One
The passage of time bends the gaze, adding a touch of warmth to the originally cold hue of the eyes
The maid who followed stepped forward a few paces and whispered a couple of words towards the intricately embroidered curtain. In a moment, a pair of hands, soft as if lacking bones, lifted the curtain, revealing a waist token intricately carved with dark patterns held in the palm.
The seemingly quelled resentment has long since formed a deadlock in the heart. Silent and unnoticeable
A full five months of humiliation and torment, being treated like a servant by the eunuchs, living a life that is neither human nor ghostly outside the palace
The wind in the forest has ceased, and in an instant, petals fall like rain. Before that patch of withered leaves touches the ground, the fleeting moment brushes against the hem of the skirt, and she turns and departs, stepping on the fragrant dust scattered all around.
Yingxue smiled and winked, "The internal bureau is essentially one family; in front of me, there is no need to be so tight-lipped, right"
The young girl under the flowering tree turned at the sound, and amidst the fluttering petals, a face that seemed to have been touched by frost and pressed by snow was revealed. Her bloodless skin concealed a pallor that had not seen sunlight for a long time, and a pair of dark, resentful eyes, seemingly imbued with a hidden meaning, reflected the brilliant petals scattered on the ground, as if the moonlight were flowing, drawing one into a trance.
In just a few short months, she leaped from being the lowest-ranking concubine in the household to becoming the head lady. Zhao Fuquan was not an easy person to deceive; to win his favor, one could not simply rely on these petty tricks. Within the depths of that grand estate, she must have endured countless trials and tribulations.
You said that the fortunes change like the wind. It hasn't been long, yet unexpectedly, the winds have shifted back to your department's side again! Yingxue said warmly as she pulled her along.
Returning to the palace signifies once again becoming embroiled in struggles and intrigues, and it also represents her need to forge ahead through thorns and brambles, traversing paths that are difficult for ordinary people to bear and measure. The road ahead is still long, and it is highly likely that there may be no return; a single misstep could lead to becoming a victim of someone or something.
Initially, it was Zhong Siyi who married off Fang Yi to a eunuch, stripping her of her position in the palace as a punishment for her treachery. Now that Fang Yi has returned, she has transformed into the wife of a third-rank chief steward, while Siyi, who once wielded great power, has already been driven away.
Perhaps, even when she was being disloyal at the beginning, she treated Zhong Yilan with the same respect and admiration as an elder sister. However, as the initial dependence was gradually consumed by ambition, betrayal became the ultimate release and fate.
The footsteps of Tao Zhi swayed slightly, and after a long while, she finally realized the so-called earth-shattering news that Ying Xue had mentioned
In the wind, there is a mingling of the scent of withered flowers, rich and fragrant
A languid female voice emerged from behind the heavy curtains of the carriage
Fate plays tricks on people. However, the women who return to the palace in this manner understand restraint and humility, learning to assess the situation and adapt accordingly. They are not like that young attendant in the inner court, who had neither family background nor connections, only knowing how to give orders but could never attain promotion no matter what.
The palace maid of Fu'an Hall smiled and nodded, "The Department of Garments has always been error-free in its duties"
It could lead to death, which means everything in the world would no longer be related to it
As the coachman drives the carriage past the Xuan Zheng Gate, he continues along the eastern corridor, passing several pavilions of the Jade Garden, and soon before him appears a newly established flower nursery.
There has always been much gossip in the palace; rather than dwelling on it, it is better to be forgotten. Just like your return to the palace this time, which many did not anticipate
After the cold wind of this day, a ground covered with fallen leaves in front of the palace adds a touch of desolation to the imperial city
On both sides of the Xuanzheng Gate stood armored soldiers, who routinely stopped carriages for inspection. The coachman carefully reined in the reins and brought the carriage to a halt, displaying a cautious demeanor, afraid to disturb even the slightest movement of the people inside.
The old man lost his horse; how could one know it is not a blessing
Peach Branch was momentarily taken aback, suddenly recalling the rumors circulating among the palace officials recently. She remembered the elderly eunuch Zhao Fuquan, who, with his white beard, had stood firm for decades, serving steadily in the Ministry of Internal Affairs all these years and earning considerable respect. However, in the recent promotion for the position of the head eunuch, there was also a candidate named Li Yuan from Mingguang Palace, a eunuch personally recommended by the Empress Dowager. Zhao Fuquan's ability to defeat Li Yuan and rise to prominence once again at his advanced age was indeed impressive. However, in the recent promotion for the position of the head eunuch, there was also a candidate named Li Yuan from Mingguang Palace, a eunuch personally recommended by the Empress Dowager. Zhao Fuquan's ability to defeat Li Yuan and rise to prominence once again at his advanced age was indeed impressive
Thus, as a distinguished female official, Yingxue is much more at ease and casual in front of these high-ranking palace maids in the Zhaoyang Palace.
