Section 2

Feng Lu searched through the crowd and replied, "I accompanied the Crown Prince to pay respects to the Empress Dowager..." He approached Jin Shu, cupped his hands in greeting, and smiled, "Miss, Happy New Year! The Crown Prince sent me to inquire about your well-being! Today, the Crown Prince is having a meal with our ancestor and is currently reading in the East Side Hall. We did not bring anyone to serve us when we came, so it would be a great help if you could bring some tea or water. The Crown Prince will reward you later."

Jin Shu held the bracelet and said: "I, as a servant, cannot accept it. Moreover, I have to perform my duties, and wearing it would hinder my work"

Damei exclaimed: "Our Empress Dowager is concerned for the Emperor, several individuals in attendance are from the Cining Palace"

The Crown Prince saw her eyes sparkling like autumn waters; although his words were distant, his expression softened considerably. He felt a surge of joy and said: "A few days ago, I happened to encounter a down-and-out scholar selling his belongings at the Liuli Market. I found this bracelet appealing; my grandmother once mentioned that this type of jade, which contains a hint of red, is extremely rare and is called 'Wealthy Jade Spring'. I originally intended to buy a pair, but unfortunately, only one was left. Without much thought, I purchased it and brought it today to give to you"

One head pondered while the other took out a bracelet from the pocket and handed it over, pursing her lips and speaking in a slightly bashful whisper, "This is what I exchanged for; I bought it because it looked good. Please accept it; the Internal Affairs Office does not keep records of this."

The West Pavilion was bustling with activity, as everyone was enjoying fried rice cakes. Against the wall, there was a pot steaming hot, with the glutinous rice porridge bubbling away inside. She walked over and adjusted the charcoal to dim the flames a bit. A few people at the crescent-shaped table invited her to have some boxed dishes, and Ru Hua was also there, her face showing no signs of displeasure. Jin Shu was at a loss for words, hesitating for a long time before her, when Ru Hua smiled and said, "You don't need to feel sorry for me. Over the past few years, I've been accompanying the Empress Dowager to grand banquets every year. It's rare for me to spend a year in the Cining Palace, so I can take a little break. I should actually thank you!"

Everyone praised Shunzi for his good fortune, while Jinshu fiddled with the lucky knot hanging from her collar, thinking to herself that accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger; a single misstep could cost her life. The emperor's temperament is difficult to fathom; a man who conquers the world from horseback is likely not to be trifled with even in literary matters. Just yesterday, after speaking only a few words with him, she felt that this person was not easy to deal with. Shunzi serving under him? A thankless task! Just yesterday, after speaking only a few words with him, she felt that this person was not easy to deal with. Shunzi serving under him? A thankless task!

Entering the scene and joking, "It's just! I don't know who the next one will be."

Entering the scene with indifference, "It's nothing, once Lingzi is released, we will be together every day, what does it matter if it's you or me! Besides..." She waved her hand and said, "Come closer."

Jin Shu leaned in, puzzled, and asked, "What happened?"

The Empress Dowager's face radiated joy as she raised her hand and said, "Get up, my dear girl, and Happy New Year! At tonight's banquet in the Taihe Hall, you, Chunrong, and Lingzi will accompany me together."

The Crown Prince spoke gently, "Are you well with the Empress Dowager? Has anyone below made things difficult for you?"

The Crown Prince was taken aback and quickly said, "Consider this a reward from me. Thank you for accompanying me and talking for such a long time. Thank you for being willing to engage with me." Without further ado, he took her hand and slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. The emerald green brilliance reflected against her snow-white skin, making it utterly mesmerizing.

The more Jin Shu listened, the more something felt off, and her heart began to race, pretending to be dull and remaining silent.

The servant humbly said: "This is what a servant ought to do; it is the great ancestors who have enabled the servant."

Upon entering the painting, she savored the moment, stuck out her tongue, pulled her to the table to sit down, and instructed her disciple to prepare a plate of rice cakes, pouring sugar on top before serving it to Jinshu

Jin Shu felt a tremor in her heart and bowed, saying: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness. I am but a humble servant and do not dare to trouble you. I only ask that you treat me as an ordinary person, for that would be a fulfillment of my wishes."

