Chapter 62:

Layue did not ask Qiaoning in detail about what she had experienced, for everyone had things they did not wish to speak of. Yet the fact that Qiaoning had originally been a spy did surprise Layue a little.

What she did not know, however, was that Qiaoning was also quite surprised by her. Qiaoning had originally thought this Pure Concubine was merely an innocent young girl unfamiliar with the ways of the world. She had been sent here by her master to assist her, to prevent her from being bullied. She had not expected that this seemingly fragile and guileless little white rabbit would also have claws.

Qiaoning chuckled and shook her head.

Even the master had misjudged her.

But a mistress like this… was better.

Qiaoning liked strong people, and preferred standing by their side.

Secretly sending a message back to her master, he too felt relieved. It was everyone’s hope that she could steadily make her way through palace life.

New Year’s Eve.

Early in the morning, Layue was already bustling about. Seeing her running here and there, Jin Xin could not help but pull her to sit down.

Though Jin Xin’s skills were mediocre, she quickly called for Apricot, who was dexterous. Before long, a delicate little beauty appeared before everyone. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Layue sighed, “After tonight, I’ll be fourteen.”

The maids all giggled. Their mistress’s tone sounded rather proud.

Women usually wanted to stay young, yet she was so delighted about growing older by a year, making it hard not to laugh.

“Mistress, I heard Bai Wujian will be dancing at the banquet,” Tao’er chatted casually.

Since the banquet followed a set schedule, De Consort had already coordinated with each palace in advance, permitting performances but prohibiting any unauthorized actions. All arrangements had to be made orderly beforehand.

“Oh? Are there others?” Layue was quite curious about this.

Seeing her mistress’s interest, Tao’er eagerly shared all she knew: “Of course there are others; several consorts will be performing as well. And that Lian Guiren, after a period of quiet, will perform with the zither. I wonder if she truly deserves the title of the top talented woman in the capital.”

The palace was filled with various women, and Lian Xiuyun was someone Shen Layue particularly disliked.

A few days ago, she had been demoted to a Guiren by the Emperor for falsely accusing Layue, and had been rather down for a while. In her previous life, Lian Xiuyun had loved to show off her talents, and this life seemed no different.

Too bad, men always preferred pretty faces and attractive figures over the intangible quality of talent.

Lian Xiuyun’s personality was indeed quite unlikable.

“Well then, we’ll know tonight if she truly deserves the title of the capital’s top talented woman. Tonight, Jin Xin and you will accompany me, while Apricot and Guo’er stay behind to manage things.” Layue assigned.

“Yes.” Tao’er’s face lit up with joy; she naturally loved lively gatherings.

Layue never kept Jin Xin and Apricot together, nor allowed them both to stay by her side simultaneously, to ensure one could always remain at Tingyu Pavilion to manage affairs.

After half a year of adjustment, even though Apricot was not particularly clever, she had come to understand Layue’s ways, especially after guidance from Jin Xin. Observing carefully, Apricot realized their mistress had indeed treated her differently from the beginning. She and Jin Xin were the mistress’s trusted attendants. Guo’er and Tao’er were always a step behind.

She did not dwell on the reasons but performed her duties well. Originally a third-class maid, how could she have reached this position without the Pure Concubine?

No one dared to bully her anymore; everyone addressed her respectfully as Sister Apricot. This was good enough. Apricot was grateful and simple-hearted, and now followed Jin Xin’s instructions even more.

After everything was tidied up, Layue set out with her two senior maids, both wearing light pink jackets, clearly identifying them as from her palace.

Earlier at Tingyu Pavilion, Layue had already eaten a dessert and some snacks. Following her instructions, the maids had also eaten well before leaving. She had experience in this matter; one could not eat much at the banquet, needing to maintain a composed appearance.

Looking at the annually similar luxurious scene, Layue lifted her head slightly.

“The Pure Concubine has arrived~~~” a young eunuch announced.

At this time, not many people had arrived yet; everyone sat in their seats, occasionally chatting with those nearby, though most remained silent. Outside the curtain were the court officials, and although there was a curtain, the pearl curtain could hardly conceal anything.

Thus, the women needed to be mindful of their appearances.

The room was warmed by underground heating. Layue felt a wave of warmth as she entered.

Removing her crimson red cloak, she revealed a festive palace dress in rose red.

