Four palace maids were kicked out in a row, making Eunuch Fu's mood indescribably bad.
Ezoic
He had tried to knock some sense into them on several occasions, but it was in vain. His highness's aura was too much for these palace maids who had just entered the estate. They weren't like those who served the prince year round. Even those who were used to serving his highness would unavoidably make some occasional mistakes. Normally if it was harmless, his highness would disregard it.
Yet for some reason when it came to the low-ranked palace maids he arranged, a little mistake ended up getting them kicked out. It wasn't like he could accuse the prince of being intolerant. He could only keep his depression to himself, narrowly avoiding spitting out a mouthful of his old blood in frustration.
Ezoic
Sensing that the remaining two before his eyes were also in imminent danger, Eunuch Fu felt like his heart couldn't take it anymore. He needed to go find his "old buddies" for a chat. After going around, it turned out they were all busy with their work so he could only go find his old comrade Auntie Qi.
Eunuch Fu who was normally full of style in front of the low-ranked palace maids and low-ranked eunuchs now walked with his head lowered dispiritedly, his face collapsed as though his parents had passed away.
Auntie Qi saw his appearance and couldn't resist covering her mouth, laughing a little and saying: "Isn't this appearance a little exaggerated?"
Ezoic
Auntie Qi and Eunuch Fu had both served the Jing Prince's mother the Venerated Concubine1 and watched the Jing Prince grow up. They also moved together with him to the vassal state and could be counted as veterans amongst his servants. The two worked together for a few decades and their relationship was extremely good. Therefore they didn't have to care about their appearance in front of each other. Auntie Qi was naturally not surprised when seeing a side of Eunuch Fu that he wouldn't reveal in front of others.
Hearing Auntie Qi's teasing, Eunuch Fu nodded his head and spoke with a great deal of emphasis.
"It's not exaggerated at all!"
Auntie Qi normally seemed as though she was imitating the Jing Prince's apathetic expression, but at this moment her expression was lively, laughingly saying: "Enough, enough. You're already old enough to be a grandpa. Is there a need to throw a child's tantrum?"
This "grandpa's age" was calculated based on the year and month Eunuch Fu entered the imperial palace. If he had remained in the palace, and continued doing well for himself, there would have been many low-ranked eunuchs calling him Grandpa Fu. The few low-ranked eunuchs in the Hall of Splendor also addressed him in this manner.
Eunuch Fu coughed a couple of times before resuming his normal expression, but it wasn't long before he once again sighed and collapsed his waist.
"It's getting harder and harder for me to accurately perceive master's personality. Every time, it's always right as I feel blessed by the heavens when he puts on such an episode. Six low-ranked palace maids –" Eunuch Fu wrote out a six in midair, his face as though he was mourning, "This year I even specially added an extra two, and now he's already kicked out four of them."
Regarding this situation, Auntie Qi's head also hurt quite a bit.
Based on past 'experience', if all six were kicked out then Eunuch Fu would not be able to replace them for at least half a year.
Even if he brought it up the prince would not agree to it.
Ezoic
This would waste over half a year again.
If things dragged on, the prince would already be twenty-six. Which prince didn't marry early and hold a child the very next year? Some had hard working wives and concubines and could be holding several in a year. Only the Jing Prince had no results up until now.
It wasn't as if the few of them hadn't hinted at this issue, but his highness either disregarded them completely or didn't understand their meaning. After all, they couldn't say it loudly and clearly. That's why in their helplessness, those old buddies who had served for a long time got together to think of a plan.
Auntie Qi had also spent a lot of effort on this. Otherwise, would someone of her status personally train a bunch of little newcomers?
"How long has it been since his highness spent the night at the three eastern pavilions?"
Mentioning this made Eunuch Fu's face look listless, and it was a while before he responded, "At least half a year."
Auntie Qi wanted to complain about him not bringing it up to the prince a couple times, but knowing Eunuch Fu's urgency regarding this matter, she was sure he would've mentioned it. Instead, due to his highness's personality, all the words in his heart would be converted into a sigh in the end.
After a long time, Auntie Qi sighed and spoke a single sentence, "If the Venerated Concubine knew his highness would end up like this, would she have regretted her decision?"
Ezoic
Speaking of this was going far off topic.
Before the Jing Prince was born, his mother was not the Venerated Concubine yet, but was attendant Li instead. At that time, Senior Concubine Xu and the empress were struggling against each other, causing the situation in the palace to be tense and poised to explode.
Within the palace there would always be pregnant concubines who ended up miscarrying, or the baby would end up being stillborn. Within the few years, apart from the empress and the senior concubine, no one had been able to give birth to the emperor's offspring.
Attendant Li was innately timid. After a coincidental coupling with the emperor, she found herself pregnant and became scared and on edge. She was scared of miscarrying, scared of complications arising during birth, scared of various things. She made the absurd decision to hide her pregnancy.
Ezoic
If it were anyone else it wouldn't have been possible. But attendant Li lived in a remote location, and due to her timidity she rarely interacted with others. She didn't have many acquaintances inside the palace, and was one of those attendants who the emperor went to once a year at best.
Therefore being invisible had its benefits. It was quite easy to keep hidden from people.
And so she secretly gave birth to the fifth prince. The difficulty and suffering in the meantime naturally didn't need to be said.
Ezoic
After successfully giving birth to a prince, attendant Li was ecstatic, many times wanting to announce it. But at this time the struggle between the empress and the senior concubine at reached the boiling point. Concubine Xu had miscarried once and the empress's two year old infant had died prematurely2. Attendant Li saw the situation and didn't dare speak up anymore.
Afraid of the fifth prince's cries being heard, she used a cloth to gag his mouth, only leaving his nose free to breathe. She kept the infant prince hidden in a dark room, never taking him outside.
Ezoic
The state of the imperial harem was grim and attendant Li had a timid nature. Keeping this secret made her jumpy and nervous. Before, when she needed to breastfeed, she would still go to the hidden room. After he was able to eat, she herself would almost never go anymore, letting her trusted palace maids and eunuchs do the feeding.
She kept a close watch on the situation outside, deeply afraid someone would suddenly come in. She didn't trust others to do so, and could only be at ease if she were the one keeping a lookout. At that time Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi could feel that Attendant Li's mental state wasn't quite normal anymore, but they were only servants and didn't dare speak up. When they tried to hint at it they would be severely reprimanded by Attendant Li.
At this point attendant Li had been forgotten by everyone. She wasn't favored to begin with and her position didn't require her to go pay respects to the empress. She was a shut-in during her pregnancy, only allowing her trusted aides to serve her.
Originally the residence had a few other common palace maids and eunuchs but they had all left. After all, people walked uphill while water flowed downhill. This Attendant Li was either bed-ridden or neurotic during the day, and wasn't favored. No one wanted to waste their time staying by her side.
The only people who would come were the palace maids and eunuchs who delivered the daily necessities. Only these people remembered there was an Attendant Li who lived in a corner of the palace.
Ezoic
Ezoic
The trusted aides by Attendant Li's side were precisely the current Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi.
Towards the increasingly on edge Attendant Li, the two of them were also at a loss but were unable to do anything about it. Furthermore, the two understood the situation in the palace clearly, and since their mistress stubbornly insisted on this manner of living, they couldn't say anything about it and could only do their best to help keep the secret.
Six years passed.
The fifth prince remained by himself in the hidden room from a young age. Attendant Li was so afraid of the prince attracting people's attention by speaking that she never taught him how to speak.
During this time, watching the seemingly wooden prince who couldn't even speak, Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi had also felt sorry for him. But Attendant Li seemed to have gone crazy and hiding her son had become the only thing on her mind. Apart from giving him food, no one was allowed to enter the hidden room for any reason.
Ezoic
The Jing Prince was discovered when he was six years old. He was still unable to speak and he was extremely apathetic in nature, as though he were a log of wood.
When the current emperor found out he suddenly had a six year old son, he discovered the origin after questioning and investigating. Although he was a little angry, he didn't have the heart to scold the mother and son pair.
He even conferred Attendant Li the title of Venerated Concubine. But after gradually entering people's perception, everyone realized that this concubine seemed almost insane and the fifth prince was a mute who couldn't talk.
For the fifth prince's hidden disability, Emperor Xi invited many famous doctors to treat it. They all said he was physically healthy but mentally scarred, and having not spoken since he was born he turned out like this.
Afterwards, the emperor also put his heart into getting people to teach and instruct the prince, but things had already been set. The prince was never able to speak.
Ezoic
An insane concubine and a mute wooden fifth prince. These two completely stabbed the current emperor's sore spot in his heart. At first he felt a little guilty that his son turned out this way, but over time the guilt became disgust.
The Venerated Concubine passed away not long after. Within and without the palace, rumors spread that the fifth prince was a mute.
Hearing these rumors, Emperor Xi hated the fifth prince even more, feeling like he was losing his face, and normally didn't bother with him, putting him in the back of his mind.
This was maintained as the prince slowly grew up, was conferred the Jing Prince title as he came of age and was sent far away to the Jing Province.
Ezoic
Regarding the struggles in the past, Eunuch Fu was just as clear as Auntie Qi, so hearing her words he could only sigh deeply.
Asking whether or not she would have regretted it was already too late. The Venerated Concubine had already passed away, and his highness's personality had never changed. Especially since the reason he was allowed to slowly grow up back then was due to his status as a mute.
Although the prince was suddenly cured without the help of medicine and could speak after coming to the Jing Province, his personality still had no changes. It was even more apathetic than back at the capital.
Time and fate remained outside the grasp of understanding.
Auntie Qi also understood the reasoning and so she only sighed.
Ezoic
After a while, Auntie Qi picked up her spirits and said: "Forget it, don't think too much. Aren't there still two remaining?"
Eunuch Fu glanced at Auntie Qi. That's right, there are still two remaining. That means he shouldn't give up hope, right?
Thinking from this perspective, he was filled with energy again. Eunuch Fu stood up, patted his robes and said: "I'm heading out. Let's keep up the good fight."
His words made Auntie Qi laugh incessantly despite herself. She impatiently waved him off.
"Then get yourself going and fight."
Eunuch Fu laughed and left.
With renewed spirit, Eunuch Fu returned to the Hall of Splendor. Remembering that his highness hadn't spent the night in the eastern three pavilions in a while, he decided to paint using two brushes, tackling the problem from both sides.
That night after dinner, the Jing Prince went to read in the study.
Eunuch Fu stood at attention to the side, mulling over how to broach the subject.
There were only two people in the study, the silence making it seem time was frozen.
Ezoic
Eunuch Fu couldn't think of a good excuse and decided he might as well just break it out. He was already old, excessive worry and excessive fussing was a normal thing, right? Right?
Ezoic
"Your highness, it's been a while since you went to the eastern three pavilions. How about you go hang out at one of the madams' places tonight?"
The room was still extremely silent, as though no one was there.
Eunuch Fu let out his usual sigh in his heart, and awaited the arrival of destiny. Based on the usual convention, the prince respond after a while. If he didn't move or speak, then it meant he wouldn't go.
Another while passed when the prince suddenly stood up and walked towards the outside.
Eunuch Fu's face immediately bloomed in a smile, and he followed behind.
Reaching the alleyway before the three eastern pavilions, the prince's steps stopped.
Eunuch Fu knew the prince was unsure of which place to go to. The Jing Consort's health wasn't good and they also didn't get along well in the past, no need to consider that option. As a servant he had to be considerate, and think of everything before his master and resolve difficult situations for him. Especially since his highness was giving him face today, Eunuch Fu definitely didn't want his hopes dashed.
"Your highness, how about going over to Senior Concubine Qiao's place?"
The Jing Prince didn't speak, his footsteps heading towards the direction of Rong Xi Pavilion.
Ezoic
Eunuch Fu's heart immediately filled with tears, even giving birth to the idea that the prince was still as cute and obedient as he was when young.
Ezoic
The whole estate knew of the prince's apathetic and taciturn character, and that he didn't enjoy the charms of women and rarely visited the rear court. After a while, the three eastern pavilions all stopped leaving the door open at night. Senior Concubine Qiao also didn't sleep well the night before and had gone to bed early.
What greeted the Jing Prince and Eunuch Fu were a pair of tightly shut pavilion doors.
Eunuch Fu silently cried out 'not good', and was about to disregard his own status and start pounding on the door but saw the prince pause before turning and leaving. Eunuch Fu followed behind, his heart weeping.
Why did things have to be so hard? He was finally able to convince his highness for once. Normally when he mentioned it several times, even succeeding once was worth burning incense over but they ended up running into this situation.
Eunuch Fu muttered in his heart that Senior Concubine Qiao really had no luck while saying with his mouth: "Master, how about going to the two madams' place instead?"
He was mentally prepared. His highness would probably not listen this time.
As expected, even after the prince returned to the Hall of Splendor, read a little and went to bed, he had yet to respond to him.
Author's notes:
Cruel, cruel cruel, these situations really happened in history and weren't made up. This author merely borrowed it for use, after all we're telling a story.
Ezoic
Speaking of secretly giving birth to the prince, we have to bring up the badass story of Senior Concubine Wan from the Ming Dynasty. Everyone felt that she and Zhu Jian Shen were truly in love. She was older than the emperor by 17 years, and was solely favored for over ten years. From palace maid to senior imperial concubine, her status skyrocketed in a short period of time. She was arrogant and despotic to the point of not allowing the emperor to have other sons. If a concubine got pregnant, she force fed her abortion medicine. Afterwards her own son died prematurely, but she still didn't let the emperor have a son. Therefore, the reason Zhu You Cheng who came after was able to survive was because he was born in secret and kept hidden for six years. Since the emperor tolerated all her actions, it was why they called it true love. Of course, this novel doesn't have anything to do with Senior Concubine Wan or Zhu You Cheng. This author is just lamenting how nice it would be to get to concubine Wan's level of badassery. Done with the off topic discussion. I'm guessing everyone is worriedly watching that damn Eunuch Fu's meddling right? This author definitely won't tell you, that damn eunuch is actually this novel's biggest goldfinger3, cough, cough. Next chapter the male and female leads interact, please look forward to it….
There were many ranks of concubines with their own titles, and these could differ between different dynasties.
Is the implication that these "accidents" are caused by others? That's pretty dark if so….
I think this is a reference to King Midas, who turns everything he touches into gold.
No one understood the Jing Prince's thoughts, but Xiao Hua Eunuch Fu's thoughts were more and more laughable.
Looking at the new set of clothes in her hand, along with Eunuch Fu's words of "you have to wear it tomorrow" when he gave it to them, Xiao Hua rubbed her brows in distress.
Ezoic
As of now, four out of the six palace maids had been told 'you guys leave' by the prince, leaving only her and Xiu Yun. The reactions of those who had to "leave" won't be mentioned for now, but as days passed Xiao Hua felt the pressure building up. She even had thoughts of purposefully messing up and getting thrown out.
Ezoic
But Eunuch Fu's temper hidden underneath his calm made her afraid to carry out such a plan. Since she knew he wanted them to remain, if she purposefully messed up Eunuch Fu would definitely be able to tell based on his years of experience inside the palace.
Xiao Hua didn't dare take this risk. She was just a low-ranked palace maid. If Eunuch Fu decided to have her dragged out and beaten to death, she could only accept it.
If you couldn't figure out the thoughts of those above, and they also happen to hold your life in their hands, you might as well work honestly without thinking of anything else and submit to the will of heaven.
Ezoic
Beside her, Xiu Yun still hadn't spoken. Who knew if she had similar thoughts?
However, Xiao Hua was more and more unable to see through Xiu Yun. She herself was only able to smoothly remain until now based on her two lifetime's worth of experience.
Whereas Xiu Yun was so calm and unflustered at fifteen years old. Apart from admiration, Xiao Hua was also bewildered. There was also the weird situation with Xiu Yun's "hometown" acquaintance, and her recent feeling that for some reason, Xiu Yun's behavior started to resemble her own more and more.
Therefore, Xiao Hua barely spoke with Xiu Yun nowadays. The two came and went together, but would spend the entire day without saying a word.
"This is really a case of similar people having different fates. Eunuch Fu treats the two of you so well, it really makes our eyes turn endlessly red."
This was Qiao Lian's voice. She always enjoyed mocking others. Seeing that Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun were immune to her previous mockery, she had switched her tone in the last few days but it was still extremely sarcastic.
Xiao Hua knew her intentions. Wasn't she just trying to turn the others against them?
She had ignored her words so often that now she had stopped taking them in at all. Therefore, Xiao Hua was indifferent, putting her new clothes into her cabinet. Xiu Yun also didn't make a sound, but merely lowered her head even more.
The other three didn't speak but their gazes towards the two were extremely complicated.
The next day, Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun put on their new clothes and went to work. They were right on time as the Jing Prince returned soon after.
Six minus four equaled two. Eunuch Fu had given all of their previous chores to Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun, so currently they were serving the Jing Prince his meal.
Ezoic
The Jing Prince lived a simple life, so simple that Xiao Hua felt this wasn't someone with a prince's status. Even the Jinyang Marquis Estate's young master had more dishes during his meal.
Ezoic
The prince had only five simple dishes, though there were both meat and vegetables which were well matched. The appearance was delicate and the taste should be quite delicious. They weren't even really needed to serve during the meal. He held his own bowl and ate by himself. At most they helped pour the soup for him.
Xiao Hua saw the prince's tranquil eyes turn towards the eight-treasures soup1, and immediately grabbed the empty bowl and presented it with her head half lowered to the prince.
The hand that reached over was fair and slender, with the bones and muscles clearly defined. It was a beautiful hand that still visibly contained strength.
After the prince put the bowl down, a few low-ranked eunuchs stepped up to offer some water for him to rinse his mouth, and another two cleared the table. The Jing Prince then returned to the inner hall.
