Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid

by Usui Takumii

not mine, Princess Capture Plan. Total: 177 chapters and 12 epilogue so 189 chapters .

6. 51 to 60

51

The Jing Prince remained gone for around ten days before returning. During this time he had secretly taken care of several people. Those by his side naturally weren't aware of this.

Actually based on the Jing Prince's character, those culprits should have all been publicly beheaded for their crimes. However, he didn't want to further complicate the matter and could only handle it secretly.

The Heishan County's magistrate suddenly passed away in his house, and his position was assumed by his deputy. His steward as well as his household's servants all disappeared. Their fate was self-evident.

As for the survivors from Sangshan Village, the prince's domain was vast and there would definitely be somewhere to take them in. However, the mayor's teenage son wanted to have some control over his own fate and begged Vice Commander Lin to take him in and train him. This could be counted as a sort of opportunity for him.

The Jing Prince was very busy after returning to the estate. He had naturally sent people to guard Mt. Dahei, and was waiting for winter to pass before beginning excavations.

Because the snow was heavy the Jing Prince hadn't sent people to explore, but just based on the Heishan County magistrate's information, he knew that the mountain was actually a silver mine. As for what it was like on the inside, and how much silver can be mined from it, the Jing Prince wasn't able to estimate.

But just this was enough to let the usually apathetic Jing Prince feel abnormally excited in his heart.

No one would feel they had too much silver, especially he who was extremely lacking in silver. In his past life the Jing Prince used to be impoverished. But since he lived very simply he didn't feel the lack of silver. In this life, he felt that silver was extremely important if he wanted to survive.

As people said, there were many things one couldn't buy with silver. However, if you wanted to do anything, you cannot be lacking in silver.

The Jing Prince seemed to be very busy these days. What he was busy with, Xiao Hua didn't know. All she knew was that he left early and returned late, and hadn't come to her room in a long time.

Luckily Xiao Hua had a stable mentality, and didn't have any unnecessary, distracting thoughts. Whether he came or not, her days still passed the same way.

Xiao Hua spent these days very peacefully and was also very idle.

When she got bored, apart from practicing her embroidery she would at most go to the small kitchen to talk with Nana He, or find Chun Cao to chat. There was one additional thing. As the Jing Prince exhausted himself mentally busying himself, Xiao Hua unavoidably had to give him massages.

Xiao Hua could tell the prince was very weary. His expression was unperturbed as always but Xiao Hua could infer based on his tensed and stiff bones and muscles. The muscles in his shoulders and neck were especially stiff.

Xiao Hua was aware why her daily life was so easy and comfortable recently. She couldn't help but want to do her best to preserve it and thus made a proposal to Eunuch Fu. Every day after the Jing Prince returned, he would soak in the tub for half an hour before she would give him a round of massage.

Eunuch Fu organized things well. Apart from making the necessary preparations, he had also gotten some ointment from Doctor Hu for Xiao Hua to use during her massage.

This night, the Jing Prince finished soaking and settled down within the inner hall.

He sat on the edge of the bed, wearing a purple light silk gown and white underpants underneath. Having just soaked in the bath, his hair was slightly wet and draped over his back, winding down all the way to his waist. His robes were open wide, revealing the jade-like skin beneath it.

Seeing Xiao Hua come in, the Jing Prince's eyes flashed and he shed his robe, flipped over and lay face down on the bed. Xiao Hua blushed slightly. She walked to the bed, took off her shoes and sat down beside him.

The Jing Prince's long dark hair was scattered across his back. Xiao Hua carefully brushed it to the side.

The ointment from Doctor Hu was very useful. Eunuch Fu was probably also aware the prince felt discomfort in his back and specially acquired it from the doctor. Xiao Hua used it a couple times in her massages and this time could clearly feel the Jing Prince was no longer as tight.

The ointment was clear and had a medicinal fragrance.

Xiao Hua dug some out, rubbing it over her palms before starting to massage the Jing Prince.

Xiao Hua was familiar with the process. After finishing, over half an hour had passed as usual.

After stopping she snuck a glance at the person on the bed. The Jing Prince happened to be facing away from her, and his breathing was steady, most likely asleep.

She carefully got off the bed, put on her shoes and was about to leave when her arm was grabbed.

"Sleep with this prince."

Xiao Hua froze and lowered her head, "This servant will wash up."

The Jing Prince didn't speak again. Xiao Hua was fixed in place for a moment before standing up and leaving.

An Chen had been outside the entire time. Xiao Hua went over and spoke with him in a low voice, and someone arranged a bath for her.

After bathing, she entered those purple curtains once again. The Jing Prince had changed his posture. His shapely eyes were closed, his chest was bare and the purple silk blankets half covered his stomach while his long black hair draped over the bedside.

Xiao Hua had always known the Jing Prince was very handsome, but this scene unwittingly made her hold her breath and her heart started pounding.

She blinked her eyes and took a deep breath before carefully climbing up from the end of the bed, lying down in the spot next to him. She was tense for a while, but seeing that there was no movement next to her, she relaxed.

This was the first time Xiao Hua spent the night in the Jing Prince's bed. In the past after serving, she had to return to the palace maids' room. After moving into the hall, the Jing Prince hadn't summoned her anymore, but went to her room instead.

It wasn't like they hadn't slept in the same bed before, it was just a change of location. However, this made Xiao Hua unable to fall asleep. It wasn't known how much time had passed when the Jing Prince suddenly turned over. Xiao Hua froze before being suddenly pulled into his embrace.

She nervously prepared herself in her heart, but realized that the Jing Prince didn't make any further movements.

Xiao Hua's eyes remained open that night. Only when the night was almost over was she unable to hold on and ended up falling asleep.

The next day when Xiao Hua awoke, the Jing Prince had already left at some point.

Feeling slightly nervous in her heart, she hurriedly dressed and went outside. She saw Xiao Li Zi standing in the hall.

"Eunuch Li, has his highness left?"

Xiao Li Zi showed no change in his expression. This was the expression often put on by those who served in the Hall of Splendor. He nodded his head slightly and said: "Miss Xiao Hua, his highness has left for the front court."

"Oh, I overslept." Xiao Hua said a little uncomfortably.

"His highness ordered us not to wake you when he left." Xiao Li Zi finished speaking and lowered his eyes.

Xiao Hua nodded and returned to her own room.

On the 29th day of the 12th month, the Jing Prince entertained the various officials under his jurisdiction in the Hall of Ascension.

As before, the same situation occurred where the crowd put on a joyous appearance.

The reason it wasn't held on New Year's Eve was because the prince had always sympathized with his subordinate officials. New Year's Eve was supposed to be spent with family, and there was no need to make them busily rush to the Jing Prince Estate for a meal, and then rush back again. The Jing Prince never liked such superficial displays, but since the other vassal princes would hold celebrations, he could only follow along.

At first he didn't see the point of doing these displays, but he had gradually come to understand. It was a display of his status as the vassal prince, and it served as a sort of deterrence. Of course there was also some coaxing the officials involved, but unfortunately he didn't know how to do such things.

Just as in his previous life, the Jing Prince had also not received an imperial edict inviting him back to the capital this year.

In his past life the Jing Prince would feel sadness at the neglect of not being invited, but after reincarnating he no longer had these thoughts. A child's desire to be loved by their parent was something everyone would have, but it was unable to withstand the erosion and passage of time.

If he wasn't invited then he wasn't invited. The days would continue to pass regardless.

The banquet on the night of New Year's Eve should be one where the Jing Prince spent time with his own concubines and wives. Although he never like such appearances, they were unavoidable.

It was only on this day when the Jing Consort and Senior Concubine Qiao, along with the two Madams Yu could openly enter the Hall of Splendor that was forbidden to them.

The feast was carried out via individual tables, where everyone would have their own narrow table in front of them filled with delicacies and fine wine.

The Jing Prince and Jing Consort Xiao-Shi took the seat of honor, while Senior Concubine Qiao sat to the left of them and the Madams Yu sat to the right.

The Hall of Splendor's main hall was vary spacious, making the few people seated within seem very sparse. However, there were a good number of palace maids and eunuchs to the side. It was brightly lit and splendidly decorated, but it also seemed a little cold and cheerless.

The Jing Prince didn't like clamor, so there was no song or dance arranged.

The Jing Prince rarely opened his mouth to speak, so no one dared to make the first sound. No matter how much these women desired to foolishly say a few things, they were afraid the prince would dislike it, thus they all behaved themselves and silently ate their food.

Every time at this occasion, the Jing Consort would never pass the opportunity to display her own status as the consort. Especially in the past few years, she had become more and more aware of how to do so. Therefore she took the initiative to speak, saying a few auspicious words and then giving a toast to the Jing Prince.

The Jing Prince gave a lot of face, and silently raised and drank from his cup.

The Jing Consort then condescendingly spoke a few encouraging words to the three others who were lower than her in status, toasting and drinking from her own cup first. Xiao-Shi finished her display, so it was now Senior Concubine Qiao's turn. She followed the consort's example, but added Xiao-Shi to her toast.

The other two madams followed along in similar fashion.

Afterwards, the hall fell into silence once again.

During this time no matter what others were saying, the Jing Prince only gave a glance or a toast, and otherwise didn't do much else.

The Jing Consort was dressed gorgeously today, a crimson robe embroidered with a golden peony tree, and a similar colored brocaded long skirt. Her face was brightly made up without losing any of her dignified aura.

She seemed extremely joyful, smiling the entire night and speaking more than usual. However, most of it was nonsense ranging from asking the other three younger sisters about their health or talking to herself with the prince.

The other three were somewhat aware of the Jing Consort's personality, and knew that her behavior was actually extremely abnormal. But what did that have to do with them? The three sitting on either side ignored Xiao-Shi's words, and used the opportunity to send flirtatious glances at the Jing Prince.

The Jing Consort rambled for a long while and raised her cup to wet her mouth, and spoke in feigned casualness to the prince: "Rumor has it that there's a new little sis by your highness's side. Why isn't she here today?"

As her voice fell, all eyes within the hall gathered upon the Jing Consort.

Rumor has it? Where did you here such rumors from?

Senior Concubine Qiao, Yu Jiao and Yu Rong couldn't make heads or tails of this, but knew that Xiao-Shi definitely had her reasons for saying this.

Could it be that someone had been arranged beside his highness?

Why did they not hear anything about it?

It had to be said that Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi were too good at keeping secrets. Another reason was because the other three didn't have much of a foundation within the estate, and were never favored by the Jing Prince. Naturally they were unaware of the inner workings.

Those within the hall knew what the Jing Consort was talking about, especially Eunuch Fu. He glanced at the Jing Prince and darkly pondered in his heart: could there be a traitor within the Hall of Splendor?

Eunuch Fu was normally a little indecent, laughing and scolding at his whim. However, there was practically no one in the hall who wasn't afraid of him. They knew that those who broke his rules would suffer a tragic fate.

Therefore, as Eunuch Fu's eyes subconsciously glanced around at the others in the hall, all the eunuchs and palace maids felt their legs trembling.

Dear heavens, consort. Who on earth did you hear the rumors from!? Our Hall of Splendor doesn't have anyone with loose lips!

The Jing Consort wasn't aware of their thoughts. Even if she was, she wouldn't care about it.

Ever since the time Xi'er met with Xiao Hua, the Jing Consort had been mulling over ideas to stop the situation from continuing. These days she had racked her brains without any success, and smashed several objects and decorations in her own house. There were a few times she wanted to ask the Jing Prince himself, but was stopped by Nana Li and Chun Xiang. The current situation was the result of her helplessness.

The hall was extremely quiet.

The Jing Prince didn't speak, looking at the wine glass in his hand with his head lowered.

The Jing Consort's face turned a little rigid, before letting out an even brighter smile.

"Really your highness, how could you hide someone away on this splendid occasion? After all, this is someone who had "serviced" you for a time." She continued towards Eunuch Fu, "Eunuch Fu, why don't you hurry and invite that little sis over. His highness is busy with everyday affairs and naturally doesn't have time to think about such little things. You should have reminded him. Speaking of which, wouldn't it be a little inappropriate if we didn't even manage to see her once at this gathering of sisters?"

Although the latter part was directed at Eunuch Fu, it was also meant for the Jing Prince to hear.

The Jing Consort's ability in speaking to herself had improved a lot recently.

When dealing with a man like the Jing Prince, this ability was a must.

Senior Concubine Qiao was better at this than the Jing Consort, so in the past she could be counted as the most favored out of these women. At least, the others had never been graced with the Jing Prince's present at night, and they naturally didn't understand this. The Jing Consort had learned a little, but unfortunately the estrangement from her past actions made it quite ineffective.

The Jing Prince indeed didn't favor the Jing Consort much, but on the surface she was still his consort. Especially since she had spoken out in front of so many people. Therefore Eunuch Fu was put in a difficult position, and his eyes involuntarily looked towards the Jing Prince.

The Jing Prince's expression was still unperturbed. Not even his eyebrows had moved. He had only gave the Jing Consort a single glance when she suddenly raised the matter, and hadn't changed his expression since.

The other three women now completely understood the meaning behind the Jing Consort's words.

It turns out that while they were unaware, the number of people by his highness's side had increased? It was still that saying "unafraid of scarcity but of uneven distribution". The Jing Consort's words implicitly and explicitly stated that they must see the person in question, and their own thoughts were naturally the same.

Only after understanding their opponent could they take the appropriate steps to solve the problem. Furthermore, they weren't the ones who brought up the situation. Even if the Jing Prince hated it, the hate wouldn't fall upon their heads. The three of them were naturally happy to watch the show.

"Since the consort has said so, this concubine is also starting to get curious." Senior Concubine Qiao had a coquettish smile on her face, and her voice was moving like an oriole.

The Jing Prince didn't speak and gave the Jing Consort another glance before nodding slightly to Eunuch Fu. Eunuch Fu sighed in his heart, and glanced at a low-ranked eunuch to the side who took his leave.

The hall was still extremely silent. Since this topic was raised by the Jing Consort, she was naturally fidgety while the other three appeared to be watching a good show.

The Jing Prince's dark glance inexplicably made the consort feel a chill. Although her heart pounded on the inside, she appeared calm and collected on the outside.

52

Today was New Year's Eve, but palace maids and eunuchs didn't celebrate it. Apart from receiving a month salary's worth of coins, a new set of clothing and one more meat dish in their meal, the rest of the time was spent as normal.

Xiao Hua also knew that the prince was accompanying his concubines and wives for New Year's Eve dinner, but it didn't have much to do with her. Knowing that the hall was entertaining a lot of people today, she was self-aware enough not to try and join the ruckus.

The food for the hall's feast was prepared by the meal management center, so Nana He was idling in the small kitchen.

All the people in the Hall of Splendor had gathered in the front hall, leaving behind a few strays. The small kitchen prepared a table of sumptuous delicacies, and everyone sat eating together. It could be counted as a New Year's celebration dinner.

Xiao Hua was over at Nana He's place at this time. A large round table was set up in the small kitchen's outer room. Those that weren't currently serving in the front hall or guarding the door were all gathered here.

There weren't that many people, a little over ten.

In the small kitchen there was Nana He and her few older palace maid Aunties, as well as Xiao Hua, Chun Cao and five low-ranked eunuchs responsible for odd jobs.

