Chapter 3, Waves lapping against the shore

The eunuch said, "The kitchen has sent word that the master has rested, and there will be no tea and snacks tonight, so we have closed the stove." As he spoke, he raised his eyes to look and continued, "Esteemed Sir, you have worked hard. We have prepared four types of buns here, not many, just two pieces of each, which are new styles just made by the kitchen. I present them to you for a taste."

Turning westward, the wind that could suffocate one at the eaves of the lady's courtyard burned all night without extinguishing. Upon emerging from the narrow passage, the view suddenly opened up. In the courtyard, someone opened the door, carrying a silver basin to splash water against the wall. Upon turning around and seeing her, they set down the basin and approached her.

As the only personal maid of the esteemed Lord Su in the Eastern Palace, Lan Chu felt a deep sense of injustice for her superior. When a man becomes involved with a woman, providing her with a legitimate status is a responsibility that he must bear. What does it mean to indulge without taking responsibility? A female minister can still return home to marry after serving a certain term... The Crown Prince's behavior is entirely that of a debauched individual, an extremely immoral act... Of course, her heart was tumultuous; perhaps it was because she was merely an ordinary person. After all, the Crown Prince did not seem to care about this matter, and Lord Su had never been anxious about it. The Crown Prince's behavior is entirely that of a debauched individual, an extremely immoral act... Of course, her heart was tumultuous; perhaps it was because she was merely an ordinary person. After all, the Crown Prince did not seem to care about this matter, and Lord Su had never been anxious about it. Perhaps at their level, matters beyond their wealth and lives are trivial.

She sat there in a daze, after a while she removed the lampshade and ignited the paper strip

When the sun hung high in the sky, she made a large circle, entered through the Jiayou Gate of the Yeting, passed through the Qianbu Corridor, and entered the Fengchu Palace. The Left Imperial Concubine held the primary position in the Fengchu Palace, and logically, it was not appropriate for her to share the palace with one or two lower-ranking concubines. However, given her favored status and the frequent visits from the Emperor, she could not leave such a significant gap for those young and beautiful girls to exploit.

The eunuch chuckled and said: "Let me secretly tell you, you must not speak of this... Yesterday, His Majesty and Her Majesty were chatting and mentioned that the Inspector of the Control of Military Affairs has difficulties with the royal family members. Her Majesty took the opportunity to praise you and the librarian, saying that Master Su has been in the Eastern Palace for many years, and the Crown Prince has been well taught, recommending you to be the Imperial Envoy of the Control of Military Affairs. Listening to the Emperor's words, he also highly appreciates Master Su. Now everything is ready, as soon as the decree is issued, you will be able to hold real power in the Control of Military Affairs. You see, such a good thing, shouldn't I congratulate you!"

As soon as these words were spoken, several delicate female officials were left looking at each other in confusion. After all, she had a pile of tasks to attend to, so busy that she couldn't even catch her breath, leaving no time for gentle words and idle chatter with them. Although her words were not particularly pleasant to hear, they were precise and clear, leaving no room for mutual evasion when the time came, ensuring that a good beginning would not lead to a good ending.

Flowers do not bloom for a hundred days, this is what Lady Zuo often said to her. Therefore, the Phoenix Nest Palace had no idle people, and she lived a life of lofty aspirations and self-importance, akin to the high sky and the small moon.

The candlelight on the desk flickered softly, casting a layer of golden glow over all the utensils in the room. It was only at this moment that I took out the note from my sleeve to read it. The familiar handwriting, a brief line, commanded from a position of authority: "Investigate the neighboring house."

Some say that all things are equal and that everyone is born equal, but that is nonsense. The same father, but different mothers, makes a significant difference. What is luck? The circumstances of one's birth are the first stroke of luck. Among these four brothers, do the talents and strategies of the two with the title of Wang not measure up? Not necessarily; they simply did not have the fortune of being born to a top-tier mother. However, a lower rank does not matter; it does not hinder them from having a lofty ambition. The imperial power is within reach; who does not want to eat the best and wear the finest? It is not surprising for brothers in a royal family to quarrel; it has happened in previous dynasties and will certainly happen in this one as well.

She brushed away the crumbs from the corner of her mouth, "This pigeon glass roll looks good but is not worth eating"

With a sense of helplessness, Xinghe fastened the collar for him. He tucked the folded paper into his sleeve and turned to leave.

