Three

As the light of the day unfolded, I walked to the side of the pagoda, took three incense sticks from the floral incense box, lit them, and handed them to Yu Xizi, saying, "If this is for the purpose of guiding the deceased to the afterlife, it would be appropriate for you, the one in charge, to burn paper money first."

As soon as the words fell, Yu Xizi was stunned. After a while, as if she had heard the funniest thing, she lowered her head and chuckled, then laughed again, "After talking for so long, we finally got to the main point. The competition in two days concerns the life and death of my household. Winning is a certainty; if we lose, do you think I would allow a concubine from outside to take charge of my treasury?"

A woman dressed only in an undergarment is kneeling before the altar, her hands clasped together, her expression one of devotion. Her long hair, unbound and flowing like a black waterfall, cascades over her shoulders. In the ethereal smoke, she appears both illusory and unreal

The exchange of words between the two was characterized by a flat and detached tone— the victim showed no resentment; the one exposed displayed not a trace of embarrassment or guilt. Their conversation flowed back and forth, profound and inscrutable, as if discussing matters unrelated to themselves. After a while, Yu Xizi sighed, her gaze resting on Shaoguang's face, "Alright, you can now tell me why you warned me in advance, can't you?"

The sunlight streams in, its bright rays illuminating the slightly stirred dust, rendering it utterly visible.

Yu Xizi suddenly raised her gaze, and the other party was also staring at her unblinkingly in that moment. Their gaze was direct, with a pair of eyes that were calm and profound, dark and deep, as if they were about to swallow a person whole

Naturally, burning paper money is not allowed in the palace. Yu Xizi watched her walk to the altar to offer incense, completing all the necessary rituals, before standing up from the lotus cushion, her eyes filled with authority, showing no sign of sorrow whatsoever

By the small blue-and-white table, there were only a few scattered palace maids. On the Huanghuali wooden rack, numerous treasures were placed, covered in dust, as if they had been left unattended for a long time. Close to the window corridor were three carved rosewood cabinets. Yan Jinxin casually pulled open a door, and a cloud of cobwebs and dust rushed towards her. Startled, Yan Jinxin quickly stepped back, covering her nose and asking, "Where are your treasure keepers? Why is no one here?"

Time quietly gazed at her

How wise it is to stifle threats in their infancy while one’s wings are not yet fully developed. Zhong Yilan and Yu Xizi have been competing for some time, while Cui Pei observes from the sidelines, merely waiting for the clam and the snipe to fight, so that she can deliver the most lethal blow. Zhong Yilan serves as the best shield, and the competition is the most appropriate opportunity; even if Yu Xizi does not contend, she will not let her off the hook.

Yu Xizi's gaze gradually darkened, "What do you mean by this?"

Indeed, before Zhong Yilan gathered evidence to deal with Yu Xizi, she had already given a prior hint, waiting for the Si Baofang to prepare a buffer before the Neishi Jian took action. Otherwise, what was brought up that day in the embroidery hall would not have been merely the charges of embezzlement and trafficking in palace silk—over the nearly one year of Yu Xizi's tenure, there had been quite a number of violations, bribery, and private sales. What the Neishi Jian investigated was only a part, with some being true and some false. However, most of the circumstantial evidence provided to Zhong Yilan by Shaoguang was fabricated. Otherwise, what was brought up that day in the embroidery hall would not have been merely the charges of embezzlement and trafficking in palace silk—over the nearly one year of Yu Xizi's tenure, there had been quite a number of violations, bribery, and private sales. What the Neishi Jian investigated was only a part, with some being true and some false. However, most of the circumstantial evidence provided to Zhong Yilan by Shaoguang was fabricated. Zhong Yilan thought that by counting on Liu Ying's death, she could frame her with an unanswerable accusation, yet she did not realize that Yu Xizi was actually not wronged at all

Zhong Yilan had not set foot in the Si Bao Room for quite some time. Looking at the vermilion door in front of her, she could not recall the last time she had come here. When Zhao Dezhen was in charge, the Si Yi Room and the Si Bao Room complemented each other well. However, ever since Yu Xizi took over, the two rooms had been at odds and operated independently. If it were not for the preparation for the competition between the two rooms the day after tomorrow, she would not have entered this place as long as Yu Sibao remained in office.

