章 43: No more servants

Ruyi's almond-shaped eyes, sparkling with intelligence, observed Nanny Na and Han Aeng with an unwavering gaze. She had noticed a few things about her mistress in their limited days together.

In moments of solitude, a fleeting vulnerability plays across Wangfei's features, revealing the weight of responsibility she carries. Yet, when challenged, a quiet determination flashes in her gaze, showcasing a strength that belied her fragile exterior.

Ruyi speculated that her mistress's distinct and refreshing approach to maintaining poise in the face of adversity might be influenced by her palace life back at Jeontu.

In the Shangwei, the inner court was an extension of the outer court. The imperial household often associated itself with the political landscape, influenced by official state matters, personal relationships, rituals, and traditions.

Therefore, new additions to the inner palace often navigate a realm with intensity and competition. The dynamics among the newcomers are influenced by their strong backing and restricted solely by the empress dowager and the empress's tight hold on affairs. These women display a lack of fear in confronting one another.

The same could be said about most new princess consorts, especially during their initial stay in the palace. They were at odds with each other due to their family's political standings, particularly when distanced from the empress dowager and empress.

In such an environment, Li Wangfei stands out. She deliberately avoids confrontations, steering clear of unnecessary conflicts. She navigates challenges with intelligence, diplomacy, and a unique ability to handle situations with grace and tact whilst maintaining a positive image in the eyes of others.

Her strategic approach becomes evident in her apology for causing trouble, showcasing genuine remorse and a commitment to self-improvement.

These qualities left a lasting impression on Ruyi because serving Wangfei wasn't merely a duty but a pathway to the stability she craved! She was confident that a passive mistress in power meant she could lead the rest of her working years in peace and enjoy an uneventful life.

Aware that she couldn't compete against Wangfei's nanny, Ruyi aimed to safeguard her position as Wangfei's exclusive personal maid. Drawing from her experience serving Imperial Noble Consort Rong, she knew that being indispensable was the key to ensuring her safety.

As long as she served Li wangfei attentively and offered counsel, carefully sharing her insights and opinions, she should be able to secure her favour. "Wangfei shall nubi inform Eunach Chen there is no need to assign more servants."

One of the first things Ruyi noticed was Wangfei's preference for a more intimate and controlled environment. More often than not, she pushed the notion of limiting the number of servants - perhaps she valued a more personal and close-knit setting.

""As expected of Shangwei's palace maids. Always one step ahead,"" Han Aeng commented to Nanny Na with a small smile. She turned to face Ruyi with a warm look of approval. "Mm. You and nanny are more than enough. I do not need any more servants."

"Wangfei falters nubi." Ruyi bowed humbly; a glint of pride sparkled in her eyes. Of course, her loyalty was unwavering, but she wasn't without her strength.

Han Aeng caught the fleeting glimpse. A small, knowing smile played on her lips as she tilted her head ever so slightly.

As the conversation settled, a disgruntled figure approached with a forced smile that barely concealed their discontent.

Zhuyan was a attending maid temporally assigned by the Steward's office. Observing her pushy demeanour with the other maids, Han Aeng wasn't particularly fond of her.

"Li Wangfei," she began with a curtsy that held a touch of formality but lacked the genuine respect Ruyi displayed. "I couldn't help but overhear your decision. It's just that, with such an important position, wouldn't it be more fitting to have a larger entourage to attend to your needs?"

Noticing her mistress's lack of response, Ruyi politely addressed Zhuyan. "Senior Zhuyan, your insights are always valued. However, I assure you that Wangfei is content with the arrangement."

"I believe it's Wangfei's decision to make. No need for you to speak on her behalf." She shot a fleeting glance at Han Aeng.

"Certainly, Senior Zhuyan. If you have any concerns or suggestions, please address them directly with Wangfei. However, for now, her decision stands, and I am here to assist in implementing it."

Ruyi subtly shifted her stance, her body forming a barrier between Zhuyan and Li Wangfei. The non-verbal signal conveyed that further discussion must be directed through her.

