After a long while, the wide, grassy fields and hills slowly disappeared.
They gradually gave way to large buildings — courtyard houses and tiled roofs lined the streets, with people, traders, and merchants moving about.
It seemed we had reached the capital city, where the royal palace was.
I tried to remember bits of what the capital was described as in the novel — cold, full of nobles, merchants, and commoners. This place fit that description perfectly.
I kept looking out the window, scanning the city for anything that might trigger a memory, but nothing came to mind.
The only thing i felt looking at the city was dislike.
I didn't know why I felt this way. Maybe it was because this place wasn't like shen's home or Maybe it was the problems that were awaiting me here.
I didn't know what it was maybe it was both but this place had already began to set unease in my stomach.
The carriage moved further into the capital and eventually stopped. I poked my head out the window to see what was happening.
Ahead stood a large red gate, massive and clearly royal, with a dozen soldiers standing in position.
One of the soldiers stepped forward and shouted, "The royal delegation has arrived! Open the gates!"
After a moment, the gates slowly started to open, pulled from the inside by two guards.
Once the carriage moved inside, I looked out again.
The place was massive, with beautiful buildings, people dressed in fine silk, and polished grounds. Everything looked orderly and impressive.
This must be the royal palace, I thought, taking in the grand design of the place.
Soon, the carriage stopped again. I could hear people climbing down outside.
I was about to look when a knock came at my door. Then suddenly it slowly opened, and I'm front of me was the head of the delegation.
"Come out," he said coldly. "You've arrived at your destination."
I gulped and slowly climbed down from the carriage, my eyes scanning everything as I took in my surroundings.
"Head lady Ann," the commander suddenly called, and an old woman stepped forward, approaching us.
"Here," he said, gesturing toward her, "she'll be the one to guide you in your duties. She's the head of all the servants — your superior."
Then he turned back to her. "He's now in your care," he said, before climbing back onto the carriage and riding off.
Once the carriage disappeared, I turned to the head lady and bowed slightly.
"Good evening, ma'am," I said.
She gave me a strange look and turned away.
"Come along," she said, and I awkwardly followed her.
As we walked, I couldn't shake the unease settling in my stomach. The palace felt imposing, and the way she looked at me didn't help. And It also didn't help that a lot people had suddenly gathered outside.
They seemed to be whispering and watching every step I took.
"The delegation just dropped off a young man," I overheard someone whisper.
"Hmm… I wonder who he is for the delegation be dropping him off?"
"That's true I also wonder, could he be a high ranking noble"
" I guess.., but he doesn't look like a high-ranking noble."
"Yes that's true, and he's following the head lady… doesn't that mean he's a servant?"
"If he is… then why did the delegation bring him?"
I could feel their eyes on me, all their whispers pressing in, making my stomach twist.
But I refused to let it get to me.
I had to be strong, both emotionally and physically, and stay resolved—especially here, in this palace.
If I let their whispers, their stares, and this whole place get to me, I could slip up and end up in serious trouble.
You have to be brave, Yue, I told myself. Now is not the time to falter.
Then I quickly hurried my steps, keeping pace with the head lady, trying to ignore and run away from all the whispers and taunts. Soon, we moved away from the crowd and approached a small compound.
"This is the servant quarters," the head lady said, turning to me. "This building is assigned to you. You'll be staying here from now on."
I looked at the modest structure, then back at her, and offered a polite smile. "Thank you, ma'am," I replied calmly.
"You should rest," she said. "Tonight, the servants' ceremony will begin. Use these few hours to prepare yourself."
"Alright, ma'am. Thank you," I said, watching her slowly walk away.
Once she left, I approached the building and stepped inside.
The interior felt cozy and warm, and I felt some of the tension lift. At least the place I'd be staying wasn't bad I thought.
Then I slowly began to wander through the quarters, inspecting everything.
It all seemed fine, but something nagged at me. The building was small, yes, but…It seemed too spacious for just one servant.
I don't know exactly how servants were treated in ancient China, but I couldn't imagine they were given quarters this comfortable.
Could it be… I was actually being given a higher ranking position I the palace? I thought suddenly
Maybe that would explain all these, I thought as I finally finished my tour.
But alass all these thoughts didn't really matter right now.
Right now just like the head maiden said I should get some rest
I was too exhausted—emotionally from all the tension, and physically from the journey to even begin thinking and contemplating about everything.
It was important to get some shut-eye to regain my energy, especially with the ceremony coming up later.
So I quickly went to the bedroom, dropped my things on the floor, and collapsed onto the bed.
Then slowly, sleep took me, and my last thoughts before drifting off was : ensuring everything went smoothly from now on and not getting killed at all costs