One

The stitches are too dense; next time, attention should be paid to the proper measure

Xu Xiu's forehead was beaded with fine sweat, gritting her teeth, she glared at her with resentment

The embroidered decoration features a lotus pattern, and it contains a substantial amount of silver notes, weighing at least several hundred thousand taels.

Zhong Siyi

As the brocade pouch was opened, a corner revealing layers of silver notes was exposed. "These are for the several managers in the violent room. After the matter is accomplished, in addition to a generous reward, Master Zhong will provide special care for Madam Xu."

The internal strife within the Department of Attire has a long history, particularly between the Garment Room and the Jewelry Room. Zhong Yilan and Yu Xizi, while coveting the position of the Department of Attire, spare no effort in trying to suppress each other to the point of no return. Xu Xiu secretly gritted her teeth, contemplating repeatedly, weighing the lesser of two evils. Since Cui Pei also wished for Yu Xizi's demise, as an outsider, there was no need for her to involve herself in this conflict.

In the wind, a faint scent of soap pods drifts

In the eyes of the palace attendants, the palace style, embroidery threads, satin materials, and craftsmanship... Whenever matters involved the two factions, Zhong Yilan would invariably confront Yu Xizi, competing for superiority. This was because Yu Xizi was originally a typical attendant of the Clothing Department, and like Fu Yi, had once served as a female official under Zhong Yilan. However, later on, when Zhao Dezhen, who was in charge of the Treasure Department, fell out of favor and left the palace, Cui Pei promoted Yu Xizi to fill the vacancy.

She endured this smell for three months, until her ten fingers were blistered and bleeding, yet she still remembered the icy, bone-chilling well water, the foul-smelling dung bucket outside the courtyard, and the dye in the vat that could strip a layer of skin from her hands; as well as the daily task of fetching water for the stewardess and washing her feet, followed by disposing of the foot-washing water

At this moment, Zhao Fuquan looked up and saw the face of the frail woman before him. Her slightly pale complexion accentuated her pitch-black eyes, which seemed capable of drawing one in; the smile lingering on her lips, however, carried a profound significance.

Xu Xiu glanced with her eyes, "This is ... ..."

The fingers danced nimbly over the green plum, and in less than half an hour, a vibrant daisy sprang to life on the satin, yet the needle had not been set down. In truth, beneath the embroidered satin, there was another layer, where the silver needle fluttered up and down, embroidering yet another piece.

As time passes, the tea cup is set down. The inner palace officials have brought the materials to the destruction chamber for disposal, not for smuggling out of the palace for personal gain. It is likely that Mama Xu has exchanged that batch of silk for silver outside the palace to fill her own pockets, and I presume that Yu Sibao has also reaped quite a bit of benefit from it

Xu Xiu is one of the palace maids in charge of the violent chamber, having served in the Yeting Bureau for fifteen years, and has long been accustomed to remaining unperturbed. However, seeing this person again in this place still left her momentarily stunned.

Zhao Fuquan slightly frowned, "What this means is ... ... "

The morning sky was still overcast, but after noon, it began to clear up. Passing through the West Lake Lane, at the end of the corridor was the Yeting Bureau. As I drew closer, I could still hear the sound of fabric being rubbed.

Shaoguang looked at her, "Madam Xu knows that Cui Shangfu is the most concerned about his reputation. He has always had a close personal relationship with Gongzheng. As long as Madam Xu goes to testify, Gongzheng's office will definitely not pursue the matter further."

It is intriguing that, no matter how aggressive Zhong Yilan is, Yu Xizi consistently chooses to retreat. This forbearance is also so ambiguous in Shangfu Cui Pei's attitude, making the internal strife within the Shangfu Bureau increasingly perplexing

"Just a reminder, " Zhong Yilan smiled radiantly, "As for forgiveness, it depends on your sincerity and weight of your actions."

Is that so? Shaoguang raised her gaze and spoke gently, "But what if I say that the fabric is now in my hands?"