Eunuch Fu looked at Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun in satisfaction, his eyes filled with praise.
"The two of you are pretty good. Keep up the good work, I've got high hopes for you."
These two lasted the longest out of this batch. Eunuch Fu saw that the two had steady attitudes and behavior, and had even more hopes for them.
Ezoic
As the days passed, Eunuch Fu had already put the four expelled maids to the back of his mind, placing all his attention onto Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun. His attitude towards them grew more and more amicable, and he would give them some words of encouragement every now and then.
Xiao Hua smiled a little and half lowered her head, her attitude respectful and modest. Xiu Yun was a little nervous in her heart, and could only imitate Xiao Hua's appearance, half lowering her head.
Eunuch Fu's eyes flashed and didn't speak further, but the smile on his face grew even wider.
Ezoic
There was a very large study in the Hall of Splendor. The area it covered was very large, perhaps over half of the front hall. The book collection was also very expansive.
The Jing Prince's favorite leisure activity was to read when he didn't have any official business. This was what Xiao Hua had realized over the days.
He would read for hours, and they could only stand by staring blankly for hours.
Luckily this didn't happen too often, otherwise Xiao Hua's legs would suffer. Even so, Xiao Hua would soak them in hot water every night and give herself a massage to circulate her meridians.
This day the Jing Prince seemed to be very idle, picking up a book and reading for several hours without moving. He sat upright in the same spot the whole time, and apart from occasionally enjoying tea and refreshments he hadn't moved. Xiao Hua knew she was in for a long war of attrition today.
Ezoic
This sort of situation had happened several times before Xiao Hua realized that Eunuch Fu was able to serve by his side so many years for good reason. Just being able to endure an entire day of silence, and stand without doing anything, was an extremely incredible ability.
"You highness, it's not good for your waist and shoulders if you keep sitting like that to read."
The quiet atmosphere was broken by Eunuch Fu's voice.
The prince raised his eyes and looked at him, and lowered them once more. He knew in his heart the old fellow was getting worried, and since he had nothing to do today, the desire to tease him a little sprung forth in his heart.
Sometimes the apathetic prince would also feel that life was really as lonely as snow. Therefore, teasing his dearest Eunuch Fu could be counted as a sort of rare amusement for him.
Ezoic
It was just that those around him weren't aware of it. Eunuch Fu had always assumed that since the prince was so indifferent most of the time, the only reason he got responses from him was due to the many years of service from a young age. On the rare occasions he would get a response, Eunuch Fu even felt like shedding tears of gratitude as well as a feeling of guilt. He clearly knew with the prince's personality that he wouldn't like it, but still forced him to respond.
After a long while, the Jing Prince's voice sounded out, though he hadn't raised his head.
"Speak."
There was only one word, but it was still a response.
Eunuch Fu took advantage of the downward slope to move the donkey, licking his lips while saying: "How about lying down on the couch for a bit, it would be more comfortable." His expression was one of great bitterness, as though sharing his master's discomfort and worries.
Ezoic
The Jing Prince's eyes flashed with an unknown light as he grabbed his book and walked to the study's couch.
Eunuch Fu immediately stepped forward, taking off his shoes and placing a pillow down. He was awfully busy.
He had decided to continue speaking today, and spoke as he helped the prince lean on the couch: "Your highness, this old servant has heard that after sitting for a while, having someone massage you will make things feel a lot better."
"En.2"
Today the Jing Prince was extremely cooperative.
Ezoic
"Ai!" Eunuch Fu's baritone was actually able to make such a high pitched "ai" sound, one could tell how excited he was. He looked towards where Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun were standing and waved his hand, "Come, come, come, the two of you come help his highness loosen up."
As though afraid the Jing Prince would be unwilling, he hurriedly turned his head back to the prince and spoke: "Cough, cough, this old servant's arms and legs are old and his hands are rough. I don't want master to be in pain from my squeezing, better let the young girls do it."
Then, without waiting for the prince to respond, he repeatedly urged the two who were frozen to the side.
Eunuch Fu's method for them to get closer was based on his disciple An Chen's mischievous idea.
Eunuch Fu saw that the two of them hadn't had any mishaps recently, and it looked like they could steadily remain in place. Thus his thoughts started to change. He had instead started worrying about the Jing Prince's lack of action.
Thinking about it, it was quite hard to be the Jing Prince. When he took action, Eunuch Fu felt he was intolerant of people. When he didn't take action, Eunuch Fu felt he was too passive and wondered why there was no action.
Returning back to the topic at hand.
According to An Chen, when men had nothing to do, they liked to find two pretty little girls to massage their shoulders and legs. Fooling around here and there would eventually lead to the bed.
Ezoic
Eunuch Fu wasn't a man so he didn't understand the desires of men. But he did do his homework and knew what An Chen said was true. He also knew that many rich households' young masters liked this act. He was also a little desperate, willing to try anything.
His highness was also a man. Perhaps he would like this sort of method?
Ezoic
Whether his highness liked it, only the heavens knew. In any case, Xiao Hua did not like it and her face filled with black lines3.
This, this Eunuch Fu was messing with people right!? Why did his actions seem to be filled with malicious intent?
Xiu Yun's reactions were faster than Xiao Hua's by quite a bit, stepping forward first and kneeling in front of the prince's legs, seemingly ready to begin massaging his thighs.
Xiao Hua was a step slower and the only remaining spot was the prince's shoulders.
Seeing Eunuch Fu glaring at her, Xiao Hua could only helplessly approach her "reserved spot" and half raise her arms, though she was in a bit of a daze.
Loosen up?
How was she supposed to help him loosen up?
Actually, Xiao Hua had been uneducated in her past life and relied completely on her looks to serve people. But the one skill she had was acupressure massage.
Being able to learn this was completely due to luck and coincidence, and it was after she became the 4th young master's concubine.
After Xiao Hua had become Ruan Siyi's concubine, he had already become very lecherous. Not only did he have many "female friends" outside, he also had several chambermaids and concubines inside the pavilion. Xiao Hua was already counted as extremely favored, but unfortunately there was only one man being fought over by many women so there were unavoidably occasions when she was snubbed.
Ezoic
Ezoic
The number of women by the 4th young master's side continued to grow to the extent that there were times when she hadn't seen him in half a month. Xiao Hua had grown worried in her past life.
At the time she lived in the eastern side pavilion, where there was an old sweeper woman who wanted to obtain her favor. She had offered up her family's trade skill. At the time Xiao Hua was willing to try anything, and had also heard that acupressure massage was a rare skill. Since the 4th young master used to study hard in the past, he unavoidably had some discomfort in his neck and shoulders. Xiao Hua thought it might end up being useful, and learned from the old woman.
Ezoic
Only after learning did she realize this coarse looking old woman actually had some skill. It was said one of her ancestors was a great doctor, and researched a set of acupressure techniques. Unfortunately by the time it was passed down to her, the family had already fallen into extremely dire straits, leaving her as the only offspring and daughter.
After her father passed away, she sold herself off into slavery, and normally did a few chores serving others during the day. The only reason she had brought it up was because her family was waiting for money and was extremely poor, so she had gone to find Concubine Hua to discuss things. Who knew she who would obtain Xiao Hua's favor?
Actually while the old woman said she knew how to do it, she only knew a little based on what she learned from her father as a child. As time passed, she had forgotten most of it. Seeing that Xiao Hua was interested, she gave her a handwritten copy of her family's techniques.
At that time Xiao Hua had already learned to read. During her time as the 4th young master's chambermaid, he saw that she couldn't read and wanted to pamper her by teaching her. After acquiring the notes, she flipped through it roughly and felt the contents to be very profound. It didn't seem to be a scam. The old woman also didn't dare scam her. She gave the old woman twenty-some pieces of fine silver which counted both as a reward and a purchase.
The old woman only knew a few basics. The rest Xiao Hua learned by slowly studying the manual. Luckily the book not only taught the positions of the acupuncture points, but also recorded down some past experiences. It could still be slowly comprehended.
Xiao Hua's personality was either you don't learn it, or you learn it very seriously4.
Adding on the rivalry between the women in the pavilion, there wasn't much to do in her spare time. Knitting was always an option, but Xiao Hua had been a sweeper maid. Where would she have picked up knitting? After coming to the Jinxiu Pavilion, she was busy with trying to climb the ranks, and had even less time to learn. Now this book could be useful for her spare time, and could also be used to get the young master's favor, so she was naturally focused in learning.
Using the book for guidance and two personal maids as test subjects, she slowly got unexpected pleasure from this practice and was able to bring out some of its essence. Unfortunately her heart hadn't been calm and she had ulterior motives for learning this, therefore only learning the acupressure massage and ignoring everything else regarding osteopathy since she wasn't trying to become a doctor and also couldn't really understand it.
Ezoic
Ezoic
After feeling proficient to some extent, she pulled the 4th young master over to win his favor.
Unexpectedly, the effect was pretty good. Therefore, even though the 4th young master had new flames every so often, he would come to her every few days, giving her a lot of favor.
Xiao Hua's foundation was good to begin with, and now with this added benefit, the 4th young master favored Xiao Hua extremely.
Sometimes, the massage would end up with them both in bed which naturally made her feelings a little complicated. This was also why Xiao Hua was a little dazed at the moment.
Author's Notes: Acupressure massage and osteopathy has been around for a long time, and it grew into more of a traditional practice during the Ming Dynasty. This author sits for long hours at work, sits and counts her characters for long hours, and would always go get a traditional therapeutic massage. Once every ten days or so, relaxing the bones and muscles a bit.
Soup made with eight different beneficial herbs and spices
Noise of affirmation, like mhmm.
Do or do not, there is no try.
Those memories seemed far removed yet right in front of her eyes. Xiao Hua's mood was disordered but at the same time her hands were placed on the prince's body and started massaging.
The shoulders under her hands were very sturdy, completely different from the 4th young master's. The 4th young master liked to read and was in the end undisciplined, never training his body much. He did take care of himself though, and his physique was tall and broad. It was just a little too soft….
Because she was lost in her own memories, her hands seemed to have a life of their own, finding the acupuncture points by themselves and slowly starting to massage them.
Ezoic
Eunuch Fu held his breath to the side, deeply afraid his highness would flip out after coming back to his senses. But a long time passed without any movement, and Eunuch Fu finally put his heart to rest.
Ezoic
The Jing Prince had wanted to tease Eunuch Fu at first, but who knew that the pair of little hands would massage so comfortably. He could feel how small the hands were through two layers of clothing, but they still had a lot of force and the massage felt very good. What the Jing Prince didn't know was that Xiao Hua had grown up doing manual labor, so she had a decent amount of strength. Of course it couldn't be compared to that of a man, but it far exceeded that of girls her age.
His shoulders and back felt very comfortable so the prince could clearly feel the movements on his legs were a little annoying. He raised his foot and shook them a little.
Eunuch Fu saw this and immediately waved his hand for Xiu Yun to stand aside.
Ezoic
The weather was excellent, not too cold and not too warm, with a slight breeze blowing in through the window. The prince's breathing subconsciously grew slower and calmer, and he actually fell asleep.
The next time he awoke, over an hour had passed.
The Jing Prince was awoken by Eunuch Fu's calls, and the instant he opened his eyes they recovered their clarity.
Every time the Jing Prince fell asleep he would dream. He never mentioned this and those around him didn't know. This time however, after muddle-headedly falling asleep he didn't dream about anything and slept for over an hour.
Eunuch Fu saw the prince wake up and leaned in close to say a few words. He hadn't wanted to wake the prince, but was helpless since there was an extremely important report.
Xiao Hua's hands hadn't stopped for the entire hour. Seeing the prince awaken and Eunuch Fu approach to speak, she immediately withdrew her hands and went back to standing at the side.
The Jing Prince didn't give Xiao Hua any extra glances, sitting up while Eunuch Fu helped him put on his shoes before leaving the study. Eunuch Fu gave Xiao Hua a look of praise before following him out.
Xiao Hua let out a breath and relaxed her tensed shoulders. Only after relaxing did she realize her own arms were aching. Even in her past life she hadn't massaged anyone for so long.
Xiu Yun had remained on the side as a pillar without making a sound, and she didn't say anything at this moment either. Xiao Hua did feel her gaze sweep over herself several times.
Xiao Xia Zi walked in with a face full of smiles: "Big sis Xiao Hua, Grandpa Fu said you must be tired from all the hard work and said you can go rest. When his highness returns, Xiao Xia Zi will naturally come fetch you."
While the prince had fallen asleep, Xiao Xia Zi had come in to switch out the tea, and naturally saw the previous scene. Therefore his tone was especially gracious.
Ezoic
Also, "big sis"? Her age was around the same as his, and in the past he had never addressed her by big sis, directly calling her name. He also wouldn't refer to himself as Xiao Xia Zi, but would use "I".
Xiao Hua sensed the difference in treatment, and Xiu Yun seemed to sense it too, her gaze faintly sweeping over her once more.
Xiao Hua had intended to decline, but was a little helpless. Furthermore, she truly was tired. Not only were her arms tired, her heart was tired as well. She nodded her head and left by herself, not looking at Xiu Yun's face anymore.
Sometimes people were just that strange. Because of a little difference, their hearts would become estranged. Luckily Xiao Hua had never intended to form a deep relationship with Xiu Yun. Although the two came and went together, it was only a superficial relationship.
When Xiao Hua returned to the room, everyone else was present. The palace maids sweeping outside actually had more free time compared to those serving inside the hall. There wasn't too much work and there were many doing the same job, so they spent most of their time in the room or went outside to play.
Especially having stayed here for some time, they were no longer as afraid to go out. Xi'er said they were always meeting up with their friends, and Xiao Hua was clear on that as well.
Seeing Xiao Hua return before her shift was up, the eyes of Qiao Lian and the others flashed. Seeing her return by herself without Xiu Yun they had all kinds of different unanswered questions. Normally she came and went together with Xiu Yun. However, upon returning, Xiao Hua lay on the bed and closed her eyes. Everyone was familiar with her personality so no one opened their mouths to ask.
Only after a while did Xiu Yun enter.
Ezoic
Seeing her return, no one spoke to her either.
The air in the room had been like this recently. Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun were isolated to the extreme, and every now and then someone would throw a few verbal barbs at them. But due to their personalities, when someone attacked them with words, they would either ignore it or pretend not to understand. After several times, no one wanted to put themselves forward to be snubbed.
Xiu Yun lay on her own bed, her mind a mess.
No one knew that she was currently wildly jealous of Xiao Hua. She spent a lot of effort to suppress the disturbance in her heart.
Ezoic
She was fifteen after all, and as a girl from the countryside the only reason she was able to make it this far was because she kept her sister's words in mind as well as her own efforts in learning.
Before they entered the Hall of Splendor she didn't feel it, but after entering and especially after the other four were expelled, the amount of pressure on her had been unimaginably large. No one knew how much she had suffered, and behind her taciturn appearance no one knew how much effort she put in to learn the rules and etiquette while ignoring the incoming ridicule and mockery.
Ezoic
Her thoughts had started out very simple. She didn't want to marry the landlord's idiot son, so when her sister Ru'er said she could bring her into the estate, she came. Who knew that after entering, her sister would tell her a few secrets? She started gradually having her own thoughts.
And Xiao Hua –
Actually, Xiu Yun had quite liked Xiao Hua at first. During their time in the sweeper area, she had yet to meet with Ru'er and her thoughts had been very innocent.
Ezoic
But after knowing the 'secret' and seeing the difference between them, she had started to dislike Xiao Hua a little.
Why was it that she could remain so calm? No matter what she faced, she would be unperturbed. At first Xiu Yun couldn't understand Xiao Hua turning a deaf ear towards Qiao Lian's occasional mockery. Only later did she slowly understand.
This was the best method of dealing with such people!
The more time she spend with Xiao Hua, the more complicated Xiu Yun's heart became. Especially since both of them ended up with the same role inside the hall. Her pressure grew even greater.
She had listened to her sister and started to secretly observe and learn from Xiao Hua. She thought that Xiao Hua was really incredible, each and every move full of profundity. Especially after entering the Hall of Splendor, she felt Xiao Hua's movements were the ideal standard, not too much, not too little, it was just right.
Ezoic
She started unwittingly imitating Xiao Hua's way of doing things. At first she didn't notice these things, merely wanting to avoid being expelled. She wanted to remain behind. After realizing she had been imitating Xiao Hua, Xiu Yun hated her even more. These complicated thoughts tormented her daily. On one hand she was secretly glad to have managed to keep her job, and on the other she hated Xiao Hua for setting a standard to imitate.
Xiu Yun lay on the bed with her disordered mind thinking up a storm of random things, and saw Xi'er and Mei'er heading out to the bathroom.
She waited a while before following them out.
"Che! I had thought that there was someone incredible in our midst, turns out it was just someone with unrequited affection!"
Ezoic
Qiao Lian who was chatting with Xi'er and the rest suddenly burst out with this statement, and all the gazes in the room gathered on Xiao Hua.
Due to last time's shoulder massage, Xiao Hua's status had risen imperceptibly.
Xiao Hua really didn't want to admit this, but there was no way she could avoid it.
Not only did Eunuch Fu show an amicable attitude towards her and had spoken with her a few times, even the few low ranked eunuchs in the hall greeted her with smiles. Those in the same room saw the developing signs, and having found out the story from who knows where, the last few days their gazes had been strange and the few had started targeting her.
Unfortunately everyone had overthought things. Since that time, the Jing Prince hadn't called Xiao Hua to massage his shoulders again. These few days he seemed to be very busy, leaving early and returning late. Even when he was present he hadn't shown any differences in behavior.
Ezoic
Gradually the strange gazes became frigid irony and scorching satire, the most talented at it being Qiao Lian. She would always suddenly burst out with a couple lines of sarcasm.
