Chapter 6

Upon hearing Sang Qingyun’s words, Eunuch Tan was momentarily stunned, then a mist of emotion slowly welled up in his eyes.

“You…”

How could he not be moved when faced with such a daughter?

Eunuch Tan opened his mouth as if to say something more, but seeing Sang Qingyun’s calm and composed demeanor, all the countless admonitions he wanted to voice were swallowed back.

She was no longer a naive child; now, a prominent court lady before His Majesty, already twenty-two years old. At this age, in an ordinary family, she would have been the matriarch managing the entire household.

Yet, Tan Er had long regarded her as his own daughter. Though some words seemed unnecessary, he couldn’t help but speak, fearful she might stray and regret it: “Be cautious in all matters; your life is always the most important.”

“I am old, but you are still young.”

By saying this, he hoped Sang Qingyun would prioritize herself above all else, sparing him worry.

But Sang Qingyun sat quietly on the edge of the bed, lips pressed together, refusing to respond in kind—clearly unwilling.

Seeing this, Tan’s heart was even more stirred.

True affection was rare in the palace, and such moments made it all the more precious.

Since the year he was ordered to select palace maids in Taizhou and saved her, these seven or eight years they had depended on one another. He had watched Sang Qingyun grow from a girl not yet of age to the woman she was now.

She had lost her family young, a life filled with hardship—a child born to misfortune, yet a good child.

In truth, Tan Er never expected any repayment. His initial aid was a soft-hearted saving of a life, and then he gave her a way out.

Over the years, from a humble palace maid to a court lady before His Majesty, every step was hers to claim. He felt pride for her achievements, but also a lingering worry.

Sang Qingyun had been a beauty even in her youth, her appearance and bearing becoming increasingly extraordinary with each passing year. Tan dared say that even amidst the countless beauties of the palace, she was unmatched.

It was precisely because of this that he once feared she might one day fall into a brothel if left alone, which was why he gave her the option to enter the palace as a servant.

He never imagined her beauty would one day catch His Majesty’s eye.

Though the emperor never expressed it or forced matters, he had, after all, elevated her to her current position. Would he be willing to let her go when the time came?

Tan Er did not know.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew delicate and heavy, as if not even the brightest spring sunlight could dispel the gloom.

Not wanting Eunuch Tan to worry, Sang Qingyun changed the subject, telling him about her recent encounter with Li Xixi. Upon hearing this, Tan felt both joy and concern.

“Old friends meeting again is a good thing, but you haven’t seen each other for years—be very careful.”

Sang Qingyun understood his meaning and nodded quietly.

There were few opportunities to sit and chat in the palace. Each visit was cherished by Sang Qingyun.

Today, with Tan off duty and no one daring to command him despite the chaos in the eunuch department, they sat drinking tea and talking for a long while. Near noon, Sang Qingyun picked up a wooden box and left.

Before parting, Tan shared all the news he had gathered, advising her to be observant and keep them in mind.

Among the new palace maids this time, two were especially favored.

One was Xu Qingrong, daughter of a third-rank censor, elegant and charming, skilled in dance. His Majesty had already bestowed upon her the rank of Guiren of the sixth rank and granted her residence in Chonghua Palace.

The other was Tong Jinzhi, a commoner, ranked Baolin of the eighth rank and given a residence in Zhaochun Palace.

Among the eight, Xu Qingrong held the highest status, entering as a Guiren. Tong Jinzhi’s rank was unusually high for a commoner, an extra addition. The rest held ranks within the expected range.

—

The noisy time soon passed. After the new ladies met the senior members of their respective palaces, they gradually rose and proceeded to the Phoenix Court, where the Empress resided.

Before selection, palace maids were only allowed within the inner courtyard and forbidden to leave at will, so this was their first proper look at the harem—the place where they would live henceforth.

Walking through flowering paths and ornate railings, the palace scenery was exquisite and magnificent, unfolding fully before these newcomers. The thought that one day they might rise to high rank and enjoy endless splendor made the young ladies’ eyes linger, their faces radiant with hope.

Inside the Phoenix Court, the Empress had early arranged tea and seating.

On grand audience days, the concubines never arrived late, all gathering before the auspicious hour.

The newcomers lined up in two rows according to rank. Leading were the daughters of officials like Lady Xu, followed by four commoners.

When the time came, they all performed the grand ceremony to the Empress in unison: “Long live the Empress—may you enjoy great fortune and peace—”

The Empress raised her hand to dismiss the bow, then gave them the formal rank ceremony, instructing them on palace rules before allowing them to rise and take their seats.

Consort Yuan sat at the front, looking over the crowd of dazzling young faces with flawless skin, feeling a pang of bitterness.

Especially upon seeing Lady Xu leading the group, her mood grew uneasy.

The highest rank for new entrants was Guiren.

Although His Majesty seemed indifferent to this selection, Xu’s rank was not given lightly. Seeing these young girls who would serve alongside her in the future naturally stirred her thoughts.

Consort Nie sat beside Consort Yuan, her gaze likewise fixed on the newcomers. Though she did not outwardly show displeasure like Consort Yuan, her smile was thin, and her eyes cold, revealing no warmth.

Besides them, Yan Ronghua and Consort Ke also appeared displeased, clearly unwelcoming of the new entrants.

The Empress, seated on the phoenix throne, observed all their reactions with a cold, mocking glance.

Before these new arrivals, the harem had been small, barely counting five concubines including Consort Yuan, Consort Yu, Consort Nie, Yan Ronghua, and Consort Ke.

Thus, each had enjoyed some favor from the emperor. Though rivalries and occasional conflicts arose, the emperor’s grace reached them all, preventing serious discord.

But now, with eight newcomers all at once and limited imperial favor, inevitable favoritism would arise, unsettling the old consorts.

