Chapter 14

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Sang Qingyun—

After hearing the detailed account about Sang Qingyun, Tong Baolin silently noted the name and then turned to order some fine items from her storeroom.

She had just entered the palace, and most of her silver and valuables were gifts from the consorts. Her family background was modest, but silver was always a stepping stone. Without offering genuine sincerity, no one would agree to help her.

In her view, it would be ideal to gain favor with Dai Zheng, but she knew well that Dai Zheng was the chief eunuch and had served the emperor since childhood. As a mere commoner, the modest possessions in Baolin’s hands simply wouldn’t suffice.

Moreover, Dai Zheng was aligned with the Noble Consort. She had a rough idea of the situation and knew it would be unwise to secretly contact Dai Zheng while the Noble Consort was out of favor. If the Noble Consort found out, the consequences would be dire. She was no fool to risk that.

After much thought, her hopes rested on Lady Sang. A palace maid with no backing, gentle and approachable in character. With enough silver sent her way, and a suitable excuse to invite her over for polite company, it should be easy to coax some information out of her.

Having made up her mind, Tong Baolin immediately felt relieved. Once Chun Yan fetched the goods from the storeroom, she promptly instructed her to invite Lady Sang over.

Matters of vying for favor should never be delayed. The Noble Consort was unreliable, so she must look after her own interests.

After receiving the order, Chun Yan hurriedly left through the small side gate of Zhaochun Palace. Passing by Chonghua Palace, she was fully seen by Wan Zhen, a maid of Noble Consort Xu.

Entering the room, she reported to Noble Consort Xu, “Young Mistress, I saw Tong Baolin’s maid seemingly carrying something as she left. It didn’t look like she was headed to the Imperial Medical Office.”

Noble Consort Xu glanced up, “That fool Tong Baolin—if she lost someone, why wouldn’t she hide in the palace? Sending someone out now, could it be she’s going to complain to the Noble Consort?”

She had initially stationed someone to watch Tong Baolin’s follies, to keep tabs on her movements and prevent any schemes against herself. Yet Tong Baolin’s actions were unexpected.

Wan Zhen smiled softly and replaced Noble Consort Xu’s tea with a hot cup, a gift from the emperor. “The Noble Consort is herself out of favor, why bother with her? She wouldn’t dare speak to the Noble Consort anyway.”

“Besides, even if the Noble Consort knew, what could she do? You’re the new favorite, protected by Her Majesty the Empress. Among the newcomers, only you have the emperor’s true favor.”

Though the Noble Consort had enjoyed favor for many years, this was only a temporary setback, not something they newcomers could overturn. Though flattering, Noble Consort Xu accepted the words.

Favor ultimately depended on the emperor’s heart. If he could give it to the Noble Consort, he could also give it to her, provided she had lasting ability.

She had no childhood ties with the emperor, but her background was not poor. Her father was a minister the emperor valued. Given time, who could say she wouldn’t replace the Noble Consort?

Even among the eight newcomers, she was the only one elevated to the top rank of Noble Consort and served the emperor the most. Tong Baolin was not worthy to compete with her.

Is it just because of a face prettier than hers? The palace was never short of beauties.

Noble Consort Xu sneered, her eyes cold with contempt, “Send someone to follow her, but don’t let Yu Fei’s people see. Sharing the same palace means we must be cautious. I want to see what Tong Baolin is up to.”

“Also, she is alone in Zhaochun Palace. Keep a close watch on her, don’t let her get out of control.”

“Yes, Mistress, understood.”

—

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Near noon, the sunlight outside was dazzlingly bright.

After finishing her duties at the Qinzhen Hall, Sang Qingyun wearily poured herself a cup of clear tea.

Since the last time she accompanied the emperor from the Noble Consort’s residence, Zhao Yuyan had not returned to Qinzhen Hall. With one fewer serving maid by the emperor’s side and no suitable replacement, Sang Qingyun had to fill in herself.

Though the workload was light, constant vigilance was taxing on the mind and spirit.

According to Dai Zheng, Zhao Yuyan was unwell, and the emperor had permitted her to resign from her court duties to convalesce, at the request of Empress Dowager Zhao.

Zhao Yuyan usually enjoyed good health and rarely suffered any minor ailments during her service. Why suddenly fall ill? There must be other reasons.

Sang Qingyun had inquired about that day’s events, but only the emperor and Prince Yi had been present in the hall, with Zhao Yuyan nearby. What was said inside was a mystery to all.

Only Dai Zheng overheard a few words while escorting Prince Yi out, mentioning the emperor’s apparent intention to betroth Zhao Yuyan to Prince Yi, who refused. Soon after, Zhao Yuyan ran out crying.

Prince Yi was known to avoid marriage, and Zhao Yuyan favored the emperor. Their connections were unrelated. So why had the emperor made such a reckless match?

