Two

Have they all left the palace

However, her expression remained unchanged as she averted her gaze and said calmly: "Your Highness, upon your return to the palace this time, all departments have prepared everything necessary. The servants are awaiting your decree and are ready for the seasonal changes in each palace. At that time, we kindly ask for your review."

This is ... ...

I was delayed on the road. Did I take too much?

When a person is present, there are countless good things; once they are gone, everything in the world becomes irrelevant to them. ... This person has passed away, and the devotion of emperors and empresses has now turned into a faded old dream. Perhaps, that magnificent palace will soon welcome a new master, with the same appearance, lineage, and virtues ... . ... As the willow branches are brushed aside, the fleeting moments decisively turn away.

In a trained response, Shaoguang swiftly pulled back his arm, but a pair of hands that suddenly appeared behind him lifted the cloth even faster

Enough, there is no need for such empty formalities before me

At this moment, Ning Shuang quickly walked over from behind the hanging cloth and pointed to the dazzling array of satin fabrics piled on the grid rack, "Those are the ones, go and take them!"

Xiu'er let out a sigh, "If someone who understands needlework were to come in, that would be fine, but instead, it is an outsider. By the way, it seems she came back quite late last night"

Qingmei held a wooden stick and, seeing the glee of misfortune reflected in Ning Shuang's eyes, suddenly felt a sense of sorrow akin to the grief of a rabbit at the death of a fox

Who knows. A new member has been added, let's focus on enhancing our relationships

A few newly arrived palace maids stepped in, respectfully performing a bow. The maid in the middle, holding a registration book, spoke gently: "We are all sent by the Peach Classic Garment faction, tasked with taking some of the unspun and undyed fabrics and hanging silks from the sisters' rooms."

Another typical garment of the wardrobe is named Peach Branch

Is this the courtyard of Sister Ning Shuang and Sister Qing Mei

Comparing the roster with the fabric before her, Tao Zhi discovered a discrepancy between the number of people and the silk rolls. She furrowed her brows and asked Fu Yi, who was beside her, instructing the palace maids on how to arrange things.

On the threshold stood three young palace maids with delicate features. Dressed in light gray silk garments, they were polite and submissive, having only recently entered the room, and were all very young faces.

Therefore, it is best to report it once again at another official location

Peach Branch set down the booklet with dissatisfaction, "What have they been doing all day?"

Qingmei forcefully pulled up the curtain, and the glaring sunlight streamed through the thin fabric, casting a mosaic of golden light on the ground. "You must consider that with so many maids around, it is quite difficult to make the peach blossom attire."

The man tapped his fan, the golden engravings on the delicate ribs shimmering brightly. "This time I return to the palace, I always feel as if many people are missing."

No one can approach silently, let alone this closely

Time flows like this, in the blink of an eye, it is once again the time for the princes to return to the palace to report on their duties

Not only those were dispatched, but Qingmei is also counting in the storage room

Through the swaying green willow silk curtains, I glance back at the fleeting moments, bowing in solemn reverence

Peach Branch decisively raised her hand, signaling that no further words were necessary

Who else could it be, if not those four? Ever since Zhong Siyu instructed each household to collect their share of materials, they have been absent every day. Feiyi raised her face and replied expressionlessly, then resumed her focus on the satin.

Speak more quietly, I heard about it too

Qingmei smiled bitterly, "Is there any way? Once the spring chill passes, the satin and fabrics in Mingguang Palace will need to be replaced, along with Fengming Palace and Linhua Palace. I have heard that the Department of Attire and the Department of Treasures are also extremely busy.

The man, holding a folding fan, displayed a hint of a smile, resembling the golden waves of light about to bloom. "Why are you so nervous? Do you think I would eat people?"

Yang Liang stood beside the handrail, the mottled shadows scattered across his clothing, between the folds of his garments, and on his forehead... After a while, a very faint voice floated over: "So they are all gone now."

Time is astonishing

Ning Shuang looked at her in astonishment, "But at that time, it was clearly stated..."

Indeed, it was the same the other day. One cannot tell what they are busy with, shrouded in mystery.

Stepping over the threshold while holding a plain white silk cloth, the dazzling sunlight spills onto the cobblestones, each glistening like fragments of gold, resembling the exquisite treasures bestowed by Zhong Yilan's brocade box.

