Cui Yu had just stepped down from his sedan chair when the palace attendants at the gates of Kunning Palace saw him approaching. They hurriedly bowed in salute, while another rushed inside to announce his arrival.
The Empress was seated on a cushioned daybed, reviewing a ledger. When she saw him enter, she handed the account book to Nanny Fan at her side and smiled.
“Yu is here.”
Cui Yu stepped forward and bowed. “Your son pays his respects to Mother.”
The Empress smiled as she looked him over, her gaze settling on the sweat at his brow. “Rise. The heat outside must have been unbearable. Sit and rest for a while.” She promptly had water brought for him to wash his hands and face.
Once everything had been properly attended to, Cui Yu felt considerably more comfortable.
Aunt Qing, standing nearby, deftly served tea to His Highness the Crown Prince before stepping back to one side.
The Empress wore a deep purplish-red jacket embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, its collar and cuffs edged in fine gold. A phoenix-headed gold filigree hairpin set with rubies adorned her coiffure, lending her an air of dignified splendor and regal poise.
Cui Yu studied his mother’s complexion for a moment, and the crease between his brows eased slightly.
The Empress lifted her teacup and took a sip, then looked at him with a warm smile. “Earlier, you sent someone to bring word. Lady Shen in your household is with child now? How is she doing?”
Cui Yu’s features softened almost imperceptibly. He nodded. “Yes. The imperial physician confirmed it this morning. He says her health is exceptionally sound, so Mother need not worry.”
At this, the Empress’s smile deepened, and the tension in her heart eased somewhat.
Yu had been married for several years, yet until now he had only one son and one daughter. She had often worried that he might have difficulty producing heirs.
Who would have thought that this year would bring one piece of happy news after another? At last, the stone that had weighed on her heart for so long had begun to lift.
As for the Crown Princess...
The Empress’s gaze darkened slightly.
Not only was the woman muddle-headed, but she was consumed by jealousy as well.
Now that her claws had been clipped, she presumably would not be able to stir up much trouble again.
The Empress had once thought that although the Crown Princess could hardly be called virtuous, she at least knew how to keep up appearances. A woman having to share her husband with so many others was bound to feel some jealousy—it was only natural.
So long as she fulfilled the duties expected of a Crown Princess and maintained a proper outward appearance, the Empress had not cared to take issue with her.
But to lay hands on the Crown Prince’s heirs—that crossed her bottom line.
When she had harmed Lady Sun’s child before, the Empress had merely warned her, considering it a first offense. Yet she had never expected the woman to dare target Lady Chu again.
Since that was the case, there was no reason to show her any further leniency.
As the Empress considered this, her gaze fell upon Cui Yu. Suddenly, she frowned slightly.
“Yu,” she said, setting down her teacup, “Zhang'er is your eldest legitimate son. If the Crown Princess raises him herself, then in the future... I fear she may spoil his temperament.”
Cui Yu’s hand paused slightly around his teacup. After a moment of silence, he said slowly, “In a little while... Zhang'er can stay under Mother’s care for the time being. I will have to trouble Mother with his upbringing.”
Once Zhang'er turned three and began his studies, he could attend the Palace School.
The Empress smiled at once. “I miss Zhang'er dearly. With so many servants in Kunning Palace, how could caring for him possibly tire me?”
Then the smile on her face faded a little. “Still... there is no need to rush. We can wait a few more days before deciding.”
The Crown Princess had never been in a stable condition, and now that her trusted attendants had been removed, her spirits were bound to be unsettled. If Zhang’er were taken from her at a time like this, how could she not grow resentful? It might even endanger the child she was carrying. That would hardly be wise.
If she weren’t carrying the Crown Prince’s child, forcing everyone to hold back, they certainly wouldn’t have stopped at simply removing the people she relied on!
Cui Yu pressed his lips together, then gave a slight nod. “Mother has thought this through carefully.”
Mother and son talked for a while longer.
The Empress asked about the case the Jingzhao Prefecture authorities had recently concluded, and Cui Yu answered each of her questions.
He then mentioned that the Northern Rong had sent envoys, who were already on their way and were expected to arrive in the capital next month.
Their conversation eventually turned to the plans to escape the summer heat at the Western Mountain Palace in a few days.
The Empress lifted the milk tea the Eastern Palace kitchens had learned to make from her own small kitchen and took a sip. “Who are you planning to bring with you this time?”
Each year, when the court went to the Western Mountain Palace to escape the summer heat, Emperor Pingkang took a number of his consorts along. The princes who accompanied him were naturally allowed to bring one or two women from their households as well.
“I plan to bring Lady Shen,” Cui Yu replied.
The Empress paused, then furrowed her brow slightly. “Lady Shen? Hasn’t she just learned she’s with child? It’s still early. She ought to be resting and taking care of herself.”
