One

Li Xiutian rejected the satin, returned it to the clothing room, and Zhong Yilan ordered it to be sent to the Imperial Eunuch Bureau for destruction

Zhong Yilan used a cup lid to skim off the foam, "Acha is dead, and Zhao Dezhen has been forced to leave the palace—this precisely indicates the ambiguous position of the Si Bao Fang in the Eastern Palace regarding this matter. However, Yu Xizi is here to fill the vacancy; to suspect her based solely on this is rather arbitrary"

The hand that was still caressing the satin suddenly came to a halt at that moment. Li Xiutian raised his face, silently observing the few people in front of him. After a long while, he suddenly let out a cold laugh and pushed the satin back into Qingmei's embrace.

A few people among the embroiderers displayed expressions of joy. At this moment, Li Xiutian lowered his gaze and swept it over the ornaments at their waists, asking, "Which of you is the female official from the Si Yi Room?"

Furthermore, the Chamberlain Zhao from the Inner Court also asked the servant to express his gratitude to you. He mentioned that the newly made garments fit perfectly, especially the fabric, and that you have been exceedingly generous.

Having said this, he fell silent, and immediately gestured to dismiss the people.

Before Ning Shuang could finish her words, Li Xiutian turned around and slapped her hard with the back of his hand

The servant believes that those who are currently most favored in the treasury are the most suspicious

"Where did these servants come from? When my wife speaks, do you also have to interrupt? Is this how you teach your servants?" The arrogant woman said, casting a disdainful glance, and sternly added, "You all better not obstruct my view here, take your silk and leave quickly!"

In this matter, we must neither wrong the innocent nor let the guilty go unpunished. Please investigate carefully, and remember not to alarm too many people

At this moment, another group of maidservants arrived in front of the hall, holding beautiful brocade, visible from a distance. Li Xiutian waved her hand, naturally assuming the posture of a master, and instructed the guards to let them pass. After the palace maids had paid their respects and completed the formalities, she then ordered them to bring the items forward for her to examine

The woman who was patrolling forward suddenly stopped, turned back, and the glaring light behind her cast a silhouette, with her embroidered shoes made of peach branches perfectly stepping on the edge of that shadow

"Dare to scheme against me? Haven't these years been enough to indulge her!" Zhong Yilan stared at the distant wedding carriage, her gaze cold and fierce, "If it were to help someone else, that would be fine, but it just had to be that Yu Xizi. Do you think I would raise a tiger to trouble myself?"

A subtle aura wafts through the room, permeated by the fragrance of incense

Zhong Yilan held the tea cup, her smile as radiant as a flower, "Since we are all part of the palace, it is only natural for us to be close to one another. Moreover, the materials sent to the room are all of ordinary fabric; he is truly being polite."

The Shangyi Bureau is located on the eastern bank of the Moonlight Lake, with an open courtyard separated by Minghu Island. The glazed tiles have double eaves, gilded columns, and the red-painted brackets are intricately layered, depicting colorful paintings of the combined seals. The offices for registration and music face the middle of the lake, and during late spring, the palace gate is framed by a pavilion of spring flowers, a path lined with willows, and a bend of lake scenery, creating a picturesque and charming view, making it the most beautiful spot among the six Shang scenic areas

Zhong Yilan stood under the flowering tree with her arms crossed, "What, are you feeling reluctant?"

Time nods in acknowledgment

At this moment, Fei Yi took out the detailed scroll and handed it to A Cai. A Cai did not dare to hesitate, glanced around, and did not see any pleading gazes coming from all directions, so she directly placed the scroll on the embroidery frame not far away.

The incense in the embroidery hall is thick, with wisps of smoke curling, resembling an intoxicating and enchanting dream

Time bows its head

Shaoguang let out a faint sigh, no longer paying any attention, and simply reached out to support the still pleading Xiuer, departing together with Ning Shuang and Qingmei while holding the fabric and bowing in farewell

"What are you all just standing around for without working?"

The young girl was at a loss for words.

Approaching the palace and meeting the prince is a rare opportunity. A Cai gave a knowing smile to Shao Guang, but Shao Guang felt countless jealous gazes gathering behind her. Even Ning Shuang, who was beside her, immediately put down her needlework and waved at her, while Xiu Er excitedly made faces and then pointed at herself.

