Chapter 13: Clever Makeup, Competing in Beauty and Elegance

The first day of entering the palace passed quickly.

Although the palace had no Empress, they still had to go to the Queen Dowager’s Huici Palace to pay their morning respects.

Layue didn’t feel that the palace was calmer without an Empress; in her previous life, hadn’t she held precisely this thought? Yet she had suffered several setbacks because of it.

She stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. Though not a peerless beauty, she stood out among the newly selected maidens.

She smiled sweetly at her reflection.

Softly murmuring, she said, “This palace doesn’t need someone who just wants to stay unnoticed.”

Jinxin and Xing’er entered with the washing utensils upon seeing Shen Layue had risen.

Xing’er was very skillful: “My Lady, what kind of hairstyle do you prefer?”

Hairstyles had to match the clothing. It was just unknown what her lady would wear today.

After thinking for a moment, Layue spoke: “Do my hair into a flowing cloud bun.”

Today, Shen Layue didn’t downplay her eyes’ charm as she had on the day of the selection. Today, she was dressed up beautifully.

A pinkish-blue dress made her already delicate face appear even more charming.

Considering Shen Layue’s natural beauty, it would be a waste if she didn’t become a favored concubine. Her alluring phoenix eyes and slim waist, combined with her ample bosom, made her quite the sight.

After dressing Shen Layue, even Jinxin and Xing’er were stunned. Jinxin had always known her mistress’s appearance, but now, the difference between dressed and undressed was significant.

Still loyal, Jinxin glanced at Xing’er, seeing that Layue remained unaffected, and finally spoke: “My Lady, today we are visiting the Queen Dowager. Isn’t this attire a bit too eye-catching?”

Everyone knew the proverb: the tallest poppy gets cut down. Jinxin understood this, so how could Shen Layue not?

She turned her pretty face toward Jinxin: “I must always be ready. Once I meet the Emperor, alright, Jinxin you stay behind, and Xing’er will accompany me to the Queen Dowager’s palace to pay our respects.”

“Yes.” Both maids curtsied slightly.

Shen Layue examined Xing’er, frowning slightly, looking left and right: “Hmm, go change. This outfit is somewhat worn. I don’t like it. We must dress beautifully. Jinxin, get Xing’er that light blue dress.”

Obediently, Xing’er took the clothes and went to change.

At this point, only Layue and Jinxin remained in the room.

“In the future, I won’t often bring you along when I go out, but you must know that you are the most important senior maid by my side. You must manage the Liufu Hall well. When I’m not around, watch everyone carefully. After all, we don’t know who is truly loyal to us in this palace. We cannot allow others to find any fault in our daily living.”

Liufu Hall was a side hall of Chaolu Palace.

Jinxin was perceptive and immediately understood Shen Layue’s meaning.

Nodding, she said, “I understand, My Lady. But My Lady, the tallest poppy gets cut down. You…”

Shen Layue continued adjusting her hair accessories in front of the mirror.

Still smiling innocently, she said, “You don’t understand. I have my own plans.”

Not long after, Xing’er changed. Indeed, she suited light blue well and looked much fresher.

Layue took out a pearl necklace and told Xing’er, “Fix this to my hair bun and remove the hair accessories on the bun.”

Xing’er obeyed, and indeed, Layue looked even more beautiful.

Shen Layue had deliberately chosen pinkish-blue today, knowing that Lady An would not wear it. Yesterday, Lady An had worn pinkish-blue, so she would not repeat it today. Being in the same palace, Layue had no intention of offending Lady An for now.

Indeed, Lady An wore a plain dress made of incense gauze today. Seeing Shen Layue dressed so elaborately, Lady An inwardly scoffed, thinking her simple-minded.

Everyone knew that today was for paying respects at the Queen Dowager’s Huici Palace.

The Queen Dowager disliked overly seductive and showy women. Dressed so formally, it was ridiculous.

With the Emperor absent, such an extravagant outfit would only provoke the Queen Dowager’s displeasure and others’ jealousy. What real benefit could there be?

Yet, looking at her again, Lady An felt a bit upset. If even the unremarkable Shen Layue could appear so alluring, how much more outstanding must Fu Jinyao and Zhu Yuning be? And herself…

Although her thoughts turned a thousand times, Lady An didn’t delay for long.

“My younger sister looks truly beautiful today. I like it, and I’m sure the Queen Dowager will too.” If Shen Layue indeed proved to be so naive after some observation, she could be recruited for her own use.

“Thank you for your kind words, Elder Sister. Layue will certainly perform well and earn the Queen Dowager’s favor.” Shen Layue followed behind Lady An respectfully, not walking alongside her.

Upon hearing this, Lady An almost rolled her eyes but managed to hold back and instead laughed lightly. Although Shen Layue’s words weren’t particularly pleasant, her manners were acceptable.

