Chapter Six, The Dream Comes from the Forefront

Hehehe, I won't say anything, just let you guess and ponder, unable to sleep, and by tomorrow morning, you'll turn into a black-eyed chicken!" Ruowei tilted her face up, deliberately using words to provoke her.

Following closely beside Ruo Wei, Xiang Ting remained somewhat anxious. Unlike Zi Yan, who was brought along by Ruo Wei from her home and naturally accompanied her wherever she went, Xiang Ting originally served as a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Princess in the palace. She was assigned to Ruo Wei for two reasons: one was to take care of her daily needs, and the other was to observe her character and temperament on behalf of the Crown Princess, occasionally relaying messages to her. However, she originally served as a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Princess in the palace, and was assigned to Ruo Wei for two reasons: one was to take care of her daily needs, and the other was to observe her character and temperament on behalf of the Crown Princess, occasionally relaying messages to her.

However, now that she is free, she is uncertain whether to return home or continue accompanying Ruowei. Xiangting has lost her sense of direction. She slightly turned her face to look at Ruowei, who was sleeping soundly on the opposite bed with a youthful innocence.

They say that Wei must be a person of great wealth and high status

Ziyan curled her lips: "The young lady is not being honest. The last incident was already suspicious, yet neither Her Highness the Princess nor the Crown Prince raised any doubts, so Ziyan chose not to meddle. However, this time is too strange; falling from the mountaintop only resulted in a scratch on the palm, and both the clothes and the body are perfectly fine. How is that possible?"

In the Qianqing Palace of Nanjing City during the Ming Dynasty

Upon this realization, my heart felt suddenly enlightened, and I returned to my bed, sleeping soundly until dawn.

Thus, she raised her face and for the first time defied her master's wishes. She said that a loyal servant should not serve two masters. If she were to return to the side of the Crown Princess, it would be her desire; however, to serve the Empress Dowager's grandson's consort would inevitably leave her with some reservations in her heart

"It is!" Jack Ma lowered his head and hurriedly withdrew

Xiangting felt as if she had been doused with a bucket of cold water

Zhu Di stood still, his gaze fixed on the kite. After much contemplation, he said: "Go, have someone make several more kites, remember to use a white background, hang them outside the Xihua Gate, and prepare brushes and ink at the palace gate. If anyone approaches to paint the kite faces, do not stop them, present it to me immediately!"

Zhu Di felt a mix of joy and concern in his heart, not expecting that she would truly arrive. Perhaps the news of Zhu Zhanji's selection of a consort had reached Zou Ping, and after receiving the information, she, worried about her daughter's fate, could no longer restrain herself from making an appearance

This could not be clearer; it means that from now on, she, Xiangting, will be a free person and no longer a member of the Crown Princess's court. Naturally, her words and actions will also have nothing to do with the Crown Princess.

What?" Ruo Wei was quite surprised and reached out to tap lightly on Zi Yan's head, saying, "What nonsense are you thinking in that head of yours?"

"Ziyan, are you out of your mind? Do you want me to break my leg and scratch my face before you are happy?" Ruowei simply stood up, walked to the bedside, turned over and got into bed, facing inward, covering herself with the quilt as if she were about to sleep

Xiangting was indeed preoccupied with some thoughts, lying in bed unable to sleep soundly as she pondered endlessly. However, she did not dare to turn over, fearing that even the slightest movement would disturb the two of them, so she could only lie there with her eyes open, silently organizing her thoughts.

Xiang Ting has gone to the kitchen to get food. Seeing that Xiang Ting has walked far away, Zi Yan immediately leaned closer to Ruo Wei and said, "Miss, quickly tell Zi Yan, who saved you today?"

Now, she wishes to follow Ruowei, but the Crown Princess has allowed her to leave the palace and renounce her status

However, these two individuals, one with a beaming smile and the other with a sulky expression, did not respond to her.