The Empress Dowager said warmly: "The method you mentioned is truly effective; my legs do not hurt today, thanks to you"

Jin Shu adjusted his attire with a formal demeanor, extending his hand in a gesture of support, and simply said: "No need for formalities, it is not appropriate to observe such customs when there are no others present"

Standing by the door, Feng Lu could not help but touch his nose in frustration, thinking to himself, what does it mean to be alone? Can't my master see such a grown man like me? Or is he giving me a signal to send me away? After some consideration, he decided it was better to leave; the Crown Prince had something to say, and his presence was just a hindrance. Waiting under the eaves of the corridor, the Crown Prince would not lose face; whatever he wanted to say or do, he could just express himself freely! In case there was any news from the Empress Dowager, it would be better for him to notify the people inside in advance; that is the duty of a servant. Waiting under the eaves of the corridor, the Crown Prince would not lose face; whatever he wanted to say or do, he could just express himself freely! In case there was any news from the Empress Dowager, it would be better for him to notify the people inside in advance; that is the duty of a servant.

The Crown Prince sat at his desk, holding a book, and upon seeing the embroidered letter enter, he put down the book and stood up. He was dressed in a sky-blue bamboo-patterned robe, with a fur-lined golden-brown coat over it. On his head, he wore a white jade hairpin with eight beams, and he smiled gently at her, his brows and eyes relaxed, exuding a bright and clear demeanor, which made him appear even more handsome and refined.

Pushing the window open to look at the palace gate, I wondered, "Why haven't I seen Shunzi today? I was just thinking of calling him in to eat the spring platter, yet I haven't seen him at all this early in the morning"

Jin Shu hurriedly knelt down to express her gratitude, as this was a great honor. However, this position was originally meant for Ru Hua. With her arrival, she has taken Ru Hua's place, and it is unclear what Ru Hua is thinking in her heart.

The Crown Prince stood two steps away from her, and she exuded a fragrance reminiscent of orchids, which permeated the room like a refreshing essence. A glance revealed her willow-like complexion, standing vivaciously, and perhaps due to the slightly oversized robe, her waist appeared somewhat empty, adding an extra touch of gentleness. The Crown Prince smiled contentedly, thinking how intriguing it was that such a gentle appearance was paired with a strong-willed and stubborn nature. If only she could show a hint of vulnerability and reveal a smile, what a beautiful scene that would be!

Jin Shu lowered his head and said: "I still feel quite embarrassed, having only been here for a few days, and I have already taken your place"

Jin Shu felt utterly powerless and muttered, "What kind of talk is this!"

The prince hurriedly released his grip, feeling awkward and unsure of what to do. He was also afraid that she would refuse to accept it, so he stammered, "Don't take it off; it's a token of my sincere feelings. Just consider our childhood friendship and don't treat me so distantly. During this festive season, even strangers exchange New Year greetings, so you can treat me as an old friend, and it would be perfectly fine to give a gift and chat about old times."

On the copper tea stove, Master Zhang the Eunuch laughed and said: "The dung beetle has transformed into a cicada, soaring into the sky! On the thirtieth night, he performed a good service, and the Emperor praised him. When the Empress Dowager learned of this, she assigned him to the Yangxin Hall to serve the Emperor."

Jin Shu shook his head in refusal, saying, "I am a servant who has not earned any merit, and therefore I dare not accept anything from His Highness the Crown Prince."

Jin Shu laughed and said, "You are just like Ling Zi; this is a task that brings honor, so why fear hardship?"

In the east wing, there is also a heated kang, making the room feel warm and spring-like. A pot of wax plums, placed beside the intricately carved door, is in full bloom, and as the soft curtain is lifted, the warm air carries a hint of fragrance that greets one’s face. On a strip table near the southern wall, there is a gilded incense burner, with a tower inside it burning, sending up wisps of smoke that swirl and rise. It is unclear what incense is being burned, but when mixed with the scent of the wax plums, it creates a blend that obscures the original fragrance.

In the painting, it is whispered: "That grand banquet lasted a long time, only finishing around the time of the second watch. We had to stand straight for two whole hours, unable to move at all; it was incredibly uncomfortable. I would much prefer to stay in the Cining Palace, where the Empress Dowager and the head maids have all gone out, leaving just a few of us behind. When there are no tigers in the mountains, the monkeys claim the throne. With no duties to attend to, we can just sit around, crack sunflower seeds, and chat; how wonderful!"

Chunrong was dozing off with her eyes half-closed, swaying back and forth. Jinshu gave up his seat and quietly said to her: "You can't sleep right now; just rest your head and take a quick nap!"

Jin Shu could only kneel and express her gratitude. The Crown Prince raised his hand to signal her to be at ease, and then said: "I heard from the Empress Dowager that you will be in attendance tonight, so we can meet again this evening. In the future, I will visit you at Ci Ning Palace every morning and evening. If you need anything, just let me know, and I will take care of it for you"

This person is also straightforward and speaks her mind, saying whatever comes to her lips. Startled, Jinshu hurriedly covered her mouth and scolded, "Be careful, trouble comes from the mouth. If you’re not careful, the eunuchs will drag you to the corridor for punishment. On the first day of the New Year, there’s no way to escape the consequences."

