As night began to fall, eunuchs held large umbrellas over Jiang Ling’s head. Surrounded by Huang Liang and Zhong Shanggong, the procession snaked its way out.
Lanterns had been hung at the entrance. Gao Cairen stood by the door, her face appearing particularly pale under the dim yellow light, whether from cold or some other reason.
Jiang Ling didn’t look back, leaving Gao Cairen behind.
Because she had gained new troubles.
This sudden stroke of good fortune filled her with trepidation. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Her neck was too slender, her strength too meager to bear such precious headwear.
With four existing Mei Ren in the rear palace, adding one more wasn’t excessive. Her title wasn’t particularly prominent – the real significance lay in Fanying Pavilion.
Though separated from the main structure, this place originally belonged to Zhong Gong, making its symbolism entirely different.
All these factors combined meant Jiang Ling was essentially being roasted over the fire!
Entering Fanying Pavilion’s main gate, Jiang Ling paused slightly and looked around.
The courtyard was lush with vegetation, similar to Qiong Hua Ge, with blooming osmanthus, camellias, and sweet olive trees. On the eastern and western sides grew wisteria and grapevines respectively.
Vermilion walls and green corridors, the yellow glazed tiles on the roof shimmering brilliantly in the lamplight.
Not all roofs in the imperial palace used the yellow tiles representing imperial dignity. Apart from the main halls of the front court, only a few rear palaces like Zhong Gong, Chong Hua Palace, and Fu Ning Palace used yellow glazed tiles.
Residences of imperial consorts like Xie Fang Pavilion used gray tiles on their roofs.
The seven-bay structure stood with seven thick columns that would require two people to embrace lined up in a row, imposing and majestic.
According to regulations, only the Son of Heaven could construct nine-bay residences.
Seven-bay residences also had restrictions – only the Empress Dowager, Empress, princely mansions, and main halls of imperial temples could use them.
Jiang Ling felt dazed, as if the seven columns were like a massive mountain pressing down heavily, making it hard for her to breathe.
Huang Liang pointed to two palace maids standing respectfully with bowed heads nearby and said, “These are Wen Juan and Qing Wen. They will serve Lady Jiang from now on. Besides them, there are four more maids for rough work and eunuchs at Lady Jiang’s disposal.”
Wen Juan and Qing Wen stepped forward to pay respects. Both were beautiful with clear, intelligent features that showed their cleverness.
Jiang Ling didn’t know who had sent them. For now, she could only passively accept, forcing a slight smile as she nodded to them. “I’ll trouble you both from now on.”
“Not at all, not at all,” they quickly curtsied again. Wen Juan said, “This servant will go prepare Lady Jiang’s belongings first.”
Jiang Ling would have preferred to keep A Ruo and Fang He, since she was familiar with them. They weren’t particularly clever, making them easier to handle.
Everyone worked efficiently, soon finishing the arrangements. Zhong Shanggong stepped forward and said, “Lady Jiang, please see if anything dissatisfies you. If anything is missing, this servant will immediately replenish it.”
The room was spotlessly clean, with incense burning in a bronze censer, its subtle fragrance lingering. The yellow rosewood couch, small tables, desks, exquisite silk embroidered screens, and the curio shelf displaying delicate, beautiful precious vases and ornaments – everywhere exuded wealth and splendor.
Compared to Xie Fang Pavilion, this was countless times better. How could Jiang Ling be dissatisfied? She only felt it was too much, wishing she could move back.
Zhong Shanggong led the palace maids in taking their leave. Huang Liang also prepared to return to Chui Gong Hall to report, but hesitated before reminding, “Lady Jiang, don’t forget you need to go thank His Majesty for his grace.”
Jiang Ling stood frozen, thinking to herself that she had no desire to see Yuan Mingdi at all. Besides, at this hour, he had probably already summoned someone to share his bed. If she went now, it would appear as the common tactic of competing for favor.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace!” Jiang Ling’s mind sparked with inspiration as she solemnly and ceremoniously curtsied toward the direction of Chui Gong Hall.
Huang Liang: “……”
Well, he had reminded her anyway. Some people were as dense as wood and couldn’t take a hint, while others simply stumbled into good fortune through sheer foolishness.