Such scheming truly leaves one feeling somewhat disheartened

Because she had just changed places the previous night and was not accustomed to the bed, Ruo Wei hardly slept at all. Originally fatigued, coupled with the mental and physical strain from the mishap this afternoon, she quickly fell into a deep slumber

However, although Xiang Ting is sharp-witted, she is most sincere and kind-hearted. Having spent a long time by Ruo Wei's side, she has unknowingly devoted her entire heart to her, even placing the Crown Princess in the background. Every time the Crown Princess summons her for inquiries, she speaks of how intelligent, kind, and graceful Ruo Wei is, and how outstanding she is.

The next morning, if Ruo Wei woke up early, after having breakfast, she took Zi Yan and Xiang Ting to the back cliff along with Gui Momo and many Taoist disciples. They also invited the master from Qixia Temple, and according to the blueprint drawn by Ruo Wei, they used bamboo pipes to channel water out of the cave. This method was both economical and convenient, and in less than half a day, they had constructed a mountain spring water channel.

Even during this outing from the palace, the Crown Princess had sent someone to summon her for questioning. Xiang Ting understood very well that if the Crown Princess continued to keep her by Ruo Wei's side, it indicated that there was still hope for a turnaround, and Ruo Wei might still have the chance to return to the palace. If the Crown Princess intended for her to return to the Crown Prince's palace, it would mean that she had already given up on Ruo Wei.

"Good-hearted person?" Ziyan rolled her eyes and said, "Good miss, just confess. Xiangting was present earlier, so I didn't dare to ask you. Is this person the same as the one who saved you when you had an accident on the hillside last time?"

What temple, what nonsense? Miss, could you please not change the subject? Just talk to Ziyan about it! Ziyan pressed Ruowei tightly, insisting on her questions.

An arm as delicate as jade extended outside the quilt, with half of the quilt having fallen to the ground. I couldn't help but sigh inwardly; despite being filled with talent, I was still just a child. I quietly got out of bed, walked to Ruowei's bedside to adjust her quilt, and sat beside her, gazing at her serene expression. This reminded me of the discussions I overheard between the cook and the young acolyte while going to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Xiang Ting Shenghao handed a bowl of rice to Ruo Wei, with a somewhat perplexed expression on his face: "What is going on?"

The Crown Princess was momentarily taken aback, then nodded and simply said, "That is fine."

Without raising her head, she lazily replied: "A kind-hearted person"

Emperor Zhu Di sat behind the dragon table, gazing at the paper kite before him, his expression solemn yet somewhat melancholic. Standing in the hall with his head bowed was the Grand Coordinator Ma Yun, who cautiously observed the Emperor's demeanor. From his face, one could not discern joy, nor could one fathom anger; it was merely the profound depth in the Emperor's dragon-like eyes that evoked a sense of unease.

If Wei sat in front of the desk, resting his head on his hand, lost in thought.

Hmph! Ziyan pouted as she took the food box from Xiangting's hands, brought it to the hall, and placed it on the table. She began to arrange the dishes and utensils, her face still fuming: "Fine, Miss, anyway, even if you don't say it, Ziyan knows!"

Twelve years in the palace, entering at the age of eight, spending five years by the side of the Crown Princess, and seven years by the side of Ruo Wei, now at the age of twenty, according to the rules of the Daming Palace, palace maids are originally required to remain in the palace until the age of twenty-five before they can return home.

It appears to be a favor and consideration for oneself, but in reality, it is still to avoid suspicion

To discover the Dragon Cave from the cliffs behind and to find a water source within it is a feat that can only be accomplished by individuals of great fortune and deep blessings. Moreover, to fall from such a high mountain and emerge unscathed is a sign of divine protection. It is likely that the Sanyuan Temple on Qixia Mountain serves as a temporary abode for the phoenix.

Scoop a handful of sweet spring water, gaze at the rolling green mountains, and hear the praises and joyful chirps of the crowd in your ears. In front of Ruowei, it seems as if a window that had already been closed has quietly opened a small crack, allowing sunlight to pour into the previously somewhat gloomy inner world. Indeed, having left the palace, it appears to be entering a dead end, yet as long as hope remains in your heart, you will welcome the harvest.