"Miss, please wait a moment longer, Master Zhao will be back shortly." Xiao Dezi hurriedly came over to persuade her to stay

As the fleeting moments brush against the lingering fragrance on the hem of the skirt, I raise my gaze and catch a glimpse of the distant coix.

Time passes with a gentle smile, "The elder is a man of integrity and loyalty, yet he is somewhat naive in matters beneath him. The Inner Court and the Garment Bureau originally coexisted peacefully, but upon receiving news, Master Zhong discovered that certain inner officials were colluding with the Treasury. This matter concerns both factions and involves corruption, so Master Zhong specifically instructed the maid to seek advice from the elder on how to measure this situation."

Xiao Dezi's attentiveness earned him a radiant smile from Shaoguang, "De Gonggong is truly meticulous, when did you enter the palace?"

On the fifth day of the Shaoguang period, the assessment for the individual rooms in the Si Yifang was underway. The palace maids of the Si Yifang had all been carefully selected. Among them, Qingmei was a master of embroidery, Ning Shuang excelled in dyeing, and even the youngest, Xiu'er, was skilled at weaving fine materials. Shaoguang looked at the embroidery threads in the basket; their colors were splendid, yet they felt raw to the touch.

Shangfu Cui Pei walked past the embroidery frame of the maid one by one, observing with great care

The pear blossom armchair was opened up, and the two sat down again. Xiao Dezai quickly brought over the freshly brewed tea. Zhao Fuquan took a sip while it was still hot and said: "The young lady's affairs are my own; there is no need for thanks."

"Father-in-law, Miss Shao..."

Once, in the violent room, Shaoguang had seen her, adorned in the same satin palace attire, exhibiting the same demeanor and gestures, yet her attitude then was starkly different from that of the present moment. As Cui Pei approached, she paused for an instant, seemingly scrutinizing closely. Xiu'er felt her heart leap to her throat, and after a moment, seeing her continue to walk away, she finally let out a heavy sigh of relief

It is you

Well, not bad

The woman, lacking in embroidery skills, stroked the satin a couple of times, then raised her gaze to see Zhong Yilan, dressed in a resplendent palace gown, sitting in the hall with a smile. That smile clearly conveyed that she had seen through the little tricks of Xiu'er, Ning Shuang, and Qing Mei.

The satin that Qingmei and Xiuer embroidered together was ultimately returned by Zhong Yilan to Shaoguang. If it were replaced with Fu Yi, even without coercion, it would still lead to Ning Shuang and a few others losing their positions. Zhong Yilan did not want it, as she did not covet such a trivial leverage.

What do you want to do

Cui Pei sat back in the hall, and during the admonition, Ning Shuang and Xiu Er both looked up, moved, even the faintest green plum was quietly listening. Shao Guang noticed that many gazes were cast from all directions: some filled with reverence, others with admiration. Just by sitting there, one could sense whether the goodwill or malice emanating from the women was admiration or disdain.

Miss, since we are not strangers to each other, feel free to speak your mind.

Three days later, Shaoguang carried a needlework pouch to the palace.

The fine porcelain gleamed with a lustrous sheen, the fragrant tea wafted gently, and the woman's delicate voice permeated the cups, leaving not even a trace of the lingering aroma behind.

There is also Zhong Siyu

Under the glaring sunlight, Xu Xiu suddenly raised her head. The woman before her was enveloped in a layer of dim halo, smiling yet with a profound depth in her eyes that seemed to perceive everything.

Several attendants passed by the embroidery frame of the palace maids, and Xiuer secretly handed over a half-finished floral pattern. Ning Shuang coughed once and pulled Fu Yi to inquire about a particular embroidery technique.

The maid who was once at her beck and call now stands on equal footing, and Zhong Yilan grits her teeth in resentment. The achievements of the Si Bao Room, the capabilities of Yu Xizi, and the reliance of Cui Pei... all trample upon her self-esteem. The once harmonious collaboration between the Si Yi Room and the Si Bao Room has now become a fierce rivalry, irreconcilable due to the infusion of personal agendas.

