Layue wasn’t someone who didn’t understand the rules. After serving the emperor, even though her body was extremely exhausted, she still forced herself to rise. Looking at the torn clothes, she felt troubled and glanced back at the emperor Jingdi, clearly expecting him to find a solution.
Seeing her expression, the emperor chuckled deeply; Shen Changzai was indeed thoughtful in this regard. Given her rank, it was indeed inappropriate for her to stay and rest in the Xuanming Palace.
“Laixi, go to Shen Changzai’s palace and prepare a set of clothes for her.”
Laixi did not enter the room but respectfully replied, “Your servant obeys the command.”
Laixi acted quickly and soon returned with a light white dress, then respectfully withdrew.
Layue, despite her physical discomfort, forced herself to rise and groom herself.
The emperor did not speak to keep her.
Over the years, no matter how much he favored a concubine, the emperor never slept beside them. Layue understood this well, so she never challenged this limit. She could be willful and domineering, but she must never be disrespectful. Regardless of the rules, she had to abide by them.
“Go back and rest for a few days,” the emperor said while sitting up.
Seeing him rise, Layue did not naively think he was trying to send her off. Behind the imperial bedroom was a natural hot spring, and the emperor had the habit of soaking in it after intimate encounters.
“Your humble servant understands, thank you for the emperor’s concern.” At this moment, she completely put away her previous charm, but her pitiful appearance after being “bullied” still made one’s heart flutter.
The emperor nodded in satisfaction.
Sitting in the sedan chair on her way back, Layue wiped her face and a faint cold smile appeared on her lips.
His words were clear enough; resting for a few days meant he wouldn’t summon her again for a while. Her fingernails dug deeply into her palm as she slowly closed her eyes.
When she returned, Jinxin had already prepared hot water. Submerging herself in the water, Layue couldn’t quite describe the emptiness inside her.
In fact, having been reborn into this life, she could have avoided her brother’s tragedy. However, she was too calculating, always thinking that since the Shen family was involved in court affairs, even without this incident, there might be other issues. Only by entering the palace and reaching a high position could she truly have a voice.
She wanted to become the guardian deity of the Shen family.
Yet thinking about that man, the most noble man under heaven, Layue really couldn’t love him. Once, she had loved him so much, only to discover that he was the most rational. If it came to sacrificing anyone for his empire, he would do it without hesitation.
Her hand rested on her lower abdomen, submerged underwater, her face unclear whether it was water or tears.
The things she desperately tried to forget seemed to become ever clearer…
“Your Ladyship, Your Ladyship…” Xing’er saw Shen Layue submerged underwater and hurried over in panic.
“I’m fine,” she emerged from the water, her face somewhat pale. “Help me up.”
Xing’er’s eyes were full of concern as she helped Layue up, hesitating as if wanting to say something.
That night, Shen Layue’s sleep was uneasy; the faces of the Shen family kept flashing before her eyes, along with the flickering flames and the bright red blood.
“Ahh…”
Jinxin heard Shen Layue’s voice and hurried into the inner chamber.
“Your Ladyship, are you alright?” Jinxin lifted the curtain and helped Shen Layue sit up.
Looking at Jinxin and then at the window, it was already broad daylight. Fortunately, there was no Empress, so she didn’t need to perform morning courtesies daily. Otherwise, resting at this hour would likely violate palace etiquette.
“I had a nightmare, nothing serious. Help me get up.”
After Layue got herself ready and checked the time, it was not yet too late. This Chaolu Palace did not belong to her, so she gave a slightly flamboyant smile; etiquette must not be neglected. As a concubine of the emperor, she should go to An Jieyu to perform her morning courtesies.
Fortunately, An Jieyu’s habits were different from hers. Layue was used to going to bed early and waking up early, while An Jieyu was just the opposite.
It was precisely because of this that Jinxin did not wake her mistress earlier. Upon arriving at the main hall, An Jieyu had just risen.
An Jieyu did not expect Shen Layue to immediately become conceited after receiving the emperor’s favor but instead came to perform her courtesies respectfully. Her expression slightly improved.
“Little sister, quickly rise. After receiving the emperor’s favor for the first time, your body must be tired. You came here so early to perform your courtesies, making me feel really guilty.”
“Big sister is teasing me. Serving the emperor well is what we sisters should do.” Although she said this, her facial expression was quite normal, without the usual shyness of other women.
An Jieyu calmed herself again, reminding herself that Shen Changzai’s rank was still low. Although she had received the emperor’s first favor, she was not the biggest threat. She must not panic.
But looking at her self-satisfied expression, she really found it annoying.
