Qin Shuying followed closely behind Xu Shi, and though she properly kept her eyes lowered and gaze straight ahead according to etiquette, her eyes and ears were fully alert, observing in all directions and listening carefully.
She secretly memorized the route they traveled while observing the surrounding scenery, not daring to be careless in the slightest.
For an imperial consort’s birthday, the palace wouldn’t hold grand celebrations – Noble Consort Lianpin’s meals today were simply more sumptuous than usual. The Emperor would also bestow gifts, and perhaps – the Emperor might stay the night, which would be the greatest favor.
The imperial city was majestic and imposing, the inner city extremely spacious with numerous pathways. One could easily get lost without careful attention.
Along the way they occasionally encountered palace maids and eunuchs. Some who knew Eunuch Xi would greet each other, though most were strangers.
Spring had arrived – flowers budded, grass sprouted, presenting a scene of flourishing vitality. The scenery within the imperial city was naturally quite beautiful. But Qin Yunyun had no mood to appreciate it, instead frequently observing Qin Shuying.
She had expected Qin Shuying to be frightened and anxious, but unexpectedly Qin Shuying appeared composed and dignified, neither looking around nor asking countless questions, showing remarkable composure.
Qin Shuying suddenly looked her way. Qin Yunyun startled and quickly averted her gaze.
But Qin Shuying raised her eyebrows, smiled, and loosened her tightly clenched hands to show Qin Yunyun – her palms were covered in sweat.
Qin Yunyun pursed her lips dismissively. She’d wondered how Qin Shuying could possibly not be nervous on her first palace visit. So her earlier composure had all been an act.
Qin Yunyun felt slightly mocking inside, and her heart settled.
After walking for nearly half an hour, they finally reached the exterior of Shuangyun Hall where Noble Consort Lianpin resided.
In the rear palace, besides the Empress, there were four consort positions. Currently only Noble Consort De, Noble Consort Shu, and Noble Consort Xian filled three positions, lacking Noble Consort Ning. The Empress occupied the central palace, while the other three consorts each had their own halls.
Below the consort rank were the pin positions, also three people residing in different halls.
Two young women in green palace maid attire were already waiting outside – they were the trusted attendants by Noble Consort Lianpin’s side, Han Dan and Fu Qu.
Seeing Xu Shi, they immediately approached and bowed: “Madam, Her Majesty the Empress said that Madam may bring the two young misses to kowtow outside Kunning Palace. Please follow us!”
The Empress currently rarely received outside court ladies, but outside court ladies entering the palace must kowtow to the Empress, so now they all followed Xu Shi’s example of simply kowtowing outside Kunning Palace.
Xu Shi said: “Thank you both for your trouble.”
After returning from kowtowing at Kunning Palace.
Qin Shuying felt two meaningful gazes lingering on her and looked up calmly – naturally it was Han Dan and Fu Qu. Qin Shuying sneered inwardly but displayed a perfectly appropriate smile.
Entering the hall, a young and beautiful palace consort slowly rose from her noble consort chair. Her cloud-like hair was piled high, her skin like congealed cream, her features painted perfection, her posture graceful – truly a jade-like beauty of unparalleled countenance.
This was Noble Consort Lianpin.
“This subject’s wife pays respects to Your Highness!” Xu Shi performed a bow.
Noble Consort Lianpin quickly stepped forward to support Xu Shi: “Mother, there are no others here – why do you keep such formalities in mind?”
Her voice was sweet as a golden oriole, captivating all who heard it for the first time.
“Maternal Grandmother!”
Suddenly a male voice reached their ears. Qin Shuying, who was about to bow to Noble Consort Lianpin, looked toward the voice and saw a fourteen or fifteen-year-old youth – tall and jade-like, with handsome features and overwhelming noble bearing, walking steadily toward them.
This was the Sixth Prince!
Indeed, Xu Shi said: “Your Highness!”