"This-" Zhuyan stopped in her tracks. This Li Wangfei wasn't even paying attention to her but was rather drinking tea?! She was indicating that Ruyi was her spokesperson for this matter.

Reluctantly, she turned to Ruyi, her chenched fists betraying her sense of frustration. "Of course. However, wouldn't having a few more maids attending to the Wangfei's every whim would be advantageous? It would ensure that you lack nothing and enhance your comfort."

Sure, she had ambitions within the palace, but she was slowly becoming offended.

Is Wangfei truly capable of managing with so little servants? Why won't they see the benefits of a larger entourage? My experience could be invaluable to her, and she needs to recognize it!

Ruyi's experience could easily discern the thinly veiled attempt to insert more influence. "I'm sure Wangfei appreciates your concern. However, Wangfei's nanny and I, whom Noble Consort Rong granted, are more than capable of handling things for Wangfei."

Hearing Ruyi's defence, Han Aeng could hold back her smile. She liked smart people who knew when and where to abuse their power. Ruyi diplomatically mentioned her mother-in-law and herself; you'd be a fool to question their decision.

Zhuyan's mind raced with schemes to convince Wangfei. She couldn't fathom why the Wangfei insisted on such a limited entourage, and an unsettling realization dawned — questioning this decision might be more challenging than she anticipated. "Well, of course, I just thought that—"

"Zhuyan," Han Aeng interjected.

Ruyi had done her part well. The only reason Zhuyan was pushing her luck was simply because she was Ruyi's senior.

Without wasting a second, she redirected the conversation, steering it away from Zhuyan's persistent demands. "Aren't you all capable servants?"

Her question invited Zhuyan to tread carefully. No matter what she said, it would not be in her favour.

Despite her attempt at composure, a subtle tension lingered in Zhuyan's response. As she nodded, there was a tightening of her jaw.

"Without a doubt, Wangfei," she uttered, her voice carrying a restrained edge. "Eunach Chen sent us, the best of the best, to make sure you are more comfortable and taken care of."

"See, I trust the capabilities of those currently by my side, and I prefer quality over quantity." Han Aeng didn't leave any space for doubt.

Ruyi silently nodded in approval. As expected, Wangfei handles things well.

The corner of Zhuyan's lips twitched as she maintained her forced smile. "As you wish, Wangfei. This servant will continue to serve you to the best of her abilities." Hidden beneath Zhuyan's polished exterior, she was a simmering discontent that occasionally flashed in the furrow of her brows.

"Your assistance is appreciated, senior," Ruyi's measured words sliced through the tense atmosphere, "but we have it well in hand."

A silence settled over the pergola, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves in the afternoon breeze. Zhuyan's forced smile wavered, and her eyes darted between Ruyi and Han Aeng, searching for an opening.

However, there was none, and she reliased her interference was neither required nor welcome.

Though reluctant, Zhuyan withdrew. She offered a final, stiff curtsy, her expression masked, before turning on her heel and exiting the pergola to join the other servants.

Seemingly unbothered, Han Aeng gracefully resumed her conversation with Nanny Na. A flicker of amusement played on her lips. Ruyi, on the other hand, observed Zhuyan's departure with a knowing expression.

The figure observed the exchange with an air of undisguised displeasure. A furrowed brow hinted at deep-set frustration, and the subtle "Tsk" that escaped their lips carried a blend of dissatisfaction and disdain.

It wasn't merely the rejection of Zhuyan's suggestions that bothered them; it was the realization that their subtle efforts were being challenged. Wangfei's insistence on a limited entourage disrupted carefully laid plans that involved strategically placing trusted individuals within her inner circle.

A fleeting thought crossed their mind, a calculation of the potential damage this disruption could have on his position.

There was no way that crazy person would let them breathe if they didn't get their way.

In the silence that followed, the disgruntled figure weighed their options. A new strategy needed to be devised, a way to regain lost ground and redirect the course of events in their favour.

With a final, lingering gaze at the young wangfei, the figure retreated into the palace's familiar corridors.

The distant murmur of palace life formed a backdrop to their conspiracies.