Chapter 10, The Palace Maid

Su Ying smiled and said, "Of course, I can be called a 'teacher'—during the day, I am a clever and obedient palace maid, always considering my needs, teaching me how to win the favor of high-ranking ladies, how to navigate among them, when to keep silent, and when to be clever... Thanks to you and Wan Wei, this silly girl who has not received the true teachings of the Su family, I have come to understand that the affairs of the court are worlds apart from my family—at home, elders do not favor overly dull children; here, everyone dislikes those who are too clever." She chuckled, slowly pacing around Ling Rou as she spoke: "What is even more enlightening is that at night, this intimate and understanding little palace maid transforms into a butcher, tampering with my tea... Thanks to you and Wan Wei, this silly girl who has not received the true teachings of the Su family, I have come to understand that the affairs of the court are worlds apart from my family—at home, elders do not favor overly dull children; here, everyone dislikes those who are too clever." She chuckled again, slowly pacing around Ling Rou as she spoke: "What is even more enlightening is that at night, this intimate and understanding little palace maid transforms into a butcher, tampering with my tea... Ling Rou, thanks to spending day and night with you, I have truly come to know what a multifaceted place the court is... For this, I should toast you a cup."

Zhi Hui listened to her gentle tone and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck her, and she realized that an opportunity was right before her. She then said, "I entered the palace on the same day as Ling Rou, and we have experienced many ups and downs together over the years. I believe that in this court, there is nothing that Ling Rou can do that I cannot do... If I am willing to serve in place of Ling Rou, would Your Highness consider sparing her?"

Ling Rou's body trembled violently and collapsed to the ground. Su Ying, upon seeing this, smiled and said: "There is no need. She has already had her tea, let her go back—let's reminisce tomorrow evening."

"So you are called Song Zhiwei," Su Ying nodded slightly, "What brings you here today?"

Ling Rou crawled on the ground, hiding her face. However, Su Ying pulled her up and confronted her sternly, saying: "Ling Rou! You are an intelligent person, have you not realized? Your loyalty to them is merely harming others and risking a violation of palace rules! The things they have you do are nothing but a series of mistakes; have you become so loyal that you can no longer distinguish right from wrong? When you are alone, do you not fear for your own sins?"

The beaded curtains in the palace hung down to the ground, and the shining beads refracted a soft glow throughout the room. The queen, Su Ying, sat peacefully by the bright lamp, flipping through a thin book. Ling Rou knelt respectfully, quietly listening to her instructions

Her words were not without reason, and Yuanyao nodded repeatedly in agreement, while Zhihui smiled and did not continue the detailed discussion with her

The game has already changed hands, and it is meaningless to blame the pieces used by those before. Su Ying took a breath and said solemnly, "I forgive you. But I am very curious to know whether this piece will serve me and seek my forgiveness, or if it is stubbornly intent on leaving with those who wish to depart."

Ling Rou remained in a coma until noon the next day when she finally awoke. Upon opening her eyes, she saw her sworn sister Zhi Hui anxiously standing by the bedside. Zhi Hui, with a worried expression, inquired about the events that had transpired. Ling Rou pondered for a moment but ultimately chose not to tell her. Although she felt fear in her heart, she pretended to be calm on the surface, as her memory of the last events of the previous night was rather unclear.

Su Ying looked at her and asked, "Did you enter the palace on the same day as Ling Rou? Where are you from?"

If this continues, Feng Ling's life will be in jeopardy. I earnestly request Your Highness to allow me to take the punishment on behalf of Ling Rou, so that she may survive and serve the royal family to the best of her ability. " After saying this, Zhi Hui bowed deeply again.

Su Ying turned coldly and took Rui Xin outside to bask in the sun. However, her arms involuntarily tightened as she held the small child, causing him to struggle in discomfort.

Zhi Hui lowered her head and answered clearly: "It is for the sake of Feng Ling's gentleness"

Not long after, before returning to the capital from the Eastern Palace, Zhi Hui was suddenly transferred from the embroidery workshop to the Eastern Palace. Upon learning this, Ling Rou felt as if she were in a fog, and while congratulating Yuan Yao, she cautiously inquired, "The embroidery workshop is separated from the Eastern Palace by more than one layer; how did you manage to obtain this transfer, sister?"

There has only been one person referred to as "Su Fengxiang" in history. Zhi Hui was taken aback and, feeling disheartened, discovered that her sworn sister was hiding a life-threatening past.

