Chapter 2
Zhao Heng returned to her room with the frostbite ointment Bai Yu had given her. She placed the ointment under her pillow and picked up an old palace maid's garment from the lotus table to mend. Bing Tao, seeing Zhao Heng's return and eager to start her shift, rushed out the door, leaving her in the room to accompany Lian Zhou.
Lian Zhou pulled up a small stool and sat beside Zhao Heng by the stove, also taking out needles and thread to mend the worn-out parts of the clothes.
Zhao Heng said softly, "If you feel tired, go and rest for a while."
Lian Zhou sniffed, as if about to cry again, but managed to suppress her tears and said hoarsely, "Sister Aheng, am I particularly useless?"
Zhao Heng smiled faintly, two shallow dimples appearing at the corners of her lips, "Why do you say that?"
"Shao Ying and I entered the palace together. She is quick-witted and nimble, and was soon chosen to serve His Highness. I can only stay in the laundry room; she went to the Prince's Mansion as a concubine, and I am still in the laundry room. All along, she has been taking care of me. I thought she would never bear to let me continue to suffer in the laundry room and would take me with her." Lian Zhou drooped her eyelids, her long eyelashes casting a shadow under her eyes, "But I am so useless, she would rather go to the Prince's Mansion alone than take me with her."
As she thought about it, Lian Zhou became even more upset.
Zhao Hengâs gaze fell gently on Lianzhou's face.
âHow are you doing in the laundry department?â she asked.
Lian Zhou hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, âIt seems like nothing particularly bad.â
âYes, we are lowly in status, like a speck of dust in the palace. Even after decades in the laundry department, we cannot stir up any waves,â Zhao Heng said. âBecause of this, there is little conflict here. People argue over small things, like washing fewer clothes or sewing fewer clothes. They won't risk their lives for a fight. The higher you go, the more things there are to fight for. In the face of great profit, people's hearts become more ruthless, willing to do anything.â
âThey say the palace is full of gold, and many come in with lofty ambitions, but only a few can make it to the top. Those who succeed can rise to prominence, while those who fail end up as cannon fodder. It's peaceful to stay in the laundry department, endure until retirement, and live a peaceful life outside the palace. I think Shao Ying's decision not to take you to the Wang Mansion reflects this.â
Listening to Zhao Heng's words, Lian Zhou silently remembered Shaoying's kindness to her over the years. Her heart was filled with sorrow, and tears streamed down her face.
Putting down her work, Zhao Heng gently patted Lian Zhou's hand and said, âWhether my speculation is correct or not, since that person has passed away, you must take care of yourself.â
The most useless thing in the world is comfort. No matter how many comforting words are spoken, they cannot soothe the pain in one's heart.
Lian Zhou cried bitterly once again, her voice hoarse, before eventually falling asleep on the bed. After tucking her in, Zhao Heng returned to the fire to continue mending clothes. While Aunt Chen had granted Lian Zhou's leave, if her work was delayed, she would be punished.
After spending the afternoon repairing clothes and feeling sore and tired, Zhao Heng finally put down her work as the room darkened with dusk approaching. Just as she stood up to stretch her sore muscles, a palace maid called her over to the main hall.
âReprimand?â Zhao Heng asked in surprise. âDo you want me to go now?â
Bing Tao nodded. âIt seems to be about leaving the palace tomorrow for the Anguo Duke's Mansion.â
With a sense of understanding, Zhao Heng knew they were called for a reprimand before they were set to leave for the Anguo Duke's Mansion the next day.
Living far away, Zhao Heng arrived at the side hall when almost everyone had gathered. Yun Feng, who attended to the prince's daily life, stood to the side with a bamboo board in hand, while the others remained silent. Zhao Heng gave a respectful nod to Yun Feng before taking her place at the back.
Yun Feng nodded slightly at Zhao Heng, then immediately straightened up and looked back at the group. After a moment, when everyone was almost ready, she lifted the bamboo board in her hand and walked around them, giving some instructions: "This time, you will accompany me to the Anguo Duke's Mansion to serve the old master. Everyone must do their duties well. If anyone cannot bear hardship, speak up now. I will lead you out, not to earn praise, but to avoid mistakes. When we arrive there, you must listen to my instructions, not argue back, work quickly and efficiently, and not be stubborn. Do not procrastinate or cause any trouble. Do things in an orderly manner, and do not tarnish the reputation of the Eastern Palace and the Crown Prince. If anyone dares to cause trouble under my watch, do not expect me to be lenient, and you will be punished. Do you understand?"
The head palace maid naturally exuded authority, her voice not loud but each word spoken with weight. Perhaps from serving the prince for so long, she had absorbed some of his royal aura, causing all the maidens to bow their heads submissively.
With the rules set, Yun Feng was about to dismiss everyone when suddenly, a figure rushed into the hall.
"Yun Feng!" The woman's face was full of anger as she marched straight to Yunfeng, ignoring everyone else present, and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
The woman was exceptionally beautiful, with delicate features and fair skin, reminiscent of a peeled egg with not a single blemish. Slim and graceful, she wore a royal blue gown that accentuated her slender figure, moving as if she was a fairy from a painting.
