Chapter Seven, the morning rain is light and the sky is overcast
Lan Chuzhi rested her chin on her hand and gazed for a long time, then let out a laugh, "After all, you have become a Jinyiwei, your perspective is different from ours. Sir, just look at your imposing manner and the words you have spoken, it truly seems like it is the case! From now on, you will be the second-in-command of the Control of Military Affairs, commanding who lives and who dies, and see if anyone in this palace dares to challenge you!"
A strong hope arises from the depths of the heart; it is common in the officialdom to recruit talents. You need people, and we have them. As long as you can provide an opportunity to let everyone's stiff hands and feet move, everyone will be willing to follow you and work together
Lan Chu was simply happy for her, continuously saying "That's wonderful," as she assisted her in changing out of her official robes, hanging the garments on a rack that was as tall as a person.
Outside, the eunuchs and palace maids lined up, bringing in food boxes. During the family visit, the breakfast is predetermined, consisting of several staple dishes and a few side dishes, which must be arranged in order regardless of whether they are eaten or not. She stood up, personally opened the lid to serve her mother sweetened lotus seeds, while the various braised meats, smoked chicken, small intestines, and assorted pickled vegetables were neatly laid out. She smiled and affectionately called out, "Mother, please eat. I will serve you."
The hall was as cool as water, standing still and motionless, almost making one feel drowsy. After a long wait, her opening remarks finally arrived. She said: "When Lord Lan was in charge, all of you thousand households were skilled at carrying out your duties. Now that the Control of Troops Department has a new leader, although you all have the heart to serve the court, there are no opportunities to demonstrate your abilities. A good blade, when left unused for too long, will become dull. I have observed from the sidelines for five years and feel great sympathy for your circumstances."
On the second day, the weather was poor, and it began to rain at the hour of the rabbit. The winter rain fell in a drizzling manner, penetratingly cold. She hugged the quilt and pushed the window open to look outside, where the rain was mixed with fine hail, landing on the bricks under the eaves, producing a soft rustling sound.
Lan Chu waved her hand in haste, "He also heard it from someone in the Li Zheng Hall."
Xinghe does not care how others criticize her, as long as they are honest in front of her. Who can control the thoughts of others? Even a sage may not be respected by everyone. Take, for instance, that female attendant who entered the Eastern Palace at the same time as her, a noble lady with an extremely gentle disposition. The palace maids, with their various schemes and mischief, were tolerated by her, yet when trouble arose, she was implicated. Not a single person who had benefited from her kindness stood up to speak on her behalf. Years of cultivation were completely destroyed, and she could not bear the shame, ultimately choosing to throw herself into the well. Was death the end? Not at all; it left behind troubles. Her family desperately pleaded to bribe someone to testify that she had accidentally fallen while drawing water, for if someone in the palace were to commit suicide, it would bring disgrace to their family.
The sharpness that had been honed for seven or eight years has long since turned into a pile of mush and been dumped into the gutter. Now that someone is willing to revive them, does it matter whether they are male or female, or is there still so much to consider?
The cold towel pressed against her face, she took a deep breath, the chill rushing up her nose straight to her forehead, bringing tears to her eyes. She stood in front of the mirror for a while, observing her face, which was frozen, pale with a hint of red, yet this red was stiff, like a performer in a traditional opera. She raised her hand to wipe it, leaned down to sit on the velvet stool, and opened the dressing box made of rosewood and copper, where combs, bamboo hairpins, and brushes of various sizes were neatly arranged in layers. She stared at it for a long time; this box had been assigned to her by the Yeting Bureau after she entered the Eastern Palace. After all these years, she still did not understand the purpose of many of the items inside.
In order to prevent her from taking a break, the prince specially lent her this courtyard for a family reunion. She expressed her gratitude verbally, but in her heart, she felt quite uncomfortable. Originally, as a female official who had served in the palace for ten years, she could have taken leave to visit home. The family reunion naturally involved not only her mother but also relatives and friends, as well as the house she used to live in and the maidservants she had once commanded; she wished to see them all once more. However, this desire was not allowed to be fulfilled by that master. Under the pretext of it being troublesome to return home and to spare her from the labor of travel, it was merely a means to exploit her fully, leaving her no time to rest.
