Chapter 3

Dayong's eyes were filled with tears as he bent his legs and said, "I shouldn't have agreed to 'ai', I should have said 'ta'."

Zhang Laishun said, "It is not just for that. The second steward appreciates you and has arranged a good position for you, intending to promote your aunt! I am here to convey a message, asking your aunt to be prepared, as you may be assigned a task at any time."

"How could I possibly do that!" She waved her hand, "Please convey my thanks to the second manager for his kind intentions. I am not very capable and fear I might let him down, so I would prefer that he choose someone more competent instead!"

It is indeed very good. There is still haze at the fifth watch, and the hour card for the morning has already dispersed. The sunlight shines from afar, and the newly painted red walls of the palace, set against the blue sky and white clouds, become even more vibrant and lively.

The eunuch who had previously been on duty stood in front of the Taiping tank. Upon seeing her come out, he immediately broke into a smile, saying, "I just saw the lady adjusting the personnel." He gave a thumbs up in flattery, exclaiming, "Oh, what an impressive demeanor, truly remarkable!"

Zhang Laishun said with a smile, "You are still foolish; there is no one capable in this palace. Rest assured, you won't be going alone; the second steward is also here! If there is anything you do not understand, you can ask him. With him supporting you, you can just keep your mind at ease."

To be honest, she only knew a few people who went together, as for what they looked like, she could not recall at all. However, since they introduced themselves, if she claimed not to remember, it would put the other person in an awkward position. So she casually replied, "It is Zhang Handai, I didn't recognize you for a moment due to my poor eyesight, please don't hold it against me. Are you here today regarding yesterday's matter?"

She turned around to face them and said, "I will demonstrate, so pay close attention." She placed her hands on her left knee, bent her right leg, and squatted down. Halfway through, she said, "The knee should not touch the ground; that is what squatting is. If it touches the ground, then it becomes kneeling. When squatting, the back must remain straight; it should not bend forward or lean backward. The left leg should be slightly bent and higher, while the right leg should be bent lower. Squat down and say, 'May the esteemed master be at peace.' Wait for the master to speak before standing up; otherwise, remain squatting until the person is no longer visible. When squatting, the back must remain straight; it should not bend forward or lean backward. The left leg should be slightly bent and higher, while the right leg should be bent lower. Squat down and say, 'May the esteemed master be at peace.' Wait for the master to speak before standing up; otherwise, remain squatting until the person is no longer visible. Some masters are picky and deliberately do not call you to rise, wanting to see how well you have practiced the fundamentals. This is the time that tests your endurance; you must utilize the skills you learned from the Ritual Office. Those assigned to various palaces eventually become prominent figures; do you know why? It is not because they are sweet-tongued or clever, but because they can withstand scrutiny and understand human affairs. Those assigned to various palaces eventually become prominent figures; do you know why? It is not because they are sweet-tongued or clever, but because they can withstand scrutiny and understand human affairs. Nowadays, none of the young masters, noble masters, or even the favored ones around the queen are delicate or precious. Go and take a look; among these people, anyone you pull out can squat for a stick of incense without even blinking. As for your service, I cannot guarantee whether you will stand out, but your life depends on following the rules. By adhering to the rules and maintaining integrity, the master will naturally appreciate you. Do you understand? As for your service, I cannot guarantee whether you will stand out, but your life depends on following the rules. By adhering to the rules and maintaining integrity, the master will naturally appreciate you. Do you understand?

The eunuch exclaimed, "Indeed, it is dark as pitch at night, so it is not surprising that you cannot see clearly. I am Zhang Laishun, the apprentice of the Chief Steward of the Second Division. Yesterday, I was with you when we retrieved the corpse..." He made a gesture as if operating a lever, "I was responsible for loading it onto the cart, do you remember?"

The title of Cheng'en Gong is not an official title; it is a superior rank of nobility that has existed since the fall of the Great Ye and the entry of the Southern Yuan King into the Ye Palace. It is generally conferred upon the father of the empress, who is the legitimate father-in-law of the emperor. Managing such matters is a lucrative position, as Su Yi's master had previously handled the funerals of other nobles. However, the intricacies involved are too trivial, and even if she is willing, she is powerless to act.