She studied Cui Yu, a note of calculation in her gaze. “Did she ask you to take her?”
She remembered Lady Shen quite well. She was strikingly beautiful, sweet-natured and clever.
She was young, and having received some affection, it was only natural she might be a little willful. The Empress could understand that.
But Yu… By all accounts, he wasn’t the sort to let someone do as they pleased. Why had he specifically asked to bring her?
Cui Yu’s expression remained calm. “In answer to Mother, Lady Shen didn’t plead with me to take her. You may not know this, but she has always been rather indolent. Usually, she cares only about what’s on her plate and pays little mind to anything else. She can be happy anywhere.”
He paused. “Lady Shen does have a knack for coming up with things, though. She’s always making new dishes. I suffer through the summer heat, and once it arrives, I can hardly eat. But when she makes something, I can always manage a little more.”
“The journey from the palace to the retreat takes only half a day, and we’ll be traveling on paved roads, so she won’t be jostled. The imperial physician has also said that Lady Shen is in good health, and there should be no problem.”
After hearing him out, the Empress looked at the calm expression on the Crown Prince’s face and said nothing for a long while.
At last, she rubbed her temples and waved a hand, sounding somewhat resigned. “Since that’s the case, take her with you.”
Cui Yu rose and bowed. “Thank you, Mother.”
“Mother, there is one more matter. I beg you to grant my request.”
The Empress took a sip of milk tea and looked up at him. “What is it?”
“Lady Shen is now with child. She has always served me with great care, and she is a dutiful daughter-in-law as well. I would like to raise her rank.”
The Empress: “……” Had someone switched her Yu with another person?
Somewhat exasperated, she took another sip of tea, only to realize as it touched her lips that it was the very milk tea Lady Shen had made…
She gave a small cough. “If I remember correctly, didn’t you raise her rank just a little while ago?”
Cui Yu’s expression did not change. “The last time her rank was raised, Lady Shen had presented Father Emperor with a loose-leaf booklet and a set of charts. She rendered meritorious service and was duly rewarded.”
“She planted a peach tree in her own courtyard, yet she still kept thinking of Mother, Grandfather, and Uncle. She deliberately had extra peaches picked and asked me to deliver them to Grandfather.”
“Moreover, she is now carrying an heir for the Eastern Palace. That, too, is a merit. How can these matters be conflated?”
The Empress: “…”
How had she never known that Yu could be so eloquent?
Still... if Yu was not lying, then Lady Shen truly had been thoughtful.
Remembering her was one thing. But to remember Yu’s maternal grandfather and uncle as well meant she genuinely kept Yu and his family in her heart.
They were only a few peaches, nothing rare or precious, but that was precisely what made the gesture feel sincere.
Otherwise, if she had merely wanted to put on a show for the Crown Prince and the Empress, she would not have sent only a few peaches.
Though clever and quick-witted, she seemed to be a girl of genuine simplicity.
“Very well. I understand. I shall issue an imperial decree later.”
Worthy Lady Shen was now with child. Even if she were not promoted now, she would have to be elevated after giving birth. It was better to indulge Yu’s wishes now; raising her rank a little would do no harm.
Cui Yu said, “Thank you, Mother. Your son takes his leave.”
The Empress watched his tall, straight back disappear beyond the hall doors. She could not help shaking her head, and then she could not help smiling.
“Youth is ever drawn to love. It seems Yu... has truly fallen for someone this time.” Since Yu’s marriage, she had watched her son and thought that perhaps no woman would ever move his heart.
But now... this was not so bad. To find someone who loved him sincerely was a rare blessing indeed.
Otherwise, if they were all like the Crown Princess, how was anyone supposed to live?
The very sight of it was enough to make one miserable.
Nanny Fan smiled and added from the side, “Indeed. His Highness looked much the same as usual, but this servant watched carefully. When Your Majesty agreed, there was the faintest smile at the corners of His Highness’s eyes and brows.”
Aunt Qing, her face also full of smiles, said, “For His Highness to come and make the request in person, Worthy Lady Shen must be a fortunate woman. She will surely give birth to a little imperial grandson safely and peacefully.”
The Empress smiled but said no more.
“Cough, cough!”
“Why has Your Majesty begun coughing again?” Nanny Fan’s brow furrowed faintly. She immediately ordered, “Send for the imperial physician.” Her Majesty had clearly been getting better over the past few days...
Aunt Qing promptly agreed and at once sent someone to summon him.
The Empress took a sip of clear tea, suppressing the dry discomfort in her throat. “It is nothing. Just an old ailment.” Since the Dragon Boat Festival, her health truly had improved somewhat compared with before.
Because of her poor health, she had not gone to the Western Hills Summer Palace to escape the heat for the past two years. This time, perhaps she could go for a visit.