Jin Ci cracked a smile, feeling a bit awkward. Everyone openly expressed their disdain towards him. This time, no one wanted to break the deadlock anymore, quietly clenching their frozen fingers—indeed, it was too cold.
This girl, most of the time, is quite out of tune, but having served beside her for over ten years, one can develop feelings even for cats and dogs. With such a cold temperament as Xinghe's, she can only tolerate her, buzzing and chattering in her ear.
Madam Su noticed the tears welling in her eyes, fearing that outsiders might be watching. She quickly turned her head, worried that her words might be overheard and lead to further complications. Soon, she lowered her head, let out a sigh, and forced herself to take a sip.
Having changed into oil boots, the young eunuch held an umbrella for her as they swayed their way towards the West Pool courtyard. Today, she wore casual attire, a lilac-colored brocade jacket adorned with ten different floral patterns. Perhaps they were accustomed to seeing her in official robes, even those stationed at the doors cast her a few more glances.
Lan Chu was still chattering. In the ladies' chamber, there were only the two of them, and without her share of liveliness, it appeared rather desolate, resembling a widow's quarters. Xing He furrowed her brows, wearing an expression of helplessness as she watched Lan Chu take the dressing box out of the inlaid cabinet and place it in front of the bronze mirror on the dressing table. That box had not been used for a long time. Ever since she took on the task of handling the rebuttal documents and frequently went in and out of the yamen, applying powder and rouge on her face only served to remind others that she was a young woman, a fact she did not appreciate under the peculiar gazes of others.
She stepped down from the kang wearing slippers, and a basin filled with the clear water she had prepared the night before was waiting. She preferred not to mix hot water when washing her face, even in the freezing cold of winter, she was bold enough to dip her hands into the icy water.
Eight individuals hesitated and exchanged glances, with no one daring to speak as the higher-ups remained silent. Although the attire of the brocade-clad envoy and the commander was the same, their genders were different; the brocade envoy's belt was adorned with palace bells, which jingled with every step. The sound of the bells was distinctly elegant, yet now it carried a sense of foreboding. The thousand households did not dare to breathe, and after a long wait, they finally heard her cough. It was as if blood surged throughout her body, and her nearly collapsed face regained some composure. The sound of the bells was distinctly elegant, yet now it carried a sense of foreboding. The thousand households did not dare to breathe, and after a long wait, they finally heard her cough. It was as if blood surged throughout her body, and her nearly collapsed face regained some composure. The youngest of the thousand households, Jin Ci, mustered his courage and offered a greeting, speaking like a dog wagging its tail: "As winter approaches, please take care of your health, my lord. The yamen is quite a distance from the Eastern Palace, and catching a chill on the way would not be good."
Adorning jewelry, it is simply like a poor child visiting wealthy relatives to beg for food, with the rice piled high and spilling over. It reminds me of when I was young and received a new pair of earrings, shaking them vigorously in my ears, fearing that others might not see them. Lan Chu is probably feeling just like that now
The name of the Control Commander is known throughout the capital, and it was the Left Imperial Concubine who secretly arranged for her to enter the palace. Now that she has reached this position, Madam Su has also made preparations in her heart. However, the reputation of the Control Commander is not good, and any mother would be reluctant to have her daughter associated with imprisonment. There are many words she wants to advise her on, but seeing the palace attendants standing inside and outside, the words turn around on her tongue and are swallowed back down.
She hesitated for a long time, and finally sighed, saying, "Let it be this way." Looking at the clock, it was time to leave the lady's chamber. Exiting through the Autumn Palace Gate, crossing the Yi m. hetushucom, one would arrive at the West Pool Courtyard. This courtyard is used for summer retreat, featuring an artificially excavated lake, rockeries, stone pavilions, and floating duckweed, all adorned in a delicate and exquisite manner.
