The embroidery of Attendant Lady Sun soon appeared on the Emperor's desk.
Xie Zhixing held it in his hand, examining it: "I've never seen this kind of pattern before."
...
Attendant Lady Sun was good at embroidery and was quite proud of it.
Before entering the palace, she had gathered some embroidery from other regions, all with new patterns unseen in the capital. She memorized the stories behind each pattern, as well as the local customs and culture, preparing to showcase her talents when the Emperor asked, and to open up conversation.
For instance, there was one piece with the unique jade hairpin flower of Jiangnan. There was a legend that during a celebration at the Turquoise Pool with the Queen Mother and the fairies, they drank too much Jadescent Nectar, causing their hair to loosen and their jade hairpins to fall to the mortal world, turning into flowers... Coincidentally, Attendant Lady Sun was fond of jade hairpins, and she fantasized that after she spoke about it affectionately, the Emperor would personally remove her jade hairpin, letting her black hair fall, creating a most beautiful scene.
Of course, these ideas all vanished into thin air after entering the palace.
During her first night with the Emperor, Attendant Lady Sun only said two sentences: "I greet the Emperor" and "I take my leave."
The second time, she couldn't muster the courage to speak with the Emperor, ending things hastily.
The third time... there was no third time.
Sometimes, Attendant Lady Sun would melancholy ponder that she might never have the chance to tell the wise and mighty Emperor the stories behind her embroidery patterns.
Her attempts to gain favor at the West Wing were well-known among the other concubines, who also laughed at her for it.
"At least she comes from a good family, yet she doesn't know to be more reserved."
"The one she clings to must have a really good temper, to put up with her coming daily without showing a hint of displeasure. Attendant Lady Xi is even titled and, in theory, more noble than Attendant Lady Sun."
"Attendant Lady Xi's family is not influential, afraid to offend Attendant Lady Sun, fearing it might bring trouble to her family."
The harem was envious of those who had and mocked those who didn't; after they finished making fun of Attendant Lady Sun, they didn't spare Yun Jiao either.
They belittled her lowly birth, gossiping without restraint, saying right in front of her: "I thought the pheasant was going to perch in the branches, but it seems not."
"Thought the Emperor treated her differently," Consort Xu sneered.
"Watch your tongue," Concubine Wei scolded her, then turned to Yun Jiao: "Attendant Lady Xi, you should be more careful."
Yun Jiao turned around: "Does Concubine Wei want to offer me some snacks? Thank you, Concubine Wei."
Concubine Wei: "..."
She could not explain further, so she had to promise to have the palace maid send two trays of snacks to Xianfu Palace later.
Anyway, Attendant Lady Xi wouldn't know the difference, anything like jujube cakes could be sent to suffice.
Yun Jiao then said: "I haven't tasted the snacks of the Concubine rank yet, it's really kind of you to let me try it first, really such a kind-hearted and generous person."
The kind-hearted and generous Concubine Wei: ...
Now she really couldn't just send jujube cakes.
Yun Jiao's image as a foolish beauty had deeply rooted in everyone's heart; engaging her in wit could easily backfire. So, the concubines redirected their teasing back to Attendant Lady Sun, concerning how the West Wing was easy to eavesdrop on, and it wasn't hidden that Attendant Lady Sun had sent many embroideries to Yun Jiao. They ridiculed what use there was to flatter Attendant Lady Xi?
Being newly in the palace and still young, how could she be foolish enough to support someone else, thus sharing her own favor?
Attendant Lady Sun's prized embroidery seemed destined to sink without a trace.
The entire palace watched as Xianfu Palace became a laughingstock, and when the greetings ended, Concubine Li returned alone on her sedan, not wanting to even look at the two.
However, unpredictability of events often surprises, and no one expected that Ying Lu, the Chief of Weiyang Palace, would come to Xianfu Palace again.
Concubine Li welcomed him, only to once again welcome a disappointment.
Ying Lu came looking for Attendant Lady Sun, carrying a box in his hand, asking if this was her handiwork?
Attendant Lady Sun, her face flushed, admitted it, and followed him to Weiyang Palace.
Now, none of the concubines could laugh.
They found it unbelievable — could Attendant Lady Xi truly be that stupid!?
Yun Jiao was happily enjoying the fine snacks sent by Concubine Wei at the West Wing, when she was summoned by Concubine Li. Despite her standing as the head of a palace, her eyes were red as if she had cried: "I've treated you well, why would you rather help Attendant Lady Sun than me?"
Yun Jiao felt greatly wronged.
May the clear sky and sun bear witness, she spent her days just eating, sleeping, attending greetings, and coming back to eat again, having entered an early retirement rhythm, definitely not one to say she would lay flat like a salted fish and then run around the harem triggering random events and bumping into various Princes and generals.
"I...?"
She pointed to herself, looking bewildered.
"Stop pretending to be dumb," Concubine Li looked at her resentfully: "Enough! You can go back now, I'll not count on you anymore. In the future, just let Attendant Lady Sun protect you, don't come looking for me if anything happens!"
With that, Yun Jiao was courteously escorted out by the palace maid from the main hall.
Xue Ya, who was waiting outside, quickly supported her master: "Your Ladyship, did Concubine Li bully you?"
The palace maid from the main hall hadn't gone far, and upon hearing this, she turned back and huffed: "Our mistress was made to cry by your Lady Xi, who would dare bully her." With that, she turned and left, with the sound of aggrieved sobbing faintly heard from the main hall.