She had not seen her father or younger brother in a long while, either...
*
Less than an hour later, the Empress’s decree arrived at Lotus Heart Court.
Shen Yanshui was utterly bewildered, and the others were not much better. Fortunately, Nanny Wang was there. She immediately led the palace servants in setting up an incense table in the main hall.
Then she hurriedly leaned close to whisper a few words in her mistress’s ear.
Shen Yanshui nodded, pressing down her astonishment. She knelt respectfully before the incense table, while behind her, the palace servants dropped to their knees in a dark mass.
It was Matron Zhao of the Office of Palace Rectification who had come to proclaim the Empress’s decree.
Her expression was solemn and dignified. Taking one step forward, she unfurled the decree in her hands and spoke in a clear, steady voice:
“By decree of Her Majesty the Empress—
The Eastern Palace consort Shen is gentle by nature, virtuous and circumspect in conduct, and commendable in filial devotion, bringing great comfort to both this palace and His Highness the Crown Prince. Having received the gracious instructions of the Central Palace, We hereby promote her to the rank of Worthy Lady, Fifth Rank. May she further cultivate her womanly virtues, serve His Highness with due care, and never fail to live up to this generous favor.
So decreed.”
As Matron Zhao’s voice fell silent, Eunuch Zheng, standing to one side, nodded with a broad smile. Behind him, two well-trained eunuchs stepped forward. On the vermilion lacquered trays they carried lay a set of ceremonial robes appropriate to a Fifth-Rank Worthy Lady.
Another tray held the matching floral crown, jeweled hairpins, and the silver seal with its blue ribbon, symbols of her new rank. They gleamed brightly beneath the golden sunlight.
Shen Yanshui glanced up at them and nearly blinded herself. She did not look any longer, but followed protocol and bowed three times.
“Your servant Shen gives thanks for Her Majesty the Empress’s gracious favor. May Her Majesty live for a thousand years, a thousand years, a thousand thousand years.”
With that, she respectfully accepted the weighty scroll of the decree, along with the silver seal symbolizing her status.
After handing over the decree, Matron Zhao’s expression softened. With a smile, she said, “Worthy Lady, according to protocol, after receiving your investiture, you must choose an auspicious time to go and offer your thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince. Her Majesty has also bestowed cosmetics, silk fabrics, pearl hairpins, and other gifts, which will be delivered by palace attendants shortly.”
Only then did Eunuch Zheng politely add with a smile, his plump, fair face full of cheer, “This servant offers his congratulations, Worthy Lady. His Highness specifically instructed this servant to attend the ceremony and conveyed that Your Ladyship should accept the investiture at ease and need not hurry to offer your thanks.”
The Crown Prince would probably be coming over soon anyway, so there was naturally no need for Shen Yanshui to change specially and go to the front hall to thank him.
Besides, the sun was blazing outside, and Shen Yanshui was still pregnant. Making her dress up formally and take the trip would be needlessly exhausting.
Considering how much His Highness doted on Worthy Lady Shen, how could he possibly bear to put her through such hardship?
Shen Yanshui’s eyes curved with a smile. “Yes. I thank His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Although it had been rather sudden, she had been promoted again!
Heeheeheehee—how wonderful!
Not only had she received a great many more rewards, but her monthly allowance and provisions would increase as well. How could she not be delighted?
Behind her, Chunping and the others had been stunned for a moment at first, but their faces soon filled with unconcealed joy.
“Congratulations, Your Ladyship! Our congratulations, Your Ladyship!” they all knelt and offered their respects, their voices brimming with excitement.
Chunping and the others could scarcely believe it!
It had only been a few days since their mistress had risen from Palace Attendant Zhaoxun to Palace Attendant Chenghui, and now she had become a Worthy Lady?!
There was probably no one else in the palace whose rank had risen as quickly as their mistress’s!
The dimples on Quanfu’s round face appeared as he smiled.
Quanshou was even more delighted, grinning so broadly that his teeth nearly disappeared from view. His entire person seemed ready to float away with happiness.
Good heavens! Was this what it felt like to follow an exceptional mistress and be carried along by her success?!
The few palace maids and eunuchs who had arrived at Lianxin Court that very day were naturally delighted as well.
To think that on her very first day of service, she would happen upon the joyous occasion of her mistress being promoted in rank. It was an exceptionally auspicious beginning. More importantly, it showed just how highly His Highness the Crown Prince regarded her mistress.
For a time, the courtyard brimmed with celebration, every face alight with smiles.
Only Nanny Wang, though pleasantly surprised as well, was older and more experienced. Steady by nature, she quickly regained her composure.
After seeing off Matron Zhao, Eunuch Zheng, and the others with Chunping, she stepped forward with a smile. “Mistress, do come inside. The sun is terribly fierce out here.”
