One

That would be the Third Lady

After the palace maid held up the small mirror, Yu Xizi looked at herself from all angles and then nodded in satisfaction

Within the four rooms, there was an uproar

It is still early; could you go to the East Wing Courtyard and see if Shaodianbao has arrived?

No one would want to cause any trouble at this critical juncture

Shaoguang first bowed and greeted with a morning salutation, then stepped aside to observe carefully. After a moment, she picked up the fishwood comb from the table and gently scraped the tips of the comb against her temples a couple of times to smooth out the unruly hair. Then she opened her makeup box, lifted the lid of the rouge case, and added a drop of clear water to her palm, mixing it with the rouge, which she softly patted onto Yu Xizi's cheeks. After a few applications, her cheeks displayed the hues of dawn, perfectly complementing the exquisite features of her flying fairy hairstyle. After a moment, she picked up the fishwood comb from the table and gently scraped the tips of the comb against her temples a couple of times to smooth out the unruly hair. Then she opened her makeup box, lifted the lid of the rouge case, and added a drop of clear water to her palm, mixing it with the rouge, which she softly patted onto Yu Xizi's cheeks. After a few applications, her cheeks displayed the hues of dawn, perfectly complementing the exquisite features of her flying fairy hairstyle.

Without the need for deliberate adornment, one already possesses an enchanting demeanor

Does this not prove that Yu Xizi trusts you more?

However, just a few days before the festival, while the palace maids in the inner court were nervously and busily wrapping up their work, two incidents, both significant and trivial, occurred. One was the promotion within the Clothing Bureau, and the other was a scandal that suddenly emerged from the Inner Servants' Office.

In a focused tone, Shaoguang softly said: "The master has forgotten; I have been responsible for attending to the grooming for a long time."

For the internal bureau, it first busied itself with the preparation of seasonal items, and then proceeded to arrange matters concerning the newly appointed ladies of the Inner Court. Just when everything was finally in order, the palace was about to welcome the grand festivities of the New Year. Those who had previously endured the bloodshed and turmoil at the Fuying Zen Temple hardly had time to rejoice in their fortunate survival before they were once again immersed in the hustle and bustle of their duties.

Shaoguang Road: "The treasures for the royal banquet have been nearly prepared, and the bronze cauldron for the New Year's Eve vigil, along with the ceremonial vessels needed for the sacrifices, have all been meticulously arranged, awaiting just one final polishing. As for the offerings in the Eastern Palace, a few items forged outside the palace have sustained minor damage and have already been replaced with those made within the palace. The servants have reported this to the Inner Court Supervisor, but the head servant still needs to inform the Chief Steward once more."

Being young is wonderful

However, none of this can disrupt the preparations for the festival within the inner court. In the words of an old eunuch who has served in the palace for many years: "Once we have finished serving our masters, we will settle the accounts all at once"

Now, when I engage in the act of combing my hair, I realize that every task I have handled has long been refined and understood. Even after many years without practice, picking it up again feels effortless. No wonder even the notoriously picky Yu Xizi praises her technique endlessly

Does the term "Zhangshou" refer to the Third Lady or the Fourth Lady

With a graceful gesture, Yu Xizi spread her arms and said, "Given the current situation in the inner court, it would certainly be advantageous for me to take advantage of it. However, over the past few days, I have a persistent feeling that this newly appointed lady seems to have some special intentions."

With a faint smile, she shook her head, "It is only because I was originally from the clothing department, and so was Fei Yi. I also had a falling out with Zhong Yi Lan at one point. Given the relationship between Yu Xi Zi and Zhong Yi Lan, she is in need of me at this moment."

The timekeeper nodded and said: "The palace attendants are all saying that the head and the two ladies get along very well"

This has always been the case within the organization; when someone falls from grace, there will inevitably be a newcomer rising to take their place. The saying "a new generation replaces the old" applies not only to the competition for favor in the imperial harem. However, the appointment of Jin Se to replace Zhong Yi Lan as the head of the clothing department is indeed somewhat unexpected for the seasoned veterans Yu Xi Zi and Yan Jin Xin.

This is how people are. Whenever there is a desire, even for a trivial matter, it will be magnified significantly

It is absolutely impossible for the wives and concubines who share meals with the eunuchs to conceive a child, yet Su Shangxin became pregnant shortly after entering the palace

Qiluo frowned and said, "So, she has already seen that you have a secret relationship with Fuyi?"

At this moment, the palace maid brought a brand new high-waisted long skirt palace dress. Yu Xizi stood up and opened her arms to allow them to serve her. Once the jade-inlaid belt was tied and the arm shawl was properly arranged, a maid brought two large bronze mirrors for Yu Xizi to check her appearance from the front and back.

The promotions within the Department of Imperial Garments take place in the Tailoring Room

Although the leader of the Si Bao Fang does not hold a high rank, being able to command over three hundred people within the organization is sufficient for her to find joy in her position

At that moment, the door curtain was lifted from the outside, and Shaoguang walked in from outside the house

It is merely a common routine

Indeed, it is always like this every year, bustling and busy, leaving no time for rest. Yu Xizi looked at her with a warm gaze and said with a smile, "It is you who have come, alleviating a great deal of my worries. It is truly reassuring."

