Read Novel Full Chapter 1670: Entering the Palace
Chapter 1670: Chapter 1670: Entering the Palace
This Cui Shanggong introduced the temperament of two nobles; as a servant, there’s not much one can say.
Su Yuanyuan listened and understood the meaning of Cui Shanggong’s words.
She wanted to ask, did the Emperor only have this few concubines before? Shouldn’t it be the Three Palaces, Six Courtyards, Seventy-two Concubines?
Cui Shanggong was quite pleased to see this young noble earnestly listening to her; she feared those arrogant, self-righteous types.
Lunch was quite sumptuous, yet Cui Shanggong didn’t eat much, observing how her master ate and drank heartily without any restraint.
The first time, she didn’t say anything, knowing the afternoon would cover dietary rules.
Su Yuanyuan watched, noting the restraint even at such an age.
She suddenly thought whether overeating till obesity would render her irrelevant?
Haha, this thought is quite feasible. Though a bit damaging to the body, it’s worth it for the pleasure of indulgence.
With this in mind, Su Yuanyuan ate more, particularly meat.
Cui Shanggong was extremely disciplined, saying nothing.
The two little maids at home were dumbfounded. What’s happened to the young lady?
Unable to eat any more, Su Yuanyuan felt uncomfortable, sighing inwardly about her inability to contend with such excess. Such indulgence she truly couldn’t enjoy.
She couldn’t fall asleep at noon, wandering in her room with a bitter smile. How childish, to have such ideas? Truly naive.
The afternoon course concerned dietary habits.
Su Yuanyuan thought, knowing it awaited her here.
Better be proper. She looked in a mirror, seeing an ordinary face; amongst the Emperor’s women, who was not a meticulous beauty? Best not to joke with herself, better stay proper.
Being too unconventional could attract more attention.
Cui Shanggong had not left before the New Year. Su Yuanyuan hadn’t inquired, knowing a female official of this age likely had few family members.
Su Wanshan still extended many rewards, understanding the young woman would need serving in the future.
Cui Shanggong was more satisfied with Su Yuanyuan, finding her master so clever yet detached.
Sometimes being detached wasn’t bad; among the Royal clan, one always suffers being overly invested.
Being so astute, it was best to learn pharmaceutics; dealing with the two nobles was not easy, especially the one above, a facade of kindness hiding bitterness. Though she knew, nothing was in her control.
Su Yuanyuan held no objection to added pharmaceutics; learning was relaxed, passing time was all the same.
On the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, the palace granted gifts from the Emperor, Empress, and two nobles.
Su Yuanyuan looked at the gifts on the ground. These two nobles not yet titled, at most would be elevated to concubines.
Her position as a concubine was certain, was this meant to intimidate or show off? Truly unnecessary.
Su Wanshan had prepared items to bring into the palace per Cui Shanggong’s guide.
A concubine couldn’t bring a dowry into the palace; yet a concubine couldn’t possibly bring nothing.
Cui Shanggong, having served in the palace and followed the Third Prince, now Holy Emperor, knew best what and how to prepare.
Su Wanshan felt disheartened; sending his daughter without dowry was unthinkable. So the items per Cui Shanggong’s guide were best quality.
Once ready, they’d be brought for the young woman.
With ten days before entering the palace, after New Year’s, they’d be more fortunate than local girls, having traveled to the borders, seeing much along the way.
The time to enter the palace grew near; nightly the father and sons dined together, cherishing this chance. Meeting again may be unrealistic.
"Father, you and Su Xing just need peace outside, no risks. You know I lack ambition, only moving to live in the Imperial Palace.
I don’t seek the Emperor’s favor, Father, no intent to gain favor, so don’t dream of climbing higher, it’ll invite envy."
"Yuanyuan, that’s too much to bear."
Su Yuanyuan shook her head, smiling, "Father, actually, if I could be a female official, how wonderful it’d be; I truly lack ambition.
I don’t plan to bear children, naturally not consummating with the Emperor is best; please don’t heed gossip," Su Yuanyuan whispered.
"Yuanyuan." Su Wanshan agonized over his daughter, wondering her future without children.
"Father, the age gap with the Emperor would mean eventually applying to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Father, just heed nothing unless directly from me.
Sharing my thoughts ensures you’re not exploited.
I won’t compete; mishaps outside affecting you would harm me too."
"Yuanyuan, should I resign?"
"If you can endure, it’s ideal; else relinquish authority, be an affluent idle man."
Su Wanshan nodded, "Yuanyuan, I understand."
"Father, it’s testing you, giving up affects Su Xing, his civil exam ambitions improbable."
Su Xing shook his head, "Sister, I have no such ambitions."
"Yuanyuan, don’t overthink. Just being affluent idlers seems good."
Approaching days felt faster.
The day to enter the palace arrived; preparations began before dawn.
Cui Shanggong was meticulous, demanding perfection from hair to toes.
Su Yuanyuan was like a soulless doll, manipulated by them.
Two hours passed before attire was finalized.
Meals were forbidden, complicating restroom needs.
Su Yuanyuan felt hopeless; society was truly vile.
Su Wanshan and sons entered, seeing their daughter and sister splendidly attired, tears welled up.
Su Yuanyuan seemed young; in palace attire, resembling a child in adult clothes.
Su Wanshan felt distressed, his daughter unable even to wear red for marriage.
Now, adorned thus, even her father must bow.
Su Yuanyuan instructed the maids to prevent any bowing between father and sons.
"Father, I’ll be fine, you must take care too.
Rest assured, I can live well; you must stay healthy."
Su Wanshan with reddened eyes nodded, remembering her words, never burdening his daughter.