Sang Qingyun could not understand, but the emperor often confounded her thoughts. Delving into it was pointless. Zhao Yuyan’s departure was for the best; it spared her from daily probing.

Now she only hoped a suitable maid could be assigned to serve at court, easing her burdens.

Returning to her quarters to change, Sang Qingyun finally relaxed for a moment before Man Ji, the maid serving her room, hurried in.

“Auntie, you’ve finally returned! I have urgent matters to discuss with you.”

Man Ji whispered the background, looking troubled. “I know you dislike secret meetings and have repeatedly refused, but that maid is stubborn, persistently asking. Eventually, Tong Baolin herself came, insisting you teach her needlework.”

“Tong Baolin is the new young mistress; I dared not speak too firmly, so I came to inform you first.”

At these words, Sang Qingyun’s heart sank heavily.

She had always avoided contact with the consorts to avoid entanglement and to prevent accusations of secretly sharing court secrets. Yet despite her caution, she was now targeted.

She had heard from Xi Xi that Tong Baolin was not easily fooled. Now, with such persistence—even risking a rash reputation—she would not relent until she succeeded.

To refuse again would not only offend a young mistress but might draw others’ attention and implicate herself. It was better to face it openly.

After careful consideration, Sang Qingyun spoke gently, “Man Ji, thank you for your efforts. Since it cannot be avoided, I will accompany her.”

“If anyone asks, do not hide it. Just say Tong Baolin insisted, and I had no choice but to go.”

Man Ji nodded. After composing herself, Sang Qingyun went to the spot Man Ji mentioned. Tong Baolin was indeed waiting beneath the shade.

Sang Qingyun smiled and courteously greeted Tong Baolin, her manner proper and refined. “I pay respects to Young Mistress Tong. May you be well.”

Tong Baolin, who had been anxiously waiting, turned at the voice. At first she was joyful, but upon seeing Sang Qingyun’s appearance, she was stunned speechless for a long moment.

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The name Sang Qingyun, palace maid by the emperor’s side, was renowned. Tong Baolin had longed to meet this legendary Lady Sang and receive her guidance on how to conduct oneself near the emperor.

She had imagined Lady Sang many ways: perhaps plain but wise-eyed, or shrewd and experienced beyond fifty.

But no matter the image, someone entrusted by the emperor should not be so radiant and striking as to make Tong Baolin feel inadequate.

She appeared slightly older, but the passing years had only stripped away youthfulness, not her beauty. Instead, it drew the eye irresistibly.

So ethereal and exquisite, her aura was such that one could easily believe her to be a favored consort.

Yet she had served as a palace maid by the emperor’s side for three years?

Tong Baolin had always been confident in her looks. Even when encountering the famous Noble Consort Yuan, she never thought herself inferior. But today, upon seeing Sang Qingyun, she realized her own arrogance.

Seeing her, she was first shocked, then overwhelmed by deep insecurity.

If the emperor was unmoved by such beauty, what was her own pride worth? No wonder the emperor had shown no special treatment after her first night with him.

Just this thought made Tong Baolin feel despondent. Seeing Sang Qingyun, her anxiety faded into humility.

“Please, Auntie, no need for formalities. I’m only young Baolin, just entered the palace. I hold you in great respect and cannot bear such ceremony.”

“I took the liberty of inviting you today because I know my own clumsiness and fear I cannot serve the emperor properly. I hope you can teach me the proper etiquette. Please do not feel burdened. My home, Zhaochun Palace, is not far—if you don’t mind, please come in for some tea. I would like to host you.”

Sang Qingyun was quite surprised by Tong Baolin’s demeanor.

From Xi Xi, she knew Tong Baolin was arrogant, never willing to yield, and sharp-tongued. She had not expected such a reasonable and humble side.

People were not one-dimensional; one had to see for oneself.

Her persistence was undoubtedly driven by ambition and recklessness—both traits of a young woman determined to gain favor.

But those were matters for later. Since she had come, it would not end well without addressing the issue.

She nodded gently, “Though I am a palace maid, I am still your servant. It is only natural to pay respects to a young mistress. Please treat me as an ordinary palace woman; otherwise, I could not bear such honor.”

Hearing this, Tong Baolin was delighted and immediately led Sang Qingyun toward her Zhaochun Palace.

Because she was anxious and wished to avoid being seen, she chose a longer, less-traveled path. It was lunchtime, so the roads were mostly empty—unlikely to draw attention.

What Tong Baolin did not expect was that all her movements were being watched. Before reaching Zhaochun Palace, they were intercepted.

“Is this the famed Lady Sang by His Majesty’s side? Seeing is truly better than hearing.”

On the palace path before Zhaochun Palace, Noble Consort Xu, dressed in a pale blue brocade gown, approached unhurriedly, her delicate and charming face bearing an innocent, gentle smile.

“I heard Tong Baolin invited you to teach her proper conduct. Why not let me listen in as well?”