Stepping down the stairs, the sound of spring rain came from afar: "Next time, let your peach branch attire come. Otherwise, if Lady Li, the guard's wife, becomes displeased, the clothing department cannot afford to bear the consequences"

Shaoguang knelt on the round cushion and spoke softly

She should not have deliberately provoked Tao Zhi, inciting A Cai, which led to the offense of Li Xiu Tian regarding the matter of the palace satin in the Si Yi room

The most ordinary satin, embroidered by a first-class maid, adorned with pure gold and pure silver threads; consisting of three layers of outer, middle, and inner garments, each layered with red-printed silver notes. If it were someone else, they would likely be reluctant to take it off after wearing it all day.

The internal bureau was in an uproar

This is the method of Zhong Yilan, ruthless in her approach to eradicate the roots. From this point on, Feiyi not only had her rank stripped away, but was also sent into the residence of the eunuchs, as if trapped in an eternal night, unable to escape from humiliation and torment. Such punishment is not only fatal but also ruins her entire life

Time no longer speaks

Everyone is working hard

It is a pity that a virtuous woman is to be married to an old eunuch

Shaoguang was momentarily taken aback; it was Ah Cha again

The steward of Linhua Palace is, in fact, a concubine of the captain of the guards by Prince Jin's side, who was originally the housekeeper of the estate. After returning to the palace, she was responsible for managing the daily affairs of Linhua Palace. When Chunyu led the palace maids from the Si Bao Room to the front of the hall, the palace maids were busy moving out the old furnishings from the red corridor, while Li Xiutian stood inside the threshold, arms crossed, giving orders without touching anything.

The internal strife within the six factions is consistently intertwined with mutual slaughter, with one side finishing their performance as the other takes the stage. Within the factions, ranks and positions are strictly adhered to, layer by layer, maintaining order. However, there are always those who cannot wait for the higher-ups to retire and scheme to replace them. For instance, there are Zhong Yilan, Chunyu, and also Fu Yi

Qiluo is in charge of the Department of Records, holding a position similar to that of Zhong Yilan in the Department of Garments. The maids on one side, seeing Qiluo being so courteous to Shaoguang, could not help but glance at her a few more times

You are in doubt ... ...

She is the head of the wardrobe, her position only second to that of Fang Yi. As Shao Guang was about to rise and pay her respects, she was stopped by her with a wave, "There is no need for formalities. Since we are destined to work together, we should look out for one another."

A Cai spoke very politely, and Shao Guang responded with a smile, not dismissing the good intentions. At that moment, Fei Yi and Tao Zhi entered arm in arm, and the large embroidery hall fell silent.

On the tray are three turquoise-glazed vases inlaid with gold, two bat-patterned glass cups, and a twisted branch teapot on the right. The craftsmanship is exquisite, set against a backdrop of red felt, exuding an air of ancient charm

The Empress Dowager exclusively used it for bestowals

Beneath the shade of the tree, a hint of ripples subtly emerged in those cool, solemn eyes that had long remained still.

Qingmei approached closely and respectfully stated, "We are all palace maids from the wardrobe department."

The preparation was really quick, I thought it would take another couple of days to deliver

The Bureau of Official Attire is a clean place, where no supernatural antics are tolerated. Zhong Yilan slightly curled her lips, her voice growing softer while her eyes shone brighter. "If you uncover anything, no matter how trivial, it is better to make a hundred mistakes than to let a single matter slip by."

Chunyu had long heard that her temper was quite bad. After tidying up her attire, she walked to the front of the steps and stood still, then bowed and said: "Madam Li, may you be well"

Passing through the West Lake Square, I once again drifted past the front of the storm room.

Shaoguang sat down with a苦笑, holding a basket, and couldn't help but recall the words of Zhong Yilan, who had advised her to pay more attention to her embroidery skills. Indeed, if one wishes to establish oneself in the inner circle, it ultimately relies on one's craftsmanship. Qingmei often said that practice makes perfect, and spending all day with needle, thread, and fabric makes it hard not to become proficient.

Qiluo gazed out of the window, "Asha, do you still remember the rumors that circulated from the Eastern Palace at that time?"

Li Xiutian smiled and did not respond

Master, is this a bit too much...

When Fei Yi was sent to the Inner Court, she symbolically wore a bright red veil, and beneath the vibrant wedding gown, she was tightly bound. Shao Guang recognized the embroidery on the wedding gown, crafted by the palace maids of the Department of Garments; from the patterns to the designs, it certainly did not belittle her status.

