The side gate of Zhenshun Gate was not close to Chuxiu Palace at all. She was just a lowly concubine who had just entered the palace through the imperial concubine selection. She had never even seen her master's face, so naturally she was not entitled to good treatment such as a palanquin or sedan chair.
I could only walk across by stepping on the flowerpot soles of the ground, enduring the discomfort in my feet, but I never expected that this walk would take almost an hour...
The palace is so big...
No wonder the head eunuch urged them to leave quickly.
Zhen Huan's residence, Suiyu Pavilion, is farther from the palace gate than Chuxiu Palace. How come she didn't seem to have foot pain while watching the drama?
When Lily of the Valley and Rose first entered the palace, everything seemed new and exciting, and they decided they would live there from now on.
As the old women in the manor would say, it was only because their ancestors' graves were emitting auspicious smoke that they had such good fortune to accompany the young mistress into the palace to enjoy happiness.
As they passed by Yikun Palace, the eunuch leading the way said, "Your Highness, look, this is Consort Hua's Yikun Palace."
Some distance from the main gate, Sun Miaoqing could only see half of the plaque at the palace gate, the towering palace walls, and the exposed eaves not covered by the walls. She couldn't see anything else.
Linglan said, "As expected of a concubine's residence, it's truly magnificent."
The leading eunuch said, "That's right. Consort Hua is the Emperor's favorite. His Majesty has bestowed upon her the Yikun Palace so that she can live alone. What an honor!"
Sun Miaoqing smiled without saying a word, and followed the leading eunuch, turning left and right, until they finally arrived at the entrance of Chuxiu Palace.
The leading eunuch said, "Your Highness, we have arrived at our destination. This is Chuxiu Palace."
Sun Miaoqing looked at the majestic palace gate and nodded, "It really is a good place."
It is said that Yongshou Palace produces war gods and Yikun Palace produces lovers, but Chuxiu Palace is also very famous hundreds of years later.
After walking a while further in, the eunuch leading the three of them arrived at the west side hall. A plaque hung at the entrance, with the three large characters "Hibiscus Pavilion" written on it.
The palace maids and eunuchs who were waiting at the door early in the morning knelt down and gave a deep bow, saying, "Greetings to Your Highness, may Your Highness be blessed."
The leading eunuch said, "Your Highness, look, this is your Hibiscus Pavilion. It has just been renovated and is just waiting for you to move in."
Sun Miaoqing said, "Thank you for leading the way, Father-in-law."
Seeing that Sun Miaoqing was extremely satisfied, Linglan magically produced a prepared red envelope from somewhere and handed it to the leading eunuch.
"Today is the joyous occasion of the young lady's entry into the palace. You have worked hard, please accept this gift."
The eunuch leading the way smiled obsequiously, bowing as deeply as a boiled shrimp. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. It is a blessing that I could only receive in ten lifetimes to share in your joy."
"Your belongings have already been sent to the Imperial Household Department. Since you have much to pack before entering the palace today, I won't take up any more of your time."
"Please, my lord..."
Sun Miaoqing smiled and nodded, then walked in surrounded by the crowd.
*
An Lingrong had no maids to accompany her, so she could only follow the eunuch who was leading the way. After arriving at Yanxi Palace, An Lingrong took out a tael of silver from her sleeve and put it into the eunuch's hand.
"Father-in-law, you've worked hard. Please accept this small token of our appreciation."
The eunuch who led the way originally thought he would make a wasted trip, but he did not expect that although this Consort An was from a poor family, she was a person who knew etiquette and rules.
One or two taels of silver is not much, but heroes come from all walks of life. Perhaps this Lady An has won the emperor's favor. Let's just say she's doing this out of kindness and make a good connection.
"Thank you for your kind offer, Your Highness. Yanxi Palace is not yet occupied by a principal consort. There are two other consorts who, like you, were selected as imperial concubines this time."
"The east wing is occupied by Consort Fucha, a noblewoman of Manchu descent. The west wing is occupied by Consort Xia, and you will reside in the Mingse Residence in the rear hall."
An Lingrong recalled the commotion on the day of the talent show and couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Does Your Excellency know which Consort Xia it was?"
The leading eunuch said, "She is the daughter of Lord Xia, a bondservant captain."
"Does Your Highness have any other instructions? It's getting late, and you've only just entered the palace, so there's still a lot to tidy up. If there are no other instructions, this servant will take his leave."
An Lingrong then said, "Please take care, sir. Thank you for your trouble."
If she hadn't given him that tael of silver, this eunuch probably wouldn't have given her those few words of advice at all.
Among the newcomers, she was of the lowest rank, so after getting ready, she should have first paid her respects to Consort Fucha, who held the highest rank in the palace.
But she was so focused on going to Sister Huan's place that she didn't notice any of this. Wouldn't that have offended someone for no reason?
Thinking about her tragic future, An Lingrong felt that the harem was not as orderly as she had imagined.
Moreover, how could someone with Xia Dongchun's personality be allowed to enter the palace?
It's not that An Lingrong is arrogant, but when it comes to being cautious and prudent, few can match her.
If even she ended up like that, Xia Dongchun's fate was obvious.
*
On the other side, Zhen Huan and the others walked more and more alone, and by the time they arrived at Suiyu Pavilion, it was almost lunchtime.
Upon entering Suiyu Pavilion, Kang Luhai and Cui Jinxi each led the eunuchs and maids of Suiyu Pavilion to stand on both sides, respectfully bowing deeply to Zhen Huan.
Zhen Huan looked at the newly renovated Suiyu Pavilion and felt uneasy, remembering what she had heard from Sun Miaoqing that the Empress had put something dirty in there.
Kang Luhai volunteered to introduce the layout of the Suiyu Pavilion to Zhen Huan. Although Zhen Huan had something on her mind, she listened very attentively.
Seeing a large osmanthus tree nearby, Liu Zhu exclaimed in delight, "It smells so good!"
Zhen Huan casually picked up a sprig of osmanthus and brought it to her nose. "This fragrance is different from other osmanthus flowers."
Juqing, quick-witted, explained, "Your Highness, these are all newly presented osmanthus trees to the palace. Her Majesty the Empress specially had a few moved here to symbolize the arrival of a new noble and the harmony of the harem."
Upon hearing the word "Empress," Zhen Huan's hand holding the osmanthus branch froze. She glanced at the osmanthus tree with suspicion, unsure whether to continue smelling it or not.
Fearing that he might alert the enemy and arouse suspicion, he could only manage to say, "Your Majesty the Empress has gone to great lengths."
After saying that, she turned around and walked into the house with the others. She was given such a surprise as soon as she entered the palace, and she needed to think about it carefully.
This Lady Cheng is her opportunity, and she must seize it.
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