After receiving the news, Jack Ma recalled that previously Zhu Di had commanded him to search for a woman skilled in playing the pipa within the palace. Thus, he did not dare to delay and hastily presented the paper kite before the emperor

It is hard to believe that more than ten years have passed, and she, now a mother, remains as sharp and clever as ever, unexpectedly requesting an audience in such a manner. Zhu Di stroked his beard, and a hint of gentle warmth gradually emerged in his eyes

It is outside the Xihua Gate! Ma Yun felt somewhat embarrassed. As the chief steward of the Qianqing Palace and the most favored person beside Zhu Di, he bore the dual identity of the commander of the Jinyiwei. It was surprising that for several consecutive days, this kite had flown into the palace out of nowhere. The guards at the palace gate initially paid it no mind, but later, Ma Yun happened to overhear a discussion between two young eunuchs, which piqued his interest. Upon closer inspection, he saw that the painting depicted a heavily wounded general in military attire being rescued by an old man, while not far away, there was a striking image of a woman holding a pipa from behind. The guards at the palace gate initially paid it no mind, but later, Ma Yun happened to overhear a discussion between two young eunuchs, which piqued his interest. Upon closer inspection, he saw that the painting depicted a heavily wounded general in military attire being rescued by an old man, while not far away, there was a striking image of a woman holding a pipa from behind.

Xiang Ting gazed at Ruo Wei, observing her exhale like orchids, her face resembling a bright pearl. Unable to help but feel a stir in her heart, she pondered what it would mean to return home at her current age. At most, she would marry a minor official; it would be better to stay by Ruo Wei's side, as perhaps there would be a better path ahead.

She said, since that is the case, you may as well leave the palace and renounce your title

She once believed that the Crown Princess was kind and dignified, and that serving by her side was a stroke of luck. At this moment, she realized that those who appear kind on the surface can be so cold-hearted within.

This matter is imbued with mystery, resembling a riddle.

If Wei covered her ears and escaped to the outer room, she happened to see Xiangting walking in with a food box. She immediately ran over and said with a flattering expression: "Sister Xiangting, you have worked hard. Ziyan has been lazy, and I just scolded her. After we finish eating, let her take the food box back, and also let her fetch hot water for tonight!"

Xiangting saw her with a joyful expression, and her mood was also quite good: "What words did the young lady say? I am older, so it is only right for me to do a bit more."

And Ziyan pulled the quilt away: "Miss, you are certainly the happiest that you are safe and sound. However, I just noticed the cloth used to bandage your wound on your hand; it is clearly made of fine silk. Generally, hermits who chop wood in the mountains or practice martial arts do not wear such luxurious robes. Moreover, if it were a complete stranger, why would they care about a small injury on your hand after saving you? Why would they carefully tear off your robe and wrap your wound? He thinks, how could you allow an outsider to help you with the bandaging? Therefore, this person must be someone you know. He comes from a wealthy background, is knowledgeable in medicine, possesses excellent martial arts skills, and has rescued you multiple times. Who is he? And why does Miss want to conceal this?"

Thus, Xiang Ting decided to test the intentions of the Crown Princess for Ruo Wei, so she said that everything regarding her stay or departure would depend on the Crown Princess's wishes. The Crown Princess revealed nothing, and her expression was inscrutable, only saying: "Then stay, it just so happens that the Crown Prince is about to move out of the palace, and there is no mature and steady person by the Crown Princess's side, so you shall serve by the Crown Princess's side!"

Although Ziyan harbored some doubts in her heart, it was all for Ruowei's sake, as she was concerned about what might happen to her outside. Seeing her focused and calm, Ziyan soon fell into a deep sleep, no longer pondering the past or future. She silently hoped that the young lady would suffer less hardship or return to the palace soon to reunite with the Crown Prince, or perhaps find a good place to settle down. Lost in these thoughts, she too fell asleep.

"Where did you pick this up?" After a moment, Zhu Di suddenly spoke.

As Wei turned over in bed, Li Yu sat up straight, staring at Zi Yan as if she were a monster: "Heavens, am I the one who has become foolish, or have you become clever? Zi Yan, it is too much of a humiliation for you to be my maid! You should go to the Ministry of Justice, to the Supreme Court; with such keen insight and such deductive reasoning, you are simply the reincarnation of Judge Di."