Section 3

"The ancestors taught us that the East fence should always be remembered and never forgotten for even a moment." The Crown Prince pressed his face against the cold coral beads of the Empress Dowager's chest and said hesitantly, "Grandmother, I encountered a palace maid yesterday..."

Chun Tao scoffed and said, "Do you think you can just run around the world carrying a living person on your back? I heard from my aunts that when the Emperor selects someone, that concubine just waits for the eunuchs with lanterns to come and take her. Once she arrives at the Yangxin Hall, there are dedicated attendants to help her undress. After she takes off her large cloak, she is wrapped up and carried to the Emperor's sleeping quarters, which is just a few steps away."

The Crown Prince pondered for a moment; this matter was not easy to handle, and it was impossible to keep it a secret. Although the Empress Dowager was somewhat advanced in age, her mind remained as clear as a mirror. The late Princess He De was her legitimate daughter-in-law, welcomed into the family with a grand procession of ten miles of red bridal attire. At that time, marrying a grand princess was a tremendous honor. Now, the palace was left with a remnant of the previous dynasty, and while everyone tacitly understood the situation, forgetting was absolutely out of the question. The affairs of the harem were generally presided over by the Empress, and it was feared that it would be difficult to manage matters with E Nie, who was likely relying on the Empress Dowager's affection for her descendants. It would be better to speak with the Empress first; once the matriarch spoke, E Nie and the Empress would naturally have to comply.

Everyone in the room politely escorted him to the door, saying, "Please take care, An Da." Eunuch Chen waved his hand in response and leisurely walked out of the courtyard with an umbrella.

The Crown Prince placed the cup on the silver tray held by the palace maid and said softly, "I have received my imperial father's permission to first pay respects to our ancestors." He then deliberately began to act coy, saying, "Oh, Ancestor, how could you be so unkind? It is not easy for me to steal a moment of leisure at Dongli, yet I am the first to come and bow to you, and you do not seem to welcome me."

Jin Shu wiped the chair and invited him to sit down, smiling as he said, "An Da, are you making fun of me? What fortune do I have?" He then brewed some tea and presented it in front of him, saying, "I know An Da loves strong tea, so I specially prepared this. An Da, please have a taste and see if it is to your liking."

Lychee and the crispy napkin covered her mouth. Seeing Jinshu in a daze, Chuntao asked: "Are you listening? Speak quickly, or I will scold you for being improper again"

Lychee felt curious, "It is said that the Emperor treats everyone equally, but surely there are those he favors in his heart. Who has the most records in the Respectful Affairs Room?"

Jin Shu was momentarily taken aback and asked, "What is your name and where do you serve?"

Jin Shu teased them, pouring water into the cup of Eunuch Chen, "An Da, I will be listening to the news in the room for the next two days, please inform Aunt Xiao that I need to take a leave of absence." Eunuch Chen recalled that earlier, when he mentioned to Aunt Xiao about her being transferred to the Accounting Department, she had a look of sudden realization on her face, "No wonder I thought she was reluctant to be assigned to serve the Empress Dowager; it turns out there was this matter."

Cui Cui tilted her head and asked, "How did it end up in the branches? I heard it was carried out from the young master's sleeping quarters."

Taizi Road: "She serves in the Yeting, named Jinshu, and is... the Taichang Princess of the previous dynasty"

The Empress Dowager sighed, "Our Crown Prince has grown up. The day before yesterday, you and your grandmother were still saying that you are fifteen now, and it is time to establish your office and build your residence. After the New Year, I will instruct the Imperial Clan Court to draft a list, so we can carefully select a good wife for you." After a pause, she continued, "Did you just mention that you have taken a liking to a palace maid? Have you inquired which palace she serves in? Whose daughter is she? If her family background is acceptable, I will support you in this matter. If not, we can at least keep her in the house for now, and later on, we can grant her the title of a secondary consort."

Taizi Dao: "There are urgent official matters in the court, and the urgent dispatch from the northern desert has just arrived in the capital. At this moment, the Emperor Father is discussing matters with several ministers in the Eastern Warm Pavilion and will come later to pay respects to the Ancestor."

