章 24: Kunning Chapter 24: Discrimination
In this manner, a dozen individuals arrived.
Among this gathering, Xiao Shu unquestionably assumed the role of the inconspicuous leader. The moment she approached, all eyes turned toward her. Besides envy, a sense of fear and submission emanated from the group.
Several individuals also proactively greeted her.
Xiao Shu reciprocated, nodding to each person individually while treating everyone equally.
Her demeanor, however, subtly changed when she noticed Jiang Xuening. The corners of her lips lifted slightly.
At this point, Jiang Xuening hadn't offered her greetings, but she acknowledged Xiao Shu from a distance with a nod, constituting a form of greeting. It appeared amicable, with a trace of approval from certain individuals.
Had it been someone else, they would have likely been flattered long ago.
Yet, Jiang Xuening perceived Xiao Shu's attitude differently. She carried herself with a natural aristocratic aloofness, not expressing equal friendship, but rather a belief that she could catch the attention of the eldest princess, considering herself worthy of notice without being taken seriously—
Such was Xiao Shu's temperament.
Born into a prominent family, she possessed what others aspired to throughout their lives. Rarely faced with unattainability, Xiao Shu remained exceedingly composed in all situations and with everyone. Even when confronting the royal family, she maintained a demeanor of neither humility nor arrogance. In the face of people who posed no threat to her, she engaged in light-hearted conversations, unperturbed by any rudeness. Her composure only wavered when she perceived a threat, then revealing her metaphorical fangs.
Jiang Xuening had contended with her in a past life.
During her pre-queen days, she wholeheartedly charmed Shen Jie. Though Shen Jie might not have genuinely favored her, who could resist the allure of being wooed by a beautiful woman?
During that period, she was considered "favored."
However, upon Shen Jie's ascent to the throne and Jiang Xuening's attainment of the queen status, she ceased cajoling Shen Jie. Subsequently, as Xiao Shu entered the palace, she chose to let the harem contend for favor, delighting in making the emperor's life less comfortable in Xiao Shu's palace.
Everything changed when Xiao Shu became pregnant and received the title of noble concubine, prompting Shen Jie to assign her to the sixth palace.
Jiang Xuening, at last, began to feel anxious.
Or rather, incensed.
It appears that holding the title of queen doesn't guarantee a lifetime reign. In a harem teeming with capable individuals, especially someone like Xiao Shu from a wealthy background with robust support from her family, the struggle for supremacy becomes inevitable. Accustomed to a life of privilege, Xiao Shu might find it challenging to settle for the role of a mere royal concubine and tolerate others above her.
And so, the battle officially commenced.
Despite the strained relationship between Jiang Xuening and her family, where honor and disgrace intertwined, Jiang Boyou was newly appointed Minister of the Household Department, giving him a courtly presence. Additionally, Zhou Yinzhi, who already controlled most of Jin Yiwei, was ruthless and dependable in his duties.
Adding an intriguing dimension to the conflict was Xiao Shu's "exiled" elder brother, Xiao Dingfei, who had recently "recovered" in the past two years. He, the legitimate heir to the Cheng Duchy, was also Xiao Shu's half-brother. Known for his prodigal temperament, Xiao Dingfei was a notorious figure in government and public circles, unyielding and generous. Not hesitating to confront Duke Cheng for Xiao Shu's sake, he showed no regard for her status.
Thus, in the clash between Xiao Shu and the Cheng Duchy's mansion, she found herself not entirely at a disadvantage, resulting in a somewhat protracted stalemate.
Later, when Xie Wei ousted Xiao Shu, she couldn't help but applaud for a moment.
However, her happiness was short-lived.
Within half a year at most, Xie Wei made another move to overthrow the royal family, seizing control of the entire government and public domain. Jiang Xuening, the empress, ultimately lost her esteemed position.
It was indeed a case of "a snipe and clam fight, with the fisherman winning."