For a moment, she then said: "Master Yu probably thinks that in the competition the day after tomorrow, the palace servants from the Si Bao Room will undoubtedly win. Or perhaps, even if the Si Yi Room has a palace servant who takes the crown, Cui Shangfu will still reserve the position of Si Bao for Master Yu until the end." Upon hearing this, Shaoguang looked at her with some pity and said, "If you think this way, you are gravely mistaken"

I know that the evidence presented by Zhong Yilan that day was actually collected by you on her behalf. Otherwise, with her capabilities, how could she have known and discovered so much in such a short time? Having you is truly a treasure for her. Initially, the reason I wanted to bring her into the Si Bao Room was precisely because of this point. Unfortunately, Zhong Yilan got ahead of me.

"But I never thought of replacing her position," Yu Xizi clenched her fingers into a fist, her sharp nails digging into her flesh. "She used to rely on me so much, how could it all be..."

Shaoguang gazed at the colorful flowering trees in the courtyard, her gaze somewhat dazed, "In fact, the one who most wants to drive you out of the bureau is not Zhong Siyi."

Yu Xizi's lips parted slightly, as if she were silently reciting something, maintaining her posture with her back turned and offering no response. After a while, she finally opened her hand.

Yan Jinxin impatiently waved her hand, "Then call your treasured item here!"

Shaoguang Road: "I, as the person in charge, have no choice. Only when the maid enters the Treasury Room will you not be expelled from the palace."

Catching a glimpse of Yu Xizi's fluctuating complexion, Shaoguang lowered his head with satisfaction and decided to stoke the flames even higher. "Manager Yu ascended to the position of Supervisor by stepping over a corpse and two lives. Given this connection and fate, a mere position of a manager cannot confine you. In the future, when the Eastern Palace convenes, and the new Phoenix Master takes charge of the Central Palace, you will undoubtedly be promoted alongside. Looking solely at the Department of Garments, the first to be concerned is Manager Cui Pei. She has held a high position for many years, savoring the taste of glory, and being perceptive of subtle changes. How could she not worry about the future? How could she not see you as a thorn in her side, a nail in her eye?" In the future, when the Eastern Palace convenes, and the new Phoenix Master takes charge of the Central Palace, you will undoubtedly be promoted alongside. Looking solely at the Department of Garments, the first to be concerned is Manager Cui Pei. She has held a high position for many years, savoring the taste of glory, and being perceptive of subtle changes. How could she not worry about the future? How could she not see you as a thorn in her side, a nail in her eye?

"Did Zhong Yilan send you?"

As Shaoguang gently pinched the incense stick, "Why must you, Master Yu, be so modest? There is an old saying in the palace: a dead camel is still bigger than a horse. Now, isn't it true that everyone in the Si Bao Fang still obeys your command? Considering others as oneself, in the upcoming competition between the two houses, only with your assistance, Master Yu, can this servant stand out!"

Bai Bi tugged at Yan Jin Xin's skirt and said, "Enough, just have her take us to Yu Xi Zi's chamber, why bother with this concern!" After saying this, she turned to look at the maid beside her, "We are here specifically to discuss the matters regarding the competition in a few days, so please lead the way quickly!"

The servant lowered her head and murmured, "The red basket treasure is also ill and is not in the hall"

The servant pays respects to you, the manager

Yu Xizi resides in the eastern wing of the backyard

Three people entered the splendid hall together, yet the hall was very quiet

The sunlight streamed in, illuminating the simple furnishings of the room. Apart from the sandalwood table and sandalwood stool, the most valuable item was the yellow rosewood screen inlaid with jade, partially obscured at the entrance. In the center stood a purple lacquered incense table adorned with colorful paintings. On the incense table rested a bejeweled altar for a turquoise Buddha statue.

Ropa's tears stained the embroidered butterfly, creating a hazy blur. The gentle passage of time caressed her shoulders, leaning in closer, the soft laughter transformed into an enchanting melody: "A person harbors no malice towards a tiger, yet the tiger may have intentions to harm. As the one in charge, if you do not wish to wait passively for your demise, it is already time to strike back..."