“Oh, by the way, little sister,” An Jieyu pretended to have just remembered something and reminded her, “Yesterday, Lady Fu was promoted, and all the palaces sent gifts to congratulate her. We live in the same Chaolu Palace, so I must remind you, dear sister, not to fall behind. Now, I have noticed that Lady Fu is indeed gaining popularity. Not only does she come from a prestigious family, but her beauty might also win more of the emperor’s affection…”
While speaking, An Jieyu carefully observed Shen Layue’s expression, only to find her indifferent. She didn’t show much reaction.
“Thank you, big sister, for reminding me. I am new to the palace, so I naturally have much to learn. I hope you can guide me more often.” She did not respond to An Jieyu’s mention of Fu Jinyao.
An Jieyu’s attempt at provocation was not very skillful. Layue pretended to be indifferent, which made her seem somewhat emotional, but she would never say anything that could be used against her.
Before they had spoken a few sentences, Jinxin came to report.
Although Jinxin had just entered the palace, her etiquette was no less than that of Xing’er, Tao’er, and others.
Seeing her perform her courtesies properly, Layue glanced at An Jieyu and asked, “What is it?”
“Reporting to my lady, Master Laixi has arrived with an imperial edict.”
At this moment, Layue showed a somewhat proud smile. “Big sister, look…” An Jieyu naturally would not keep her.
“Little sister, quickly receive the edict.”
Layue smiled and bid farewell.
At this time, Laixi was already standing in the courtyard of Liufu Palace.
Shen Layue knelt to receive the edict.
“Shen’s daughter, gentle and virtuous, has pleased the emperor greatly. She is promoted two ranks to the title of Guiren of the seventh senior grade. She is granted a batch of fragrant silk, a batch of plain brocade, a jade ruyi, a number of pearls, and a pair of golden hairpins… Guiren Shen, receive the edict.”
“Your humble servant receives the edict, long live the emperor, may he live ten thousand years.”
Looking at the people carrying the imperial gifts, Layue smiled brightly, as if she were glowing.
“The weather is so hot; I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Master Laixi. Please come in and have a cup of tea.” Shen Guiren was warm and approachable, showing no airs.
“Thank you, Lady Guiren. The emperor is waiting for me to report back. Another day, I will surely come to enjoy a cup of tea with you.” Laixi showed goodwill.
Perhaps others in the palace might not understand, but Laixi knew that not every woman who served the emperor could be promoted two ranks. Although the emperor seemed to treat her according to the rules without any special favor, the subtle signs of preference still caught Laixi’s attention.
“Then I will look forward to it, Master Laixi.”
Jinxin politely saw Laixi off.
A Guiren of the seventh senior grade? Wasn’t that great?
When the news spread in the palace that Shen Changzai had suddenly become Shen Guiren, each person had their own thoughts. Many concubines sent gifts, a common way to flatter and win favor in the harem.
“My lady, we didn’t send any gifts to Lady Fu yesterday when she was ennobled,” Xing’er reminded.
At this time, the four palace maids and two senior eunuchs were all present around Shen Guiren.
Layue put down her teacup. “No need to send.”
Eh? Everyone was somewhat surprised.
Wasn’t this an obvious way to make enemies?
“For now, no need. Sending gifts is not a palace rule. Remember this: in the palace, there are only two people we need to flatter and please, the emperor and the empress dowager. Since the empress’s position is vacant, even if their ranks are higher than mine, they are still the emperor’s concubines. We are all here to serve the emperor. We must respect and flatter the emperor and the empress dowager, but there is no need to do so for others. We just need to do our jobs properly. As for these gifts, Jinxin, you and Tao’er and Guo’er should carefully inspect them, then register them and store them in the warehouse.”
Although they didn’t understand their mistress’s thoughts, the people were obedient.
The emperor disliked the most when concubines formed factions. She was grateful for her past ten years of life. Although she couldn’t fully understand the emperor, she had gained some insights.
It turned out that heaven was still kind to her. At least, she could quickly gain the emperor’s favor in a short time.
Looking at Xiao Dengzi, she thought that he would probably report her words and actions today to the empress dowager.
In her previous life, she had little contact with the empress dowager, but she had never dared to underestimate her.
Layue did not go out today. Although she had received the emperor’s favor and was ennobled, she had no reason to show off and still needed to wait for the next step. However, she believed the emperor should feel quite satisfied.
It wasn’t that she thought too highly of herself, but she had ten years of experience more.
In the afternoon, news came that the emperor had summoned Lady Li to serve him tonight.
Layue was not surprised at all. With such a beauty, how could the emperor not rush to have her?
As for Lady Li, Layue paid more attention to her. Her help in the end left Layue deeply confused and puzzled.
“Reporting to my lady, Lady Chen is here,” Tao’er came in to report.
“Yulan has come? Quickly invite her in,” Layue looked very pleased.
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