After the two conversed for a while longer, a palace servant entered carrying the breakfast.

You have arrived just in time, please help me see if there is anything amiss

Time passed as she took another sip of tea, knowing that before the festival, a group of newly appointed palace maids would enter the palace for training. After the Lantern Festival, several dozen elderly palace maids would be sent back out of the palace. The registry office would inevitably be bustling with activity and preparations.

Upon hearing this, Yu Xizi fell into deep thought. Shaoguang, seeing this, also refrained from saying more

In fact, Yu Xizi's initial thought was not wrong; upon arriving in a new place, it is likely that one would be too busy to make connections, so how could one repeatedly refuse the goodwill that comes knocking at the door? Therefore, at that time, whether it was the Si Bao Room, the Si Yi Room, or several other places, Fei Yi would always put on a cold face, merely as a formality to establish authority

To be favored by the master is the fortune of a servant

In fact, the leader need not worry too much..." After saying this, Shaoguang noticed that Yuxizi was looking at her inquiringly, so she spoke softly, "Even though the third lady was once in the palace, she is now lacking in the aspect of being 'new.' She has been away for quite some time, and no matter how well-informed she is, there will always be areas that she cannot take into account. Now that she has returned, she ultimately needs someone to support her.

The young female official stood behind, her arm linked with another, dressed in a simple royal blue silk skirt with a rolled hem. Her hair was styled in a high bun, and her makeup was light, giving her slightly pale skin a translucent quality. Particularly striking were her ice-like black eyes, dark and deep, as if harboring a hidden meaning, presenting a fragile and deceptive appearance.

Since the reallocation of power within the inner court, Shang Jinping has spared no effort in courting all available factions within the central palace. The most minimal preparation involves placing palace attendants from the court around each faction. Even if they cannot become trusted confidants, there must always be someone in each hall and each chamber who can manage meals and understand the needs of others.

Once the incense had finished burning, Shaoguang handed the incense burner to a palace maid on the side. Yu Xizi brushed off her collar and said, "I naturally have considered this implication. You were right before; at this moment, with so many eyes watching in plain sight, it is essential to be cautious. If the Si Bao Fang wishes to establish more connections, it must show some sincerity."

However, for several days now, all of Yu Xizi's clothing and adornments have been managed solely by her, resulting in her having more opportunities to enter and exit the inner courtyard and sleeping quarters. For this reason, Qi Luo could not help but tease her, saying, "You are truly regressing. A dignified sixth-rank female official has actually become a hairdresser, and you still take pleasure in doing it yourself without any fatigue"

Yu Xizi listened attentively, nodding repeatedly to show her satisfaction

When the dyeing incident was discovered, Su Shangxin already showed signs of being with child. The young girl was so frightened that she lost her composure and, without waiting to report to Shang Jinping, directly informed the Imperial Medical Institute. This matter was undoubtedly a great humiliation for Zhao Fuquan, an old eunuch who had firmly established his position and authority in the palace for many years. Before the Palace Justice Department could investigate, Su Shangxin was directly taken back to her residence outside the palace and dealt with on her own.

The first person to learn of this matter was not from the Imperial Medical Institute, but rather a low-ranking palace maid from the Palace Kitchen, named Ran Yi

It is all part of the duties of a servant

Time does not linger, so she went down to prepare. She is now merely a steward of treasures, yet she is almost temporarily assuming the role of the chief steward. Although her confinement to the inner chamber is merely a stopgap measure, she is still managing affairs from her position. For the past half month, she has gone to bed only after the night has deepened, long before dawn. In the words of Yu Xizi, the matters within the organization alone have kept her exceedingly busy.

The maid standing behind her carefully held a fishbone comb, gently tending to her long, dark hair, and upon hearing the words, she bowed and conveyed the instructions to the palace attendants waiting outside

Once the jewelry before the makeup box was properly arranged, the time beckoned a waiting maid, to whom she handed a brocade box containing rouge. Upon use, it was discovered to be somewhat damp, necessitating it to be placed in a shaded area to dry. She then instructed a palace maid to go to the imperial kitchen to urge them on the preparation of the breakfast.

Yu Xizi grasped her arm, feeling deeply comforted as she pressed her lips together. After a moment, she sighed and said, "It is only after the festival that we are approaching another seasonal change. The matters in the bureau are numerous and varied; once things get busy, there is not a moment to be at leisure."

On this day, Yu Xizi finished her washing and grooming, sitting in front of the ornate bronze mirror to attend to her makeup

Shaoguang Road: "Even if it is not apparent, she is willing to think so. After all, I am now a member of the Si Bao Fang, I am hers, and if there is anything, it is all beneficial and not harmful to her."

