The carriage soon arrived and came to a stop before the palace gates.
The eunuchs who had been waiting nearby immediately stepped forward to receive the new arrivals.
Accompanied by Qing’er, Ye Jinyun quietly followed the eunuch assigned to guide her while discreetly observing her surroundings.
As they walked deeper into the palace, the number of people around them gradually decreased.
Unable to hold back her curiosity, Qing’er asked,
“Eunuch, why does it seem like we’re heading farther and farther away from everything? Where exactly will our mistress be living?”
The eunuch forced a flattering smile and replied cautiously in a lowered voice,
“Your Ladyship will be residing in Yingquan Palace up ahead. It’s a quiet and elegant place, very suitable for cultivating peace of mind and good health.”
After a brief pause, he added,
“All the residences were assigned by Her Highness the Noble Consort. This servant was only ordered to guide the way. As for anything else, I do not know.”
Ye Jinyun gently patted Qing’er’s hand, signaling her not to worry.
Then she smiled lightly and said,
“Her Highness has been most thoughtful. The scenery here is truly unique. I like it very much.”
Hearing that, the eunuch finally relaxed.
Turning around, he continued leading the way.
After another few dozen steps, they arrived at Yingquan Palace.
In truth, Ye Jinyun had not been lying.
She was genuinely satisfied with her assigned residence.
She had never intended to compete with the palace women for the Emperor’s favor.
The farther away she lived, the lower her profile would be.
And the lower her profile, the safer her life.
Although Yingquan Palace was indeed somewhat remote, it was far from desolate.
On the contrary, the scenery was beautiful.
Earlier, she had even spotted an apricot grove behind the palace buildings.
Yingquan Palace consisted of a main hall and two side halls.
Ye Jinyun had been assigned to Lingyue Pavilion in the eastern side hall.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, the palace maids and eunuchs who had been waiting there stepped forward together and bowed.
“This servant greets Your Ladyship.”
The voices of the eunuchs and maids rang out in unison.
Ye Jinyun nodded.
“You may all rise.”
Then she glanced at Qing’er.
Understanding immediately, Qing’er stepped forward and rewarded the eunuch who had guided them.
Afterward, she supported Ye Jinyun as they entered the hall, while the palace servants followed behind.
Once seated, Ye Jinyun slowly asked,
“Who is responsible for managing this residence?”
A thin but well-featured eunuch stepped forward respectfully.
“Greetings, Your Ladyship. This servant is Xiao Quanzi, the head eunuch responsible for affairs outside Your Ladyship’s residence.”
Immediately afterward, a palace maid in her early twenties, possessing a mature and dependable appearance, also stepped forward.
“Greetings, Your Ladyship. This servant is Yinzhu, the senior palace maid in charge of this household.”
Ye Jinyun nodded with satisfaction.
At first glance, both seemed capable and reliable.
She then swept her gaze across the remaining servants before speaking seriously.
“From this day forward, all of you belong to my household.
“The most important thing in serving under me is loyalty.
“I pay attention to everything you say and do.
“Those who perform their duties well will naturally be rewarded.
“But if anyone harbors improper thoughts or commits wrongdoing, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, Your Ladyship. We shall remember your teachings.”
“Good. You may rise.”
She turned to Qing’er.
“Reward them.”
Qing’er distributed silver rewards one by one.
The servants accepted the money happily.
“Thank you, Your Ladyship, for your generosity.”
“Very well. Return to your duties.”
The servants quickly dispersed.
Only Yinzhu remained behind.
Ye Jinyun had many things she wished to ask.
As an experienced palace maid, Yinzhu naturally understood why her new mistress had kept her.
Before Ye Jinyun could even speak, she volunteered the information herself.
“Your Ladyship, Yingquan Palace currently has no principal consort residing here.
“All the occupants are newly selected ladies.
“The main hall, Liushuang Pavilion, is occupied by Lady Lin.
“The western side hall, Qingyin Pavilion, houses Lady Yu, who holds the same rank of Noble Lady as Your Ladyship.”
The moment Ye Jinyun heard that Lin Qingtang lived in the same palace complex, she nearly exploded with excitement.
That was her idol!
Now she would have opportunities to interact with her up close.
However, she maintained a calm expression and merely asked,
“If I remember correctly, Lady Lin comes from the Zhenyuan General’s Manor. Why would she also be assigned such a secluded residence?”
Yinzhu answered,
“This servant has heard that Her Highness originally arranged for Lady Lin to reside in the Palace of Flourishing Grace under Consort Shu.
“However, Lady Lin stated that she enjoys practicing martial arts in her spare time and rises early each morning for training.
“She feared disturbing Consort Shu’s rest and therefore requested a quieter residence.
“That is how she came to reside in Yingquan Palace.”
Ye Jinyun nodded thoughtfully.
More likely, she simply doesn’t enjoy spending time around all those delicate palace ladies, she thought.
She looks like the cold and aloof type—not someone who enjoys crowds or gossip.
At the same time, another question lingered in Ye Jinyun’s mind.
Why had Lin Qingtang entered the palace at all?
By all accounts, the Emperor didn’t seem like the type who favored heroic, martial beauties.
Yet not only had he selected Lin Qingtang, he had also selected someone like herself.
Of course, Ye Jinyun was certain the Emperor had not chosen her because he had seen through her disguise or fallen for her beauty.
Her selection had been pure coincidence.
Which meant there were probably many interesting stories hidden beneath the surface.
Unfortunately, she had woken up early that morning and spent the entire day traveling and settling in.
The exhaustion was finally catching up with her.
Waving her hand, she dismissed Yinzhu.
With Qing’er’s assistance, she retired to her room for some much-needed rest.