As for this suddenly emerged Lady Jiang—what kind of person she was—Huang Liang couldn’t be bothered to care. He bowed and took his leave.
The hour was growing late. Wen Juan attended to Jiang Ling as she washed her hands, while Qing Wen returned with the meal. A Ruo and Fang He were as frantic as grasshoppers, hopping about and eager to step forward, yet they always seemed a step behind, unable to intervene for the moment.
Jiang Ling watched this silently, saying nothing. She thought it was just as well—competition bred improvement.
A Ruo and Fang He were both ambitious and opportunistic, clearly vying for the position of chief palace maid.
She didn’t know the backgrounds of Wen Juan and Qing Wen, but A Ruo and Fang He would surely keep a close watch on them. If anything seemed amiss, they would come to report it to her.
The meal was the same as before: two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, and a bowl of soup, with an additional serving of fresh fruit. The dishes were fresh in flavor and color, yet the difference was more than tenfold. The water spinach was emerald green, and the steamed fish was so fresh it felt sublime.
While eating, Jiang Ling was utterly satisfied, but once the food settled in her stomach, she lay down on the couch, feeling troubled.
This heavenly life was truly too unsettling!
Qing Wen entered the room holding brocade silk and said with a smile, “What style of clothing does Mei Ren prefer? Tomorrow, this servant will go to the Shang Fu Bureau to summon someone to take Mei Ren’s measurements and have them make garments. If we hurry, they can be finished in time for the Emperor’s birthday.”
Jiang Ling sat up and said, “Set it aside for now. The winter clothes previously made for the Emperor’s birthday should be ready soon. I don’t lack new garments.”
The brocade silk was inlaid with gold threads, glittering brilliantly. She needed to keep a low profile—flaunting her status would be inviting trouble.
Qing Wen didn’t press further and replied with a smile, “This servant will put it away for Mei Ren.”
“Mei Ren’s belongings are usually stored by Fang He and me. Give it to me,” A Ruo said, putting down her sewing basket and rushing to take the fabric.
Qing Wen smiled and handed the cloth to A Ruo, then curtsied and said, “This servant will wait outside. Mei Ren need only call.”
Jiang Ling hummed in acknowledgment, blinking as she tactfully probed into their backgrounds. “Where did you serve before?”
Qing Wen replied, “This servant and Sister Wen Juan both served in the imperial presence.”
So they were Yuan Mingdi’s people. For a moment, Jiang Ling couldn’t discern whether it was safer to have him or another consort plant people by her side.
It had been a long time since she had such a busy day, and Jiang Ling felt completely drained. It wasn’t physical exhaustion but the weariness that came from meeting too many people and encountering too many events.
Jiang Ling yawned, and Qing Wen immediately said, “This servant will attend to Mei Ren’s rest.”
After washing up, Jiang Ling, drowsy-eyed, collapsed onto the bed, wrapped herself in the soft bedding, and fell asleep. Wen Juan lifted the curtain and peeked inside. Qing Wen adjusted the bed curtains and extinguished the lamp.
“What’s the matter?” Qing Wen asked softly as she tiptoed out.
“The Emperor is here,” Wen Juan said.
Qing Wen hurriedly replied, “I’ll wake Mei Ren.”
“Wait, wait, don’t rush,” Wen Juan pulled her back, signaling for her to step outside with her, and whispered, “The Emperor was just taking a stroll to aid his digestion. He asked a few questions about whether Mei Ren had settled in properly and has already left.”
Qing Wen was taken aback. The rain had lightened, falling like fine ox hair. The wind blew, carrying a biting chill.
Chui Gong Hall was spacious—the bedchamber alone was ample enough for Yuan Mingdi to move about.
Wen Juan wore an expression that spoke volumes without words. Seeing the western side chamber where A Ruo and Fang He resided was already dark with extinguished lamps and candles, she remarked, “Let us retire as well, but remain vigilant through the night.”
Since Jiang Ling required no night attendants, the two companions went to rest in the eastern side chamber.
They had just removed their outer garments and lain down when the young eunuch from the gatehouse came panting urgently, knocking on the chamber door and exclaiming, “Sisters! Quickly, quickly! His Majesty has arrived!”