After taking a short nap, Qing’er woke Ye Jinyun and urged her to have lunch. Touching her stomach, Ye Jinyun realized she was indeed a little hungry.
The palace maids carried in the dishes and arranged them neatly on the table. They then brought water for Ye Jinyun to wash her hands. After drying them, she was served lunch by Qing’er.
Life in the palace was very different from life at the Ye Residence. The palace was full of rules and etiquette, so Ye Jinyun could no longer pull Qing’er to sit and eat with her as she used to.
Picking up a mouthful of shredded chicken with silver sprouts, she placed it in her bowl and savored it carefully. The Imperial Kitchen truly lived up to its reputation—its chefs were exceptionally skilled, perfectly satisfying her foodie palate.
After sampling all the other dishes on the table, Ye Jinyun felt thoroughly pleased. It seemed that entering the palace wasn’t without its advantages; at least the food and living conditions were excellent.
By the time she finished eating, her stomach was round with satisfaction. Taking the tea Qing’er handed her, she rinsed her mouth before ordering the servants to clear away the remaining dishes.
As she paced around the room to aid digestion, Ye Jinyun took the opportunity to examine her residence. She had been in a hurry when she arrived that morning and hadn’t had a chance to appreciate its furnishings.
The entire hall had recently been renovated. The pillars were coated with fresh vermilion lacquer, while the beams and furniture were adorned with intricate carvings. Between the main hall and the inner bedroom stood a beautifully carved wooden screen decorated with floral and leaf motifs.
In the corner of the inner chamber sat an Eight-Treasures sandalwood table displaying antique vases. On the huanghuali dressing table rested an array of exquisite cosmetics and palace jewelry. Sunlight struck the gemstones, scattering dazzling reflections throughout the room.
At the very back of the chamber stood an elegant carved canopy bed draped with pale purple curtains. Whenever the breeze blew, the gauzy outer layer swayed gently. Near the window was a beauty couch; sitting there and propping open the window allowed one to enjoy the scenery of the courtyard outside.
After walking off her meal and resting for a while, Ye Jinyun instructed Yinzhu to prepare some gifts before heading to Liushuang Pavilion, where Lin Qingtang resided.
Lin Cairen—whose given name was Lin Qingtang—was currently directing the palace eunuchs as they arranged her luggage. At that moment, her attendant, Xiao Li, came in to report.
“My Lady, Noble Lady Ye from the eastern residence has come to pay you a visit.”
Lin Qingtang frowned slightly and replied coolly,
“Very well. Show her in.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
Receiving the order, Xiao Li hurried out and soon led Ye Jinyun and her attendants into Liushuang Pavilion.
“Ye Jinyun of Lingyue Pavilion greets Lady Lin. May Lady Lin enjoy peace and good health.”
Ye Jinyun curtsied respectfully.
“No need for such formalities, Noble Lady. Please rise.”
“Thank you, Lady Lin.”
Ye Jinyun stood and signaled for Yinzhu to present the prepared gifts.
“Hearing that we shall be living in the same palace from now on, I specially came to pay my respects. I hope Lady Lin will not find my visit too presumptuous.”
“It’s fine. Since we’re under the same roof, we’ll inevitably meet sooner or later.”
Lin Qingtang’s response was calm and detached.
As expected of her cold and aloof goddess. Even her way of speaking kept people at arm’s length.
Fixing her gaze on Lin Qingtang’s sharp phoenix eyes, Ye Jinyun asked,
“May I call you Elder Sister Lin?”
Lin Qingtang’s brows knit ever so slightly before she nodded.
“You may.”
Hearing that, Ye Jinyun beamed.
Woohoo! The first step toward getting closer to my goddess is complete!
After sitting and chatting for a short while, Ye Jinyun took her leave and led her attendants to Qingyin Pavilion on the western side.
The Noble Lady residing there was Yu Wan’er, the youngest daughter of the Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. She was lively, kind-hearted, and cheerful. The moment she saw Ye Jinyun arrive, she happily came forward to greet her.
Looking at the youthful girl before her, Ye Jinyun immediately felt a fondness for her. Yu Wan’er’s round little face was filled with bright smiles. Two adorable tiger teeth peeked out when she grinned, and sweet dimples deepened at the corners of her mouth.
As the cherished youngest daughter of her family, Yu Wan’er had always been doted upon. Madam Yu had been heartbroken when her daughter was selected for the palace. On the day Yu Wan’er entered the palace, mother and daughter had cried bitterly at their parting.
After entering the palace, Yu Wan’er had been rather downcast, only recovering her spirits after lunch.
She had always loved lively company at home, so she was overjoyed by Ye Jinyun’s visit. Even though it was their first meeting, she enthusiastically pulled Ye Jinyun into conversation and chatted with her for quite some time.
Her family had raised her well. Upon seeing the red birthmark on Ye Jinyun’s face, Yu Wan’er showed only curiosity, not the slightest hint of disgust. She sweetly addressed her as “Elder Sister Ye,” which further increased Ye Jinyun’s affection for her.
Only after Ye Jinyun grew tired and yawned twice in succession did Yu Wan’er reluctantly escort her out.
Ye Jinyun shook her head with an amused smile.
She was extremely satisfied with her two neighbors.
One was the cool and distant goddess she admired, while the other was a lively and adorable little-sister type.
The thought of spending her future days with such neighbors gradually filled her with anticipation for life in the palace.