The slap shattered the dignity on Yun Feng's face, bringing forth tears of humiliation. She looked at the woman for a moment, then spoke with trembling lips as she knelt before her, "This servant is foolish and unknowingly committed an offense against Miss Wei. Please forgive me."
The stunning woman furrowed her brows slightly and snorted, "Lowly servant, I heard that you told the guards that if I came looking for my brother Langshu, they should tell me he was not in the Eastern Palace. Is that true?"
Yun Feng, flustered, stammered, "Please forgive me, Miss Wei... this servant was only following the crown prince's orders..."
Another harsh slap echoed through the hall.
The woman scoffed, "Lowly servant..."
Soon after, another senior palace maid hurried in and gestured for Zhao Heng and the others to leave quickly. Zhao Heng lowered her head and stepped back, only daring to glance back slightly when they were far away. She saw the beautiful woman still in a fit of rage, scolding Yun Feng who knelt on the ground with disarrayed hairpins and teary eyes, looking pitiful.
From the woman's address and her arrogant actions, Zhao Heng deduced that she was Miss Wei from the Wei family, Wei Wanyu.
Although Zhao Heng resided in the laundry department far away and did not engage in gossip, she had heard of this Miss Wei.
She and the Crown Prince had grown up together, coming from prestigious backgrounds, and it was rumored she was the ideal candidate for the Crown Prince's wife.
The Crown Prince, Li Wenjian, was the most dazzling figure in the dynasty. Crowned as the crown prince at the age of fourteen, in recent years, he upheld peace, reduced taxes, and was known for his virtuous nature. It was said that there was not even a harem in his court.
Despite working in the Eastern Palace for many years, Zhao Heng had never seen the Crown Prince. She only had a vague image of a saintly figure in her mind based on the idle chatter of palace servants.
Would a woman so rude and arrogant walk alongside the saintly prince?
Zhao Heng pondered for a moment, shaking her head silently.
---
The next morning, Zhao Heng rose early and headed to the west gate to wait.
Her female companions accompanying her on this outing were filled with anticipation for serving the sick outside the palace, chatting excitedly in small groups. Even before entering the palace, Zhao Heng had heard about the Anguo Duke. The old master was a great scholar from Longxi, known for his kindness and generosity, aiding the people and earning the reputation of an esteemed sage.
When Zhao Heng was eight years old, the capital experienced a severe drought. The earth was so dry that no crops could grow, and even the mountain lands had been dug up by desperate people multiple times, leaving nothing to eat, not even grass.
During that time, her grandmother fell seriously ill, on the brink of death due to lack of food. In her desperation, Zhao Heng heard that the Anguo Duke's Mansion had opened its granaries to assist the drought-stricken people.
With little hope, Zhao Heng, assuming that the noble families were only seeking fame through their relief efforts, went to the mansion to try her luck, standing in line along with many others.
To her surprise, she actually received life-saving food from the mansion.
She had tried to get food from many places, but it was only at the Anguo Duke's Mansion that she succeeded. The relief food provided by the mansion sustained her grandmother through her illness.
Zhao Heng was deeply grateful to him and had never forgotten his kindness all these years.
Though she admired the Anguo Duke's character, she knew her lowly status meant she would likely never have a chance to see him face to face at the mansion. But the thought of being able to serve him while he was ill filled her heart with a mix of nervousness and joy, as she could at least do her part in return.
Yun Feng arrived at the west gate on time.
The previous day in the side hall, she had been physically assaulted by Wei Wanyu, leaving her cheeks slightly swollen but without a trace of misery on her face.
Serving in front of the prince demanded composure, even if one was being physically abused, without compromising a single ounce of grace.
"It's truly exhausting," Zhao Heng thought to herself.
After checking their credentials one by one, Yun Feng led more than thirty palace maidens selected from the Eastern Palace into the carriage to head towards the Anguo Duke's Mansion.
As they exited the palace gates, there was still some distance to the parking area. As they stepped out, a group of seven or eight people in luxurious clothing, chatting and laughing while looking at their credentials, coincidentally crossed paths with them.
Among them, Zhao Heng immediately noticed Bai Yu, an eunuch who, despite his status, was exceptionally handsome. Today, he wasn't wearing his court attire but a moon-white silk robe, standing upright with an impressive air.
Zhao Heng remembered how her friends Lian Zhou and Bing Tao often teased her, saying that if Bai Yu were not an eunuch but a regular guard, he would be an ideal husband for her once she left the palace.
When Zhao Heng first met Bai Yu, he had just been a low-ranking yellow gatekeeper. At that time, she had just gone through the darkest period of her life, feeling utterly alone and fearful. Bai Yu's presence had comforted her.
During her most hopeless moments, Bai Yu had helped her establish contact with her grandmother outside the palace, giving her the courage to carry on.
For many years after that, he had cared for her meticulously.
Despite not being naive, Zhao Heng could see the affection in his eyes for her.
Having no grand ambitions, Zhao Heng simply wished to live a simple life, leave the palace, find a caring and loyal man to settle down with, and take care of her elderly grandmother until the end of her days.