Jin Shu crouched down and said: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I am doing well in every way."

The Crown Prince, momentarily lost in his feelings, held onto her hand tightly and refused to let go. Jin Shu struggled twice but could not break free, and in a moment of urgency, her face flushed red as she exclaimed, "Please, Your Highness, let go!"

The Crown Prince nodded, not bothering to consider her deliberate adherence to the etiquette of hierarchy, and said to himself: "I have always wanted to see you, but with so many people around, I cannot speak closely. Today is the first day of the month, and the palace rules are somewhat relaxed, so I can no longer care about how others perceive it..."

The prince's expression gradually turned cold, "Do not refer to me as a servant; that is a slap in my face! I cannot regard you as an outsider. I only agreed to maintain a distance in front of others, but when we are alone, I am willing to treat you well, and you have no say in that."

The brocade letter was originally focused on the nose and heart, but after being teased by him, she could no longer hold back and let out a chuckle. The crown prince saw that her smile was as bright as the sun in spring, warming him all over and making him foolishly smile along, saying: "Look, this is much better. A happy day is still a day, and a day filled with grievances is also a day, so why not be cheerful? Just treat the past as a dream and forget it all!"

Jin Shu raised her hand to receive it, the cord measuring about two feet in length, adorned with colorful auspicious flowers, occasionally interspersed with patterns of longevity and fortune. At both ends, there were two jade beads, plump and green, making it most suitable for tying braids. Young girls love beauty, and she couldn't help but smile as she grasped the cord and bowed, "Thank you for the gift, ancestors"

The letter was quite unexpected. I looked up at him; his expression was uneasy, his face slightly flushed, completely lacking the mature demeanor he usually had, revealing a youthful awkwardness that matched his age. One hand was holding the bracelet, while the other hand hung by his side, alternating between gripping and releasing, as if he were extremely nervous.

The Crown Prince smiled and said, "It doesn't matter." He took off his pouch and handed it to her, "Wear it for now, and take it off to keep it safe when you need to perform your duties later." He lingered over the bracelet on her wrist, looking at it repeatedly, as if admiring a masterpiece of calligraphy or painting, unable to get enough of it.

The Empress Dowager urged her to rise, saying, "Go to the Western Side Hall to eat the spring platter; they are all there." Jinshu complied and then exited the side hall.

Jin Shu sent Ling Zi away and entered the Huiyin Gate. In the Ci Ning Palace, rows of glazed lanterns hung, and the rough palace maids were taking them down one by one to extinguish the flames, nodding at her as they passed. Jin Shu smiled slightly, lifted the gold-embroidered curtain, and stepped into the west side hall. The Empress Dowager was sitting on the Luohan bed, playing with a flat-faced cat. She adjusted her large vest and stepped forward to pay her respects, saying, "May the ancestors be blessed, I wish you a Happy New Year."

The Empress Dowager, seeing her good appearance, gentle demeanor, and speaking in a sincere and humble manner, felt quite fond of her. She then instructed Mama Ta: "Reward her with that golden ribbon from my box!" She said to Jinshu, "You should use that golden ribbon to tie your hair; this glossy black braid will look beautiful with the gold embellishment."

She opened her mouth and said, "Why does the Crown Prince want to give something to a servant? I cannot accept such a gift."

Chunrong let out a sound, wrapping her arms around herself and leaning on the kang table. Jinshu took a blanket and draped it over her; just as she finished tidying up, a young eunuch peeked in from outside the door. As soon as Damei saw him, she smiled and asked, "Oh, Little Lu Gonggong, what brings you here today?"

With a sigh, she said, "I am not someone who loves to seek high positions. I prefer to do my job steadily and properly, and when the time comes, I will step out. What more is there to pursue? Life is short, only a few decades in total, and to spend so much effort just to maintain appearances for myself, what is the point?"

Everyone knows what is going on, and no one makes jokes; they all quietly drink porridge and eat spring rolls. Jin Shu, feeling helpless, can only lower his hands and follow them out.

As he was about to leave, the Crown Prince glanced at him and said, "Don't rush to leave just yet." He pointed to the incense burner and added, "Take that out for me; I am not accustomed to this smell." Feng Lu bowed and acknowledged, then carried the gilded lion incense burner base and exited.

Taizi Dao: "I have the temperament of a southern barbarian; didn't you say that about me when I was young?"