Lowering her head, she blinked her eyes and Mrs. Su said: "While you are in the palace, I have nothing to worry about. Look at how well you are handling your duties now, and how the master favors you. How many girls can rise to such positions, from the inner court to the outer court? It seems that our Su family's ancestral grave has sprouted mugwort, so you must cherish your blessings, serve the court well, and heed the master's orders..." It seems that our Su family's ancestral grave has sprouted mugwort, so you must cherish your blessings, serve the court well, and heed the master's orders..."
The Milky Way leaned over to look into the bronze mirror, raising a hand to wipe it, but was stopped by Lan Chu, "The young lady outside is still using a snail shell to paint her eyebrows, drawing them like brooms. This is called a fashionable makeup style, and the madam will surely like it."
Gritting her teeth, she still had to endure. For some reason, her attempts to navigate the situation in front of him were completely ineffective. Like the Monkey King with his extraordinary abilities, she still could not escape the palm of the Buddha. Facing him always brought a sense of helplessness, not only being constrained by another but also feeling utterly powerless, as if she had three heads and six arms yet could not articulate her despair.
When a lady of the court enters the palace, she usually goes through the Anli Gate. However, this time, the Crown Prince has issued a directive, allowing Madam Su to enter directly through the Xuande Gate due to Lord Su's hard work and significant contributions. The Xuande Gate is not far from the West Pool Courtyard; one can reach it by passing through the Pavilion Courtyard. My daughter entered the palace at the age of twelve, and during the time of the late Empress, she was summoned and could still catch a distant glimpse of her. After the Empress passed away, the grand ceremonies such as the royal silkworm offerings ceased in the palace, making it difficult to enter again.
Seeing the child grow so tall, with a face that still faintly resembles her childhood, Mrs. Su felt a mix of joy and sorrow, unable to hold back her tears. What could she say? The mother and daughter exchanged glances in silence. After a while, they entered the corridor, embracing each other, only asking if they were both well.
She spoke eloquently, with a clear plan in mind, and having just officially taken office, her demeanor was filled with a spirited and ambitious confidence
Master Su is a person of his word, and according to the gossip among those serving in the Eastern Palace, they say she is three times more formidable than the Crown Prince. However, Lan Chu disagrees; every time she hears such remarks, she steps forward to argue, saying, "Our master is the best master in the world." Although she cannot precisely articulate what makes her master so great, she is always ready to confront anyone who dares to speak ill of him.
This official office is similar to apprentices in the marketplace, where later arrivals must yield to those who came first. For instance, when learning a trade, one must wait for others to choose their tools first; only after others have made their selections can one pick up what remains. It would not be appropriate for anyone to monopolize the choices, as each profession has its own set of rules.
In a patriarchal household, it is indeed a rather awkward situation when a hero finds himself without a place to exert his talents. Xinghe has spent a full five years in the Control of Military Affairs Office, and he knows a bit about the reasons behind it. The principle of "a new emperor brings new ministers" applies not only to the court but also to small places like government offices, remaining an unchanging truth throughout the ages. The position of the commander in the Control of Military Affairs Office changes frequently, with each commander having their own trusted aides. Moreover, the relationship between the current and former commanders is inherently delicate, making it quite natural for those in power to neglect or even sideline the subordinates left behind by their predecessors.
Xinghe smiled slightly and said, "If it is truly as Xu Qianhu mentioned, as long as there is still a heart to serve the master, no one should look down on you. As for me, I have just taken office; although I have previously followed the court, it was mostly in the capacity of drafting rebuttal documents. Now, the court has conferred upon me the title of deputy envoy, and I have come to take up my post. To speak candidly, everyone sees me as a female official, and I fear that many do not regard me highly. I have no one to rely on, and I do not wish to trouble the Crown Prince. Within the yamen, there are dozens of Qianhu, most of whom have their own duties. I have looked around, and only you eight are idle. If you do not mind, let us work together to achieve something worthwhile."
