“This is an embroidered handkerchief that Ninth Yiniang left behind years ago. As far as I know, the Crown Prince’s chief attendant, Eunuch Lian, has wanted this item for many years. Even Cousin Feng from the Feng family has made roundabout inquiries, asking if I had one in my possession. This embroidered handkerchief was made by Ninth Yiniang for an acquaintance she had before entering the household, so naturally it holds quite different significance for Eunuch Lian. After Sixth Sister enters the palace, if the opportunity arises, you can deliver it to Eunuch Lian on my behalf. Perhaps you’ll be able to establish a connection with him—who can say?”

As the Crown Prince’s chief attendant, Eunuch Lian held such power in the inner palace that even the Crown Princess likely wouldn’t dare offend him lightly. If Sixth Miss could cultivate good relations with Eunuch Lian, the benefits would naturally be innumerable.

Yet she gazed at Seventh Miss for a long while without accepting the embroidered handkerchief from her hand.

“I actually envy you very much, Seventh Sister.” Sixth Miss suddenly turned her head and gently picked up the yellowed fabric. “You’ve always been so decisive and strategic since childhood… I don’t know how many schemes and plots are hidden in your heart. Though you don’t show it on your face, you still have the ability to turn around Madam’s attitude, Father’s attitude, even the entire Yang family’s attitude. Whatever you want, you can definitely obtain it.”

“I’m different. I’ve never been clever since I was small. When it comes to scheming, I don’t get a turn. When it comes to flattery, I don’t get a turn. All I have are these eight characters: honest and dutiful, content with my fate.”

“If not for good luck, either of the two marriage proposals Madam arranged for me would have fulfilled my heart’s desires. Marrying into the Li family, Eleventh Cousin and I grew up together and have mutual affection. Marrying into the imperial family gives me the honor and glory I’ve dreamed of…”

“But I can’t help wondering—what if Madam had married me off to the ends of the earth, into a family that only looks good on the outside but is actually chaotic underneath? What would I do? I’d have no way to handle it!”

“So I desperately try to be lovable, hoping that when Madam makes arrangements for me, she’ll cherish my loveliness and pity my pitifulness, and not be too harsh with me… Perhaps I’ve grown used to this, because I find this life of going with the flow quite worry-free. The world is inherently unpredictable. We’re all just golden hairpin grass in the wind. As long as we can take root and sprout wherever we land, isn’t that enough? Who knows what comes next?”

“No one can hold their fate in the palm of their hand. When it’s time to let go, you should try letting go. Does Seventh Sister understand what I mean? Sometimes, you might also try the feeling of letting go…”

She propped her chin, tilting her head slightly, her large eyes like lacquered dots gazing at Seventh Miss unblinkingly under the lamplight.

Seventh Miss smiled faintly at Sixth Miss.

A thousand words filled her heart, yet she couldn’t speak a single one aloud.

The power struggles among palace personnel were only more cruel and cold-blooded than in official households. Just looking at the Crown Prince’s methods, one could tell this future emperor was no pushover—he didn’t seem like someone who indulged in beauty.

Sixth Miss was both beautiful and of humble birth. In palace struggles, no one was more suitable to be used as a pawn than her. Her fate would truly be far more unpredictable than marrying into the Li family, relying far more heavily on those two words: luck. Whether this golden hairpin grass could take root in the palace still depended on the weather.

But as Sixth Miss said, over the years she had never cultivated anything for herself, so now she had no bargaining chips to negotiate with her parents. Going along with arrangements and flowing with the current was already the best choice.

Fortunately, she had always had good luck.

She lowered her eyes slightly, looking at the embroidered handkerchief in Sixth Miss’s hand, and the reluctance in her heart flashed and passed.

She could only hope this embroidered handkerchief would bring Sixth Miss some good fortune.

“I understand what Sixth Sister means.” She nodded sincerely. “From today onward, I’ll also learn to let go… But Sixth Sister must remember, no matter where you are or when, you can never completely let go. This is especially true in the palace. You must have a workable plan in mind—know who to get close to, who to distance yourself from, when to gain favor, when to lie low… These are all matters requiring careful consideration! If you don’t grasp your own destiny, there’s simply no way to speak of ‘letting go.'”

Sixth Miss’s expression changed. “Please instruct me, Seventh Sister.”

