Section 2

Jin Shu bent her leg and said, "I will go after I finish my tasks"

The prince was somewhat annoyed and said with his hands behind his back: "Lift your head when you speak! Do you really think of yourself as a servant? Look at me, am I not worthy? We may not be childhood friends, but we can at least be considered friends! I still keep that pendant you gave me!"

The Crown Prince opened his mouth to speak, but saw that she had already gone to the other end of the corridor. The attending eunuch, Feng Lu, stepped forward and said: "The ancestors are looking for the Crown Prince. Your Highness, please go in quickly! The Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and Her Majesty the Empress have all arrived. It is almost time for the meal to be served, and it would not be good for us to be late, as it might anger the Emperor"

Jin Shu lowered her eyes and said: "Thank you, His Royal Highness, for your great kindness. I prefer to stay in the Imperial Garden, so please do not trouble yourself. You may treat today as if you have not seen me, or consider me as dead, if you wish."

The prince turned his back, and the wind and snow swirled into the corridor, causing the peacock-patterned cloak adorned with precious gold to flutter around him. He sighed and said: "Why are you being so stubborn? I know that not even ten oxen could pull you back. But what is the point of sulking like this? Why make things difficult for yourself?"

The white cotton paper was paired with a yellow cloud cloak, respectfully placed atop the head, as one walked along the thin snow by the base of the wall. The sky had already begun to brighten slightly, making the lantern unnecessary, so the carrying pole was tucked into the waist sash. Upon exiting the narrow alley and heading south, a distant sight of a group of eunuchs carrying a palanquin approached in a winding manner. Hastily, the yellow cloud cloak was removed, and the umbrella was closed, standing properly to the side. As the palanquin passed in front of her, for some unknown reason, the person of high status suddenly called out to wait a moment.

That is Yu Wenlan Zhou, the enemy who caused the death of her parents and killed her eleven brothers! ... I truly hate myself for not being a man, unable to take revenge, and having to humbly bow my head to him ... ... I tightly squeezed the snow in my palm, only to feel an endless chill creeping into my limbs, causing my heart to ache painfully. I am someone without spirit, having lived foolishly these past few years; even if given a knife, I wouldn't be able to harm anyone, and aside from tormenting myself, I know nothing else.

She placed a damp cloth on the ironed white cotton paper and replied, "I will turn sixteen on the fifth day of the new year"

Since childhood, she had heard that the beauty of the Yuwen family in Nanyuan was renowned throughout the world, and like the Gao family of Beiqi, both men and women possessed faces that could topple kingdoms. As a child, she had no opportunity to observe Yuwen Lanzhou up close, so she could only take advantage of Yuwen Zhan being alone in the palace to study his chubby little face for half a day. Perhaps due to his young age, he had not yet matured; at five years old, Yuwen Zhan resembled a Shaanxi Guokui made in the imperial kitchen, flat and round, with only the white of his skin remaining, and his eyes looked peculiar. Unexpectedly, after not seeing him for ten years, it was as if a celestial being had breathed upon his face; his nose was a nose, his mouth was a mouth, and he had grown into a graceful young man.

"Your servant, Jinshu." She lowered her head in response. The people in the sedan did not speak again, and the chief eunuch snapped his right fingers against the palm of his left hand with a crisp sound. The shoulder-pole sedan slowly moved forward towards the Cining Palace. Jinshu slumped her shoulders; in the chilly weather of early spring, she was startled into a sweat, and as the wind blew, her temples felt cool.

The person pondered for a moment and said, "Lift your head so I can take a look."

The servant did not find it difficult, as the wind outside is strong. Your Highness, please go inside. The servant has duties to attend to, so I will return to the inner courtyard now. After a brief bow, he retreated while saying, "I take my leave."

The prince felt a bit dazed. He had seen that snow-white face before in the alley, with eyebrows and lashes of the same dark hue, and lips tinted with a faint pink. At that time, the eyelids were drooping, and the long, thick eyelashes seemed to cover the eyes as if in sleep. Now, he finally saw the eyes. The corners were slightly raised, and the irises were clear and pure like the water of Erhai Lake. Such captivating colors combined together, and with such bright and melodious eyes looking at him, ... he heard his heart beating like the war drums before a hunting expedition, pounding so hard it felt like it was shaking his very insides ... Now, he finally saw the eyes. The corners were slightly raised, and the irises were clear and pure like the water of Erhai Lake. Such captivating colors combined together, and with such bright and melodious eyes looking at him, ... he heard his heart beating like the war drums before a hunting expedition, pounding so hard it felt like it was shaking his very insides ...