Even though Jiang Xuening and Xiao Shu shared an unfortunate fate, both falling into Xie Wei's grasp due to court entanglements, there was no sympathy for her former "opponent."
Contrary to expectations, Jiang Xuening didn't harbor much liking for Xiao Shu in this life; rather, she feared her.
When Xiao Shu initiated a greeting, Jiang Xuening lowered her eyes, pondered for a moment, and simply nodded in return, lacking warmth.
Xiao Shu scrutinized Jiang Xuening's gaze, but soon her attention shifted. Huang Renli had already tallied the number of people and summoned palace servants to assist them, introducing the surrounding palaces.
Huang Renli was well aware that the group consisted of ladies from distinguished families, friends of Her Royal Highness, and individuals keenly interested in her. With a soft and warm voice, reminiscent of a gentle spring breeze, he addressed them, "This time, ladies, you will be residing in Yang Zhizhai. His Majesty has taken considerable effort to prepare it for the readings with Her Royal Highness. Originally intended for the prince's studies, it now serves as an abode for the ladies. We've refurbished it as par the imperial palace, planting flowers and trees suitable for enjoyment. Each of you will have your own spacious room. Yang Zhizhai is located next to Fengchen Hall, making it extremely convenient for lectures. To the north lies the Sixth Palace, where the harem ladies reside, and to the south, you can enjoy views of Wenhua Hall and Wenzhao Pavilion in the outer court. However, being closer to the inner court's edge means a slight proximity to the outer court. If any of you are concerned about unintentional encounters, exercising a bit more caution and discretion might be necessary."
Although the separation between men and women in this dynasty was not overly strict, some mansions maintained strict rules and were cautious about interactions. Hence, Huang Renli provided this information.
Jiang Xuening remained indifferent, but some girls in the group nodded in agreement. She couldn't help but snort at their caution.
Yang Zhizhai wasn't particularly favorable for her in the previous life. Its proximity to Wenhua Palace allowed gentlemen to conveniently offer lectures to the princess after addressing the emperor, princes, and ministers. Even individuals like Yan Lin and Shen Jie, who attended lectures, could sneak over. Meetings with Xie Wei discussing books or other princes and nobles listening to the emperor's teachings outside were not uncommon.
It felt like a place where connections could be easily established.
In this life, Yang Zhizhai remained unchanged from her previous experiences, even down to the placement of two newly planted osmanthus trees under the palace wall. Having accompanied the living prince for study sessions, the setting exuded an elegant simplicity, reminiscent of a library.
While a lady accustomed to wealth and honor might not find it extraordinary, someone from a modest family like Yao Rongrong expressed surprise. Ready to commend the palace's grandeur, she hesitated when she noticed the flat expressions of the others and refrained from speaking.
Huang Renli continued, "The place has been prepared, but you ladies should discuss and choose your rooms. After settling in, Shangyi Bureau's female officials will arrive to teach palace etiquette. Brace yourselves because Su Shangyi will personally oversee it. With many years in the palace and early service to Her Royal Highness, she's quite rigorous. If you don't pass her test, your stay here might be short-lived."
At the mention of Su Shangyi, Jiang Xuening felt a reflexive pain in her knees, back, neck, and even her fingers. In her previous life, she grew up in the countryside, disliking the stringent rules. Reliant on Yan Lin upon returning to the capital, she became increasingly unruly. Upon entering the palace, she often clashed with Su Shangyi, who had strict instructions from Shen Zhiyi and proved exceptionally demanding. One misstep could mean starting over, making such moments extremely embarrassing.
As everyone observed, they stood by and watched Jiang Xuening become the subject of amusement. Their eyes carried a peculiar look, and they pointed at her.
The ladies from aristocratic families who gathered for the reading today deliberately inquired about the palace's situation, having evidently heard about Ms. Su from the Shangyi Bureau. They displayed a hint of fear.