Crisp and disdainful, he remarked: "These are the ones without longevity! A teapot missing its spout, yet they still aspire to find a wife like a man; they are not afraid of being reborn as livestock in the next life!"

The Imperial Household Department received the order from the Crown Prince and quickly dispatched someone to make arrangements

The Crown Prince donned a red tassel crown and sat beside the Empress Dowager. Due to his considerable height, he insisted on leaning against the Empress Dowager as if he were a child, nestled in his stone blue ceremonial robe, with his legs stretched out straight, appearing quite comical.

Eunuch Chen lifted the cup and took a sip, savoring the taste before nodding and saying: "This is exactly the flavor! Miss Jinshu is attentive; she even added rock candy, truly a bright child!"

Eunuch Chen is a clever man; he understood seven or eight parts of the matter upon hearing it, and felt regret for his godson. Xiao Dezhang, who served as the hairdresser for the Empress Dowager, had recognized him as his godfather when he first entered the palace. A few times, when passing by the Yeting, he had seen Jinshu and felt tempted, asking him twice to act as a matchmaker. It is common in the palace for eunuchs and palace maids to form "pairings"; two pitiful individuals come together to share their lives, providing mutual support. In fact, it is quite similar to an ordinary couple, just lacking in "that matter." Eunuchs cannot engage in human relationships, yet they still know how to care for their wives. Out of consideration for Xiao Dezhang calling him godfather, he agreed and planned to find a private moment to speak with Jinshu, but it seems this matter will remain unspoken. It would be better for Xiao Dezhang to give up on this idea; the Crown Prince has ordered that those who are to be kept must not be touched by anyone who is tired of living.

Eunuch Chen suddenly remembered, "I was just rambling on and almost forgot what I came here for." He cupped his hands towards Jinshu, "Young lady, you are climbing the ranks, and it seems you are about to achieve great success. Just before lunch, Feng Lu, who serves the Crown Prince, sent for me to convey the Crown Prince's decree. You need not attend to your duties these days; just take a rest. The Crown Prince said that tomorrow he will seek the ancestral decree and then assign you your duties. If by chance you are appointed to the Eastern Palace or to serve in front of the Emperor, do not forget us old folks." The Crown Prince said that tomorrow he will seek the ancestral decree and then assign you your duties. If by chance you are appointed to the Eastern Palace or to serve in front of the Emperor, do not forget us old folks.

The Empress Dowager paused slightly and said, "You speak first."

Busy replied: "Rest assured, I have already spoken with Aunt Xiao. You can relax and wait. Once there are instructions from above, I will send someone to inform the young lady." He stood up, patted his clothes, and said, "Alright, I should be going now"

Jin Shu cleared her throat, leaned over the bamboo basket on the kang table to thread the needle, and casually said: "I heard this when I was a child"

The Empress Dowager adjusted the sea dragon purple mink trim on his sleeve and said, "I often hear that you are making great progress in your studies, which brings me comfort. Your imperial father ascended to the throne at the age of twenty, and it has taken many years for this tumultuous realm to gradually become prosperous and strong under his rule. Do you understand the principle of survival of the fittest? Spend more time on the path of governance, so as not to betray your imperial father's hard work. Your imperial father toils day and night for the affairs of the state; you must share his burdens, for that is the filial duty of a son." Spend more time on the path of governance, so as not to betray your imperial father's hard work. Your imperial father toils day and night for the affairs of the state; you must share his burdens, for that is the filial duty of a son.

I said that Miss Jinshu is truly remarkable. Master Chen entered the room, speaking as he surveyed the surroundings. There was a table, two chairs, and against the southern wall were stacked four long benches, along with a clothing trunk for each person at the head of the kang. Looking at this shabby scene, it was indeed worse than a place for the gatekeeper eunuchs to rest. He was in charge of the Accounting Department of the Imperial Household, and usually, he wouldn't even bother to set foot in a place like this; any assignments would simply be relayed by the little monkeys under his command. However, this time was different from the past; Feng Lu, who was close to the Crown Prince, had come to deliver such an edict, indicating that there must be significant matters at hand. Those working in the palace, who does not have a nose more sensitive than a dog's? At the slightest commotion, they are alert and attentive, and they would inquire about it, as a way of fulfilling their duty.