In fact, as early as the peak of the Chaoxia Palace, the palace gardens extended for miles, filled with fragrant blooms. The Zhaoyang Palace had once ordered extensive construction in the southwestern corner of the palace city, building the Huanhua Pavilion and the Qiongyue Platform for the seasonal enjoyment of the phoenix master. However, the grand royal project, which was vast in scale, was only sustained for one year before being put on hold. Not long ago, the palace administration received another order—to rebuild.
As I raised my eyes to the passing time, I happened to catch a glimpse of the unmasked sorrow and desolation on her face, which inevitably reminded me of the recent pilgrimage at the Fuying Zen Temple. At that time, the Empress Dowager had set up a grand chessboard, calculating military power, heirs, and the position of the phoenix, only to end up losing both the lady and the soldiers. However, many pieces on the board became sacrifices, like the palace maids detained at the Fuying Zen Temple, as well as those female officials who were directly expelled and never to be employed again, such as Zhong Yilan
"Whether it is a lowly servant or a noble concubine, once they find themselves behind these high palace walls, there is no room left for many emotions and sincerity." Shaoguang held her wrist, the coldness of her fingers conveying a chilling temperature, "Since we are already here, whether it is worth it or if there will be regrets is no longer important. What matters is whether we can move forward and how we can do so"
The woman stepped on the ground covered with flower leaves, found the familiar path, and gracefully walked into the depths of the flower garden
The peach branch is even more perplexing, "What should I know..."
On the sides of the main halls of Zhaoyang Palace and Mingguang Palace, there are the newly constructed Xiangluan Pavilion and Qifeng Pavilion. The snow-white marble corridors and foundations resemble silver snakes winding and twisting. The azure and white stone bases are adorned with exquisite paintings, while the partition walls and corridors separate the side paths, revealing the spacious Longtail Path, along with the auspicious mythical beasts guarding the foundations, majestic and tranquil.
Had it not been for her initial ambition to usurp, she would still be the arrogant and domineering female official in the wardrobe, indulged and protected by Zhong Yilan, enjoying power and influence. Even after leaving the palace, if she could have settled into domestic life, she might have become a wealthy lady, living a life free from worries under the protection of Zhao Fuquan
Bai Yi gazed like this, momentarily lost in thought, the words she had prepared for a long time remained unspoken, as if she no longer recognized them
The following maid dismissed the coachman and left together with her. As she lifted the curtain, a beautiful lady in palace attire descended, dressed in a silk skirt adorned with golden butterflies and flowers, wearing embroidered shoes of silver thread and green gauze. Her slightly gaunt face was adorned with powder and rouge, and her hair was styled with golden hairpins and bands, particularly highlighted by a pure gold ornament on her forehead, signifying unparalleled nobility
Ying Xue noticed that Tao Zhi had not reacted and could not help but stamp her foot, saying: "You really are oblivious to the world outside your window. Zhao Changshi has been promoted from a eunuch in charge to the head eunuch, and his family members are now qualified to move into the palace, enjoying the corresponding rank and rewards. Isn't the new wife of that Head Eunuch Zhao one of the people from your Department of Garments?"
She is a consistently reclusive female official, who has never had much interaction with her colleagues. Upon seeing the person in charge of the Si She Fang, she became even more bewildered, as she could not recall when she had become so familiar with a popular court lady.
As the first rays of the morning sun cast their light upon the inner courtyard of the palace, under the gentle morning glow, the palaces and pavilions scattered within the palace walls, the intricately arranged jade terraces and corridors, and the expansive and clear azure ponds and waterways—like a shattered dream—presented a scene of fragmented golden waves
At the hour of Chen, a horse-drawn carriage slowly entered the Xuan Zheng Gate
How have you been spending your time outside the palace since you left?
Time came to a standstill, maintaining a posture of turning away. Not far from her, beneath a plum tree, stood a woman in a gown of golden butterflies, facing the direction in which she was departing, with her hands clasped and her body bowed in the highest form of court etiquette.
One hundred meters from the front of the palace stands the Xuan Zheng Gate. To the left and right of the Xuan Zheng Gate are the transverse palace walls, which form a vast courtyard between the walls and the hall. The Zicheng Hall is located to the north of the Xuan Zheng Hall, referred to as the Inner Court, where officials meet the emperor, known as "entering the cabinet." Therefore, entering directly from the Xuan Zheng Gate signifies unparalleled honor, and ordinary officials and palace attendants are not permitted to pass through or linger in this area.
