Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 476 Han Shuyi Enters the Palace

Qing Zhitong was the emperor's most cherished memory, but for Consort Qing, her deceased sister was a thorn in her side, a demon that haunted her heart.

She could use her older sister to gain favor, but she couldn't help but get angry every time someone mentioned it.

Therefore, the Empress's casual words in the hall instantly ignited her years of pent-up resentment and obsession, and she instinctively retorted with a reckless attitude.

When she woke up in Zhaoqing Palace

"Has the Emperor come?" she asked in a hoarse voice.

There was no sound from inside the hall; she could only hear her heart pounding wildly. Turning her head, she saw Yang Baolin, Granny Yu, and Amber standing respectfully to one side, each with a timid expression, and no one dared to answer.

She suddenly felt extremely terrified.

When was the last time the Emperor visited Zhaoqing Palace?

From the age of seven, in order to divert more of her father's attention from her older sister, she pretended to be pushed down by her sister, then clutched her chest and fell unconscious under a plum tree. When she woke up and saw her sister's anxious look, she had a sudden inspiration and lied that her chest was pounding.

That time, she got what she wanted. Even her foolish sister believed it, and her father started to show her more concern.

From then on, her heart palpitations became her most effective weapon. She was already weak, so she became even more adept at feigning it, and even the physician could not detect any flaws when examining her pulse.

But as early as when she was confined to the palace, she no longer needed to bother pretending.

The symptom of heart palpitations followed her relentlessly, keeping her restless day and night.

It was only then that she realized how torturous true heart palpitations were, an agony that no amount of treatment from the imperial physicians could alleviate.

Amber brought over the medicine, but Consort Qing pushed her away, shouting, "Get out of here, all of you!"

With a crash, the medicine bowl was thrown to the ground and shattered into pieces on the footstool. Brownish medicine splattered everywhere, mixing with the dregs and meandering across the floor like ugly scars. Amber was so frightened that she knelt down with a thud, not daring to lift her head.

Yang Baolin, watching from the side, was alarmed. She stepped forward and gently comforted him, "Your Majesty, please calm down. The Emperor is probably still angry. This time, even the Empress has been reprimanded, which shows that the Emperor is fair. Once his anger subsides in a few days, he will surely remember our past relationship and come to see you..."

Consort Qing seemed not to hear, looking dejected. "Get out, all of you, get out."

Granny Yu gave Yang Baolin a wink, signaling her to step back.

Yang Baolin looked at the figure curled up on the bed, sighed softly, and turned to leave the bedroom.

She stood under the eaves of the side hall, gazing at the deep night, filled with regret.

With Consort Qing currently under house arrest, the Emperor certainly won't be setting foot here anytime soon. The favor she gained through this incident will likely be completely lost along with the storm.

Regret washed over me like a tide.

She had gone to great lengths to climb the social ladder to become Consort Qing, and had finally managed to gain a few nights of her favor by leveraging her influence. She thought she had climbed the ladder to success and could ascend step by step. But after moving in, she realized that life in Zhaoqing Palace was far more unbearable.

Consort Qing was arrogant and fiery, and would vent her anger on others at the slightest provocation. Every day, she would either scold or complain that Consort Qing was incompetent, and even the palace servants dared to give her the cold shoulder.

By this time, she finally understood why Consort Pei preferred to remain in the desolate Hanxiang Pavilion rather than move to Zhaoqing Palace. Consort Mu was aloof but always kind and gentle, never easily making things difficult for others. Although it was remote, it was peaceful and comfortable; she wouldn't have to be constantly on guard against others' whims, nor would she have to be a leaf on a high branch that could be shaken off at any moment.

......

August 21st was an auspicious day chosen by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, with clear skies and blue skies.

The imperial procession departed from the Han Governor's Mansion in Yongchangfang, traversing the bluestone-paved road towards the Imperial City.

The sedan curtains were drawn low, blocking the onlookers' gazes and concealing the pale face of the woman inside. Han Shuyi sat upright in the sedan, tears wetting the makeup that Aunt Qin had carefully applied for her.

She was adopted at the age of two and lived as the adopted daughter of the Han family for fourteen years.

