Chapter Seven, the Palace Maid Yingluo

"Is this something that needs to worry the family?" Cai Lan chuckled, "Huo Wei has already gone to the Department of Carriages and Horses to discuss it. Following the family's instructions, he had them prepare a regular four-wheeled carriage, but it must be sturdy and stable. Huo Wei spent the whole day deciding on it and had it set aside separately. He even selected some fine feed for the horses that will pull the carriage. By the way, Yu Wenrong knows how to drive. Should the family use him, or should we have the department assign someone else?"

Then he must be pleased, as Huo Wei mentioned that he is no less capable than those in the Department of Chariots. Cai Lan said with a smile. Since Yuan Xiu has not yet reached the age of marriage, and now that Empress Dowager Zhao Xian has passed away, it is likely that marriage discussions will be difficult for a while. Therefore, the staffing of the Princess's residence has not yet begun. Currently, her close attendants include only her wet nurse, Xue, who is far away in Jinyang, as well as Cai Lan and Cai Lu, who attend to her daily needs, Cai Cheng, who manages the kitchen, Cai Zi, who oversees the small palace maids doing miscellaneous tasks outside, and the eunuchs Huo Wei and Wen Rong.

As soon as a character was uttered, Cai Lan and the others frowned, while Yuan Xiu let out a cold laugh and slammed the silver chopsticks heavily on the table

By evening, news indeed came from Ganlu Hall confirming that Consort Zhao's pregnancy was unstable. Fengchun decided to stay in Wanchun Hall for dinner, postponing Yuanxiu's invitation until tomorrow night. The messenger was still Yu Anyuan, who appeared somewhat apprehensive, fearing Yuanxiu's anger. Since the founding of the Tang dynasty, the princesses have become increasingly formidable with each generation. Princess Pingyang once helped the founding emperor establish vast territories, and to this day, there is a grand pass renamed as Niangzi Pass in her honor.

Little did they know that Princess Yuanxiu was so proud, and her palace attendants were equally assertive. When they encountered Yingluo, it was clear that they would hold her accountable. It was evident that regardless of whether Fengchun favored Consort Zhao or Yuanxiu, this palace maid was doomed. If Fengchun favored Yuanxiu, even Consort Zhao would not fare well. Even if Consort Zhao emerged victorious, to appease Yuanxiu, Fengchun would likely place the blame on Yingluo, resulting in severe consequences.

However, it was too late for her to plead for mercy; Yuan Xiu did not even lift her eyelids and lightly uttered two words: "Noisy!"

Cai Zi also knew that she would not offend Feng Chun's dignity, and she went with a secret smile

Yingluo realized that the situation was dire and quickly knelt down: "This servant knows her crime! I have just followed the command of the noble consort to present bird's nest to His Highness the King of Han. Upon arriving here, I inadvertently spoke incorrectly. I humbly ask for your forgiveness, esteemed one!"

Wang Zhan, the head of the Wang family in Taiyuan, is considered to be highly esteemed among the Five Surnames and Seven Families. Although the title of Minister of Works is merely honorary, he is still one of the Three Dukes. Wang Zhan has four sons, but only one daughter, Princess Jie, who is the daughter of the Empress. Moreover, daughters from the Wang family have always been sought after by the other four families among the Five Surnames and Seven Families. Who would not feel aggrieved in such a situation?

Shall I send her away?

Yuan Xiu listened and said lightly: "Didn’t you just faint a few hours ago, scaring King Han and King Wei into rushing to the Ganlu Palace? How is it that you can prepare fish soup so quickly?"

Cai Lan has a calm demeanor. Hearing Cai Nu speak lightly, she cast a sideways glance at Yuan Xiu when the latter was not paying attention. Cai Lu, seeing this, stuck out her tongue and quickly changed the subject: "Will A Jia definitely go to the Princess Chang's residence in Pingjin tomorrow? Although the invitation has already been sent, looking at the sky, it seems it might rain again tomorrow."