The Crown Prince paused again and sighed deeply: "I know you hate the Yu Wen family, but please believe me, I have never harbored any ill intentions towards you, nor have I ever thought of harming you. I do not dare to ask for your forgiveness; I only ask that, considering our childhood bond, you allow me to make some compensation to you." Jin Shu could not help but want to laugh; she wanted to ask him what kind of compensation could possibly return her parents and brothers to her? What could bring back Da Ye to her? With so much debt owed, is it not pretentious to talk about compensation again? She wanted to ask him what kind of compensation could possibly return her parents and brothers to her? What could bring back Da Ye to her? With so much debt owed, is it not pretentious to talk about compensation again?

She was somewhat distracted when someone on the street called out, "Which palace are you from?"

Seeing her turn away with a look of disdain, Jin Shu could only sigh helplessly. The underlying circumstances cannot be disclosed; serving in front of the master is considered a good thing for others, but for oneself, it feels like chatting with the King of Hell through a layer of window paper. Now it is the world of the Yuwen family; how much patience can they have for her, a princess of the former dynasty? Perhaps one day, if they are displeased, they might execute her, and then she would never see Sixteen again. Now it is the world of the Yuwen family; how much patience can they have for her, a princess of the former dynasty? Perhaps one day, if they are displeased, they might execute her, and then she would never see Sixteen again

She bent down and responded with a "Hmm," her heart racing anxiously. It seemed that the days of peace were coming to an end; she had underestimated Yu Wen Zhan's insight. If they had not met, he might not have remembered her, but since they had encountered each other, there was no escaping it. Subconsciously, she glanced towards the Cining Palace; apart from the two palace maids standing at the gate, there was no one else. How did he know that she had come?

He seemed not to recognize her, but what did that sigh mean? After pondering for a while, Yu Wen Zhan is the legitimate eldest son of Yu Wen Lan Zhou. Most people in the Qi family marry early; Yu Wen Lan Zhou gave birth to him at the age of fourteen. That year, he accompanied his father to the palace to pay respects, and he was only about five or six years old at the time. The two of them got into a scuffle, and after just a few exchanges, they were pulled apart. Later, they shared two pieces of pastry at a table and reconciled. Before leaving, she gifted him a fan pendant. After that, until Yu Wen Lan Zhou captured the Forbidden City, she had not met this father and son pair again. Counting it up, it has been about ten years. It is said that a young girl changes greatly by the age of eighteen; if he were to recognize her, it would be as if he were a deity.

That was an extremely pleasant male voice, akin to the sound of a zither, yet faintly tinged with the coldness of metal and stone. Jin Shu's heart raced, and she gradually became uneasy. Just now, she had not clearly seen who was in the carriage, but she knew it could not be an ordinary person. Whether in the Great British Dynasty or the previous dynasty, those who traveled in palanquins within the imperial harem were either the consorts or the emperor and the crown prince. Could it be Yu Wenlan Zhou? It did not seem likely. Whether in the Great British Dynasty or the previous dynasty, those who traveled in palanquins within the imperial harem were either the consorts or the emperor and the crown prince. Could it be Yu Wenlan Zhou? It did not seem likely.

Lost in thought, she pondered about heading to the northern corridor. As she stepped onto the stairs, she suddenly noticed a hem adorned with a pattern of entwined branches and precious flowers right in front of her. Startled, she quickly withdrew her foot, and upon seeing the deer leather oil boots embroidered with a four-clawed python pattern, she realized that Yu Wen Zhan had already arrived. Lowering her head, she offered a respectful greeting, "This servant, Jin Shu, wishes the Crown Prince a golden peace."

"These years have been hard on you," the Crown Prince said slowly. "When I saw you in the corridor today, I thought I had mistaken you for someone else, but it really was you. Your features have matured, yet there are still traces of your childhood... Do you still remember me? I am Zhan, the South Garden heir, with the courtesy name Dongli, the one who once fought with you."

