Shen Yanshui had Quanshou place the two pots of Gold-edged Daphne in the courtyard, right where they would be visible upon entering the gate. This arrangement showed neither neglect nor would it cause any further impact—unless one happened to be particularly sensitive in constitution.
“Master, shall we have breakfast served?” Chunping entered the room and approached with a smile, bowing respectfully as she inquired.
Shen Yanshui’s eyes lit up, and she set the matter aside for the moment. “Yes, please. The dishes you mentioned yesterday were quite delicious. For now, add one or two extra dishes beyond my usual allotment for each meal so I can sample them all.”
Her portion as a Zhaoxun was not generous—only two meat dishes, two vegetable dishes, a soup, and a serving of fruit per meal, which was hardly enough to satisfy her.
Though a smile lingered in her eyes, Chunping replied with composure, “I dare not accept such praise, Master. When I served in the Imperial Food Bureau, I overheard some idle talk and learned a little about which chefs in the palace had their specialties. I am glad you enjoyed them.”
Shen Yanshui nodded with a smile and immediately called for Qiuru to open the money box, instructing someone to fetch breakfast.
Chunping, standing nearby, chuckled, “Master, I doubt we’ll need the silver today. Those serving in the palace are quick to flatter the powerful and scorn the weak. Since you received the Emperor’s favor last night, how would the kitchen staff dare accept our silver now?”
As Chunping predicted, when Dongyi and Quanshou returned carrying two food boxes, their faces were beaming with irrepressible joy.
Dongyi, young and not exactly reserved in temperament, could hardly contain her excitement. “Master, not only did the kitchen staff refuse our silver today, but they also specially sent many extra dishes for you—so many that one food box couldn’t hold them all!”
Shen Yanshui smiled but remained silent for a moment.
Chunping frowned slightly at the sight of the two ostentatiously carried three-tiered, octagonal redwood food boxes adorned with the “Five Blessings” motif and mother-of-pearl inlay. “Our master has only received favor for a single day, yet you two carry on like this. It will only make others think our master has grown arrogant with a little success and look down upon her.”
Quanshou was startled and lowered his head, stammering, “Master, Quanfu already spoke to me about this earlier. I won’t dare do it again.” Initially, he hadn’t taken the reprimand seriously and even harbored some resentment toward Quanfu, who was younger than him.
But Chunping was different. Before coming to serve their master, she had been more accomplished than them, having served in the Imperial Food Bureau. Now, as a trusted servant by their master’s side, her words immediately made him tense up.
Seeing this, Dongyi also paled and knelt down in fright. “Master, please forgive me! I… I know I was wrong!”
Shen Yanshui slowly straightened her posture and spoke softly to the two of them, “Summon everyone else inside.”
In no time, everyone had gathered. Shen Yanshui adopted a stern expression. “In addition to what I said yesterday, let me add one more thing today: there is no room for arrogance in my quarters.”
“Let alone the fact that I, your master, have only received favor for a single day—who knows what the future holds? Even if I enjoy a few days of favor, what of it? Flowers do not bloom for a hundred days, and people do not prosper for a thousand. You should understand this better than I do.”
“Yes, we will remember your words, Master.”
Afterward, everyone inevitably harbored their own thoughts. Chunping and Quanfu, however, appeared relatively composed, even relieved.
After all, keeping a low profile is always more reassuring than being ostentatious.
As for Dongyi, being young and inexperienced, she had always been at the bottom of the hierarchy in the palace. Once someone praised her, she couldn’t help but let her pride show.
This is only human nature—like a person who has long been poor and looked down upon suddenly winning the lottery, they can’t resist showing off everywhere.
Shen Yanshui understood this and had even anticipated it beforehand. After observing everyone’s reactions, she was relatively satisfied.
Chunping had served in the Imperial Food Bureau, where social interactions were frequent, and had experienced many things, making her steady and composed. Quanfu had been taught well, clever and tactful.
Quanshou was not particularly brave but was honest and obedient. After this incident, he should learn his lesson.
Xia’an and Qiuru, though not as steady as Chunping, seemed acceptable for now. However, Dongyi, being the youngest, was the most impulsive and restless.
Seeing Dongyi and Quanshou trembling uncontrollably from fear, Shen Yanshui decided not to frighten them further.