The Han family treated her well, providing her with fine clothes and food, and raising her with great care. Her adoptive father even personally taught her martial arts and archery in his spare time. She originally thought that the Han family and the Northern Frontier were her destiny. But just last night, her grandmother revealed that she was actually her adoptive father's biological daughter.

She couldn't accept the truth for a while.

Her 14-year-long adopted daughter status was suddenly exposed, revealing not a warm inner self, but a shameful stain from a drunken lapse in behavior.

So what if she's my biological daughter? This identity is destined to be buried in the dust forever. The Han family has made outstanding military achievements, and we cannot let a "bastard daughter" ruin their reputation.

And yet, because of this unspeakable identity, she was sent to this magnificent, golden cage before her.

The sound of eunuchs announcing "Greetings!" came from outside the sedan chair, indicating that they were almost at the palace gate.

Stepping through this palace gate, from this day forward, she will be the emperor's chosen concubine, no longer the Han Shuyi who could chase after her "adoptive father's" horse in the snowy north.

As she helped Xiaodie down from the sedan chair, the image of a young man flashed through her mind. He had handsome features, and his smile was especially striking. Like her, he had a shallow dimple at the corner of his mouth.

She recalled that just a few days ago, she had been subtly inquiring about Consort Chun, which now seemed ridiculous.

Tears welled up in her eyes again, and Han Shuyi cursed herself inwardly for being "pathetic," but she didn't wipe them away.

Xiaodie quickly handed her a handkerchief, but she gently shook her head. Let these tears be a farewell to the past; after today, she should never cry again.

After walking along the long palace path for a long time, led by palace attendants and eunuchs, Consort Han had to first pay her respects to the Empress Dowager at Shou Kang Palace and Ci Ning Palace. Empress Dowager Zhou was gentle and rewarded her with a set of red gold jewelry. Empress Dowager Jiang was even more benevolent, bestowing many gifts upon her.

Afterwards, they went to Renming Hall to pay their respects to the Empress. The procedure was the same as before: kneeling, bowing, and listening to her admonitions.

The Empress clearly disliked her; it was evident from the first time she entered the palace. Her face feigned familiarity with her, but her eyes held a chilling intent.

"Because of your relationship with me as your uncle, you should call me 'elder sister'. In the future, I will take good care of you in the palace."

The Empress held her teacup, her fingertips gently sliding along the rim. She continued in a gentle voice, "You have just entered the palace. If there is any inconvenience or if your subordinates are ignorant, please send someone to Renming Hall to let me know. I will take care of it for you."

Han Shuyi kept her eyes down the whole time. After the Empress finished speaking, she curtsied and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

She stayed in Renming Hall for almost half an hour before she was able to take her leave. When she came out, the sky was already dyed with a large expanse of orange-red sunset.

As they walked towards Chenghui Palace in the afterglow, Xiaodie helped her up the steps in front of the palace and habitually called out in a low voice, "Miss, we've arrived."

“You should address her as ‘Your Highness’ now,” Suqin whispered a reminder from the side. She had been specially sent by Old Madam Han and had been subtly reminding her of the proper etiquette all the way.

Xiaodie quickly corrected herself: "Your Majesty, we have arrived."

Han Shuyi took a deep breath, stepped inside, and locked the last bit of melancholy in the twilight outside the palace gates.

......

Lingcui Palace, Cuiyu Hall.

Meng Shu was having dinner when Green Willow walked in lightly and reported with her hands at her sides: "Your Highness, Consort Shun has already moved into Chenghui Palace. She only brought a personal maid named Xiaodie with her, and an older nanny with her."

“Granny Suqin?” Donggua raised his eyes and replied, “I saw her at Cining Palace last time. That nanny is the one who serves Old Madam Han personally. She also entered the palace with Consort Shun, which shows that the Old Madam really loves this granddaughter.”

“Consort Shun was personally raised by Old Madam Han, and they have a deep bond. She should prepare everything she can for her.” Meng Shu didn’t have much of an appetite. After eating half a bowl of porridge, she picked up a handkerchief from the table and wiped her fingertips.

She got up and headed towards the study, but paused slightly at the door, turning to ask Green Willow, "Has the Emperor gone?"

Green Willow quickly followed, shaking her head and replying, "Not yet. His Majesty is still in the Taiji Hall. He summoned several officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue to discuss matters in the afternoon, and even had his dinner in the hall."