Xiao Lingzi gritted her teeth and cursed, "That eunuch Li is truly something that even a dog wouldn't eat. He tricked me into saying you were coming, and I waited here for a whole tea time, freezing my face stiff. " Looking down at the shoes on her feet, she frowned and said, "Why are they all wet? The snow is really heavy! Hurry back, or you'll get frostbite. I'll go in too; today is the Little New Year, and the Crown Prince is inside. Later, the Emperor, Empress, and the Empress Dowager will all come, so we must be careful in our service."

Jin Shu understood that this was a favor for her, and she responded with a soft acknowledgment, her smile becoming increasingly shy

In a moment of daze, I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye of a group of eunuchs approaching, leading a palanquin with a yellow canopy. The person inside was dressed in a dark ceremonial robe, their head slightly bowed, and a warm black marten hat obscured most of their face, revealing only the hollow gold Buddha and the cloud dragon inlaid with eastern pearls on the top of the hat. Jinshu knelt on the ground, feeling both anger and frustration in his heart

Aunt Xiao smiled and said: "The month is quite auspicious, and the day is also favorable. On the fifth day, the God of Wealth has welcomed you. Your parents must be very happy... Speaking of your parents, who else is there in the family?"

Xiao Lingzi had been waiting under the corridor for a long time. The two had interacted several times, so they were considered old acquaintances, allowing for casual conversation. Jin Shu smiled as she looked at her and handed over the oilcloth package, saying, "I truly apologize for making you wait. How much of the northwestern wind have you eaten here?"

She turned around and quickened her pace towards the Yeting. After taking just two steps, someone called from behind, "Stop." She halted, lowered her hands, and turned around. The person was a eunuch, with high cheekbones and small eyes. He looked her up and down and said, "Miss Jinshu, please wait. His Royal Highness has sent a message, asking you to wait under the northern corridor; he will have something to discuss with you later."

Jin Shu feels an inexplicable awkwardness; in fact, her hatred is directed towards Yu Wen Lan Zhou, and he is not significantly related to it. When his father plotted to usurp the throne, he was only six years old. What does a six-year-old child know? It is impossible to hate him. From another perspective, he might have acted out of good intentions. His father sat on the Golden Throne for nine years, the national treasury was full, and the country was stable. As a carefree crown prince, what need did he have to concern himself with her trivial matters? He could have treated her like the other members of the Yu Wen family, using her as a third-class servant, so why would he seek discomfort? It is evident that he indeed cherishes the bond from their childhood, not holding a grudge for the losses he suffered during their fights, and even when she scratched a large piece of skin from his forehead with her nails, he did not take it to heart. Perhaps he is truly a good person, but unfortunately, he is the son of the Emperor Cheng De, and no matter how good he is, he remains an enemy.

The letter was filled with helplessness as she raised her eyes to look at him, a cold smile forming in her heart. Dressed in a jade crown and splendid robes, he appeared quite imposing, a stark contrast to the image of him as a snotty child from years ago. He was a year younger than her, once resembling a short winter melon. Now, he had grown tall, likely from practicing archery in the wild, his complexion tanned to a wheat color. His brows and hairline were sharply defined, and his facial features were perfectly proportioned, exquisite to the point of being flawless. Most striking were his eyes; belonging to the Yuwen clan with Xianbei ancestry, his pupils bore a ring of gold, giving him an enchanting and bewitching appearance. His brows and hairline were sharply defined, and his facial features were perfectly proportioned, exquisite to the point of being flawless. Most striking were his eyes; belonging to the Yuwen clan with Xianbei ancestry, his pupils bore a ring of gold, giving him an enchanting and bewitching appearance

Aunt Xiao looked at her with a strange expression. Having been in the palace for so long, it was the first time she encountered someone unwilling to climb the social ladder. Who would want to endure the hardships of the Yeting, toiling all day like a mule? Everyone seeks ways to rise, as only by getting close to the master can one have a chance at a better life. There is no one else like her in the entire Forbidden City. What is this called? Preserving one's integrity? Or is it a lack of ambition? Aunt Xiao said no more, her expression growing somewhat cold. She was trying to help her, yet she showed no gratitude, truly a born laborer. There is no one else like her in the entire Forbidden City. What is this called? Preserving one's integrity? Or is it a lack of ambition? Aunt Xiao said no more, her expression growing somewhat cold. She was trying to help her, yet she showed no gratitude, truly a born laborer.

