to hurt your hands." Her fingertips gently pinched the wood ash. Her movements were natural and without any affectation. The combination of beauty and kindness made the palace maids feel that she was "kind and reliable."
Ah Zhu felt warm in his heart and couldn't help but say, "Madam, you're from an aristocratic family, yet you've also done these rough jobs... Actually, it's not hard work, but sometimes the steward deliberately makes things difficult for us, deducts our monthly wages, and even beats and scolds us..."
"How could such a thing happen?" Lin Jiaojiao frowned, her tone filled with anger, but her beauty made her tone less sharp and more distressed. "You have worked so hard and should be paid accordingly. How could you let the steward bully you like this? I will have Ah Mo secretly inquire about the steward's situation. If it is really as you said, we will find a way to solve it."
Ah Zhu hadn't expected Lin Jiaojiao to be so serious. Her eyes were red with excitement. "Thank you, Madam! If you can help us solve this problem, I will definitely serve you wholeheartedly!"
Lin Jiaojiao smiled and said nothing more. She just chatted with Azhu for a while about laundry skills, and reminded him to "keep warm" a few times before taking A'mo away. Before leaving, she asked A'mo to leave a small jar of hand ointment - made with Weishui herbs, it can prevent frostbite, practical and unpretentious.
When I left the laundry, the sun had already risen to mid-sky, casting mottled shadows through the leaves.
Lin Jiaojiao was walking on the palace road when she heard the palace maids whispering behind her - "Madam Si is so beautiful and so kind" and "It would be great if Madam could always protect us." These voices touched her ears and moved her heart. A little bit of kindness could make these people change their minds.
"Zero, can we start preparing to make paper next?" Lin Jiaojiao asked in her heart, her tone full of anticipation. She raised her hand to brush away the fallen leaves on her shoulder, and her fingertips brushed across her skin, bringing a hint of coolness.
"Sure." Ling's voice was tinged with laughter. "Lao Mu has already prepared the tools in the small workshop behind Qiongtai Palace. He's a craftsman from Baoguo, knows your brother, and trusts you very much. He's found reeds and bark along the banks of the Wei River. We can start experimenting tomorrow. The papermaking process must be kept secret. I'll have Lao Mu set up barriers around the workshop."
"That's great!" Lin Jiaojiao said happily, her eyes curved like the locust flowers on the banks of the Wei River. "Once we make paper, I'll make him feel that I'm not only beautiful but can also contribute to the inheritance of ancient books. Only then will he truly help us."
"I've already made arrangements," Ling added. "Taishi Bo has been organizing ancient books recently and is troubled by the weight of bamboo slips. I'll have Old Zhou quietly reveal that 'Baoguo has lightweight writing materials' to pique his interest. Once the first batch of paper is made, you'll bring it to him and convince him thoroughly with your beauty and talent."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded, her heart full of energy.
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