Xiao Hua had thought her own endurance was very strong, but encountering these episodes daily still made her moody.
Every time she was about to lose her temper, she reminded herself of what happened in her past life. Her way of thinking was good, and she was able to suppress the frustration in her heart, but saying she was comfortable with it would be a lie.
Every person had a temper, right?
Yet no matter how hot the temper, it couldn't suppress a weary heart. Her heart was really weary. She clearly wanted to pass her days in peace until she was released, why was that so hard? Why was there always so much unrest? Her job was tiring enough, but now even a good rest after work had become out of the question!
Ezoic
Xiao Hua heard Qiao Lian's words and didn't say anything. While she normally wouldn't utter a word, this time she actually stood up and walked out.
As she stood up, she gave Xiu Yun a look. Xiu Yun averted her eyes, and Xiao Hua wasn't able to describe what she was feeling in her heart.
The Hall of Splendor was very large. Xiao Hua impulsively walked out but didn't know where to go to hide from her troubles. Her area of activity was extremely limited. If she wasn't in the hall working she would be resting in the palace maids' room, essentially never going anywhere else.
She walked blankly, and ended up in the western corner area of the Hall of Splendor.
That was where the kitchen was located. The prince's meals normally didn't come from the meal management center, and instead came from this little kitchen.
Ezoic
It was afternoon and the sunlight shone nicely onto the front door of the little kitchen. There was an old woman who appeared to be a palace maid harvesting vegetables by the door. Xiao Hua casually found a few steps, sat down and stared blankly into space.
Nana He had actually noticed the low palace maid early on. She watched her hesitating incessantly with a blank face, not knowing where to go, and saw her finally decide to sit on the steps beside the small kitchen.
The Hall of Splendor was very large, yet also very small. It was large in area but small in terms of the speed news travels at.
Especially as one of the old folk of the hall, Nana He was clear on what these newly entered palace maids were here for. Their each and every move was secretly under observation daily by the low-ranked eunuchs. After all, this matter concerned his highness so it couldn't be taken lightly. Therefore, regarding the schemes of these few palace maids, Nana He had heard about it before.
At this moment, the girl who was clearly not yet grown had a vacant expression on her face. Even though her countenance revealed tenacity, it wasn't able to hide the weariness that didn't befit her age.
Ezoic
As someone who had stayed in the palace for several decades, how could Nana He be unable to tell what it was?
Unable to help feeling some sympathy arise, Nana He who was in the middle of harvesting vegetables pretended to speak casually: "Little girl over there, could you help this old woman harvest some vegetables? There are so many vegetables, I'm tired to death. My waist and back are killing me."
Xiao Hua saw the palace maid with the appearance of an old lady, perhaps several years older than fifty. Her hair was grizzled and she appeared much younger than Grandma Wang, but somehow still reminded her of that old woman who had given her such warm feelings.
Grandma Wang. Who knew if she was doing well at the moment?
She didn't say anything and walked over.
Ezoic
Nana He grabbed a stool and gave it to her. Xiao Hua took it and sat down, burying her head as she focused on harvesting the vegetables. It seemed if her hands were somewhat busy, her heart would be somewhat calmer.
Xiao Hua's movements were quick, and a basket was soon filled up. Nana He also didn't stand on ceremony, grabbing another basket from the kitchen and placing it in front of her.
Xiao Hua didn't make a sound, continuing to work, focusing on the harvesting.
Nana He suddenly found it kind of amusing, "You little lass are quite the introvert. Saying nothing and asking nothing before helping this old woman. You didn't even ask who this old woman is."
Xiao Hua spoke with her head lowered: "In any case I didn't have anything to do and was completely idling about. Regarding granny's identity, since you are here you definitely belong to this small kitchen."
Ezoic
There was no excess curiosity and her mouth wasn't sweet, but knowing when to give and when to take. She also didn't seem like some of the low-ranked palace maids who flattered anyone they saw. Nana He's impression of Xiao Hua became even better.
"You must be part of those palace maids who come in not too long ago, right?" Nana He bent her waist, picking up the vegetables with her hands and plucking off the tougher leaves.
Xiao Hua nodded.
"This hall only has a few old palace maids who are advanced in age and a few low-ranked eunuchs. The days are so quiet and peaceful. Are you used to it?"
"I'm working as a servant, so it doesn't matter whether I'm used to it or not."
Ezoic
Nana He said: "I supposed that's true. I couldn't tell because of your young age, but you seem to be quite steady unlike those few low palace maids who are jumping about every day."
"Thank you granny for your compliment. I'm just an introvert and not a lively person."
The second basket was filled up by the two, and Nana He was really unable to find a third basket. She could only say to Xiao Hua: "Thank you for being such a kind hearted palace maid. In the future if you don't have anywhere to go play during your leisure time, you can come find this old woman for a chat. This lady is old, there isn't anyone willing to pay attention to me."
Xiao Hua didn't think too much, merely feeling like this granny was very similar to Granny Wang. Perhaps she was also a pitiful person. Therefore she didn't refuse and nodded her head. Seeing that it was quite late, she said: "Then I'm leaving first granny, I still have work to do."
Nana He also didn't stop her, and smiled as she let her go busy herself.
After this impromptu episode, Xiao Hua felt much more comfortable in her heart.
Looks like her bad mood was due to her being shut-in. She thus decided to interact with others more in the future to relieve her feelings. Of course, these others didn't include those roommates of hers.
Author's notes:
Little comedy skit—
Eunuch Fu: Your highness, do you remember the low palace maid who helped massage your shoulders?
Ezoic
Jing Prince: "….." (Not even sparing him a glance) This humble prince is very busy!
Eunuch Fu: It's the one that gave you a very comfortable massage.
Jing Prince: "….." This humble prince is very busy!
As the cheat code given to the female lead by the author, Eunuch Fu's mood was very jittery. He turned around and went to find this novel's female lead Xiao Hua Hua[enf_note]Cute way of saying Xiao Hua, kind of like doggy is to dog./efn_note].
Eunuch Fu: Regarding your first close contact with our highness, what are your thoughts?
Ezoic
Ezoic
Xiao Hua Hua: No thoughts in particular. Weren't you the one who pushed me out of my depths?
Eunuch Fu: (extremely angry) You dare fool around with me? Drag her out and have her beaten to death…
Xiao Hua Hua: (face full of tears) The Jing Prince's huge muscles were very firm. Much firmer than those of my man in my previous life.
Eunuch Fu: Then do you have any other thoughts?
Xiao Hua Hua: (sweating all over) T.T…….
The Jing Prince was someone who kept track of time really well. If there was no official business, he would often return around dinner time.
As expected, Xiao Hua had yet to stand for half an hour before the prince returned with Eunuch Fu.
The first thing he did was to change his clothes, washing his hands and face afterwards. Of course this wasn't done with the help of Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun, but instead by the low ranked eunuchs that usually served him.
Ezoic
After he washes up, the Jing Prince would always sit for some amount of time before eating dinner. During this time, Xiao Hua and Xiu Yun would serve tea followed by the meal, and otherwise would stand there as pillars.
Ezoic
During her days at the Hall of Splendor, Xiao Hua had realized a few things. The Jing Prince didn't favor them at all, whereas Eunuch Fu paid an abnormal amount of attention to them. Xiao Hua even had the feeling that the reason they were able to enter was due to Eunuch Fu's arrangements. But why would a servant go against his master's wishes like this, and why did the prince acquiesce in the end? Xiao Hua couldn't figure it out.
However, she knew that she wasn't particularly quick-witted, and thus stopped thinking about it. She could only take things as they came, as per usual. When gods battled, mortals could only suffer the calamity.
After the prince finishes his meal, he would wash his hands and rinse his mouth before going to read in the study.
Ezoic
Usually he wouldn't need them at this time, and since the sky would be dark by then the two of them could be done with their shift. Normally around this time, Eunuch Fu would wave his hands and let them leave. Today for some reason, he didn't make the motions.
After the prince went to the study, the pair had been forgotten. They didn't know whether to leave or continue standing. Remaining in place seemed to be the safer option, so Xiao Hua continued to stand. Xiu Yun saw Xiao Hua not moving, and also didn't move.
The hall was extremely silent. After a while, Eunuch Fu came out and called for Xiao Hua to steep some tea.
Xiao Hua steeped the tea and brought it into the study, placing it on the table and prepared to leave. She suddenly heard a muffled voice say: "Shoulders."
For a brief moment, Xiao Hua wasn't sure who was being addressed.
She snuck a glance at the Jing Prince. Today he wore a matte black robe, his jade-like side profile almost sparkling with luster under the candle light. His thick eyelashes formed a faint shadow under his slanted phoenix eyes. His hairline was sharply etched as though with a knife, his nose as though carved by an axe, his ink-black eyebrows slanting upwards towards his temples.
The Jing Prince was very handsome, Xiao Hua had always known this. After serving him for so long she also knew about his extremely taciturn personality, and expected him to never speak to her. Adding on the fact that the side of his face showed no expression, not even giving her an extra glance, made Xiao Hua think that what she just heard was in her imagination.
Just as she thought this, she saw Eunuch Fu motion towards her from the side. She looked at him in bewilderment. Eunuch Fu's expression was very strange, but Xiao Hua still understood his meaning.
Turns out it wasn't her imagination just now?!
Xiao Hua half lowered her head and walked behind the prince, not daring to delay. She rubbed her hands together for a ten count to warm them up and placed them on his shoulders.
The second time she massaged the prince, Xiao Hua realized he was much harder to massage than the 4th young master. The shoulders had a lot of bones to begin with, and the Jing Prince's muscles were very firm. Xiao Hua originally wanted to use only half her strength, but slowly felt it wasn't enough, increasing it to eighty, and then a hundred percent of her strength.
Ezoic
Last time due to her anxiety and being afraid to speak, Xiao Hua hadn't said a word. This time there still wasn't anyone telling her to stop, and Xiao Hua had already massaged for almost half an hour. Not only were her hands tired, but she was also feeling some anxiety in her heart.
After hesitating several times, she quietly spoke: "You highness, the same place cannot be massaged for too long. It will injure the bones and muscles."
After speaking, her heart thumped loudly. This was her first time speaking to the apathetic and imposing Jing Prince. She didn't know if his highness would think that it was an excuse for her to stop massaging, and whether he would punish her.
Actually Xiao Hua had already started regretting her words the moment she finished speaking. She cursed herself silently: Who asked you to make a fuss. If the master didn't say anything you should just keep going. Fussy. Since when were you so fussy!?
But Xiao Hua was an honest person in the end. She kept in mind the warning written in the book, which was that the same spot couldn't be massaged for too long because the acupressure techniques could be harmful if done in excess.
Because no one responded, she also didn't dare stop. The study was scarily silent. The prince also didn't move and she wasn't sure if he had heard her.
The shoulders under her hands suddenly pulled away. Xiao Hua thought the Jing Prince was angered and plopped down onto her knees.
Having never served by his side in the past, Xiao Hua had only thought the prince was apathetic and spoke little. Only when she approached him did she feel that he radiated a powerful pressure. When she came into contact with him, it made her feel even more on edge, her heart nervously pounding nonstop.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua's head was half lowered, her hands tightly clenched, awaiting the imminent storm. She even thought that the prince would 'have her leave'.
She thought about it for a bit. Actually, that wouldn't be so bad. It was just a change of jobs. Furthermore, she wouldn't have to live with the quarreling over so many things. As long as she wasn't beaten with the plank or expelled from the estate, she felt like she could accept anything….
Who knew that what came instead was the prince relocating to the soft couch next to the study window, lying prone and saying two words: "Keep going."
Eunuch Fu smiled so widely his old eyes became slits. He pushed Xiao Hua a little, urging her to quickly go over.
Ezoic
The prince's current position easily stirred the imaginations of others, and it was at this time that Xiao Hua truly felt his physique was superb.
His figure was tall, without seeming too sturdy or too frail. It was just right. His broad shoulders and muscular back tapered down to his waist and his long slender legs.
The Jing Prince was wearing the leisure outfit he normally wore inside the hall. The light silk purple robe clung tightly to his body1, and combined with his current pose made Xiao Hua's heart skip a beat all of a sudden. However, she didn't have the time to stare blankly at the moment, and could only walk over with a reddened face, bending over and starting to massage him again.
She didn't dare touch the more sensitive areas, focusing her movements on the upper half of his back.
Xiao Hua could clearly feel her panicked breathing, though she wasn't sure if she was just imagining it.
Ezoic
She was scared that the nearby prince would hear it, and snuck a glance at him. Only after seeing that his long and slender eyes were shut did she feel slightly relieved.
The skin of her palms were very sensitive, and despite the layer of clothing Xiao Hua could clearly feel the firm muscles underneath his supple skin.
In her two lives, Xiao Hua had only massaged two men at this distance. One was the 4th young master. One was the Jing Prince.
She remembered in her past life the 4th young master would often ask her to help him loosen up while lying on the couch. Massaging on the couch was more convenient, and she wouldn't be as tired from standing in the same position the whole time. After a couple times, the nature of the massage would change. The 4th young master was unrestrained and had many tricks. He could always find some way to mess with her.
At the time, her thoughts had never been innocent to begin with and she gladly went along with it. Every time her hands would start teasing him until he couldn't endure any longer and pulled her down, pressing himself on top of her….
Ezoic
How could she be so shameless to have these kinds of thoughts at this moment? She had an urge to cover her face in shame, but didn't dare stop moving her hands.
This period of time passed by in an embarrassingly torturous manner.
Eunuch Fu's old eyes were squinted as he smiled. Turns out the older ginger is spicier after all. Three old cobblers can overcome one Zhu Ge Liang2. His highness hadn't allowed any palace maids to serve him closely since leaving the capital, only using low-ranked eunuchs. Didn't things turn out well in the end? Looks like our highness is a man after all. All men fall for this kind of scheme!
As he looked at the low-ranked palace maid whose crimson face made her appear even more tender and beautiful, it wasn't just a matter of being satisfied, he was so satisfied he hated that he couldn't conjure up a mustache to rub a few times in satisfaction.
Eunuch Fu felt that he had great foresight, and was really good at picking people.
Ezoic
Looking at the girl's crimson-faced appearance, even his rootless3 self felt his heart stirring. Unfortunately his highness was prone and couldn't see it. If he could have, Eunuch Fu would have immediately flipped the prince over to let him take a couple looks. Perhaps after a few glances, his highness's mundane heart would be greatly moved.
Eunuch Fu's stood there with an ordinary expression, looking very upright, but in reality his head was filled with all sorts of rubbish.
He looked and looked, and felt that this girl still had her shortcomings. Her appearance was decent, her face also exquisite, but it still felt as if she hadn't fully grown yet. Especially her chest area, which if called a flat expanse of land wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Eunuch Fu was still aware of what type of women men usually preferred. Although he was without root, it didn't prevent him from making inquiries. He had specially pretended to casually ask a few of the estate's guards, asking what kind of women these men preferred.
Those guards had thought that he had started to feel some worldly stirrings, and started to vulgarly describe things in detail.
Ezoic
They said the breasts needed to be large, and that it's best if the butt is perky and the waist is narrow as well. During this time they had also listed various flirtatious behaviors. This typical trash talking amongst men made Eunuch Fu embarrassed to think about, but he had still obtained the information he wanted.
The prince on that side had his eyes closed in comfort, but still didn't change his apathetic expression. Xiao Hua continued to move her hands with a reddened face. On this side, Eunuch Fu's thoughts were all over the place, even considering whether he should go find that Grandma He and have her properly fill Xiao Hua up. Best to fill her up until her chest and butt were big to better catch his highness's eye.
Thinking of this, he decided to quickly get things underway. Anything can be delayed except for his highness's intimate affairs.
If the Jing Prince and Xiao Hua had known that under that damn eunuch's calm expression was an assortment of dirty thoughts, perhaps they would have spat a mouthful of blood onto his face.
Another half hour passed, and right as Xiao Hua felt her arms were about to fall off, the prince suddenly spoke.
Ezoic
"Halt."
Xiao Hua immediately stopped her hands, straightening up and standing to the side.
The Jing Prince sat up and rolled his shoulders a little, feeling much more relaxed all over. He glanced at the low palace maid standing to the side before standing up and leaving the study.
Eunuch Fu's face was full of smiles, "En, little lass, your skills are pretty good. You can consider your shift ended." After speaking he followed the prince out.
Xiao Hua sighed and rolled her arms and shoulders, gently rubbing her sore arms as she left the study. Seeing Xiu Yun still standing in in the hall outside, she paused and spoke: "Eunuch Fu said we can leave now." Then, without waiting for Xiu Yun, she walked out of the hall by herself.
Ezoic
Xiu Yun's gaze was fixed on Xiao Hua's departing figure, and she remained unmoving for a long time. Only when Xiao Xia Zi came over and asked her why she hadn't gotten off yet did she hurriedly curtsy and walk out of the hall.
The next day, Eunuch Fu went to find Nana He without delay.
This Nana He could be counted as one of his old buddies. She had served the fifth prince in the imperial palace, and also left the capital along with him. Afterwards, due to her age and loyalty, she was placed in the Hall of Splendor to be in charge of the Jing Prince's meals. Not only did she make excellent food, her skills with medicinal herbs and spices were even better. Otherwise Eunuch Fu wouldn't think of coming to find her.
Eunuch Fu's character was usually very upright and honest, but those old fellows that had known him for many years knew that he was often not upright in private. Therefore when Nana He heard his thoughts, she didn't say anything and only squinted her eyes as she smiled.
Ezoic
Hearing that it was Xiao Hua who needed to be filled out, she thought of the little lass who had left a good impression on her. She also thought that her body looked a little frail, and so promised to properly fill her out.
