As the last lesson ended, the nanny led the palace maids away from the palace.
Xu Yuehuai, He Huan, and the others stood there, watching the old woman's figure gradually disappear into the distance. They knew this was a significant starting point in their lives in the palace, and also the starting point for realizing their dreams. They would carry the old woman's teachings and expectations, continuing to strive forward, writing their own legendary stories in the palace…
One day at lunchtime, a quarrel suddenly broke out in the palace.
The young woman in the green dress shouted angrily, "What are you doing? Can't you see that my handkerchief is made by the best embroidery workshop in the capital? If you ruin it, can you afford to pay for it?"
The woman in the red dress retorted defiantly, "What's that? I can afford to pay for everything you own!"
"Oh, I forgot, your family started out as merchants, and the stench of money is strongest in your house. I wonder if you've picked up any of that taint on you!" The woman in the green dress sneered.
The woman in the red dress retorted angrily, "What did you say? You wretched illegitimate daughter! If your mother hadn't outlived the first wife, you would be an illegitimate child. What right do you have to speak to us?"
Xu Yuehuai looked up and saw that the two young ladies were arguing more and more fiercely than ever before.
A young woman dressed in a bright green dress stood with a furrowed brow and a disgruntled smirk playing on her lips. Her words came out in rapid succession, each rebuttal seemingly laced with provocation.
Another contestant wore a bright red dress, her face flushed red, and her hands clenched into fists, as if she were ready to strike at any moment.
The woman in the red dress suddenly took a step forward and forcefully shoved the woman in the green dress. The woman in the green dress stumbled and almost fell to the ground.
"Don't do it!"
"We're all sisters, let's be more understanding!"
"It wouldn't be good if something happened later!"
"The nanny is nearby, be careful she doesn't see you!"
Seeing this, the other young ladies-in-waiting gathered around, their faces feigning concern while offering meaningless words of comfort. In reality, they were all watching the spectacle with anticipation, hoping the argument would escalate.
Just then, the old nanny walked over with a gloomy face. Her eyes were sharp as she scanned the assembled young ladies.
Upon seeing the nanny appear, the previously noisy young ladies immediately fell silent, lowering their heads and avoiding eye contact with her.
The old woman sternly rebuked, "Li Xiunü, what kind of attitude is this? This is the palace, not your backyard! Get out of here immediately!" Her voice was full of authority, making everyone present feel a chill.
The young woman in the green dress glared angrily at the old woman and turned to leave. Though her steps were hurried, they carried a resentful anger.
The other young women whispered amongst themselves, their voices low, but Xu Yuehuai could still hear them clearly.
"Look at her, she's so arrogant."
"Exactly, who do they think they are? How dare they cause trouble here."
"That old nanny is really something, how could she let her go so easily?"
Xu Yuehua frowned slightly; she didn't like this atmosphere. She felt these young ladies were too petty and lacked magnanimity and tolerance. While the matron maintained order, her attitude was too forceful, not giving the young lady in the green dress a chance to explain.
She sat quietly in her seat, her gaze deep and calm. She understood that in this court filled with competition and intrigue, everyone was fighting for their own interests. She didn't want to get involved in these struggles; she only wanted to remain clear-headed and calm, waiting for her opportunity to arise.
The atmosphere in the palace became tense, but Xu Yuehuai remained unaffected. She continued to maintain her elegant demeanor and savor the delicious lunch.
She knew that only by remaining calm and composed could she gain a foothold in this palace. And all of this required her constant effort and perseverance.
After lunch, the young ladies-in-waiting returned to their rooms. Xu Yuehuai also rose calmly, her steps firm. She knew that to stand out in this palace, she had to maintain her unique characteristics and advantages, and continuously improve her abilities.
Xu Yuehuai returned to her room, closed the door, and began to think about her next plan.
She understood that to get close to the emperor, she needed to possess sufficient wisdom and cunning. Therefore, she needed to understand the emperor's preferences and personality, as well as the political situation and power struggles within the court.
Only in this way could she gain a foothold in the palace and achieve her goals.
Xu Yuehuai sat upright on the edge of the exquisite bed, clutching a thick book on palace etiquette tightly in her hand, as if trying to find some kind of support or answer within it.
The afternoon sunlight filtered through the fine gauze curtains, dappling her serene face and adding to her resolute and determined air. Her gaze was focused and unwavering, like a dazzling pearl, shining with a unique brilliance even within the depths of the palace.
Suddenly, a sharp cry shattered the tranquility outside: "Something terrible has happened! Li Xiunü has jumped into the well and died!"
The sound exploded in Xu Yuehuai's ears like thunder. She was slightly startled, then put down the book in her hand and quickly walked out of the room.
"How could he have died so suddenly?"
"Wasn't everything fine just a moment ago?"
"Why are you so upset about such a small thing?"
"What a pity, her family went to such great lengths to send her to the palace!"
...
Under the blazing sun, the backyard was already a cacophony of noise.
Xu Yuehuai walked through the crowd and saw the ancient well. The well was surrounded by young women and palace maids, their faces filled with fear and unease.
He Huan, Du Juan, Zhao Xi, and Xia Xiunü, who had argued with Li Xiunü during lunch, were among them. Their eyes revealed a deep fear, as if they themselves were the next to suffer misfortune.
The old woman stood on the outskirts of the crowd, her face filled with anxiety and displeasure. She shouted, "What are you all looking at? Get back here right now!"
However, the crowd did not disperse; instead, it became even more agitated.
Xu Yuehua frowned, turned around and went back to her room, her heart filled with doubt.
Is Li Xiunü dead?
How is that possible?
She remembered Li Xiu as an exceptionally outgoing woman, not someone who would contemplate suicide. There must be something fishy going on!
In the days that followed, an indescribable fear permeated the court. Everyone was anxious, worried that they would be the next victim.
Xu Yuehuai couldn't sleep at night, constantly recalling the moments she had spent with Li Xiunü over the past few days, trying to find clues in them.
Xu Yuehuai sat by the window, moonlight shining on her serene face, adding a touch of mystery and aloofness. Her eyes revealed determination and resolve, as if she had made up her mind to uncover the truth behind it all.
She gently stroked the cover of the book on palace etiquette, silently vowing, "Li Xiunü, I will definitely find out the truth and get justice for you."
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