Qin Yunyun began bowing, and Qin Shuying followed suit. Together they said: “We pay respects to Noble Consort Lianpin! We pay respects to His Highness the Sixth Prince!”
The Sixth Prince calmly accepted their bows.
Noble Consort Lianpin examined Qin Shuying but didn’t say words like “no need for such ceremony” or “rise.”
Qin Shuying watched as Qin Yunyun straightened up, so she also straightened up.
Han Dan quickly said: “Seventh Miss, Her Highness hasn’t told you to rise – you mustn’t stand up. This is palace protocol.”
Qin Shuying’s eyes showed confusion as she looked at Qin Yunyun, then at Han Dan, clearly meaning to say: since Qin Yunyun could rise, why couldn’t she?
Xu Shi said displeasedly: “Seventh Girl, this is the palace – nothing like home. Everything must follow proper protocol.”
Qin Shuying’s eyes widened even more, looking at Xu Shi in bewilderment as if not understanding her meaning.
Xu Shi felt a wave of frustration – was Qin Shuying truly ignorant, or deliberately playing dumb?
Noble Consort Lianpin’s emotions were unreadable as she observed Qin Shuying for a moment. Seeing that Qin Shuying showed no sign of admitting fault or correcting herself, she finally waved her delicate hand with a radiant smile: “Third Aunt died early, so Seventh Sister doesn’t understand etiquette – it’s understandable. Seventh Sister, come here and let this palace have a look.”
Doesn’t understand etiquette?
Her own legitimate cousin had just labeled her with these three words.
Qin Shuying lowered her eyes, sneering inwardly while maintaining her expression. She walked over properly, her powdered face showing shyness, perfectly displaying the curious yet helpless emotions of a young maiden entering the palace for the first time.
Noble Consort Lianpin looked her over with a smile. All the Qin family daughters were beautiful and dignified, and Qin Shuying was no exception. Speaking of which, Qin Shuying had several parts more ineffable charm than the other Qin daughters, likely inherited from Long Shi.
In terms of appearance, Qin Shuying was not inferior to the exceptionally beautiful Noble Consort Lianpin.
“Seventh Sister, you’re truly Third Uncle’s good daughter! Being here is like being in your own home – don’t be constrained. Mother, let’s all sit and talk!”
Palace servants had already brought embroidered stools and placed them below Noble Consort Lianpin. The Sixth Prince and Xu Shi sat to Noble Consort Lianpin’s left and right respectively, with Qin Yunyun standing behind Xu Shi. Qin Shuying followed suit, standing behind Xu Shi.
How clever!
Noble Consort Lianpin said to the Sixth Prince Zhou Qin: “Qin’er, this is your Seventh Aunt – Third Uncle’s daughter. Today is her first time in the palace. Speaking of which, you often visit the Qin mansion – have you met her?”
“I have.”
Zhou Qin’s eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded faintly.
Born noble with transcendent bearing, now having received official duties, he was steady and decisive with the natural authority of a superior. Combined with his flawlessly handsome face, tall and upright stature, and the inherent superiority emanating from his bones, he was impossible to ignore.
Qin Shuying quickly took in Zhou Qin’s entire appearance, not missing the coldness and disdain in his eyes.
Since Noble Consort Lianpin was the mastermind behind Qin Yaoyao’s death, Zhou Qin was not innocent either.
Therefore, she and Zhou Qin were natural mortal enemies.
After giving Zhou Qin a smiling glance, Qin Shuying properly listened to the conversation between Noble Consort Lianpin and Xu Shi.
Zhou Qin paid no attention to Qin Shuying’s smile. This woman – he had seen her once or twice at the Qin mansion, usually appearing sickly and spiritless. They had only exchanged courteous greetings and never spoken privately.
Today being Noble Consort Lianpin’s birthday, Xu Shi naturally spoke at length about Noble Consort Lianpin’s affairs – mostly words about taking care of her health.
Zhou Qin rarely spoke, mostly just listening.
Qin Yunyun and Qin Shuying stood behind Xu Shi, also listening attentively.