Chapter 187 Deep Sisterly Affection
The following morning.
Uya sat upright on the couch in her bedchamber, carefully examining the palace maids newly assigned by the Imperial Household Department.
The palace maid was about sixteen or seventeen years old.
With delicate features, calm eyes, and a demeanor that exuded a composure and tact unlike that of ordinary palace maids.
"Are you called Zhu Xi?"
Uya asked in a calm voice.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, this servant is Zhuxi."
The palace maid bowed respectfully.
Where did you work before?
"Your Majesty, I previously worked at the Imperial Pharmacy under the Imperial Household Department, where I was responsible for organizing medicinal herbs and keeping records."
Upon hearing this, Wuya's eyes flashed with surprise and joy.
Was he from the Imperial Pharmacy? He even knows about medicinal herbs?
This is a pleasant surprise!
Now that she has just been granted the title of Consort, her foundation is shallow, and what she fears most is being secretly tripped up by others.
Extra caution must be taken with diet and medication.
The fact that the Imperial Household Department was assigned such a palace maid who understood pharmacology is like sending charcoal in snowy weather!
It seems her luck has indeed started to turn around.
She secretly rejoiced, but her expression remained unchanged. She simply nodded slightly, her tone carrying a hint of appeasement.
"Now that you've come to my West Annex of Yonghe Palace, you're mine from now on. In this deep palace, we, master and servant, are one; we share the same fate, and we share the same fate. I'm new here now, so I'll need you to take good care of me, especially regarding my food and daily life."
Zhu Xi was a clever man and immediately understood his master's implied meaning, so he quickly bowed and said.
"Don't worry, Master, I understand. Since I am serving you, I will do my best, be loyal and devoted, and take good care of you."
"Yes, I'm glad you understand."
Uya was very satisfied with Zhuxi's reaction.
There's still a long way to go; whether he's loyal or not remains to be seen.
Just then, a report came from outside the hall.
"Your Majesty, Consort Qi Jia from the East Annex has arrived. She says she has come to visit you."
Consort Qi Jia? Lady Wuya was slightly taken aback.
She had only been staying at Yonghe Palace for one day.
I had never met this neighbor before and had no connection with him whatsoever.
Why did she suddenly come to my door?
Is it simply to get to know the new neighbors, or is there another motive?
Is it an attempt to win them over, or... something sinister?
Many guesses flashed through my mind in an instant, but since the person had already arrived at the door, there was no reason for me to refuse to see them.
Besides, she was new to the palace and it was not advisable for her to offend the other concubines living there.
"In that case, Zhu Xi, come with me to greet them."
Wuya got up and slowly walked out of the bedroom with Zhuxi.
Upon arriving at the palace gate, one sees a woman standing there, dressed in a light blue qipao and adorned with pearl flowers in her hair, with a beaming smile.
Behind her was a palace maid carrying a small cloth bundle, who must have been Lady Qijia.
When Qijia saw Wuya come out...
She immediately and warmly greeted them, even taking Uya's hand directly, speaking to her in a tone as intimate as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other for many years.
"Oh my! You must be Sister Wuya? Seeing is believing! I was wondering why I kept seeing magpies chirping on the branches of Yonghe Palace the other day. I was thinking, could something good be about to happen? And sure enough! It turns out that a new sister has come to Yonghe Palace. This is truly a great joy!"
As she spoke, she looked Uya up and down, her eyes full of admiration.
"My sister is so beautiful, and her demeanor is so dignified and composed. No wonder she has won the Emperor's favor. I am so envious of her!"
Uya felt somewhat uncomfortable with this overly enthusiastic gesture and quietly withdrew her hand.
He maintained a polite but distant smile on his face.
"Sister Qi Jia, you flatter me. Your elegance and grace are the role models I should learn from."
She paused for a moment, then asked directly.
"I wonder what brings you here today, sister? Is there anything I can do for you?"
Qi Jia seemed oblivious to her aloofness, and continued to smile brightly.
"I wouldn't dare to offer advice, sister. You're being too polite. I've been in this palace for quite a few years now. Yonghe Palace is always secluded, and the Emperor doesn't come here often. I don't even have anyone to confide in. It's really boring."
When she mentioned that the emperor didn't come often, a genuine sense of loneliness and desolation appeared on her face.
"Now that you've come, little sister, and we're living in the same palace, it's such a wonderful coincidence. I thought I should come and get to know you as soon as possible, so that we sisters can visit each other often, keep each other company, and take care of each other."