The person wearing the qilin robe in the hall walks leisurely on the blue brick floor with hands clasped behind their back, while the sunlight streaming in from outside becomes her stage. She strolls back and forth in that patch of light with great interest, the unhurried pace creating a sense of torment akin to a dull knife cutting through flesh
"My lord..." The leader of the Lan family army looked at her, eagerly swallowing a mouthful of saliva, "A dull knife is not to be feared; it can be taken down and re-polished, its sharpness undiminished from the beginning. However, nowadays everyone has their own loyal troops, and we have lost our support, left like mud pigs and mangy dogs, ignored by all. To be honest, my lord, it is truly frustrating in my heart."
Lan Chu was still chattering away, "Tomorrow you will be meeting the prince, do you remember? The Crown Prince has granted a favor, inviting your family’s lady to the West Pool Courtyard for a banquet. Tomorrow, you should dress beautifully, so that the lady can rest assured that you are doing well in the palace. Over the years, you have diligently handled your duties and have risen to a high position; which young lady can achieve such success? You alone bring glory to your family’s name"
Both sides have settled down; those in need of people have found them, and those in need of weapons have also regained their arms. Later, when she returned to the women's quarters, Lan Chu gave an evaluation, saying, "It's like picking up scraps," and she was struck hard on the head in response.
The Control and Military Department has been established for seventy to eighty years, with a solid foundation and at least several thousand personnel. As for the Qianhu, there are a total of more than twenty individuals. Apart from a few that Nan Yushu particularly favors and employs regularly, the remaining eight are seldom utilized unless there is an absolute shortage of personnel. In other words, these eight Qianhu primarily serve the function of guarding the entrance, and are only recalled when there is a need to watch over a residence or to escort individuals for examination at the Zhao Prison. Usually, this group of people is akin to the insignia used by the police during official processions, serving merely as decoration for appearances.
Lan Chu inserted the hairpin, and she pulled it down. In the end, only a bunch of tassels remained, with two emeralds inlaid with pearls resembling the three friends of winter flower hairpin. Lan Chu could not argue with her, so she had to yield. She then turned to apply makeup, dipping the powder puff into the powder and carefully applying a layer to her. Her complexion was excellent, fine and smooth, without a single blemish. However, upon closer inspection, the powder was applied excessively, resembling a layer of white flour sprinkled on a glass window, which instead detracted from her original good color.
Xinghe felt a sense of sadness; mother and daughter had been separated for ten years, resulting in a certain estrangement between them.
She did not refute after hearing it, but the second-in-command still lacked a bit to wield such great power. Once she takes over Nan Yushu's position, it will probably be about right.
"Originally, you said you would come back, and the family has made all the preparations. Later, however, the decree changed, summoning you to the palace to meet relatives, which left me flustered." Madam Su tugged at the hem of her garment, as if worried about losing her composure in front of her daughter, whom she had not seen for a long time, and a hint of bashfulness appeared on her face.
With a single leap, he can jump three feet high. "As long as the adult gives a word, we, the subordinates, will lead the horse and shoot the eagle for the adult, hitting wherever pointed."
These are merely formalities, not only meant for her ears but also for a third party to overhear. Xinghe was just about to ask about the family when he caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye and noticed someone standing at the far end of the courtyard. It seemed that due to the inclement weather today, after finishing the morning lessons, there was no need to practice archery and horsemanship, so the Crown Prince was wandering around the palace and, without realizing it, had ended up at the West Pool Courtyard.