The eunuch was taken aback, "Do you not remember me?"

Zhang Laishun finished his message, rubbed his hands together, and said, "Aunt, you must be busy, I have to go attend to my duties now." He then remembered the matter she had entrusted to him, paused for a moment, and said, "I almost forgot, the deceased one was not properly disposed of, and has been placed in the charity graveyard. The Zongrenfu found someone, but that dead person was just a low-ranking servant, and they are too lazy to deal with it. Aunt said they could send a message to her family, so it’s better to do it sooner rather than later! The charity graveyard is filthy, and there are bugs at this time of year. When Su was pulled out, the stench was unbearable, and the officials were covered in it. The steamed bun filling had been left there for too long, and in the end, it all had to be fed to the bugs.

It seems to be a minor task, so I am a bit curious, "What kind of job is it? If you don't tell me, I will just speculate.

She felt somewhat bewildered, as she had always struggled to recognize faces. With so many people in the palace, everyone seemed to look the same. Her continued presence in the Department of Ceremonial Affairs over the years was largely due to this shortcoming.

Zhang Laishun was very pleased, "That's right, you will definitely benefit from this. Others can't even ask for it! The Empress doesn't inquire about her family matters, and the Uncle of the State is just a player, adept at stirring up trouble but not capable of handling any serious business. Only the Empress Dowager is left to manage everything, and the old lady is overwhelmed. The Emperor said that sending the Internal Affairs Office is against the rules, and instructed Chang Andai to handle it. Andai has high standards, and there are not many in the palace that he finds worthy, so he just pointed to his aunt for assistance." The Emperor said that sending the Internal Affairs Office is against the rules, and instructed Chang Andai to handle it. Andai has high standards, and there are not many in the palace that he finds worthy, so he just pointed to his aunt for assistance.

So I understood everything else, but the last sentence left me a bit confused, "What filling is in the steamed bun?"

Therefore, I did not quite understand. She has no close relationship with Chang Manshou, and it sounds a bit dubious that someone so unrelated would help her find a job. Receiving kindness from others for no reason means that in the future, one would have to repay it doubly, which she is actually not very willing to do. After considering the situation, she thought, "I still have a job here; if I am transferred elsewhere, what will happen to this position?"

As she turned back to the room, several young palace maids had been squatting for a while, their legs trembling, all appearing unsteady. She sighed and said, "You can't eat a cake in one bite; let's practice here first!" Watching them help each other up, she added, "At this moment, don't you think standing is better than squatting? In fact, they are both the same; standing properly is also difficult. Whether the master is listening to a play or taking a nap, standing in front of someone for two hours without moving a muscle is quite a hardship." With a glance, she said, "Stand against the wall! From now on, alternate between the two; first, solidify your foundation, and you won't be afraid no matter where you are assigned." Whether the master is listening to a play or taking a nap, standing in front of someone for two hours without moving a muscle is quite a hardship. With a glance, she said, "Stand against the wall! From now on, alternate between the two; first, solidify your foundation, and you won't be afraid no matter where you are assigned."

Aunt is quite beautiful, with delicate and fair features; upon closer inspection, one cannot find even a single mole, resembling a peeled egg. She has a slender figure, described in common parlance as having a flat body, not the kind that is rounded with a bit of flesh. Her shoulders do not appear very broad, yet when she wears the same robe, others look stout while her waist seems empty, exuding a sense of frailness like a willow swaying in the wind. Furthermore, Aunt's squatting posture is distinctly different from that of others; it is stable and upright. Long-limbed individuals perform movements beautifully; when she raises an arm to wave a handkerchief, a portion of her sleeve falls down, revealing her three-inch fair wrist, which stirs a feeling of longing in the heart.

