Three days later, the carriage arranged by Consort Shu arrived to fetch Yun Wan.
The sun blazed fiercely, yet the breeze was gentle and pleasant. Inside the carriage, Sui nestled in his mother's arms, tilting his round head up curiously. "Mother, does this mean we can see each other every day from now on?"
He didn’t understand what the Perfumery Bureau was, only that his mother would be staying in the palace for some time, bringing them closer together.
The thought of seeing his mother daily brightened Sui’s expression, filling him with anticipation.
"I’ll come find you after my classes!"
Yun Wan pinched his cheek gently and couldn’t help but say, "The palace has strict rules. You can’t wander around freely, so seeing each other every day isn’t likely."
Seeing Sui’s face fall, she quickly added, "But we can meet every three days."
Sui gasped. "Really? I can see you every three days?"
Since entering Hongwen Institute and spending more time with children his age, Sui’s personality had grown livelier.
Yun Wan was delighted by this change in her son—children ought to act like children, after all.
Holding him close, she said warmly, "Of course it’s true. When have I ever lied to you?"
The young eunuch driving the carriage turned his head. "Madam Lu, we’re about to enter the imperial city."
Yun Wan instructed, "Take my son to Hongwen Institute first."
"Right away!"
When the carriage arrived at Anqing Gate in front of Hongwen Institute, it coincidentally met the carriage from the Duke of Cheng’en’s residence.
Young Prince Pei, unwilling to endure his mother’s nagging, jumped out the moment the carriage stopped. Amid the servants’ startled cries, he struck a pose—a newly learned martial arts move—successfully showing off.
"Pei Qian!" Princess Yongshou nearly lost her composure, on the verge of scolding him.
Knowing he’d be reprimanded if he stayed, Pei Qian hastily said, "I see Lu Changsui’s carriage! I’ll go find him! You can go back first, Mother!"
Before she could respond, he dashed toward the Lu family’s carriage.
The Lu family?
Driven by curiosity, Princess Yongshou lifted the curtain and glanced over.
Hearing that booming voice, Sui knew it had to be Pei Qian.
Only he had endless energy, always rushing about like a whirlwind, his voice thunderous enough to draw attention across the entire palace.
Stopping in front of the Lu carriage, Pei Qian planted his hands on his hips and declared, "Lu Changsui, I know you’re in there! Come out!"
Sui: "........."
With a sigh, he stepped out, his chubby cheeks puffing in annoyance. "Could you keep your voice down? Loud noises are forbidden in the palace."
Pei Qian waved it off. "It’s fine. They’re used to it by now."
Sui: "........But I’m not."
He glared at the other boy indignantly.
Just then, Yun Wan lifted the carriage curtain. "Sui, you forgot something."
Pei Qian beamed. "Auntie Lu, you’re here too?"
Yun Wan smiled at him. "Young Prince Pei."
"I packed some snacks in Sui’s bag. If you don’t mind, you two can share them."
Having once tasted the delicious pastries from the Lu household, Pei Qian had been dreaming of them ever since. His eyes lit up like lanterns as he grinned. "Of course I don’t mind! Auntie Lu is as beautiful as her pastries must be tasty!"
His words made Yun Wan laugh behind her sleeve. She wondered who the young prince took after—his flattery was truly heartwarming.
"If you like them, come with Sui next time. I’ll make more for you."
Pei Qian eagerly agreed. Sui slung the new bookbag Yun Wan had made for him over his shoulder and tugged Pei Qian along. "Mother, we’re leaving now. See you in three days!"
Yun Wan waved. "Be careful."
Watching the two boys walk away side by side, Yun Wan’s eyes softened with affection.
As she turned to lower the curtain, her gaze unexpectedly met Princess Yongshou’s.
Yun Wan gave a slight nod, her gentle demeanor enhancing her already striking beauty.
Princess Yongshou sighed inwardly. No wonder her imperial brother was so taken with her.
The recent turmoil in the palace had seemed like a routine purge of the inner court—Princess Yongshou had initially thought so too. But when she learned that Madam Lu was being brought into the palace as a replacement perfumer, she suddenly realized things weren’t so simple.
After some thought, she shook her head in amazement. Her brother had gone to great lengths just to bring this woman closer to him.
Still, it wasn’t her place to interfere.
So Princess Yongshou pretended to know nothing.
........
Carriages weren’t permitted inside the inner palace. As soon as Yun Wan stepped out, a palace maid from the Perfumery Bureau escorted her to her quarters.
The bureau was located in the northwest corner of the inner palace, alongside the other five inner court bureaus—each with its own domain, where palace staff worked diligently without interfering in one another’s affairs.
Behind these bureaus lay the dormitories for palace maids, typically large shared rooms housing over a dozen women.
Those of higher rank, such as matrons or supervisors, had private quarters. The luckiest even secured rooms near the water supply.
Unlike her previous visits to the palace, Yun Wan followed the maid through unfamiliar corridors, silently memorizing the route.
The guiding maid smiled. "The Perfumery Bureau is quite far from the palace gates, but it’s conveniently located near the consorts’ residences. You’ll memorize the paths in no time, Perfumer Lu."
Yun Wan nodded.
After passing through another corridor, rows of uniform palace buildings came into view.
The maid announced, "We’re almost there. Just another quarter-hour’s walk."
As they neared the inner court bureaus, Yun Wan noticed an increase in palace staff—both maids and eunuchs—who cast subtle, curious glances her way.
The maid stopped and introduced Yun Wan sternly. "This is Madam Lu, the perfumer invited by Consort Shu. From now on, you will address her as Perfumer Lu."
The palace staff bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Perfumer Lu."
Yun Wan replied, "No need for formalities."
Some maids from the Perfumery Bureau stole glances at Yun Wan, relieved to see her stunning yet gentle appearance—she didn’t seem the harsh type.
After the recent upheavals, they dreaded another difficult superior.
Passing the bureaus, they finally arrived at a serene courtyard. The maid called out, "Fuling!"
Soon, a young maid in pale pink robes emerged. Her delicate features and bright eyes made her instantly likable. "Sister Xing Hua?"
Then she noticed Yun Wan. Her round eyes sparkled as she curtsied. "You must be Perfumer Lu! Fuling pays her respects. I’ll be serving you from now on—please don’t hesitate to give me any orders!"
She looked no older than fifteen or sixteen, her cheerful demeanor refreshing.
Yun Wan said, "Then I’ll call you Fuling."
With her task complete, Xing Hua took her leave. Fuling led Yun Wan into the courtyard and asked cheerfully, "Perfumer Lu, should I address you as ‘Perfumer’ or ‘Matron’?"
Yun Wan surveyed her new residence before turning to Fuling. "Is there a difference?"
Fuling grinned. "Not much, but ‘Matron’ feels more affectionate."
Yun Wan knew some palace customs—junior maids often addressed senior female supervisors as "Matron" to show respect.
"Then, as you wish."
Fuling's eyes brightened. "Then may this servant address you as Aunt?"
Yun Wan nodded in agreement. After all, she would only be here for half a year at most—it was just a form of address.
Eager to get closer to her superior, Fuling offered, "Aunt, shall this servant show you to your quarters?"
When the main room was opened, Yun Wan paused.
"Do all the palace stewards live in such quarters?"