Cai Lu came over to help her massage, and a playful voice came from above Yuan Xiu's head: "Where did A Jia go wrong? Isn't Li Fei just a vulgar and gaudy person? She comes from a lowly background. If it weren't for the fact that the biological mother of the Princess of Yunzhou, Ji Meiren, was a former palace maid, who arranged for her niece to be the accountant for Wulang, and happened to catch Wulang's eye, she probably wouldn't have even made the selection."

Currently, Fengchun has no daughters, only a younger sister named Yuanxiu. Yu Anyuan is a close attendant of the Ganlu Hall. How could he be unaware of everyone's thoughts

She believed that this was all because Princess Yuanxiu, relying on her shared mother with Fengchun, did not take her seriously. However, was not Princess Yangxin also born of the same mother as Emperor Wu of Han? Yet when sending Wei Zifu into the palace, she held her hand and reminded her not to forget their bond if she became wealthy and powerful. Therefore, Fengchun had someone send fish to Yuanxiu, and Consort Zhao took the opportunity to subtly suggest to Yingluo to take over this task from the attendants of the Ganlu Palace, privately instructing her to show Yuanxiu some attitude.

Does this mean that it was confused by two people

Yuan Xiu said: "If he arrives on time, naturally we will employ him"

Yuan Xiu instructed Cai Lan to bring a pair of white jade plates: "I originally intended to bestow some medicinal herbs to Yu Tang, but since the Empress has already summoned the imperial physician, you should take this pair of white jade plates to Yu Tang. Tell him to rest well for a few days, and only when he is able to walk without difficulty should he return to serve everyone, to avoid leaving any lasting illness."

"What does it matter? We will go by carriage," Yuan Xiu asked, "Is the carriage for tomorrow ready?"

At that time, Fengchun was still the Crown Prince. Before the grand wedding, it was customary to send an older woman from the palace to assist the Crown Prince with matters such as accounts and the management of the inner chambers. Due to the early passing of Empress Dowager Wenhua, this responsibility fell to Empress Dowager Zhaoxian. She instructed the Bureau of Inner Chambers to make arrangements. The beautiful Ji, who had previously served as a female official in the Bureau of Inner Chambers during Emperor Xianzong's reign, sought to bring Zhao Lihui, who was also serving in the palace at that time. Although Zhao Lihui was lacking in talent and virtue, she possessed striking beauty. Ji managed to present her to Empress Dowager Zhaoxian. Initially, Zhaoxian found her too superficial, but Fengchun nodded in approval from the side. Zhaoxian, not wanting to create discord over a mere account keeper and foster son, agreed.

Yu Anyuan was indignant about the plight of his adoptive father. He knew that Yuan Xiu had received the news of Zhao Lihui's pregnancy several hours ago, yet no one from Fengyang Pavilion had gone to Wanchun Hall until now. Meanwhile, he and his son had already benefited. He immediately understood which side Yuan Xiu was on and respectfully said: "I, as a servant, thank you on behalf of my adoptive father!"

Yuan Xiu slowly turned the porcelain bowl in front of her and after a moment said: "Everyone is tired today, I shall hold my tongue for now. Tomorrow at dinner, I will personally inquire about it clearly!"

Before long, a palace maid dressed in plain clothes entered, carrying a food box. She bowed and said, "I am Yingluo, serving at everyone's command, and I have brought the fish soup personally made by the beautiful consort to bestow upon you, A-jia"

Fortunately, Yuan Xiu was taught by Zhao Xian from a young age. The Wang family of Taiyuan referred to him as "Jin Lou," symbolizing silver quality adorned with gold, which was considered beautiful by the four clans. Moreover, Yuan Xiu grew up in the palace, naturally possessing an extraordinary demeanor. Although he felt secretly annoyed upon hearing the words, he did not deem it worthwhile to trouble a mere messenger. Instead, he furrowed his brow and asked, "Have the King of Han and the King of Wei said anything regarding the Empress's outburst?"

