One

With a soft voice and a humble demeanor, she said: "In response to the esteemed Empress Dowager, yesterday, Dong Andai came to visit me on behalf of the Empress Dowager. My entire family is deeply grateful to the Empress Dowager. I am but a girl and cannot serve the court like the gentlemen; I can only offer my humble devotion by coming to the palace to serve the Empress Dowager. I am a lowly person, not very clever, and if the Empress Dowager does not find me unworthy and chooses to keep me, then no matter how great the Empress Dowager's kindness is, I would never be able to repay it, even if I were to sacrifice my life."

There is also indoor lighting; most people who live in solitude for a long time tend to worship Buddha, with layers of yellow drapes hanging down, creating an atmosphere akin to a Buddhist hall. However, the Empress Dowager is different; she has instructed her attendants to neatly gather the curtains, and the window drapes are rolled up high. She sits in a pool of light, holding a pair of Western glasses, meticulously selecting patterns.

Listening to these flattering words, she was truly treated like a distinguished guest. Still smiling, she decided to take it all as the truth and followed the magpie imprint into the palace gate, entering the side hall where the Empress Dowager resided

Originally, Dong Fuqiang intended to elevate her status. She hailed from the Eqi Li clan and was the adopted daughter of Duke Guoyong. When the Empress Dowager brought her into the palace, it was only natural that she would become either a queen or a favored concubine, while he himself would refer to her as a servant, as was appropriate. However, she did not take advantage of her status to act arrogantly. After observing her for two consecutive days, he noted her humble and warm demeanor, showing no trace of pride or arrogance. Such individuals are rare; she seemed as if she were born to thrive in this palace. Now, having returned from a long journey, she continued to live her life with a carefree acceptance of fate.

Yingming recalled, "It was only about ten days ago that I felt my aunt's face was familiar, and I never expected to see her again so soon"

The so-called good kin refers to the emperor, does it not? If one were to say it is good, indeed there is nothing better in the world than marrying into the imperial family. However, she feels that she does not possess such grand aspirations, nor does she dare to entertain the thought of wearing such a grand title.

Who is the Empress Dowager? You speak flattering words, but how could she not see through them? Yet she remains unperturbed, her expression unchanged, and says: "In this world, apart from those who are ambitious and eager to become a consort, no one is willing to enter the palace. You are a straightforward child, unable to learn from others' ways, so there is no need for you to make things difficult for yourself in front of me. Your late grandmother often came to the palace to play cards with me; she was my good partner. Every time she came, I could win quite a bit of gold and silver from the Empress Dowager. After she passed away, I didn't set up card games much anymore, as they would intentionally lose to me, and over time it became truly uninteresting. Now that you are here, I am genuinely pleased. You need not regard me as the Empress Dowager; just treat me like your grandmother, keeping me company with conversation and laughter. Wouldn't that be more heartfelt?

The palace maid furrowed her brows and shook her head, "An Da, this is a guest invited into the palace by the Empress Dowager, yet you are taking them out through the side door!" As she spoke, she turned her head and smiled, squatting down in a respectful manner, "I am the palace maid in charge of affairs before the Empress Dowager. The last time you came, I was the one who led you in, do you remember?"

The palace maid serving nearby presented a beautiful fist, and upon seeing it, Yingming smiled and accepted it, kneeling on the footrest to massage the legs of the Empress Dowager. She said, "The Old Buddha likes me, which is why she keeps me in the palace. I wish to serve the Old Buddha for a few more years; my marriage is of no concern to me. I will accompany the Old Buddha like this, fanning her in the summer and warming her feet in the winter. As long as the Old Buddha does not find me foolish, I will continue to serve in this Cining Palace, so I can follow the Old Buddha and learn things that cannot be learned outside." I will accompany the Old Buddha like this, fanning her in the summer and warming her feet in the winter. As long as the Old Buddha does not find me foolish, I will continue to serve in this Cining Palace, so I can follow the Old Buddha and learn things that cannot be learned outside.

"How wonderful," said the Empress Dowager, pulling her down to sit on the southern kang. "The last time you came to the palace, I took a liking to you at first sight. At that time, there were too many people around, so we couldn't have a proper conversation. But now that I see you again, I find you even more pleasing. Yesterday, Dong Fuqiang came in to report that you were willing to come to the palace to keep me company and alleviate my boredom. I thought to myself, having a young child accompany an old lady like me might just end up making her feel bored to death." She intentionally asked again, "Do you truly wish to come in, or did that servant Dong Fuqiang deceive me into thinking you wanted to come just to please me?"

