章 11: "I want to know about you, Ru Lingyi"
"See it this way madam Cheng, agreeing to send a princess envoy to ortai will rather make us look weak and defenseless...she paused, why not consider a Peace Treaty Agreement between The Great Qin dynasty and Ortai" Jia pin concluded.
Madam Cheng sighed, weighing the words carefully. "And what do you ask of me?"
"Madam Cheng, Concubine Jia began..your husband, Minister Cheng, has the Emperor's ear. If he advises against selecting a princess envoy but towards considering a peace treaty, His Majesty might reconsider. Please, persuade your husband to take this matter to the Emperor." Jia pin pleaded.
Madam Cheng was silent for a moment, contemplating the request. "It is not a small favor you ask of me Jia pin ,Interfering with the selection process is dangerous. The Emperor trusts the process and those involved in it." Madam Cheng replied.
"I understand the risks,..but the stakes are too high for me , even for my daughter's safety , we cannot let her be sent away. Please, help me in this."..Jia pin pleaded again earnestly.
Madam Cheng nodded slowly, her expression resolute as she replied ..."Very well then , I will speak to my husband. But we must proceed with caution, if the Emperor perceives this as an attempt to undermine his authority, it could bring disaster to us all."
"I am prepared for the consequences," Concubine Jia said, her voice firm.
" Thank you, Madam Cheng. Your support means everything." She concluded.
Madam Cheng placed a reassuring hand on Concubine Jia's " I will persuade my husband to approach the Emperor with wisdom and care."
Concubine Jia bowed deeply, gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you".. she said.
With their meeting concluded, the two women parted ways, each returning to their respective duties with a newfound sense of purpose.
Although the future is uncertain , yet, Concubine felt a glimmer of hope.
The palace buzzed with its usual activity, unaware of the undercurrents of intrigue swirling beneath the surface. Concubine Jia maintained her outward composure, her every action a calculated move in the game she was playing. She attended morning greetings of the Empress, her face a mask of serenity, even as her mind worked tirelessly to ensure the first Princess safety.
Meanwhile, the First Princess remained completely unaware of the machinations surrounding her. She continued her days as usual, practicing her calligraphy and playing the zither, her music a hauntingly beautiful counterpoint to the tension that gripped her mother. Concubine Jia would watched her from a distance with a bittersweet smile on her lips. Her daughter's innocence was both a blessing and a curse, a fragile thing she was desperate to protect.
Back at Chengqian Palace, Ru Lingyi finally had to let go of the painful memory that haunted her from the day the mystery assassin appeared. She stood at the corridor of the maid quarters gazing at the beautiful courtyard of Chengqian Palace, admiring the decor filled with numerous flowers dancing to the morning sunset and wind, it was as if the captivating landscape spoke to her. Ru Lingyi suddenly thought of vying to earn Consort Xian's trust and not live at the mercy of Wanying again.
Ru Lingyi knew better now that if she was to survive in this realm, which was filled with unexpected events like what she witnessed days ago, she needed a rock to fall back on during her days of trial. For surely, there would be more to come. Ru Lingyi stood there, lost in her plans on how to get her mistress's attention and subsequently earn her trust, when suddenly Wanying called her name, interrupting her strategic planning as she approached Ru Lingyi.
"Ru Lingyi!" Wanying smirked mischievously. "Why are here by yourself , lost in your- (Wanying paused, looking at Ru Lingyi with disdain )-... in your vile thoughts? Oh!! You want to meet your secret lover again!"
"Wanying, what lover?!," Ru Lingyi replied sharply, her irritation evident.
Wanying chuckled mockingly. "You think you can fool everyone with your innocent act?, you better be very careful, Lingyi. This palace is no place for weaklings."
Ru Lingyi forced herself to remain calm. She couldn't afford to let Wanying's words rattle her. Instead, she took a deep breath and decided to use this opportunity to prove her resilience.
"Hmph hmph....Wanying, I am merely reflecting on how best to serve Consort Xian," Ru Lingyi said with a steady voice. "I wish to be of greater use to her."