Ling Rou stumbled and could not maintain her footing, and Xin Ze was dragged along the way. Finally, she fell by the flower bushes where she had tossed aside the bell, inadvertently tearing the tassel from Xin Ze's waist, and let go, sending it flying into the flower thicket. Just as Xin Ze was about to search for her, he saw several palace maids approaching from a distance. It turned out that the maids had not heard the sound of the bell for a long time and had come to look for the bell ringer

Xinzhe waited on the palace road for a short while before seeing Ling Rou coming along the path, carrying a hanging copper bell.

Zhi Hui sighed deeply: I fear that the commoners at that time were only worried that the few of them would be captured and would reveal unfavorable words, hence their generosity. Ling Rou, however, is quite stubborn; when the ten promissory notes came into her hands, she resolutely declared her intention to burn them, vowing to live and die alongside the Star Empress. This left the other nine in a dilemma, and they had no choice but to stay with her.

Her family background is quite impressive. Su Ying admired a scroll of paintings and absentmindedly remarked: "Her ancestors have been under the protection of the Su family for several generations, and she has been in the palace since childhood, receiving much care from the Su commoners."

Ling Rou gritted her teeth and remained silent. Su Ying lightly parted the beaded curtain and walked to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder in a comforting manner: "If the princess is being forced against her will, and if there is any forgery involved, it is understandable. I will not make things difficult for you. After all, you were an important teacher to me when I first entered the palace."

The servant's ancestral home is Tai'an

Cui Luohua learned that the position of the female official in the Eastern Palace had been filled, but the selected candidate was none of those she had recommended. She was aware that Su Ying had been trying to place her own informants in the Eastern Palace, but the Eastern Palace was extremely vigilant against the Central Palace. Anyone with even a slight connection to Su Ying or the Dongping Su family had no chance at all. This time, she had carefully selected several candidates, but still ended up empty-handed. Suppressing her displeasure, she reported to Su Ying and apologized for her ineffectiveness. However, Su Ying merely brushed off the matter with a few casual words. This time, she had carefully selected several candidates, but still ended up empty-handed. Suppressing her displeasure, she reported to Su Ying and apologized for her ineffectiveness. However, Su Ying merely brushed off the matter with a few casual words

She nodded towards the corner, and a shadow emerged from the darkness, bringing a bowl of clear, transparent water to Ling Rou. Upon seeing that the person was Yang Fang from the Palace Justice Department, Ling Rou was taken aback, holding the tea bowl and not daring to move. However, Su Ying looked down at her from a height, and she had no choice but to brace herself and drink it all.

Su Ying raised her eyebrows slightly and smiled, saying, "Song Zhihui, have you always been this straightforward in your speech?"

It is indeed thanks to the favor of the Star Empress—sister, do not forget the benefits of the Star Empress. Ling Rou spoke eloquently: "The Tai'an Su family has truly been generous to our families. If it were not for the assistance of the Yijing Empress, how could our families have survived? Although the harem has seen changes in dynasties, the Huai Min Empress, the Kang Yu Empress Dowager, and the Star Empress have all taken great care of our families. The several of us sisters entered the palace initially to repay the great kindness of the Tai'an Su family, willingly becoming their eyes and ears?" Although the harem has seen changes in dynasties, the Huai Min Empress, the Kang Yu Empress Dowager, and the Star Empress have all taken great care of our families. The several of us sisters entered the palace initially to repay the great kindness of the Tai'an Su family, willingly becoming their eyes and ears?

When Xin Ze was returning with Ling Rou, he was astonished to discover such a cold-blooded side to Su Ying. She coldly instructed Xin Ze to keep a close watch on Ling Rou, forbidding her from taking the opportunity to commit suicide. Xin Ze had not anticipated the extent of danger Ling Rou was in. Yet at this moment, he could hardly believe that this palace maid could collapse and die at any moment

Seeing that the queen was well aware of this person, Cui Luohua suddenly realized. However, she had never seen this person in person and remained somewhat uneasy, "With such a background, can he still be loyal to the empress?"

Ling Rou let out a sigh, hung the bell on the nearest cluster of flowers, and said melancholically: "The master has confidence, but the servant does not"

I have allowed you to live until now, not to clarify these words before letting you die. Su Ying snorted coldly, I have heard that you also come from Tai'an, and your family has always been under the care of the Su family of Tai'an, serving the Su noblewoman since childhood. It seems that with the death of the Su noblewoman, you have once again become the loyal servant of Princess Zhenning.