“No matter the situation, remember to act cautiously and keep a low profile when outside—avoid drawing attention or causing trouble.
However, just because we don’t want trouble doesn’t mean we fear it. If you are bullied outside, come and tell me. I won’t let you suffer unjustly.”
“Get up now, no need to kneel any longer.”
“Yes! Thank you, Mistress.” Hearing their mistress’s words and the softened tone, Dongyi and Quanshou breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing that their mistress truly had no intention of punishing them, they quickly kowtowed in gratitude.
After dismissing the others, Shen Yanshui kept Chunping and Quanfu behind. While eating breakfast, she smiled and asked, “Do you think I’m making too big a deal out of this?”
“This servant/dare not,” the two replied hastily, bowing and shaking their heads.
Quanfu respectfully said, “The tallest tree catches the wind. You are wise, Mistress.”
Chunping earnestly replied, “It’s best to correct them early, so they know what to do and what not to do. This way, they won’t cause trouble or resentment for you in the future.”
Although servants in the palace are as insignificant as grass, sometimes even small figures can play crucial and unimaginable roles. It’s always better to be kind to others than to make enemies everywhere.
Shen Yanshui was even more satisfied upon hearing their words and smiled. “It’s not a big deal for the kitchen staff to send an extra dish or two of fresh food, seeing that I’ve gained favor. But we must always have a sense of measure in our hearts and not let others’ flattery make us lose sight of our place, lest we become a laughingstock.”
“Yes, this servant understands.”
After the two bowed and left, Chunping noticed Dongyi still looking uneasy and called her into the room.
Dongyi’s eyes were red, and her voice trembled with tears. “Sister Chunping… I know I was wrong. Yesterday, when I went to fetch the meals, I ran into the maids and eunuchs from the neighboring courtyard. The kitchen staff made a few sarcastic remarks, and today, after hearing some compliments, I couldn’t help but feel happy. I truly know I was wrong and will never do it again…”
Chunping hadn’t expected this additional detail. Her expression turned serious. “It’s good that you recognize your mistake. The mistress is kind and lenient and didn’t punish you. From now on, be more composed and cautious in your actions outside. Also, remember that no one else should handle the food except our own people. Do you understand?”
Dongyi nodded repeatedly and earnestly: “I’ve remembered everything!”
In the main hall of Haoyuezhai, closest to Yuehua Gate, the interior furnishings were both exquisite and opulent, with gold and jade artifacts visible everywhere. The Floating-Light Brocade, which was worth a fortune outside, was used here as padding for soft couches and embroidered into pillows, showing its common use.
Four pots of Gold-edged Daphne were placed far away in the courtyard.
Although there were nannies sent by the Empress and a doctor who came every two days to check her pulse, Chu Liangdi did not think the Crown Princess would tamper with the flowers. Still, out of caution, she had them placed far away.
“Master, that Shen Zhaoxun…” a palace maid beside Chu Liangdi suddenly whispered.
Chu Liangdi gently stroked her belly, first frowning slightly, then said indifferently: “What’s the rush? It’s only been a day. With new people coming in, even if it’s not her, it will be someone else.”
Among the four newcomers, Lady Wu was clearly ambitious and competitive. No matter how beautiful she was, she posed no threat.
As for Lady Zhang, who was the highest-ranking among them, and Lady Liu, whose petty thoughts were written all over her face, Chu Liangdi did not even regard them as worthy of attention.
As for that Shen Zhaoxun, Chu Liangdi chuckled softly, “What a pity…”
Her personal maid approached with a teacup, not hearing her soft murmur, and said with a smile, “What matters most now is the Little Imperial Grandson in your belly. As long as you give birth to a healthy Little Imperial Grandson, your good days are still ahead. By then, even the Empress will surely look upon you with greater favor.”
Chu Liangdi lovingly stroked her belly, her face filled with a determined smile: “Doctor Zhao has already confirmed that the child in my belly is a Little Imperial Grandson, without a doubt. Once my son is born…”
As she spoke, her face glowed with pride, and she gently patted her belly: “My son will surely be intelligent. In the future, he must strive to outshine that sickly child, leaving him in the dust…”
“Your Highness, the Empress previously asked us to bring the Little Prince for her to see. We have already declined twice. If we refuse again this time… I fear it may displease the Empress.”