At this moment, the maidservants of the Si Bao Fang seized the opportunity and gathered around. Qingmei was pushed and stumbled, causing the satin fabric to fall to the ground. She hurried to retrieve it, but was stepped on the fingers by a palace attendant who had just approached.

I have found the person you mentioned

Xiu'er nodded slightly, "It was the peach-patterned garment that was instructed by the maid to be painted."

Xu Xiu's accusations, Zhao Dequan's support, and the insidious whispers in the palace aimed at putting Yu Xizi in a perilous position—everything is proceeding in an orderly manner behind the scenes. Zhong Yilan is very excited and has ample reason to be so. The more peaceful things appear on the surface, the more meticulous the schemes are being devised in the shadows, remaining still, simply waiting for the day to launch a counterattack against Yu Xizi.

The palace maids, with tears in their eyes, carried away the bolts of blue and black satin, and at the moment they handed them to the young eunuch, each person's heart was filled with an indescribable feeling

Sui Hu could no longer bear to watch and turned to inquire of the esteemed gentleman. His deep black eyes, however, were devoid of any waves, as if they contained the still waters of a secluded pool, profound and beguiling, drawing one into a dreamlike state, intoxicating and hard to resist. The slight upward curve of his lips indicated that he was currently in high spirits, completely indifferent to the fate of the several maidservants before the Emperor, as if in his indifferent and cruel gaze, everything had become a source of amusement.

The spring rain is pleasingly gentle: "Master Yu Siba specially instructed the maid to come here, and also mentioned that if he were not tied up with other matters, he would definitely come himself. The maid feels honored, all thanks to you, Madam Li!"

Has not a single female official come?

Upon hearing this, Fei Yi couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips, "The craftsmanship is indeed commendable, but unfortunately, the design is far too petty. How dare such a crude item be displayed? Hurry up and take it down, and redo it!"

The servants will deliver it again the day after tomorrow. I apologize for disturbing Madam Li, and I take my leave.

In a while, instruct a few people to send that batch of materials to Linhua Palace for the steward of His Highness the King of Jin to review

According to precedent, when a palace maid commits an error, she may be expelled from the palace or subjected to corporal punishment or execution, all of which are clearly documented. However, everything regarding Liu Ying is barely mentioned. Qi Luo placed the booklet back into the cabinet and remarked, "She should have been just an ordinary maid in the wardrobe department, yet her cause of death is significantly related to the current head of the treasure room, Yu Xizi, and the former steward, A Cha."

Bullying others during weekdays, now it is good, they have received their just deserts

A Cai noticed that Shao Guang was already adept at threading the needle and couldn't help but tease, "You haven't been in the clothing department for long, but with this momentum, you are truly putting in a lot of effort"

Did you do this

Many past events from years ago emerge through the haze, as I gaze at the slender figure gradually receding into the distance. The deep black pupils seem to reflect a scene of desolate, withered flowers, fragmented and colorful.

The fabrics delivered by the wardrobe were blue satin and black satin, specifically for the decorations and carpets in the Linhua Palace. After paying her respects, Ning Shuang noticed a palace maid from the side room of the treasure house displaying a look of disdain. At that moment, Li Xiutian descended the steps, reached out to touch the satin a few times, and couldn't help but nod, "The embroidery from the palace is indeed of exceptional quality"

There are quite a few pieces of satin, I appreciate your effort in making the trip

Upon seeing Ning Shuang, she hurriedly said: "You cannot do this; these materials were crafted by the palace maids who have not closed their eyes for several days and nights, after all..."

What can a mere servant accomplish? It is only after the master takes charge that one can rise to power. If one were to speak of suspicion, would not Yu Xizi appear even more like the perpetrator?" Gritting her teeth, she spat out that name through clenched jaws, completely disregarding her earlier stance of fairness and reason. Zhong Yilan revealed a smile, mingled with both jealousy and delight.

Xiu'er trembled, holding the pen, unsure whether to put it down or continue drawing. Ning Shuang and Qing Mei exchanged a knowing glance, feeling a shared sense of concern.

The sound of insects chirping in the sweltering heat, even the shadows cast by the glass lanterns are warm. The red lacquered palace doors are wide open, and a wave of incense greets one’s face. In the corner where the tapestry is laid out, dozens of solid-colored silk fabrics are piled up, while on the exclusive embroidery frame are various intricate embroidery patterns and seals. The embroiderer, lifting her head from the heap of silk threads, sees her return and points to Ning Shuang and Qing Mei, who are busily engaged over there, shrugging her shoulders.