Once I left the room, the strong scent of the soap pods suddenly faded away

If you insist on taking the matter upon yourself, I will have no choice but to deliver the evidence to the Palace Justice Department. Capturing thieves and seizing stolen goods, I fear that even Yu Sibao will not be able to handle the responsibilities of the more than ten individuals in the Yeting Bureau at that time

After Xu Xiu listened to Shao Guang's words, the color drained from her face, "Did Cui Shangfu send you here?"

Xu Xiu's eyelids twitched slightly. Occasionally, damaged or improperly documented fabrics are sent to the palace for destruction, and the batch of palace satin from three months ago was one such instance. ... She was extremely cautious and discreet, and none of the stewards were aware of it, so how could the news have leaked to the Department of Garments ...

Xiao Dezai lifted the door curtain, and Zhao Fuquan, bending slightly, smiled warmly, "This old servant knows that the young lady has now gone to the Imperial Garment Bureau. I wanted to send someone to invite her over for a chat, but I was afraid of breaking the rules. The young lady won't hold it against me, will she"

The materials sent over by the Inner Court must naturally be destroyed. As I have grown older, I am not sure which ones the young lady is referring to. If they are not in the storage room, then they must have already been burned. If Zhong Siyi wishes to have them, she might as well inquire at the Inner Court.

How is it possible...

After the rotation of rest, the young eunuchs from the Inner Court were gathered in small groups to gamble. Occasionally, one could still see palace servants dozing at the threshold.

Having paid respects, with all formalities observed, only then did the beautiful moment reveal that embroidered pouch

In the year of Yiwei, I am indebted to the grace of Lord Fuxin. Miss Meng does not mind my rough hands and feet, yet I am often scolded by the newly arrived Lord Li.

Time holds the teacup, "Your Excellency is being so courteous, then this servant shall overstep. In the past, the Director of the Inner Court had a harmonious relationship with the Empress. At this moment and in this place, this servant still comes representing the Inner Bureau. If it pleases you, Sir Zhao, the Director of the Wardrobe is willing to establish a close relationship with the Director of the Inner Court."

Three months ago, a batch of satin was leaked from the Si Bao Room, which was supposed to be reserved for making winter clothing. However, someone brought it to the Inner Court, and the Inner Court sent it to the destruction chamber under the pretext of being abandoned. The palace servants in the destruction chamber, not knowing who incited them, actually smuggled it out of the palace and exchanged it for silver. Shao Guang placed the tea cup on the table, saying, "The official has always had a reputation for integrity; do not let this tarnish it, for losing much for the sake of a small gain is unwise."

At this hour, those still washing clothes in the courtyard are either the unappreciated maids or the stewardess who has been instructed to make things difficult. When Shaoguang was exiled to the harsh room, she had to wash in the biting chill of early spring, with her hands immersed in cold water, an unimaginably piercing cold.

Time passes gently, "Does mother still remember the fabric sent from the Inner Court to the Yeting Bureau three months ago, the palace satin, all in pure crescent white?"

April, the fragrant dream of the mushroom.

Zhao Fuquan once fell from power during an internal struggle, and it was she who leveraged the influence of the empress dowager to help him make a comeback. After that, a solid network of relationships formed between the eunuchs and the female attendants, supporting and assisting each other, averting disasters together. Now, the people of Chaoxiang Palace have fallen, yet Zhao Fuquan remains prosperous and honored. The wheel of fortune turns, and everything has returned to its original state

In the inner courtyard, clothes washed and hung out to dry filled the space. The further one walked in, the stronger the familiar scent of soap pods became. As Shaoguang stepped over the threshold, Xu Xiu was dozing in a rattan chair.

With a grizzled beard, a face covered in wrinkles, and a pair of deeply set, restrained yet bright eyes, he is a seasoned individual who has navigated the palace for over a decade. What he refers to as "a long time" has, for her, been the most difficult two years. Despite the passage of time, she maintains her usual demeanor, still smiling as she responds, "I am grateful for your concern, it is all thanks to your blessings."

