“This servant pays respects to the Princess, may the Princess have great fortune,” Stewardess Cui and the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau staff bowed together.

“Please rise, Stewardess Cui,” Shen Xihe personally helped up this elderly, experienced female official. “Thank you for coming in this cold weather.”

“I wouldn’t dare, it is this servant’s duty. I’ve brought the Treasury Office, Clothing Office, and Ornaments Office. Would the Princess like to see the clothing designs first, or the jewelry and ornaments?” Stewardess Cui asked very respectfully.

The palace had six stewardships and four offices. The Imperial Wardrobe Bureau’s Treasury Office managed the palace’s clothing patterns, the Clothing Office handled clothes and accessories, and the Ornaments Office was responsible for headdresses, cosmetics, and implements.

Shen Xihe’s coming-of-age ceremony clothes and accessories were all arranged by the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau. The day would include bathing, hand washing, and perfuming, which were also matters for the Ornaments Office. There was also the Ceremonial Office responsible for ritual guards – these would follow regulations and didn’t require Shen Xihe’s personal attention.

“Whatever Stewardess Cui arranges will be fine,” Shen Xihe showed equal respect.

Stewardess Cui spread out several clothing designs for Shen Xihe. Each design had been carefully chosen based on Shen Xihe’s preferences, combining auspicious meanings with aesthetic appeal.

Shen Xihe spotted an ivory-white outfit embroidered with butterfly-like Pingrong leaves. She liked it immediately. It was the simplest among all the ceremonial clothes – the others featured wealthy motifs like peonies and roses, or birds like peacocks and swallows.

“This one,” Shen Xihe pointed to the ivory chest-high dress.

“This outfit is somewhat plain. Since the Princess likes it, perhaps we can choose more elaborate hairpins,” Stewardess Cui had people put away Shen Xihe’s chosen outfit, then had the Clothing Office staff come forward to display matching hair ornaments.

For the most important headdress, Shen Xihe saw a silver-white crown adorned with pearl chains and many embedded pearls elaborate and complex, perfectly complementing the dress. She then selected other accessories.

She was decisive, unlike other palace nobles who would point out dissatisfactions after selecting – from overall style down to craftsmanship details, everything had to match their wishes. But these nobles didn’t understand the craft – some techniques and jewels and styles couldn’t be combined without looking inappropriate, yet the servants dared not object.

Stewardess Cui and the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau staff were all pleased with how agreeable Shen Xihe was. Things were quickly settled. As for the implements and fragrances needed that day, Red Jade would discuss those with them. Shen Xihe wanted to speak privately with Gu Zexiang, which Stewardess Cui graciously allowed.

“Princess,” in private, Gu Zexiang felt awkward seeing Shen Xihe. The last time when she told Shen Xihe about the Crown Prince’s past, it was on his orders through Stewardess Cui. Though it was all true, she still felt somewhat guilty towards Shen Xihe.

“You’re uneasy about last time, aren’t you?” Shen Xihe’s keen eyes perceived.

“Princess, I…” Gu Zexiang felt more ashamed, not knowing what to say.

“No need to be uneasy. You didn’t harm me, and what you told me was true. If the Crown Prince hadn’t instructed you, had picked an old palace maid to tell you, and then you came to inform me, you wouldn’t feel guilty. You’d feel you were helping me rather than making a calculated deal,” Shen Xihe smiled gently. “To me, there’s no difference between the two. The process doesn’t matter – what matters is that in my heart, you helped me.”

“Princess, I…” Gu Zexiang still felt awkward. She wanted to say that in her heart, Shen Xihe would always be that sister who exchanged pigeon messages with her, who would comfort her and bring her little gifts.

But given their current positions – Shen Xihe’s status and hers – they were worlds apart. She had no right to call Shen Xihe’s sister anymore.

“You only knew me through letters, unaware that I’m cold-hearted, valuing benefits over relationships,” Shen Xihe’s way of comforting people was quite unique. “I’ve come to you today also seeking your help with something. Naturally, I’m not asking based on friendship, but rather seeing if you can use this to advance yourself. How high you can climb in the Clothing Office depends on your ability.”

Gu Zexiang stared at Shen Xihe blankly. Her heart felt bitter – the Shen Xihe who had entered the palace seeking her, wanting to take her out of the palace, was gone. She had first approached Shen Xihe with thoughts of benefit, so from now on they would only have transactions of interest.

Though her heart ached, Gu Zexiang didn’t dwell on melancholy, quickly composing herself: “Please speak, Princess.”

“You’re in the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau. I’ll give you an incense blend – find a way to make Princess Yangling like it. I’ve crafted this incense according to Princess Yangling’s preferences,” Shen Xihe said softly. “It’s best if you have someone you want to bring down present it to Princess Yangling. Don’t rush to complete this before the new year – plan slowly and execute during the Tibet marriage alliance after the new year.”

Having been in the palace so long, Gu Zexiang had seen much intrigue. She immediately knew this wasn’t a small matter. Her heart tightened, and after thinking, she asked: “May this servant know if this incense will harm the Princess?”

Shen Xihe didn’t conceal anything: “Nothing much else, just that too much can cause dizziness and nausea.”

Gu Zexiang couldn’t guess Shen Xihe’s intentions, only wondering if it was to make Princess Yangling faint. But if that was the goal, using incense or poison would be quicker and simpler.

“You can consider before deciding,” Shen Xihe not only didn’t press but added, “Rest assured, even if you know this, you can refuse. I’m not afraid of people knowing my secrets, because no one can find evidence against me.”

Even if Gu Zexiang knew and didn’t want to participate, later saw Princess Yangling’s misfortune and suspected her as the mastermind, she still couldn’t find evidence to prove it, could only keep the secret buried in her heart.

Gu Zexiang was clever and understood that Shen Xihe’s words revealed not only confidence but also that if she didn’t participate, Shen Xihe would find someone else.

Her parents and siblings were dead, and their revenge was taken. She had thought about joining them, but remembering her mother’s dying wish for her to live well, she dared not take her own life. She was no longer of criminal status and would have a chance to leave the palace at twenty-five.

Save some money, find an honest and reliable person to marry and have children with, and choose a child to carry her surname – at least the Gu family line would continue. But to live safely in the palace until release wasn’t achievable by staying uninvolved. Non-participation only led to becoming a pawn or scapegoat – only sufficient ruthlessness and vigilance ensured survival.

Having protection would make things even more secure. After long consideration, Gu Zexiang said: “The Princess can trust this servant. I won’t fail this task.”

“Just proceed confidently – someone in the palace will assist you,” Shen Xihe smiled and gave Zhenzhu a meaningful look.

She intended to cultivate Gu Zexiang. In the future, when she entered the Eastern Palace, regarding inner palace power, with no mother-in-law and having legitimate daughters-in-law, how could a concubine be in charge?

The Noble Consort was also a concubine.

The Palace Stewardship Bureau controlled the entire inner palace. She needed to start cultivating her power in the Bureau from the beginning.