Today's food was prepared by a palace maid called Auntie Meng while Nana He directed on the side. Nana He was old and apart from occasionally preparing his highness's meals she would usually have her subordinates do the cooking. Xiao Hua only found out about this after getting familiar with those in the small kitchen.

After the dishes were arranged and the people were seated, An Chen came over.

Seeing An Chen, everyone was a little surprised.

Before anyone had a chance to ask, they saw An Chen's stern face as he spoke: "Miss Xiao Hua, his highness summons you to the front hall."

As his words fell, the kitchen immediately quieted down. Only the occasional sparks from the lamps could be heard.

"This—" For a time, Xiao Hua was bewildered and didn't know how to react.

Nana He was old and experienced, and knew that the prince definitely wouldn't summon Xiao Hua over for no reason. If he had intended to do so, she would have long been called over and not suddenly summoned halfway through.

"An Chen you brat, just what is going on here? Don't you put on airs in front of this Nana here."

An Chen rubbed his face and smiled ingratiatingly.

"Nana He don't say it like that. This little one had just come over from the other side, and didn't have time to adjust." He furrowed his brow, looked worriedly at Xiao Hua on the side and said: "Things aren't looking too good. The consort has somehow found out about Miss Xiao Hua's situation and suddenly mentioned wanting to take a look at her during the feast. She had spoken so earnestly in front of others, and her words were extremely reasonable, making it hard for his highness to reject her and thus he accepted it."

As Eunuch Fu's disciple, An Chen was still quite knowledgeable. The Jing Consort wouldn't have created this situation without a good reason. But the situation was urgent and his highness had also agreed, so they as servants could only come bring the person over. Moreover, they knew that once this was over, the Hall of Splendor would undergo another round of turbulence.

Outsiders weren't aware, but those inside where all clear on the Hall of Splendor's rules. If the smallest piece of information was leaked outside the hall, the one responsible would be put to death.

The situation with Miss Xiao Hua and his highness was only known by those inside the hall. Miss Xiao Hua herself as well as the low-ranked palace maid by her side never left the hall, which meant that the news had definitely been leaked by someone within the hall.

The Hall of Splendor had two eunuchs in charge of things. One was the Exalted Inner Manager Eunuch Fu, the other was Vice Manager Eunuch Chang. The one in charge was Eunuch Fu, but since he would often be out by his highness's side, the rest of the various affairs were handled by Eunuch Chang.

Eunuch Fu appeared to not be managing anything, but no one dared to say he was lax in his duties. He didn't care about the little things, and only managed things concerning the prince himself. Those who crossed a line with the prince would suffer his wrath. Those who suffered his wrath had tragic outcomes.

This was something countless old timers within the Jing Prince Estate had witnessed with their own eyes.

As for Xiao Hua, those with insight could tell at a glance that her placement was arranged by Eunuch Fu. No matter what his plans were, many could at least tell that Eunuch Fu had been in a good mood for this period of time. The reason he was happy had to do with this low-ranked palace maid Xiao Hua.

Those who didn't understand the reason behind it still pretended not to see anything out of fear of Eunuch Fu. Those who understood the reason were even clearer about the implications of Eunuch Fu's actions.

Only after everyone's hard work and efforts had his highness finally shown some interest, but the Jing Consort had suddenly stuck her hand in from the side. No matter what her goal was, the one who leaked her the information was dead for sure.

An Chen and Nana He were both aware of the situation inside the hall, and knew that things definitely weren't so simple. However, they couldn't say it clearly since there were others present.

"Lass Xiao Hua, you don't have to be scared. Go and reply carefully. His highness is there so everything will definitely be fine." Nana He could only comfort Xiao Hua this way.

Xiao Hua forced a smile and nervously followed An Chen.

The main hall was gloriously lit but deadly silent.

Xiao Hua entered from the side door, and upon reaching the center of the hall knelt and kowtowed in respect without looking at anyone's expressions.

"Blessings to your highness, blessings to the consort, blessings to Senior Concubine Qiao and the two Madams."

On the way there, An Chen had already given her a brief overview of the various people inside, so Xiao Hua did not leave anyone out.

The Jing Consort smiling face was like a flower, her attitude extremely warm as she said: "Hurry and rise, no need to make such big salutations. We're all sisters here so you definitely shouldn't be reserved." She indicated for Chun Xiang at her side to go lift Xiao Hua up.

Xiao Hua stood and lowered her head.

"Quick, let me take a look. I haven't seen little sis before." The Jing Consort spoke while motioning with her hand.

The Jing Consort's attitude was extremely friendly and warm, but Xiao Hua felt chills all over her body. She was like a rabbit running towards a trap with a vicious wolf chasing behind her. Even though she knew there was a pit, she had no choice but to proceed.

The moment Xiao Hua approached, her hand was grabbed by the Jing Consort.

The consort's hand was very warm, but Xiao Hua felt a chill penetrate her soul. Through her half closed eyelids she took a glance at the other. The Jing Consort was smiling amicably, but Xiao Hua felt something hidden behind her smile.

"Really good looking. No wonder his highness is keeping you hidden by his side without letting anyone see you. Tsk. Senior Concubine Qiao take a look. Isn't she extremely fresh?"

Senior Concubine Qiao smiled and didn't speak.

"How old are you this year?" The Jing Consort stroked Xiao Hua's hand and asked gently.

"This servant just turned fifteen."

"Oh wow, that's really young."

She truly was young, only fifteen after all. Really young. Compared to her fifteen years, the twenty-four year old consort was older by a whole decade.

The Jing Consort clearly knew she shouldn't be doing this, but her hands that held Xiao Hua's couldn't resist squeezing tighter and tighter.

Xiao Hua's hands were deeply in pain, but she didn't dare withdraw it. Her eyes inadvertently glanced towards the Jing Prince.

She saw the side of his face remain unperturbed as he toyed with the wine glass in his hand, not even looking in their direction.

"Such a delicate and exquisite little person, his highness is truly wronging you in his thoughtlessness by not conferring you a status."

This line left Xiao Hua in a predicament. If she agreed, she would be calling the prince thoughtless. If she didn't agree, she would be disrespecting the Jing Consort. Xiao Hua's current understanding of the Jing Prince's rear court was currently zero, and in this situation where she couldn't offend either side she chose to remain silent.

It had to be said the Jing Consort's ability to talk by herself was steadily improving. She continued speaking while smiling: "His highness is busy with official business and naturally doesn't have the time to worry about these little things. As his consort, I cannot be so thoughtless. How about this? This consort will take charge and confer you the status of concubine, and accept your service of his highness. Later on, move into the eastern three pavilions to live. Things would be livelier if all of us lived together."

She paused a little, and revealed a troubled expression: "I heard that you were a palace maid, and have only been in this estate for half a year. Our estate has its rules so don't be upset that this concubine status is too low. There aren't that many of us sisters in this estate. For example, those two Madams Yu were bestowed by his father the emperor, and so were able to obtain the status of Madams despite being palace maids previously."

The Jing Consorts words contained many things. She was saying that Xiao Hua needed to be conferred a status while mocking her background for being too, only able to receive a common concubine's status. At the same time, she also mocked Yu Jiao and Yu Rong, lumping them together with Xiao Hua as servant born, and only able to become Madams due to Emperor Xi's bestowal.

The ranking and number of the Grand Xi Dynasty prince's harem was as such: There could be one consort, two senior concubines, and a number of madams. A madam was the lowest rank of titled concubine. However, even if the ranking was low, at least it was still titled. Common concubines didn't have a ranking or record, and there could be any number of them.

At this point, the people in the hall had pretty much understood the Jing Consort's intentions.

The friendliness was fake, the kindness was fake, the roping in was fake, all the various excuses were fake. Only her goal in giving Xiao Hua a status was real.

There may be some who say that giving Xiao Hua a status was for her own good.

Whether it was truly a good thing, only the heavens would know.

Those present all knew that once a woman was conferred a status in the rear court, she couldn't live wherever she pleased anymore. She would be relegated to either the eastern or western three pavilions. This rule was initially set by the Jing Prince for the purpose of letting them know their place and not enter where they shouldn't.

Yet today, the Jing Consort had used this rule to slap the Jing Prince's face.

Of course, it didn't really count as face slapping. After all, her attitude was flawless and her words were reasonable. The only thing that could be criticized was her intent behind the words.

Those with good eyesight could tell that while Xiao Hua was in the Hall of Splendor, the proverb of "the moon shines first on the closest tower by the water" applied to her. The Jing Prince hadn't gone to the rear court in many years, so there was no way the consort would let someone remain within his reach take advantage. If she herself couldn't get him, she would drag everyone else to the same starting line. It couldn't be said the Jing Consort was wrong in doing this, but it would inevitably make others feel she was extending her reach a little far.

"Your highness, you wouldn't blame this consort for minding too many things right? It's for this little sis's own good."

Seeing the Jing Prince look over, the Jing Consort put on a slightly aggrieved appearance, giving off an air of "you can't fault me when I'm acting so magnanimously".

Xiao Hua looked at the Jing Prince, begging him with her eyes not to agree.

The Jing Prince however misunderstood the begging in Xiao Hua's eyes, and his own gaze deepened.

Since she had served him for so long, she indeed deserved a status. As for the words she said long ago about wanting to remain a low palace maid, he had completely forgotten about it.

But the Jing Prince felt that a common concubine's status was a little low. He looked at the two "madams" that he had relegated as random people. Could it be that having served him for so long, she wasn't even on the same level as those two whom he had never touched before?

"Eunuch Fu."

"This old servant is here."

"Her." The Jing Prince raised his wine glass towards where Xiao Hua was standing, and said concisely: "Madam."

"Yes." Eunuch Fu's clear voice rang out: "This old servant will arrange matters quickly."

Although Eunuch Fu felt blood dripping in his heart, he still decided to properly stab at the consort in return.

Who asked you to be a busybody, who asked you to use your words to lower others? What rule? Weren't the rules set by his highness to begin with?

The Jing Consort brought up Xiao Hua's insufficient status and lowly birth. Apart from mocking the two madams, she was also telling the Jing Prince that "this low palace maid's birth is low, at most she can only be fit to be a common concubine".

Little did she know that speaking too much rubbish ended up screwing herself over. While Xiao Hua's birth was low, it couldn't compare to the prince feeling that he didn't want to wrong her any longer. Although a madam's status was a low title, it didn't need to be requested from the court unlike a senior concubine's status. However, a madam would still be recorded as part of the harem, though she wouldn't be on the jade slip harem record recognized by the ancestors.

Seeing that this couldn't be prevented, the Jing Consort smiled a little rigidly and said: "Then, then we really have to congratulate this little sis."

Senior Concubine Qiao's eyes flashed, and her smiling face was like a flower: "Congratulations."

Yu Jiao and Yu Rong's expressions were a little ugly, but they still congratulated with their mouths.

Apart from kneeling and thanking the Jing Prince for his grace, Xiao Hua was unable to do anything else.

Eunuch Fu gave the low-ranked eunuch beside him a kick and said: "You shortsighted thing, why aren't you arranging a seat for Madam Hua at the banquet?"

This "Madam Hua" was called out extremely clearly, making Xiao Hua blank out, and also making the Jing Consort's expression even more rigid.

The low-ranked eunuch's movements were very fast, and things were soon arranged.

Therefore, Xiao Hua also sat down within the hall, her seat right below Senior Concubine Qiao.

53

Because of the Jing Consort's interference, the New Year's feast had several highlights, making it too much for one to take in. Xiao Hua however had no appetite and sat there with her head lowered.

Once the feast was over, the Jing Prince had everyone disperse.

The Jing Consort, having achieved her goal, didn't cause any more problems before leaving.

Senior Concubine Qiao and the two Madams Yu wanted to try and rope his highness into going back to their place, but the helpless Jing Prince retreated faster than anyone. The three of them also wanted to return to keep an eye on the situation and thus all hurriedly went back to their own pavilions.

In the Rongxi Pavilion.

Senior Concubine Qiao shed her outer robe with the help of her personal palace maids, and changed into clothes worn inside the house before sitting down on the couch.

"I must say, this Xiao-Shi was extremely active today. Turns out she was hiding such malicious intent."

Cui'er spoke to the side: "The consort wouldn't be trying to rope in that Hua, Madam Hua, right?"

Die'er gave Cui'er a glance and said: "Which eye of yours saw the consort trying to rope her in?"

"She didn't have any status before, and the consort helped her accomplish this."

Die'er couldn't be bothered to speak with Cui'er any further, steeping some tea and placing it by Qiao-Shi's hand.

Compared to Die'er, Cui'er was really dense. This was why despite both being personal palace maids, and both having followed along after the marriage, Senior Concubine Qiao had placed more importance on Die'er.

However, since she was someone serving at her side, Senior Concubine Qiao naturally wouldn't shirk from teaching her a little. She also hoped for her people to be a little smarter, making it easier to rely on them in the future.

Senior Concubine Qiao could also see from today's events that a wind was rising.

In the past no one was favored, so they had nothing to do with each other since there was no point in struggling. The sudden appearance of "Madam Hua" as well as the Jing Consort's attitude made Senior Concubine Qiao understand the situation.

The Jing Consort wanted to have her in the eastern pavilion. If "Madam Hua" was really favored, then there would be several ways to deal with her here. Furthermore, they could take advantage of his highness visiting more often and borrow some of that windfall. If she wasn't actually favored, well, the Jing Consort probably still wouldn't let her off. After all, this person had at some point appeared and served his highness within the Hall of Splendor for almost half a year. This was enough for that woman Xiao-Shi to swallow her whole.

Senior Concubine Qiao liked to take advantage of the situation. However, thinking of the person that made others jealous, she inevitably felt some anger and grievance.

"If this concubine was her, I'd definitely hate Xiao-Shi to death. What's the use of a status if one could be the tower by the water? Furthermore, if something ended up developing in the womb, would there be any status that was out of reach?

It was because of this that "Madam Hua" attracted everyone's hatred.

Earlier, apart from the Jing Consort who had heard about it beforehand, the others were all slightly confused throughout the event. If they were to go back, they would probably all react the same way as the consort.

Thinking of this, Senior Concubine Qiao let out a meaningful smile.

In the Hanxiang Pavilion.

Yu Rong and Yu Jiao were both of the same status, and in the same situation. Both had come from the palace and after getting to the Jing Prince Estate, they had been placed together and thus their relationship was extremely good.

The two of them sat by the fireplace and had pretty much recovered their wits.

"Where did that person spring out from? If it wasn't for the consort bringing her up, we would be completely clueless." Yu Rong spoke first.

"The tower close to the water, really makes one jealous."

Jealous was right, and the two of them were the most jealous.

They were bestowed to the Jing Prince, and he hadn't mistreated them by conferring them the title of Madam. Their daily allowances weren't low either. However, they always felt a little discomfort in their hearts at never being visited.

This sudden appearance of the low-ranked palace maid, who as the tower closest to the water had apparently served his highness for almost half a year, naturally caused their jealousy to shoot towards her.

"Where did this vixen come up from?" Yu Jiao cursed.

"Don't panic, the consort's scheme is a good one. It seems like this person will have to come to the eastern three pavilions. We can see how things develop from there." Yu Rong had always been steadier than Yu Jiao, and so she placated her.