Having said that, he pointed to the various colorful satin fabrics piled high on the shelf.

Qingmei nodded helplessly

From the moment the maid entered until the message was conveyed, the deep resentment and various prejudices against Tao Zhi gradually dissipated completely. Xiu Er remained somewhat skeptical, but immediately set aside her work to help with the moving, and even courteously brought over pastries. However, the maids did not eat, and after taking half of the fabric, they politely left.

The Inner Court Supervisory Office

Once a palace maid reaches the age of 25, she will be sent back from the palace. During the time Your Highness has been away, many maids have already left the palace

Your Highness, the Han Wang

Returning to the courtyard, Ning Shuang angrily tossed aside the booklet, saying, "I wonder if she has any opinions of her own, allowing herself to be manipulated, unable to distinguish between right and wrong"

Yang Liang looked at her for a moment, then returned the cloth, "This king remembers that such trivial assignments have never gone through your hands. Isn't there someone specifically arranged by the six offices to handle this?"

Xiu'er spread her hands, indicating her own uncertainty. Qingmei lowered the window and said: "We have never been on good terms with the Si Bao family. If this is true, it would mean that we have established a marital connection with the Inner Palace Supervisory Office. From then on, the two families in the palace would become one, and the palace maids in the house would surely be overjoyed!"

A gentle breeze blows, mingled with delicate willow catkins, causing a subtle tickling sensation

In the six courts, there are mostly young and beautiful women, who serve the empress and are forbidden from having close interactions with any men. If this taboo is violated, some may be sent to serve the eunuchs, effectively marrying them. The eunuchs are dark and cruel; when they encounter maids who are restless, they subject them to all kinds of insults, torture, and beatings. Often, within a few years, the palace maids who serve them can no longer endure the humiliation and shame, leading them to commit suicide.

Shaoguang knew that he was asking about the palace maidservants serving in the Morning Glow Palace, which was somewhat unexpected. A glance over revealed the light, casual smile on those thin lips, and suddenly, a chill spread through his heart

"Indeed, it was personally assigned by Fu Yi Dian Yi." The breathless voice came from the other end of the corridor. On Qing Mei's slender shoulders rested three pieces of fabric with a white base and pink flowers, in a brand new style, with craftsmanship surpassing the several pieces of black satin brought back previously.

Following the straight path to the north, a magnificent and luxurious palace stands solemnly in the forecourt paved with ice-cracked marble.

At the end of the broad alley, beyond the flower shade, lies Zhangyu Gate

Why are there still two bundles? Is this never-ending?

As a female official, Tao Zhi is considered a unique case within the bureau. She is law-abiding and self-reliant, never meddling in matters beyond her scope. Such a disposition allows her to lead an almost monotonous life in the Department of Garments—Zhong Yilan would not regard her as a confidante, and the maids below her find it difficult to harbor animosity or seek to ingratiate themselves due to the disparity in rank. It is precisely for this reason that she has held her position as a sixth-rank female official with the utmost stability and for the longest duration.

Is it true or not

Is it because ... ... that the person in charge of the clothing department has not been there for long, that ... ...

"The satin has fallen to the ground and gotten muddy; when you return, you will have to face the consequences, but you must thank this king." The tone was lively, with a glimmer of water flowing like silver in the amber-colored eyes, and the enchanting gaze exuded a hint of alluring charm

Ning Shuang moved the materials to the backyard, while over there, Xiu'er stirred the fabric in the madder red dye vat with a wooden pestle. Once the dyeing was complete, the fabric was hung on a wooden frame, swaying in the breeze, resembling the flowing, boiling crimson light.

Ning Shuang raised her eyes and was taken aback, her eyebrows nearly standing on end

A scarlet silk python robe, dyed in a vibrant hue, is adorned at the hem with intricate patterns of golden-red ringed flowers, while the collar and sleeves are in a deep crimson, surpassing even bridal attire. From a distance, one might mistake it for spilled rouge. Such a festive color, when worn by anyone else, would undoubtedly appear gaudy; yet the bright red satin complements the man before me perfectly, radiating brilliance. The lavishness and boldness displayed on the bright red collar resemble the exuberance of blooming flowers, exuding an enchanting fragrance.