The fragrance recognized by the passage of time is the newly offered Seven Treasures Incense from Putuo Temple

"You look unfamiliar; are you the newly appointed female official?"

Time is fleeting, "We cannot afford to delay the matter regarding your company's registered office."

The climbing of the wild rice plant refers to the subtle and petty actions constantly taking place within the residence, such as leaking information, instigating and forming cliques among the palace maids; for instance, deliberately creating some blunders. Zhong Yilan had previously turned a blind eye, not out of forbearance, but rather from a sense of disdain, considering them beneath her notice. The self-proclaimed clever maid, in her arrogance, developed a sense of complacency. At this point, her removal was merely due to crossing Zhong Yilan's bottom line. The self-proclaimed clever maid, in her arrogance, developed a sense of complacency. At this point, her removal was merely due to crossing Zhong Yilan's bottom line

With the return of the Han Wang to the palace, all departments fell into a state of anxious preparation, as soon the Jin Wang and Shu Wang would also return to the capital to report on their duties. The Sijifang was responsible for teaching, and these women who came from the Silefang were called maidservants, but in reality, they were specifically assigned to serve in the bedchamber. Qiluo was too lazy to put in any more effort, and waved her hand, signaling the female officials in charge of the records to take the palace attendants down to compile the register.

Zhao Changshi has always preferred gentle women. Does Zhong Siyi not worry that this might have the opposite effect?" As she watched the crowd depart, Shaoguang spoke softly.

The sorrowful emotions did not linger for long, as Zhong Yilan announced a shocking piece of news: Dian Yifuyi would marry the Chief Eunuch Zhao Fuquan and share a meal with him.

The murmurs in her ears rose and fell, and Shao Guang suddenly recalled the bold questioning of Fei Yi outside the Inner Court. At that time, she had guessed that Zhong Yilan intended to win over Zhao Fuquan, but she had not anticipated that those hundreds of thousands of taels in banknotes were, in fact, her own dowry

Zhong Siyi is correct. I have also heard that Acha was very close to the current Dianbao Chunyu during her lifetime. If it were not for Yu Sibao, then Chunyu would be highly suspicious

The palace maids and eunuchs dining together is merely a formality as per tradition. After the marriage alliance, the palace maids remain in the palace, and their positions remain unchanged. However, Fu Yi was directly sent out of the palace and into the residence of Zhao Fuquan

The death of Liu Ying has led many to suspect that it was orchestrated by the Crown Princess. Shortly thereafter, A Cha, a servant from the Si Bao Room, also died under mysterious circumstances. The palace authorities dispatched personnel to investigate, revealing that Liu Ying and A Cha were from the same hometown and had a close relationship. On the night of Liu Ying's incident, someone saw A Cha sneaking into the Si Yi Room, further implicating the Si Bao Room.

The woman referred to as "Madam" is already over fifty years old, with a mole on her nostrils, thick lips that curve upwards, and a face that slightly reveals a mean and aloof demeanor. At this moment, her face is radiant, and the delight in her eyebrows and the corners of her eyes cannot be concealed

Are you referring to the matter of the Crown Prince forcibly taking the maidservant...

Upon entering the inner chamber, it was spacious and bright, with wooden window frames that blocked the spring scenery outside the courtyard. Qiluo took an old record book from the sandalwood upright cabinet, opened it, and on the yellowed pages were recorded the birthplace, family background, and the year of entry into the palace of the fireflies.

She also received a promotion immediately, did she not

At the hour of Si, outside the stone archway of the winding path, Jin Se was teaching the new palace maid the rules using a wooden board.

Ning Shuang covered her face in disbelief

The palace maids of the wardrobe passed through the square in front of the hall, with a servant girl whose cheeks were swollen being supported. Among them, the youngest maid had already cried her eyes red. At the front, carrying the most fabric, she walked slowly, yet her face showed not a trace of emotion, neither joy nor anger.

Qingmei said that perhaps she had been negligent, but Ning Shuang gritted her teeth in anger. Feiyi was an old hand; there had never been a mistake in the seasonal deliveries over the years. She had been dealing with the heads of various palaces for more than a year or two. This deliberate error not only ruined the hard work of the palace servants over the past half month but also delayed the seasonal fabric exchange for Linhua Palace. More importantly, it had humiliated her in front of the Si Bao Room.