Yu Jiao also understood this reasoning, but jealousy was hard to conceal after all.

After the feast, Xiao Hua returned to her own room.

Just as she sat down and before she could think about what was going to happen, the Jing Prince walked in.

Since the master was here, the servant naturally didn't have the time to worry about her own things and started undoing his robes for him. The Jing Prince had drank tonight. He needed to bathe and she helped him do so.

Having low ranked eunuchs come fill up the tub was Eunuch Fu's responsibility and Xiao Hua didn't need to intervene there.

She just had to help bathe the prince, and change him into his sleepwear. The Jing Prince then got into bed by himself. Xiao Hua used the Jing Prince's bath water to wash herself as well, and entered the bed after putting on her clothes.

The Jing Prince lay on the bed and glanced at Xiao Hua without speaking. Having served him so many times, Xiao Hua had also started to understand his mannerisms.

If she couldn't understand what he was thinking, then she didn't think about it. Xiao Hua got up into the bed and carefully lay down in the inner spot.

After lying there for a while, the Jing Prince still hadn't made any moves. Only then did Xiao Hua relax.

There had been a few times when the Jing Prince came just to sleep without doing anything else. The sensible low-ranked palace maid naturally fulfilled her duties honestly and accompanied him in sleep.

There was a foot of distance between the two of them, and both were lost in their own thoughts. Xiao Hua's heart was in chaos, but since there was an additional person beside her she wasn't able to focus her thoughts and think things over.

She was suddenly pulled into his embrace.

"Happy?" The man of few words suddenly asked, his eyes were apathetic as usual but were extremely focused.

Xiao Hua blanked out for a few seconds, half lowering her eyes and not daring to look at the person beside her. Therefore she naturally failed to notice his gaze.

"This servant is very happy."

Could she say she wasn't?

Anyone else would be happy right? However, she wasn't truly happy about it. She understood the consort's words. After being conferred a status, she had to move into the eastern or western three pavilions, no longer holed up in the Hall of Splendor. No longer holed up under the Jing Prince's wing.

Xiao Hua had always felt aversion to the so called rear court because she hated that sort of lifestyle. Living with these women without doing anything except struggle here and struggle there.

This was also why when the Jing Prince had planned on arranging a place for her there she had instinctively rejected.

It wasn't like she hadn't thought about her future during this time of serving the prince. But she ultimately buried her head in the sand and didn't wish to live elsewhere, and didn't wish to face reality.

But not she could no longer avoid it…..

In her past life she relied on the 4th young master's affection to survive a few years but still ended up dead. In this life, how was she able to keep herself alive? Just based on her brief interaction earlier, she could tell the Jing Consort wasn't simple. What was she going to do?

"You're unhappy."

The Jing Prince's words interrupted Xiao Hua's thoughts. She glanced upwards before half lowering her eyes and saying quietly: "This servant isn't…."

She felt the arm on her body unhappily squeeze her, and spoke again: "This servant doesn't want to part with your highness…."

Before she finished speaking, her face had turned red.

Xiao Hua's heart was a little confused, but also a little sorrowful.

Turns out she couldn't escape this fate in the end. In her last life she used such methods to win a man's favor, allowing her to have some backing. Could it be that she had to use the same methods in this life as well?

In the end she couldn't escape having to act as a chambermaid!

Although her heart was sorrowful, her arms wrapped around his neck and she buried her face into the blankets in his chest, doing her best to appear like a bashful little girl.

"This servant would be far from your highness after moving to the rear court. This servant can't bear parting…."

Such words ended up making the hands on her body move even more vigorously.

There were many things that Xiao Hua actually understood, but she ultimately still wanted to bury her head in the sand like an ostrich.

She also understood the confusion in Chun Chao's heart, but she stubbornly insisted she was just a low-ranked palace maid even if her regular duties were not those a low-ranked palace maid would do. Another day spent in the Hall of Splendor as a low-ranked palace maid was another day spent under the Jing Prince's protection.

The thought of currying favor or not didn't occur to her because she understood that a low-ranked palace maid was the lowest status and she had nothing to lose. Even if the Jing Prince no longer wanted her, she would still be that same low-ranked palace maid. She could rely on her own hard work and diligence to receive food and clothing. Perhaps there was even the hope of being released in the future.

But now her status was different, and her views had to change accordingly. She knew there was no room for her to retreat any longer.

Becoming the Jing Prince's concubine for a day meant becoming his concubine for a lifetime. She couldn't have any foolish dreams of being released one day anymore.

A concubine's only concern should be to properly please her master, nothing more. And concubines who lost favor after receiving it only had a few outcomes. One was that the main wife wouldn't let her off, another was to be trampled by the others. The best outcome for a concubine who was no longer favored was if she had a child. That way there would be at least someone to rely on when she grew old.

Although she had never felt herself to be favored, based on the Jing Consort's actions it seemed like that wasn't quite the case? At least it had been enough to become an eyesore for the consort.

Xiao Hua's words had been slowly added on. One reason was because she hadn't adjusted her thoughts yet. Another reason was to slowly gauge the Jing Prince's reactions. It seems like he was quite fond of hearing such things.

Seeing the Jing Prince react well to this, she then tried touching his body, although it was merely a little.

These actions were things she had never done in the past. In bed she had always been passive. But today, for the sake of the Jing Prince's protection in the future, she had to start changing.

Xiao Hua's changes were immediately felt by the Jing Prince. He thought that this low palace maid seemed quite happy with his arrangements today after all. Although he could sense her unease through her actions, was it only because she had to leave the Hall of Splendor?

Thinking of how she couldn't bear to leave him, some waves where stirred in the Jing Prince's heart.

This low-ranked palace maid never spoke any unnecessary words to him. Every time he came over, her words were extremely few. She wasn't like Xiao-Shi and Qiao-Shi who would talk to themselves in front of him. She was always very quiet, her standard posture was a lowered head and withdrawn eyes.

But he knew that she had a pair of very beautiful eyes. That pair of eyes would unintentionally let out glimmers of light, especially during their "intimate" moments.

The Jing Prince raised Xiao Hua's chin. That small face was very exquisite, the skin fair and delicate, her thick eyelashes half covering her eyes. Her eyelashes were trembling fiercely at this moment, but they didn't fully open.

"Look at this prince."

Xiao Hua's eyelashes trembled once more before finally opening up fully.

This was Xiao Hua's first time looking at the Jing Prince at such a close distance. Even during their more intimate moments, she had never gazed at him so closely.

She saw his high nose-bridge and jade-like face, his sharp brows hung above a pair of inexplicably dark and gloomy phoenix eyes. Those eyes contained the ever present apathy, and his expression was also calm and unperturbed.

However, she actually knew he wasn't as calm as he appeared to be on the surface. Because while expressions can be faked and emotions can be faked, the body was unable to do so.

Feeling that area which was pressed against her emitting heat, Xiao Hua's face still ended up turning red though she didn't dare avert her eyes. She could only look pitifully at him.

He looked at the pair of pitiful eyes, and also at her lips which were trembling pitifully.

The Jing Prince couldn't help but say: "Don't be scared, this humble prince cherishes you."

….

54

At the same time within the small kitchen.

After the palace maids and eunuchs earlier were finished eating, a new feast of dishes was placed on the table. This time they weren't prepared by Auntie Meng, but rather personally by Nana He.

Eunuch Fu stuck by the prince's side almost twenty hours a day. He only rested when the Jing Prince went to rest. Ever since the Jing Prince started going to Xiao Hua's room to spend the night, Eunuch Fu had quite a bit more free time. He just needed to instruct his disciple An Chen to keep watch and he could go take a proper break.

The Jing Prince had told Eunuch Fu several times not to tire himself out too much, but unfortunately he never listened. The days had passed in the same way for a decade.

When the people in the hall had dispersed and seeing the Jing Prince enter Xiao Hua's room, Eunuch Fu went to find Nana He in the small kitchen.

Life as servants wasn't easy. Nana He had already planned on having him and Auntie Qi come over for New Year's Eve and have a late meal. The few of them had known each other for a long time, from when they were still back in the palace. Their relationship was naturally not simple.

A table of wine and delicacies was shared between four people. Seated were Nana He, Auntie Qi, Eunuch Fu and Eunuch Chang. In the past, there would also be someone called Eunuch Su present. But this year Eunuch Su was busy outside and couldn't return home in time.

That's right, return home.

Having come to the Jing Province with the prince five years ago, these people had already started viewing this place as their home.

Out of these people, Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi had known the Jing Prince the longest, and could be said to have watched him grow up. Nana He was assigned over when the Venerated Concubine was first conferred her title, and had also known the prince a long time. Eunuch Su and Eunuch Chang were assigned to the prince in his youth as personal servants, and were now both managing eunuchs at the Jing Prince Estate.

Despite being people as well, eunuchs had no root, no parents, no heaven or earth. Apart from serving their master, they had nothing else. Auntie Qi and Nana He were also due to various reasons not released from the palace when they reached the age. Since they had no relatives on the outside, they also had nothing else to do but to serve the master.

Everyone here was in the same boat so they would get together every year for a New Year's meal and paint a picture of liveliness.

"Why are you so early today? What, is the prince asleep?"

Auntie Qi was well aware of Eunuch Fu's habits. If the prince hadn't gone to sleep, he would never have left. In the past, Eunuch Fu would always be the last one to arrive since he had to wait until the prince slept.

Eunuch Fu gestured with his hands, "He's sleeping, in that place."

Auntie Qi gave made an expression of understanding and pursed her lips in a smile.

Regarding the fact that the Jing Prince now had a low-ranked palace maid by his side, these old fellows were all aware. Eunuch Fu's initial plan was conceived with their help after all. Unexpectedly, his plan ended up bearing fruit.

"The matter over at Changchun Pavilion, have you looked into it?" Auntie Qi asked with furrowed brows.

This topic wasn't some secret, and was basically known by everyone after the feast had ended.

Hearing this, Eunuch Fu's face sank. "Not yet. This grandpa will let them properly celebrate the New Year tonight. Tomorrow, I will go deal with them. Let's see which bastard has such guts to reveal the Hall of Splendor's affairs to the outside."

The Hall of Splendor's affairs were left for Eunuch Fu and Eunuch Chang to handle, so Auntie Qi naturally didn't say anything else about it. She turned to Nana He and asked, "Nana, has there been any signs from that lass, no, from Madam Hua?"

Nana He shook her head, her eyes flashed before saying with a heavy voice: "Madam Hua suffered a lot when she was younger, and her period isn't too smooth. I am currently adjusting her body, but since she is still young things won't happen so quickly."

This time Nana He didn't conceal anything, and spoke plainly. After all, Xiao Hua had status now and could be said to have some backing.

These words were similar to what she told Eunuch Fu last time, merely adding the line about her suffering while she was young. Perhaps Eunuch Fu still wouldn't understand the difference, but as a woman Auntie Qi could tell right away.

"Can this be fixed?" Auntie Qi's brows were even more tightly furrowed.

"No need to worry about this, it shouldn't take long. I've already fixed it to some extent. Originally it should have been fixed in about a month, but after the consort's meddling things have gotten more complicated."

The room suddenly grew quiet. Even Eunuch Chang who had been continuously drinking and not speaking had ceased his sounds of alcohol intake.

"The consort's side probably isn't so easily handled."

These words weren't phrased as a question, but rather as a certainty. Having survived to such an old age in the palace, Nana He was naturally not simple. Despite Eunuch Fu not describing how events had unfolded, Nana He had already guessed several things.

"She merely doesn't want to see someone being the tower closest to the water, and at the same time by pulling the person over close by, she would be able to torment her however she wished." Eunuch Fu revealed a mocking expression.

"She's really capable. Who knows where she gets her confidence from?" Auntie Qi said.

They couldn't be blamed for talking about the Jing Consort in such a disparaging manner. These people had wanted to tear Xiao-Shi up and swallow her into their stomachs in the past. Although they were all servants, having followed the Jing Prince for so many years, even if others looked down upon him, they couldn't forgive his own consort for doing the same.

But they were servants after all and the prince continued to tolerate her. Otherwise, based on these people's skills, Xiao-Shi probably would have disappeared long ago.

These people had also seen Xiao-Shi's behavior improve afterwards, but unfortunately the first impression is the one that sticks. They remained respectful towards her on the surface, but none of the viewed her as a mistress in reality. Especially considering that his highness never bothered with her either.

Nana He understood their meaning. These people all had different personalities. Eunuch Fu was slippery, Auntie Qi steady and Eunuch Chang taciturn. However, one thing they all had in common was their ruthlessness, or perhaps heartlessness.

As people who served in the palace, apart from those they recognized as masters, they wouldn't take anyone else seriously.

While Eunuch Fu and Eunuch Chang were both full of smiles, and even respect towards Xiao Hua, in their hearts she was really just a tool or plaything. Her purpose was to serve the Jing Prince, and even better to give birth to an heir. The reason they continued treating her well and showed her pleasant expressions was because she still had some use as of today.

And now, Xiao Hua wasn't showing any signs of pregnancy and she was also being moved out. With his highness's apathetic nature, it wasn't known if she would still be favored in the future. Therefore, they didn't waste too much thought on her.

Nana He used to be like this in the past as well. However, since she was older and Xiao Hua would often hang out with her in the small kitchen, she still had some affection towards the little lass.

"I feel like you guys should still wait and see. Although his highness isn't expressing too much affection, it's clear that there has to be something at least. Her background is lacking. Don't let her fall into the hands of the Changchun Pavilion and get swallowed whole." Nana He didn't express much concern on the surface and only spoke evenly while refilling Eunuch Chang's alcohol.

Eunuch Fu placed his chopsticks down and frowned. After some thought, "That's true. What do you guys think?"

"How about we see what his highness says tomorrow?" Eunuch Chang had always been cautious, and his words were extremely cautious as well.

Auntie Qi interrupted, "Do you guys think his highness is someone who would understand these things?"

Everyone fell silent.

The Jing Prince truly didn't bother with such things, or rather it was that he didn't understand it. Having avoided people during the early years in the palace, he focused all his efforts on his vassal state after coming to the Jing Province. He rarely set foot in the rear court, how would he understand the schemes and interactions between women?

Eunuch Fu thought some more and finally concluded, "You guys observe some more. I will sound out his highness's intentions tomorrow."

The Jing Prince indeed didn't bother himself about such things.

It was clear that if Eunuch Fu hadn't taken care of Xiao Hua, she would probably still be wearing the regular low-ranked palace maids' outfit and her jewelry would still be the simple head ornaments she initially received upon entering the Hall of Splendor.

Now she had several sets of clothing, but this was still something within Eunuch Fu's authority. If she were to have more, it was something that had to be decided by the prince.

But the prince didn't show any movements, and Xiao Hua had never thought herself to be anything special let alone try to ingratiate herself with him. Therefore things remained in this weird state.

The next day, Eunuch Fu brought up Madam Hua's living situation in the future. The Jing Prince still said the same words, "Up to you".

After a pause, he remembered that low-ranked palace maid saying she couldn't bear being too far away and his eyes flashed faintly before saying: "Western three pavilion's first pavilion."

The western and eastern three pavilions were laid out in the same way. They were located behind the Hall of Splendor, but one was on the east side and one was on the west side. Changchun Pavilion was the first pavilion amongst the three eastern ones, located in the rear east of the Hall of Splendor. It was the pavilion closest to the hall out of the three eastern ones. The first pavilion on the western side was also close to the hall, located to the rear west.