The thousand households looked up in astonishment; upon hearing these words, there was a sense of relief. The newly appointed deputy commander had no soldiers under his command, and in the end, he could only continue to deal with trivial matters. As for them, indeed, as she said, if they were a group of aimless garrison soldiers, then muddling through life would be acceptable. However, they had once been glorious, having followed Lord Lan to achieve great merits for the court. Later, when Lord Lan was dismissed, although they remained in the Control of Troops Department, their circumstances were vastly different from before. They were indeed, as she said, if they were a group of aimless garrison soldiers, then muddling through life would be acceptable. However, they had once been glorious, having followed Lord Lan to achieve great merits for the court. Later, when Lord Lan was dismissed, although they remained in the Control of Troops Department, their circumstances were vastly different from before. The end of a hero's road is perhaps the most humiliating thing in the world
Lan Chu gently stroked the gem-encrusted crown, exclaiming, "Ah, my lord is truly thoughtful, even considering what kind of hat you wear... Look, your Qilin robe is different from others, with added sleeves and knee guards, at first glance resembling the empress's ceremonial attire." While speaking, she tilted her head and, with an air of nonchalance, murmured to herself, "Indeed, if there is a deficiency here, it must be compensated there. Today, I heard Chang He gossiping, saying that the emperor intends to establish a crown princess, mentioning, 'If that female official by your side is not to your liking, appointing a Bao Lin would suffice.' The crown prince did not agree..." As she continued, she maintained the same nonchalant demeanor, adjusting her sleeves and tilting her head, murmuring again, "Indeed, if there is a deficiency here, it must be compensated there. Today, I heard Chang He gossiping, saying that the emperor intends to establish a crown princess, mentioning, 'If that female official by your side is not to your liking, appointing a Bao Lin would suffice.' The crown prince did not agree..."
Interrogation and apprehension are currently not her responsibilities. While the commander, accompanied by several captains from his office, visits the six ministries, the vast yamen is solely overseen by Xinghe.
She turned her head to glance at him, but as someone accustomed to flattery, such compliments were completely lost on her.
Due to the inability to meet privately, conversations cannot be conducted freely. Xinghe informed her mother, "The master values me highly; yesterday, I was assigned a position, and I am now serving as a brocade-clad envoy in the Control of Military Affairs Department"
On the desk sits a pastel hat bucket, specifically designed for placing official hats. The official hat of the Control of Military Affairs is different from those of other offices; it is a pointed conical hat with edges trimmed in black velvet. When pedestrians see such a hat on the street, they must step aside to avoid collision, lest they encounter bad luck. The Craft Bureau in the palace is indeed a remarkably magical office; as long as you describe what you need, they can produce the finished product within half an hour. In the Great Yin Dynasty, female officials have traditionally served in the inner court, and few have ventured into the outer court, let alone those of genuine rank. There are no ready-made ceremonial garments, so the Crown Prince instructed Dequan to make a trip to the Craft Bureau, demanding that the attire be "bold yet graceful, dignified yet charming." Thus, the order was given to the craftsmen to create a ceremonial hat for the official. The person in charge of the Craft Bureau wrote down that phrase and posted it on the wall, staring blankly at the few large characters, pondering deeply for the duration of an incense stick. In the end, they replaced the black velvet trim with bright red gold embroidered with the character for 'ten thousand,' adorned the back of the hat with a pair of peacock feathers, and changed the onyx top to a ruby.
The royal palace will receive visitors, so one must arrive early. The news was received at the residence, and Madam Su began her preparations a few days ago. At dawn, she eagerly watched the light brighten through the window panes, rose to groom herself, and brought along the snacks she had made with her own hands. Even before the palace gates opened, she was already waiting across the Tongzi River.
The Milky Way responded, glancing at the hourglass, saying it was getting late and that it was time to go back and rest. Finally, she was sent away, and he rummaged through the documents in the yamen, realizing it was already the fourth watch, before extinguishing the candle and settling down on the kang.
Xinghe's expression was somewhat displeased, "Chang He is tired of living and is anxious to be reborn"
Lan Chu shook her head repeatedly, rolling up a handkerchief to help her remove the makeup. After quite a while of fussing about, feeling somewhat discouraged, she dipped a rouge stick into the lip gloss and with a snap, left a round mark on her lips resembling a seal. This mark was applied beautifully, exuding a playful and charming vibe. Lan Chu clapped her hands and laughed, "I have never seen an adult dressed up like this before, it looks really good"
Human nature can indeed be wicked at times. Especially after becoming accustomed to the power struggles and intrigues within the palace, one is compelled to adopt a tough demeanor. She is willing to walk a path where people bow and pay their respects on either side. Once she is out of sight, they may turn their backs and curse her, but she remains indifferent, as long as those words do not reach her ears
She pulled it in front of her, lifting the ends of her hair high to comb them. When Lan Chu entered, she simply smiled upon seeing this. She hung the copper pendant above the charcoal basin, poured a cup of milk for her to hold, and took the comb leisurely to style her hair. Finally, with the flat needles and hairpins all in place, her hair was thick and layered, while others had to use wigs to fill in, she did not need that.
