What rotten luck! Xia Ruqing felt she had truly hit rock bottom.
First, she fell ill and died. Then, she found herself transplanted to this bizarre place: the Chu Dynasty, the Harem. To top it all off, she was a Seventh-Rank Lady who was not favored! This status couldn't even compare to that of the Emperor's minor concubines!
Forget about the original owner! Barely a year after being selected for the imperial draft, she died. And from what memories I retained, she had some peculiar relatives to boot.
On second thought... why bother feeling sorry for others when I could pity myself instead? After all, this mess is now mine to deal with!
Xia Ruqing leaned on the kang bed by the window, her hand to her forehead as she gazed up at the sky.
I reckon it's already been a month since my arrival, and I still have no idea what the Emperor looks like—not his height, nor if he's thin or fat!
True, the food in the palace was decent enough to get by, but always struggling at the bottom was no way to live. One misstep, and I might as well be an ant for how easily I could be squashed to death!
Sigh, enough of that. Too much thinking leads to worry; better to focus on practical matters.
Xia Ruqing fanned herself as she stood up and headed for the small tea room.
"Is the osmanthus sugar candy ready?"
As a Lady, she wasn't entitled to sweets. But since osmanthus was in bloom this golden autumn, she made some candy herself, leaving Xiao Xizi to watch the stove.
"My Lady, it's all ready," Xiao Xizi said, not bothering to wipe the sweat from her brow as she quickly plated the candy with a smile.
Xia Ruqing frowned. "Why are you the only one here? Where are the others?"
A Lady like her was supposed to have two Palace Maids and one eunuch at her beck and call. But in reality, those two maids often vanished without a trace, leaving only Xiao Xizi.
Xiao Xizi's smile turned awkward for a moment. She scratched the back of her head, seemingly at a loss.
Those two must have shirked their duties again! Xia Ruqing understood without further explanation.
She snorted inwardly but said nothing. She simply gave the remaining candy to Xiao Xizi and carried the plate into the courtyard to enjoy the cooler air.
Lying back in the lounge chair, she took a sip of refreshing tea and pinched a piece of candy, placing it in her mouth. The sweet fragrance of osmanthus filled her senses. Her wretched mood finally eased a little.
Just as she was relaxing with her eyes closed, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a group of people entered.
This secluded spot was usually very quiet, so Xia Ruqing was startled. She quickly got up to assess the situation.
She saw a Chief Eunuch, all smiles, striding forward.
"Congratulations, Lady Xia! The Emperor has called for you today! I've come especially to inform you," the Chief Eunuch announced.
This Chief Eunuch was dressed in a sapphire-blue robe indicative of his rank. The patterns on the collar and cuffs were elaborate, and a pristine whisk rested on his arm—an entirely dignified figure.
Xia Ruqing was momentarily stunned before she dredged up a memory of the man. He was Feng Anfu, the Chief Steward of the Respectful Affairs Office, which managed the bestowal of imperial favor in the Harem. All the concubines, high and low, vied for his good graces.
Regaining her composure, Xia Ruqing approached and offered a half-bow. "Eunuch Feng, I extend my greetings!"
This is a man I can't afford to offend. Her half-bow was a genuine gesture of respect and courtesy.
True to form, Feng Anfu's smile widened. "Lady Xia is too courteous. Soon, someone will come to instruct you. I shall take my leave now!"
"Eunuch Feng, please take care," Xia Ruqing replied.
As she spoke, Xiao Xizi hurriedly came forward with a pouch. Eunuch Feng graciously accepted it with a beaming smile.
The pouch contained little Silver—Xia Ruqing was poor, after all—but Feng Anfu had plans of his own.
If Lady Xia, after a year in the Harem, can still make an impression, she must have caught the Emperor's eye, Feng Anfu mused. By being modest and amiable towards her, I can't go wrong!
After seeing Eunuch Feng out, Xia Ruqing returned and sank onto the lounge chair, stunned. Unlike Xiao Xizi's utter joy, Xia Ruqing was somewhat dazed.
Wasn't it just this morning that I encountered the Emperor while picking osmanthus flowers in the Imperial Garden? I didn't even get a clear look at his face before I was kneeling from a distance and kowtowing. I only dared to lift my head after the Emperor had passed far beyond me. With such an absence of interaction, could he have taken a liking to me? If anything did happen, it was that the Emperor paused for a few seconds in front of me, and I stole a couple of glances. But all I saw was just a pair of Dragon Boots! Five-Clawed Golden Dragons, edged with golden thread. If taken to the modern era, they might even be considered antiques. As for what the person looked like, I really have no idea! My memories of the Emperor are pitifully scarce. This... This is heading towards rolling in the sheets?
「…」
In the afternoon, several Sisters came to Zhaohua Pavilion along with their attendants.
"This godforsaken place is really secluded!" someone complained.
Xia Ruqing considered this. It is indeed secluded. Beyond Zhaohua Pavilion to the north is the Cold Palace, said to be ill-omened. Anyone with a bit of cunning has sought a way to move out! I'm the only one left! But it's also just right for seeking some peace. If I lived among throngs of people, I'd find it too noisy!
After the pleasantries, those people got busy boiling water and preparing clothes and jewelry. Zhaohua Pavilion had never been this lively.
Before long, a Sister approached and said, "Lady Xia, the fragrant bath is ready. Please, My Lady, you may bathe now."
"Thank you for your efforts, Sister," Xia Ruqing said, bowing slightly in thanks.
The Emperor's attendants sure are efficient, she thought. Normally, it wouldn't be this quick to have a bath!
Soaking in a tub full of flower petals, Xia Ruqing closed her eyes contentedly, letting the Old Sisters wash her with fragrant soap.
I've regained my composure now. It's just rolling in the sheets; what's there not to accept? Is it worth seeking death over? Having barely gotten a second chance at life, I'm far from willing to die just yet. I want to live well!
"Congratulations, My Lady! We've finally made it through!" Palace Maid Qiu Tong said excitedly at her side.
"Yes, indeed! We've finally made it through!" Qiu Hong also came forward, diligently adding hot water for her.
Xia Ruqing leaned on the edge of the tub, her almond-shaped eyes slightly narrowed. She gave both maids a cool glance but said nothing.
These two are my Palace Maids. Usually, not even their shadows are to be found, but now they've emerged eagerly. This deep palace...
After bathing, Xia Ruqing put on the light gauze robes that had been prepared for her. The sheer layers hinted at the undergarment beneath, and her sleek, black hair cascaded down her shoulders, making her look as ethereal as a fairy.
"My Lady, your hair is truly lovely! So black and smooth," Qiu Tong complimented while drying her hair with a cotton cloth.
Several Old Sisters took out the prepared rouge and powder, planning to do her makeup, but Xia Ruqing frowned at the sight.
"Sisters, perhaps I could do it myself? You've all been busy for half the day and must be tired. Why not take a break with some tea?" Xia Ruqing suggested. She then took a pair of jade bracelets, a gem-encrusted hairpin, and a pair of earrings set with Southern Pearls from her dressing case and handed them over.
The Sisters hesitated for a moment and exchanged glances. Then, they smiled and accepted the gifts. "Lady Xia, you may do your makeup, but for the rest, you must still follow our lead!" The rules could not be ignored.
They added, "The Emperor does not favor heavy makeup, so Lady Xia, please be modest with it."
"Thank you for the reminder, Sisters," Xia Ruqing said gratefully.
The Sisters nodded, saying nothing more. They had seen plenty like her—young ladies wanting to stand out during their time serving the Emperor in bed.
There were those who adorned themselves with floral decals, those who applied fragrant balms, and even those who painted petals on their foreheads.