Sending away Yu Anyuan, this time Cai Lan also felt somewhat dissatisfied: "Wulang is treating the Empress so unfairly, I am afraid that Situ will feel unhappy if he finds out about this."

I have not seen Lady Zhao for a long time, and I cannot quite remember what kind of person she is. Yuan Xiu rubbed her forehead in frustration, but when Fifth Sister took her to the Southern Inner Court for an audience in the past, I always found her unbearably vulgar. Or perhaps I have misremembered her?

Among them, Huo Wei also came from beside Empress Dowager Wen, so he is somewhat closer to Yuan Xiu. As for Yu Wenrong, he was sent by Zhao Xian, and being two years younger than Yuan Xiu, he naturally ended up running errands outside. Yuan Xiu is taught by Zhao Xian, and her daily life is attended to by summoned palace maids. Even Huo Wei must go through Cai Zi to see her, while Yu Wenrong has an additional layer of separation. However, Yu Wenrong is quite clever; whenever he sees Cai Lan and the others, he always calls them "sister" and is attentive and smiling, which over time makes Cai Lan not mind helping him seize some opportunities to appear in front of Yuan Xiu, such as this time.

Since Fifth Brother is going to bring it to me, then just bring it in

After everyone was awakened, King Han and King Wei tugged at their sleeves, anxiously reporting the danger to Consort Li. Everyone hurried to Wanchun Hall, where the Empress directed the servants to tidy up Ganlu Hall. The imperial physician was summoned to examine the knee of the adoptive father before returning to Lize Hall.

Today, Zhao Lihui was diagnosed as pregnant. Regardless of the thoughts in their hearts, the six palaces had to send someone, or even go in person, to express their congratulations, including Dongping and Changyang. Even the wet nurse of Princess Liyang prepared a gift for her. However, while waiting at Wanchun Hall, they did not see Princess Yuanxiu come to visit. Instead, over at Ganlu Hall, Yu Ting received a pair of white jade gifts. Zhao Lihui felt as if she had been doused with cold water at the height of her joy, filled with resentment

Yingluo was greatly shocked: "Please spare my life!"

However, no one expected that this stewardess would be so fortunate; within just a year of serving the Crown Prince, she gave birth to the first son, King Han. For this reason, Emperor Xianzong specifically ordered her to be promoted from stewardess to concubine. In contrast, the noble Lady Wang, the niece of the esteemed Lady Zhao, whom Emperor Xianzong personally selected for the position of Empress Fengchun, has yet to bear any children, and she finds herself constrained in every way by a concubine of humble origins.

At once, Cai Zi ordered the eunuchs outside to come in, and they dragged her out forcefully, one on the left and one on the right. As soon as they stepped out, Ying Luo fell silent, and it was unclear whether she had been knocked unconscious or had her mouth covered.

Yingluo was taken aback, but then heard Cailan say softly: "A'Jia is the younger sister of the family. Since the family ascended the throne, every time we have given something to the princes and nobles, it has been said that A'Jia is sending it rather than bestowing it. Is it that A'Jia's invitation for everyone to dine today has caused displeasure, hence this warning to A'Jia?"

Cai Lu received her understanding gaze, and without waiting for Ying Luo to interject, she continued, "Everyone is reprimanding A Jia, which is reasonable, but the one who came is not a palace servant from the Ganlu Hall, but merely a maidservant of a concubine. Are we to assume that everyone resents A Jia to such an extent that we must insult her with the status of a concubine's lowly maidservant?"

During dinner, when Yuan Xiu was halfway through, Cai Ziqie came in and said: "Aunt, someone from Wanchun Hall has come, saying that Consort Zhao personally made fish soup for Wulang today. Wulang found it quite good, so he asked someone to send over an untouched one."

During the reign of Emperor Gaozong, following the chaos of the Wu Zhou period, Princess Anle, the beloved daughter of Emperor Zhongzong, once requested to be established as the Crown Princess. Furthermore, Princess Zhen Guo, who was favored by Empress Wu, had even put Emperor Xuanzong in a position where he could hardly breathe.