Xiao Hua didn't know about this exchange. All she knew was that Eunuch Fu suddenly seemed to give her preferential treatment.
The meals of the palace maids in the Hall of Splendor usually came from the meal management center. The small kitchen usually only provided meals to a few people. Mainly it was the Jing Prince, though of course Eunuch Fu was also included. As for who the few others were, since they didn't eat inside the hall Xiao Hua didn't know.
Ezoic
This sudden difference in treatment made those in the same room incessantly jealous, but since Xiao Hua had caught Eunuch Fu's eye they didn't dare openly mock her anymore. Only Qiao Lian was occasionally unable to control her mouth and said a few words. Of course, the atmosphere in the room had grown even worse.
Xiao Hua increasingly didn't feel like going back, and therefore had started eating in the small kitchen. She started getting familiar with Nana He, and when she wasn't on duty she would stay in the small kitchen before returning to the room to sleep.
Ezoic
Nana He's medicinal meals were well made. Xiao Hua hadn't noticed anything off about her meals, only that it was more nourishing than before. However, Nana He also told her that the food in the small kitchen was definitely better than the communal meals by a lot, so Xiao Hua didn't think too much of it.
Nana He would occasionally give her a bowl of mystery soup. Xiao Hua assumed it was just Nana He being nice and saving her some food.
Only after Xiao Hua stayed in the small kitchen for a while did she find out that Nana He was actually the Nana4 in charge of the small kitchen. There weren't many people working in the small kitchen, just Nana He, a few older Aunties and four low-ranked eunuchs.
As she got to know the kitchen workers better, Xiao Hua was also diligent and often helped out with the work. Gradually, even those Aunties who were usually unsmiling and silent would speak a few words with her when they saw her.
Xiao Hua gradually became like a fish who had been given water during her days in the Hall of Splendor. The smiles on her face had also increased.
Not sure what happened to the matte black robes, maybe it's two layers or maybe the author forgot.
Chinese military strategist known for his intelligence
Referring to a eunuch's defining characteristic. The word in Chinese means root, but is also the word used to count long, slender objects…
Looks like it can also be used as a title, so think like "Auntie" but older.
When the Jing Consort received news that Eunuch Fu had once again arranged low palace maids into the Hall of Splendor, it was long after the fact.
The Hall of Splendor had been built as though a metal container, and its news would rarely spread outside. If it weren't for those newly entered low-ranked palace maids coming out a few times, no one would have known about it.
After receiving this news, Xiao-Shi threw the teacup in her hand to the floor, and fell ill that very night.
Ezoic
During this time, Nana Li sent someone to the estate's medical center to invite a doctor over. Doctor Hu examined Xiao-Shi for a long time, not saying much after taking her pulse, only prescribing a few medications and telling the consort to rest more.
Ezoic
Xio-Shi had always been weak and was often ill. Doctor Hu had always been the one to take care of her. Seeing the doctor not expressing anything else, the servants obediently went to brew the medicine. They didn't even think to inform the Jing Prince because they were very clear. Even if he knew Xiao-Shi was bedridden, he wouldn't come.
Especially since Xiao-Shi was always ill half the time; everyone had already gotten used to it.
Xiao-Shi leaned against the couch with a pale face, and with Nana Li's help drank the medicine down.
Ezoic
"Wet nurse, tell me what the point is of being the prince's consort if even a damn eunuch dares to step over my head!" After speaking, Xiao-Shi started coughing again.
Xiao-Shi was twenty-four years old this year, younger than the Jing Prince by a year. Oval faced, her appearance was dignified and beautiful. Because her body was weak, she was often bedridden, her face overflowing with an air of sickness and paleness.
Nana Li patted her on the back for a while and also gave her some water before sighing: "Consort, don't think too much of it. Just focus on recuperating."
Xiao-Shi naturally understood Nana Li's words. She felt angry and sullen, and her tears unexpectedly began to flow, "Is my contrite attitude not obvious enough? Why does he refuse to forgive me!?"
Nana Li sighed once more, and didn't speak.
How should she put it? If she was in the prince's shoes, she probably wouldn't forgive her either. No matter what, the Jing Prince was the dragon's descendent. What the consort did all those years ago had thoroughly ruined the couple's relationship.
Fortunately the prince was a taciturn person and didn't say much about it, even helping to conceal it to some extent. If Xiao-Shi's doings were revealed, not only would she be disliked by the prince, she could only be put to death since she violated the royal family's prestige.
It was a clichéd story: a pair of cousins making unfounded assumptions. It's just that the girl ended up not marrying her cousin1, but someone else instead.
Xiao-Shi was born into the empress's maiden household, the Jing2 Duke Estate. It was put this way, but she really was just a commoner girl from the side branch.
In theory, Xiao-Shi didn't have sufficient status to become the consort of the fifth prince. But after she was listed by the Jing Duke as the main family concubine's child, the marriage was then appointed by Empress Xiao. The emperor gave the order and bestowed upon her the title of the fifth prince's consort.
Ascending to the sky in a single day. What does it matter if the fifth prince wasn't favored? No matter how Xiao-Shi put it, he was still a true-blue royal prince. Unfortunately Xiao-Shi had been young at the time. Having been set on marrying her cousin, this sudden interruption shattered all her dreams.
Ezoic
It would have been fine if it was any other prince. However, everyone in the capital knew of the "mute fifth prince". Having been an invisible person in the palace, his mother the Venerated Concubine had met an early demise as well, and he was hated by the emperor. His life in the palace couldn't even be compared to some of those young masters from rich households, let alone to that of his royal brothers.
He was also mute!
How could Xiao-Shi be willing!? How was she supposed to proceed wholeheartedly!?
But this wasn't something you could avoid by being unwilling. Xiao-Shi was also not allowed to resist, and could only obediently marry the fifth prince.
Xiao-Shi had been seventeen at the time, and still had a maiden's heart. Although she had married in, she spent her wedding night full of tears as though she had suffered an injustice in this marriage. During the day she had also shown all sorts of reluctance to interact with the Jing Prince.
At that time, the Jing Prince was still the fifth prince who had yet to come of age. Naturally he continued to live in the palace after his marriage. Xiao-Shi suffered all sorts of cold-shouldering and cold gazes within the palace, and lost her temper at the fifth prince after returning. She scolded him for not having any ability, and being a mute to boot, making her lose face in front of others.
Ezoic
Although the Jing Prince really wasn't favored, he still had a prince's dignity. How could he tolerate such an affront? Although he didn't say anything and his character remained just as aloof, the married couple gradually grew further apart to the extent that a barrier against her was erected in his heart.
After being married for seven years, Xiao-Shi slowly realized that her actions only served to put the married couple at odds, and under the cajoling of many people by her side, she slowly changed quite a bit. However, it was too little too late.
Ezoic
It was now too late for Xiao-Shi to regret. As she grew older and older, she continued to live with the Jing Prince in such an unharmonious and bland manner without even given birth to an heir. She naturally started to worry in her heart.
She was helpless since the Jing Prince had long stopped spending the night at her place. Even if she was worried, there was nothing she could do. This was why she had tried to investigate the happenings of the Hall of Splendor and why she had now fallen ill.
Regarding Eunuch Fu's attempts at introducing beautiful low-ranked palace maids into the hall over the past two years, Xiao-Shi had still been aware of it.
The first few times she hadn't been able to tell, but after time she naturally understood a few things.
Ezoic
How was this a case of the Hall of Splendor needing palace maids? This was clearly that damn eunuch delivery women to the Jing Prince's mouth.
But even if she understood, what could she do? Eunuch Fu was the general manager of the Jing Prince Estate's internal affairs. Although he treated her with respect, the reality was that he only cared for the Jing Prince. If she complained about it to the prince, she would probably just be disregarded. Therefore, apart from angering herself to illness, there was nothing else Xiao-Shi could do.
The Jing Prince naturally heard the news that Xiao-Shi had fallen ill again.
But just as the servants had thought, he didn't have any thoughts of going to see her.
Ezoic
Going over once every ten days to sit for a while in the Chang Chun Pavilion was merely giving her the required dignity. As for the rest, she didn't need to think it and he also wouldn't give it.
The old folks serving them closely all knew that they were estranged, but only the Jing Prince knew clearly in his heart that it wasn't merely just due to these things.
After all, this estrangement wasn't a big deal. In his past life when Xiao-Shi had changed for the better and expressed goodwill towards him, he had forgiven her.
She was after all his wife, right?
But what he got in exchange was the straw that broke the camel's back!
Ezoic
Even as he died in his past life, the Jing Prince still couldn't believe that while he dragged out his ignoble existence and carefully protected his wife Xiao-Shi and son Heng'er, they stabbed him in the back in order to get leniency from the Jin Emperor. They had revealed his intent to revolt, and heaped additional groundless crimes on his head, resulting in the Jin Emperor ordering him to commit suicide via poisoned wine.
That's right, he was someone who had lived two lives.
In his previous life, Luo Jing3 was a very simple person. He knew he wasn't completely sound, and wasn't able to speak. Everyone in the palace looked down on him. He normally remained low key and did things very carefully. He didn't struggle for affection and didn't cause any trouble. He was afraid of his royal father's anger and rarely showed his face.
His mother passed away early, his father didn't like him. There was no need to mention his suffering during this time. By relying on his title as a mute, Luo Jing was able to survive until he came of age, unlike some of those princes who died prematurely in mysterious ways.
He married Xiao-Shi as his consort at the age of eighteen. She was the current empress's niece from the same clan. Luo Jing knew that this was the empress's move to guard against his mute self, but didn't say anything about it. He had no ability to resist at that time.
Ezoic
After the marriage, Xiao-Shi's reluctance was also seen by him.
It was definitely impossible for him not to feel hurt in his heart. But the days had to pass, and after all, Luo Jing had seen such contempt many times as he was growing up. He knew how to deal with it, and how to adjust his mood.
The Grand Xi Dynasty had a feudal system, which stipulated that every prince needed to rule over a vassal state once they came of age. Only the crown prince could remain in the capital. This was a rule set by the ancestor of the Xi Dynasty in order to protect the line of ascension and prevent the Luo family's descendants from fighting internally and causing the line to end.
Ezoic
Luo Jing, as the emperor's fifth son, naturally had to follow this ruling. Especially since he was not favored by the Xi Emperor. Having just turned twenty and passing his coming of age ceremony, he was ordered to leave for the Jing Province.
Those with sharp insight within the capital knew how disliked the fifth prince was. Luo Jing also knew this in his heart. As a dragon's descendent he still had an underlying disability. He couldn't blame his royal father for not liking him.
Ezoic
Although Luo Jing was mute, he wasn't stupid. Having been hated by his father since he was young, still being able to receive a Prince title and his own vassal state after coming of age was already extremely good. He knew he couldn't be compared to his brothers and didn't even dare have any dissatisfaction in his heart. He obediently headed towards the barren state.
In the Grand Xi Dynasty, the vassal princes still held their status as royalty and would never be demoted. They enjoyed a pension and received an extremely generous official's salary. Just the rice alone, which was only a single part of the salary, was ten thousand grains annually. Apart from that, the expenses required for conferring titles, housing, marriage and funerals were all expensed to the imperial court. They also had chefs, priests, palace maids and laborers, as well as the occasional bestowals.
Furthermore, the vassal princes' land belonged to the vassal state, meaning that the princes could grant nobility titles and divide up their land.
To speak plainly, the vassal state was essentially the vassal prince's own little country. The taxes within the borders were not given to the imperial court, but to the prince instead. Apart from the justice and human resources department, as well as several positions such as the Left Adjutant, and the military sent by the imperial court to guard and protect the land, the prince had free reign in appointing his own officials.
Therefore, Luo Jing was still extremely satisfied. In the end, this land belonged to him, and he would definitely not have to live as cautiously and restrained as he did in the palace. He didn't ask for much, only wanting to live a peaceful life removed from worldly affairs.
Even if his vassal state was barren, even if the government's estate constantly delayed in giving him his salary on account of his place in his father's eyes, even if his state's taxes could not cover its expenditures. He wasn't willing to exploit his own people, so even if it left him in poverty, he continued to endure.
Because he knew he didn't have the qualifications to struggle with his siblings. He was just an unsound person. Why would he go and struggle?
He cut himself off from the rest of the world and lived in the Jing Province which was miles away from the capital. He didn't bother himself with the happenings there….
Ezoic
Even after his brother the Jin Prince overthrew the crown prince after his father's death and ascended the throne to become emperor, he still paid no attention to it.
Because he knew that someone like him who couldn't fight for anything would not be an obstacle in anyone's eyes.
Ezoic
Luo Jing wasn't a fool. He knew that the position of a vassal prince was very sensitive. Therefore ever since getting to his vassal state, he remained low key and was full of respect for the imperial court. He never paid attention to government affairs and completely handed things over to the Adjutant's Office. He dared to meddle even less in the military's matters.
He didn't want to provoke anyone and wanted to remain a leisurely prince. He didn't ask for anything except peace.
His calculations weren't wrong, but unfortunately he miscalculated the heart of an emperor who had risen from a vassal state, and also miscalculated the Jin Prince's narrowmindedness.
The Jin Prince himself was from a vassal state, and due to succeeding in his own revolt, he was well aware of the threat posed by the other vassal princes.
The moment he sat stably on the throne, he started to clean up the various vassal princes. The first one to go was his brother the Qi Prince, who had helped him raise an army and seize the throne. There was no need to speak of any consideration for mediocre Luo Jing who never had the previous emperor's favor.
However, the Jin Prince – oh, right, it should be the Jin Emperor now, had just succeeded the throne, and still cared more about his own image. He knew that the act of cleaning up his own brother the Qi Prince was a little overly ugly. The remaining two vassal prince brothers also happened to be extremely mediocre and stupid, and one of them was not even whole. He temporarily put down the butcher's knife in his hands, and in fact, started repeatedly bestowing rewards to illustrate his benevolence.
Luo Jing did manage to pass the next two years peacefully, but his heart was not calm. He understood that things were not that simple.
As expected, after things had settled down in the imperial court, the Jin Emperor started making continuous moves, finding all sorts of excuses to strip the rights and wealth of the vassal princes, only leaving the hereditary title and the annual salary. He even restricted them to their own estates and didn't allow them to go anywhere, making it seem no different than captivity.
Ezoic
To reduce the Jin Emperor's vigilance, Luo Jing even converted to Buddhism within his estate. His conversion wasn't faked. He really became vegetarian and started reading psalms. Apart from not shaving his head and not leaving home, he was pretty much the same as a Buddhist monk.
Despite this, the Jin Emperor did not let him off, and still closed in step by step.
Ezoic
At that time, Luo Jing didn't have anything left to live for, and the only reason he struggled at death's door was because he wanted to protect his own flesh and blood, as well as his wives and concubines.
In his last life, Luo Jing was also someone who didn't lust after women, probably due to his own deficiencies and apathetic personality. His rear court only had four women, same as in this lifetime.
It's just that in his last life he ultimately had thoughts of continuing his family line, and was not apathetic about it unlike in this life. Luo Jing had a son and two daughters then. One son and daughter was birthed by his consort Xiao-Shi, and the other daughter was from Senior Concubine Qiao.
In his last life, Luo Jing lived to the ripe "old" age of thirty three, dying to the poisoned wine bestowed by the Jin Emperor.
When he returned to life, it had been the day before he was to move to the Jing Province.
On this day in the past, Luo Jing had also fallen seriously ill. Despite being sick, he had forcible endured the suffering and commanded his group to set off to avoid angering his father even more.
In this life, his serious illness was substituted as his past-self reincarnated, but though he still gave the same command to set off, many things had changed in the end.
I believe cousin refers to someone of the same clan, where intermarriage often happens in those times.
Different Jing
The prince's name. Jing Prince is just his title as prince of the Jing Province.
After eating Nana He's special meals for a few days, Xiao Hua noticed her body undergoing some peculiar developments.
Everywhere else seemed unchanged, it was just her breasts that were swelling up significantly.
Based on her past life's experience, Xiao Hua knew she was entering puberty.
Ezoic
It had also come late in her past life, and she hadn't grown out well. Apart from her skin, her face and her pair of eyes, there wasn't much else that was attractive about her.
Ezoic
In her past life, the 4th young master had lamented several times that everything about her was good, just that her breasts were small. At that time, Xiao Hua had been set on fighting over his favor, and hearing the 4th young master's criticism she was also vexed. But this sort of thing wasn't something you could change by feeling vexed. Xiao Hua could only come up with other ideas, and make it up in other areas…
Of course, when seeing the 4th young master's newly favored women and their large breasts, she would feel both resentful yet actually envious. She had asked many times why her breasts weren't that large. Those were the best weapons against men in the fight for their favor.
In this life Xiao Hua reached puberty slightly earlier, but apart from being careful not to touch her chest during her work, she didn't think too much about it. After all, they were small in her past life, and in this life at fourteen they were also just two small protrusions and she didn't expect things to suddenly change.
Ezoic
Furthermore, she had no thoughts of trying to "advance", so whether they were large or small didn't really matter to her.
But after a few days, Xiao Hua started feeling a little strange. Her chest wasn't just swelling, it was hurting as well. If she took a slightly larger step, her now slightly bigger curves would radiate waves of pain.
Was it due to the nourishment being too good, her life being too good?
Having such a private spot feel unwell was embarrassing. Xiao Hua was already very familiar with Nana He, and so told her about her feelings of discomfort. She thought that with Nana He's age and experience, she should know what to do.
At the time, Nana He only smiled and didn't say anything. The following day she gave her a strange cloth band.
The band was actually more like a piece of clothing, a red embroidered cloth with several strange straps sewn to it.
She didn't really understand and asked Nana He was it was. Nana He didn't explain further before taking her to her bedroom and making her take off her clothes.