Shen Yanshui nodded and carried the Empress’s decree indoors.
Once seated on the daybed, she took a sip of tea to settle herself, then could not resist unfolding the decree again for another look.
Mm, it truly was the rank of Fifth-Grade Liangyuan. If she remembered correctly, her bargain-bin father only held a nominal Fifth-Grade post himself, didn’t he? Hahaha!
Goodness! Her bargain-bin father had spent half his life reaching the Fifth Grade, and even then, only through a hereditary appointment. As for her, she had earned it all on her own!
After savoring her delight for a while longer, she finally calmed down somewhat.
She had never expected that the Crown Prince would go out on a trip—and she would be promoted again upon his return.
His Highness the Crown Prince... was simply too amazing, wasn’t he?
She had assumed that her next promotion would have to wait at least until the child was safely born. Yet she had risen in rank again so soon...
Her gaze fell once more upon the decree’s praises of her—“gentle and gracious by nature, dignified and prudent in conduct, exemplary in filial devotion...”
—and the corners of her lips curved upward.
Ah, there was nothing to be done about it. She was just too outstanding.
She truly was so gentle and kind, so poised and filial!
She admired the decree happily for a while before handing it to Nanny Wang for safekeeping.
Seeing how undisguisedly delighted she looked, Nanny Wang could not help but find it amusing. She thought to herself, This new mistress is rather simple-minded. Every thought shows plainly on her face; there is no need to puzzle over her. One glance is enough to see through her.
“Would Mistress like to change and try on the Liangyuan ceremonial robes now?”
Shen Yanshui looked at the vermilion-lacquered trays being held by Xia'an and Qiuru beside her. Only then did she suddenly recall the many complicated rules she had learned back in the Palace of Gathered Elegance.
One of them seemed to state that concubines of the Crown Prince’s household below the rank of Liangyuan were not qualified to appear before Her Majesty the Empress or His Majesty the Emperor.
When the Crown Prince had taken her with him during the Dragon Boat Festival, it had not, strictly speaking, been entirely proper.
However, Emperor Pingkang himself occasionally brought newly favored low-ranking consorts along, and the Dragon Boat Festival had always been a celebration shared with the people. The rules were somewhat more relaxed on that day, so no one had deliberately raised the matter and spoiled the festivities.
But now that she was a Liangyuan, she was officially qualified to attend the various palace banquets.
Shen Yanshui did not rush to change. The ceremonial robes looked rather thick, and it was so hot at the moment that she could not be bothered with the fuss of changing clothes. She simply told Qiuru and the others to put them away first.
Nanny Wang was somewhat surprised by this. As an old hand in the palace, she had seen far too many people who, the moment they received favor and advancement, forgot themselves and wished they could drape every bit of their newfound splendor over their bodies to parade about.
Still, that was only human nature. When one was young, who could help being proud and pleased with oneself?
Yet Worthy Lady Shen, for all that this enormous honor had fallen into her lap, accepted it with unabashed delight while remaining perfectly at ease. That calm beneath all the excitement was truly rare.
In the imperial palace, a moment of triumph meant little. What mattered most was being able to remain steady.
The smile on her face grew a little more genuine.
Out in the courtyard, Dongyi and the others were still chatting merrily. Quanshou was grinning from ear to ear, while the newly arrived palace servants were all beaming as well. The entire Lotus Heart Court was filled with festive cheer.
Shen Yanshui propped her chin on one hand and watched for a while. She decided it was time to cool their enthusiasm.
There had been one happy occasion after another at the Lotus Heart Court lately.
First, she had been promoted to Chenghui. Then they had discovered that she was pregnant. And now, today, she had been promoted to Worthy Lady. It was practically as though she had strapped herself to a rocket and shot straight into the sky. The palace servants’ hearts were probably all floating somewhere up in the air, making it difficult for them to settle down.
She understood, of course. It was like a modern person winning the lottery: a million the first time, two million the second, and five million the third. How could anyone not be delighted? Each win would be more exciting than the last, leaving no chance to calm down.
And if people outside came along to heap on the praise, that would be even worse. They might float all the way into the heavens before they knew it.
She was just about to call someone in when Nanny Wang beat her to it. With a smile, she looked at Shen Yanshui and said, “My lady, this old servant is being presumptuous, but I would like to say a few words. May I?”
Shen Yanshui was somewhat surprised, but then she smiled. “Nanny, speak freely.”
“Thank you, my lady.” The moment she finished speaking, Nanny Wang walked out.
“Everyone, be quiet for a moment.”
Standing beneath the covered veranda, Nanny Wang’s voice was not loud, yet it carried steadily to every corner. Even Shouzhong and Shouyi, who had deliberately run out of the small kitchen to join in the celebration, fell silent and turned to look at her.