She originally had no intention of engaging in these trivial matters in the Eastern Palace; since someone is willing to share the burden, it could not be better.

Ah, I have heard of these—" She exclaimed joyfully, sitting cross-legged on the kang and listing the dishes, "Flower cup longan, jam gold cake, coconut cup, and pigeon glass roll!" She pinched a piece of pastry and raised her hand, "Would the esteemed guest like a piece?"

Lan Chu was incredibly bold, rolling up her sleeves and climbing the ladder to the top, lying on the wall like a larger gecko. Grasping its neck, she caught it, and the gecko twisted its body, breaking off its own tail with a snap, which fell onto the kang table, a small segment still wriggling as if life itself could be torn into two.

The palace maids respectfully sent off their master, and the hall needed to be prepared for cleaning. After all, the Eastern Palace still had a head female official, and those in charge of the sleeping quarters had temporarily lost their function of attending to the master, leaving them quite bored. They took the initiative to assume the responsibility of supervising the cleaning, smiling at Xinghe in a pleasing manner: "My lord, you have worked too hard. Whatever we can do for you, we shall do on your behalf. While it is still dark, please go to the side hall to rest for a while and take a nap. Once the breakfast is ready, we will bring it to you."

One must not shirk responsibilities simply because someone speaks frankly. The female officials laughed until their jaws ached, saying, "Rest assured, my lord, we are all well aware of the situation. Serving in the palace is not a new experience for us. You may not know us, but we understand the matters at hand."

She nodded slightly and said, "I come on behalf of the Crown Prince to inquire about the Empress's well-being"

Has the adult left for work? It's really early today

To welcome the marriage? '' Xinghe chuckled, but there was nothing to explain, '' perhaps he thought this was just right.

However, the emperor's sons are not simple by any means. The current sovereign has four sons and six daughters, among whom, besides the crown prince Huo Qingzhu, there are also Prince Jianping Huo Qingluan, Prince Minxing Huo Qingxiao, and Prince Xin Huo Qingfang. In the Dayin Dynasty, not all of the emperor's sons are born as princes; usually, they are first given a title of a secondary prince. Whether they can ascend further depends 30% on their abilities and 70% on luck

The Milky Way paid her no heed. Turning her head for a glance, she saw a dark shadow on the window frame, and she exclaimed, "What month is it, and how can there be such a thing!"

This year, the eunuch, with a ghostly demeanor, was looked down upon by Xinghe, who casually replied, "What significance does this statement by Andai hold?"

The fruits in the palace need to be removed, and moreover, the beginning of winter is just around the corner, so the curtains should also be replaced with thicker ones. Since you have taken on this task, it will be entrusted to you; however, let me make it clear from the outset: if it is done well, there will be no rewards, but if it is done poorly, you will be held accountable.

The Prince, in the first chapter, when you meet him, most people will mistakenly regard him as a good person. When he looks at you, his gaze is clear and bright, leading you to believe he is honest and sincere, untouched by the dust of the world, and thus you trust him. However, over time, his deep-seated cunning will catch you off guard, and the term 'good person' will vanish like the Yellow Crane that has departed and never returns. Years later, when you recall this, you feel disheartened by your past blindness, and all the words you could say condense into a single phrase: poor judgment of character, for that individual is truly beyond reason.

Lan Chu said: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, do you not intend to marry the esteemed one?"

Exiting the Eastern Palace, a dimly lit sheep horn lamp illuminated the blue bricks beneath my feet

She nodded and asked, "Has everyone left the kitchen?"

Lan Chumei smiled with her flower-like eyes, "Is this a new style again? I always get to eat before the Crown Prince."

Lan Chu stuffed the pastry into her mouth and tilted her head to look at her. She had always been puzzled as to why, after the Crown Prince had done "that thing," he forbade Master Su from combing his hair. Was it pleasing to the eye for the servants to see him with disheveled hair?

She said that was good, and did not pay any attention to them, retreating into the side hall to have a comfortable nap.

Out-of-season things are a mistake when they appear. The Milky Way observed coldly and suddenly noticed that Lan Chu was covering her mouth with one hand, remaining still for a long time. Thinking she was frightened, I asked her what was wrong, and she replied, "This thing seems to have blown a breath at me, my mouth is about to twist."