After the snow, the sun shines brightly. The Empress Dowager is seated on the brocade cushion at the head of the kang. Sunlight streams in through the window, making the pearls on her head sparkle brilliantly. The Crown Prince steps forward to pay his respects, saying, "Dongli wishes the Empress Dowager good health and longevity."

Yuwen Zhan's temperament remains unchanged; once he decides on something, it must be done, and whatever others say is irrelevant, as if he has not heard it. Chun Tao has received significant news and is pursuing him with questions: "When did you get to know that master? Other princes in the palace often come and go, but the Crown Prince is rarely seen. I heard that after court, he either goes to the cloth market or studies in the study room. Chen An Da was not wrong; you truly are someone with fortune."

The Empress Dowager smiled at the close attendant beside her, saying, "Look at this child, all they know is how to make me happy." She beckoned, "Come, sit in front of me."

The Empress Dowager's face indeed darkened, her lips pressed together in silence for a long while. The Crown Prince's heart raced, and he stole a glance at the Empress Dowager, who ignored him and leaned back against the brocade cushion. The Crown Prince hurriedly stood with his hands at his sides, murmuring: "I beseech Your Majesty's grace."

Jin Shu lowered his head and said: "It's nothing much, I ran into them on the way back from the Guangchu Division this morning."

Crown Prince Dao: "You go to the Internal Affairs Office to convey my message. For the next few days, suspend Miss Jinshu's duties and keep her here. Later, I will seek the grace of our ancestors and discuss it further."

The Empress Dowager smiled benevolently, "Good child, did you not go to practice the cloth art today? It is commendable that you ran here so early; your imperial father has not yet arrived, and you are here quite early today."

The tofu, resembling a layer of milk skin, swayed gently, topped with sesame and almonds, complemented by the emerald green glass bowl, presenting an exceptionally appealing appearance. The Crown Prince had stood in the outer court for the entire morning, and only now did he realize he was truly hungry. He accepted the bowl with gratitude, lowered his head, and slowly began to eat with a silver spoon

The prince gently furrowed his brows, gathered his cloak, and turned to walk forward along the corridor. After taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped, and Feng Lu quickly halted, glancing over to ask: "What is the matter, my lord?"

The other people in the room were greatly surprised and surrounded Jin Shu, asking: "Is this true? This is a good thing! As long as the position is secured well, in the future, one can request a favor from the master, and with the records in the Internal Affairs Office, one can be freed from slavery when reaching the appropriate age."

So I said it is a good thing, being able to get out of the courtyard is enough, it feels like I have gained half a life for free. Chun Tao sighed and said, "It's rare to have such a complete gathering, luckily I was granted half a day off this afternoon, so we could all come together. Speaking of food, do you know who the supplier of the silver needles from the laundry bureau is?" Chun Tao was quite talkative, and working in the same place as the talkative Consort Ding, there were countless fresh stories to share. Seeing everyone shake their heads, she proudly said, "Let me tell you, it is Zheng Quanfu from the back palace. He is the eunuch waiting at the eastern end of the Yangxin Hall, carrying the little master to the dragon bed."

Chun Tao was amused by her words, "You are quite straightforward, much more so than they are." She pushed open the southern window to take a look, and seeing that no one was around, she lowered her voice and said, "The line of people in front has passed, and the Emperor is the first to ascend the dragon bed, with the quilt covering up to his ankles, leaving his feet exposed, waiting for the eunuchs to bring him in. The concubine must crawl in from the foot of the dragon and then... The steward is waiting outside the window, timing it. If it takes too long, he will remind from outside, saying he is worried the Emperor might catch a chill." The concubine must crawl in from the foot of the dragon and then... The steward is waiting outside the window, timing it. If it takes too long, he will remind from outside, saying he is worried the Emperor might catch a chill.