From that day on, Su Ying no longer asked Ling Rou to go for tea. Ling Rou secretly speculated on many possibilities, but there was no opportunity to confirm them. She did not like to share her innermost thoughts with others, and therefore said nothing to her sworn sisters, Zhi Zhi and Yuan Yao.

The lady is a person of virtue, how could a servant harbor the thoughts of a petty person

"It is not a forgery," Ling Rou argued weakly, "Those ten permits were granted to me by the previous empress out of special favor. Therefore, they were not used and were given to the princess as a memorial for the empress." Her mind gradually became unclear, and she forgot to refer to herself as a servant. Su Ying did not expose her, but coldly laughed, "She treats you so well? Why would she grant you so many permits?"

The esteemed title of the Empress is 'Ren Gong', embodying benevolence and kindness, treating others with great generosity. The people in the palace have always held the Empress's broad-mindedness in the highest regard. In the eyes of the servants, the Empress is a paragon of sincerity and integrity, which is why the servants dare to boldly plead for mercy. Zhi Hui repeatedly bowed and said: 'I and Ling Rou are like sisters, swearing to share both joys and hardships. Now that Ling Rou's life hangs by a thread, even if it costs me my head, I must plead for her.'

This is a good beginning, and the obedient interface said: "The pomegranate is indeed planted by this servant. To be appreciated by Your Highness is the honor of this servant"

The palace maid Ling Rou of the Danxi Palace was granted permission by the Empress Dowager to leave the palace from the hour of Yin to the hour of Wu. Su Ying set aside the scroll in her hand and said, "The Registry and Prohibition Office firmly asserts that the verification is accurate, and the permit bears the mark of the Empress, indeed issued from the inner palace. However, I do not recall when such a grace was bestowed upon you. Ling Rou, the reason I called you today is simply to inquire, which Empress granted you the permit to leave the palace?"

Su Ying's smile vanished as she handed the imperial grandson to the female official beside her, watching the palace maid warily. Upon hearing her say again, "This servant does not know what crime Ling Rou has committed, but dares to plead for her," Su Ying found it amusing: "You do not know what she has done, so how can you plead for her? Moreover, you? What qualifications do you have to ask me to spare her?"

Upon learning of the urgent summons from the Empress Dowager, the bell in her hand began to jingle softly.

In imminent danger? Su Ying was momentarily stunned, realizing that the camel's fur had already been used up, which brought about a hint of regret. Reflecting on Ling Rou's stubborn silence over the past few days, never once mentioning the severity of the poisoning, Su Ying found herself at a loss, unsure whether she felt anger or admiration towards her. In that moment, her heart was filled with a myriad of conflicting emotions, leaving her speechless.

Su Ying listened to her speak seriously and smiled dryly, saying: "The palace maids forming a bond as lotus sisters, having such loyalty, is truly stronger than that of biological sisters—Ling Rou is indeed fortunate." She coughed and continued: "You haven't done anything wrong, so why would I punish you? Even Ling Rou, I never intended to impose a harsh punishment on her. I can't even ask her to serve me."

"The one who can win without a doubt is the God of War. I am not that person," Su Ying rolled up the scroll and said lightly, "Have I not taken enough risks until now? For the Eastern Palace, this time it is worth it"

The bell-ringer at night is one of the most arduous palace servants. With every few steps, she must jingle the bell up and down, scattering the malevolent spirits within the palace. Only when dawn breaks can they rest. This task is the most exhausting and inauspicious, always assigned to those who have violated palace rules and faced severe punishment. Xinzhe had previously taken note of this maid, who, like herself, had been specially summoned back to Danxi Palace by Su Ying, but Ling Rou had long been silent and seemingly forgotten by Su Ying. It was not until that night that Xinzhe finally saw the true face of Feng Ling Rou—quiet as a ghost, her face not only bore a sickly frailty, but her gaze also seemed void, uncertain of where it would ultimately drift.

Su Ying was playing with the imperial grandson by the pomegranate tree. When she learned that Song Zhi Hui from the needlework workshop was requesting an audience, she could not recall who this person was, nor could she think of what matter she might have. It was not until Zhi Hui knelt by the pomegranate tree that Su Ying looked at this palace maid and then at the familiar scene, finally realizing: "It is you—when the pomegranate was transplanted to Danxi Palace, you came by."