This prompted hushed discussions among them while choosing rooms.
"I've heard of Su Shangyi; she's quite intimidating. My mother warned me this morning to steer clear of her. But Eunuch Huang mentioned that there would be female officials for separate lessons. What if I encounter Su Shangyi? Oh…"
"Is she really that frightening?"
"This room faces south, with a westward-opening window overlooking the osmanthus tree. I might encounter noble individuals. I've decided on this room, and none of you should compete with me! May the lords above bless me in choosing this room to navigate this challenge smoothly."
Jiang Xuening opted not to vie for a room in a particularly advantageous location. Instead, she chose the most secluded room in the farthest corner, albeit one with less natural light. She could discern who was who merely by listening to the voices behind her.
The one speaking was Zhou Baoying; the timid one was Yao Rongrong; and the half-magician, Fang Miao, chose her room in a mysterious manner, muttering for a while.
The others remained relatively silent.
Rooms were chosen quickly.
Tacitly, everyone left the best room for Xiao Shu. Chen Shuyi and Yao Xi's rooms were on both sides of hers, while others scattered randomly. Jiang Xuening's room was closest, situated on the east side, which wasn't particularly advantageous. Fan Yilan, who didn't care much about being a companion, selected that room.
After choosing, they entered to pack their belongings.
Jiang Xuening brought the fewest things, casually tidying up, thinking she'd be the first to finish. Unexpectedly, upon coming out, Fan Yilan was already seated outside.
Seeing Jiang Xuening, Fan Yilan nodded, perhaps assuming that Jiang Xuening, like her, was indifferent to such matters. She rarely smiled, but when she did, it gave her an air of elegance and grace, like an orchid in an empty valley.
Jiang Xuening figured that Fan Yilan might have misunderstood her as a kindred spirit, but explaining this "beautiful" misunderstanding was challenging. So, she accepted the other party's kindness with a cheeky face and smile.
The two sat outside in silence, waiting.
In less than half an hour, everyone finished packing.
At that moment, a message arrived that the Shangyi Bureau's ladies were there to teach the rules. Almost instantly, the maids inside and outside Yang Zhizhai straightened up, lowered their heads, held their breath, and remained silent.
The posture astonished everyone.
Subsequently, four female officials entered from outside the palace gate.
Leading them was a woman wearing a gray-blue fifth-rank female official uniform, her hair meticulously styled, adorned with two gold hairpins featuring wishful cloud patterns. With folded hands in front of her waist, she walked with a precise and dignified gait. Her elderly face bore no smile, with wrinkles around the eyes and a faint vertical mark between the brows due to frequent frowning. There was a serious and unapproachable air about her.
Among the twelve, the timid one immediately lowered her head in fear.
Only Xiao Shu, Chen Shuyi, and Fan Yilan calmly bowed and saluted. Xiao Shu and Chen Shuyi were well-versed in palace etiquette, while Fan Yilan, seeing everyone the same, didn't find Su Shangyi intimidating.
Observing this, Su Shangyi frowned, walked to the front, and stood still. Without any fluctuations in her expression, she introduced herself, "Today, the Shangyi Bureau is tasked with teaching you court etiquette for the next two days. I am Su Shangyi. As you'll be accompanying Her Royal Highness, extra caution is required. Take these two days seriously. Anyone showing negligence or struggling to learn may be asked to leave the palace and return home."
Although Huang Renli had conveyed a similar message earlier, Su Shangyi's words struck a chord, instilling a sense of trepidation.
Su Shangyi saw their reactions and continued, "Now, ladies, let's divide into three groups. The three female officials will provide separate lessons to offer more comprehensive guidance."
All present bowed in unison, responding with a collective, "Yes."
Su Shangyi then took her seat.
Certainly! Here's a rephrased version of the text:
A collective sigh of relief swept through everyone at the realization that Lord Shang Yi, the most demanding and fearsome, would not personally oversee their training.