Eunuch Fu's eyes flashed but he didn't say anything, merely responding with a bow.

According to reason, Xiao Hua's status today was insufficient to inhabit an entire pavilion. Even Yu Rong and Yu Jiao, although they lived together in the Hanxiang Pavilion, could only inhabit the eastern and western wings, leaving the main residence empty.

Eunuch Fu had intended to arrange for Xiao Hua to move into the Hanxiang Pavilion, but since the prince had spoken he naturally changed the location. Also due to the prince's rare consideration, Eunuch Fu's thoughts began to stir and he changed many of his previous plans.

Having sounded out the situation, those few people naturally split up to carry out their plans. Eunuch Fu naturally didn't forget to investigate the leak within the Hall of Splendor.

Having gathered everyone for interrogation, many of the palace maids and eunuchs felt unjustly accused. The weather was extremely cold and not many people had been going outside the hall. Even if it was for official business, there were always two to a shift, and almost no one acted alone. Everyone was able to provide an alibi, and Eunuch Fu also had his own thoughts. These people were vetted by him several times, and he was sure they wouldn't purposefully act out and seek death.

Having investigated thoroughly, Eunuch Fu's conclusion was that the news hadn't leaked from inside the hall, and communicated with Auntie Qi to have her investigate outside.

The situation with Xi'er coming to see Xiao Hua several times was naturally not overlooked. Along with finding out that Chun Xiang had bribed a low-ranked palace maid called Cheng'er, Eunuch Fu was naturally able to obtain the answer. The Jing Consort could only have inferred some clues due to Xi'er's repeated visits, and used the New Year's banquet as an opportunity to confirm her suspicions.

It had to be said that the Jing Consort's trick was quite sinister. Using just the slightest hints to piece together the truth, and using the banquet to bring it up in front of everyone, her words and actions irreproachable, making one unable to refuse her. If Madam Hua was foolish, she might even feel grateful towards the consort.

But according to Eunuch Fu's understanding of her, Xiao-Shi that woman shouldn't be so wise. Thinking of the few trusted aides by the Jing Consort's side, Eunuch Fu understood a few things. However, he didn't say anything, and also didn't go warn Xiao Hua.

Everyone had their own fate, and whether they could rise up depended on their own understanding. Eunuch Fu didn't deny that Madam Hua was raised by his own hand, but how far she could go in the future depended on her own wits.

While he, Auntie Qi and Eunuch Chang were all responsible for the estate's internal affairs, they each had their own roles. Those like them who served by their master's side usually wouldn't get too close with any of the master's women. This concept would be understood by anyone who had spent some time in the palace, and Eunuch Fu naturally understood this as well.

For the sake of his own thoughts, the small bit of help he had provided was fine. But he couldn't do anything beyond that, and Madam Hua would have to walk her own path.

Having gotten to this point, Eunuch Fu and Auntie Qi stopped investigating further. As long as nothing was leaked from the Hall of Splendor things were fine. As for Xi'er and that Cheng'er, Auntie Qi used some excuse to relocate them both to the laundry area. Of course, this was something that happened later.

55

The Jing Prince Estate's western three pavilions were built but remained empty, and thus were not individually named. They were collectively known as the western pavilions.

The western first pavilion's layout was similar to the others, made up of a main residence, eastern and western wings, and some rear buildings.

The Jing Province was located in the north, and the style of buildings were completely different from those of the capital, which had buildings with cold and hard lines, a dignified air and a serene feeling. Although the first western pavilion was in the rear court were the harem lived, the style was similar to that of the Jing Prince Estate.

The main characteristics of northern buildings were as follows: they were big, wide and spacious. It may be due to the fact that rich households here did not like extravagant gardens. Of course the weather was another reason. The first western pavilion occupied a vast area. In the center was an extremely wide courtyard with several pine, cypress and poplar trees and stumps, as well as several flower gardens. At the moment everything was covered by snow, and the courtyard scenery was not visible.

Xiao Hua was arranged to live in the western first pavilion's eastern wing.

It had three rooms, one windowed and two without. The windowed room was the living room, the eastern room was the bedroom and the western room was the sitting room combined with a study. All three rooms were large and spacious.

The east wing also had several smaller houses and a storage building. Despite being called the east wing, it was actually similar to a normal rich household's main residence. It was only slightly worse than regular palace halls since this princely estate was well constructed.

Although the residence had been uninhabited for many years, regular maintenance had never been lacking. With Eunuch Fu's arrangements, palace maids had started to do a thorough cleaning of the entire place. They had even heated up the house to remove any excess dampness. All the decorations and layouts were arranged based on a madam's status. Everything could be said to be taken care of.

Xiao Hua left the Hall of Splendor with empty hands as she went to her future residence. With her came Chun Cao, who also only carried some regular clothing for herself and Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua had actually wanted to bring all her clothes with her. Having stayed in the Hall of Splendor for so long, she had accumulated quite a few. However, Xiao Xia Zi had said that a madam had her own regulations, and once she arrived at the western pavilion someone would help arrange things for her. Xiao Hua didn't say anything further.

Eunuch Fu moved very quickly. On the fifth day of the New Year, everything had been arranged. The day Xiao Hua left the Hall of Splendor, the Jing Prince wasn't present. The room that Xiao Hua stayed in for so long hadn't changed, but was now completely empty.

….

The Jing Prince Estate rules stated that a madam had two personal palace maids and four low-ranked palace maids for manual labor. For Xiao Hua's servants, Eunuch Fu had especially instructed Auntie Qi.

Xiao Hua's personal palace maids where two mid-ranked palace maids called Ding Xiang and Ding Lan. Ding Lan was seventeen this year, her round face slightly chubby. Ding Xiang was twenty, her face delicate and pretty while her body was slightly thin. From their behavior it was apparent that Ding Xiang was in charge.

The four low-ranked palace maids were meant for manual labor, and Ding Xiang let Xiao Hua choose their names.

The Jing Prince Estate's rules also stated that palace maids serving by a master's side needed to take new names. Xiao Hua wasn't good with names and left it to Ding Xiang. Ding Xiang called them Chun Lan, Chun Mei, Chun Zhu and Chun Ju.1

There was also Chun Cao2 by Xiao Hua's side. Ding Xiang probably knew that Chun Cao had come with Xiao Hua from the Hall of Splendor, and let her remain within the residence to serve.

Once Xiao Hua familiarized herself with her environment and got to know all her servants, some palace maids came to deliver Xiao Hua's allowance.

In the Jing Prince Estate, the Jing Prince's harem would receive a monthly allowance and stipend, the amount of which depended on their ranking. Xiao Hua wasn't conferred a status in the past and naturally didn't get anything. Now that things were different, there was naturally someone arranged to deliver things.

The allowance was nothing else but some cloth material, jewelry, tea leaves, coal, make up and a monthly allowance of silver.

Xiao Hua's allowance was twenty taels of silver a month. Out of curiosity, she had asked Ding Xiang, who told her the senior concubine received fifty taels and the consort received a hundred. However, the Jing Consort and Senior Concubine Qiao was different from them, and had their own dowries. The two of them wouldn't care about this monthly allotment of silver.

As for Xiao Hua and the Madams Yu, they were of low birth and naturally had to depend on this monthly allowance.

The latter part was all based on Xiao Hua's own conjecture. This sort of benefit was similar to that provided by the Jingyang Marquis Estate in her past life, but the standard wasn't as high there. Although there was a monthly allowance, those who weren't favored would have their portion embezzled by those in charge.

This was also why Xiao Hua fought so hard for favor in the past, because she had seen the tragic fates of those who weren't favored too many times.

Regarding the Jing Prince Estate, Xiao Hua wasn't sure of many things. She didn't know if those who lost favor here would get their monthly allowance embezzled.

However, ever since she had entered the western pavilion, her surroundings reminded her that her status had changed. She wasn't the low-ranked palace maid of the past anymore. As the Jing Prince's concubine, while the benefits seemed to be pretty good, they were merely flowers in the mirror and the moon in the water.3

Since she didn't know anything at the moment, she could only calmly observe and be prepared to counter anything.

Everything was pretty much settled, and Xiao Hua passed her first day as the Jing Prince's concubine.

This day passed peacefully, and apart from feeling a little out of place and not used to having people serving her, there wasn't anything else.

Xiao Hua's meals here were prepared by the meal management center. Someone would go bring the food back when it was time. The food was plentiful and rich, at least more so than what she had in the Hall of Splendor, even significantly more than the Jing Prince's own meals.

When she first saw the Jing Prince's meals she had thought the estate was being frugal. Only now did she realize it wasn't the estate being frugal, but rather the Jing Prince himself being frugal.

Furthermore, Xiao Hua could order dishes. The meal management center would provide a menu to the palace maid fetching the food, allowing the master to order their meal the next day. Xiao Hua's lunch had been arranged randomly, but for her dinner Ding Xiang had asked her what she wanted to eat while listing out a large number of options.

Xiao Hua was never picky with food and let Ding Xiang arrange it randomly.

That night, after her bath, Xiao Hua lay in her own bed. Within the room there was an overnight serving mid-palace maid who had bedding laid out on the floor.

Ding Xiang said that according to the rules, all masters must have someone in their room overnight so Xiao Hua didn't say anything about it.

Xiao Hua was this sort of person. If there was something she wasn't clear about, she would keep her words to a minimum and let others arrange things. Although it appeared like she didn't have many opinions, it was actually just adapting to circumstances.

One's behavior had to change according to their environment. Although she had stayed in the estate for over half a year, in reality she had only been in the sweeper area and the Hall of Splendor. Regarding the Jing Prince Estate's other areas, she was completely in the dark and wasn't even aware of many of the rules.

If she spoke less and did less, then there was less chance of her messing up. Once everything became smoother it wouldn't be too late to change.

This reasoning was based on Xiao Hua's two lifetime's worth of experiences. In her past life she had ended up making a fool of herself by struggling against things she didn't "understand". While it didn't really affect her that much, being mocked by others would inevitably leave one feeling uncomfortable.

Several days passed this way, and Xiao Hua gradually became accustomed to it.

These days the Jing Prince never came, though Xiao Hua couldn't really tell if she was disappointed or hopeful.

Probably seeing her lack of energy, Ding Xiang said many things to her, such as how his highness was always such an apathetic person and would not come to the rear court for several months in a year.

Although Ding Xiang didn't say it explicitly, Xiao Hua still understood her meaning. She was saying that even the Jing Consort and Senior Concubine Qiao, as well as the other Madams, would rarely see his highness.

Xiao Hua didn't know if Ding Xiang was trying to comfort her or if she was perhaps implying that everything was relative. Putting it this way, she was actually quite lucky, having at least been able to see the prince often while she was in the Hall of Splendor.

However, Xiao Hua soon put these thoughts out of her mind because the Jing Consort had sent someone over notifying her to go pay respects the next morning.

All large households mandated that respects must be paid to the house mistress daily.

The Jing Prince Estate didn't have this rule a few years ago. However, Xiao-Shi had thought things through two years ago and started mandating all the concubines ranked beneath her to come pay their respects in the morning. Whether or not she came out to receive it was a different matter, but at least it announced that she as the Jing Consort was the house's main mistress.

The Jing Consort had sent her personal high-ranked palace maid Chun Xiang over to notify them, and Xiao Hua met her in the living room.

As the consort's personal palace maid, Chun Xiang naturally took care of appearances. At least the required respect was offered. Even if in in her heart she looked down upon and even hated this so called Madam Hua, she still put on a smiling appearance and spoke succinctly with respect.

Ultimately, Chun Xiang represented the Jing Consort to ask whether Xiao Hua had gotten used to her new place yet while at the same time notifying her to come pay respects in the morning.

The consort's status was naturally not something Xiao Hua, who was nominally a madam but in reality had no status to speak of, could compare to. Although Chun Xiang was just a high-ranked palace maid, she represented the consort at the moment and thus Xiao Hua was respectful in her speech and careful in her replies.

Afterwards, Ding Xiang stuffed a pouch into Chun Xiang's hand. Although there wasn't a rule requiring it, a little gift was usually appropriate in this situation.

Xiao Hua only had a smattering of knowledge regarding many customs. Therefore, Ding Xiang's casual hints left her quite relieved.

After Chun Xiang left, Xiao Hua sat there for a long time spacing out.

Why did she feel like the hyena was offering New Year's greetings to the chicken?4

These few days she had pretty much figured out the Jing Consort's goals that night. Without a doubt she just wanted her out of the Hall of Splendor. Ding Xiang had also clarified the estate's current situation.

The Jing Consort was not favored by the Jing Prince. Actually, none of the women in the eastern three pavilions were favored. The Jing Prince rarely came to the rear court, and was as she had seen in the hall, apathetic and ascetic to the extreme.

No wonder they would worry about uneven distribution instead of scarcity when they saw her appear as the tower closest to the water within the Hall of Splendor. How could the consort allow a low-ranked palace maid to stay and serve the Jing Prince if she herself wasn't favored? Even if that palace maid wasn't as favored as she had guessed, having her move to the rear court would still make her feel like less of an eyesore.

This was Xiao Hua's conjecture based on what she knew. What she didn't know was that the Jing Consort's thoughts were much more complicated than she imagined.

Paying respects was something that Xiao Hua had done before in her past life, but it was only a few times. In the past, the women in the Jingxiu Pavilion had never taken Qiao-Shi seriously, and this naturally included herself as the favored concubine.

Having been reincarnated, she once again encountered this "mistress and the concubine" relationship. But this time was definitely not the same, so she had to make the trip to the Changchun Pavilion. But what will she encounter when she goes?

At that moment, Xiao Hua really had no idea.

Author's notes:

Really want to say that this novel's main theme isn't household struggles. Some household struggles are for the sake of developing the male and female leads' relationship and plot. Therefore, there won't be too many struggle chapters. After all, this author is Xiao Hua's mother, I wouldn't bully the female lead. No need to worry about Xiao Hua, she's not a weak chicken.

Perhaps after reincarnating, since Xiao Hua has always been suppressing her nature, it makes people think she seems weak, and are very worried about her. Actually this isn't the case. Everyone has a hidden side to them, Xiao Hua has one too.

1-Spring orchid, spring plum, spring bamboo and spring chrysanthemum

2-Spring grass

3-Idiom meaning that the good things weren't real, merely illusions like the mirror and water's reflection.

4-Suspicious folk bearing gifts usually come with ill intentions.

56

"Does madam want to lean against the kiln for a bit? It's warmer than the chair after all." Ding Xiang's voice interrupted Xiao Hua's thoughts.

Xiao Hua's new house didn't have any heated vents, unlike the Hall of Splendor's which were always burning. However, it did have a heating kiln, and a charcoal basin was also burning, making it a little warmer.

Xiao Hua nodded her head and went over to the west room's window to sit on the kiln.

Ding Xiang was quick with her hands, placing a pillow behind Xiao Hua's back and covering her legs with a thin blanket. She then placed some tea and snacks on the kiln.

Having been taken care of so thoroughly these last two days made Xiao Hua feel as if she were a cripple.

However, she didn't refuse. She had also been served like this in the past as "Concubine Hua". She had two personal common maids at the time.