Yet the Empress’s mood was unusually good; newcomers meant a new situation—exactly what she wished to see.

After the newcomers took their seats, Yan Ronghua sourly remarked, “These new girls are so young and beautiful, it makes us older sisters feel ashamed. But as palace women, appearance is important, true, yet virtue is even more crucial. I’ve heard that some of you have been rather unruly during your instruction in the inner courtyard, causing several disturbances.”

“I wonder who they are? Let me see for myself, so that if I encounter them in the future, I may steer clear.”

At these words, the court fell silent. Several, including Tong Jinzhi, flushed red and pale by turns.

Though Yan Ronghua had spoken, no one dared to step forward to answer. To do so would be to admit to causing trouble in the inner courtyard, a serious stain that would make their standing precarious from the start.

As they exchanged uneasy glances, Lady Xu covered her mouth with a handkerchief and softly said, “I never expected tales of mischief in the inner courtyard would reach Yan Ronghua’s ears. It seems we are at fault.”

Tong Jinzhi exhaled in relief, for she was one of those involved in the incidents.

Unexpectedly, Lady Xu continued, “Tong Jinzhi, although the nanny has already punished your mistakes, today, at this grand audience, Yan Ronghua specifically asked about you. Shouldn’t you clarify your conduct before the ladies, lest you earn a reputation for unruliness?”

All eyes immediately turned to Tong Jinzhi.

She had dared to act arrogantly only when they were all still palace maids. Now, with ranks and strict palace rules, how could she offend those above her status?

Cold sweat broke out on her back, her face pale. She had not expected Lady Xu to seek trouble with her on this very day.

—

Lady Xu was ruthless indeed. The minor quarrels in the inner courtyard—did she intend to ruin her the moment she entered the palace?

Tong Jinzhi hurriedly knelt, bowing her head low: “Your Majesty the Empress, I come from the common folk and was unfamiliar with palace rules, which led to a few foolish missteps, but nothing violating palace law. The nanny had already punished me then. Now that I have been chosen, I dare not cause trouble again. I will speak carefully, behave properly, and keep my place.”

She dared not meet the Empress’s eyes, stealing a plea-filled glance toward Consort Yuan.

Consort Yuan’s brows furrowed; she had not expected Tong Jinzhi to be so bold and brash, which stirred some disdain. Yet, reconsidering, having servants too clever was not always good; as long as they were obedient and beautiful, she relaxed her expression.

In a gentle voice, she said, “You are from the common folk; it is natural to be unfamiliar with palace rules at first. Now that you have been chosen, you must have learned well. To bring up past mistakes from when you were learning is a bit harsh.”

Consort Yuan did not even glance at the Empress, saying, “What do you say, Your Majesty?”

The Empress’s eyes coldly glinted, finding Consort Yuan’s manner unseemly. Though she disliked her, she wouldn’t quarrel now: “Every country has laws, every family its rules. The mistakes in the inner courtyard are settled; there is no need to bring them up again.”

“Yan Ronghua, you should be magnanimous and give others the chance to learn from their errors.”

With both the Consort Yuan and the Empress speaking thus, Yan Ronghua sulked into silence, while Lady Xu remained indifferent, as if the matter concerned her not at all.

—

The small storm ended, and the Empress dismissed the assembly. One by one, the concubines left the hall.

Tong Jinzhi hurried out of the Phoenix Court and stood beneath a deserted willow tree, anxiously using a handkerchief to pat her chest.

With no one around, she spoke without restraint: “Lady Xu is truly vicious—looks so delicate and weak but has a heart as poisonous as a snake’s! A hypocrite!”

The attendant Chunyan quickly cautioned, “Mistress, be careful. There are many people here; someone might come at any moment.”

Tong Jinzhi knew the danger but only cursed to vent her anger.

Unexpectedly, Li Xixi slipped out from the side, cheekily sticking out her tongue at Tong Jinzhi before swiftly trying to escape: “Finally, it’s your turn to be unlucky—serves you right!”

Tong Jinzhi, fearful of being overheard, was caught off guard by Li Xixi’s presence. Furious, she chased after her, shouting, “Li Xixi, don’t think I didn’t hear you! If I can’t handle Xu Qingrong, I’ll certainly deal with you!”

Li Xixi, quick on her feet, ignored the threats and disappeared down another path.

Tong Jinzhi, hindered by her cumbersome attire, could only watch her leave, teeth clenched in anger.

Chunyan urged, “Mistress, stop. Why quarrel with this palace maid? If she wants to remain childish, let her be. Must you be the same? Tonight His Majesty will select a consort for the night; you should focus on more serious matters.”

Mention of the evening selection stopped Tong Jinzhi in her tracks, calming her temper. She turned and said, “You’re right. I came to the palace to win favor. No one can stand in my way.”

—

After leaving the eunuch department, Sang Qingyun did not hurry back to her chambers but sought a quiet, secluded place to sit for a while.

Although her duties before His Majesty were leisurely, they were mentally taxing, requiring constant vigilance. Rarely having a day to herself, she did not want to return too soon or be constantly probed by Zhao Yuyan.

She sat quietly through the afternoon. When she rose, evening was falling, with the sunset casting a gentle glow and the sky a deep twilight blue.

Today was the first day the newcomers entered the palace; His Majesty was to select one for the night among them. Sang Qingyun was off duty tonight and unusually free, walking at an unhurried pace.

She had even seen the matron of the harem and eunuchs leaving together earlier, confirming her suspicions.

Just as she settled in her chambers without having spoken to Zhao Yuyan, Dai Zheng hurried over, exclaiming, “Oh, my dear girl, why are you still here?”

“His Majesty is spending the night alone in the Taiqi Hall and is searching for you. Qingyun, you must go quickly.”