Indeed, Concubine Li had misunderstood that Attendant Lady Sun was recommended by Yun Jiao, thinking she had a say in front of the Emperor, which left her with fury but no other recourse.
Yun Jiao was utterly confused.
Looking at Xue Ya, who gazed at her with admiration, she seemed to be regarded as a master of palace intrigue.
Xue Ya: "Your Ladyship, what shall we do next?"
"Uh..." Yun Jiao thought for a moment, "I'll go back and finish the snacks that Concubine Wei gave me."
What did these daily matters have to do with her!
Meanwhile, Attendant Lady Sun, having been sent to Weiyang Palace, knelt on the floor with a cold gaze pressing down on her, allowing not a shred of fanciful thoughts. Prior to her arrival, her heart surged with excitement, secretly laughing at Attendant Lady Xi's foolishness, believing this would give her a chance to climb up by stepping on Xi's favor.
But all of it vanished like smoke during the audience.
This is the normalcy of serving in the palace; before Xie Zhixing, there was always the distinction of king and subject.
"This concubine pays respects to the Emperor."
Xie Zhixing put down the vermillion pen, "You have a good relationship with Attendant Lady Xi?"
That one sentence made Attendant Lady Sun's body tremble.
"In response to the Emperor, this concubine often visits Attendant Lady Xi's chamber, our relationship is like sisters." Attendant Lady Sun's heart was jumping into her throat, at this moment, she relied solely on the etiquette engraved in the bones of her Aristocratic Family upbringing to not collapse. Out of fear, she considered pleading with Yun Jiao for clemency, hoping the Emperor would be lenient with her.
Next, she heard the words she'd dreamed of since entering the palace:
"Tell me the meanings behind these embroidery patterns."
But just following, Xie Zhixing's voice turned cold:
"Honestly recount, and you may leave after."
"If not done well, then recount in the Imprisonment Department."
For this case, he didn't trust it to anyone for judgment.
Thus, under the Emperor's authoritative pressure, Attendant Lady Sun tremulously reported deep into the night. Xie Zhixing frequently interrupted her, repeatedly questioning details to ensure she was speaking the truth.
"What mountain is embroidered here?"
"In response to the Emperor, it's the mountain scene of Taishan."
"Is it? But earlier you said it was Mount Heng, think again, which is the truth."
During this, only Ying Lu was serving by the side.
The Chief Eunuch was greatly shocked watching this.
All because of Attendant Lady Xi, the Emperor was personally interrogating with the spirit of interrogating a grave offender!
Of course, this was from the perspective of the Emperor's trusted eunuch.
But from the viewpoint of the entire Weiyang Palace, even the entire palace...
The Emperor summoned Attendant Lady Sun, and only put out the lights late into the night!
The next day, Attendant Lady Sun was unable to get out of bed and sent someone early to request leave from the Empress.
The Empress was furious, believing Attendant Lady Sun had grown arrogant from her favor, directly rejecting her sick leave request. She had no choice but to be supported by two palace maids, trembling as she went to Jianzhang Palace. Her face was pale, unable to even stand steadily, and when she paid her respects, she even collapsed, showing a state that didn't seem feigned.
"What does Attendant Lady Sun mean by this?"
"In response to the Empress, this concubine did not do it intentionally; indeed, this concubine truly cannot stand."
Attendant Lady Sun spoke softly and weakly, her voice hoarse, instantly sparking much speculation among the concubines.
Next to her, Yun Jiao was eating the metaphorical melon with great excitement, yet received numerous envious and sympathetic glances.
The envy was for recommending Attendant Lady Sun instead of herself.
The sympathy was for thinking she was truly foolish.
The Empress, hearing this, became more infuriated, "No matter how you try to win the Emperor's favor, you must consider the royal body. You usually exhibit good manners and are not a newcomer, so how is it that today, a moment of favor has caused you to lose your propriety?"
"Lady, this concubine..."
Attendant Lady Sun dared not to speak out despite anger.
Lady Shufei laughingly covered her mouth, "Since Attendant Lady Sun claims otherwise, why not bring the Scarlet Register to verify."
The Scarlet Register records the Emperor's daily palace activities, including those of intimate nature.
The Empress, extremely displeased with Attendant Lady Sun's pretense, indeed fetched the Scarlet Register to find a reason to dismiss her Jade Token and restrict her.
After Dong Hua brought the Scarlet Register, her expression slightly changed.
The Empress glanced over and ordered it brought to her, shocked to discover not a single entry recorded from the previous night.
What then was done until late into the night?
Perhaps too surprised, the Empress momentarily couldn't think of how to punish; also, because of the lack of intimate activity, her mood shifted from gloomy to clear, ultimately letting Attendant Lady Sun go unpunished, disbanding the concubines.
Yun Jiao walked away as usual, while Concubine Li still did not wait for her.
The physically and mentally weary Attendant Lady Sun, however, forced herself to catch up. She endured the pain in her knees, with her mind full of the Emperor's command—not to disclose anything of the night outside. "Aren't you and Attendant Lady Xi like sisters? After you return, continue to maintain your good relationship with Attendant Lady Xi as always."
Like! Sisters!
She concocted it!
"Sister Xi..."
Yun Jiao turned back, "Didn't you say you wouldn't call me that anymore?"
Attendant Lady Sun forced a smile, "Actually, I lacked fatherly love since childhood, and just now, I wished for a foster father, sister."