Although they were the same gender, Xiao Hua was definitely embarrassed to be taking off her clothes in front of someone else.
Seeing Xiao Hua's little face turn red, Nana He smiled and said: "Little lass, what's there to be embarrassed about. This is a brace to be worn on the inside of your clothes. Nana was afraid you didn't know how to wear it so I'm giving you a hand."
Xiao Hua could only take off her clothes with a red face.
Nana He placed the brace on her body and swiftly tied the straps on her shoulders. Xiao Hua saw that it was basically a piece of clothing. It was similar to a pair of cloth pouches which were open in front of the chest and connected by three straps. There were also straps for the shoulders and the base. Once it was in place, it covered the chest while revealing a slender little waist underneath. Nana He helped her put it on before tightening the straps.
Ezoic
After putting it on, Xiao Hua wasn't sure if she was imagining it but she clearly felt that the curve of her chest looked a little bigger.
However, she was embarrassed to look clearly and hurriedly put on her clothes.
"How is it? Not too uncomfortable, right?" Nana He smiled and said.
Xiao Hua moved a little and took a couple steps. It really felt a lot better.
"Nana, it's much better. This little undergarment is really magical." Saying thus, Xiao Hua secretly pulled open her blouse and snuck a few glances.
This chest cover perfectly wrapped her newly developed area without being too loose or too tight. Seeing the two little curves, Xiao Hua was shy yet delighted.
Nana He laughed and waved, saying: "What's magical about it? It's just something designed by servants for those concubines in the palace to make their figures look better. Almost all the women in the palace wear something like this, but it hasn't spread outside the palace which is why it's unknown. But the chest cover is truly nice. Wearing it straightens your posture and adds some shape. Most importantly, it's also said to prevent sagging."
Xiao Hua's face turned thoroughly red. This Nana He was so old, yet still said something like this. Even if she wanted to sag, there was nothing there that could sag. Of course, Xiao Hua didn't say this out loud.
Ezoic
"Alright, as long as it's comfortable. You are starting to develop, bracing it a bit will prevent your chest form getting injured. This area is different from others, and needs to be properly protected. Not only for looking good, but also for breastfeeding your future children. If it's uncomfortable, apply some warm water to it before bed and it should feel better after a while."
Breastfeeding was thinking a little too far for Xiao Hua, and she didn't have too many thoughts of wanting to look good. But she did feel that wearing it was really comfortable. Most importantly, it no longer hurt to walk.
After saying a few more words of thanks to Nana He, the two left the room. During this time, Nana He told Xiao Hua that when she had time some other day, she could teach her how to make one herself, saying that it was very easy to make.
Xiao Hua's face turned red again at her words. Her sewing skills ended at being able to repair torn clothing. As for anything harder than that, her heart was willing but her abilities were not up to par.
Ezoic
She had been a slave from a young ago and was sold from one place to another. There was no one to teach her, and she had never learned it before. After getting to the Jinyang Estate, her mind was focused on climbing the ranks and was even less inclined to try and learn. Especially after becoming a concubine, all the needlework was left for those common maids to do. Therefore she was still not proficient at it after two lifetimes.
Xiao Hua was an honest person and didn't conceal it, spilling the truth of the matter to Nana He.
Nana He was actually not surprised, smiling and saying: "It's no big deal if you didn't know how to do it in the past. It's not too late to learn now. We can't have a maiden who doesn't know how to sew. Nana will teach you from now on."
Xiao Hua was extremely moved in her heart, "Nana, thank you, truly. I keep inconveniencing you."
"What inconvenience? Nana's days are usually also idle, treat it as a way for me to pass the time."
Ezoic
Nana He was also an efficient person. Having brought it up before noon, she gave Xiao Hua a small sewing basket when she came to the small kitchen in the afternoon. Inside where two needles, some fine thread and the starting framework for a piece of cloth, allowing Xiao Hua to start learning from the very basics.
Xiao Hua had long wanted to learn needlework, because it really was inconvenient for a woman to not know it. Since Nana He was willing to teach her, she naturally paid extremely close attention in learning.
Since she didn't get along well with the palace maids in her room, she didn't bring her things back to practice, and instead sat in the small kitchen to learn. She clumsily weaved the needle while chatting with Nana He.
Thanks to this, Xiao Hua's days became even more fulfilling. Those unhappy thoughts from her room no longer remained in her mind.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua's days became more satisfying, but some others were no longer as satisfied.
Especially seeing Xiao Hua's face more often filled with rarely seen smiles these days, Qiao Lian felt it was even more of an eyesore. She had always felt that this Xiao Hua who never spoke and seemed well behaved was actually also someone who flattered others.
People were afraid of being compared to others. She had to sweep the courtyard outside while others served his highness inside the hall. She had to eat a communal meal while a certain someone could enjoy personalized dishes. They were both low-ranked palace maids. She had to suck up to those low ranked eunuchs before they would show a pleasant expression to her. A certain someone didn't have to do anything for those eunuchs to all start calling her big sis Xiao Hua, and their faces were full of smiles and respect.
All this made Qiao Lian jealous and resentful, but since Eunuch Fu treated Xiao Hua differently she didn't dare express anything.
As her feelings pent up, she did something foolish.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua only had a few sets of clothes. Apart from what she received along with the others when they first entered the Hall of Splendor, the rest were given to her by Eunuch Fu after entering the hall itself. Out of these clothes, Xiao Hua's favorite was the pink short coat and pale greenish blue striped skirt. Xiao Hua liked pink clothing in her past life, and her preferences hadn't changed.
This day she opened her cabinet and prepared to put on her freshly washed pink short coat. However, when she took it out and prepared to wear it, she noticed that there were two holes cut in her coat and skirt.
Ezoic
The holes were clearly cut with a pair of scissors. Xiao Hua's face turned gloomy.
It was still early and all the low palace maids in the room had yet to leave for work.
From the moment Xiao Hua opened her cabinet and grabbed her clothes, Qiao Lian's eyes flashed. Seeing Xiao Hua grab that set of clothing after all, she even laughed a little in schadenfreude. Just as she was getting ready to watch Xiao Hua hopping around in anger, she suddenly felt her head being covered by something.
Ezoic
Qiao Lian pulled of the thing covering her head and saw that it was actually Xiao Hua's cut clothing.
Raising her eyes, she saw Xiao Hua standing in front of her with a cold expression.
"You, what are you doing?"
Xiao Hua smiled coldly and said: "Did you have fun?"
Qiao Lian had trouble concealing the guilt in her expression, "What are you talking about? Why am I having trouble understanding you?"
Ezoic
Xiao Hua's eyes flashed. Just a little girl who can't even pretend well. At first she had some anger in her heart, but at this moment they had extinguished by quite a bit.
But she definitely would not tolerate such actions. Normally the sarcastic words were just small grudges and she couldn't be bothered with it. She had hear such words many times before, why would she bicker with these little girls?
But this time things were different. She dared cut her clothing. What if she dared cut her face directly next time?
Xiao Hua didn't say anything, and directly slapped Qiao Lian across the face. The sound rang out across the room, shocking everyone.
"Let me tell you something. I can't be bothered to respond to the crap you spout regularly. But everyone has a temper. Let me show you what my temper looks like." Looking at Qiao Lian who was slapped silly, Xiao Hua continued speaking: "A slap in exchange for a set of clothes, I think you got the better end of this deal. You dared cut up the clothes that Eunuch Fu bestowed, your guts are pretty big."
Ezoic
Using a tiger's skin to make a banner1, Xiao Hua had always been capable of this trick. Having struggled against others for so many years in her past life, what trick wasn't she capable of using? It was just a matter of whether she wanted to do it or not.
Qiao Lian whose mouth had always been merciless suddenly wasn't able to react, and could only subconsciously quibble, "What are you basing you accusations on? It wasn't me…."
Xiao Hua gave a cold laugh, and after a long while finally opened her mouth and said: "Let me respond by saying this. Don't think everyone else is stupid in front of your piddling abilities…."
After speaking to this point, Xiao Hua turned and left the room.
In the eyes of the palace maids in the room, Xiao Hua had always been a quiet and even slightly weak person. When she encountered instances of mockery, she would silently endure without saying anything. Everyone lost their rose-tinted glasses at this episode. Only now did they realize that Xiao Hua had another side to her, and that this side made others feel indescribably cold in their hearts.
Out of everyone, the most shocked was Xiu Yun. Her heart was both scared and panicked, thinking that Xiao Hua wasn't someone easy to deal with after all……
Ezoic
Author's notes:
Qiao Lian may seem formidable, but is actually a dummy, with a child's temper.
Hua Hua is a flat little board, so they definitely have to turn huge. We can't let our Xiao Hua be a fried egg in both lifetimes…..
Translator's notes:
Ezoic
Probably preaching to the choir here, but please keep in mind that the views presented here are based on ancient times. You don't have to go learn to sew (unless you want to!), or worry about whether your physical appearance matches some sort of ideal. As mentioned in one of the author's previous notes, everyone has their own preferences. What's important is to work towards your own ideal version of yourself, not towards someone else's. Everything else will fall into place afterwards.
Thanks again for everyone's support. Special thanks to Kiwi who donated despite the bar being full and left a nice message. I'll keep the translating going even after capturing my princess, don't worry.
Idiom kind of opposite to killing the chicken to scare the monkey. It means to make an example out of something powerful and scaring others away.
The reason Xiao Hua flipped out this time was firstly because she didn't want to be seen as overindulgent and secondly because she wanted some peace for herself.
Ezoic
Out of the six low palace maids, only two remained inside the hall. Eunuch Fu also seemed to favor her quite a bit more, so recently all her roommates looked at her with increasingly complicated expressions. She had seen the state of things and naturally wanted to use her attitude to suppress things a little.
As expected, when Xiao Hua got back from work that evening, the room was unprecedentedly silent.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua didn't bother with those complicated gazes, acting as though they didn't exist. It was fine as long as they were quiet and didn't annoy her.
The days continued to pass, and they turned out to be the most peaceful days Xiao Hua has had in recent times. But it was then that someone who had always been very low key did something that was not low key.
That day, the wind was calm and the day was sunny and cloudless. The Hall of Splendor was quiet and peaceful.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua stood in an inconspicuous corner within the hall. Having been a pillar for so long, she was already used to such a quiet atmosphere, as well as standing on duty for an extended period of time. She also gradually got used to being able to feel at ease.
The Jing Prince sat pondering something within the hall.
His posture was ramrod straight, as though propped up by a bamboo yet without losing his elegance. His face was apathetic as usual.
Xiao Hua often saw the prince stare off into space, but the level of his stare seemed to be several times more advanced than her own. When she acted as a pillar and stared off into space, her head would be half lowered making it hard for others to tell. The Jing Prince on the other hand stared straight ahead into the distance, making it possible for others to clearly see his tranquil face and unfocused pupils. However, no one dared suggest that his highness was actually spacing out instead of pondering things.
This was what Xiao Hua had observed after acting as a pillar for a long time. Her assumptions were based on her own secretly bored state of mind. Of course, these could all not be said aloud.
The silence in the hall made it seem like time had frozen, but there was a feeling of satisfaction in the air.
Xiao Hua knew the prince was in a good mood today. Although his mood couldn't be inferred from his face, it was visible via Eunuch Fu's appearance.
When the Jing Prince was in a good mood, Eunuch Fu's actions and behavior would be relaxed and pleased. When the Jing Prince was in a bad mood, Eunuch Fu would be solemn and quiet, his gaze strict. Eunuch Fu was the Jing Prince's barometer. After Xiao Hua had figured this out, she had been able to navigate situations well in advance during her shifts, making things even less stressful for her.
Everyone would have their moody days. When the master was in a bad mood, the servants naturally had to hide further away. This was the way of things.
Eunuch Fu made a gesture in their direction and Xiao Hua knew it was time to switch out the prince's tea. Seeing Xiu Yun take the lead to go over, she stood unmoved and lowered her head once more.
Ezoic
After a moment of silence, Xiao Hua suddenly heard an "aiya!".
That was Xiu Yun's voice. Her tone was off-key to the extent that it was hard to tell who the voice originated from. However, Xiu Yun was the only other female in the hall apart from Xiao Hua, so it must have been her. Actually the sound was very suave, full of feminine charm and flavor. Unfortunately in this silent setting and current atmosphere, it sounded incredibly laughable.
Xiao Hua reflexively looked over and saw a very dumbfounding scene.
She saw Xiu Yun half lying on the Jing Prince's legs, her face bashful. But this scene lasted only a split second. In the next moment, Xiu Yun was flung out. She was really flung out. Xiao Hua saw the Jing Prince's arm lift up and swing out. Xiu Yun flew over a zhang1 away and fell to the floor.
Xiao Hua first winced. That looked painful. She then thought that Xiu Yun must have done it on purpose.
This was what Xiao Hua thought in an instant. She couldn't avoid thinking that Xiu Yun had done it on purpose, because her 'aiya' sound would make others think inappropriate thoughts.
Xiu Yun reacted quickly, unable to nurse her pain before immediately kneeling in place.
"I beg your highness for forgiveness. This servant's foot slipped. I beg your highness for forgiveness…" she said while kowtowing.
Ezoic
The floor in the Hall of Splendor was uniformly covered in metal bricks 2, and was extremely hard. The sound of kowtowing made clanging noises that caused Xiao Hua's own forehead to start feeling sore. She saw Xiu Yun's forehead swell up after kowtowing just a couple of times.
She snuck a glance at the Jing Prince and saw his apathetic expression. Towards the pitiful palace maid kowtowing on the floor he turned a deaf ear and didn't spare her a glance, still seeming lost in thought.
After a while, a voice sounded indifferently.
"Leave."
Ezoic
Eunuch Fu had started glaring at Xiu Yun early on, hating that he couldn't glare her to death. Hearing this command, he impatiently waved his hand to indicate Xiu Yun to leave while spitting out in his heart why she couldn't have used her brain a little. If this sort of method worked, this Grandpa Fu wouldn't have to rack his brains so hard! It was still that lass Xiao Hua who didn't cause any trouble, and knew how to make progress.
Thinking of this, he glanced towards the "pillar" on the side and was even more satisfied with Xiao Hua.
Xiu Yun's expression was pale and her legs were weak. She was unable to stand and still wanted to beg for mercy. Xiao Xia Zi appeared at some point, his face smiling but his hands were merciless as they yanked the sorry looking Xiu Yun out of the hall.
After Xiu Yun returned to the palace maids' room, everyone's reactions and Xiu Yun's own responses will temporarily be left unsaid. Right as she was feeling apprehensive along with a trace of hope, Xiao Xia Zi came by that night to inform Xiu Yun that she would be working in the courtyard from now on.
Xiu Yun's face paled and she was unable to keep her calm expression. She climbed onto her bed and started crying hysterically.
Ezoic
It's ruined. It's all her fault for not listening to her sister and being too impatient. Now everything was thoroughly ruined. How could she have been so impulsive, why so impulsive….?
The others put on the appearance of being comforting, but Xiao Hua truly felt some sorrow in her heart.
However, she had recently thought it through. She didn't have any superfluous thoughts, and also didn't have any "ambitions". Even if she really ended up violating one of his highness's taboos one day, she would just honestly go sweep outside the hall.
Having thought of this, she suddenly no longer felt any pressure. She covered her head and went to sleep.
After Xiao Xia Zi finished his duties he went and reported to Eunuch Fu.
Ezoic
Ezoic
After summarizing everything in a few sentences, he asked in a low voice: "Grandpa Fu, what should we do with those low-ranked palace maids? Aren't we going to transfer them out?"
Eunuch Fu stroked his chin and gave Xiao Xia Zi a side-glance.
"No need."
Xiao Xia Zi paused a little, but didn't speak further.
Eunuch Fu was aware of Xiao Xia Zi's line of thought. He was undoubtedly wondering why they would keep the palace maids in the Hall of Splendor if they didn't have any further use for them.
Ezoic
Eunuch Fu's mood at this moment was both good and bad. The reason it was bad was because the seemingly calm Xiu Yun that he had hopes for did something foolish. The reason it was good was because he had become more and more satisfied with that low-ranked palace maid called Xiao Hua. Overall, his good mood trumped his bad by a little, so in his good mood he decided to explain things to the foolish kid.
"Do you understand grandpa's meaning?"
Xiao Xia Zi wasn't able to form a response right away since this question was so unexpected.
Seeing Xiao Xia Zi blank out foolishly, Eunuch Fu hated that the iron couldn't turn to steel and spoke again: "Use a casting net to fish over a large area. Use a fishing rod to fish in the hot spot. Do you understand what this means?"
Xiao Xia Zi was completely unable to follow Eunuch Fu's line of thought. He blankly shook his head, seemingly still pondering the meaning of his words.
Ezoic
Eunuch Fu sighed and shook his head, leaving behind one more thought as he walked away.
"Only with competition comes motivation. This is something all of us who came from the palace had experienced."
Only after he had been gone for a long time did Xiao Xia Zi clap his forehead and understand what he meant.
After understanding, he became dejected.
Looks like he was destined to remain a eunuch who only did odd jobs! Before he didn't feel there was much difference between himself and An Chen, but now he knew where the difference lay. Compared to An Chen, he wasn't even able to understand Eunuch Fu's words, and needed to think about it for a long time before understanding.
Perhaps due to her newly adjusted mindset, Xiao Hua was able to feel more and more relaxed.
There weren't many servants inside the Hall of Splendor, and the atmosphere was also simple. Apart from those few roommates, there wasn't anything negative here. The master she served was also someone who didn't ask for much.
Xiao Hua wasn't too clear on the Jing Prince's situation, but heard that he had a harem. Only after coming to the Hall of Splendor did she realize that the Jing Prince almost never went to the rumored eastern three pavilions. As though living the life of an ascetic monk, he lived a dull and indifferent life, and didn't seem like a man at all.