Arrange for Jin Se to enter the Shangfu Bureau and inform her to act with discretion

By the time I returned to the embroidery hall, it was already past the hour of Wei

Qiluo nodded. The palace maid who fell into the well could be buried with just a straw mat. However, the death of Liuying attracted the attention of the Palace Attendant Bureau and the Imperial Pharmacy, claiming that the Crown Princess was concerned about the spread of the plague and specifically requested proper handling. Afterwards, rumors began to circulate among the Eastern Palace that Liuying had died from a miscarriage, and that the fetus had already taken shape. The guards retrieved not only a corpse from the well but also a mass resembling an infant.

Although the Crown Princess cannot be entirely dissociated from the matter, Zhao Dezheng from the Department of Treasures was immediately expelled from the palace after the incident involving Liu Ying. At the same time, Yu Xizi was directly promoted from the Department of Garments to take charge of the Department of Treasures. The timing is quite coincidental, so much so that it raises suspicion

Amidst the lush foliage, the master and servant have been standing for a long time

Peach Branch stepped forward lightly at this moment, picked up the palace-style item that had been thrown on the ground, examined it for a while, and said: "It is very exquisite, it should be useful."

On April 16, Shaoguang brought a red lacquer tray to the office.

Qiluo shot her a reproachful glance and said, "Given our relationship, even if you delay, do I really dare to blame you for anything!"

The palace maids were all aware that the Department of Garments was to be united with the Eunuch Supervisory Office, and they discussed it privately, with unfounded rumors spreading like wildfire. No one was willing to dine with the eunuchs until one day, Zhong Yilan announced that she would select from the current female officials, which finally put the lower-ranking maids at ease. The Department of Garments had five female officials, with an even number of garment keepers, and one each for the head of garments and the female historian. If a female official were to be chosen, it was highly likely to come from the garment keepers, and whether it would be Fu Yi or Tao Zhi, the palace maids were excitedly speculating.

I only know that at that time, an epidemic broke out in the palace, and many maids were expelled from the palace due to the disease. Qingmei said that Liuying also died from the epidemic, which is why her bed was burned afterward. However, Ning Shuang and Xiu'er were very reticent about this matter

As he turned his head to seek permission, the waves quickly vanished without a trace, his gaze cold and fierce, with only a hint of residual turbulence lingering on his lips

The garment has been in the room for many years, and the servant believes that Master Zhong will remember the old feelings

Xiu'er hid behind Qingmei, frightened to the point of tears

In front of the hall, the sound of Shaoguang was drowned out by the flattery and sycophancy of the palace maids in the Si Bao Fang. Ning Shuang still wanted to struggle forward, but was gently held back. With tears in her eyes, Ning Shuang looked at her, and Shaoguang shook her head.

Lifting the red soft cloth, it revealed a waist ornament and a ring-shaped jade artifact. Crafted by the Department of Accessories, paired with silk ribbons and chainmail from the Department of Garments, these are the tokens and insignia held by the palace maids. Qiluo picked up one of them, noting the exquisite craftsmanship.

Fang Yi scolded several maids as she paced around, picking up a piece of satin in front of an embroidery frame. It was a palace pattern by Xiu'er, just sketched out, not yet stitched, depicting the nine coils of the Chi Long pattern.

Pick up the brocade box on the case, and the beauty of the moment emerges.

Li Xiutian let out a cold snort, "The old woman has no real ability, yet she can still speak in front of the Prince of Jin. Your Department of Garments has a larger stature than the Department of Treasures, it seems you do not regard us outsiders with any respect. Take away these silks, the old woman does not wish to see filthy things"

As the light of youth gently descends, I catch a glimpse of Zhong Yilan's eyes, which shine like stars, her face aglow like the rosy dawn

Xiu'er fell silent like a cold cicada, hurriedly lowering her head to redraw with her pen

Shaoguang picked up the scroll with a smile of disbelief

The dressing room was eerily silent, with hundreds of eyes fixed on the two female officials of equal rank. After a while, however, Fu Yi suddenly retracted her aggressive gaze, turned away, and continued her inspection without uttering a word

This is a woman who has already passed away. Shaoguang Tuo Qiluo investigates her life, and this thin stack of pages in hand does not seem to reveal anything particularly special.