Yao Bile was speechless.
"If you enter the palace, there will be countless nobles, including emperors and nobles, descendants of famous families, and those with great reputations. Which one can you afford to offend? What do you think of the imperial authority? Is it child's play? What do you think of the lives of your parents, family, and the entire Yao family?" Yao Biluo pressed on relentlessly, leaving Yao Bile speechless.
"In short, think it over carefully. Entering the palace is not like being in your home. If you can handle it, then stay, and I will do my best to help you; if you can't handle it, then give up the idea of entering the palace as soon as possible!" Yao Biluo glanced at Yao Bile, who was dumbfounded, sat back down to continue eating, and said nothing more.
Yao Bile bit her lip, on the verge of tears. From birth, her father had always protected her, her mother had always doted on her, and her brothers had always indulged her; she had never suffered such injustice. She abruptly stood up and rushed out, never wanting to see that wretched servant again!
He had only taken a few steps when he saw Yao Biluo looking at him with a half-smile, as if to say, "I knew you couldn't resist!"
She was torn by inner conflict, experiencing intense torment. She wanted to take a step, but suddenly her legs went weak.
Just as she stepped out the door, she suddenly stopped and stood there motionless for a long time.
The girls felt the atmosphere was tense and didn't dare to breathe.
After a long while, Yao Bile slowly walked back into the room.
Yao Biluo acted as if nothing had happened and said coldly to her, "The second thing I'm going to teach you is how to serve the nobles in the palace, and even—the Emperor! Go and serve me some porridge."
The maids tried to take the bowl, but Yao Biluo only looked at Yao Bile and wouldn't let go.
Yao Bile bit her lip tightly, tears welling up in her eyes, and silently reached out to take the bowl and ladle out the porridge.
"Are you going to serve the Emperor with this mournful look on your face?" Yao Biluo said sarcastically.
Yao Bile secretly wiped away her tears and forced a weak smile.
It seems she's had enough to suffer today. Yao Biluo looked at her stubborn sister in front of her and sighed in her heart. If she doesn't temper her like this, does she really think entering the palace is a picnic? The struggles in the harem have always been bloodless and cruel. One wrong move and you won't even know how you died.
"That's enough for today. You have two assignments when you get back: one is to learn palace etiquette, and the other is to learn cooking. Your master found you a tutor last night. Come over early tomorrow." Yao Biluo put down her bowl and went to do her own thing.
If the terms of the deal with him are followed, I also need to be selected. Given my current physical condition, I definitely cannot meet the requirements, so I need to make some preparations.
Upon hearing this, Yao Bile turned and left.
Yao Biluo watched her retreating figure and shook her head. This pampered young lady, why does she want to enter the palace? Is entering the palace really that good? If she could choose, she would rather live an ordinary and uneventful life, as long as she is safe and content.
Gently stroking her pointed chin, Yao Biluo thought to herself that with her frail appearance, she might not be able to pass the test. It seemed that in addition to adjusting her diet and taking medicine every day, she also needed to increase her exercise to strengthen her body. Hmm, she also needed to take care of her skin.
After thinking for a moment, he picked up his pen and wrote a list, which he handed to the maid, saying, "Take this to the master and tell him that these are the things I want."
The girl took it.
On the other side, Prefect Yao took the list and was quite astonished. The first item listed several books, all of them profound and complex knowledge, some of which were rare and hard to obtain. The second item listed some rare medicinal herbs; Prefect Yao couldn't understand their properties, but just from the names, he knew they were extremely valuable. The third item required a large quantity of fresh flowers and pearls, presumably for making cosmetics. While not unusual, the quantity was simply too much! The strange thing was, how did this girl know about these things!
"Fine, you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub," Prefect Yao hardened his heart. He thought that if he succeeded, he would be the emperor's father-in-law, second only to the emperor. So, any expense now would be worthwhile! He then instructed his steward to make the necessary preparations.
This girl seems to actually be capable of making a name for herself! Prefect Yao's expression grew even more somber.