Within Xiao Hua's two lifetimes' worth of memories, there were basically no men who didn't like the charms of women. Which man of influence didn't grab to the left and hug to the right, spending every night in the throes of passion.
Ezoic
Only this Jing Prince was tremendously weird.
However, the master's circumstances had nothing to do with Xiao Hua. She felt that places with fewer women would have fewer quarrels. Compared to her situation back at the Jinyang Marquis Estate, Xiao Hua felt that this was almost like paradise. She even gradually felt that staying here wasn't too bad.
Ezoic
When one's mood was relaxed, more smiles would appear on one's face. Xiao Hua had always been used to half lowering her head to hide her face in the past, afraid to attract unnecessary troubles. Since this place only had women and eunuchs, she gradually lowered her guard.
Ezoic
As for the Jing Prince, Xiao Hua thought he wasn't much different from a eunuch. It was said he was several years over twenty and still had no heir. In the Grand Xi Dynasty, men usually got married around seventeen or eighteen. Someone who had a harem but had no heir was quite amazing.
Furthermore the Jing Prince never approached women. If it wasn't said that his highness was the son of the emperor, she would have thought the Jing Prince a eunuch.
Still, Xiao Hua often felt weird when she saw the Jing Prince. She was sure that this master had a certain "problem", even faintly lamenting that such a handsome person would have this problem.
The matter regarding the prince not having an heir was told to Xiao Hua by Eunuch Fu.
He had intended to give Xiao Hua some motivation to properly "advance". After all, if she managed to climb into his bed and give birth to a child, she would become someone who was above others in status.
Who knew that Xiao Hua's thoughts would end up elsewhere instead? It could only be said that their thoughts were not on the same wavelength. If Eunuch Fu knew that Xiao Hua felt his highness was someone with a "problem", he would definitely have her dragged out and beaten to death again.
——-
Ezoic
Subconscious influence was an extremely horrifying thing. Having "shameful" thoughts in mind, even if Xiao Hua didn't show it in her expression, there would still be a few hints of it in her behavior.
What else could it be apart from whenever Xiao Hua would give the prince a massage?
After the last session, the prince had started summoning her every few days to do the same.
Because Xiao Hua thought that "the Jing Prince wasn't a man", her hands gradually became less reserved. In the past she only dared massage a few fixed spots and didn't dare touch anywhere else. Now she no longer had as many misgivings, though she still avoided the overly sensitive spots. Yet a change in mood causes the hand movements to change slightly as well.
The one who noticed this difference was the Jing Prince.
Allowing Eunuch Fu to arrange low-ranked palace maids into the hall was the Jing Prince's consideration for his years of service. Kicking them out was due to him getting tired of them. Eunuch Fu's incessant hopping about in anxiety could also be counted as one of the few sources of entertainment in the Jing Prince's life.
The Jing Prince had intended to kick them out one after the other to avoid them becoming an eyesore. Who knew that Eunuch Fu would dig up a low-ranked palace maid from somewhere with some decent skills. Having been massaged by her a few times, he actually felt it was pretty good.
The Jing Prince often sat rigidly throughout the years. He wouldn't recline if he had the option to sit. He also had the habit of sitting while reading. Maintaining the same posture during his spinal development would definitely end up being uncomfortable.
In today's terms, it would be fatigue of the sciatic nerve. It wasn't as obvious now since he was still young, but it would definitely get more serious as he got older. Xiao Hua's skills just so happened to be able to address this underlying condition. No wonder the Jing Prince would feel it was pretty good and very comfortable.
From the day that low-ranked palace maid had massaged him to sleep, the Jing Prince had taken slight notice of her.
Ezoic
He felt that she was very cautious and prudent, and also very well-behaved. However, he noticeably sensed that she had changed a little over these recent days.
He didn't know what was different exactly, and only felt that her hand movements were not as reserved and tensed. The places she massaged were also not as restricted to those few spots, having expanded in range a little.
At first the prince had thought he was imagining it, but the next time the range had increased further by a little again.
The Jing Prince guessed that it was subconscious. After all, she didn't touch anywhere she shouldn't be touching.
People were strange creatures. For example, let's say someone was really afraid of a tiger, afraid of being eaten. However, if that tiger appeared and forced that same person to brush its fur, after brushing for a while the fear would basically be gone.
They would even have the feeling that it wasn't a tiger, but a large cat.
Ezoic
Although this example wasn't really good, it was what Xiao Hua was feeling now.
Xiao Hua would no longer be nervous when getting close to the Jing Prince. Eunuch Fu saw that she would be half bent over for over an hour every session, and was afraid she would be tired or wouldn't be able to endure. He raised the couch of the study a little, and even prepared a small stool next to it.
This way, Xiao Hua would be able to massage while seated, making it much more leisurely.
Therefore, the prince clearly felt that this low-ranked palace maid's massage had gotten even more comfortable. Because it was comfortable, he had her massage a little every day. Helping him loosen up so often made Xiao Hua hesitate in her heart.
Ezoic
She had said early on that the book of notes had warned not to massage too often or too long since it would damage the muscles and bones. This sort of massage wasn't just for comfort, but it was also a type of osteopathy.
But looking at the Jing Prince's relaxed body language, Xiao Hua was really afraid she would be ripped apart by him if she said something. Eunuch Fu also wouldn't spare her.
Therefore she started to secretly slack off. Of course, Xiao Hua's skills were still pretty good even when slacking. She would do it properly for a while, followed by going through the motions without exerting strength. Her hands would be pushing on the surface, seemingly using a lot of force, but the force would not be transmitted beyond the skin.
She had accomplished her goal, but the Jing Prince had also felt it especially clearly.
While being massaged by this low palace maid, the Jing Prince clearly felt a strange sensation on his back that was there but seemed like it wasn't. It seemed like it was ticklish, yet upon experiencing it carefully he realized that wasn't it.
Ezoic
The result of this massage was that after Xiao Hua had finished, the Jing Prince waited a long time before getting up.
Xiao Hua had thought he had fallen asleep when he suddenly sat up and gave her a sort of meaningful glance, making her sweat profusely.
That night, the Jing Prince had another dream as usual.
He couldn't recall what the dream was about, but remembered that someone was gently caressing his back. The feeling was very special, and made him feel very comfortable.
When he awoke, the Jing Prince realized that his underwear was wet.
Ezoic
The prince was not unfamiliar with this situation.
He didn't enjoy feminine charms in his past life, but since he had to continue the family line he had still experienced women before. After he converted to Buddhism in his past life, he severed his emotions and desires. Originally already apathetic towards women, he became even more so after.
After reincarnating, he carried forward this attitude of his past life. After getting to his vassal state, he did spend a few nights in the rear court, but it was only done for show to placate the constantly nagging Eunuch Fu. He hadn't done anything then, and had only slept.
The Jing Prince understood Eunuch Fu's thoughts, but ultimately after experiencing the events of his past life, his interest in passing on his line had dulled quite a bit. After all, his life or death was still undecided and if possible, he wanted to avoid implicating his offspring.
He was twenty five this year and was a grown adult. It was normal for men like him who rarely had contact with women to occasionally have wet dreams. However, the feeling in his dreams this time made the Jing Prince furrow his brows. That feeling was not unfamiliar. It was the feelings stirred up by that low-ranked palace maid's hands.
Ezoic
The Jing Prince took a glance at his stained underwear after getting up, his brows still furrowed. After thinking a little, he called the low ranked eunuchs that served him to prepare a bath.
The underwear that contained evidence of his dream was also thrown into the water during his bath.
The wet dream left no trace, and the evidence also disappeared without trace.
All the traces could be erased, but his heart could not be unmarked. Especially after such an embarrassing event occurred.
Although the prince didn't show it in his expression, his mind would inevitably think about it. As he thought about it, his eyes would inevitably investigate.
Ezoic
Of course they weren't investigating Xiao Hua, but rather this low-ranked palace maid's hands.
He wondered how her hands could be so magical. Why would they evoke such restlessness? But after examining them all over, he didn't feel anything special about the hands.
They were small and pale. The nails were very short on her long, jade-like fingers. They weren't very beautiful, but they weren't ugly either. He secretly examined his own hands as well, but still couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.
The Jing Prince was slow-tempered, and he was also very simple and direct. After being unable to figure it out for several days, he listened to his heart and did something –
Xiao Hu was serving tea, and as she prepared to withdraw her hand, she suddenly felt it being grabbed by the Jing Prince.
Ezoic
At that moment, Xiao Hua's mind went blank.
Really blank, completely blank.
What appeared in her mind following this were a few large words, "what does he want to do"?
She reflexively pulled her hand back a little, her movements very subtle. She still knew that she couldn't rebel too openly, otherwise she'd suffer the consequences. She then noticed that as the prince held her hand, it wasn't with feigned casualness but rather an air of examination.
He appeared very serious. From where she was standing, she could see his slanted eyes lowered, carefully examining her hand.
Ezoic
He looked at the back of her hand, and then flipped it around to look at her palm. He even used his fingertips to rub Xiao Hua's palm and her fingers.
Just as Xiao Hua's heart was about to burst from her chest, he loosened his hand and nonchalantly turned his face, taking a sip of his tea.
Ezoic
From his careful examination, the prince realized that this low-ranked palace maid's hand didn't have any special areas. Her palm wasn't very tender, and also had some calluses.
Since there wasn't anything out of the ordinary, it must have been his own problem. He must have been abstinent for too long. Another possibility is that what was felt during the day just happened to appear in his dreams at night.
The Jing Prince wasn't someone with complicated thoughts. After coming up with an explanation, he no longer paid attention to it. Regarding the owner of that pair of hands, he temporarily put her out of his mind.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua really wanted to ask the Jing Prince what he wanted to do, but unfortunately didn't have the guts. She could only pretend nothing happened and retreat with the tea set. She had thought herself very calm, but didn't realize that she was awkwardly walking in a robotic manner, seeming rather amusing.
Eunuch Fu stood to the side smiling, but had to pretend not to have seen anything. But it was really hard, so his expression was extremely twisted.
At this time, Eunuch Chang3 walked in. He looked to be over forty, his head dark and square with an average figure. After entering, he bowed and presented a small cylinder to the Jing Prince.
After the prince received it, he waved his hand and Eunuch Chang left silently.
He opened the cylinder with practiced hands, and pulled out a slip of white paper from the inside. After unrolling it, he saw the slip was filled with densely packed little characters. There was a large chunk of words, but if one read it as was written, they would find nothing made sense. It was a slip of complete nonsense.
But after the Jing Prince saw it, he was able to quickly receive the intended message in his mind.
Then he took a look at the time written on it and a rare frown appeared on his face.
It had already been over ten days by the time this news had reached him.
He tossed the slip of paper into the water, where the words soon became blurred.
The Jing Prince started to ponder once again.
3.3m
Author's notes: these metal bricks were also known as imperial kiln metal bricks. They were used in traditional Han kilns, and were a type of high quality brick often used in constructing palaces and other important buildings. Therefore they were fine and dense, and would produce a metallic clanking sound when hit, hence name. This author thought they were golden bricks when she was younger (since the word gold is the same as that of metal).
The vice manager eunuch who's in charge when Eunuch Fu wasn't there.
Xiao Hua told herself many times, and made up all sorts of explanations, but in the end still decided to pretend nothing ever happened.
Perhaps the Jing Prince was just curious about the differences between male and female hands.
This explanation wouldn't fool a three year old, but Xiao Hua decided to fool herself with it.
Ezoic
Putting it this way, nothing had truly happened.
Of course Xiao Hua was on edge for several days. Only after seeing that nothing was different from the past did she feel relieved.
Ezoic
Nothing had truly happened, and the Jing Prince hadn't asked her to massage him for many days. He seemed to be very busy recently. However, this wasn't all that different from the past, and Xiao Hua didn't think too much about it.
During this time, Eunuch Fu had once again said some encouraging words to her. It wasn't really said in private, but he had taken advantage of the prince's absence to praise her steady and experienced attitude, and also added a few variations of "hmm, very good, you definitely have a promising future".
Xiao Hua already felt very speechless when facing this old eunuch, but since this high ranking general manager kept talking to her, she couldn't just ignore him. She could only lower her head and smile, lower her eyes and smile, showing all sorts of respectful modesty.
Ezoic
Everyone knew how to smile superficially, Xiao Hua knew it as well. Only the heavens knew how Xiao Hua cursed Eunuch Fu in her heart.
After the Jing Consort fell ill on that day, she lay on the couch for over ten days without seeming to get better.
She really wasn't seriously ill. She was just frail, and would often catch little illnesses such as a cold or a cough. Although the prince didn't really favor her, she was still his consort and everyone within the estate had to keep her in mind. Therefore, not only were the servants in the Changchun Pavilion too nervous to say anything, even the estate's medical center was terribly vexed.
Within the Grand Xi Dynasty, all the vassal princes' estates had a medical center that was in charge of medical treatment and prescribing medicine. The medical center was divided into the main medical task force as well as the reserve force. There were also several untitled doctors.
Doctor Hu was originally an imperial physician of the royal palace. He moved to the Jing Province along with the Jing Prince.
Throughout history there were very few imperial physicians who could die of old age. Treating the royal family, they would inevitably get mixed up in some shameful secrets. If a regular doctor couldn't treat someone, they could only blame the heavens. An imperial physician treating the emperor would often get dragged out and executed at the drop of a hat.
Imperial physician Hu had muddled along in the palace for several decades, and was naturally clear about the writing on the wall. As he got older, he didn't want to live out his days in fear any longer. Knowing that the prince would take some doctors with him to his vassal state, he went and offered his services.
After coming here, his days became as comfortable as expected. The Jing Prince had always empathized with his servants and had treated him with reverence. Not only was he given a pavilion, they even brought his family over.
The days passed joyfully and harmoniously. Although it wasn't as glamorous as his days in the imperial palace, it was much more peaceful and free of strife.
As of today, Imperial Physician Hu's son was also working in the estate's medical center. He was appointed as a doctor on the backup force. He was known as Little Doctor Hu, and could be said to have inherited his father's skills.
Ezoic
Doctor Hu treated the Jing Consort a few times, and knew she didn't have any serious problems. Therefore he left future treatments to Little Doctor Hu.
Little Doctor Hu's title included the word "Little", but he was actually many years over thirty already. During this period of the consort's sickness, he had already been frustrated to the point of hopping about.
According to Little Doctor Hu's observations, the Jing Consort was not seriously ill. She just had some pent up frustration in her heart, lack of energy and a minor cough. A poor family would have just left it at that. A little rest and relaxation was all that was needed. A rich family would make it out to be a big deal, and especially when it was the Jing Consort, then it became the biggest deal of all.
The Nana in charge beside the consort always made him diagnose her properly and asked him to tell her what precious medications where needed. Little Doctor Hu had no idea how to respond anymore. However, it wasn't as if he hadn't encountered this situation before. Every time the consort fell ill, he would experience the same situation.
After encountering it several times, he became calm and composed while dealing with it. But this time it wasn't just that. The consort's side seemed to be doubting his medical abilities, even saying that ever since he had started treating her, her body had gotten worse every day. Little Doctor Hu really wanted to cry out about the injustice.
The shortness of breath and the coughing can be treated, but how was he supposed to treat an innately weak constitution and a frustrated heart?
Helpless in the end, Imperial Physician Hu ended up personally arriving on the battlefield before managing to suppress the complaints in the Changchun Pavilion.
Doctor Hu also didn't say much, taking his son Little Doctor Hu to diagnose a couple of times. The consort's side immediately had no more complaints. Little did they know that the medicine Doctor Hu prescribed was exactly the same as what Little Doctor Hu prescribed.
Ezoic
This can be explained in one phrase: the placebo effect!
After the check-up today, Doctor Hu took Little Doctor Hu back to the medical center.
"Dad, don't you think it's strange? The Jing Consort actually doesn't have any major problems, but why does she get sick so easily?"
Doctor Hu held his teacup and smiled mysteriously, "Well, this person just loves abusing herself. Sometimes she's able to create illness where there was none. Even more so considering—"
Ezoic
The rest of his sentence he left unsaid.
Little Doctor Hu inherited his father's profession, and his skills were actually pretty good. However, during their time in the imperial palace, Imperial Physician Hu had never suggested taking him to become part of the imperial palace's physicians. Only after coming to the Jing Prince Estate, and seeing there wasn't any strife did he allow his son to study under him.
Little Doctor Hu understood his father's intentions. No one was more worried about an imperial physician than his own family. When he was younger, every time his father went to the palace to work his mother would have a face full of anxiety. Once he grew older, even he got to understand the feeling that his father might leave for work one day and never return. Therefore, although he had finished his training when he was a little over twenty, he said nothing when his father didn't allow him to enter the imperial hospital.
Ezoic
He knew his father's personality. He only said what he wanted to say, no matter how much you asked. Therefore he didn't ask any follow up questions, let alone ask him to finish his sentence.
Doctor Hu put down the tea in his hand, "Continue treating the consort in the future. Whatever medication you prescribe, let me take a look before bringing it over. If they still make a fuss, your father will make an appearance. Although things might be tough, it isn't a big deal. After all, such a respected person naturally needs to be carefully treated."
Ezoic
Little Doctor Hu nodded his head and didn't speak any further.
Over at the Changchun Pavilion.
Nana Li carried a bowl of medicine for the Jing Prince Consort to drink, and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief afterward.
"This old servant said it before, those without hair on their lip won't be as capable. Even though he's the son, how could he be compared to his father who had worked in the palace for so many years?" Seeing the consort's complexion improve significantly, Nana Li's face filled with smiles.
The consort's sickly face revealed a smile, "Really, Nana. Little Doctor Hu's skills are actually pretty good. I can only blame my own health for being poor."