Xiao Hua also understood that having someone serve her wasn't just living lazily. It also symbolizes her status. Although speaking of status as the lowest titled concubine was a little laughable, it was still the difference between a mistress and a servant. If the mistress didn't need serving, what would the servants be good for?

If you didn't have anyone serving you while others of similar status did, not only would they look down upon you, even the servants would say you are petty and unwilling to be elevated. Those who were unwilling to be elevated would not be respected, and those who weren't respected would continue falling in a vicious cycle. Therefore, although Xiao Hua was not used to it, she didn't raise any objections.

Ding Xiang sat at Xiao Hua's feet, doing needlework with her hands while idly chatting with Xiao Hua.

Ding Xiang was a strange palace maid. Xiao Hua had noticed this herself over the past days.

Her words were few but every one of them had a purpose.

Perhaps Xiao Hua wouldn't understand the meaning behind her words right away, but after listening for a while she knew that she was actually filling her in on some happenings in the estate, and occasionally reminding her of some rules.

Ding Xiang was also extremely competent. She had taken care of all the arrangements for the pavilion the last couple of days. The work was perfectly divided amongst the low-ranked palace maids. Xiao Hua practically didn't have to spend any effort on it.

At the moment, Ding Xiang was speaking about the circumstances of the eastern three pavilions. Although her words seemed unorganized, Xiao Hua found out that the Jing Consort's health wasn't too good. She spent half of her time bed-ridden, so those who went to pay her respects may not necessarily see her each time. However, even Senior Concubine Qiao would go every day. It was a rule after all.

Rule? Xiao Hua understood rules.

Leaning on the warm and cozy kiln, Xiao Hua started feeling sleepy. Seeing her yawn continuously, Ding Xiang fetched a thicker blanket and placed it over her body.

Xiao Hua leaned against the pillow covered by the blanket and fell asleep soon afterwards.

She slept until the middle of the afternoon. When she opened her eyes, Ding Xiang was still sitting there doing needlework. Xiao Hua couldn't help but say, "Ding Xiang, how long have you been doing needlework? It's bad for your eyes if you do it for too long."

Ding Xiang smiled and put the things in her hands down. "Not that long, this servant wants to hurry and make a cloak for madam. In this snowy weather, going to pay respects to the consort without a top layer would be very cold."

Xiao Hua never left the Hall of Splendor in the past and wearing her old clothes inside the house was fine. However, going outside would be very cold. Xiao Hua had noticed Ding Xiang working on the piece of cloth in her hands a while ago, but never realized that she had long since thought of making her a cloak.

"Don't always do it yourself. See if anyone else is decently skilled and have them help a little."

"It's fine, this is easy. I'm almost done. Ding Lan and the rest are all busy since madam doesn't have many clothes. The cloth that was delivered needs to be processed quickly."

Xiao Hua didn't understand for a moment but then immediately thought it through.

Her clothes were all given to her in the Hall of Splendor. Although they looked decent, there was still quite a gap compared to those worn by the Jing Prince's harem. During the banquet she could tell that even the Madams Yu overshadowed her by a lot a lot, let alone Senior Concbuine Qiao or the Jing Consort. In the past as a low-ranked palace maid she didn't have to worry about these things. However, with her change in status she needed to have clothing that was "appropriate" to her new title.

Ding Xiang was silent for a moment, and carefully said to Xiao Hua: "But since time is so short, we might not be able to make it in time for tomorrow. Only this cloak can be worn."

Xiao Hua smiled and said: "It's fine, I'm not picky about these things."

Ding Xiang didn't speak further but Xiao Hua understood her meaning.

Places with many women had many quarrels. Furthermore, the women in the rear court were mostly vain. If your clothes were prettier, they would look at you in a better light. If your clothes were too plain, they would mock and look down on you. In her past life Xiao Hua had seen too many situations like this. A piece of jewelry or a piece of clothing could become the topic of many conversations.

After reincarnating, Xiao Hua had analyzed this situation. The women in the pavilion were too idle, and there was only one man. Everyone would be looking for bones in the chicken egg1, and if they could seize onto any weaknesses they would trample that person to death.

If you didn't get angry they'd continuously slander you. If you got angry, that was exactly what they wanted. The arguments in the pavilion mostly started this way. Jealousy spurred them to make trouble for others. The amount of favor available was limited. If you got a little more, others got a little less. Doesn't this make it impossible for them all to coexist peacefully?

Unexpectedly, in both her lives she ended up in similar circumstances though the surroundings had changed. She understood that she was now officially part of the Jing Prince Estate's rear court.

She didn't know if she could avoid struggles in the future.

Xiao Hua knew that this thought was complete nonsense. Just based on what she could tell from the Jing Consort's attitude, she was already sitting on pins and needles. As for the other three, she didn't have a clear understanding yet. But she could already imagine that there would be a hard fought battle tomorrow.

She hoped she would be able to deal with it appropriately.

Thinking of these things, Xiao Hua sighed once again.

Ding Xiang who was sitting at her feet heard the sigh and her eyes flashed, but she didn't say anything.

The Jing Prince was very busy these last few days, and didn't get any leisure time despite it being the New Year.

Reports from Mt. Dahei said that they had caught two scouts in the area. The Jing Prince viewed the place with great importance, thus the news was not delayed by the festivities.

Only now did the Jing Prince know that there had been people inserted into his vassal state. In the past things had been calm, but who would have expected this slight abnormality to flush them out of hiding.

The two of them were deathsworn warriors, and immediately committed suicide upon capture.

Since the situation was rather severe, the Jing Prince naturally started investigating things.

Regarding this situation, he wasn't too vexed. Better to find out sooner than later. This way he could make the necessary preparations.

Huang Qin was the Jing Prince's advisor. He held an instructor's position within the Jing Prince Estate. An instructor was a ninth rank minor official under the Adjutant's Office. There could be any number of them, and they were responsible for the upbringing of the vassal prince's sons and daughters. Although this was their role on the surface, most vassal prince estates had the instructors serve as an advisor to the vassal prince and help him come up with plans and ideas.

Huang Qin was over fifty years old. In the first half of his life he was an unrecognized talent. Despite being a scholar he hadn't even passed the imperial exam. He spent several years as a freelancer before finally understanding that he wasn't good at standard literature despite being highly intelligent. He was however very good at putting together plans and schemes. Thus he found his path, becoming a teacher or advisor to others.

Unfortunately becoming a teacher needed its own qualifications. Someone that didn't even pass the exam would never be sought after as a teacher. Even when he found a household to serve, it would be as a low ranking minor official.

Huang Qin had ambition, and was naturally not resigned to a life of mediocrity. Due to a stroke of fate and coincidence, he was snapped up by the Jing Prince into the Jing Prince Estate.

At that time the prince had just arrived in the Jing Province, and although he had been enlightened he still had several things dragging him down from his past life, and didn't know how to start fixing them. Meeting Huang Qin, he at first hadn't really viewed him with much importance and merely wanted to learn how to handle common affairs from him.

It had to be said that the Jing Prince learned a lot from Huang Qin. Although he wasn't good at other things, the prince still had a good eye for people. Many of the Jing Prince's initial policies were enacted under Huang Qin's advice.

After spending several years with him, the Jing Prince also understood that Huang Qin was someone of great wisdom, and naturally lamented that others were blind to this treasure he picked up by the side of the road.

From when he first started learning, the Jing Prince by now had mastered several things, even to the extent of surpassing his master. In these few short years, there were many times when the Jing Prince didn't need Huang Qin to help him with his plans.

Huang Qin was gratified at the Jing Prince's natural intelligence, and also changed his own role. Nowadays he helped the prince share some of his burdens and handled some of the more secret affairs.

If an advisor wanted to live a long life, he had to have self-awareness. When the master needed it, he had to come up with a suggestion right away. When the master didn't need it, he had to properly act invisible.

This was what Huang Qin had learned from his experience wandering around as teacher and advisor in his early years, but it wasn't much use in the Jing Prince Estate.

Having spent many years with the Jing Prince as both mentor and friend, Huang Qin understood the prince's personality to some extent.

The Jing Prince was a very complicated person. He was simple yet complicated.

He was simple because the Jing Prince's thoughts were simple, unlike others whose hearts were filled with suspicion and would always keep things hidden. He was complicated because after receiving his teachings, the prince had casually started handling things himself. Although his methods were often strange, these different methods ended up producing the intended results. This often made others stare speechlessly, and they couldn't help acknowledging the Jing Prince as someone wise on the inside but foolish on the outside.

Actually to this day, Huang Qin didn't dare say he truly understood the Jing Prince.

At first, Huang Qin hadn't known about the situation with Mt. Dahei's silver mine. Only when the Jing Prince had caught two deathsworn warriors and needed to investigate further did he notify Huang Qin, and have him assist in the operation.

If it were someone with complicated thoughts, they would definitely suspect the prince of keeping things hidden and being guarded against them. Huang Qin was someone with complicated thoughts, but through his many years of knowing the Jing Prince he came to a conclusion that would make others speechless. The conclusion was that the Jing Prince didn't think the situation was worth telling him about, since it was just a silver mine after all. Although the prince knew it would be extremely helpful to him in the future, it couldn't be counted as a major situation yet and merely needed to be kept hidden. The reason the prince told him about it now was also very simple. The Jing Prince felt that he didn't have enough time on his hands, and thus decided to delegate the task to him.

Having come to this conclusion, Huang Qin wasn't too bewildered. This was because from the years he spent with him, he understood that the Jing Prince was someone who didn't play his cards according to logic, and was someone whose thoughts were different from others.

Huang Qin moved very quickly, and used the subordinates assigned to him by the Jing Prince to investigate everywhere. Based on his analysis he came to a conclusion that was most likely close to the truth: The scouts weren't sent by anyone from the capital, or from the Jin Province or Qi Province. They were from the neighboring Yun Province, the Yun Prince's people.

The Yun Prince Luo Huai was nominally the fourth prince, one rank ahead of the Jing Prince. However, they were born in the same year. His mother had a poor reputation, and could even be said to be lowly. The Jing Prince's mother was first an attendant before becoming a titled concubine. The Yun Prince's mother was also born as a palace maid, and at first also given a titled concubine status. However, due to the Yun Prince being chubby and foolish-looking from the age of five, as well as extremely dimwitted, the emperor was extremely disgusted.

After the fifth prince grew up, things grew worse to the extent that after coming of age and marrying, he received another stain on his reputation as someone afraid of his wife. This ended up causing his father to demote his mother out of rage to an attendant, and the Yun Prince ended up much like the Jing Prince, also being sent far away.

The Yun Prince had always been rumored to be dumb as a pig and cowardly, but he unexpectedly pulled off something like this.

But thinking of his own situation, the Jing Prince somewhat understood.

When Huang Qin reported his conclusions to the Jing Prince, he was a little apprehensive since this was really unlike something the Yun Prince would do. However, the Jing Prince unexpectedly didn't have any doubts about his report.

The Jing Prince lifted his teacup, stirred the tea slightly and took a couple sips.

His expression was apathetic as usual, his gaze obscure.

"No need to continue investigating. The final few things will also be handled by you." The Jing Prince spoke one word at a time. Perhaps he wasn't used to saying so many words at once, so he spoke very slowly.

The usually taciturn prince would only speak a little more when dealing with official business or with certain people.

Huang Qin nodded his head and didn't ask why he shouldn't continue his investigations.

The Jing Prince placed the teacup down and walked outside. Huang Qin sat in the room and pondered for half a moment before his eyes flashed with understanding.

Looks like there was more than more person disguising themselves as a pig to eat the tiger!2

Eunuch Fu had been constantly waiting outside this remote courtyard in the Jing Prince Estate.

Eunuch Fu had served by the prince's side for many years, and there were only a few hidden situations that the Jing Prince wouldn't bring him into. Eunuch Fu also understood the reasoning, and didn't disagree with it.

On the way back to the Hall of Splendor, the sky had already turned dark. The Jing Prince had eaten in the front court tonight, and only needed to bathe and change upon returning.

He came out of the bathroom in his underwear, and after some thought the Jing Prince had the eunuch serving him put another outer layer over him.

The Jing Prince didn't speak, and Eunuch Fu didn't ask. He watched as the Jing Prince left the inner hall towards Xiao Hua's previous room.

Eunuch Fu's expression was awkward, and didn't dare look at the expression of the Jing Prince who was standing outside the door peering into the dark room.

"Highness, Madam Hua has moved to the western pavilion." Eunuch Fu's voice was very low.

He paused, and spoke again: "How about we go to the western pavilion?"

The Jing Prince didn't speak, and turned back towards the study.

He stood in front of the bookshelf, seemed to choose a book at random and started flipping through it. Out of the corner of Eunuch Fu's eyes, he saw that there was a small, small piece of paper inside the book.

The Jing Prince caressed the piece of paper a little, then closed the book and returned it to its place. He turned around and went back to the inner hall, clearly going to sleep.

Eunuch Fu sighed silently in his heart, and didn't say a word.

1-Nitpicking.

2-Acting weak to trick others into underestimating oneself. In this case he's probably referring to the Yun Prince, who seemed to be fat and stupid and cowardly but pulled off such a plot, as well as the Jing Prince, who seems to be slow but is actually very sharp.

57

The next day Xiao Hua woke up very early. After finishing breakfast, she armed herself to the teeth and prepared to go pay respects.

The Jing Province's weather was very cold, especially in the winter. The winters were long and it seemed fresh snow would always fall before the snow on the ground could melt. Xiao Hua was still eating breakfast when she heard Ding Lan say that it was snowing lightly outside.

Xiao Hua put on her small lined jacket and wrapped the cloak Ding Xiang finished making for her yesterday around her. The cloak was velvet on the outside and fur on the inside. She carried a handheld furnace in her hand and wore wooden clogs on her feet. Ding Xiang held a pale silk varnished umbrella on the side. By the time they stepped out, it didn't seem that cold anymore.

The eastern three pavilions and the western three pavilions: one was in the east and one was in the west. There was quite a bit of distance between the two sides. Xiao Hua rarely wore wooden clogs in the past, and with the addition of the snow she had to walk extra slowly.

By the time they reached the Changchun Pavilion, Xiao Hua realized that she was the last one to arrive.

She took off her clogs and cloak in the hallway and handed the portable furnace to Ding Xiang. Entering the hall, she respectfully saluted the Jing Consort who sat in the seat of honor and Senior Concubine Qiao who sat to her left.

"I plead for the consort's magnanimity. This servant concubine came late."

Ding Xiang had informed her of the required etiquette during their casual conversations. Within the estate, apart from the consort and the senior concubine, concubines on the level of madams would have to address themselves as "servant concubines" in front of higher ups. Xiao Hua knew how to salute, but since this place would require more attention to detail, Ding Xiang gave her a few pointers.

The Jing Consort wore a red silk blooming peony lined jacket, her face full of smiles making her seem very approachable. She seemed to have forgotten to bid Xiao Hua to rise, seemingly examining her appearance.

Xiao Hua was dressed very simply today, a small, narrow-sleeved pink jacket with a pale bluish white satin skirt. While it looked good since her age made her look delicate and tender no matter what she wore, compared to the rest of the people in the hall it seemed a lot more simple and crude.

Furthermore, Xiao Hua also appeared very plain. This plain referred to the ornaments and jewelry on her body.