As the one-month period drew to a close, Yao Biluo seized every moment to recuperate and exercise, gradually gaining weight and maturing, though she remained slender and delicate. She applied a mixture of pearl powder and flower petal juice to her skin, making it even whiter and more radiant, with a rosy glow.
In his spare time, he would read diligently the books that Prefect Yao had collected according to the book list. It wasn't complete, but it was enough. The moment he held them in his hands, it felt like seeing long-lost friends—so familiar, so dear! He could even read only the first half of some passages and still know the rest from memory.
Occasionally, she would wonder how she knew these things. Besides these, when she exercised a little each day, strange postures and human figures with strange airflow directions would often appear in her mind, which had been appearing frequently for a year. Yao Biluo didn't know what these were, but after practicing according to these pictures, her body became stronger and stronger.
Based on the vague impression in her mind, Yao Biluo also ordered someone to make a silver soft whip, wrapped in white gauze, decorated with gold bells at both ends, which jingled as she walked. When wrapped around her waist, it was a beautiful ornament; when unwrapped, it became a flexible weapon.
After secretly testing it a few times, Yao Biluo became increasingly adept at using the soft whip, which was as flexible and powerful as her own arm. She felt that her mind was like a treasure trove, and as long as she worked hard to explore it, she would always discover amazing treasures!
Besides her own preparations, she diligently cared for Yao Bile every day. After that day's lesson, she became much more obedient and attentive, and now she could accept Yao Biluo's various difficulties without batting an eye, serving her with a pleasant smile. Her etiquette, cooking skills, and other talents were also highly proficient.
Knowing that she harbored resentment towards her, and was only enduring it for the sake of entering the palace, Yao Biluo didn't know whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, as she had at least learned how to control her emotions.
To enter the palace, one must learn to hide one's emotions. But once learned, one can never return to one's original innocence. Yao Biluo suddenly felt a pang of sadness.
☆, IV. Twists and Turns (Part 1)
The Royal Palace of the Kingdom.
"Peach blossoms float on the deep spring water, where mandarin ducks bathe. I gaze at the setting sun with deep sorrow, remembering you, but you know nothing." A man dressed in purple leans against the railing, his waist-length black hair casually tied up with a purple ribbon, his deep eyes filled with loneliness.
Pairs of mandarin ducks frolic happily in the lake, while peach blossoms drift in the wind along the shore, with a few occasionally falling into the water.
Amidst such a beautiful scene, the purple figure uttered sorrowful words, utterly out of place with the vibrant landscape around them.
With a flick of his wrist, he poured the wine from the jug into his mouth. No need for a jade goblet; perhaps this was the only way to truly enjoy himself.
"Who's there?" The palace guards noticed a stranger on the Imperial Lake and rushed over to question him.
The man in purple remained unmoved, glancing at the mandarin ducks once more, taking a sip of wine, his black hair swaying gently in the wind.
The guards rushed closer, ready to seize the audacious thief before them, but upon closer inspection, they were horrified and knelt down, trembling with fear.
"You may leave. Let me have some peace and quiet. Don't bother me again." The man's tone was calm and even, yet it exuded an air of authority.
"But—Your Majesty, General Ye is still requesting an audience in the Imperial Study!" the guard captain boldly declared. Offending the Emperor would be punishable by death, but delaying General Ye's business would also result in dismissal. Seeing that the Emperor showed no signs of anger, he had no choice but to take the plunge.
But the man seemed not to hear him and continued drinking.
Even if the commander of the guards had three more lives, he wouldn't dare say another word, and could only lead his men to silently retreat to a distance.
"Why bother with all this?" a voice asked, sounding familiar with the man.
Upon hearing the familiar voice, the guards quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, General Ye!"
Ye Zhanqing waved his hand, signaling them to step back.
Everyone knew that the Emperor and General Ye addressed each other as brothers, and their relationship was even closer than that of blood brothers. So they weren't worried and, fearing they might interrupt their conversation, they stepped back even further.