Jin Shudao: "I am indeed inferior to the servants, and I appreciate the kind intentions of His Royal Highness. I am clumsy and not clever, and I fear that I may not serve my master well. I would rather work in the Imperial Garden Bureau. His Royal Highness may consider that I have not been here for nine years and need not remember that I exist."

Jin Shu hurriedly invited Shuang An, "In response to the master's words, this servant is merely a menial worker in the Yeting and lacks the fortune to serve the noble ones"

Jin Shu nodded hurriedly, "You should go in quickly, I am leaving."

The old monk, as if in deep meditation, expressed without sorrow or joy, "I am filled with trepidation."

She was busy with her hands, and Aunt Xiao watched with great satisfaction from the side. This girl is clever; whatever she does, no one can find fault with her. It's just that her temperament is a bit bland; I've never heard her chat idly with anyone. Although she appears to be only sixteen or seventeen years old, in terms of experience, she is probably older than anyone else. I don't even know when she entered the palace. Aunt Xiao is not much older than her, yet she is still at an age where she loves to inquire. Seeing that the others were far away, she lowered her voice and tried to get closer to her, "Hey, the last time I saw you weave a goose, it looked just like a living creature. How did you do it?"

Jin Shu lowered her eyelids and said softly, "They are all dead."

Jin Shu lowered her head and busied herself for an hour before finishing a stack of fire paper. After counting, there were about a hundred pieces. Noticing that it was getting late, she needed to deliver the items before the meal was served in the longevity kitchen. The snow was still falling outside, and fearing that the fire paper would get damp, she wrapped it in an oilcloth, took an umbrella, and hurriedly went out.

Jin Shu raised her head and smiled, "Auntie enjoys playing with this? Next time, I will make one for you. It is not easy to explain clearly; otherwise, when you have some free time, I will make one for you to see, and you will understand it at a glance"

Jin Shu hurriedly shook her head and said: "I know my aunt cares for me, but I am clumsy and cannot speak well. I am afraid that if I make a mistake, it will implicate my aunt. I am not someone who can stand in the limelight; I only seek stability. My aunt assigns me tasks, and I do them diligently. Serving here is the same as well."

To comfort herself, she quickened her pace, fearing that any further incidents might arise. Once she entered the Yeting Bureau, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. The palace maids from the previous night had returned, and since they had no tasks during the day, they could sleep for a couple of hours in their quarters. Therefore, she could not return to her room and had to go to the servant quarters on the west side. Upon entering, she first paid her respects to the steward, Aunt Xiao. Upon seeing the yellow cloud bag, Aunt Xiao immediately understood the situation and nodded, saying: "Once this is done, prepare the fire eyebrows needed for the Cining Palace. We need to get ready the items for the New Year. Today, there are not enough people on duty, so once you finish rolling them, please send them over. There is no need to go inside; just give them to the person at the door."

Aunt Xiao smiled awkwardly, "I apologize for bringing up your sad memories. That being said, there are not many people born on the fifth day of the first month. I heard that the Taichang Princess of the previous dynasty was also born on the fifth. You are quite fortunate to share a birthday with her." After a moment's thought, she continued, "Our ancestor often praises your skill in making fire eyebrows. When the opportunity arises, I will speak to the people of Cining Palace. The little Lingzi serving Shiyan is of age and should be released soon. At that time, I will recommend you to go there to serve. Serving our ancestor is certainly better than doing menial tasks here."

Jin Shu felt somewhat lacking in confidence, yet despite her apprehension, she had no choice but to follow his instructions. She slightly raised her head, her eyelids obediently lowered. If the master wished to look at you, that was your fortune; only when the master looked at you could you be considered fortunate. You could not engage in a staring contest with the master, for breaking the rules would not only result in your own punishment but would also implicate your aunt who was responsible for your upbringing. The people in the carriage scrutinized her, remaining silent for a long time, only to let out a faint sigh, "What is it called?"