Thus, I am not very satisfied. "It's not just this; you are still staring at me. If your new master calls you, will you also gaze at them with wide eyes?" She turned in a circle and said word by word, "Listen carefully, when serving, you cannot rely solely on your eyes; you must also use your heart. When the master gives instructions, you should slightly bow your body and let your eyelids droop. To observe the master's expression, you should use your peripheral vision. If the master is looking at you, you must not look back at them. If you violate this taboo, it is considered overstepping and a great disrespect, which could lead to punishment or even worse. Furthermore, when moving about the palace, you must remember the mantra—do not listen, do not look, do not discuss. If it is not your business, pretend to be deaf and mute. In case something accidentally enters your ears, it should only go in and not come out; even in your dreams, you must avoid speaking of it. Do you understand?"

Zhang Laishun said, "It's nothing, just two or three days, it won't delay your time."

The young palace maids responded in unison, and although the aunt was strict, she also commanded respect. At the very least, she showed some leniency; had they encountered another aunt under such circumstances, they would likely have been punished to kneel.

Zhang Laishun was very pleased, with a pointed chin and a face like a shoehorn, and when he smiled, it became even longer. Squinting up at the sky, he remarked, "The sun is really nice today"

With a glance, I said, "I know what you all think in private. Don't say that Aunt is formidable; this is all for your own good. If I don't teach you now and you go out and cause trouble, not only will you be punished, but you will also tarnish the family name, bringing disgrace to the entire family. When a servant works with their head held high, if they are not vigilant, they won't even know when they lose their means of livelihood." I continued, "Just now, I saw you all squatting, and I took a look; it was truly a sight to behold. For us Qi people, squatting is a common practice, but not many do it well. In the past, at home, it was more casual, and no one paid much attention. Now it is different; once you enter the palace, you must do your best, to the point where no one can find fault with you."

The palace maid named Da Rong let out a sound, raising her eyes in a daze as she looked at her, not understanding her meaning

Zhang Laishun chuckled, "Isn't the grave shaped like a steamed bun? When a person dies and is buried, doesn't it become the filling of the bun!" He waved his hand and said, "I'm off, see you later."

With a wave of the hand, a slap landed on the back. "As soon as I finished speaking, I turned around and let it go. It went in one ear and out the other, just like you. Aunt, you might as well not live anymore. Do you know what mistake you made?"

After the aunt finished the demonstration, she took turns correcting and guiding them. She instructed them to squat, and after a cup of tea, she went out to take a look.

Thus, knowing that this statement is nonsensical, I also respond perfunctorily, "Having long been esteemed and regarded highly, I am filled with trepidation."

After some thought, she realized that further evasion would be seen as ungrateful. So be it, being able to leave the palace and gain some benefits seemed like a good opportunity. She had neither money nor power, and she was not afraid of others plotting against her. Whether inside the palace or outside, she would remain vigilant, ensuring that no one could catch her off guard. As she squatted down to express her good fortune, she said, "Then I shall accept the task. Please thank the Second Chief for me when you return; I will certainly do my best to handle the matter thoroughly"

I do not know what he intends to do, I only said, "You are too kind to me. May I ask what you need from me? I am still on duty and cannot leave."

When one is on duty, one must adhere to the rules without exception. Turning back, I happened to see several young palace maids whispering to each other. Immediately, I frowned and suddenly called out, "Da Rong!"

Everything has been arranged here, and I will report back to the person in charge. A death has occurred in the bureau, and it cannot be left unattended. The matron of honor is usually strict, but the higher-ups are quite lenient in this case. This is because they wish to accumulate merit and hope for good returns, so they just nodded and let her go.

Have you heard the news that Lord Cheng'en is gravely ill? He started refusing food last night, sweating profusely from the pain, and it seems likely that he may not last more than a couple of days. In previous years, to demonstrate favor, the palace would send a respectable lady-in-waiting to oversee the funeral arrangements for a first-class nobleman, acting as the female host. You wouldn't need to do anything; the trivial matters would be delegated to the maids and servants below, while you would simply oversee the proceedings. " Zhang Laishun chattered on, "Don't be fooled by the fact that it's only been three days; once the duties are completed, the bereaved family will want to thank you. Without at least thirty or fifty taels, this red envelope won't be worth showing. Don't you think that such easy money makes for a good job?"

The young palace maids were terrified, for it was no joke to incur the wrath of their aunt, and they hurriedly crouched down to show their obedience