When it came to struggles, no one had more experience than Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss pondered briefly, then took Sixth Miss’s golden hairpin and used it to scratch at the freshly dripped candle wax. “Though the Crown Princess hopes to have her own person in the Eastern Palace, she naturally doesn’t want that person to eventually grow powerful enough to threaten her. Sixth Sister’s birth isn’t noble enough, which actually suits the Crown Princess perfectly. For the first few years, she’ll definitely try to promote you and give you face.”

“The Eastern Palace has always disliked others prying into family matters. Though there are currently various consorts and attendants in the palace, who is favored and who isn’t—outsiders have no way of knowing. If you can get a few words of guidance from Eunuch Lian, that would naturally be infinitely beneficial. Cousin Feng from the Feng family… might also be able to look after Sixth Sister somewhat. However, since inner and outer courts are separate, to establish yourself in the palace, you still need to find your position and focus on cultivating both the Crown Princess and Eunuch Lian. As for the Crown Prince himself, that should come later.”

“In short, for the Yang family’s sake, Father and Mother might hope for Sixth Sister to bear children soon. But thinking of Sixth Sister herself, this childbearing matter might be better delayed. Sixth Sister is only fifteen this year. Even five years from now, you’ll still be young and beautiful. But five years later, the current eldest imperial grandson will be six or seven years old, and they’ll probably establish the heir apparent… Though circumstances can change, if you bear children after the heir is established, the Crown Princess will be much more at ease…”

Sixth Miss’s beautiful eyes flashed with brilliant light as she suddenly grasped Seventh Miss’s hand. “Hearing you say this, everything suddenly becomes clear in my mind. You’ve given me such valuable connections and so much good advice—I truly don’t know how to thank you!”

Seventh Miss grasped Sixth Miss’s delicate little hand in return and smiled faintly at her. “Between sisters, we should naturally support each other.”

Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss then smiled at each other.

From outside the room came Da Xue’s voice, “Nanny Liang—our young miss is preparing to wash up and retire…”

The next day, just after the fifth watch, Grand Madam personally rose and summoned the two young misses to the main courtyard to oversee their grooming. She forced the two sisters to eat half a spoonful of Two Principles Paste to refresh themselves, then had them eat half a bowl of bird’s nest porridge before allowing no more food or water, lest it be inconvenient at the traveling palace.

Sixth Miss looked completely drowsy. After drinking the bird’s nest porridge, she dozed off with her eyes half-closed. Grand Madam found it both amusing and exasperating, so she fed her another half spoonful of Two Principles Paste before calling Seventh Miss aside.

“Look at your Sixth Sister’s absent-minded, confused appearance.” She first pursed her lips. “If not for your father’s orders, I wouldn’t feel comfortable sending her to serve in the Eastern Palace… I’m afraid this confused temperament will one day harm both others and herself! But things have come to this point, and saying more is useless. It’s just a pity your father didn’t act prudently enough and completely ruined your prospects…”

Seventh Miss started, only then remembering that in Grand Madam’s eyes, the reason she had become a companion was because Grand Old Master wanted to marry her to Feng Jin, which had created suspicious circumstances.

With things having reached this point, what use was there in saying such things? She couldn’t help but look at Grand Madam and raise her eyebrows.

Grand Madam rarely showed embarrassment. “Though you’re suffering in your heart, you must still put the greater good first. Once you enter the traveling palace, you must look after your Sixth Sister. Don’t let her act confused and embarrass herself before the palace staff, damaging the Yang family’s reputation… Every selection has some frivolous and cunning types who either sabotage others privately or use schemes openly. That kind of silent struggle—I’m afraid your Sixth Sister won’t be able to handle it for a while.”

Grand Madam hoped Seventh Miss would prioritize the big picture and look after Sixth Miss more during the selection.

Seventh Miss naturally went along. “Mother can rest assured, Little Seven will naturally do her utmost to support Sixth Sister…”

Seeing Grand Madam still somewhat doubtful, she couldn’t help but let out a long breath in her heart.

When someone’s heart was too narrow, they also saw others as small.

“No matter what, Sixth Sister’s honor in the palace concerns the dignity of all us Yang family daughters…” She could only hint tactfully to Grand Madam.