Both the person and the sedan chair have passed, and a salty, metallic taste of rust lingers in her mouth, as she has inadvertently bitten her lip. She stands up to calm her emotions; even if her heart bleeds with hatred, it is of no use unless she can leave the palace. Otherwise, she must continue to bow and serve. It is not easy to get out; just the rotation of the eunuchs in the inner court takes half an hour, not to mention the guards at each palace gate. In her childhood, she feared death, but now she has a somewhat fearless attitude towards it; unfortunately, she has no outlet for her strength. While delivering items, she has also paid attention to the guards stationed everywhere, but there is simply no opportunity to exploit. After observing several times, she eventually lost hope; without a waist token, she will never be able to leave in this lifetime, destined to die here.

The servant did not dare to aspire to such heights; the Crown Prince should have discarded that thing long ago, as it tarnishes your eyes. She said this while bowing again.

That voice was deep and resolute, and she would never forget it for the rest of her life. So ambitious and full of confidence, yet unfortunately, at that time, the Emperor was not vigilant and instead praised his extraordinary talent. He was granted a yellow robe, allowing him to walk before the Emperor, and as a result, he donned the yellow robe and led his troops into the Forbidden City

The prince fell silent, seemingly unsure of how to begin. After a while, he said: "There are no outsiders here, so do not be so distant with me."

When she smiles, there are two small dimples at the corners of her mouth. She always speaks slowly and deliberately, with each word and sentence carefully considered and measured. Such a person is endearing. Aunt Xiao then followed the conversation and said: "After lunch today, let's take a break, and you can teach me."

The Cining Palace is a considerable distance from the Yeting. This time, the snow has fallen heavily, and within less than a day, everything has turned into a vast expanse of white, leaving no time for clearing. The snow on the walkway has been trampled into a solid layer of ice, and after a while without anyone walking, another layer of snow covers it. The palace maid does not have boots to wear, so she has to endure the cold, trudging forward with each step deeper than the last. By the time she reaches the enormous gilded incense burner in front of the Cining Palace, both her shoes and socks are completely soaked, heavy enough to wring out water.

The servant does not dare to.

Aunt Xiao asked again, "How old are you?"

If it is not Yu Wenlan Zhou, then it must be Crown Prince Yu Wenzhan! If it is him, then the two of them fought over a bird when they were children. After so many years, would he still recognize her?

Are you willing to serve in the Eastern Palace? I can instruct the Internal Affairs Office to transfer you there, how does that sound? The Crown Prince said eagerly, "Once you are with me, everything will be easy to discuss. Staying in the Yeting is not a long-term solution for you."

After a moment of stunned silence, he awkwardly averted his gaze. The Crown Prince cleared his throat and said, "It is settled then. I will send someone to inform the Ministry of Internal Affairs to transfer your name to the Eastern Palace. It is not appropriate for you to be constantly mingling with those of lower status."

She had once gazed at him from a distance during the emperor's banquet for the vassal kings and had also heard his voice. At that time, the emperor presented a couplet for everyone's enjoyment, the first line being: "Residing in the pagoda, gazing at Kongming, lamenting the difficulty of traveling amidst the river's encirclement." The ancestors of the vassal kings of different surnames all came from military backgrounds, with the throne passed down from generation to generation. Most of the heirs who ascended to the throne valued martial prowess over literary talent, and few possessed scholarly knowledge. In the midst of scratching their heads in confusion, only one tall and upright young man stood up to respond to the couplet: "Birds in the cage, thoughts in the nest, resenting Guan Yu for not being Zhang Fei." The ancestors of the vassal kings of different surnames all came from military backgrounds, with the throne passed down from generation to generation. Most of the heirs who ascended to the throne valued martial prowess over literary talent, and few possessed scholarly knowledge. In the midst of scratching their heads in confusion, only one tall and upright young man stood up to respond to the couplet: "Birds in the cage, thoughts in the nest, resenting Guan Yu for not being Zhang Fei."

The Crown Prince does not appreciate this deliberate aloofness, frowning in displeasure, "What do you mean by that? I have said, do not bow your head or hunch your body, look at me when you speak!"