But being unpleasant in speech also had its advantages.

She hoped Shen Layue was truly naive.

When they arrived at the Queen Dowager’s Huici Palace, the Queen Dowager had not yet arrived. Everyone sat properly in the hall. After all, there was still half an hour until the usual time for morning respects; they had arrived early.

Chen Yulan was already sitting there obediently; she had been granted the title of Lady Chen.

Today was the first day for the new maidens to pay their respects, and many dressed modestly. The older palace residents naturally believed the Queen Dowager preferred plain colors, while the newcomers dared not be ostentatious.

Bai Baolin wore all white, and Shen Layue paused momentarily. Regardless of how much one liked plainness, wearing white in the palace wasn’t quite appropriate. However, recalling that she had met Bai Baolin outside the palace dressed similarly, Shen Layue thought nothing more of it.

“Lady Li has arrived!” Zhu Yuning wore a fiery red dress, looking dazzling.

If one were to speak of the most beautiful woman in the capital, Zhu Yuning truly deserved the title, indeed radiant and dazzling. Looking at her, Layue couldn’t help but recall a line: “Her red lips and white teeth, her eyebrows like emerald hues in the morning sun.”

Zhu Yuning politely greeted the higher-ranking ladies and accepted the new maidens’ respects. She didn’t smile and sat down directly.

Shen Layue wasn’t sure if she was imagining it, but during their bow, she felt Zhu Yuning’s gaze sweep over her.

However, she didn’t dwell on it, deciding to watch and wait.

Next came Fu Chongyi, the highest-ranking among the new maidens. Unlike Zhu Yuning’s dazzling presence, Fu Chongyi was naturally beautiful, her appearance like morning mist on snow.

The Emperor had summoned Fu Chongyi to his chambers last night. She looked somewhat tired, apparently having had little rest.

The observant ones twisted their handkerchiefs in silent resentment, while the naive envied her for being the first chosen.

Whether Lady Li or Fu Chongyi, neither spoke much, and neither showed a smile.

It seemed neither Lady Li nor Fu Chongyi were easy to get along with. Although some of the older palace residents disliked their manner, they refrained from making sarcastic remarks. This Huici Palace wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

No one dared to cause trouble in the Queen Dowager’s domain.

“Lady De has arrived…”

“Lady Xian has arrived…”

These two were currently the highest-ranking ladies in the palace. With the Empress’s passing, the Queen Dowager oversaw the harem but had delegated much authority to Lady De and Lady Xian, who assisted in managing the palace affairs.

Layue glanced at the two, as usual.

Though they were also beautiful, they couldn’t compare to the youthful charm of Zhu Yuning and Fu Jinyao.

The two ladies didn’t assert their authority in the Queen Dowager’s palace but affectionately called out to everyone and sat at the lower seats beside the main position in the hall.

With Lady De and Lady Xian arrived, those yet to come would seem somewhat impolite.

Layue slightly lifted her lips. In this life, Lian Xiuyun would probably still arrive last.

In her previous life, she had even arrived after the Queen Dowager had appeared, but her explanation had won the Queen Dowager’s favor. It seemed she intended to repeat this trick. However, Layue always felt that this life might not be as smooth for her.

Even if everything started anew, she didn’t believe everything would be exactly the same.

In her previous life, she had some connection with Lian Xiuyun because of this, but in this life, she certainly wouldn’t meddle anymore.

Lian Xiuyun relied on her talent and liked to take unconventional paths.

It might work once, but it wouldn’t work every time, so she was the first to fall in the palace struggles.

Among those present at the Huici Palace today, besides the dazzling Zhu Yuning and the pitiable Fu Jinyao, Shen Layue was also strikingly beautiful. After all, others avoided drawing attention, while she was the only one dressed elaborately, naturally eye-catching.

When Lady Xian looked at her, Shen Layue returned a pure smile.

Though she thought her smile was innocent, Lady Xian considered her a seductress.

She didn’t show it on her face but inwardly looked down on her.

“The Queen Dowager has arrived…”

Lady De and Lady Xian quickly went to support the Queen Dowager. In Shen Layue’s opinion, the Queen Dowager was only in her forties; she didn’t really need assistance. It was merely a way to display filial piety.

“My, look at all of you. All such pretty girls.” Her gaze swept over Shen Layue and then moved on.

“Your Majesty’s choices are always excellent,” Lady De, skilled in flattery, responded, consistently praising the Queen Dowager.

The Queen Dowager smiled: “I am getting old and might not see everything clearly. Usually, the management of the harem must rely on you two. The Emperor is busy with state affairs, and you both are virtuous. I hope no one will create unnecessary disturbances. As for these newcomers, since you have entered the palace, you must serve the Emperor well and bear children for the royal family.”