Nanny Wang wore a warm smile, but her gaze was steady and commanding. She first looked at Chunping and the other palace maids and eunuchs who had arrived with her that day, then slowly began to speak.
“Our lady is kind-hearted and generous toward those beneath her. That is a blessing for all of us servants. To be able to serve a mistress as gentle and good-natured as she is—that is a stroke of fortune we could not earn even in eight lifetimes.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, and Chunping and the others could not help smiling with pride.
Nanny Wang paused. Her tone remained gentle, but there was now a note of warning in it.
“Still, the more fortunate the circumstances, the more we servants must understand our place. Our lady has been blessed with one happy event after another, and it is only right that we servants should rejoice for her. I am happy too. But happiness is one thing; our words and actions must not become careless, lest we draw unwanted attention outside.”
As she spoke, her gaze moved slowly over the group. Her smile did not fade, but her tone took on the earnestness of someone speaking from the heart.
“There are eyes everywhere in this palace. When our lady is enjoying such favor, how many people do you think are watching with envy? Whenever we go out, we must be even more cautious. We must think of our lady in everything we do. Do not let a moment of careless talk bring trouble to her.”
“Say what should be said, but keep what should not be said buried in your stomach. Do what should be done, and do not touch what should not be touched—not even a little.”
After she finished speaking, she smiled again, her voice softening. “There is still a long road ahead of us. Only when our mistress is well can the rest of us prosper. I may be overstepping my place as an old woman, offering a few words of advice, but I only hope that everyone in Lotus Heart Court will live in harmony and not burden our mistress with needless trouble.”
When she had finished, her gaze slowly swept across the crowd. Though she was still smiling, no one dared take her lightly.
Chunping and the others felt a slight chill in their hearts, and faint embarrassment rose to their faces.
They had indeed been so delighted that they had grown somewhat carried away.
They had been serving their mistress for years, yet a newly arrived nanny had needed to remind them of proper conduct. It truly should not have happened.
Chunping quickly composed herself and gave Nanny Wang a proper bow. “Nanny, your instruction is entirely correct. We were too frivolous just now. Thank you for your guidance.”
Quanfu, Quanshou, Shouzhong, Shouyi, and the others also bowed. “We servants will keep it firmly in mind. Thank you for your instruction, Nanny.”
The newly arrived servants looked even more respectful.
Nanny Wang took in everyone’s reactions and nodded inwardly.
The servants of Lotus Heart Court all appeared dutiful enough. There were no flighty troublemakers among them, nor had she seen anyone with crooked intentions for the time being. Worthy Lady Shen must have taught them well to keep the household so peaceful and orderly.
Watching the scene from inside the room, Shen Yanshui could not help smiling.
She set down her teacup, walked to the doorway, and spoke with a smile. “What Nanny Wang said just now was exactly right. From now on, I shall trouble you to oversee the affairs of the courtyard for the time being and spare me some of your care.”
Everyone hastily bowed.
Shen Yanshui then looked at Chunping and the others, her eyes bright with warmth. “You have been with me since the very beginning. I remember all the hardship you have borne these past days. You may continue managing the duties you have always handled.”
After a pause, she turned to the newly arrived maids and eunuchs, her tone gentle. “For now, follow Nanny Wang and await your assignments. In a few days, after I have seen how each of you performs, I will decide on your specific duties.”
Then she turned to Quanfu. “The eunuchs will still be under your charge. If anything arises, discuss it with Nanny Wang.”
Quanfu immediately bowed. “This servant understands!”
At last, Shen Yanshui swept her gaze over them all, her eyes curving with a smile. “Today brings a double blessing, and I am in high spirits. I shall reward each of you with an additional month’s wages. Collect it later, and share in the good fortune.”
At once, everyone’s faces lit up with joy, and they all dropped to their knees to offer thanks.
After a brief stunned pause, they knelt again with beaming faces.
“Thank you for Mistress’s reward!”
“Congratulations on Mistress’s great joy!”
Qiuru could not help calculating in her mind. A few days ago, when their mistress had been promoted to Chenghui, she had rewarded them with an extra month’s wages. This morning, when her pregnancy had been confirmed, His Highness the Crown Prince had granted them three months’ wages. And now, with their mistress’s promotion to Worthy Lady, she had rewarded them with another month’s wages...
In one stroke, they had received nearly half a year’s wages!
Everyone in Lotus Heart Court was smiling, the entire courtyard brimming with celebration.
But in Begonia Court next door, the atmosphere was entirely different.
Lady Wu’s maids all kept their heads lowered and scarcely dared breathe, terrified that the slightest misstep might provoke their mistress’s anger.
The incident with the twenty strokes of the paddle that morning was still vivid in their minds. The maid who had been beaten had hands swollen terribly high, and was still recovering in her room.
Yet, unexpectedly, Lady Wu was exceptionally quiet.