Someone was passing under the eaves, glanced over, and exclaimed, "Why haven't I seen you enter through the main gate up front?"

Dong Fuqiang led the way ahead, passing through the alley on the east side of Yinghua Hall, and passing by Shou'an Palace. With such proximity, there were few opportunities to encounter the palace's master, thus avoiding some unnecessary meetings and social engagements

She spoke with clenched fists, her heart feeling as if it were bleeding. However, if she did not say it this way, she feared it would implicate the Hai family. It would be better to sever all ties completely, so that in the future, whatever happened on her end would not involve them.

Yingming said, "I can manage to walk. However, I must trouble you, Andai, for running back and forth for me several times."

Yingming could only quicken her pace, fortunately, Qi Ren did not bind her feet, possessing a pair of natural feet, allowing her to stride forward with ease.

This Yinghua Hall is a place for Buddhist ceremonies, where the imperial concubines and the young masters come to observe fasting and bathe the Buddha. However, they come here very rarely throughout the year, as each palace has its own small Buddha hall, making it unnecessary to seek far when one can stay close. Dong Fuxiang raised his hand and pointed to a large area ahead, saying, "This area is where the imperial concubines of the late emperor reside. When the late emperor passed away, they moved out from their respective palaces. Except for those who received titles from the emperor, the rest simply added the character 'Tai' before their original titles. From then on, they no longer wore colorful garments, but instead lived in the Tai Fei courtyard, observing fasting and chanting, leading a tranquil life. If we take this side path, it can be considered a shortcut, but the palace is vast, and we still have to walk quite a distance. For people like us, relying solely on our two legs, those who ride in shoulder litters or are carried by two bearers are all the masters inside... Yinging, can you still walk?

The Empress Dowager smiled and said to dispense with formalities, personally standing up to assist her. In the light, the young lady's radiant face, with its delicate charm and vivacity, is something that no poetry or painting could adequately describe

The girls were talking together, appearing even more intimate with each other. The chief maid said: "You may call me Queyin, as I dare not consider myself your aunt in your presence. The Empress Dowager knew you were coming today and had me come out to check several times this morning, and finally, I have been able to welcome you here"

The sun shines brightly, and on such a spring day, walking through the deep palace, one hardly feels the oppressive weight of power and wealth. The grand architecture, the red palace walls, the bright yellow glazed tiles, all accompanied by the delicate fragrance of pear blossoms in the air. The golden rays of the sun fall upon the rooftops, and squinting at the dazzling light, one sees countless shimmering points, like children playing with skipping stones. A breeze has arrived, carrying a slight warmth mixed with a hint of coolness, stirring the fine fox fur trim around the collar, brushing against the skin of the chin, creating a ticklish sensation.

He nodded slightly, "I was confused. People like us are born to be subservient, and once we start speaking smoothly, we can’t easily change our course. Please don’t laugh at me, young lady." After saying this, he raised his chin towards the wall door ahead, "Once we pass through the door, we will be on the path to Cining Palace. Let’s move quickly, so we don’t keep the Empress Dowager waiting."

Dong Fuqiang said: "I took a shortcut, but it didn't save any effort."

Eunuchs are always like this, ingratiating themselves opportunistically, pointing out that they might be able to move up in the future, seeking higher positions, and never forgetting to secure a good standing for themselves. Yingming knows that her entry this time is certainly not just about accompanying the Empress Dowager for amusement; she will not, like other girls, assume a position of superiority just because she feels secure. Regarding Dong Fuxiang's words, she merely considers them as flattery, saying, "I have entered the palace to serve the Empress Dowager as well, so in principle, we are the same. When you refer to me as a servant, I truly cannot accept that; please do not do so, lest it becomes a source of ridicule for others."

Yingming said that after the minor engagement, they originally planned to get married this year. However, our side consort pondered for quite some time and mentioned that the third master often travels for work, which might make it difficult for him to take care of the family in the future. After much deliberation, they ultimately decided to cancel the wedding a few days ago

With her eyes cast down, she is quite perceptive, unlike those who come from prominent families, raised to be dull and merely waiting for others to serve them. As she swings her delicate fist, her slender and fair wrist moves gracefully, striking with a steady force, her skill no less than that of the palace maids who specialize in leg massages. It is truly a pity that her entry into the palace is a result of political considerations; if those were set aside, she might have been a commendable candidate for the position of empress.