According to Ding Xiang, those with a madam's status would be given a set amount of jewelry every quarter by the estate. Xiao Hua was newly promoted and had received the allotment of jewelry which were two golden hairpins, a pair of jade bracelets and a pair of earrings. However, this definitely couldn't be compared to the rest of the harem's accumulations over the years.

Especially today. Whether or not these people did it intentionally, they were all adorned in gold and jade, and dressed extremely gorgeously. Even the two Madams Yu were extremely dressed up, let alone the Jing Consort and Senior Concubine Qiao.

In comparison, Xiao Hua indeed appeared impoverished.

The Jing Consort's eyes flashed imperceptibly, Senior Concubine Qiao let out an ambiguous sounding chuckle and Yu Rong directly opened her mouth and spoke.

"This little sis Hua dressed really plainly. Hasn't she already served in the Hall of Splendor for a while?"

Yu Jiao replied with a smile, but there were barbs within her words: "Really, why would you say that? There are several types of service, right? Everything's useless if you aren't favored."

The Jing Consort let out a light cough and seemed to realize she hadn't bid Xiao Hua to rise yet, saying with a natural expression: "Little sis please rise and take a seat. This consort was a little dazed at little sis's beauty just now."

She added a "right, way too plain" under her breath, and then said smiling to Chun Xiang beside her: "Take out this consort's unused jewelry later, we can let Madam Hua take them with her when she leaves." She then smiled and said to Xiao Hua: " Hopefully little sis wouldn't disdain it."

"The consort's things are naturally all good things. This servant concubine can't express her gratitude fast enough."

Just based on this short exchange, Xiao Hua could hear the underlying barbs. However, she had already prepared herself before coming here, and didn't reveal any dissatisfaction in her expression. As for not having been bid to rise, it was even less of an issue. Her time spent training etiquette was not just for show.

She half lowered her eyelids and pursed her lips in a smile. This smile didn't seem fawning, but also didn't seem disrespectful. However, her words lacked just that bit of enthusiasm, making it clear to everyone that she wasn't really as grateful as her words made it seem while also making it hard for them to pick out any faults.

After all, what her voice truly implied required one to pay close attention to grasp. Those that could hear it understood her meaning. Those that couldn't hear it wouldn't be able to say anything about it.

While Xiao Hua was secretly sizing up how to deal with these women whom she'd have to encounter daily in the future, the people within the hall were also sizing her up. Just from this brief period of time, the Jing Consort and Senior Concubine Qiao could tell Madam Hua wasn't simple. Despite Yu Rong and Yu Jiao's naked mockery, this Madam Hua who was only fifteen was able to steadily respond, and appear respectful on the surface, leaving no faults to be nitpicked.

What they didn't realize was that based on the two lifetimes' worth of mockery and insults Xiao Hua had experienced, she didn't think much of Yu Rong and Yu Jiao's level.

Ding Xiang stood in the back and let out a sigh of relief at seeing Madam Hua's performance.

She had thought that due to Madam Hua's young age and inexperience she would fly off her handle at encountering this situation the first time she came to pay respects. Unexpectedly, her response had been very appropriate.

The past few days, seeing her quiet and easygoing nature, she had thought Xiao Hua to be someone without many personal opinions. From her actions today, it seemed like she was actually someone who was well aware of the situation. Only with such a master could the servant feel at ease.

The Jing Consort spoke again, saying situational words such as to 'serve his highness properly while keeping to one's assigned role'. Xiao Hua also responded with respectful words such as 'yes, thank you for consort's teachings'.

During this time, Xiao Hua took a seat below, and the palace maids in the room steeped tea for all the mistresses and placed it on the nearby table.

After the Consort was done with her speech, there was a bit of an awkward silence.

Senior Concubine Qiao sat there smiling the whole time without saying a word, her expression unclear. Yu Jiao ended up opening her mouth once again, "I heard that little sis entered the estate as a palace maid after being sold into slavery. Where do you come from?"

Despite being the same status, Yu Jiao was older than Xiao Hua by a few years and could indeed call her little sis.

Xiao Hua looked at this loveable and cute person, with fair skin and good looks, whose face was full of clear mockery. She fluttered her eyelashes and said: "That's right, this servant concubine was sold off into the estate. I don't have a home. When I was young, my hometown was swept away in a flood and I was sold off by my family."

The hall was extremely silent. The others probably never dared imagine Madam Hua would speak this way.

Normally when those who were born of low status rose up, they wanted nothing more than for others to be unaware of their low birth. Yu Jiao thought the same way, and planned on embarrassing her. However, the other party unexpectedly had zero misgivings about declaring it out loud.

Xiao Hua naturally understood Madam Yu Jiao's meaning. However, embarrassment was never given by others, but rather given by oneself. She was low born to begin with, and these people had probably investigated her background in detail. Why make a bigger fool of herself in trying to cover it up?

It was unfortunate she didn't understand this reasoning in her last life, and would often get into arguments with other over this. Having come back to life and encountering the same situation, Xiao Hua chose to lay it out generously for others to see.

At this moment the hall was extremely silent. The corner of her lips curled faintly without anyone noticing.

The Jing Consort saw that the atmosphere was a little frozen and said: "This consort just received some good tea, and could never bear to drink it. Today let's bring it out to treat this little sis, and let everyone have a taste."

Awkwardness could oftentimes be dispelled by taking a sip or two of tea to cover up a few things. Otherwise staring at each other awkwardly would only make things more awkward. Having some actions to interrupt was the best cure for an awkward silence.

Yu Jiao took advantage of the offered respite and raised her teacup for a sip. The others in the hall did the same.

Xiao Hua also raised her teacup, but seemed to have thought of something and placed it down again, saying: "This servant concubine heard the consort say that big sis Yu Jiao was a noble who came from the imperial palace. The palace must be really magnificent and luxurious, right?" Her tone contained some faint hints of envy.

Senior Concubine Qiao raised her eyebrows and gave a meaningful smile. The Jing Consort saw Xiao Hua's actions and her eyes briefly turned gloomy, lowering the teacup in her hand.

Yu Jiao put her cup aside, glanced mockingly at Xiao Hua and said: "The imperial palace's regal splendor is naturally not something a low born servant such as yourself could lay your eyes on…." After her mocking words, she carried on describing the palace as majestic, imposing and so on, as though she were showing off her own house while putting on a disdainful appearance.

Xiao Hua also put on an appearance of listening intently.

Yu Rong felt like covering her face, but also didn't know how she should interrupt Yu Jiao's words.

Senior Concubine Qiao's smile grew wider, but included a hint of derision.

When Yu Jiao finally finished describing what she could, she heard Xiao Hua say, "Big sis Yu Jiao is really familiar with the palace. Your family must be from the palace, right?"

These words made Yu Jiao choke up on the spot.

How could her family be from the palace? Everyone knew that palace maids were selected from the commoners.

The Grand Xi Dynasty had a selection system where the royal family's servants were all innocent maidens chosen from common families. The slighter better households would normally not send their own daughters to become a servant for others in the palace. Palace maids had to be twenty five before they were released. They would be old maids by that time, and a marriage partner would be difficult to find.

Another way of looking at it was that once you were a palace maid inside the palace, no one would care if you were a commoner or a noble. You became first and foremost a servant.

The meaning of Xiao Hua's words were very clear. Weren't you mocking me for being sold off as a servant? Weren't you the same? It was just that her method was much more veiled, unlike Yu Jiao just now who mocked so openly, making her seem vulgar and classless.

However, it was precisely because Xiao Hua's manner of mocking was veiled that her tossing out the phrase "your family must be from the palace" at this moment was a huge slap to the face.

Yu Jiao was a little dense, but not completely brainless, and reacted right away.

"You—-"

Xiao Hua took advantage of her young age, inexperience and sort-sightedness to blink her eyes in "confusion": "Could it be, big sis Yu Jiao's family isn't from the palace?"

Didn't she look down on her birth, and her lack of experience? Well, she was truly lacking experience, right?

Yu Jiao was choked up once again.

The Jing Consort stepped out to pacify things, "Alright, alright, this is the Jing Province's Jing Prince Estate, no need to talk about such far away matters. Drink some tea, drink some tea."

This was the second time the consort had said to drink tea. The one who needed this lifeline naturally took advantage of it, but Xiao Hua still didn't touch her teacup on the table and sat there with her eyes half lowered.

"Madam Hua doesn't like drinking tea?" The Jing Consort smiled and asked, her hands subconsciously swirling her own tea.

Xiao Hua's face was smiling, but said in an embarrassed manner: "This servant concubine isn't too good at drinking tea. In the past this one was a servant and couldn't have drank tea, only water. Moving into the pavilion, there was some tea given as part of the allowance but unfortunately this servant concubine finds it hard to sleep after drinking it, and thus stopped drinking tea. The consort's tea is good tea, but this servant concubine doesn't have the fortune to enjoy it."

The Jing Consort let out an "oh" and didn't speak again.

After a moment, the Jing Consort placed her cup down and said: "Time has flown in the blink of an eye, this consort won't keep everyone any longer. It's snowing outside and the roads are slippery. Take care on your way back."

Only now did the others stand and salute the consort once more before leaving one after the other.

In the hallway outside the house, Ding Xiang and Ding Lan helped Xiao Hua put on her cloak. The portable furnace wasn't as warm anymore, but still had a little heat. Xiao Hua clasped it in her hands.

Putting on her clogs and opening up her umbrella, Xiao Hua left the Chang Chun Pavilion with the other two.

There were two paths to take back to Xiao Hua's western pavilion. One was to go in front of the Hall of Splendor, the other was behind. The route behind the hall was shorter, and seeing the snow fall harder and harder, Ding Xiang carefully supported Xiao Hua along the shorter route.

"Madam is really awesome. I saw Madam Yu Jiao's face turning purple from anger." Ding Lan spoke from the side.

Xiao Hua smiled lightly and didn't deny anything, "It couldn't be helped. We can't keep letting others slap our face without returning the favor."

Actually Xiao Hua was still aware who she could provoke and who she couldn't. If it was the Jing Consort or Senior Concubine Qiao saying these things today, she could only have endured.

But Yu Jiao's status was the same as hers, and she was also someone not favored. Since she dared to act as cannon fodder, Xiao Hua would naturally use her to express her attitude.

Even if she needed to be sufficiently respectful, she wanted to tell others that she wasn't a soft persimmon.

With her new status, she naturally couldn't deal with things the way she did in the past. She couldn't blindly retreat, but also had to retreat. The space between was not easy to grasp.

Xiao Hua fell deep into her own thoughts as delicate snowflakes fluttered down. The air was filled with a soul penetrating chill that made one feel wide awake if breathed into the lungs.

Ding Xiang suddenly said to the side: "Madam, his highness seems to be up ahead."

58

What "seems to be"? It clearly was!

Xiao Hua raised her eyes and looked over, happening to see up ahead the Jing Prince taking Eunuch Fu back towards the Hall of Splendor.

The Jing Prince was wearing a black fox fur overcoat and a black fox fur warm hat inlaid with white jade. The contrast made him seem even more pale and handsome. Eunuch Fu stood to the side following along while holding an umbrella.

The moment Xiao Hua saw the Jing Prince was the moment he saw her as well.

Seeing the person over there dressed as a madam, he at first didn't recognize her. Only when that person raised her head did he see the delicate little face under the hooded cloak.

The Jing Prince's steps imperceptibly paused, and Eunuch Fu spoke to the side: "It's Madam Hua. This old servant sees that she's thinking of coming to pay respects. Should we stop for a bit your highness?" He added quietly, "The weather is cold and the snow covered ground is slippery…."

Seeing the Jing Prince come to a stop, Xiao Hua could only hurriedly take a couple steps forward and lower herself in salute.

"Greetings to your highness."

The Jing Prince clasped his hands behind his back and didn't speak. Eunuch Fu could only help alleviate the embarrassment from the side: "Where did Madam Hua come back from?"

Xiao Hua smiled and nodded her head at Eunuch Fu in salute, "Eunuch Fu, this servant concubine came from paying respects to the consort at the Changchun Pavilion."

After speaking, Xiao Hua snuck a glance at the Jing Prince. She saw his usual apathetic appearance and his eyes glancing off into the distance, seemingly not intending to pay her any attention.

She twitched her rigid mouth and bowed once more, "Then, this servant concubine will take her leave first."

After speaking, she pulled her hood down and left with Ding Xian and Ding Lan.

On the other side, the Jing Prince stood still a little longer before leaving with Eunuch Fu. Eunuch Fu sighed in his heart. This Madam Hua was simply much too dutiful. Why couldn't she come up and speak some tender and affectionate words?

Ding Lan seemed as if she wanted to say something, but Ding Xiang gave her a look and she shut her mouth. Xiao Hua kept her head lowered and didn't notice the expressions of her two personal palace maids.

Senior Concubine Qiao was supported by Die'er and Cui'er on the way back to the Rongxi Pavilion.

"This Madam Yu Jiao really made a huge joke of herself today. She wanted to step on others but ended up hurting her foot instead." Cui'er said quietly.

Senior Concubine Qiao smiled and didn't speak.

"The consort was really polite today. Normally she gives everyone the cold shoulder but today she was already waiting in the hall bright and early." Die'er said.

"She just wanted to investigate things, put on airs and make others feel uncomfortable. Only Yu Jiao that idiot would offer herself up as cannon fodder." Senior Concubine Qiao pointed out.

Actually all the women in the rear court had similar intentions, wanting to show off their strength to Xiao Hua. It's just that some did it openly while others kept their thoughts hidden.

The senior concubine belonged to those who kept their thoughts hidden, acting as a bystander. Of course this didn't mean her methods were necessarily correct. It could only be said that she left herself some room to retreat. Before the situation became clear, she would not offend anyone.

Yu Jiao was a little foolish in this regard. Just based on today it could be said she had become enemies with the western pavilion's Madam Hua.

In the Changchun Pavilion.

After everyone paying respects had left, the Jing Consort looked at Nana Li.

Nana Li had a calm expression and didn't say anything. She waved her hand to signal those unrelated to take their leave. She and three of the Xiangs supported the consort into the residence. Chun Xiang stayed behind to clean up Xiao Hua's tea.

"Nana, what do you think?"

Nana Li pondered for a moment before speaking, "She's not simple, but she's also a little narrow-minded. Her words were a little unrestrained. After all she was low born, and didn't have much of an upbringing."

The Jing Consort nodded her head. She felt the same way.

Thinking of Madam Hua's performance earlier, she spat out, "How vulgar, not caring one bit about her own birth."

Thinking how this person had been arranged to live in the first western pavilion instead of with Yu Jiao and Yu Rong in the Hanxiang Pavilion, the Jing Consort was extremely resentful.

"Nana, do you think her living situation was arranged by his highness, or by Eunuch Fu that old castrate?"

Nana Li pondered for a moment, "It's hard to say."

Actually the consort knew it was hard to say without asking Nana Li. They were unable to glean any information about the Hall of Splendor's affairs, and naturally wouldn't know who arranged for Madam Hua to live in the western pavilion.

If it was Eunuch Fu then there was naturally no need to pay attention to it. However, if it was the Jing Prince then she couldn't refrain from shooting the rat in fear of breaking the vases anymore.1 Due to this, the Jing Consort could only instigate others to act as cannon fodder today to vent her anger. Unfortunately her cannon fodder wasn't useful, failing to step on others and ended up getting mocked instead.