She simply sat by the window, motionless, staring in the direction of Lotus Heart Court, her expression so grim it was frightening.
She neither spoke nor smashed anything. She only stared.
But the more she behaved this way, the more terrified the servants became.
Qiaoyun furtively glanced at her, then quickly lowered her eyes again.
News of Shen Yanshui’s promotion spread through every corner of the Eastern Palace as though it had sprouted wings.
At Bamboo Fragrance Residence, Lady Zhang had just changed her clothes and was about to leave for Lotus Heart Court when Huixin came rushing in, breathless.
“My lady! My lady! Over at Lotus Heart Court... Lady Shen... no, that’s not right. She should be called Worthy Lady Shen now!”
Lady Zhang froze, stunned. “What?”
After catching her breath, Huixin said with a face full of disbelief, “Her Majesty the Empress’s decree has just arrived at Lotus Heart Court. Lady Shen has been promoted to Worthy Lady!” Such a swift promotion was simply unheard of!
Lady Zhang stood rooted to the spot, unable to speak for quite some time.
After a moment of blankness, she suddenly gave a bitter smile. She did not even know how to envy her anymore.
Things were often like this: when someone was only a little better off than you, you could still envy them—perhaps even harbor a trace of unspoken jealousy.
But when you clearly understood that the gulf between you was insurmountable, those feelings vanished instead.
Lady Zhang drew a deep breath and looked at Huixin, whose eyes were nearly popping out of her head. “Go to the storeroom and bring out that... that red coral display.”
Huixin paused. “Your Ladyship means... the half-foot-tall red coral ornament?”
“Yes.” Lady Zhang nodded. “It’s festive. It will be perfect as a gift to congratulate Sister Shen on her double blessing.”
*
Moonbright Studio.
Lady Chu leaned against the headboard and listened in silence as her maid finished recounting the news from Lotus Heart Court.
“I understand,” she said evenly. “Take out the pair of red-gold hairpins set with rubies from my dressing case, and send them to Lotus Heart Court to congratulate Worthy Lady Shen.”
The maid acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Lady Chu lowered her gaze to the cradle beside the bed, where her son slept soundly. His tiny face was scrunched up, his breathing soft and fine.
A faint smile appeared on her lips...
In the east wing of Wisteria Pavilion, Lady Song was writing something at her desk when she heard her maid’s report. The brush in her hand paused.
Then she felt as though her entire body had gone numb.
Perhaps after being shocked so many times, one eventually stopped being quite so shocked.
“...” She blankly set down her brush and looked at the maid.
The maid watched her cautiously. “My lady... are you all right?”
Lady Song was silent for a long while before she finally said in a hollow voice, “Go to the storeroom and choose a congratulatory gift respectable enough to present.”
“Yes, my lady.”
*
As Shen Yanshui took in the lively scene before her, she became even more aware of the weight carried by the rank of Worthy Lady.
After all, there had been no such spectacle when she had previously been promoted to Lady.
Lady Lu from the neighboring Begonia Court, Lady Song, Lady Wang, Lady Sun—whom she had met only once—and Lady Zhao, whom she had seen only a few times, had all come in person.
Lady Chu of Moonbright Studio had also sent someone bearing a congratulatory gift.
The visitor was Lady Chu's senior maid. After making a respectful curtsy, she said with a beaming smile, "Lady Chu offers her congratulations to Worthy Lady Shen on her double blessing. She has specially sent this gift and wishes you good health, and the little master safe and well."
Shen Yanshui quickly thanked her with a smile and had a purse given to her as a reward.
The others joined in offering their congratulations, each one smiling as they spoke words of good fortune.
There were rather more visitors than she had expected, but fortunately, Nanny Wang and Chunping were both capable women who could handle any situation. They attended to the guests with perfect composure, serving tea, receiving visitors, and seeing them off without the slightest disorder.
Naturally, everyone had noticed the new servants in Lotus Heart Court: the kind-faced, composed Nanny Wang, along with four palace maids and two eunuchs. One look was enough to tell that they had been exceptionally well trained.
Lady Wang lifted her teacup for a sip, then said with a smile, "Sister Shen, your place is quite lively now. With all these new servants attending you, things should be easier for you from now on."
Shen Yanshui smiled. "It is all His Highness's favor."
The ladies chatted idly for quite some time before finally rising to take their leave one after another.
Shen Yanshui saw them to the door, greeting them with a smile and sending them away with one. By the end, her smile was nearly frozen in place. In the end, she asked only Lady Zhang to stay behind.
Lady Song, however, lingered awkwardly at the side instead of leaving.
She stood there looking distinctly uncomfortable, glancing first at Shen Yanshui, then at Lady Zhang, as though she had something to say but could not bring herself to say it.