Ezoic
Ezoic
Nana Li also understood, but was just a little muddled from worrying.
"Ai–" she sighed again and said: "Back in the capital, consort's health was pretty good. I don't know what's going on these last few years. There hasn't been any major illnesses but the small ones never end."
The Jing Consort said: "I'm probably just not acclimatized to this place. What Imperial Physician Hu said was right, there is also some pent up frustration in my heart."
Nana Li didn't dare carry on with the topic of her frustrations, afraid of upsetting the consort. She could only interrupt and say: "That's true, this Jing Province cannot be compared to the capital. The weather is a little too cold."
"That's not it. The summer here is very comfortable. Not too hot and not too cold. It's just the winters are a little too long." Chun Xiang1 interrupted from the side, and continued speaking while smiling: "Consort, today's weather is nice. The recliner by the window is bathed in sunlight. How about sitting over there for a bit?"
Ezoic
The Jing Consort hadn't left her bed in around ten days since she had gotten ill again. She felt at this time that bathing in the sun would feel pretty comfortable, and had Nana Li and Chun Xiang support her over to the window.
After sitting in the sun for a while, and drinking a bowl of nourishing soup carried over by Nana Li, she opened her mouth and said: "Chun Xiang, have someone keep an eye over there."
Chun Xiang heard her words and realized that the consort's heart was still fixed on that issue, but still complied with a crisp voice.
During the last couple of days, Xiao Hua noticed something. She noticed that her breasts were growing at a rate visible to the naked eye.
Ezoic
Naturally they were painfully swollen, and would still hurt when gently touched while she was bathing.
Nana He said this was a normal occurrence, and if it was really uncomfortable she should apply some hot water to it. She even taught her a set of massage techniques, saying that it could alleviate the pain and reduce the amount of time they were uncomfortable.
Xiao Hua secretly tried out the massage technique, and it hurt so much that she had to grit her teeth. However, after massaging, the pain truly was postponed, though within two days she needed to do it again. Xiao Hua understood massage techniques, and also understood Nana He's reasoning. Only after massaging thoroughly can it disperse the impurities inside. Appropriate massages weren't supposed to feel comfortable.
Seeing her own breasts grow day by day, Xiao Hua even started having the thought that maybe they would surpass those of her previous life2. She couldn't avoid feeling slightly happy in her heart, but the awkward thing was that her clothes were started to get a little tight.
This morning, Xiao Hua got up for work and tried on all her clothes, but felt they were all a little tight.
Ezoic
Of course, one reason was that she had gained weight from the food. She could clearly feel that she had more meat on her body recently, but she hadn't gotten fat to this extent. After all, one couldn't get fat that fast over such a short period of time. The other places on her clothes were fine, it was only her chest area that was a little tight. She could clearly see it being stretched.
Xiao Hua was a little unused to this, but didn't have any other clothes to change into. She could only say that Eunuch Fu had made their clothes too "fitting". She pulled at her clothing a little as she went to work, and also loosened her belt before feeling a little better.
This day was no different from any other. The Jing Prince still made no sound. Xiao Hua stood to the side and helped where she was supposed to help, and otherwise stood honestly to the side.
In a rare display, the prince spoke a word in the afternoon: "back", before lying prone in his old spot and assuming the position.
Xiao Hua also didn't think about anything else. After spending more time with this master, she was able to follow along with his words.
Ezoic
She walked over and sat on her stool, rubbing her hands together with all her strength to warm them up, and started to slowly massage.
Whenever she started massage the prince, Xiao Hua realized she needed to use a lot of force because his muscles would be very tense. It was clearly a result of being tensed up over long periods of time. She needed to first rub his tense muscles loose before being able to slowly knead the acupuncture points.
This time wasn't any different from the past. Xiao Hua immersed herself and massaged vigorously.
After massaging for half an hour, she felt that it was about time and started to slack off. She no longer massaged the acupuncture points, and also stopped using acupressure on the muscles and bones. She softened her touch by a lot and started rubbing the muscles under her hands.
Xiao Hua was just about to soften her touch even more when the Jing Prince suddenly half raised himself off the couch with his arm. Because she wasn't expecting this action, Xiao Hua lost her balance and fell over in shock.
Ezoic
Although she wasn't hurt in the fall, a "riiip" sound was heard. Xiao Hua's tight blouse could not endure her large movement and ripped.
Xiao Hua hurriedly lowered her head to look at herself. Luckily, luckily it was only a single tear and nothing was revealed. If one didn't look closely it wouldn't be noticed. She raised her head and looked at the Jing Prince only to see his eyes faintly staring at her.
Xiao Hua thought that he had heard the tearing sound of her clothes so she covered her chest and her face flushed.
"Umm, this servant has eaten too much recently. The clothes, the clothes were a little too small…" she wasn't able to finish speaking before she covered her face in embarrassment, hating that she couldn't find a crack in the ground to burrow in.
Eunuch Fu had been standing at the side this whole time, unprepared for so many things to happen in this brief instant, and also extremely dumbfounded at this sight. He had thought the prince had gotten angry, but from the looks of it that wasn't the case.
Ezoic
However he reacted quickly, immediately stepping forward and pulling Xiao Hua up, giving her a little push.
"Hurry and go change your clothes."
Xiao Hua stood up, bending her waist and covering her chest. She curtseyed and rushed outside with her head lowered, completely forgetting how she was supposed to walk within the estate.
Eunuch Fu was a little scared that the Jing Prince would be angry, and interrupted with a laugh: "Hee, looks like life in our estate is a little too good. This lass was as skinny as a bean sprout when she was first sent over. Seems like she gained some meat over these past few days."
The Jing Prince sat up, and allowed Eunuch Fu to help him put on his shoes. He didn't say anything.
Ezoic
She did gain some meat.
He silently glanced at Eunuch Fu, and silently walked to the front hall.
One of the seasonal Xiangs that serves her, previously introduced.
How have they been growing constantly but have yet to surpass the apparently small ones she had in the past?
That night, Xiao Xia Zi came and delivered two sets of clothing.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua tried them on and felt they fit quite well this time. Most importantly, they were a little looser and wider, not "fitting" like those before.
The clothes that got ripped had been hidden in her cabinet, but her embarrassed feelings at that time could not be wiped away. Luckily the Jing Prince didn't have any other reactions, or Xiao Hua would have been embarrassed to death.
Ezoic
She hated how she couldn't stick her head in the ground during these next few days of work.
What she was hoping for in her past life finally developed a little in this life, but ended up causing such a joke.
It was such a disgrace!
Xiao Hua had only paid attention to her own embarrassment and didn't notice the gazes of the others in the room, especially when she ran in while covering her chest. More than one person had noticed.
Ezoic
Therefore, the palace maids in the room grew even quieter, their expressions turning weird.
After a couple more days, Xiao Hua grew ill.
Suddenly ill, and seriously ill. She got a fever during the night which hadn't faded by morning.
Xiao Hua was awoken by the discomfort at night, her whole body hot and cold at the same time and her head murky and dazed. She knew she had a fever, and endured until the others awoke the next morning. She weakly propped her feeble body up and asked the others if they could help her let Eunuch Fu know she was ill and couldn't come to work.
Her mentioning it was also wanting to see if Eunuch Fu could help her find a doctor. After all, when a normal servant fell ill, they would have to shoulder it themselves. What master's household would pay to let you see a doctor?
But she thought that since this was the Jing Prince Estate, their benefits were pretty good and Eunuch Fu also favored her, perhaps he would find her a doctor.
She didn't know if her voice was too quiet, but no one heard her and no one paid her any attention. Everyone seemed to ignore her and didn't think it was strange she wasn't getting up for work.
Only after they all left did Xiao Hua lay back helplessly paralyzed on her bed.
She had an indescribable feeling in her heart, a little cold a little hurt, but full of uncontrollable grievance.
Ezoic
She didn't understand why the heavens would treat her this way. Why couldn't the heavens treat her a little nicer, and were always so harsh….
Xiao Hua lay on the bed drifting in and out of consciousness. She even felt that dying like this would be fine, since she wouldn't have to suffer any more difficulties….
When Xiao Hua awoke, she was still on her bed.
She was woken up by someone. An unfamiliar face appeared in front of her eyes.
"Big sis Xiao Hua, come drink some medicine."
This was spoken by a girl around ten years old. She seemed very small, her hair tied in twin buns. She looked very pure, and wore a set of low palace maid clothing.
Xiao Hua didn't have time to ask who she was before she was propped up and a bowl of medicine was placed near her mouth.
After drinking the medicine, her mouth was full of bitter flavor.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua was a healthy person in both her lifetimes. It was unexpected that this time she would fall so seriously ill. Her body ached all over, and was unbearably sore. She knew this was a symptom of her fever.
"You are?"
The low palace maid had a face full of smiles, "I'm called Chun Cao1. Eunuch Fu arranged for me to take care of you. Big sis Xiao Hua, you should have a good rest. You should feel better after a good night's sleep."
Xiao Hua's felt uncomfortable and didn't have much energy so she didn't speak any further. She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes.
Ezoic
Looks like she wouldn't die this time around. She also didn't know how they found out about her illness.
She didn't know that when she didn't appear on time today, Eunuch Fu had called Xiao Xia Zi to come wake her, thinking she had overslept. He unexpectedly saw Xiao Hua lying by herself in bed, burning up from fever, without a single person in the room.
Eunuch Fu greatly favored this low-ranked palace maid so he wouldn't just let her burn up like this. He ordered someone to invite a doctor over to take a look at her.
Ezoic
Of course at this point, he was well aware of Xiao Hua's surroundings. A person was sick to the extent of not being able to get up, and yet five others in the same room didn't notice anything. Who would believe it?
Although Eunuch Fu's personality wasn't very proper at times, he wasn't blind. Being able to protect the fifth prince until he had grown, Eunuch Fu was definitely not as simple as he looked. However, he didn't say anything, and didn't even reprimand anyone. He just pulled an honest and diligent low-ranked palace maid from the estate to take care of her for a few days.
Ezoic
Sickness comes like an avalanche, but leaves like spinning silk.2
Xiao Hua's illness lasted several days, and she did not go to work during these days.
The Jing Prince came back these couple days and noticed a person missing from the hall. The low-ranked palace maid who always stood silently in the corner, and had some decent skills, was no longer there.
But he only pondered it silently and didn't open his mouth to ask. It wasn't in his character to ask, but his eyes would keep drifting to the spot where she used to stand.
He thought that he needed to be loosened up, and also thought that with Eunuch Fu's meticulous consideration he should have been able to tell what he was wondering about. Unfortunately, this time Eunuch Fu's meticulous consideration was nowhere to be found.
Ezoic
He endured for two days before asking: "Low-ranked palace maid?"
It was just three simple words, his tone was also very steady, but his words contained a hint of questioning.
When Eunuch Fu heard this he was shocked at first, and then said with smiles heaped onto his face: "Your highness is talking about Xiao Hua? That low-ranked palace maid got sick, but should be recovered soon. I will have her come work tomorrow."
What answered him was the customary silence, but Eunuch Fu's heart was blooming with happiness.
A miracle, it was a miracle that his highness would open his mouth to ask about someone. There wouldn't have been anything special if he asked about a man, but asking about a woman was a first. As an understanding and considerate personal eunuch, he would definitely do his best to satisfy his highness's requests.
Ezoic
These few days he could also tell that his highness treated that low-ranked palace maid a little differently. The progress was just a little slow, making Eunuch Fu sweat with impatience. But he didn't dare make any rushed moves, afraid that haste would make waste.
During an idle time in the afternoon, Eunuch Fu sent Xiao Xia Zi to check on the low-ranked palace maid called Xiao Hua. If possible, let her return to work tomorrow.
Xiao Hua had passed these few days pretty peacefully, with Chun Cao being there to take care of her.
Food, medicine and water were delivered by Chun Cao, who was hardworking and full of smiles. There were several times where Xiao Hua felt embarrassed for the inconvenience.
While Xiao Hua recuperated in the room, her roommates rarely spent time there, though it wasn't clear whether it was due to a guilty conscience. Even when they returned they remained silent.
Ezoic
What was worth mentioning was that Xiao Xia Zi carried over a small wooden bed and placed it beside Xiao Hua's bed. Normally Chun Cao would sleep next to Xiao Hua, and whenever she needed water or something during the night, she was there to lend a hand.
All this made Xiao Hua a little afraid but she didn't know what to say. As a palace maid herself, they arranged for a low-ranked palace maid to come take care of her. If they told her that this was a benefit all servants received in the estate, she would definitely not believe it.
But she also didn't believe that Eunuch Fu had some purpose for her. At first she had thought Eunuch Fu was offering the Jing Prince a choice of chambermaids, but seeing the prince's manner of ignoring everyone, this explanation had become a little contradictory.
Since she couldn't figure it out, Xiao Hua decided not to think about it.
Perhaps they gave her a few conveniences for the sake of her skills?
This explanation seemed to make sense. Therefore, Xiao Hua secretly decided in her heart to properly service his highness in the future. So when Xiao Xia Zi came and asked if she could return to work, even though she still felt a little weak she nodded her head and agreed.
As a servant, if she didn't have this little bit of sense, she should just give up. They gave her good food and drink, treated her illness and even sent a low palace maid over to take care of her. Wasn't it all so she could serve wholeheartedly? Maybe his highness wasn't feeling well and needed loosening up?
The next day, Xiao Hua got out of bed and with Chun Cao's assistance put on her clothes.
The clothes were a little loose and Xiao Hua knew she had gotten thinner again. Although she had only been sick for a few days, she was inevitably unable to stomach her food, and thus lost weight rather quickly. She would often be dumbfounded by her constitution. It was hard for her to gain weight, yet really easy for her to lose weight. All it took was missing a few meals. Luckily that area hadn't gotten any thinner. Was this finding fortune in the midst of misfortune?
"Big sis Xiao Hua, you aren't completely recovered yet. Are you able to work like this?"
Ezoic
Chun Cao treated her sincerely these past few days, and showed her every possible consideration. She was clear that Xiao Hua's body was still rather weak. But how could a servant wait for their body to be fully recovered. It was fine if she was nearly recovered.
Having spent time with Chun Cao these few days, Xiao Hua was rather fond of this low-ranked palace maid. She was agile yet spoke little. Even seeing the others in the room never speaking with Xiao Hua who in turn ignored them, Chun Cao never asked about it.
But Xiao Hua knew that having recovered, Chun Cao might have to leave soon. Chun Cao probably knew it as well, having tossed and turned all last night.
Xiao Hua didn't ask where Chun Cao came from since she knew she wouldn't be staying long. Might as well not ask. This made Xiao Hua seem a little fickle and unappreciative, but it was a way for her to protect herself after all.
"How could I have it my way as a servant? As long as I'm pretty much recovered, it's ok." Xiao Hua squeezed Chun Cao's hand and walked out.
Xiao Hua entered the hall as the Jing Prince was about to eat breakfast.
His breakfast was very simple, a bowl of red bean porridge with a few pastries and three side dishes.
Xiao Hua served the prince's meal as before. What she didn't notice was that a gaze swept over her body.
After breakfast the Jing Prince left the Hall of Splendor.
Xiao Hua didn't have anything to do but didn't want to go back to her room. She went and sat in the tea room.
Ezoic
Ezoic
She sat until noon when the Jing Prince came back for lunch, and after lunch he went to read in his study.
Today's weather wasn't very good, and it started raining in the afternoon. It was chilly and windy.
Xiao Hua guessed that the prince wouldn't be going out in the afternoon anymore. This wouldn't be a problem normally, but Xiao Hua had just recovered from a serious illness. Since her body wasn't completely recovered, after standing for a while she felt that she couldn't stand any longer, her legs were incredibly weak.
Ezoic
In the past she was able to easily make it through this, but today things were especially hard to bear. But as a servant, she could only endure with a pale face.
Eunuch Fu knew that the prince wanted to loosen up his muscles and bones yesterday, otherwise he wouldn't ask about the low palace maid. Since it was raining today and there wasn't anything pressing in the afternoon, he opened his mouth and said: "Your highness, how about getting Xiao Hua to help you loosen up a bit?"
Ezoic
The Jing Prince lifted his gaze from the book and swung it around a little, but didn't say anything.
After another while, he suddenly stood up and walked out.
Eunuch Fu had thought his highness might be going to the rear hall to rest a little and followed behind him, but unexpectedly he walked towards the outside. It was raining outside, so he could only call for a low-ranked eunuch to bring an umbrella and straw raincoat while he followed behind.
"Master, there isn't any official business and it's pouring rain. Where are you going?"
The rain was very loud and the prince didn't speak. Or if he did, Eunuch Fu did not hear it. He could only hold the umbrella and follow blindly in bewilderment.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua didn't stop to think what the prince went to do out in the rain. She only let out a breath of relief.
She felt that she couldn't hold out much longer, so she said to Xiao Xia Zi "If his highness returns come call me in the palace maids' room", and returned to her room.
Back in the room, both the small bed and Chun Cao had disappeared as expected.
Xiao Hua's heart felt some inexplicable discomfort. She sat on her own bed and stared blankly into space, not looking at any of her roommates. She felt a little thirsty so she grabbed a teapot on her cabinet and poured herself a cup of water.
The water was cold. Servants didn't get to drink much warm tea.
While working in the hall, she was able to go get some warm water from the tea room. Normally when she wanted warm water she could only go to the small kitchen. But that wasn't always convenient so every low palace maid had a teapot that they could store water in. If they wanted water they could drink straight from it.
Ezoic
After drinking water, Xiao Hua lay down and slept. Unexpectedly, her fever flared up again before it was evening.