Wuya carefully observed Qijia's expression; the loneliness seemed genuine, and her tone was quite sincere.
Her guard relaxed slightly.
perhaps…
Is this Consort Qi Jia really just too lonely and wants to find a neighbor to visit?
In this deep palace, having more friends is always better than having more enemies.
Thinking of this, her smile became more genuine.
“Sister is right. As neighbors, we should visit each other more often. Please come inside and sit down.”
"Okay! Good! Good!"
Qi Jia happily agreed and followed Wu Ya into the west side hall.
After the two were seated, Qi Jia gave instructions to the palace maid Yunxiu behind her.
"Yunxiu, quick, bring out the gift I prepared for Sister Wuya."
She turned back and explained to Uya with a smile.
"My younger sister just moved in, and I imagine she hasn't settled in yet. I don't have anything fancy either, just some cosmetics and face powder that I've saved up. The colors and textures are decent, so I thought I'd bring them to you to tide you over. Please don't find them too cheap!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Xi, who was standing to the side, narrowed his eyes slightly and subconsciously looked at his master.
Rouge and face powder? These come into direct contact with the skin, making them the easiest to tamper with.
Uya felt a slight chill run down her spine.
But he didn't show it on his face, he just smiled and nodded to Zhu Xi, indicating that she should accept it.
Regardless, if the other party takes the initiative to show goodwill, the superficial gestures must be properly performed.
As for these things... she will have Zhu Xi examine them carefully later.
"Sister, you're too kind."
Uya smiled politely.
“My sister is new here and was worried about these small expenses. Your sister has brought them right away. She is very grateful for your help.”
Qi Jia waved her hand, looking completely unconcerned.
"It's just some cheap trinkets. I'm glad you like them, little sister. There's no need for us sisters to be formal. From the first moment I saw you, I felt an instant connection with you! With you by my side through the long years in the palace, I won't feel so lonely and miserable."
Seeing that she spoke sincerely, Uya agreed.
"Since you say so, elder sister, then I won't stand on ceremony with you. I will need your guidance in the future."
Upon hearing this, Qi Jia's smile grew even brighter and more sincere.
"That's exactly right! That's exactly right! We sisters should get closer and visit each other more often. In time, you'll know what kind of person I am, and I'll be the easiest to get along with!"
The atmosphere inside the hall was harmonious, filled with laughter and conversation.
They seemed like best friends who wished they had met sooner.
————————
After seeing off the overly enthusiastic Qi Jia Shi.
When Wuya returned to her bedchamber, the forced smile vanished instantly, replaced by a deep sense of exhaustion.
She rubbed her stiff face and sighed softly.
This Sister Qi Jia, her words and actions were as warm and friendly as those of an old friend.
But this sudden intimacy set off alarm bells in her mind.
In the depths of the palace, unprovoked goodwill is often more unsettling than blatant hostility.
She looked at Zhu Xi, who stood calmly to the side, and asked softly.
"Zhu Xi, look at this Consort Qi Jia. Is she genuinely trying to make friends with us today, or does she have ulterior motives?"
Zhu Xi lowered his head slightly, pondered for a moment, and answered cautiously.
"Your Majesty, one cannot see into another's heart, and I cannot see it clearly at this moment. However... in this harem, it is not without precedent that sisters may be on the same page today, but become enemies tomorrow, even to the point of life and death. Your Majesty is new here, so it is always a good thing to be more careful."
Upon hearing this, Uya agreed wholeheartedly and became even more satisfied with Zhuxi's composure and clear-headedness.
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Uya looked around the clean yet somewhat empty sleeping quarters.
An indescribable sense of loneliness quietly spread.
When I was a palace maid, although I had a lowly status, I spent every day with my fellow maids.
Occasionally, they could exchange a few intimate words; though life was tough, it still had a touch of warmth and life.
Now he has become half a master, seemingly noble, yet he seems to be separated by an invisible barrier.
Even Zhu Xi, the newcomer beside her, would simply stand quietly and respectfully observe the distinction between master and servant if she didn't speak.
Neighbors who are also imperial concubines must be very careful when they first meet, making it difficult to form a genuine friendship.
Life in the harem is truly like this... cold and unbearable.
Just as she was feeling down.
Zhu Xi suddenly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of guidance.
"Your Majesty, have you ever considered going to Kunning Palace to pay your respects to the Empress?"
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