Xinghe chuckled lightly, indeed a rough person who has not received an education; their words are straightforward, yet their feelings are genuine
Eight thousand officials stood solemnly, their tall figures towering over her. Yet, such is the nature of this world, where higher-ranking officials can easily suppress those beneath them. Subordinates have no right to speak up in front of their superiors. Moreover, they are merely nominal officials, drawing salaries without engaging in any real work.
Lan Chujian, seeing her serious demeanor and intent on getting to the bottom of the matter, was frightened and hurried to dissuade her: "My lord, this matter is best left as it is; can we really confront the master about it? After all, you understand the Crown Prince's intentions, don't you? It is a matter of life and death; surely you must have some understanding in your heart."
The room was filled with a charcoal brazier. When Lan Chu came in during the early hours, she added more charcoal, and the fire was burning brightly, so it did not feel cold.
After brushing her teeth and washing her face with a towel, she felt dizzy in the morning after staying up late last night. Fortunately, there was no morning court session today, so she did not have to attend to the Crown Prince. Taking her time until this hour, it truly was a rare good sleep.
Upon hearing this, she became even more agitated, "Dare you spread the words from the imperial court outside? Does the Crown Prince know about this?"
She reached out to touch the intricately painted landscape of the gilded pavilion, which was exquisitely detailed. Taking out a coarse-toothed comb, she began to slowly comb her hair, which was so long that it nearly reached the floor beneath the stool. She entered the palace at the age of twelve, and since then, she had not had her hair cut. Over the years, it had grown longer and longer, making it quite difficult for her to style it into a decent bun.
Xinghe turned his head to look, and the prince's face wore a hint of a dazed smile. Through the layers of misty rain, there was an indescribable, unfathomable flavor.
"I will come tomorrow to style your hair and apply your makeup." Lan Chu turned back and smiled, "I will style your hair into a cloud bun and then adorn it with that set of emerald hair accessories. You haven't properly dressed up in a long time; as a young lady, it would be a pity for the madam to see you looking unkempt."
Madam Su, feeling anxious, hesitantly asked Xinghe: "Is this... not Your Highness?"
Is this all you have in mind? She scrutinized each of the thousand households with her eyes, seeing a steadfast will as immovable as a mountain. She secretly breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, saying, Since this is the case, I will go back and discuss it with the commander. The case at the princess's residence is fraught with doubts, and I need to investigate it thoroughly. The few thousand households under Lord Nan are busy with the deficit case, and I feel reluctant to reassign them midway, so I will let the same few bear the burden. I believe Lord Nan will not refuse.
What do you understand? The Lan family army was once renowned, and had it not been for Lan Jing's downfall, any one of them could have been appointed as an assistant in the Ministry of War. Nan Yushu, in order to cultivate his own power, feared that these individuals would not be loyal to him, and intentionally sidelined them. During my years in the Control of Military Affairs Office, I have not seen them carry out a single task or solve a legitimate case. Talented individuals, spending their days idly in the office, mingling with those lowly officials, merely standing guard and polishing weapons; can you imagine what they feel inside? I have not seen them carry out a single task or solve a legitimate case. Talented individuals, spending their days idly in the office, mingling with those lowly officials, merely standing guard and polishing weapons; can you imagine what they feel inside? This time, I am rescuing them from the mire; the gratitude for being recognized and the financial assistance are not the same; they will surely be grateful to me. The more grateful they are, the more loyal they will be; I lack such people in my hands.
Xinghe sat there, her expression indifferent. She did not have the energy to speculate on the Crown Prince's attitude towards finding a wife. Her mind was filled with thoughts of controlling the military and how to avoid serious injuries while pushing Nanyu Shu down from that commander's position. As for the Crown Princess or Baolin, no matter how high their status, they were merely inner court ladies, and in terms of real power and freedom, they were far inferior to her current responsibilities.