Standing beside, someone called out in a crisp voice as they saw someone enter, "Your Highness, look, Miss Yingming has arrived"

The Empress Dowager's words are merely polite expressions, and you certainly should not take them seriously. Yingming hurriedly got up upon hearing this, unsure of what to say. At this moment, to explain further would be utterly unnecessary; it would be better to feign honesty and act dull-witted. Thus, with a flushed face, he squatted down and said, "As per the Empress Dowager's command."

The Left Gate of Huayin is the wall gate of Cining Palace, which leads to the eastern courtyard of Cining Palace. Dong Fuqiang brought her in from here, and after several turns, they arrived at the steps in front of Cining Palace.

Speak beautifully, the more beautiful the better. Eagerly serving others like a servant, while also expressing gratitude for their grace, is truly insincere. But what can be done? One must accept their fate to survive. Once one enters this place, there is no way to escape; within this walled city, the distinctions of high and low, rich and poor, are clearly defined. Now, she can only cling tightly to the thigh of the Empress Dowager to live comfortably in the future

She spoke each word with great caution, and naturally, it was very pleasing to the Empress Dowager's ears. Older individuals, to some extent, are not as clear-cut as they were in their youth; at times, they also enjoy a bit of confusion, finding joy in hearing sweet words from children, which brings them happiness in their hearts

The Empress Dowager extended her hand and gently stroked her hair, saying, "What a good child you are; your thoughtfulness brings me joy." She turned to the attentive Lady Jingqi and instructed, "Has the rice been sent? The Emperor must not have left anything for his meal, right? Go to the Yangxin Hall and check. Convey my message: no matter how urgent state affairs are, we must take care of His Majesty's health. Today, have the kitchen prepare wine and dishes, inviting the Emperor to dine at the Cining Palace, and also invite the Empress and the Noble Consort to join us. The new performers from the Shengping Bureau sing well; have two of them sing 'Nishang Zhongxu' a cappella, as I love that tune." The Empress Dowager thought to herself, feeling pleased as she clapped her hands, "This will make it complete; everyone gathering together for a family banquet will be lively and enjoyable."

The Empress Dowager sighed, seemingly feeling quite sorry for her, and then said, "As a mother, it is natural to feel heartache for one's child. If it truly is not suitable, forcing it may not yield good results. Your mother is a decisive person; many marriages suffer because the elders in the family are indecisive, ruining the child's entire life. You need not be anxious; since you are here with me, I will take charge and find you a suitable match in the future"

"Come here, don't just stand there, come to my side." The Empress Dowager smiled and pulled her over, "Lord Xue's wife mentioned you to me before, saying that you were promised to the third master of the Dinglu family last year. Is that true?"

The Empress Dowager raised her eyes, and Yingming had already knelt on the carpet before her, respectfully bowing his head, "I am the servant Yingming, here to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager"

The Empress Dowager is not the kind of person who idly accompanies you to amuse you. Every word she utters carries profound meaning, requiring you to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. When Dong Fuqiang came to visit, he did not explicitly state that it was the Empress Dowager's idea; he repeatedly referred to it as "in my humble opinion," and his words were filled with his personal interpretations of the Empress Dowager's likes and dislikes. Regardless of whether entering the palace was indeed the Empress Dowager's original intention or merely Dong Fuqiang's conjecture about her wishes, if it could please the Empress Dowager, it was undoubtedly the right course of action.

The Empress Dowager is quite different from an ordinary old lady; she does not enjoy burning incense to fill the room with smoke. When the weather warms up, she has someone go outside to gather flower branches and place them in a plum vase with fresh water for nurturing. Once the flowers bloom, she trims a section to adorn the room and her life, embodying a spirit reminiscent of the wild crane's elegance.

Dong Fuxiang sighed, "I am merely a servant who runs errands; I cannot do anything else. In such a vast place as the Forbidden City, we can make several trips in a day, and my feet have developed calluses, more effective than the soles of my shoes. " He laughed again, "However, young lady, you are different from me. You can endure this for a while, but in the future, there will naturally be someone to attend to you. When that time comes, if I have the fortune, I will carry you in a sedan chair, accompanying you wherever you go, and then I would have achieved a semblance of humanity. "