With so much fabric, why is there no servant to assist?

As the momentary flutter of the eyelashes occurs, an uncontrollable sorrow suddenly surges from the depths of the heart

Outside the porch, Ning Shuang stared wide-eyed in disbelief, while Shaoguang and Qingmei exchanged a glance. The four of them stepped over the threshold and paid their respects, and what Xiuer handed over was the booklet that had just been marked earlier.

Watching their figures fade away, Ning Shuang couldn't help but exclaim: "She has never interfered in the matters of the maidservants."

Qingmei smiled, "I see that Taodianyi has a cold exterior but a warm heart. However, the ones who have come are all new palace attendants, so they probably do not wish to cause any trouble"

Xiu Er wiped the sweat from her forehead, "Have Abi and the others already finished moving? Is there a mistake?"

The pure white silk was allocated by the palace maids from the storage room, said to be distributed to each room in portions, and then shared among the people in the room. Shaoguang, puzzled, turned her gaze towards Xiuer, who had come to help, but the latter sighed deeply, "This has nothing to do with these materials; it must be that Fuyi Dianyi is deliberately making things difficult."

Yang Liang slightly narrowed his eyes, "I didn't know you had the skill of needlework."

The expression on Fei Yi's face turned quite unpleasant in that moment. She turned her back, pretending to check the fabric. Tao Zhi was flipping through the book, and the more she read, the tighter her brows furrowed. After a while, she spoke lightly, saying: "Indeed, the amount allocated to you is somewhat excessive, but with the change of seasons approaching, even if we distribute it to the other rooms now, I believe they won't have the time to spare."

Xiu'er put down the wooden pestle and asked in confusion, "Is there something wrong?"

Qingmei threw the freshly chopped firewood into the bonfire, making the dye in the vat heat up even more. Turning around, she saw the fabric that had been brought in, and instantly, half of her shoulder slumped down.

Time retreated several steps, and she opened her mouth but only emitted a few single sounds, a rare display of her flustered demeanor. The ladies and concubines in the palace competed in beauty and elegance, yet none exhibited such shocking behavior. What astonished her even more was that a man dared to wear fabric meant only for the Empress Dowager.

Whether light or dark, there are two types: satin and fabric. Half of them require weaving and dyeing, while the others are embroidered after washing. There are at least dozens of pieces, and each piece has a red clay seal at its end

To eat together

Having once been detained by the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau for embezzlement, she now finds herself fortuitously entering the Department of Garments, where she once again engages in private dealings. Zhong Yilan has firmly concluded that she is insatiably greedy, even resorting to bribery with money and silk for the purpose of framing others. This assessment equally applies to Xu Xiu. However, Zhao Fuquan is different—supporting the Department of Garments means opposing the Department of Treasures. To join the internal strife of the Imperial Garment Bureau over a mere banknote is truly uncharacteristic of him.

Ning Shuang suddenly jumped up, "Then there will be a spectacle to watch. Marrying an old eunuch, let's see how she will be arrogant in the future!"

Zhong Siyi said that each household should act according to their capabilities. Since she originally brought a newcomer, shouldn't she allocate a little less?" Ning Shuang complained as she picked up the booklet and marked the fabrics one by one

Is there anyone who has not come to collect the materials

I heard that "Xiu'er lowered her head and tugged at the hem of her skirt, murmuring, 'It seems that Zhong Siyi is going to send her to the eunuch supervisor..."

In the midst of restraint, there is already an intention to resign

After a moment of astonishment, I suddenly realized the face of the person in front of me.

The fifth in rank, Han Wang, is notorious for his arrogance, recklessness, and disregard for rules, becoming quite famous within the palace. He was even playfully referred to as the Demon King of the World at one point. However, this figure, often mentioned in rumors, does not possess three heads and six arms; instead, he is blessed with a strikingly beautiful appearance, having unknowingly broken the hearts of countless palace maids. As the most favored prince of the Empress Dowager, it is no wonder that he dares to tailor the crimson fabric of Qiansu into garments.

This is the pigment made from crushed madder, exuding a fishy smell, yet its color is richer than blood, dyeing fabrics in an intensely vibrant red. The Empress Dowager favored this satin, as the crimson hue signified supreme wealth and honor

As the four of them entered the storage room, Tao Zhi was inside giving instructions to another group of palace maids.