The lady... made Ruo tremble and smile: "The chess pieces are heartless, but people have hearts."

With a clang, the bowl in Rou's hand fell to the ground. "Please, Your Highness, grant this servant a death."

"Is the tea made from camel thorn good to drink?" Su Ying said softly, "Occasionally consuming a small amount is not a big deal, but taking a bit more can lead to hallucinations and delirium, and excessive amounts can cause suffocation and fainting; exceeding a certain limit can even be fatal. Thanks to you, I have experienced all the symptoms, but fortunately, I did not lose my life. After I exposed this in front of her, Wan Wei merely laughed casually and said that this substance is commonly used in the palace and poses no harm... Can you guess how much camel thorn is in this bowl?" After I exposed this in front of her, Wan Wei merely laughed casually and said that this substance is commonly used in the palace and poses no harm... Can you guess how much camel thorn is in this bowl?

With great joy in my heart, I bow deeply: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your praise"

Ling Rou's face suddenly changed color, and she raised her voice to say: "Sister should not speak such words! Sister's hometown no longer has family members to care for, and has completely forgotten the benefits received in the past? Do you still remember the ten permits granted by the Empress? When she was falsely accused and in danger herself, she still thought of us, asking us ten to act according to the situation and escape from this place—after all, as the Empress, even in times of great peril, she did not forget us. How can we, mere lowly maidservants, be ungrateful?"

The palace maids hurriedly lifted Ling Rou to bid farewell. As for Xin, she went to search for the silk flowers, but unfortunately, the night was dark, and she could not find them, so she had no choice but to leave

Ling Rou had long had a plan in her heart, and she said calmly: "In my humble opinion, the grievances of the Star Consort will naturally be resolved when the Crown Prince ascends the throne. As mere palace maids, all we can do is to serve the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess with our utmost sincerity, so that we do not waste the kindness shown to us by the Tai'an Su family." She looked at Zhi Hui and sincerely said: "Sister, if you have the opportunity to enter the Eastern Palace, you should certainly clarify our identity as the ten of us to the Crown Princess. Given the current situation, it is only a matter of time before the Crown Prince ascends the throne and the Crown Princess takes charge of the Danqian Palace. If we do not explain this to her, it is likely that we will be implicated when the palace is swept clean."

She was moved by what she said and gently replied: "However, after entering the palace, I came to understand a principle: we are the servants of the royal family, not the servants of any individual. The Empress has already departed, and we are still here, so we should do what is expected of us."

Su Ying took a few steps in front of the flowering tree, plucked a branch of pomegranate flowers, and gently inserted it into Zhi Hui's hair bun, saying: "The pomegranate flowers you planted are excellent. I wonder if you are equally capable in other areas; let me see in the future and then we shall discuss."

Ling Rou opened her mouth, suddenly realizing that her tongue had begun to feel numb and unresponsive. The world before her grew dim, and Su Ying's face transformed into a blur.

The Qinfeng seemed to be speaking to herself: "This matter must be dealt with promptly. In a few days... if a young couple is added to the painting, it won't look as good, will it?"

Cui Luohua noticed that the Qinfeng was also accompanying Su Ying in admiring the famous painting, making it inconvenient to discuss the matter too much. Taking advantage of the Qinfeng going to fetch the scroll, Cui Luohua pretended to chat casually and asked: "I wonder what kind of person this Song Zhihui is? How could he rise to prominence from the needlework workshop so suddenly"

The favored concubine, holding a scroll, approached and stared intently, only to be met with a sidelong glance from Su Ying, who quickly forced a smile and said: "To say that this child is not the daughter of the Empress would astonish anyone who hears it. The Empress, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince together resemble a couple in a painting with their own child, a scene of familial bliss that is truly enviable. We must certainly invite a painter to capture this beautifully another day." The words carried a deeper meaning, and Su Ying chose not to respond.

Su Ying changed her expression, stood up abruptly, and said coldly: "Have you prepared for the crime of forging the regulations of the Central Palace?"