Having endured previous painful experiences, she believed that a man who was kind and considerate was all she needed, regardless of her status. The pain of that experience was too traumatic.
She had carefully considered that when she left the palace, if Bai Yu didn't mind her background, she would be willing to spend her life with him. It didn't matter whether he is a real man or not.
Lost in thought, Zhaoxiang realized that Bai Yu had already entered the palace with his companions.
She couldn't help but glance at his retreating figure.
How time flies, she thought to herself. The once timid yellow gatekeeper now freely entered and left the palace in luxurious attire, exuding a youthful vigor that made Zhao Heng feel a tinge of regret.
Had he not been an eunuch, he would have been a spirited and ambitious individual, rather than being confined to the Eastern Palace, serving others as a subordinate.
While she didn't inquire about his current responsibilities, the fact that he could freely enter and chat outside the palace gates indicated that he held a significant position in front of the prince.
Regaining her focus, Zhao Heng lowered her hazy gaze to her shoes and hurried to catch up with the rest of the group.
She would think about it later.
She still had another year before she could leave the palace.
At the Anguo Duke's Mansion, as they were the prince's entourage, the main lady of the mansion, Madam Liu, personally received them, expressing gratitude on behalf of the prince before assigning them various tasks.
Zhao Heng and a few other maids were assigned to the medicinal room, responsible for brewing medicine for the elderly master.
Coming from the Eastern Palace, the palace maids represented the prince's dignity, so the steward did not dare to treat them like household servants. Despite their official tasks, they mostly gathered in the side rooms, chatting and snacking on melon seeds.
Having received kindness from the elderly master before, Zhao Heng also wanted to do something for him.
Understanding her limited capabilities due to the master's status, she believed this might be the only way she could repay him.
So, every day, she personally brewed medicine for the elderly master in front of the furnace.
On the third day of her stay at the mansion, a light spring snowfall blanketed the area.
The snow fell rapidly and densely, covering everything in a layer of white within moments.
It continued for two to three days without signs of stopping, creating a vast and silent landscape.
That day at the mansion seemed to be buzzing with activity, with maids and servants hurrying to and fro.
Before long, the steward of the medicinal room, Hui-niang, rushed in, catching the attention of everyone in the room. After a moment of relief, she explained that due to urgent matters, some maids were needed elsewhere, and Zhao Heng was asked to take charge of the medicinal room temporarily.
The tasks in the medicinal room were quite simple, mainly focused on brewing and delivering medicine, so having fewer people was manageable. Familiar with the daily routines, Zhao Heng nodded in agreement, accepting the steward's instructions.
After a few days of observation, Hui-niang saw Zhao Heng's hard work and lack of pretense, which truly moved her. Expressing her gratitude with deep respect, she issued instructions, leaving a maid to tend the fire before leading the others away.
In the adjacent room, the gossiping palace maids overheard their conversation.
One of the supervisors in the flower room rolled her eyes and mocked, "Look at her, thinking she's here to work. We're all just here to enjoy the free meals at the mansion."
The others covered their mouths, stifling laughter, their whispered conversations continuing unabated.
Zhao Heng pretended not to hear and diligently tended to the fire in front of the medicinal furnace.
The hourglass on the side table next to the stove was nearing its end, signaling that the medicine needed to be brewed and delivered promptly to preserve its efficacy.
Realizing that she couldn't rely on the other maids in the room, Zhao Heng quietly put on her cloak and instructed the fire-tending maid, "I will go deliver the medicine, please watch the fire."
The young maid nodded in response and opened the door for her, seeing her out.
The elderly master had been moved from the guest room to the tranquil Anning Pavilion by the lakeside in the secluded inner corner of the mansion. The pavilion, surrounded by the internal lake, was quiet and peaceful, perfect for recuperating. Originally used for the education of the family's children, the pavilion was modestly constructed, reflecting the master's preference for simplicity.
Due to the confined space at the Anning Pavilion, the medicinal room was set up in the nearby Qiwu Residence, connected by a walkway over the water. Walking from the Qiwu Residence to the Anning Pavilion ensured that the medicinal concoctions were served at the perfect temperature.
Carrying the medicine, Zhaoxiang left the medicinal room and stepped out into the snowy spring day, unexpectedly colder than deep winter. A chill swept through her, causing her to shiver.
Concerned that the medicine might cool faster in such weather, Zhao Heng wasted no time and briskly made her way towards the Anning Pavilion.
Upon reaching the courtyard, she noticed a gathering of people outside.
Observing their luxurious attire and relaxed demeanor, they didn't seem like guests but rather important figures within the mansion.
A sudden thought crossed Zhao Heng's mind - had something happened to the elderly master, leading their entire family to come and visit him?
However, a quick glance at their faces revealed no signs of sorrow but rather joy, excitement, and anticipation, dispelling her initial concerns.
Just as she was contemplating this, Madam Liu, who had welcomed Zhao Heng and her companions, emerged and asked, "Is the medicine ready? The prince has been asking for it twice."
Zhao Heng understood that it was the prince who had come to inquire about the master's health.