It did not attract much attention from other consorts, which was understandable. She usually dressed this way, so it was not particularly outstanding.

After sitting down, Layue looked at the few who had already arrived.

Indeed, each was dressed beautifully and brightly. Although the room was warmed by underground heating, it was still winter, and they had to walk from their quarters. Wasn’t it cold to wear so little?

Layue was puzzled and speechless.

But upon a little reflection, it was understandable. For beauty’s sake!

Unlike others who slightly lowered their heads and avoided looking sideways, she directly gazed outside at the officials’ seats.

There were far more officials than the palace consorts. It made sense; they were not of the same status. If the consorts arrived early and the Emperor had not yet come, they could not chat casually, making it dull.

It was better to arrive at the appointed time. This approach seemed very appropriate.

At this time, several people from the Fu family and Prince Liu had already arrived. However, Layue looked far away at her father.

Father Shen and elder brother Shen Shuping from the Shen family were sitting in a very rear position. If not for Layue’s sharp eyesight, they might have been missed.

Smiling gently at her father and brother, Layue showed a big smile.

Seeing her like this, many people, including Prince Liu and Fu Jinyu, also looked over. However, as the Pure Concubine was a consort, no one dared to be too impolite, quickly averting their gazes after a glance.

Only Fu Jinyu seemed thoughtful.

Seeing Layue so openly looking over, Father Shen sighed inwardly.

Leaning close to his father, Shen Shuping whispered, “Father, look at your daughter. She’s watching us.”

Father Shen glanced at his son, speaking softly, “Her openly staring like this is improper.”

Shen Shuping was a military officer, naturally not understanding his father’s ways. Ever since his father remarried, he had developed some resentment toward him. Later, seeing his father completely ignore his little sister, his frustration grew, and he gradually grew distant from his father.

If it were not for Shen Layue entering the palace, their relationship might not have improved.

He did not understand palace rules, but he knew this place valued etiquette the most. Hearing his father say this, he could not help but feel worried.

His gaze at Shen Layue was filled with concern.

Layue was far away and naturally unaware of her father and brother’s gazes.

Seeing both were fine, she turned her head, unaware that Father Shen finally relaxed when she did so.

Before long, nearly all the consorts and concubines of the palace had arrived.

“Consort Hui has arrived——” Layue heard the young eunuch’s announcement and looked over.

Since her miscarriage a month ago, Fu Jin’ao had not appeared in public. Her reappearance was quite a sight for many consorts.

Upon hearing of Consort Hui’s arrival, several members of the Fu family looked over.

Fu Jin’ao glanced at her father and brothers, slightly lifting the corner of her mouth. Today, she wore a treasure blue satin dress with a clear and exquisite makeup, her black hair styled into a serpent bun adorned with an elaborately crafted vermilion hairpin, clearly a rare treasure.

Layue glanced sideways at the pearl curtain outside, secretly musing. No wonder the Fu family had remained standing for so many years; look at them, completely unassuming.

Whether it was Chancellor Fu or Fu Jinyu, they all exuded a refined and elegant demeanor. Despite Fu Jin’ao suffering such a great loss, they still maintained a calm and composed appearance. Compared to her earlier exchange of glances with her brother, she seemed rather petty.

However, she did not take it to heart. In the Emperor’s mind, she was naturally naive and guileless, so her actions were perfectly normal.

Many officials’ families had daughters in the palace. Indeed, this gathering of sovereign and subjects was also an opportunity for these consorts to see their families. If they appeared too cold, it might even provoke the Emperor’s suspicion.

Who was this Jing Emperor? A man with extreme lack of security.

He was so suspicious that he could not even trust someone while sleeping. How could someone like him appear as calm as he seemed on the surface?

However, no one in the harem knew this yet.

Well, not that they didn’t know, but they chose to delude themselves.

Layue fiddled with the desserts on the plate in front of her, picking up a piece and putting it in her mouth, tsk, it really wasn’t as good as Qiaoning’s.

Liping, sitting beside her, saw her like this and smiled: “You, after all, are still young and just love to eat.”

Layue shook her head: “I was just curious about the taste. Besides, once the Emperor arrives, we have to be dignified and well-behaved, so I might as well taste a bit more now.”

Liping laughed: “See, you still won’t admit it. I don’t believe you came here without eating anything in the palace.”

“But it’s just not the same,” Layue replied confidently.