Time stood still in the depths of the green willows, as I watched three maids in blue silk skirts gracefully pass by in front of the red platform. The one in the middle, with delicate features, evoked a sense of familiarity.

Time quietly gazes, and in an instant, past events seem to come swirling back like memories from a bygone era

At that moment, several knocks were heard from outside the door

The delicate voice of Xiuer caused the eyelashes of Shaoguang to flutter. Holding a piece of silk in her hands, she was embroidering a palace pattern with a needle. As Xiuer's trailing tone faded, the silver needle at her fingertips precisely pierced through the silk satin

In a moment of silence, as she bent down to take her leave, Yang Liang suddenly called out to her from behind: "The plain white silk is too pure and bland. This prince prefers crimson. Remember, prepare more crimson fabric. When the time comes, the ten-zhang red carpet must be sufficient to extend all the way to the Dan throne of the Linhua Palace"

The weight of the fabric in my arms is indeed considerable; after bearing it for too long, my arms begin to feel numb. As soon as I take a step forward in my embroidered shoes, my elbows instinctively move, and to my surprise, the fabric tucked under my armpit slips down.

Once, I sat vigil on that throne; as the night deepened, palace attendants would thoughtfully bring warm stoves and shawls. While waiting for the imperial decree at the palace gate, I dared not eat too much, nor had I ever tasted anything cold, fearing it would spoil the fragrance of the incense within the hall. Sometimes, when the empress was in high spirits, she enjoyed opening the carved window frames in the corridor, and on the rice paper pressed down by white jade weights, delicate small characters resembling flower pins would be inscribed, the scent of ink drifting far away with the wind

The Golden Tripod and Jade Brick, the Brocade Treasure Corridor, and the Glazed Palace Lanterns hang from the eaves at the northern corner all the way to the south. The intricately painted blue brackets are exquisitely layered. The nine-zhang red platform is adorned with carvings of phoenixes and dragons, with a red carpet spread out, and two gilded bronze incense burners placed prominently. The Morning Glow Palace—symbolizing the unparalleled power of the Dugu family—shines as brilliantly as it did in the past, yet its underlying essence and character have long since changed.

The servant went to the clothing room

Entering the palace gates, one must uphold their duties. How could she forget that she is no longer a person of the Chaoxia Palace

Shaoguang smiled bitterly and straightened the knee that had just bent down

As time passes, the Empress Dowager shows her compassion and grants a special amnesty. All the maids, regardless of age, have left the palace.

Xiu'er was taken aback upon hearing this

The palace is currently in a season of transition, and the workload for each residence has more than doubled. Zhong Yilan had previously instructed that progress should not be delayed, yet it must be done according to one's capabilities to ensure quality. Shaoguang glanced at Ning Shuang, who wore a face of resentment, and suddenly recalled a few words from the managers, and could not help but ask: "Are all these assigned to our room?"

Ning Shuang was taken aback, her mouth agape, and she let out a startled laugh

Amidst the brocade, the maids beside Fei Yi were reveling in misfortune. After a moment, once Tao Zhi had sketched on the master register with a vermilion brush, she returned the booklet to Xiu Er, saying, "You may return for now. The newcomers must be brought in, but the tasks must also be completed on schedule"

Sent abroad to serve in an official capacity, one departs for a duration of five years. During this period, apart from returning to the capital annually to report on duties, one is generally not permitted to leave their post without summons. However, the Empress Dowager, out of concern, has summoned them back several times. ... Yet, half a year ago, the great mourning of Her Majesty the Empress was unexpectedly ...

Ning Shuang and Qing Mei both widened their eyes and asked, "What does 'not long to wait' mean?"

The low, magnetic voice came from just two feet away, a masculine tone. Such sounds are rarely heard within the palace walls. Shaoguang unexpectedly raised her head, and in that instant, a vast expanse of dazzling golden-red burst directly into her view

Time passes swiftly, "It is the servant's lack of decorum."

Ning Shuang glanced back with a hint of mockery, "It's just that I hope she can distribute some of the fabric; who else can we expect anything from her? Clearly, it's all ceremonial attire, I really don't understand why she is so apprehensive..."