Zhao Fuquan furrowed his brows tightly and pondered for a long time

Shaoguang softly said: "I wonder if I could ask Master Zhong to be lenient and offer some guidance?"

Zhao Fuquan waved his hand and walked over in a few steps, "It has been a while since we last met, how have you been, young lady!"

A faint smile graced the face, "There are still many tasks waiting to be done in the clothing room. If I return late, I will have to face punishment."

The Department of Garments is distinct from other places. Sample designs and records can be provided by the Department of Treasures, while hairpins, ribbons, and ornaments are the responsibility of the Department of Accessories. However, all must coordinate with the garments selected by the Department of Garments. Those present are the most outstanding maids within the Bureau of Attire, and thus must pay extra attention.

However, as the head of the clothing department, Zhong Yilan never spoke from beginning to end—guidance, encouragement, and division of labor seemed to have nothing to do with her, and she did not even regard Cui Pei's intimidating presence.

The porch beams and columns have been newly renovated, and stepping into the inner room, the arrangement is exquisite. The back screen is adorned with entwined wisteria wood, connecting the intricate window corridors and the carved corner designs, surrounded by five small rosewood chairs inlaid with jade. The only splash of bright color is the yellow-hued pear wood screen with green inlays on the table, depicting figures and landscapes, rich in ancient charm. The table is laden with fresh fruits, and looking around, Zhao Fuquan is not in the room.

The esteemed elder is being too courteous. Previously, the little thoughts of the servants were still greatly aided by your generous hand

The gong sounded once more, and all the maidservants simultaneously returned their needles and threads to the basket. Shaoguang looked at the vividly lifelike orchid embroidery on the frame before her and couldn't help but chuckle silently.

The time has come, everyone stop your hands

As he stepped over the threshold, a voice that was neither too bright nor too dull sounded from outside. Zhao Fuquan appeared in the corridor, as if he had just returned from outside. Xiao Dezai hurriedly went to greet him

There is a mandatory assessment in the bureau every month, and relying on others each time is not ideal. In the end, Zhong Yilan still kept her alone, her hand picking at the satin, with her bright red nails elegantly pointed.

If your inner court attendants are not present, then I shall come again another day. The tea has cooled, and Shaoguang simply set down the cup and stood up to leave.

It has been many days since we last met, I hope Mrs. Xu is well. Shaoguang picked up the teacup, brought it to her lips and took a sip, then took a silk pouch from her waist and placed it on the table.

In the Bi Tan, the lotus flowers bloom, and what meets the eye is a sea of lush green lotus leaves. By the pond, the solitary plant of Euryale stands alone, its form and shadow echoing each other, resembling a withered remnant of a lotus. She does not come from a distinguished family background; achieving the position of a sixth-rank clothing officer in the imperial court is already the pinnacle of her career, and there is no further prospect for promotion.

The attending palace maids recognized her, and there was no time to change the tea cup. They hurriedly woke her up, pointing at a woman in a light gray palace outfit standing in the porch, swallowing hard.

A new inner attendant has just arrived at the Inner Court, named Li Yuan. He was originally a close servant in the Mingguang Palace, serving in front of the Empress Dowager. Young and with little experience, he is nevertheless highly favored. Relying on this favor, he has begun to vie for power in the palace, engaging in misconduct, favoritism, and forming cliques, involving himself in all matters. It is not without reason that he says, "Miss, we inner attendants have always been most receptive to your words. Come, let me serve you another cup of tea."

Shaoguang lowered his head to gaze at the teacup in his hand and said in a deep voice: "Isn't Grand Master Fuxin the elder from the Anfu Hall in Zhaoyang Palace? Master De is his disciple and serves in front of Grand Master Zhao. With such a status, how can one dare to place blame? This newly arrived Master Li truly lacks discernment."

Xiao Dezi served tea, which was the Junshan Yinzhen from Dongting. The bitter and fragrant aroma wafted up, bringing her a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of her past days by the side of the Empress.