"Why are you doing this? Since you've already agreed to his request, you know he doesn't want to see you like this! What he wants most is for us all to be happy, and that will make him happy too." Ye Zhanqing reached for Jun Yilin's wine pot and took a sip.
“I have done as you asked, serving the people diligently and working hard for the country. This year, we will also hold a selection of imperial concubines to enrich the harem and ensure the continuation of the imperial line! I have done everything I promised him, living a good life and taking good care of you all, but—my heart—is aching!” Jun Yilin closed his eyes in pain. “Can’t I even indulge myself a little and think about him?”
Ye Zhanqing empathized with his feelings, so he stopped trying to persuade him and handed the wine pot back, saying, "Alright, today I'll drink with you. My dappled horse and my thousand-gold fur coat, call the boy to exchange them for fine wine, and together we'll dispel our eternal sorrows!"
Jun Yilin glanced gratefully at Ye Zhanqing, took the wine pot, and the two of them took a sip each, enjoying the beautiful scenery and memories while drinking. Occasionally, the two men's hearty laughter echoed from the tranquil lakeside as they reminisced about the past!
"Your Majesty, the imperial concubine selection will be held in a few days. As per Your Majesty's instructions, this selection will be conducted with frugality, and the number of selected women will be small. They will be eighteen women from various regions who were nominated based on their family background, virtue, appearance, and talents. The Ministry of Rites has made preparations according to regulations and is waiting for Your Majesty to come and make the selection in person." The Vice Minister of Rites respectfully reported in the court.
Jun Yilin looked at the list of candidates for the imperial concubines in his hand, feeling a surge of disgust. Looking at the unfamiliar names, Jun Yilin's thoughts drifted away, returning to the figure etched in his heart.
Seeing that the emperor did not react for a long time and looked displeased, the vice minister of the Ministry of Rites feared that his arrangements had gone wrong, and his back was cold and damp.
Fortunately, Jun Yilin quickly regained his senses and said calmly, "Very good, let's do it this way!"
The Vice Minister of Rites breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "As you command."
Inside the Yao residence, the maids and servants were busily preparing the luggage for the two young ladies to travel to the capital for the imperial concubine selection.
Yao Bile leaned against Madam Yao's chest, and the two were whispering to each other.
After giving her daughter some instructions, Madam Yao lovingly stroked her daughter's face and said softly, "I've said everything I needed to say. You've never left the manor before, and there are many things you haven't experienced. You'll have to walk this path alone from now on, and I'm really worried about you!"
"Mother, I'm not young anymore. Although this is my first time leaving the manor, I've been taught by you since I was little, and I'll be able to adapt to any situation and take good care of myself. This trip to the capital will surely fulfill your wishes, earn you favor, and allow the Yao family to become one of the great families, so that you can enjoy all the honors and glory," Yao Bile said obediently.
“I’m not worried about the others. Your performance this past month has put us all at ease. But there’s one thing: that wretched maid, Biluo. Even if you can’t treat her like a sister, you must never be her enemy!” Madam Yao said earnestly.
"Why is that? That vile woman humiliated me like this. I have listened to my mother and endured her for so long. Once I successfully enter the palace, I swear I will not rest until I kill her!" Yao Bile asked, her face full of resentment and confusion.
“No, silly daughter, although you two have your own troubles, in the eyes of outsiders, you are sisters. If you enter the palace together, you will share both glory and ruin! Besides—” Madam Yao fell into deep thought, thinking about Yao Biluo’s strange behavior over the past month, and felt somewhat uncertain. She said, “She might be able to help you get what you want!”
"Mother!" Yao Bile still refused to listen.
“Listen to me, just remember that she is your tool. You will use her to achieve your goals. Have you ever seen anyone get angry at a knife for cutting themselves? Once the knife becomes dull—” Madam Yao said coldly.
“Then you can just throw it away!” Yao Bile chimed in.
The two exchanged a knowing smile.
Inside Mingyue Pavilion.
Completely unaware of Madam Yao and her daughter Yao Bile's schemes against her, Yao Biluo, seeing that her luggage was almost packed, dismissed all the maids and began to pack some of her personal belongings herself.