The idle maid saw the visitor, performed a greeting, but stammered and could not speak.

Yan Jinxin immediately felt both angry and amused, "Zhang Bao is also sick, what about the lady? Is the lady also sick?"

Gong Zhengsi investigated the evidence of wrongdoing provided by Zhong Yilan, but ultimately, the result was that there was nothing to investigate. Yu Xizi's punishment was merely due to negligence. How trivial it is

Bai Bi pursed her lips and chuckled lightly, "How could Yan Si forget? There are no Si Bao in the bureau now. Where do you expect them to find her?" Not only is there no Si Bao, but also no Dian Bao. Yu Xizi is temporarily in charge, and her position is truly awkward.

After tidying up the incense burner and ash on the table, Shaoguang handed Yu Xizi a piece of cloth to wipe off the ash from her body. "If it were the intention of Zhong Siyi, how could Manager Yu allow the palace servants outside to pass freely as if they were mere servants?"

The imperial court has yet to issue new appointments, and the demoted official remains in charge, continuing to occupy the significant responsibilities of the Si Bao Fang while justifiably wasting time. Shao Guang gazed at the bed in the inner chamber, where the gauze curtains hung low, and the bedding was slightly disheveled, clearly indicating that someone had just risen.

The person in charge is suffering from a cold, and is resting in the bedroom. The other palace maids are in the courtyard.

The sunlight indiscriminately cast down upon the ground, the vermilion threshold scorched to the touch, gleaming with an oily sheen, as if it could shed a layer of red paint at any moment

Yu Xizi smiled faintly, "What can you ask of me? A demoted steward."

In the light, the woman smiled gently, her snow-white cheeks adorned with slender, arched eyebrows, her eyes resembling a fine inkstone, and her pupils akin to the exquisite plum ink ground from the inkstone.

Yan Jinxin frowned, "Where is your steward? In broad daylight, there isn't a single palace servant working in the Jintang. Aren't there treasures that need to be prepared for the Eastern Palace next month? Where have they all gone to slack off?"

Upon hearing this, the maid lowered her head even more timidly and said, "The master... has instructed that during the period of recuperation, no visitors are to be received"

As the end of the month approaches and the next month is imminent, Yan Jinxin and Bai Bi are still being pulled by Zhong Yilan to the Si Bao Room. It is now noon, the light rain has just stopped, the sky is beginning to clear, and the bright sky is a deep blue, with not a single cloud in sight

In the dim light of the smoke, Yu Xizi felt a sense of confusion and daze, yet suddenly recalled the spring rain that had been assigned to labor in the Yeting Bureau, remembered the drifting clouds awaiting execution in the Dali Temple, and thought of the many palace maids in the room who were implicated and punished. A wave of sorrow and complexity surged within her—both the guilty and the innocent were entangled, and those who plotted harm were not limited to just those with grievances!

Time passes swiftly, "It is you, the steward, who holds me in regard as a servant."

As the light of time pushes open the door, the gloom in the room dissipates in an instant

The spacious courtyard, with its recently renovated porch and flower windows, still boasts a fresh coat of paint. The windows of the east and west wings are half-closed, allowing the bright sunlight to filter in, occasionally accompanied by the chirping of birds. In this vast open courtyard, the wind is still and the flowers are quiet.

The steward may consider this as ... ... a safety net left for oneself.

To investigate all the charges against Yu Xizi within half a month, apart from Xu Xiu and the moon-white satin, the remaining witnesses and material evidence, with the assistance of the inner court officials, would be too easy. She is not someone who has been raised in the palace merely to fill a position; whether there are people fanning the flames or who is pushing her into the pit, Zhao Fuquan does not speak, but can she not guess? It is a pity that Cui Pei's calculations are still off the mark. She is not someone who has been raised in the palace merely to fill a position; whether there are people fanning the flames or who is pushing her into the pit, Zhao Fuquan does not speak, but can she not guess? It is a pity that Cui Pei's calculations are still off the mark.