These three days were not entirely idle. On the second day, I learned that the highest-ranking among this year's selection of beauties was the renowned first beauty, Li Manyun, who was granted the title of Lady of Graceful Countenance, a sixth-rank position. Next was the Empress Dowager's niece, Ji Qiyu, also appointed as a Lady of Precious Beauty, a junior sixth-rank, but with the special honorific title 'Yan'.
As for the top talented lady, Du Mirou, she was made a Constant Attendant, a seventh-rank position, while the empress's legitimate younger sister was also granted the same title of Constant Attendant.
Upon reaching the palace gates, we had to dismount and proceed on foot. Following the guiding eunuch, we wound our way past the imperial garden, along a small path, past two palaces, and finally arrived. "Young Mistress, ahead lies Jinhe Palace. You will reside in Ningwu Courtyard within Jinhe Palace. Currently, there is no principal consort in charge of Jinhe Palace. In the Lijing Pavilion next to Ningwu Courtyard lives a Junior Lady of Beauty."
Chu Yanzhi signaled to Bai Lu with her eyes. Bai Lu stepped forward and handed over a pouch. "Thank you, Eunuch."
The eunuch accepted the pouch, smiled, and offered a few more pleasantries before departing.
Chu Yanzhi led Bai Hua and Bai Lu into Ningwu Courtyard. The supervising eunuch approached and bowed to her. Chu Yanzhi nodded slightly, signaling them to rise, then entered the residence. Seeing the rooms clean and tidy, she smiled with satisfaction. "Have everyone outside come in."
Chu Yanzhi sat on the couch, not in a hurry to have them rise. She lightly tapped her fingers rhythmically on the edge of the table. "Since you have been assigned to serve me, from now on, your fortunes are tied to mine. I will not ask where you came from. Now that you are here, set your minds at ease. Those who are loyal will surely be rewarded. As for betrayers… well, I certainly have the authority to deal with a mere servant." Chu Yanzhi gazed calmly at everyone, taking in their expressions.
Her voice was not harsh, but the servants kneeling on the ground dared not let their attention waver. In the Imperial Palace, those who are stern and flamboyant are not to be feared; the most terrifying are those who reveal nothing, who keep their depths hidden.
"We servants dare not betray our mistress. We pledge our loyalty and will serve you diligently, Young Mistress," the servants chorused in unison.
Chu Yanzhi appeared satisfied. "Very well, all of you may rise. Bai Lu, distribute the rewards!"
"Yes!" Bai Lu took out the prepared silver pieces and distributed them.
After a moment, Chu Yanzhi looked up and asked, "Is there anyone in charge here?"
A eunuch stepped forward, knelt, and bowed. "This servant, Xiao Fuzi, pays respects to the Young Mistress. I am the one temporarily managing affairs in Ningwu Courtyard."
"Hmm, in that case, you shall continue managing for now. If there are any mistakes, we shall replace you." Then she called Bai Hua and Bai Lu forward. "These two entered the palace with me. From now on, they shall serve as first-rank maids, managing the inner chambers. The others are not to enter the inner chambers without being summoned."
"Yes, we servants obey your command!"
"State your names!" Chu Yanzhi took the tea brought by Bai Hua, took a sip, and said.
"This servant, Xiao Huazi, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This servant, Xiao Yunzi, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This servant, Xiao Fengzi, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This maid, Hua Yu, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This maid, Mu Jia, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This maid, Qing Ling, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This maid, Zi Yu, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This maid, Yun Xi, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
"This maid, Huan Nu, pays respects to the Young Mistress."
Apart from Xiao Fuzi, who had already given his name, the other three eunuchs and six maidservants reported their names one by one.
"The names Hua Yu and Mu Jia shall be changed. They shall be called Miao Qin and Miao Yu," Chu Yanzhi said with a slight frown after they finished speaking.
“This servant thanks the young mistress for bestowing names!” Hua Yu and Mu Jia—oh, now Miao Qin and Miao Shu—stepped forward to bow.