Jin Shu's face turned red, so angry that she couldn't even speak.

The girls are generally interested in such topics, their faces flushed with excitement as they look at Chun Tao with anticipation. Chun Tao furrowed her brow and said, "It's more or less the same. The Emperor is diligent in governance, and the days he summons his attendants are few. Sometimes, he gets up in the middle of the night to review memorials, and when he reaches a point that displeases him, he slams the table and curses, scaring those in attendance to the point where they dare not even breathe. I heard some of the rules from Yin Zhen yesterday; would you like me to share them with you?"

Chun Tao said: "That's right, it's this. I haven't been educated, so I can't express it. " She turned to Jin Shu and asked, "How did you know?"

The Crown Prince shuddered, his mind buzzing. He knew that seeking help from anyone carried risks, but it seemed that appealing to the Empress Dowager was a successful endeavor, at least for now, as she would not execute him immediately.

He then glanced at the attendants beside him, deliberately putting on a hesitant demeanor. The Empress Dowager, seeing this young man acting shy like a maid, smiled and signaled for the people in the room to leave. Once everyone had exited, she said: "Don't be embarrassed, they have all left. If you have something to say, just speak to the lady. I cannot make decisions alone; your mother is here too"

The prince gently rubbed his forehead and cautiously observed the expression of the Empress Dowager, saying: "This person is also known to the Empress. I hope the Empress will not be displeased when I mention it."

The Empress Dowager looked at him eating and asked, "While your imperial father is handling state affairs, why are you not by his side learning, and how did you manage to slip out?"

The letter is not very clear, "What happened?"

Lychee could not understand the term "sudden death during intercourse" and kept pestering Chun Tao for an explanation. Chun Tao pondered for a long time but could not find the right words to describe it. Jin Shu was quite calm; she knew about this as it had happened in the palace during the Great Ye period, involving her cousin, who had died at that time. Therefore, she always remembered what the imperial physician had said. She recounted, "Sudden death during intercourse refers to death occurring unexpectedly during sexual activity, which is termed '脱症' in traditional Chinese medicine and colloquially known as '大泄身'"

Lychee adjusted the corner of the blanket draped over her legs, raised her chin, and said: "That Chen eunuch's adopted son, Zhang, has inquired about you several times. I can see that the boy is up to no good; if the Crown Prince doesn't speak up, he will probably call his adoptive father to act as a matchmaker. What kind of person is Chen eunuch? He is someone who dares to pluck a hair from a tiger's head. If you don't agree, just try it; unless you are not in the palace, otherwise, they will make sure to deal with you. This time, you are lucky to escape with your life."

Look, isn't it a turn of fortune! The three girls laughed with a hint of ambiguity, "When they gain power, they will at least remember us, Aunt Jin."

I often say that you are a child with discretion, but it seems that is not the case now! The Empress Dowager said, "You are the Crown Prince, the lifeblood of the Great England, destined to be the Emperor in the future. Can you act without thinking? Keeping her alive is already a great mercy; she holds a grudge against our family. Who would dare to place her by your side? You are young and inexperienced; if anything were to happen, it would be too late for regrets! I see that girl is cunning; how could you possibly encounter her under normal circumstances? You are young and inexperienced; if anything were to happen, it would be too late for regrets! I see that girl is cunning; how could you possibly encounter her under normal circumstances? Can you tell me what happened?"

Feng Lu promptly took the order and went to handle it

A few people settled down on the kang and chatted for a while. Litchi said, "Fortunately, this happened; otherwise, there would have been trouble."

The Empress Dowager glared at him and said, "Why didn't you go to your mother instead? It's fortunate that you came to find me first; had it been the Empress or the Queen, you would have already received a piece of silk as a reward!"

Jin Shu, being the most generous, nodded and said: "Go ahead, we all want to listen."

We will not bother with him, good child, are you hungry? The Empress Dowager smiled and called to the wet nurse, "Bring the milk skin for your master."

"Have you spoken?" Lychee leaned over and nudged her with her shoulder, "What did you say?"