Only then did Grand Madam suddenly understand. She patted Seventh Miss’s shoulder, quite comforted. “Little Seven is still the sensible one. Rest assured, once your two sisters’ weddings are finished, Mother will prepare your dowry…”

The clock had just struck six when the old nannies who came to fetch them arrived outside the Governor’s residence.

Grand Madam hastily personally welcomed the two deferential, amiable old nannies into the inner hall for tea and exchanged many pleasantries before leading Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss out from the eastern side room and handing them over to the two nannies.

“These humble daughters have been pampered since childhood. If they offend the nannies, please don’t hold it against them.” She was all smiles as she personally escorted the two young misses out the door. Nanny Liang followed to distribute rewards—the two nannies naturally responded politely, exchanged a few more pleasantries with Grand Madam, then followed them onto the heated sedan chairs and departed through the central gate.

The Jiangnan selection had historically been conducted in several temples to review the maidens. This year, with the traveling palace newly built by the Prince of Minyue, the space was much larger, so the selection eunuch consulted with the Princess of Minyue and temporarily borrowed several side halls for use. When the two Yang family young ladies entered the traveling palace, it was already filled with the sound of warblers and swallows everywhere. Countless young girls dressed in hemp and cotton jackets gathered together, chattering away, decorating the traveling palace with great liveliness.

“These are all the palace maids who will serve in the palace this year.” Seeing Sixth Miss’s curious expression, one old nanny explained with a smile—perhaps having received instructions from Eunuch Zhang, these two were extremely courteous to Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss, showing none of the arrogance typical of palace female officials.

These two young ladies from wealthy families naturally wouldn’t mingle with the palace maids. The Princess of Minyue had specially opened two side halls for the maiden candidates to wait in. Though this selection was to choose palace staff for the Crown Prince, the Emperor naturally wouldn’t forget himself either… Though there weren’t many people in the hall, there were still about twenty maidens with lovely features and rich attire already waiting inside.

After just a few glances, Seventh Miss spotted many familiar faces: the Li family and Zhu family both had daughters selected, plus some daughters of mid-level officials she’d met alongside Grand Madam… She couldn’t help but silently praise Eunuch Zhang’s excellent methods: speaking of birth, all these young ladies before her were from families supporting the Crown Prince; speaking of appearance, they could all truly be considered above average; and their deportment was universally elegant… One could say that any of them who went out could uphold the dignity of a household’s mistress. The majority of Jiangnan’s presentable beauties were probably all in this one room.

However, each family ultimately only had one daughter selected, and judging by their status, most were legitimate daughters. This immediately made Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss seem somewhat out of place.

After greeting a few acquaintances, the two had no mind for further conversation and both sat down on two circular chairs by the wall beneath the window. Sixth Miss touched the plum blossom treasure hairpin on her head, surveyed the room once, showed a slight smile, then discussed in a low voice with Seventh Miss, “All these people are going to enter the palace?”

Although the Jiangnan region and the capital area had historically been the main sources for selections, other regions would also make some contributions. If all these preliminary beauties entered the palace, the Forbidden City would be too crowded to accommodate everyone in a few years. Seventh Miss shook her head. “According to Madam’s meaning, ultimately no more than three will serve in the Crown Prince’s palace…”

In other words, among these twenty or thirty pampered young ladies, only two positions for palace service would be produced, and in terms of rank, they would all be lower than Sixth Miss’s pre-secured position as Crown Prince’s consort.

The Crown Prince couldn’t be said to be ungenerous to the Yang family.

Sixth Miss’s beautiful eyes flashed with brilliant light as she fell into contemplation.

Though everyone eyed the two Yang family young misses with some hostility, before anyone had a chance to speak, the Princess of Minyue sent Female Scholar Jiao to the door, requesting the two young ladies to speak in the main hall.

As a princess and the palace’s mistress, Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss naturally dared not be negligent. They followed Female Scholar Jiao with lowered brows and obedient demeanor into the main hall, both prostrating themselves in formal obeisance. The Princess of Minyue came forward personally to help Sixth Miss up.

“Oh my, today you’re dressed even more charmingly than when we last met. Who made these jade rabbit shoes? They make you look even more innocent…” It seemed the Princess of Minyue truly liked Sixth Miss. She carefully examined Sixth Miss’s entire outfit before casually praising Seventh Miss, “Seventh Miss is also well-dressed, though not as much as her sister, but…”

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred: it seemed the Princess of Minyue already knew which of the two sisters was the main candidate and who was merely accompanying the Crown Prince’s studies, and had made up her mind to cultivate relations with the Yang family.