At this moment, the palace maids of the Sleeping Quarters were just exiting from the side hall of the Furen Palace. Among them was the female official Yingxue from the Si She Room, who, with keen eyes, spotted the palace maid Dan and cheerfully called out, "Peach Branch, what a coincidence to run into you! I have some monumental news to share with you."
Originally the site of the Meiyuan, in its early years, the place was a hub of aristocratic families. Here, hundreds of acres of plum orchards stretch endlessly, featuring various esteemed varieties such as Gongfen, Zhaoshui, Xinghu, and Yudie. Among them, the Ruixue white plum is particularly renowned. Every year, when the plum blossoms bloom in the palace, a splendid and bright path is covered with pure white petals, as if they have descended from the snowy heavens
While searching for a moment to pause, she raised her hand and offered a smile that was sufficiently noble towards the blooming flowers.
They nodded slightly towards the peach branch, as a form of greeting
Upon seeing the guards, they immediately straightened their expressions and granted passage
The wind stirred a ripple on the royal blue palace gown
Will there be regrets ... ...
The people in the palace thus said that the grand celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the disturbance of the spirit of Empress Dugu made the Empress Dowager uneasy, which is why, after such a long time, she decided to make some compensations
The past seems like a distant memory; at this moment, standing here feels as if the millet has ripened and the great dream has just awakened. Everything appears unreal
"You mentioned that Zhao Changshi has always preferred gentle women, particularly enjoying having them wash his feet, which has truly been enlightening for me..." Fei Yi lowered her eyelashes, whispering softly, "Do you know? My hands, soaked daily in honey balm, are fragrant, smooth, and soft, caressing the tops of the feet and toes, inch by inch making them feel exquisite. Ever since I entered the residence, he has always praised my fingers for being beautiful, just to his liking."
Hearing a sound, the peach branch looked over somewhat inexplicably
How could one possibly be content!
"What direction is the wind coming from?" Tao Zhi looked at her in confusion
However, this is ultimately a matter concerning the Inner Court, what relation does it have with the palace affairs
After saying this, Fei Yi placed her hands on the pure snow silk fabric, her ten fingers spread out, resembling blooming magnolia flowers
It is not that I have never thought about death
Shaoguang looked at her, and in her consistently cold eyes, a faint sense of helplessness and desolation surged forth
But has it arrived ... ...
As the winter deepens, a few withered petals are scattered on the white jade base, exuding a subtle fragrance.
"In another life, one must make some progress, mustn't one?" Fei Yi extended her hand and plucked a red-budded wintersweet flower, its delicate petals so tender that they seemed capable of yielding water.
The month of July, mid-winter has just arrived
The weather is gradually turning from cool to cold, and the flowering trees in the palace have nearly withered away after several frosts, leaving only a few hardy specimens that remain lush and deep green, stubbornly enduring.
After a period of time, several new gardens were established in the palace city, specifically for the cultivation of various flowers that had been presented as tribute from Jiangnan a few months prior. The royal horticulturists exerted their utmost efforts to construct several exquisite glass flower houses, which were not only intricately designed and luxurious but also served the purpose of insulation, allowing many precious floral varieties to be properly planted.
They have just been newly made for the purpose of seasonal change. The clothing department worked hard for two months, and fortunately, there was no delay in timing
Bai Yi held a silk handkerchief, lowered her head to brush off the hem of her skirt, and said, "I have heard that during the time I was away, quite a few events seem to have occurred in the palace."
I should congratulate you... As the saying goes, when one person is promoted, it benefits their family. I suppose you are doing quite well now, aren't you
five months
The palace maid from the wardrobe, holding brand new silk and brocade, entered through the Qizhen Gate, traversing the long corridor beside the hall, and arrived at the square in front of the hall paved with white marble. As far as the eye could see, at the end of the square stood a magnificent and grand palace, with brick walls, soaring corridors, and a dragon-tail path that was both imposing and spectacular; it was the most esteemed hall within the palace city—Zhaoyang Palace. This was also their destination.
Fangyi has returned to the palace
Indeed, who knows if it is a blessing... This saying could not be more appropriate for me. Fei Yi lifted the corners of her lips, smiling self-deprecatingly, "On the day I left the palace, you told me there would surely be a day of reunion, but I did not believe it at all. Now that I have returned, I find it hard to imagine. Ordinary people often say that the affairs of the world are unpredictable, while the wise often speak with precision. You so-called elders... Now that I have returned, I find it hard to imagine. Ordinary people often say that the affairs of the world are unpredictable, while the wise often speak with precision. You so-called elders..."
