Chapter 10: A Good Daughter

The Jade Yao Palace was not large, but it had the advantage of a good location and a pleasant environment. Although it was only a modest sixth-rank Baolin residence, since the inner palace was unoccupied, Lu Shuyao was allowed to live in the main hall.

Xiao Xizi explained, “This place isn’t far from the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The Emperor must favor the mistress to have granted her this residence.”

All of them were veterans of the palace and naturally understood the significance of Jade Yao Palace.

“Moreover, the Empress Dowager once lived here,” he added. Upon hearing this, Lu Shuyao finally understood the Emperor’s cunning intentions.

But since she had intended to involve herself from the start, this was actually beneficial to her.

Soon, Lu Shuyao settled in. Jade Yao Palace was fully equipped with everything she needed.

There were also various rare treasures bestowed by the Emperor—silks, fabrics, gold hairpins, and jade ornaments.

No wonder she wasn’t required to study palace rules the day after her first night with the Emperor, nor to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.

So much was going on behind the scenes.

Besides Pei Lan, there were four palace maids in Jade Yao Palace, named Ruqin, Ruqi, Rushu, and Ruhua.

Two eunuchs served there as well, named Xile and Xiyou.

The housekeeper was a nanny named You Chunhua, affectionately called Nanny You by everyone.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Lord Lu, just returning from court, was walking toward the palace gate as usual.

“Lord Lu!”

Hearing this voice, Lu’s father felt a bit anxious.

This was the Emperor’s personal messenger eunuch; when he came looking for someone, it was usually important.

Lu’s father immediately began recalling his recent conversations with his superior, wondering if he had been reported for something.

“Ah, Yuan Huai,” Lu’s father forced a smile. “Is the Emperor summoning me?”

Yuan Huai thought to himself that every time he came to Lord Lu, it never seemed to be good news.

No wonder Lord Lu was forcing that smile.

“Nothing urgent. I came specially to congratulate Lord Lu.”

“Congratulate?” Lu’s father was momentarily stunned.

“The young mistress was just granted the sixth-rank Baolin title today. I was sent to proclaim it. This is a great honor from the Emperor, so I wanted to come and let Lord Lu know.”

Lu’s father was so surprised he thought he must have misheard. “What did you say?”

Yuan Huai teased, “Lord Lu must be overjoyed!”

“Is it true?” Lu’s father asked.

“Would I dare lie about this? That would cost me my head.”

Finally, Lu’s father showed genuine delight, happily handing over the pouch at his side to Yuan Huai.

“Please do speak well of Baolin before the Emperor from now on.”

Yuan Huai declined at first but eventually accepted politely. “Rest assured, Lord Lu.”

In the Lu residence’s Jade Tranquility Courtyard, Miss Liu was carefully sewing a red wedding veil by hand.

Pei Mei sat beside her, whispering complaints, “The eldest miss really should make her own dowry instead of making others do it.”

Liu simply replied, “It’s normal for elders to help.”

It was already difficult enough to remain in the Lu household, even if it meant humbling oneself. She had no complaints.

“She doesn’t treat you like an elder at all,” Pei Mei muttered.

The eldest lady commanded the concubines as if they were mere servants.

Just then, a young maid ran in. “Concubine! Concubine! Master has arrived, still in his official robes!”

Liu was startled and hurriedly instructed the maids to clear away the sewing materials.

“Quick, brew the medicinal drink I prepared a couple of days ago and bring it to Master,” she ordered, her face showing no smile but rather confusion and fear.

The Madam was ruthless, often punishing her with imposing rules.

When she was young, Master’s frequent favor had been discovered by the Madam, who then banished her to the estate.

If the Madam found out the Master had come here so soon after court, Liu would surely be punished again.

With swift steps, Lu’s father entered Jade Tranquility Courtyard, his face beaming with joy.

“Liu!” He strode into the room and suddenly embraced her, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Liu jumped in surprise. “Master, what’s the matter?”

“You’ve given me a wonderful daughter!”

“What about Shuyao?” Liu looked at him expectantly.

“She’s now a sixth-rank Baolin! The first to receive such a title in the palace. Ha! Today we must celebrate properly. Go inform the Madam and have her invite my mother as well as the second house so we can all celebrate together.”

Liu looked at him reproachfully. “Is that necessary? Master, might it be too ostentatious?”

“What nonsense! Celebrating with family is hardly ostentatious,” Lu’s father said, kissing her again.

His enthusiasm made Liu a little embarrassed in front of the servants.

Her graceful face flushed with shyness. “Master, please don’t.”

Lu’s father suddenly recalled their youthful days and laughed softly. “Liu, how have you not aged at all?”

Liu gently pushed him away. “Enough, Master. Go tell the Madam the good news.”

Thinking of his wife, Lu’s father felt a touch of apprehension.

He took Liu’s roughened hand in his, sighing, “You’ve suffered much over the years.”

...

Exhausted from the previous night, Lu Shuyao rested after having lunch in Jade Yao Palace.

Nanny You instructed the palace maids to avoid making noise so as not to disturb her.

Everyone in Jade Yao Palace had been rewarded, their faces bright with smiles. Ruqin whispered, “The mistress seems kind and easy to get along with.”

“Yes, and favored by the Emperor,” the others giggled quietly, recalling the mistress’s sighs of fatigue.

“You little brats, stop gossiping,” Nanny You scolded. “Ruqi, go keep the mistress company and assist Pei Lan.”

After a nap, the staff from the Imperial Wardrobe arrived.

They had heard the Emperor had granted fabric and came to ask if the newly titled Baolin wished to have new clothes made.

Though Lu Shuyao had already made several new garments before entering the palace, imperial fabric was unmatched, so she agreed.

Afterward, she asked Pei Lan to store the remaining cloth.

“If I ever return to see Auntie, I’ll bring some gifts,” Lu Shuyao smiled. “It wouldn’t do to take things from the Lu household and then bring them back.”

“You’re always so thoughtful, Mistress,” Pei Lan nodded.

Leaning on the beauty couch, Lu Shuyao looked at the storybook Xiao Xizi had brought to amuse her.

Life was truly leisurely now!

The stories were captivating, and she soon became engrossed.

One tale even reminded her of a major event soon to unfold in the capital.

In her previous life, before marrying into the Xie family, a deadly typhoid epidemic had swept through the city, claiming many lives.

She and Xie Liwen had married only after the epidemic had passed.

If she could warn the Emperor about this in advance, might she save countless lives?

With this thought, Lu Shuyao put the storybook aside.