The Jing Prince only returned after dark. Xiao Xia Zi remembered Xiao Hua's words and went to call her, but ended up finding her once again semiconscious with fever.
Eunuch Fu heard from Xiao Xia Zi that Xiao Hua was feverish again and was unable to get up. His heart was inevitably a little fidgety.
Wasn't this low palace maid Xiao Hua a little too delicate? She got sick again after just recovering?
Ezoic
But since his highness had asked about this low palace maid a couple of days ago, Eunuch Fu could only suppress his twitchy feelings and have Xiao Xia Zi fetch the estate's doctor and have him take a look.
Xiao Xia Zi prepared to carry out his orders when Eunuch Fu called him back, and told him to fetch Doctor Hu from the medical center.
The Jing Prince Estate's medical center's doctors were split into two types. The first were those who treated the masters, and the second were common doctors who treated servants and eunuchs for things such as headaches and heat strokes.
The last time Xiao Hua was treated by a common doctor who treated palace maids. If Eunuch Fu hadn't clarified, Xiao Xia Zi definitely would have fetched the same doctor again. Since Eunuch Fu had spoken, Xiao Xia Zi slipped away to fetch Doctor Hu.
This Doctor Hu was definitely skilled since he used to be an imperial physician before moving to the Jing Province with the Jing Prince. Normally he only treated the few masters and mistresses, and was even known as a specialist in treating those masters and mistresses.
Ezoic
Doctor Hu was brought to the Hall of Splendor by Xiao Xia Zi and initially thought his highness was feeling unwell. Unexpectedly, he was taken to the palace maids' room. However, those who were able to muddle along as an imperial physician for several decades were all experienced. He didn't say anything before taking a pulse.
Xiao Hua was sleeping in delirium at the moment, and certainly wasn't aware someone was here to treat her.
Doctor Hu took her pulse and muttered irresolutely to himself for a moment before saying: "This low-ranked palace maid isn't feverish from illness. She was poisoned."
Hearing this, Xiao Xia Zi felt his legs go limp, hurriedly saying he had to find General Manager Fu before running out.
Xiao Xia Zi found Eunuch Fu and whispered a few sentences into his ear. Eunuch Fu hurriedly followed him back.
Ezoic
This case of poisoning was no small matter.
The Hall of Splendor was strictly guarded. Although it appeared to be relatively empty, without the permission of a few major characters not even a fly could enter. Even if the Jing Consort had something to report, she had to request permission via the low-ranked eunuch at the door before being allowed to enter. All the food was checked even more strictly.
This poisoning was most likely done via food. Xiao Hua ate at the small kitchen, which was also responsible for the Jing Prince's meals. The situation was definitely serious. No wonder Xiao Xia Zi and Eunuch Fu were being so cautious.
When Xiao Xia Zi led someone who looked like a doctor inside, Xiu Yun had seen it while sweeping the courtyard.
Her heart pounded nonstop, lamenting in indignation that Xiao Hua really was different from the rest.
Ezoic
Ezoic
The other palace maids didn't have much face. If they weren't sick to the point of dying, no one would invite a doctor for them. Furthermore, those who fell ill in front of their masters would often be relocated elsewhere.
What she didn't expect was that not only did Xiao Hua not get moved out, people even came one after the other to treat her. Xiu Yun's heart was extremely panicked, but as she thought about her sister's words her heart calmed down once more.
It was fine. Her sister had said that the doctors who treated palace maids would not be able to discover anything, and would only think it was a fever.
Spring Grass
Comes all at once but leaves slowly.
Imperial Physician Hu's medical skills were extremely good, and Xiao Hua soon woke up.
Ezoic
When she woke up, she found that Chun Cao had appeared before her once more, and from her she found out the reason she was repeatedly feverish.
To think it was actually poison.
The concept of poison was extremely foreign to Xiao Hua. Even when she was slipped infertility medicine in her previous life, the doctor had said it wasn't any high end scheme but merely an abundance of things with cold essence such as safflowers, causing her to be infertile.
Ezoic
The person who poisoned her was unexpectedly Xiu Yun!
Xiao Hua simply couldn't imagine how Xiu Yun had such remarkable abilities. They had all entered the estate as low-ranked palace maids, yet she had been able to acquire fever causing poison from somewhere.
Xiao Hua couldn't figure out the twists and turns of the situation, and Chun Cao was only able to tell her bits and pieces.
Chun Cao knew Xiu Yun was the culprit only because Eunuch Fu had punished her, and had also driven the rest of the low palace maids out of the Hall of Splendor.
Ezoic
In other words, only Xiao Hua and Chun Cao were left in the palace maids' room.
Chun Cao told Xiao Hua that she would be taking up those low palace maids' duties in sweeping the courtyard of the Hall of Splendor in the future. Hearing this Xiao Hua was very happy, and could be at ease in recuperating. Chun Cao also told Xiao Hua that Doctor Hu's skills were very good. Her poisoning wasn't very serious, and as long as the right antidote was taken she would be recovered in a few days.
Xiao Hua didn't feel much regarding the expulsion of her roommates, and as for why Xiu Yun was so ruthless and poisoned her, she guessed that it was due to jealousy.
What she couldn't understand was what Xiu Yun was so jealous about that she would make such a ruthless move. At most it was because she managed to remain in the hall. Also, where had she gotten such a mysterious poison? But thinking of Xiu Yun's strange "hometown acquaintance", Xiao Hua pretty much understood.
The truth of the situation was really as such. Although Xiu Yun had been all sorts of unbalanced and jealous of Xiao Hua in her heart, her abilities weren't profound enough to think of using poison.
Ru'er was the one who helped her think of it, and it was all for the sake of rectifying the aftermath of Xiu Yun's impulsiveness.
When Xiu Yun was kicked out of the hall, she had secretly gone to find her sister.
When Ru'er found out her sister had done something so impossibly stupid, she had given her a huge scolding. But what's done is done, and there wasn't anything she could do to change it. Luckily Eunuch Fu did not remove the people who were kicked out, giving them a trace of hope.
Ezoic
Ru'er had thought that since Xiao Hua was the only one remaining, if she got rid of her, perhaps her sister would be able to ascend again. After all, Xiu Yun had also managed to remain in the hall for a long time, and was only kicked out due to a momentary lapse of judgement.
The thoughts of ascending to the sky had already become Ru'er's heart demon. Since it wasn't possible for her, she would make sure her sister could do it. In order to let Xiu Yun catch this wave, she had invested a lot of money and effort. There was no way she would be resigned to failure.
She happened to have this type of poison in hand, and made Xiu Yun use it on Xiao Hua.
This poison was actually a type of medicine, and wasn't harmful to the body. It only raised the temperature and made the body weak. Even without a doctor, the victim would recover naturally within ten days or so.
Ezoic
This type of medicine was an unspoken secret within the imperial palace. Palace maids would often use it against those who they felt were an eyesore, because there was a rule in the imperial palace: servants who fell ill for several days without recovering would be sent out to avoid spreading the illness. The princes were especially afraid of getting sick, and thus such a medicine was born. It didn't endanger one's life, and the result would only be removal of those eyesores.
When the Jing Prince moved to his vassal state, he had taken several palace maids to the Jing Province. The medicine was also brought over by those palace maids.
Ezoic
Ru'er had stayed within the estate for quite some time, and had good relations with others. Having found out about the medicine by chance, she managed to acquire some for herself to use against formidable opponents who tried to steal her position. Who would have guessed that she didn't need it for herself, but ended up giving it to Xiu Yun to use against Xiao Hua?
The medicine was placed in Xiao Hua's teapot that stored her drinking water. After using it once, Xiu Yun waited for Xiao Hua to get feverish and be moved out. Unexpectedly, Eunuch Fu had invited a doctor over to treat her instead.
Ezoic
Seeing Xiao Hua about to recover and get back to work, Xiu Yun took the chance to apply another dose. She thought that Eunuch Fu would not be as kind and patient to invite the doctor again. Everyone had blamed it on Xiao Hua's delicate and weak body, but who knew her hopes would be shattered once more.
She didn't have time to discuss her second attempt with Ru'er, and had made the decision herself.
If Ru'er had known her sister would be so foolish, she would have scolded Xiu Yun to death. But it was already too late. Whatever Eunuch Fu wanted to investigate within the estate would be quickly found out. In fact, in pulling the radish from the ground, the dirt had come along with it. Even Ru'er herself was implicated.
The result was Eunuch Fu having them both directly beaten to death.
Ezoic
No matter the place, these sorts of shameful hidden schemes would be a threat, especially when poison was involved. Most importantly, they had dared to use the poison inside the Hall of Splendor.
The Hall of Splendor was where the Jing Prince lived. Eunuch Fu and the rest had ensured it was built as a metal container from day one. It was difficult to even make inquiries about the situation inside, but even though the prince wasn't the intended victim, someone had still unexpectedly been poisoned inside the hall.
Eunuch Fu had served by the prince's side for so long, and also managed to raise him to adulthood with Auntie Qi. Naturally he didn't rely on his lengthy relationship with the prince, but rather his formidable methods. Being able to survive all sorts of trials within the imperial palace, who wouldn't pick up a trick or two? Although he was normally all smiles and gave off the air of a kindly old man, his means were rather ruthless.
Killing one person in order to warn a hundred others. He had directly ordered the two sisters to be beaten to death within the Hall of Splendor in front of everyone. Chun Cao had also witnessed it with her own eyes, but Eunuch Fu had ordered her not to tell Xiao Hua. Therefore she told her that they had been expelled.
Xiao Hua wasn't aware of any of this. After recovering this time, she resumed her normal work schedule.
Ezoic
Such a large palace maids' room now only contained Xiao Hua and Chun Cao.
During this time several low-ranked eunuchs came in and moved the extra beds out, and relocated their beds. They also added a round table and a few chairs to the room, making it seem a lot more spacious. It was also more convenient for them to eat their meals.
Chun Cao was arranged by Eunuch Fu to sweep the courtyard, but during these few days Xiao Hua clearly noticed that she was actually here to take care of her. Chun Cao was young, but quick with her hands and feet. She had sharp eyes, and would often take care of things without Xiao Hua having to say anything.
Xiao Hua felt very apologetic. They were both low-ranked palace maids, so what basis was there for her to have a caretaker?
Ezoic
She brought it up a few times, but Chun Cao normally acted as she was supposed to. She was also afraid Xiao Hua would feel bad about it, and thus purposefully leaked the story behind her circumstances.
Chun Cao used to work in the estate's laundry room, and it was normally very hard work. Being able to work as a sweeper maid in the Hall of Splendor could be seen as salvation for her. She also understood Eunuch Fu's intentions. If it wasn't for Xiao Hua needing a companion who could also conveniently look after her, the Hall of Splendor didn't need her to come sweep the courtyard.
Although Chun Cao was still young, she had stayed in the estate for a long time. She knew that if it wasn't for special purposes, the Hall of Splendor wouldn't need to bring in low-ranked palace maids. All the daily work could be done by low-ranked eunuchs. If she didn't even have this little insight, she would probably be thrown back to the laundry room after a few days by Eunuch Fu.
Since Xiao Hua couldn't convince her otherwise, she could only give up. However, she normally did her best not to let Chun Cao help her with anything.
After living with her for a few days, Xiao Hua noticed that Chun Cao would have nightmares in the middle of the night.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua was a light sleeper due to her past experience as a maid. For the last several nights she had heard Chun Cao talking in her sleep.
Chun Cao didn't say much, only calling out "don't beat me to death, don't beat me to death…."
Having been beaten to death in her past life, Xiao Hua was especially sensitive to this topic. After enduring for a few days, she shook her awake one night during her nightmare.
"Chun Cao, what's wrong? Why do you keep crying not to beat you to death?"
Having spent time with Chun Cao these past few days, Xiao Hua was still rather fond of this girl who was younger than her. She wondered whether Chun Cao had seen someone get beaten to death during her time in the laundry room.
Ezoic
Chun Cao might have been too shocked by her nightmare and ended up forgetting Eunuch Fu's orders in that moment. She ended up blurting out the fact that Xiu Yun was beaten to death.
Xiao Hua's face turned pale after listening.
At this time, Chun Cao snapped out of it and was worried almost to tears.
"Big sis Xiao Hua, you definitely can't tell Eunuch Fu that I told you about this. He ordered me not to tell you."
Chun Cao was quite scared of Eunuch Fu. Someone who was normally full of smiles but in the blink of an eye could order someone beaten to death. Beaten until they became a blur of blood and meat, beaten to a pulp.
Xiao Hua froze, "Xiu Yun was beaten to death?"
Chun Cao nodded her head and carefully looked at Xiao Hua's expression, "Eunuch Fu said her guts were huge enough to encompass the heavens, actually daring to use poison within the Hall of Splendor." She paused a little and added, "He said no matter who the victim was, this sort of action could not be tolerated."
"How did you find out about it?"
Chun Cao's face paled and looked a little traumatized. Her voice was fearful, "Eunuch Fu called everyone within the Hall of Splendor over and had the beating carried out in front of us."
Ezoic
"Oh." Xiao Hua nodded her head and slowly walked back to her own bed.
Ezoic
Chun Cao was afraid she would overthink things, and explained: "Big sis Xiao Hua, don't overthink it. This matter doesn't concern you that much. Xiu Yun broke a taboo by poisoning someone within the Hall of Splendor. Eunuch Fu very clearly intended for others to see this beating, killing one and scaring a hundred. He's warning everyone to be more alert in the future."
"Xiao Hua forced a smile and said: "I'm fine, I understand."
The two spoke a few more words before each returning to sleep. This time though, Xiao Hua didn't feel like sleeping.
It wasn't that she felt guilty about Xiu Yun, although she had died for reasons related to her which was somewhat uncomfortable. Especially given that she had also died via beatings in her past life. However, apart from lamenting how a servant's life was really treated like grass, she was thinking about Eunuch Fu's unexpected ruthlessness. Really, a book shouldn't be judged by its cover.
She raised her vigilance towards Eunuch Fu by several fold. Her small complaints about him were also stamped out at this time.
The Hall of Splendor's environment had always been peaceful. Without Xi'er's group and their sarcastic mutterings, Xiao Hua's days passed pleasantly. She went to work when the Jing Prince was present, and otherwise spent her time in the small kitchen or in her room.
She didn't know any needlework in her past life, and now having returned to the life of a servant she still didn't know any. Normally it was inconvenient when things needed stitching. Although Chun Cao jumped at the opportunity to help, Xiao Hua was embarrassed and could only learn properly from Chun Cao and Nana He.
Xiao Hua's comprehension skills were good and she put a lot of effort into learning. Needlework was a visual activity to begin with. After a few days, Xiao Hua had learned the form of things. No need to mention embroidery yet, but she had become pretty good at mending things or making basic, unembroidered things.
After finishing her "apprenticeship", the first thing Xiao Hua tried making was her own chest wrap. Xiao Hua had asked Nana He to help her bring in the materials from outside. Servants normally couldn't leave the estate, but if they wanted to buy something they could still ask others to help.
Ezoic
Ezoic
Xiao Hua used her monthly salary to buy the cloth. This was Xiao Hua's first time receiving her salary, which included her salary from when she was in the sweeper area.
The sweeper area's salary was five hundred coins, and the salary was raised to two taels of silver in the Hall of Splendor. Xiao Hua didn't have many possessions. Adding on around five taels of silver Granny Wang had given her when she left the Jingyang Estate, she had a little over nine taels of silver.
Xiao Hua was very happy to receive her monthly salary. Based on her calculations, if she remained in the hall, two taels a month would mean twenty four in a year. She was fourteen, and still had to stay in the estate for eleven more years, meaning she could receive two hundred and sixty four taels of salary.
Ten years was very distant and very long, but Xiao Hua was already making preparations. She compared her salary to the cost of living outside, and felt that two hundred some taels of silver should be enough to buy a small pavilion outside. The rest of her money could be used to start a small business or buy some farmland. It should definitely be enough to make a living.
Thinking of her hopes for a beautiful life, Xiao Hua put even more effort into her work, and the smiles on her face also increased.
Ezoic
The Jing Prince felt that the low-ranked palace maid had seemingly changed. Although she still stood there honestly during work, her temperament seemed completely different.
He wasn't very sure exactly what the difference was, but he did feel that her occasional smiles were quite eye-catching.
Of course, he merely paid her that sliver of attention, and there wasn't anything more to it.
The Jing Prince was rather busy during the day. For him, this low-ranked palace maid was merely an additional person around him who he felt wasn't an eyesore. Since she wasn't an eyesore and her skills were rather good, the Jing Prince decided not to have any thoughts of trying to kick her out.
Eunuch Fu saw Xiao Hua steadily remain in the hall for over two months and his old face almost bloomed in happiness. It was fine as long as she could stay. There would be opportunity for more later on, he just had to give a couple of helpful shoves from behind.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua wasn't aware of Eunuch Fu's thoughts.
She only cared about working peacefully and minding her own business. Her days passed very smoothly. The Jing Prince asked her to help him loosen up every so often, and she would do so properly.
After spending such a long time with him, she realized this master was quite easy to serve. He had no particular opinions, his words were pitifully few and his presence was extremely minimal. His thoughts were also hard to see through, but as a low-ranked palace maid she didn't have to try and figure out his thoughts. She just needed to focus on her work.
Compared to the taciturn Jing Prince, Xiao Hua was actually more afraid of Eunuch Fu. Every time she saw his smiling face, she felt a little chill.
In the blink of an eye, mid-August approached.
Author's note: Another breakthrough in the next chapter, prepare for a whole bucket of contrived circumstance. Don't give this author crap about it because you guys aren't the only impatient ones. This author is also impatient. This introverted Jing Prince needs to be given some ruthless medicine. Otherwise who knows when he would finally start paying attention to our Xiao Hua Hua?