Nana Li also understood the reasoning behind this. She sighed and said, "It's a pity about that tea."

That Madam Hua actually didn't drink such a good thing because she said she wasn't used to drinking tea as a servant and would have trouble sleeping at night.

What kind of nonsense was this!?

The Grand Xi Dynasty had the tradition of drinking tea. From the emperor down to the commoners, there was almost no one who didn't drink it. Even poor families would buy some tea dregs to brew and pretend to be refined for a bit.

But for someone sold as a servant, their bodies belonged to their master. There was probably no household's master who would give their servants tea to drink. She was probably someone unremarkable in the past, someone who could only be a sweeper maid and unable to become a senior maid.

Thinking of this, Nana Li also spat, "Really a lowly brat. What a lowly problem to have."

She had no idea what his highness saw in that Madam Hua!

"If she doesn't drink tea, then this scheme would be hard to use." The Jing Consort said with a frown.

Nana Li certainly understood her meaning. The medicine she used had a taste that needed to be covered by something else. In the past it had always been used in tea, but since Madam Hua didn't drink it things became more difficult.

"What if when she comes to pay respects tomorrow, we give her something else to drink?" Xia Xiang had served the consort for a long time, and naturally knew about this.

"That's all we can do." The Jing Consort muttered.

Actually it could also be put in food, but the meal management center wasn't somewhere the consort could interfere in. Auntie Qi kept a close watch. Therefore she could only compromise and wait to put it in the tea, making it impossible to guard against.

Thinking of this, the Jing Consort couldn't help but curse that "Qi bitch".

She could only curse about it. Others may not be aware of it, but she knew clearly that as the consort she was just a figurehead. That's why she was angry!

Thinking of this, the Jing Consort's breathing grew urgent and she covered her chest with her hand. Nana Li and the rest hurriedly rubbed her chest and brought tea to calm her breath.

Xiao Hua returned to her residence, shook off the snow on her body at the door, and took off the cloak and clogs before finally entering.

The kiln and charcoal basin were burning inside the room, making it feel warm and cozy the moment she entered.

She took off her outer layers and put on something lighter before going over to sit on the kiln.

Chun Cao steeped and brought over some tea. Xiao Hua tested the temperature before taking a sip.

Ding Xiang and Ding Lan who had gone along with her to pay respects didn't ask why she was happily drinking tea now when before she had told the consort she didn't drink it.

When lunch arrived, since it was for one person, Xiao Hua had them arrange it on the kiln and didn't go eat by the table.

Ding Xiang suddenly spoke to the side, "Since madam has said she never drinks tea, the consort will probably offer some other drink tomorrow."

At this moment there was only the two of them in the room. Xiao Hua had let the rest of them go eat lunch.

She couldn't have others only watch while she ate, right? Furthermore, their meals were brought over along with Xiao Hua's own from the meal management center. If they waited for her to finish before eating, their food would get cold. There wasn't a small kitchen here so reheating it would be difficult.

Although Xiao Hua didn't say much normally, her every action was quite considerate towards others. She herself was a servant in the past, and naturally knew that serving by a master's side wasn't as glorious as it appeared on the surface. Having to eat cold meals was a common occurrence. She was just eating lunch, and there was no need for so many people to serve it. Leaving Ding Xiang behind was enough.

Ding Xiang's words were rather probing, and could be taken in a couple different ways. She could be saying that the consort was considerate, knowing Madam Hua didn't drink tea and switching it out for her. She could also be saying other things.

Xiao Hua's eyes flashed and replied: "That's really quite troublesome."

She grabbed her food, placed it in her mouth and chewed slowly before continuing: "I'm not used to eating other people's things before I figure out what's inside their mind."

She didn't look at Ding Xiang this entire time.

Ding Xian also half lowered her head, pouring soup for Xiao Hua.

"You don't need to worry about the meal management center. The Changchun Pavilion cannot interfere there. Just pay a little attention when it's time to fetch the meals. This is usually handled by Ding Lan. She is a meticulous person, and won't make any mistakes."

Xiao Hua received the soup and took a small sip.

"It's really troublesome. I can't be too obvious about it."

Ding Xiang didn't speak. She waited for Xiao Hua to put her chopsticks down before bringing over a cup of water for her to rinse her mouth. She planned to help wipe her mouth with a handkerchief afterwards.

Xiao Hua didn't let her, taking it into her own hands and wiping her mouth off herself. After placing the handkerchief down, she gave Ding Xiang a glance.

Her appearance was ordinary. She could at most be described as pretty, but she was filled with an air of steadiness from head to toe.

How could such a person have been arranged to serve someone without foundations like herself? She would definitely not believe it wasn't especially arranged by someone.

"Ding Xiang."

"Madam." Ding Xiang kept her head half lowered, stopping her hands' movements of clearing the table, her attitude extremely respectful.

"Who arranged for you to be here?"

Ding Xiang's hands started moving again. She only responded after a moment: "This servant was sent over by Auntie Qi." She paused a little and spoke again: "Don't worry madam. Ding Xiang clearly understands her role by your side. Auntie Qi has also said that madam will be this servant's mistress in the future, and that she had nothing to do with this servant from now on."

"Thank you." Xiao Hua said again: "Help me thank Auntie Qi." Eunuch Fu as well, though this part she didn't say out loud.

Towards Eunuch Fu, this person, Xiao Hua's feelings were very complicated. Her circumstances today were caused by him. During this time she had felt unwilling and had complaints, and as a servant who couldn't resist her superior she didn't feel resigned. However, being able to develop to this extent, she could do nothing else but thank him.

She also understood Eunuch Fu's heart, even if it was just a little. At least she could sympathize. She also knew why Eunuch Fu viewed her in a different light. It was all due to the Jing Prince.

The Jing Prince…..

Today was her first time paying respects but Xiao Hua could already feel the pointed spears.

Yu Jiao was brainless, but the other three she couldn't see through yet. Without even thinking about Yu Rong and Senior Concubine Qiao, just the Jing Consort's wolf in sheep's clothing appearance was more than enough to keep her occupied.

Whether there was something in the tea or not she wasn't sure. The first time the Jing Consort said to drink tea, she wasn't willing to suffer the same fate as in her past life and used her counter against Yu Jiao as excuse to avoid it. When the Jing Consort said to drink a second time, she thoroughly didn't dare to drink anymore.

She still had to go pay respects tomorrow. Would she really be as considerate as Ding Xiang said and switch her drink?

She didn't want to assume the worst of others, but this kind of rear court struggle between women was a battlefield filled with smoke and gunpowder. It was no exaggeration to say that it was a life or death situation.

Xiao Hua rubbed her brows in frustration, and let out a sigh.

Ding Lan hurriedly entering interrupted Xiao Hua's thoughts. Seeing her urgent appearance, she couldn't help but frown: "What are you panicking about?"

"His, his highness, is here."

Author's note: Please don't call the Jing Consort a dumb c*nt. As someone who wants to give birth to a child but can't, and is unwilling to see someone else give birth to one, it's logical they would act this way. Looking ahead….see you tomorrow.

1-Not acting against something in fear of harming bystanders/innocents.

59

Hearing ding lan's words, both Xiao Hua and Ding Xiang spaced out.

Ding Xiang's reactions were especially fast, handing over her work to Ding Lan, wiping off her hands and swiftly putting Xiao Hua's shoes on for her.

Xiao Hua walked out of the western room into the living room, and saw the Jing Prince walk in with Eunuch Fu. Eunuch Fu was brushing off the snow on his overcoat.

"Greetings to your highness."

Xiao Hua performed a salute while Eunuch Fu helped the prince out of his coat. The Prince lifted a hand and Xiao Hua raised herself up to give Eunuch Fu a hand.

After the Jing Prince took off his coat, he took a look around and walked towards the western room.

While the Jing Prince sat on one side and Ding Lan brought him some tea, some low-ranked eunuchs brought over a bunch of things from the other side.

Xiao Hua took a look and saw that it was all the Jing Prince's indoor clothing, shoes and things like that. She didn't say anything, helping him out of his thick outerwear and change into something lighter.

The Hall of Splendor didn't have a kiln, but Xiao Hua saw that the Jing Prince didn't seem unfamiliar with it. He took his shoes off and sat cross-legged on the kiln.

The servants in the room all took their leave. Eunuch Fu and Ding Xiang stood some distance away by the door.

The Jing Prince drank tea from his teacup. Xiao Hua didn't know what to do at that moment, and sat down sideways on the kiln.

"Eunuch Fu."

"Highness?"

The Jing Prince's eyes signaled, and Eunuch Fu had Ding Xiang and others remove the kiln table Xiao Hua was eating her lunch on.

The Jing Prince first looked at the kiln which had two of Xiao Hua's pillows on it. He leaned against it and gave Xiao Hua a glance.

"Shoulders."

With just one word, Xiao Hua knew that the Jing Prince's shoulders were feeling uncomfortable.

She muttered irresolutely before saying: "Please wait your highness. This servant concubine will have them bring over two more charcoal basins."

There were no heated vents in the house, and it wasn't too warm. Having massaged the Jing Prince many times, Xiao Hua would always have him wear one layer to make it easier to do so.

Once the charcoal basins were brought over the western room's temperature quickly turned warmer. Xiao Hua helped the Jing Prince take off an outer layer, leaving only the inner silk robe.

The Jing Prince lay prone on the kiln, grabbed himself one of the thinner pillows and buried his face in it. Xiao Hua also had Ding Xiang help her out of her lined jacket, leaving only a loose skirt jacket.

The work was familiar. Despite the location being different, Xiao Hua found it quite easy to adapt. She warmed her hands up by rubbing them and knelt beside the Jing Prince on the kiln, starting to slowly knead his back and shoulders.

She didn't know if it was because she hadn't massaged him in a several days, but Xiao Hua felt that his muscles were extremely tight. She slowly rubbed them loose. Xiao Hua then put her hands on the Jing Prince's shoulder blades.

She thought a little and spoke: "Highness, do your shoulders feel uncomfortable? What about your neck?"

She remembered the notes mentioning that normally when the shoulders were uncomfortable, the neck would also be affected. In the past she didn't dare ask, but now the thought of earning some favor crossed her mind. She also wanted to spark some conversation between the prince and herself. She felt that the constant silence needed to be addressed.

"Uncomfortable."

The prince only spoke after a long while.

Xiao Hua was pleased in her heart. The fact that he responded was good, right?

She slowly moved her hands to the Jing Prince's neck. She felt the muscles under her hands tense up and then relax again. She gently sucked in a breath and started to slowly massage.

The Jing Prince's neck was very hard. After she loosened it up, she started pressing along the bone, using more strength when she felt a knot.

"Highness, tell this servant concubine if it hurts."

The Jing Prince didn't make a sound. Xiao Hua slowly continued, massaging along the bone little by little. Once she felt everything had been loosened up, she moved her hands to the shoulders.

This was Xiao Hua's first time giving him a full body massage. She moved from the neck to the shoulders, then to his lower back, his thighs and calves and finally his feet.

In her past life she had only massaged the 4th young master the same way she had previously massaged the prince: only shoulders and back. She never massaged anywhere else since her thoughts weren't innocent at that time, not focusing on the massage. Furthermore, there weren't too many problems with the 4th young master's body.

Having massaged the prince several times after entering the Hall of Splendor, Xiao Hua felt that he had a certain amount of fatigue and damage in his muscles and bones. Therefore she wanted to help him loosen up properly.

Once she was done massaging everything, an hour had already passed. Xiao Hua was extremely tired. This was her first time being so tired after massaging the Jing Prince.

She wiped the sweat off her brows and waved at Ding Xiang to bring her a cup of water. Only after drinking it down did she feel less tired.

The Jing Prince flipped over on the kiln and lay on his back. His didn't open his eyes and didn't seem to be planning on getting up.

Xiao Hua signaled with her eyes and Ding Xiang ran off to grab some blankets.

Xiao Hua attentively covered the Jing Prince and signaled Ding Xiang once again to remove one of the charcoal basins. Before she could finish adjusting the blankets, she was pulled on top of them.

Xiao Hua quietly cried out, "Highness." The Jing Prince didn't respond. His eyes were still shut, and he didn't remove the hand on her waist. He merely lifted the blankets and pulled her into his embrace.

Xiao Hu could only curl up in his arms and wrap themselves up with the blanket.

After cuddling for a while, it became warm and cozy inside the blankets. She also felt tired and sleepy, so she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

…..

Seeing them quietly fall asleep, Eunuch Fu and Ding Xiang lightly stepped outside.

Ding Xiang lowered her voice and said: "Eunuch Fu, sit for a bit. There's a charcoal basin here and it's warm." She signaled Ding Lan to bring Eunuch Fu some tea and snacks.

Eunuch Fu didn't refuse and sat down in one of the chairs outside, closing his eyes for a nap.

The other palace maids in the house all moved softly and quietly at seeing his highness and the madam sleeping, but the smiles on their faces couldn't be suppressed.

It wasn't known how long they slept for, but when Xiao Hua woke up and opened her eyes, they happened to meet the Jing Prince's.

Oh no! She had actually woken up later than the prince!

Xiao Hua stammered in a low voice, "Highness, umm, this servant concubine didn't do it on purpose." She looked around. The lamps had already been lit in the room outside, whereas their room remained dark. However, the light passed through so it wasn't too dark.

She felt a large palm squeeze her body before the Jing Prince lifted the blankets and sat up. Xiao Hua sat up as well, and softly called Ding Xiang over to light the lamps.

The room immediately brightened, and Eunuch Fu also walked in.

"Highness, it's already dinner time. How about we eat here tonight."

The Jing Prince gave him a glance and nodded.

Eunuch Fu went to arrange things and Xiao Hua helped the Jing Prince put on a layer of clothes. She herself put on her lined jacket.

Having been too warm while sleeping, she felt extremely thirsty.

"Ding Xiang, bring me a cup of warm water and bring his highness some tea."

Xiao Hua liked drinking warm water, and felt it was more thirst quenching than tea. She knew however that the Jing Prince loved tea.

The two of them drank and Xiao Hua had Ding Xiang bring over a comb. The Jing Prince had slept with his crown on and she saw that it had become extremely crooked. However, this made the Jing Prince look less like his usual apathetic self and more approachable instead.

"Let this servant concubine help your highness straighten out your hair."

Xiao Hua didn't tell the Jing Prince his crown was crooked. The Jing Prince used his fingers to feel around and realized what this low-ranked palace maid meant.

He gave her a glance and nodded his head.

Xiao Hua took the jade crown off and released his hair while slowly combing it. The Jing Prince's hair was well maintained. The waist-length hair was black, thick and bright.

"Leave it down and tie it."

Having just finished tying the Jing Prince's hair on this side, dinner was brought over on the other side.

Eunuch Fu directly placed the food onto the kiln table along with two bowls and two sets of chopsticks. The food was also very simple. The Jing Prince normally had five dishes and a soup. With the addition of Xiao Hua, two more dishes were added.

This was Xiao Hua's first time eating with the Jing Prince. She was a little reserved, but apart from keeping her eyes lowered and not daring to look at him, as well as occasionally serving him and then eating some herself, there wasn't really much to it.