Seeing this, Shen Yanshui asked curiously, "Lady Song... is there something else?"
At the question, Lady Song's face flushed.
"I... well..." She glanced again at Lady Zhang, and her face grew even redder. "No, nothing. I shall take my leave."
With that, she turned to go. But she was in such a hurry that she failed to watch her step, twisted her ankle, and nearly fell down the stairs.
Shen Yanshui hurried forward. "Lady Song, are you all right...?"
Fortunately, the maid beside her was quick-witted and caught her at once, sparing her the humiliation of falling in full view of everyone.
"I am fine." Lady Song's cheeks burned crimson, and she fled even more quickly, vanishing from sight in an instant.
Shen Yanshui: "..."
Lady Zhang: "..."
They looked at one another, then both began to laugh.
Lady Song hurried all the way back to Wisteria Veranda. Only after entering her room did she clutch her chest and finally catch her breath.
Wuwuwu... she had embarrassed herself again!
She had originally wanted to ask Worthy Lady Shen for a garment she had worn before. Some of the older women in the palace said that if one borrowed and wore clothes once worn by a pregnant woman, one might share in her good fortune and perhaps become pregnant as well.
But Lady Zhang had been there, and Lady Song had been too embarrassed to ask. Besides, she and Worthy Lady Shen were not actually that close...
Never mind. She would wait until next time.
The next time she visited alone, it would not be too late to ask. Worthy Lady Shen did not seem like someone difficult to approach. She would probably give it to her... wouldn't she?
And if she refused... Lady Song would cry and beg her!
*
Shen Yanshui's gaze settled on Lady Zhang. Smiling, she stepped forward and said, "Sister Zhang, please sit. There were so many people just now that I did not have the chance to speak with you properly. I hope you will not take offense."
Lady Zhang paused for a moment, then let herself be guided to sit on the couch. A faint trace of awkwardness crossed her face. “Sister Shen, you mustn’t say that. Today is your wedding day, and there are guests coming and going everywhere. How could I keep you all to myself?”
Shen Yanshui smiled and asked Chunping to bring fresh tea. She had the plates of pastries replaced, then took a seat beside Lady Zhang.
She had indeed meant to keep Lady Zhang behind.
Earlier, with so many people crowding the room, congratulations had poured in one after another. But whenever Shen Yanshui glanced over, she saw Lady Zhang watching her as if she wanted to say something, yet never finding the chance.
And then there was the congratulatory gift Lady Zhang had sent.
The half-foot-tall coral arrangement alone was a fine and precious gift. Its lustrous branches spread gracefully, making a festive display in the hall. It was clearly a treasured piece.
But what truly surprised her was the double-sided embroidered screen, adorned with flowers and butterflies. The workmanship was exquisite: peonies bloomed brilliantly on one side, while colorful butterflies fluttered across the other. The stitches were close and even, the colors elegant yet vivid. It must have taken months to complete.
There was also the outfit. It was made from the finest cloud-patterned silk, and the embroidery looked just like the work Lady Zhang had done when she came to Shen Yanshui’s rooms to stitch handkerchiefs.
Shen Yanshui wasn’t much of an embroiderer herself, but she knew good work when she saw it.
If she wasn’t mistaken, both the outfit and the screen had been embroidered by Lady Zhang herself.
With a warm smile, she turned to her. “I had a chance to look at all the gifts you sent, Sister. The coral arrangement is precious and festive, of course, but the screen with its flowers and butterflies is so beautifully embroidered. I fell in love with it at first sight.”
Her gaze was especially sincere as she added, “And the outfit—the fabric is so soft, and the embroidered pattern is lovely. Did you make it especially for me?”
At that, a delicate blush rose on Lady Zhang’s face. She lowered her eyes, a little embarrassed. “You have a good eye, Sister. I did embroider the screen and the outfit.”
She grew a little bashful as she continued. “When you were promoted to Chenghui, I had wanted to come and congratulate you, but then… something came up, and I let the moment pass. Now that you have two happy occasions to celebrate, I thought I ought to make it up to you.”
“I wasn’t sure whether the outfit would fit you. I looked at the clothes you usually wear and guessed at your measurements. I still don’t know if I got it right…”
When there had been so many people around, she had tried several times to speak, but after hesitating for a long while, she hadn’t dared approach Shen Yanshui herself.
She hadn’t expected Sister Shen to keep her behind.
Seeing how flustered Lady Zhang looked, Shen Yanshui couldn’t help smiling.
She took Lady Zhang’s hand and said earnestly, “I knew the outfit and screen were beautifully embroidered. I loved them at first glance. To think you made them yourself! No wonder they’re so lovely. Your embroidery must be every bit as good as the work of the Imperial Needlework Bureau’s embroiderers.”
Lady Zhang’s eyes brightened at her words. The corners of her mouth lifted before she quickly pressed her lips together again.