This choice wasn’t too surprising. After all, given the Yang family’s status and position, it was natural for the Prince of Minyue to want good relations with them.

But upon closer consideration, something seemed amiss.

For the Princess of Minyue to know so quickly which candidate the Yang family was actually pushing forward showed her relationship with Eunuch Zhang and Feng Jin was extraordinary. The Prince of Minyue’s political stance and allegiance were crystal clear.

The Emperor’s own brother, the Crown Prince’s own uncle—his connection with the Eastern Palace must be much closer than with the Yang family. If the Eastern Palace truly wanted to distance itself from the Yang family, would the Prince of Minyue really go against the grain and cultivate relations with the Yang family on the eve of regime change?

Political matters were truly shrouded in fog—any interpretation seemed reasonable… Seventh Miss shook her head slightly, admonishing herself: power struggles were Grand Old Master’s and Grand Madam’s business. At worst, they’d claim illness and return home; it wouldn’t implicate her. What she shouldn’t manage, she shouldn’t worry about.

Sixth Miss’s delicate face flushed red, showing seven parts shyness and three parts joy. “Your Highness flatters me too much. Little Six is merely of willow-like appearance—”

She’d only gotten halfway through the polite words when the Princess stopped her with a laugh, personally embracing Sixth Miss to sit beside her, then instructing Female Scholar Jiao, “Bring a plate of crispy mountain pastries to serve the two young ladies—has Shanying tried crispy mountain pastries? Speaking of which, though the item isn’t rare, it’s an imperial court secret recipe whose technique hasn’t been passed down yet…”

Female Scholar Jiao left the hall with a smile, and Seventh Miss smiled as she watched the Princess of Minyue dote on Sixth Miss.

“Though our family’s daughter gives us no worries, we still must go through the formalities. When you meet the selection nannies later, don’t be afraid at all. These nannies look fierce, but privately, they’re quite amiable.” The Princess of Minyue seemed to truly love Sixth Miss. “Just smile. Ah, with your looks, I think when facing any situation, you needn’t say anything—just smile and that’ll be enough…”

The hall was thus filled with warmth. Though Sixth Miss was somewhat constrained, she responded quite appropriately. “Your Highness truly praises Little Six so much that I don’t know what to do—”

But just at this moment, a series of hurried footsteps approached the inner hall. Everyone’s expressions changed: judging by the footfall, it was still Female Scholar Jiao, but Female Scholar Jiao’s steps were always unhurried… Even in ordinary wealthy households, those in charge were calm and composed, rarely this flustered.

Before the Princess of Minyue could speak, Female Scholar Jiao had already rushed into the main hall with rapid steps. Her expression was solemn yet tinged with hidden worry. She swept her eyes over the palace maids present, took a deep breath, then knelt deeply on the ground and performed a grand obeisance to the Princess of Minyue—the two young misses both rose to withdraw—before speaking clearly and distinctly: “Reporting to Your Highness, messengers just arrived from Hangzhou: word came from the north this morning by express horse that His Majesty passed away several days ago. The Crown Prince has concealed the death and is plotting rebellion. Prince Lu has raised troops to serve the king and punish the traitor, proclaiming that Eunuch Lian and several close attendants by the Crown Prince’s side bewitched the Crown Prince, causing the sovereign father’s death to go unacknowledged… Yesterday morning they already captured Jinan and are now deploying troops toward the capital. The Prince has already departed for Quanzhou and requests Your Highness to also depart for Quanzhou soon!”

Her tone was clear and forceful, yet the Princess of Minyue seemed unable to comprehend, murmuring “Wh-what?” before freezing in place, unable to speak for quite some time.

The roomful of palace maids all showed expressions of shock and panic. Even Female Scholar Jiao couldn’t help but reveal a trace of worry beneath her stern expression. After all, the news she’d brought was truly too sensational.

Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss showed no excessive surprise. The two sisters exchanged glances, both seeing faint fear in each other’s eyes.

Grand Old Master’s guess had been absolutely correct. Though the sky outside remained clear, the Great Qin’s heavens were already filled with beacon fires—a storm was about to break.