However, the process of "self-grouping" proved somewhat subtle.
Xiao Shu, Chen Shuyi, and Yao Xi had arrived together in the same carriage, so naturally, they formed a group. Meanwhile, You Yue looked around, then approached and pulled Fan Yilan aside, moving towards Zhou Baoying, who was heading towards Xiao Shu. With a smile, You Yue said to Zhou Baoying, "I knew Baoying in the past. Shall we go together?"
After a moment's consideration, Zhou Baoying felt it didn't matter and nodded.
Jiang Xuening stood there, contemplating whom she should align herself with in this life.
In her previous life, she had a strong affinity with Zhou Baoying. However, the encounter with Su Shangyi had been unfortunate, resulting in torture that left her unrecognizable. Though she had initially planned to go with the flow and not seek a smooth passage, another encounter with Su Shangyi could lead to leaving the palace and enduring more torment.
She hadn't made up her mind.
"Choosing a companion is about assessing their 'potential,'" a godlike voice suddenly emerged from not far behind. Jiang Xuening turned her head to see Fang Miao approaching. With keen eyes, Fang Miao stared shrewdly, placing a hand on Jiang Xuening's shoulder and saying with a smile, "Miss, if I accompany you, I'm sure to gain some influence and shine a bit. So, I'll be with Miss Jiang—"
The last word, "bar," suddenly froze.
Fang Miao had learned that Jiang Xuening, the only one not to provide her name yet appearing on the accompanying list, had also won the favor of Princess Leyang at the Double Ninth Banquet. Aside from Xiao Shu, Jiang Xuening was the first person the Eldest Princess cared about. Fang Miao had initially wanted to be with her to foster a better relationship and attract the Eldest Princess's attention.
However, with a glance out of the corner of her eye, she saw Su Shangyi standing up again!
Not only standing up but also heading toward Jiang Xuening!
Grandma!
Fang Miao's eyelids twitched wildly. She swallowed the words that were about to escape and turned around abruptly, pointing to Fan Yilan.
"Hey, things seem lively over there!"
With that, she raised her hand that had been on Jiang Xuening's shoulder, smoothed the fabric folds on her shoulder, and said, "I'll be going now, Miss Jiang Er. Don't miss me!"
Then, in a flash, she ran to Fan Yilan's side.
In an instant, everyone looked at Jiang Xuening with pity. You Yue couldn't help but chuckle, suggesting that Jiang Xuening had been domineering in her uncle's house before but today she was bound to face disaster. According to her, such a person should be treated like this. If she falls into Su Shangyi's hands, even if she doesn't die, she'll be skinned alive!
"…"
Only then did Jiang Xuening realize that something was amiss.
Then, she heard a cold voice behind her: "Miss Jiang Er."
Jiang Xuening froze, turned around, and saw Su Shangyi standing behind her!
Facing this expressionless countenance, her entire body felt tense.
She thought to herself that she truly couldn't escape Su Shangyi in this life. On second thought, Su Shangyi had strict standards, and as long as she showed her spoiled temper and opportunistic inferiority, she might be able to leave the palace.
It was time to salute.
But what she never expected was that the next moment, Su Shangyi's stern face actually formed a slight smile!
Though not evident, it was a complete departure from before!
At this moment, not only Jiang Xuening but everyone else who was either gloating or about to enjoy the spectacle was dumbfounded. They couldn't believe what they were witnessing!
The iron tree was blooming!
The sun was setting in the west!
Su Shangyi was actually smiling!
She probably wasn't accustomed to it, so her smile looked somewhat stiff. However, as she looked at Jiang Xuening, even her voice softened compared to before, and she simply said, "Miss Jiang Er, is it your first time entering the palace? Let me teach you the etiquette."
Jiang Xuening: "…"
Hold on, is something wrong?
Everyone else: "…"
What happened to treating everyone equally and being extremely strict?!
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