Why wouldn't they let the maids help tidy up? Because they were afraid that seeing those strange things would cause unnecessary trouble.
Soft whips, silver needles, daggers, a sleeping potion that looks like perfume, and even medicine for injuries and antidotes...
If a young lady from a respectable family had these things in her luggage, anyone who saw them would be shocked!
Mother, don't worry, I will definitely work hard to earn you the title of legitimate wife, so that you can enter the Yao family ancestral temple in peace, and make that woman kneel at your feet to worship you every year! Under the moonlight, Yao Biluo's thin figure clenched her fists tightly.
"Luo'er, are you asleep?" came the kind voice of Prefect Yao from outside the door.
Yao Biluo quickly hid the things and went to open the door.
Prefect Yao looked at his daughter with affection and helped her into the house. Yao Biluo was a little stiff and was not used to being close to her father.
"Luo'er, tomorrow you and your sister will go to the capital to be selected for the imperial examinations. When you were little, your father was busy with political affairs and inevitably neglected you and your mother. However, you will always be your father's daughter. Your father is sending you to the palace for your own good!" At this point, Prefect Yao paused and carefully observed his daughter's expression.
"Old fox," Yao Bilu cursed inwardly, but her face remained impassive. "Don't worry, sir, I will do my best. But after it's done, I hope you will keep your promise."
Prefect Yao was a little embarrassed, but he knew he couldn't fall out with his daughter at this time. He coughed and said, "Don't worry, I will do my best to fulfill your wish regarding your mother."
The two were speechless for a moment. Yao Biluo didn't look at him and just stared blankly.
Prefect Yao sighed, stood up, and said, "Although you hate me and refuse to call me father, you still have the surname Yao. If you enter the palace, we will rely on each other. I have seen through you during this time that you are a smart man. You know without me having to say more. From now on, you and the Yao family will be closely tied together. You must not be willful!"
"Hmph, he's really just warning me not to do anything reckless!" Yao Biluo thought to herself.
But he obediently replied, "Okay!"
For my mother's sake, I can't fall out with him yet.
After seeing Prefect Yao off, Yao Biluo opened the window and gazed at the bright moon and starry sky. Although she had grown up here, she had always lived with her mother in the most dilapidated storage hut in the corner of the West Garden, and had never lived in such a nice house before. Tomorrow she would be leaving, and regardless of success or failure, she would never return. Her mother was gone, and there was nothing left for her to cherish here!
No, this time we must succeed, otherwise my mother will still suffer injustice even in the afterlife! Yao Biluo made up her mind.
The next day, two carriages nimbly drove out of the Yao residence. The two young ladies inside had different moods, but both carried a hint of sorrow. Because of Yao Biluo's request, the two did not ride in the same carriage, so they each rode in a separate carriage with their maids.
The father and son, Old Zhang, who were driving the carriage, were guards in the manor and both possessed some martial arts skills. This time, the master had carefully instructed Old Zhang and his son to be careful and cautious while escorting the ladies out. If the trip went smoothly, they would receive a reward of forty taels of silver upon their return.
Old Zhang's son was already an adult but still unmarried. With these forty taels, he could arrange a wife for him! Thinking of this, Old Zhang grinned, and the whip in his hand fell forcefully. The horse, urged on, ran even faster.
As dusk approached, Old Zhang, having already heard about the bandits causing trouble in the area, urged his son to hurry on his journey. They needed to reach the town and find lodging before nightfall, otherwise, once night fell, it would be the perfect time for the bandits to roam around and commit crimes!
"Stop the car! Stop the car!" Yao Bile's maid shouted.
Yao Biluo frowned, lifted the curtain to look, and saw Old Zhang asking her questions. It turned out that the young lady had never traveled such a long distance before and was feeling unwell, so she wanted to get off the carriage to rest.
Yao Biluo glanced at the sky and knew she couldn't stay any longer. Feeling annoyed, she heard Old Zhang advising, "Second Miss, this place isn't peaceful. Let's rest at the inn!"