It is hard to believe that having reached this position, one still tends to be biased and selective in listening. In fact, with just a little more thought, it is not difficult to discern the underlying interests and relationships. At this point, Qiluo couldn't help but chuckle softly and lower her head. "Sometimes I truly do not understand; it is just that slight difference that can lead the situation to develop in drastically different directions. I find it amusing to watch the drama unfold, but I still hope that during this period, nothing else goes awry, as the internal situation can no longer withstand any more turmoil."

At this moment, the palace maid brought over the incense burner. Shaoguang reached out to take it, holding it by the handle, and carefully wafted the incense along the seams of the clothes that Yu Xizi had put on. This method allowed the fragrance to touch the garments without being overwhelming. The original scent of the silk and gauze, combined with the ephemeral incense mist, would create a lingering aroma that would persist for a long time

Shaoguang sat in the inner room of the registration office, took a sip of fine Pu'er tea, and slowly said: "You must know that in the past, she rarely allowed outsiders to enter that room."

The people in the palace are all abuzz with speculation, questioning whether this is someone from outside the palace, who, lacking in chastity and propriety, has brought such filthy matters into the imperial city. ... Only a few, including Shaoguang, are aware that the Fourth Lady, Su Shangxin, has been in the palace for over two months and has never stepped outside the palace gates. If the imperial physician's diagnosis is correct, then the child should belong to someone within the palace.

Indeed, the fruits of the Chaoxia Palace are truly exceptional, allowing me to share in the blessings as well. Yu Xizi smiled as she admired her makeup in the mirror

In this palace, it seems there is truly no time to indulge in the melancholy of spring and autumn or to be overly sentimental

A faint smile graced the fleeting moment.

Yu Xizi observed that her series of actions was both thoughtful and skillful, even surpassing those of the palace maids specifically assigned to serve. She couldn't help but smile and say, "If it weren't for your arrival at the Si Bao Fang, I would never have known that the former grand palace maid possessed such skills."

The dyed garments were thus placed beside Su Shangxin, and of course, Caishan was also arranged to be in the room with Fuyi

In a few days, it will be the New Year festival. How are the tasks in the house coming along? During this time, I have been preoccupied with socializing with the newlywed lady, and I have entrusted almost all the matters, big and small, in the house to Shaoguang. Yu Xizi calculated the days and couldn't help but ask with concern.

On that day, the young lady was styled with a fan-shaped high bun, adorned with three gold hairpins inlaid with coral and emeralds, and on either side were twelve engraved floral hairpins. Between the hair bun were lapis lazuli tassels, all of which were exquisite pieces of jewelry. Additionally, there were pure gold ornaments with ruby pendants, which not only matched the rank of a fifth-grade female official but also exuded elegance and grace, reminiscent of the charm of affluent young ladies.

We must express our gratitude to Aunt Rongya and the previous generation of palace maids from Chaoxia Palace for their guidance and nurturing

The wind swept down a tree's delicate sunlight

The greenery in the palace has changed with the seasons; the leaves from earlier in the season have nearly all fallen, leaving only bare branches. Some precious tree species have been carefully wrapped, awaiting the resurgence of buds when spring arrives next year

On the ninth day of the first month, the imperial court officially issued a decree: the head of the clothing department, Jin Se, is to be recognized for his outstanding service, keen observation of character, harmonious relations with colleagues, and care for subordinates. Therefore, he is promoted beyond the usual standards, elevated to the fifth rank of the clothing department, and entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the garments and treasures.

It is said that prior to this, the personnel from the Imperial Medical Institute had checked Su Shangxin's pulse, confirming that the fetus was over one month old

However, what emerged from the Inner Palace was neither a minor nor a major disturbance

In the blink of an eye, it is already the cold winter, and it has been more than two months since returning to the palace

I cannot say for certain either. Yu Xizi tilted her head slightly, pondering as she said, "It's just that the way the third lady looks at me is rather strange... Perhaps, I am overthinking it, as I have too many expectations, which leads me to think too much.

You have also heard, haven't you? For several consecutive days, the new wife of the Inner Court has kept me in the Inner Court for meals

In the chamber of the Grand Eunuch Zhao Fuquan, the newly appointed Fourth Lady Su Shangxin is pregnant

Yu Xizi squinted for a moment and couldn't help but reach out to touch her own cheek

As the fragrant breeze enveloped her, it subtly conveyed this thought.

Yu Xizi smiled and said, "I have seen that Fourth Lady. She is young and beautiful, and her demeanor is relatively appropriate, but after all, she comes from the streets outside the palace, a jade from a humble background, and it is evident that she cannot stand on a grand stage.

Yu Xizi consoled herself with self-deprecating humor

Initially, Zhong Yilan sent Fangyi to Zhao Fuquan, facilitating the marriage between the Inner Palace Supervisory Office and the Imperial Court Bureau. This was not only a punishment for Fangyi but also aimed at fostering goodwill between the two parties. Now that the one who planted the trees, Zhong Yilan, is no longer present, the Si Baofang should naturally have the opportunity to enjoy this shade.