As Xinghe entered the door, the steward of the palace approached with quick steps, bowing slightly at the knees, his face beaming with a flower-like smile: "Oh, Lord Su has arrived, I extend my greetings to you"

Looking up at the sky, a slender crescent moon appears as a line. Walking in the narrow path flanked by towering walls, one feels diminished and humble. Approaching the small palace gate, the dark corner of the eastern kitchen reveals a robust silhouette in the night. ... The sound of the palace bell resonates melodiously, and a eunuch carrying a lantern emerges from the corner, approaching step by step, bowing to her as he reaches her.

In a hurry, I didn't even have time to close the door. Xinghe had no choice but to get up and shut it, preventing it from being propped open.

Even servants have their small joys, such as food. The imperial kitchen has come up with new ideas, and they do not simply prepare everything at once to send to the Li Zheng Hall; instead, they take time to research and improve. It is quite common for those in the kitchen to taste the dishes, but for those outside the kitchen, there is no chance to even have a bite. However, thanks to the favor of the esteemed master, Lan Chu enjoys more culinary delights than other palace maids. She believes that she must have accumulated virtue in her past life, and this life is a reward for her. In this Eastern Palace, she probably has tasted more of the snacks than even the Crown Prince.

His Highness the Crown Prince looked at her with a faint expression on his face, neither saying it was good that she had come nor allowing her to leave. The attendants who were serving him were doing so well, but he decided to dismiss half of them, turning around to stand straight in front of her.

Outside the Chongjiao Gate, a sedan chair is parked, and the Crown Prince also rides in a sedan chair to attend court, but it is of a lower standard than that of the Emperor. The eunuchs carry incense burners and lanterns, and the procession in front and behind the sedan chair stretches several zhang long.

This is a drill that occurs every now and then; currently, it is the prince's ceremony, and in the future, when it is the emperor's ceremony, it will be even more remarkable

The female officials' quarters are not far from the main hall in front, still within the Eastern Palace area. Continuing north along the corridor, near the gate of Yichun Palace, there are two courtyards side by side, one serving as the kitchen for the imperial meals and the other as the ladies' quarters. Although the Eastern Palace is located within the imperial city, due to the special status of the Crown Prince, his palace forms a separate system. From south to north, all daily necessities can be self-sufficiently managed within this eastern area. The ladies' quarters are actually prepared for the Crown Prince's inner circle, such as the Crown Princess and other consorts like Liangdi, Baolin, and Cairen, who do not have the fortune to reside with him and are generally accommodated here. However, now that the Crown Prince's residence is empty, the Milky Way has been unjustly burdened with a hollow reputation, and as time goes by, it has simply been assigned to this place by the Crown Prince.

Xinghe shook her head, standing in front of the mirror, using her hand as a comb, carefully tying up her hair

That is a gecko, which people in Beijing colloquially refer to as a "scorpion lizard." If we don't catch it now, it might end up on the bed later.

Good morning? It is already past the hour of the pig. She handed her a small bundle, "These are the pastries freshly made by the chef, please enjoy them."

He spoke as he tucked the lantern pole into his belt, holding it with both hands, and respectfully presented a small bundle before her.

In general, the prince possesses all the nobility and refinement that his status demands. He ascends the palanquin, gazing ahead, with the fur collar and warm hat of sable accentuating his profile like flowing clouds and falling snow. The starry river leads the crowd in bowing their heads, while the chief eunuch Dequan raises his hand to signal, and the palanquin glides smoothly away. In the long corridor, a series of orderly, short, and swift footsteps immediately resounds.

The Emperor holds court outside the Taiji Gate, and the princes and ministers must arrive at the East and West Pavilion gates before the hour of the Rabbit. In winter, dawn breaks late, and only a hint of crab shell blue appears at the hour of the Rabbit. The Crown Prince has indeed received a favor, stating that there is no need to escort him to court, but his words are sometimes only half-heeded. With the sovereign already risen, what face do you have to sleep soundly? Therefore, Xinghe must make his way back to the Lizheng Hall in the dark before the third watch of the Tiger hour.

She said with sincerity, "Thank you." She reached out to receive it, the bundle hanging from her fingertips, and the note fell into her palm

The steward busily led her into the hall, saying, "The Crown Prince is truly a considerate person..." After speaking, he cleared his throat and smiled, saying, "My lord, I must congratulate you in advance, for you are soon to be promoted.

A pair of phoenix eyes flew over in the brass mirror, "What are you pondering about again?"

With a push of the window, the gecko was thrown far away, and without a clear thought, it dashed out the door, returning to the room to tend to its injuries