"You wish to be of greater use to her?"...Wanying raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Is that so? Well, good luck with that. You have a long way to go."
Ru Lingyi's mind raced with plans to catch Consort Xian's attention. She knew she had to be strategic in her approach. Observing Consort Xian from a distance, she noticed the Consort's love for poetry, serenity and orderliness . If she could find a way to incorporate these elements, she might catch her eye.
As she was lost in her thoughts, Wanying's mocking voice pulled her back to reality.
"So, Lingyi, do tell me your grand plan. How do you intend to get noticed by Consort Xian? Write her a love letter, perhaps?".. Wanying let out a mocking laugh.
Ru Lingyi squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "I'll earn her trust through my actions, not empty words, Wanying."
"Oh really?" Wanying sneered. "And how do you plan to do that? You can barely keep up with your current duties."
Ru Lingyi met Wanying's gaze, her eyes determined. "I will find a way. I will definitely do."
Wanying laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "We'll see about that. Just remember, one misstep and you'll be out of here faster than you can say 'Consort Xian'."
Ru Lingyi watched as Wanying sashayed away, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and determination. She knew she had to act quickly. The next morning, she set her plan into motion.
Ru Lingyi became more diligent in her duties, performing them with an unparalleled dedication, making sure it was evident for everyone to see.
She woke earlier than anyone else to ensure that everything was in perfect order. She attended to every detail, no matter how small, making sure that everything within Consort Xian's quarters was immaculate. She listened attentively to the other maids and learned about Consort Xian's preferences, from the type of tea she liked to the arrangement of flowers in her room.
Ru Lingyi's efforts did not go unnoticed. Her attention to detail and unwavering commitment began to earn her the respect of the other maids. They began to befriend her and even speak highly of her, and word of her diligence slowly made its way to Consort Xian.
One grey afternoon, as Ru Lingyi was meticulously arranging fresh flowers in the garden, Lihua, one of the maids in Chengqian palace approached her with a smile.
"Ru Lingyi, Consort Xian has requested your presence in her chambers," Lihua said.
Ru Lingyi's heart skipped a beat with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was her chance to put her plan into action. She nodded and followed Lihua, her mind racing with thoughts of how best to make a positive impression.
When they reached Consort Xian's chambers, Li Hua gestured for Ru Lingyi to enter. Taking a deep breath, Ru Lingyi stepped inside. The room was elegantly decorated, exuding a sense of calmness and refinement same as the first day she entered the chamber. Consort Xian sat by the window, her graceful demeanor commanding respect.
"Ru Lingyi, come closer," Consort Xian said, her voice gentle yet authoritative.
Ru Lingyi approached and bowed deeply. "niang niang, how may this servant serve you?"
Consort Xian studied her for a moment, then spoke. "I have noticed your dedication and the effort you put into your duties since you arrived Chengqian palace. I want to know more about you, Ru Lingyi. Tell me ,what is your story."
Ru Lingyi felt a surge of gratitude for this opportunity. But still she didn't want to say too much as not to blow her cover. "Your Highness, this servant is of a poor background, which is something i shouldnt bore niang niang with"...She continued...
I entered the palace not so long, but with the sole aspiration of serving a master that is as magnanimous as niang niang. I am driven by a deep sense of loyalty and respect for you. I wish to be of true service, to support and protect you in any way I can. My only desire is to prove my worth and earn your trust." Wanying said in attempt to drift consort Xian's from enquiring about her background further, which actually worked .
Consort Xian nodded thoughtfully. "Loyalty and respect are indeed valuable qualities. I have seen many come and go in this palace, but few with the sincerity you seem to possess. Continue to show such dedication, and in time, you may find the trust you seek."
Ru Lingyi felt a flicker of hope. "Thank you, niang niang. I will not disappoint you."..she said kowtowing respectfully.
"Rise up and go continue your duty".. Consort Xian gestured.
Ru Lingyi stood up and bowed leaving Consort Xian's chamber , but just as she was about exiting, Consort Xian called her back.
"Niang niang..what may your servant to do for you"..Ru Lingyi said bowing.
"You are new to the palace right?"... Consort Xian asked
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