After they were done with the meal, the kiln table was cleared away and they both rinsed their mouths. Eunuch Fu, who was a man of many talents, conjured up a few books and placed them by the Jing Prince's hand. The Jing Prince leaned against the pillow with one leg stretched out and the other half bent, and started flipping through a book in his hands while appearing to be very comfortable.

Xiao Hua who was sitting on the side didn't know what to do. However, she knew the prince's personality so she sat quietly by his side.

Eunuch Fu and Ding Xiang left for a little bit before the two of them returned. Ding Xiang approached Xiao Hua's side and pulled on her. Xiao Hua gave the Jing Prince a glance and followed her outside.

"Madam, it appears to this servant that his highness isn't planning on leaving tonight. Would you like to take a bath first?"

Xiao Hua's face immediately turned red, but she still nodded her head.

Ding Xiang put some dried flower petals in the bathtub. Xiao Hua felt that her body was extremely fragrant after her bath. While she bathed, Ding Lan also helped Xiao Hua wash her hair.

After she was done, Ding Xiang used a steamer1 decorated with golden crabapple flowers to dry Xiao Hua's hair around eighty to ninety percent, and combed it straight. Xiao Hua went back to the western room with her hair down.

Xiao Hua's appearance was suggested by Ding Xiang. She said that madam looked extremely beautiful this way, making Xiao Hua's face and neck blush in embarrassment, though she still took her advice.

Returning to sit in her old spot, Xiao Hua felt the Jing Prince's eyes hovering over herself.

Not knowing if he could tell she had purposefully appeared this way, Xiao Hua's heart started pounding.

After sitting for a little longer, the Jing Prince put down the book in his hands and got off the kiln. Xiao Hua followed behind him at a slight distance into the bedroom.

There was also a warm kiln in the bedroom, making it warm and cozy. A series of lamps burnt in the room's corner, bathing the room in their light. A few eunuchs were already waiting inside. Xiao Hua recognized them as the few who normally served the Jing Prince closely.

With the help of these low-ranked eunuchs, the Jing Prince freshened up. Xiao Hua saw there wasn't any room for her to help and sat down at the makeup stand. She used a brush in her hand and pretended to brush her hair while her heart was actually beating heavily.

She was inexplicably nervous in her heart. Xiao Hua comforted herself not to be so nervous. Didn't this happen before in the Hall of Splendor? Thinking of this, she felt less panicked.

After they were done, they blew out all the lamps except one and left one after the other.

Xiao Hua snuck a glance over and saw the Jing Prince already sitting on the edge of the bed. She paused a little, put down her brush and walked over.

"Why nervous?"

Xiao Hua pulled at her sleeves, "Not, I'm not," But not wanting the Jing Prince to think her words and actions didn't match, she quietly said: "This servant concubine is a little nervous."

She was pulled over to him, "Don't be scared, this prince cherishes you."

Every time she heard those words, Xiao Hua didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. She also didn't know where the Jing Prince learned this teasing phrase. Especially since when he said it, his face would be completely expressionless and very serious, making one feel even more like laughing.

With this interruption, Xiao Hua was no longer nervous.

She knew that she should properly serve the prince at this moment. With her new status, others were eying her covetously, and the only shelter she could find was with the Jing Prince. Therefore, the Jing Prince coming today caused her to be a little astonished but also pleasantly surprised.

Xiao Hua also knew the concept of refraining from acting against evil in fear of collateral damage. Currently she and the other women were still in the initial phases of probing each other, and having some extra protection would always be a good thing.

Thinking of this, she secretly raised her eyelids and threw a glance at the Jing Prince before smoothly sitting into his lap. Her hands gently wrapped around his neck.

She carefully moved closer, and feeling a lack of resistance, she slowly buried her face into his neck. She rubbed her face against his neck a little and softly mumbled "Highness—-"

This was something the Jing Prince hadn't experienced before. In his two lifetimes, none of his concubines or those by his side had ever acted this way.

When he was still in the imperial palace, there were still some palace maids who used various methods to try and seduce him. But he only felt disgust and revulsion towards their actions. This is also why he didn't like having palace maids serve him closely, and used eunuchs instead. Otherwise there would be too much restlessness.

But at this moment he actually felt his heart tremble. He already felt that this low-ranked palace maid seemed very likeable, and her current cute and lovable actions made one feel like hugging her to death.

His mouth involuntarily took a bite of her fair and slender neck, the very gentle kind. She responded with a soft cry, looked at him with eyes that were both bashful and lovable.

The Jing Prince froze a little and was unable to react. However he still followed his desires, wrapped around her waist and pressed her down….

Looks like a heated meshed kind of thing used to dry clothes and I guess hair in ancient times.

60

The Jing Prince woke up very early. He had the habit of waking up around six in the morning.

In the mornings he usually practiced his martial arts for an hour. In his past life he was prevented from learning it, so he found himself an instructor in this life once he got to the Jing Province.

As of today, while he wasn't an expert, he could at least defend himself.

Based on his present status, he actually didn't need to work so hard. But the Jing Prince was a straightforward person, and could even be said to be stubborn. He felt he had been lacking in many places in his past life, and wanted to improve them one by one. Even if he had missed the optimal age for learning martial arts, he still wanted to train. Might as well treat it as training his body.

The Jing Prince always did things meticulously. Although he didn't enjoy speaking, his way of handling things always made people feel this way. It was just due to his status and his eccentricity that others felt it was hard to understand him. For example, his habit of practicing martial arts was like this. He would never be early or late, and would always show up to the martial training grounds at exactly the same time.

At this time he should be getting up, and he also heard Eunuch Fu's soft footsteps outside. However, he didn't want to get up.

He felt the gentle, fragrant softness next to him, and he suddenly recalled the words of a great poet of the previous dynasty.

Nights of passion were bitterly short, day has already risen. The monarch stopped holding morning court ever since.

He wasn't a monarch, but still inexplicably had these thoughts and emotions.

He used the faint light to look at the sleeping face of the person next to him.

He wasn't able to recall when he became so used to this low-ranked palace maid's presence, as if she had just mysteriously appeared at his side. At first he hadn't paid any attention to her. It was only because of Eunuch Fu adding fuel to the fire and also because of her decent massage skills. However, slowly, slowly he realized that she became more and more eye-catching.

He didn't enjoy feminine charms, but repeatedly spent the night with her. He pondered it deeply. It seemed that ever since she started massaging him, she had broken through a barrier.

Nowadays he still felt his views towards feminine charms hadn't changed. His moments of impulse were moments that all young men had, and he thought it was because he had abstained for too long that he would do such things.

As for the reason he came to the western pavilion, he thought it was because he had gotten used to it. After all, her services and behavior still suited his tastes quite well. At least it didn't annoy him the way other people did.

The Jing Prince had just stirred when the person next to him subconsciously curled up in his chest and rubbed against him a little.

Looking at the small figure in his arms, he felt this scene and atmosphere was really testing one's willpower.

But he was Luo Jing, and his self-control had always been very good. Therefore he only paused, and didn't delay waking up any further. He didn't realize that his actions in letting go of the person were very gentle and cautious.

He thought it was because he had tired her out last night and didn't want to wake her.

Yes, that's what it was.

The Jing Prince once again thought of her face last night that seemed to be crying yet not actually crying as she pleaded with him….

Eunuch Fu sensed movement inside the room and quietly walked in.

"Highness, you're not going to sleep a little longer?"

The Jing Prince felt that he heard hints of disappointment in Eunuch Fu's voice and gave him a glance. He didn't say anything and just stood up.

Eunuch Fu smiled awkwardly and grumbled: "This snowy weather, and it's also the New Year…."

His voice was very soft. Even if he heard it, the Jing Prince pretended not to have.

An Chen brought two low-ranked eunuchs into the room and helped the Jing Prince get dressed. Their movements were light. They seemed to realize that it was quiet behind the bed curtains and thus kept their own voices down.

Ding Xiang saw that the Jing Prince didn't wake the madam, and tactfully remained silent. The low-ranked eunuchs helped the prince freshen up on the side.

Once that was done, the Jing Prince took his people and left without leaving behind any words.

Xiao Hua was awoken by Ding Xiang.

They had to go pay respects to the Jing Consort in the morning, and it was usually earlier rather than later. Therefore, Ding Xiang woke Xiao Hua up around that time.

Xiao Hua yawned and looked at Ding Xiang's face. She suddenly remembered last night she was semi-consciously supported by Ding Xiang to wash up, and suddenly felt she was embarrassed enough to crawl into a hole.

Ding Xiang's expression was very normal, so her embarrassment didn't last long. After all, she had experienced this situation in her past life as well.

"What time is it?"

"Almost seven. It's almost time to go pay respects at the Changchun Pavilion."

Ding Xiang thought Madam Hua would refuse to go. After all, his highness had spent the night at the western pavilion. Unexpectedly, Xiao Hua let out an "oh", and said: "Ding Xiang, bring me a cup of water, warm water."

Hearing this, Ding Xiang knew that Madam Hua was going to get up, and didn't say anything, going to fetch the water.

After drinking, Xiao Hua changed and freshened up with Ding Xiang and Ding Lan's help.

Because she was about to head to the Changchun Pavilion, Xiao Hua didn't bother putting on lighter clothing and instead put on her thicker outerwear.

Breakfast had already been brought back on the dot. After eating, Xiao Hua once again armed herself and headed out towards the Changchun Pavilion.

Xiao Hua was not late this time. She was the first to arrive, and the rest arrived soon after.

Senior Concubine Qiao was a very sweet and charming woman, her figure lithe and moving, her every expression flirtatious.

Because she didn't have time to observe the situation yesterday, Xiao Hua was the first one to arrive this morning. The Jing Consort hadn't come out yet, and the Changchun Pavilion's palace maids arranged a seat for her inside the main living room. When Senior Concubine Qiao walked in, Xiao Hua felt that she was extraordinarily beautiful.

Looking at her and then at herself, Xiao Hua felt that compared to Senior Concubine Qiao, she was still a small sprout.

Yu Jiao and Yu Rong walked in behind Senior Concubine Qiao. Xiao Hua had carefully examined Yu Jiao yesterday and saw she was a cute and pleasant-looking woman. Yu Rong was a little plainer, and could only be said to be pretty and delicate. But since she was always with Yu Jiao, it was harder to notice her presence.

Everyone greeted each other and sat down. The Jing Consort had yet to appear, but the palace maids were very considerate and offered everyone tea and snacks.

Xiao Hua also had a cup, but it was almond milk instead of tea.

Seeing the steaming bowl of almond milk that emitted a thick fragrance, Xiao Hua rubbed her fingers as if she didn't see it.

Xiao Hua had never paid respects before yesterday, and didn't know if the Jing Consort was just early that one time. Seeing the other three acting normally, she half lowered her eyelids and sat there silently.

She carefully observed to see if the other three had drank their tea since the lids on the teacups prevented her from clearly seeing if they drank it or not.

During this time palace maids had refilled Yu Jiao and Yu Rong's tea. When they came to refill Senior Concubine Qiao's tea, she just raised an eyebrow and acted casually as she said, "It's cold. Bring me a new cup."

That low-ranked palace maid took Senior Concubine Qiao's cup and left.

The low-ranked palace maid by Xiao Hua's side asked, "Madam Hua, does this almond milk suit your tastes? The consort said you don't like tea, and specially ordered us to prepare this for you today."

Xiao Hua only smiled and said apologetically: "It smells really good. Unfortunately I got indigestion last night and didn't eat breakfast yet this morning. I don't have much of an appetite."

The low palace maid smiled warmly, "Then this servant will switch it out for a warmer one."

The almond milk was switched to a new bowl, but the Jing Consort had yet to come out.

Yu Jiao seemed a little impatient and summoned one of the low-ranked palace maids and asked, "Has the consort not woken up yet?"

That palace maid was at a loss and said: "This servant only serves outside the residence."

After another long while had passed, Nana Li walked out.

"Sincere apologies, mistresses. The consort isn't feeling well this morning, and won't be able to see everyone. She asked this servant to tell everyone you can go back."

Yu Jiao had long been impatient, and if it wasn't for Yu Rong holding her back she would have long since made a fuss. Hearing Nana Li's words, she immediately stood up and headed out the door.

Xiao Hua was unfamiliar with Nana Li and had just come to the rear court. She didn't know what to say. Senior Concubine Qiao on the other hand spoke a few words of concern for the consort's health. Although it wasn't reflected in her expression, she had at least expressed her meaning.

The group arrived at the hallway outside and each let their palace maids help them put on their cloaks.

Yu Jiao complained quietly: "She always likes to do this. If she doesn't feel well she can tell us in advance instead of wasting our time. It's freezing."

Yu Jiao's words were true. The Jing Province's weather was cold to begin with, and the Jing Consort's main living room didn't feel like it had heated vents. According to Ding Xiang, his highness and the consort's pavilions had heated vents, but there were only two charcoal basins. The majestic Changchun Pavilion, the Jing Consort's residence, ended up not even being warmer than their own residences.

Xiao Hua didn't really care much about it. As a former servant, how could she be that spoiled? But Yu Jiao seemed unable to endure it any longer. Hearing her say "always", Xiao Hua wondered if the Jing Consort liked to leave others hanging.

However, she didn't have the time to think about this. Yesterday her excuse was that she didn't like to drink tea. Today she didn't have the appetite when they switched to almond milk. What about tomorrow?

Thinking to this point, Xiao Hua let out a sigh.

Furthermore, the Jing Prince had spent the night at her pavilion. She had initially expected there to be some reaction today, but nothing happened. Xiao Hua couldn't help but feel relieved yet a little disappointed. Her thoughts were very complicated.

At the Changchun Pavilion.

"Yesterday she said she didn't drink tea and today she had indigestion. Could it be that she sensed something?"

The Jing Consort's brows were tightly furrowed, and she didn't seem to be unwell. What Nana Li said earlier was probably an excuse.

Nana Li spoke to the side: "I took a glance at that Madam Hua. Her face was a little pale and she doesn't seem to have much energy. It doesn't seem to be a lie."

The Jing Consort angrily pulled on her handkerchief.

"Consort don't worry. There are still many days ahead, and she has to come pay respects every morning. She'll definitely fall victim."

At the Rongxi Pavilion.

Die'er was someone who served by the senior concubine's side, and was also her trusted aide. Naturally she had great insight.

Senior Concubine Qiao had just sat down on the kiln when Die'er asked: "Senior concubine, do you think that Madam Hua has discovered the consort's little scheme?"

Senior Concubine Qiao rubbed her brows and smiled, "Who knows? Her reasoning was quite convincing." After a pause she spoke again: "We will see, there are many days ahead. That woman Qiao-Shi's schemes are contemptible. Avoiding it is fortune, not avoiding it is calamity. It can't be helped. Since she's the consort, going to pay respects is reasonable."

After speaking, Senior Concubine Qiao started laughing. Her laughter was very carefree.

During lunchtime, Xiao Hua saw a familiar little jar as part of her lunch.

She looked at Ding Xiang who said: "This was given by Nana He from the Hall of Splendor's small kitchen. She said madam has gotten used to drinking her nourishing soup, and asked this servant to bring some for her once a day."

Xiao Hua didn't say anything, but was very moved in her heart.