What she was proudest of was her needlework. Even after entering the Eastern Palace, she had never set it aside. She might not have measured up to the others in other respects, but when it came to embroidery, she was genuinely rather proud of her skill.
Sister Shen’s words had struck straight at her heart.
Looking at the delight Lady Zhang could not hide, Shen Yanshui could not help smiling as well.
This Lady Zhang was quite an interesting person.
Whatever her motives for seeking Shen Yanshui’s friendship, at the very least, the congratulatory gift and the thought behind it were genuine.
The two of them continued chatting over tea, pastries, and fruit, exchanging idle conversation.
Just as they were speaking, a chorus of greetings suddenly sounded from outside.
“Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince—”
Lady Zhang’s hand trembled, and she nearly lost her grip on her teacup. She hurriedly set it down, but the pastry in her mouth had not yet been swallowed, and her face immediately flushed with panic.
She hastily picked up a handkerchief, covered her mouth, and spat the pastry into it. Then, in a fluster, she stuffed it into her sleeve. Only after that did she rise, lower her head, and bow respectfully.
“This concubine pays her respects to Your Highness.”
From the corner of her eye, however, she saw Sister Shen already smiling as she went to greet him.
“This concubine pays her respects to Your Highness.” Her voice was filled with joy. Beaming, she looked at the Crown Prince with bright, sparkling eyes.
Lady Zhang kept her head lowered. All she could see was a pair of black boots patterned with clouds as they entered the room and came to a steady stop before Sister Shen.
Then she saw the Crown Prince extend a hand and personally support Sister Shen by the arm.
“Rise. From now on, there is no need to make a formal salute when we are in private.” His voice was calm, yet somehow carried a hint of warmth.
Shen Yanshui smiled and acknowledged him.
Cui Yu took her hand and led her toward the principal seat. They sat together at the head of the room, and only then did he turn his gaze toward Lady Zhang, who was still bowing below.
“You may rise.”
Lady Zhang straightened and sat down with her eyes lowered, though she only perched on the edge of the chair, not daring to settle fully into it.
Shen Yanshui sat beside the Crown Prince, her eyes shining as she looked at him with unconcealed delight.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
The Crown Prince lowered his eyes to her, the corners of his lips curving ever so slightly. Acting on instinct, he raised a hand to support her waist, lest she sit down too quickly and bump herself. His brows lifted faintly, and his voice held a smile.
“How does A-Yan plan to thank Me, then?”
But the moment he finished speaking, the corner of his eye caught sight of Lady Zhang still standing below. He immediately realized that something was amiss.
He gave a light cough, withdrew his hand without a trace, and looked first at Lady Zhang, then at A-Yan. His tone returned to its usual calmness.
“What were the two of you discussing just now?”
Watching him pretend to be so proper, Shen Yanshui could not help laughing inwardly.
Cui Yu’s phoenix eyes lifted slightly, and he shot her a sidelong glance.
Shen Yanshui: “……”
Under the cover of his broad sleeve, she secretly reached out to tug lightly at his sleeve. Her beautiful, expressive eyes blinked at him.
Taking advantage of the sleeve’s concealment, Cui Yu clasped her small hand.
Lady Zhang respectfully replied, “Your Highness, I merely came to congratulate Sister Shen and have a few words with her. Now… there is nothing else, so I shall not disturb Your Highness and Sister Shen any longer.”
As she spoke, she bowed.
“This concubine takes her leave.”
The Crown Prince gave a faint “Mm.”
Lady Zhang lowered her head and withdrew, her footsteps steady as she passed through the gates of Lianxin Court.
Even after she had gone some distance, her expression remained dazed.
When she returned to Zhuxiang Residence, Huixin carefully brought her a cup of tea. Seeing her sitting on the couch, lost in thought, she could not help asking softly, “My lady… It was so difficult to see His Highness the Crown Prince. Why didn’t you stay and speak with him for a while?”
Lady Zhang came back to herself and gave a bitter little smile.
Spend more time speaking with His Highness?
How could she not want to? The Crown Prince was the very picture of grace and nobility, and she admired him in the depths of her heart.
Yet just now, standing in that room and watching the easy intimacy between His Highness and Sister Shen, she had felt so uncomfortable that she had even felt like an outsider—someone superfluous.
What she found even more unbelievable was how Sister Shen could speak with His Highness so freely.
His Highness was the Crown Prince, after all.
Was Sister Shen truly not afraid that her words or behavior might be improper, that she might accidentally offend him?
She thought back to Sister Shen’s expression and tone when she was with the Crown Prince, then shook her head with a bitter smile.
It was true that she admired His Highness. But beyond admiration, what she felt even more was… awe.
To speak with His Highness as freely as Sister Shen did was something she would never dare to do.