At this moment, Yang Fang, who seemed like a shadow beside her, suddenly spoke: "Your Highness, please forgive this humble servant for speaking out of turn—Your Highness is not well-versed in this matter, and I fear that questioning until dawn will only lead to a complicated and unfocused discussion. Please entrust this person to me, and I assure you that I will not disappoint Your Highness's expectations"

The night was deep, and the lights of the Danxi Palace had dimmed significantly, casting a particularly imposing silhouette in the remaining glow. Ling Rou approached this dark and massive structure with trepidation, and the moment she stepped through the palace gate, her whole body trembled, as if she felt herself being swallowed alive by it

At that moment, Rui Xin, who was napping on the bed, suddenly woke up and began to cry loudly for no apparent reason. Su Ying hurried over and held him in her arms, gently soothing him. "Do you want to see His Majesty? The Empress will take you there right away"

Zhi Hui smiled and said: "In the Eastern Palace, there is an elderly female official who has been dismissed due to illness. The Empress has recommended several candidates to replace her, but the female officials in the Eastern Palace are not satisfied. I thought this was an opportunity, so I put myself forward. The officials in the Eastern Palace know that I am a fellow townsman from a humble background and have been in the palace for some time, so they are inclined to support me."

When Zhi Hui came to visit this time, she finally understood that there must be a significant reason behind it. "Ling Rou! What on earth is wrong with you?" She gently shook the unconscious Ling Rou. Awakened by her, Ling Rou suddenly began to speak in her sleep: "Camel grass... Su Feng Xiang, we used it very carefully, and we never intended to harm Feng Xiang's life." She spoke fluently, as if this sentence had been pent up in her chest for a long time, finally able to be expressed in one breath. Awakened by her, Ling Rou suddenly began to speak in her sleep: "Camel grass... Su Feng Xiang, we used it very carefully, and we never intended to harm Feng Xiang's life." She spoke fluently, as if this sentence had been pent up in her chest for a long time, finally able to be expressed in one breath.

After careful consideration, she quickly made up her mind to visit the Danxi Palace

Due to her drunkenness when she rang the bell, she was punished with a deduction of half a year's salary. Ling Rou felt that this was not a big deal; if the Empress were to impose such a minor punishment, it would indeed be her fortune. However, the next evening, when Ling Rou was off duty, Su Ying invited her for tea again. Ling Rou's heart immediately sank into an abyss, and she steeled herself to go to the Danxi Palace. ... On the third day, the fourth day ... After seven days, Ling Rou suddenly saw the deceased Wan Wei appear before her in broad daylight. Ling Rou's heart sank into an abyss once more, and she steeled herself to go to the Danxi Palace. ... On the third day, the fourth day ... After seven days, Ling Rou suddenly saw the deceased Wan Wei appear before her in broad daylight. She was so shocked that she clutched her chest, a wave of blood and energy surged, and she fainted suddenly

In my view, those who are born with loyalty and integrity are precisely the ones who appear most suspicious in the eyes of the Eastern Palace. How can this be allowed? Furthermore, how does Xin compare to her?" Su Ying let out a light scoff, "These subordinates who wish to secure their positions in the palace have already forgotten their own families. Why should we continue to dwell on it?"

As the beaded curtain swayed, it stirred the glow of fireflies throughout the room, and the dancing points of light left my heart in a flurry, causing my body to tremble lightly under Su Ying's hand. "Teacher?"

The empress has always taken risks in her strategies

They greeted Xinze and looked at him and then at Lingrou with confusion. Xinze's expression was indifferent as he said: "This bell-ringer has actually gotten drunk on the road, neglecting her duties, which is utterly disgraceful. Take her back and keep a close watch on her. Tomorrow, she will be punished—no leniency allowed, lest she take her own life out of guilt, causing everyone to bear the consequences together"

Yuan Yao, unwilling to let Hui and Ling Rou fall into a deadlock, interjected, "Though that may be the case, how should we repay this? The Star Empress has been deposed by the Emperor; are we to commit an act against the heavens?"

Ling Rou trembled all over as tears streamed down her face, yet she still gritted her teeth and remained silent. Su Ying sighed and said, "What good is stubbornness? After a while, when you are delirious, you will answer whatever I ask." Her eyes were bright and piercing as she stared at Ling Rou, ominously saying, "Wasn't it the same back then with Wan Wei? You waited every night for me to reveal my thoughts in my sleep, didn't you?"

What are you afraid of? It is said that one should ask if they believe. The fact that she was asked to ring the bell was not a direct instruction from the Empress, but rather a deliberate act of bullying by the sycophants in the palace who guessed that she had offended the Empress. However, no one could explain why she had offended the Empress in the first place