In Xiefang Hall, Nanny Zhou pleaded in a low voice: “The doctor has also said that the Empress’s illness is caused by overwork and exhaustion, with no risk of contagion. The Little Prince has been healthier lately, so it should be fine.”
Upon hearing this, the Crown Princess refused without hesitation, frowning: “The Empress Dowager has been ill for a long time without improvement. Knowing that Zhang’er has been weak since childhood, we should be even more careful about his health. What if he catches a chill from the wind outside? What if he contracts her illness?”
“Besides, the Empress Dowager has long disliked me for failing to give His Highness a healthy child. Now she has bestowed new consorts upon Donggong, likely hoping they will soon bear children for His Highness. If that’s the case, why trouble my son?”
Nanny Zhou wore a pained expression and tried to persuade her: “Your Highness…”
“Nanny, there’s no need to say more. That lump of flesh in Chu Liangdi’s belly is now the Empress Dowager’s precious treasure. It’s only been a few months, yet the rewards for Chu Liangdi flow like water, trampling on my dignity to elevate that wretch.”
The Crown Princess said coldly: “I want to see what exactly she will give birth to.”
Nanny Zhou saw that she harbored deep resentment towards the Empress and was stubbornly unwilling to yield, but there was nothing she could do about it.
…
“Your servant pays respects to the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager enjoy boundless fortune and peace.” Upon entering Kunning Palace, the Crown Princess lowered her head and respectfully performed the ritual greeting.
The person seated above wore a plain purple everyday robe with wide sleeves, her face free of makeup. Even so, it was not difficult to see the outstanding beauty she possessed in her youth, though now her face was pale and weary.
The Empress’s eyes, initially filled with anticipation, darkened slightly upon seeing her and the entourage behind her.
“Where is Zhang’er?”
This was the first time the Empress had not immediately asked her to rise. The Crown Princess felt even more that the Empress was deliberately making things difficult for her, and her resentment grew stronger. Unconsciously, her tone carried a hint of stiffness.
“In reply to the Empress Dowager, the imperial physician said Zhang’er’s illness has not yet fully recovered. It is inadvisable for him to go out, as he may be vulnerable to wind and cold. Therefore, I did not bring Zhang’er. I beg the Empress Dowager’s forgiveness.”
Seeing the resentment that remained evident on her face even with her head lowered, the Empress closed her eyes, waved her hand, and dismissed her—out of sight, out of mind.
The Crown Princess’s expression stiffened slightly. She had come to pay respects and attend to the Empress’s illness, yet she was being sent away after only a moment inside. If word got out, wouldn’t her reputation and dignity be utterly ruined?
Her face strained, she said, “Empress Dowager…”
The Empress’s expression was stern and impassive. “One of the Donggong consorts is currently pregnant and requires your careful attention. For the next few months, there is no need for you to come daily to pay respects to me.”
Upon hearing this, the Crown Princess’s expression shifted slightly, but caring for the Donggong’s descendants was indeed her duty as the Crown Princess.
The Crown Princess lowered her head and said, “Yes, your servant will remember. However, the Empress Dowager’s health has not yet recovered, and the Crown Prince is busy with state affairs. Paying respects, attending to meals, and caring for the ill are the filial duties of a daughter-in-law. Otherwise, I would truly find it difficult to rest or eat with peace of mind.”
The Empress frowned slightly. Nanny Fan, standing nearby, smiled and said, “Her Majesty naturally knows of the Crown Princess’s filial devotion. However, the imperial physician has said that Her Majesty’s illness requires tranquility and rest. Maintaining a cheerful mood is of utmost importance.”
The Crown Princess’s expression remained unchanged, but her hands clenched tightly. Was this old hag implying that her visits to pay respects were instead causing the Empress displeasure?
As if unaware of her expression, Nanny Fan continued unhurriedly with a smile, “The Crown Prince currently has few descendants. The Crown Princess should also take good care of her health so that she may soon bear more children for the Crown Prince.”
The Empress raised a hand to press her forehead. “Nanny Fan speaks wisely. From now on, coming to see me once every ten days will suffice. You may leave, Crown Princess.”