Shaoguang looked at her for a moment, "In these past few months outside the palace, you have changed a lot"
Peach Branch led the palace maids to the front of the hall, where the close attendants were already standing on the red platform, all dressed in uniform crimson cotton satin skirts, adorned with jewelry and hairpins, each enveloped in the bright light of the morning, exuding an air of reverence
Peach Blossom Robe
At this moment, the sunlight is enchanting, reflecting a brilliant and crystalline sheen among the flowers and leaves. The angle is just right, and in an instant, the halo refracts, outlining a stunningly beautiful curve on that profile. The immaculate sapphire blue palace gown condenses the entire figure into a celestial being from a dream, with an icy and snow-like demeanor, exuding an imposing presence
Upon hearing this, Fei Yi smiled faintly, saying, "Isn't that so? Ever since I received the appointment, the threshold of the residence has nearly been worn down from all the visits over the past few days, not to mention the gifts and congratulatory presents. However, Zhong Siyi is no longer in the palace... no matter how splendid the scene may be, she will not be able to see it..."
Time flies swiftly; in the blink of an eye, she has been dining with the chief eunuch for nearly half a year.
Bai Yi suddenly raised her gaze, and in that instant, countless emotions surged through her eyes. After a moment, she lightly smiled and shook her head, then shook her head again, "I am unwilling to be manipulated, so I climbed desperately upwards. However, those in high positions can easily dismiss me with a wave of their hand, effortlessly reducing me back to my original state. No matter how humiliated or distressed I feel, no one will offer even a shred of pity or sympathy. At that moment, I understood that to stand out and to wield power over life and death, one must carve out a bloody path and rise above others..." I am unwilling to be manipulated, so I climbed desperately upwards. However, those in high positions can easily dismiss me with a wave of their hand, effortlessly reducing me back to my original state. No matter how humiliated or distressed I feel, no one will offer even a shred of pity or sympathy. At that moment, I understood that to stand out and to wield power over life and death, one must carve out a bloody path and rise above others... ... But Miss Shao, do you, like me, sometimes wonder if a slight change in any link of the past would result in a different version of yourself now? ... ...
It is indeed fortunate not to have become the opposite of a young lady. I, as a servant, am deeply grateful for your nurturing.
The Shaoguang accent is subtle
The peach branch was very respectful, and hurriedly nodded in greeting to the leading palace maid in front of her. Then, she signaled to the maid behind her to carry the satin material into the Fuan Hall.
Miss Shao
The light of youth gazed at her fingers, adorned with rings inlaid with gold and jade, worn abundantly, and then contemplated the image of these hands reaching into a copper basin filled with hot water. Inside the basin lay a pair of feet, their skin wrinkled and shriveled, possibly with blackened toenails, deformed bones, and heels cracked like gaping little mouths.
The carriage stopped outside the flower garden
It has been nearly half a year since we last parted, and the young lady has been well.
As the radiant light emerged from the flower grove, a woman of noble bearing and graceful demeanor stood before me. Compared to her frail and lonely appearance in the palace, her cheeks and figure had noticeably filled out. Perhaps it was the nourishing water and rice of the estate that had contributed to this change. The once imposing air around her eyes and brows had softened somewhat, replaced by a rare elegance and tranquility. After all, she had become a wife.
"Madam, ahead is the Zicheng Hall, and we are not far from the Flower Dock."
It is indeed a matter of the official appointments within the Palace of the Inner Court. After Yingxue finished speaking, a hint of envy appeared on her face. "You must know that Zhao Changshi from the bureau has just received an exceptional promotion to the Zhaoyang Palace, being elevated directly from the position of Inner Changshi to the Grand Director of the Inner Court. Now even Li Yuanda Changshi, who is favored by the Empress Dowager, has to show him some respect!"
At that moment, Fei Yi suddenly called out to her from behind
Bai Yi suddenly came to her senses, and couldn't help but shake her head with a sigh, then smiled and said, "I never expected that the first person to ask me this question would be you"
You have returned
The Department of Imperial Bedchambers is subordinate to the Bureau of Imperial Affairs, responsible for matters related to bedding and the arrangement of the sleeping quarters. According to the waist token, they can frequently enter and exit the Zhaoyang Palace, which signifies a relatively high status within the inner court. Since the incident at the Fuying Zen Monastery, where the head female official of Mingguang Palace, Ai Cuifang, fell from grace, and the head of the Bureau of Palace Affairs, Xie Wenjin, experienced a slight decline in power, the head of the Department of Imperial Bedchambers, Shi Lanyan, has begun to gain the favor of the Empress Dowager, thereby elevating the status of the Department of Imperial Bedchambers.