novelraw Chapter 449: Eyelids are Too Thin
Chapter 449: Eyelids are Too Thin
"Yes!" Yu Lan responded and came out.Outside, Lady Yao had been waiting for quite some time but, seeing no one emerge, was greedily looking around. Suddenly, she turned her head and saw a dazzlingly dressed woman walking out of the glittering palace. She froze on the spot, no longer daring to glance about carelessly.
Yu Lan served as the First-Rank Senior Palace Maid beside The Main Empress Dowager. Her attire was naturally distinct from that of ordinary palace maids. Her clothes were vibrant, her jewelry opulent. With sparkling eyes and pearly teeth, she looked more distinguished than the grandest lady Lady Yao had ever encountered. She understood little of Phoenix Crowns and Phoenix Robes, knowing only that the more brilliant and lavish the adornment, the nobler the wearer.
So, as Yu Lan slowly approached, Lady Yao’s legs went soft, and with a PLOP, she fell to her knees. Her mind went blank, and it was a long moment before she remembered to offer her respects. She hurriedly said in a trembling voice, "This... this servant pays respects to... Her... Her Majesty the Empress..."
As she spoke, her head was bowed low to the ground. With her other hand, she didn’t forget to press down Xia Ruyi, who was also thoroughly frightened. Xia Ruyi, already scared witless, allowed Lady Yao to hold her down, not daring to utter a sound.
The air was quiet for a moment, then suddenly, a burst of laughter shattered the silence.
"HAHAHA..."
The Second Class palace maid following Yu Lan was the first to laugh. "Eldest Sister Lan... just look at her..." Her tone dripped with mockery.
A flicker of disdain crossed Yu Lan’s eyes, but as a Senior Palace Maid, she knew better than to speak recklessly. Maintaining a light smile, she quickly stepped forward. "Lady Xia, you jest. The Empress is currently occupied and has no free time. Her Majesty says you may do as you please, Madam!"
According to custom, madams from outside the palace visiting for an audience had to first come to kowtow and pay respects to the Empress. However, the Empress didn’t necessarily wish to grant an audience to everyone. Most were politely turned away with an excuse, a common practice.
Thus, Lady Yao dared not say more. She rose awkwardly, forcing a smile. "Her Majesty the Empress is occupied, so this humble woman dares not impose. Thank you for your trouble, Miss..."
Yu Lan gave a faint smile, then turned and instructed the Second Class palace maid behind her, "Please escort her."
The palace maid complied. "Yes!" she said, then stepped forward. "Lady Xia, please follow me."
Lady Yao was somewhat resentful at not having seen the Empress, but ultimately, she dared not cause any trouble. Finally, with a face wreathed in forced smiles and after thanking Yu Lan profusely, she reluctantly departed.
Yu Lan maintained her smile until Lady Yao was gone. The moment she turned away, her expression filled with contempt.
So easily swayed by appearances!
「Qingya Residence」
Xia Ruqing was in the courtyard, pushing a well-fed Little Bun on the swing. The April weather was pleasantly mild, and Little Bun was having a grand time. In less than a quarter of an hour, her arms were already sore and numb!
Xia Ruqing didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "You’re just too heavy..."
Nearby, Sister Huang quickly stepped forward, intending to take over. To her surprise, however, Little Bun refused to let go, his small mouth puckering as if he were about to cry.
Xia Ruqing was speechless.
Sister Huang hesitated to take him and said with a smile, "The Little Prince probably isn’t done playing yet!"
Xia Ruqing said with a look of mock exasperation, "But I’ve had enough... Son, why don’t you try it yourself..." With that, she lifted him off the swing.
Tears welled in Little Bun’s eyes as he gazed at the swing. He seemed to ponder for a moment, perhaps realizing he couldn’t manage it on his own, and then... he reluctantly gave in.
Xia Ruqing feigned even greater disdain. "Son, I thought you had more spirit than that..."
Little Bun was speechless. Mother, just how much do you despise me...
Sister Huang chuckled beside them. "Later, we can have someone weave a rattan chair and secure the Little Prince in it. Then he can play by himself..."
Xia Ruqing’s eyes lit up. "Ah, that’s a good idea! Why didn’t I think of that?"
As if understanding, Little Bun, nestled in her arms, giggled happily. Laughter filled the air, and a warm, joyful atmosphere enveloped them.
Just as they were enjoying themselves, Xiao Xizi rushed in from outside. "My Lady, the Madam will be here soon!"
With that single sentence, Xia Ruqing’s smile vanished. She responded with a flat "Oh," handed her son to Sister Huang, and rose. "Come, let’s go back inside."
Xiao Xizi hesitated. "My Lady... will you not be inviting her for a meal? If so, this servant can inform the Imperial Kitchen..."
"No need!" Xia Ruqing cut him off sharply. "Tell everyone not to make a fuss. Things should proceed as usual."
Xiao Xizi could only comply. The others, daring not to ask more, also went inside.
Xia Ruqing had Sister Huang take Little Bun away, then ordered servants to hang several beaded curtains and crystal dividers across the doorway to the inner chamber. Once she was satisfied that all was in order, she reclined on the couch to rest.
As Zi Yue massaged her arms, she asked, "When Lady Xia arrives, are we not going to see her?"
Xia Ruqing sneered. "She is merely my stepmother. Treating her this politely is already the extent of my patience."
Zi Yue’s expression stiffened, and she asked no more.
The Second Class palace maid from Jiaofang Hall escorted Lady Yao to Qingya Residence, then turned and departed swiftly. Zi Yue was attending to their mistress and did not come out, so it was Zi Su who went to greet them.
"You must be... Lady Xia?"
Drawing on her recent experience, Lady Yao scrutinized Zi Su from head to toe. She quickly surmised that this person was merely a palace maid. Instantly, she adopted an air of importance. She adjusted her clothing, cleared her throat, and declared, "AHEM! Indeed, I am!"
Without waiting for Zi Su to speak, she then swept inside, her eyes darting everywhere, practically preening with self-importance. "Is this... where *my daughter* lives in the palace?"
Zi Su was speechless. You’re just a stepmother, yet you dare to say ’my daughter’? Our mistress doesn’t even acknowledge you! Truly, shamelessness knows no bounds!
Zi Su was not one to be easily intimidated. Her tone sharpened as she said, "This is the residence of Consort Xian Pin! This way, Madam." With that, she led the way.
Lady Yao rolled her eyes at Zi Su, snorted disdainfully, and said, "Ruyi, let’s go in!"
Xia Ruyi, skilled at reading situations, saw her mother putting on airs and began to feel smug herself. "Mother, does Eldest Sister live here?"
Lady Yao announced with smug satisfaction, "Yes, your Eldest Sister lives right here!"
If Xia Ruqing were to hear this, she’d be thoroughly disgusted. Elder Sister? How can a six-year-old be so shameless? Wasn’t she the one who used to claim she didn’t have an elder sister? And now she’s trying to cozy up. How utterly ridiculous...
Zi Su was also thoroughly annoyed. As she led them, she racked her brains for a way to retort. Suddenly, an idea flashed into her mind: That’s it!
So, she cleared her throat and began to ’enlighten’ Lady Yao on palace etiquette. "Lady Xia, while you may be our Mistress’s mother, this is the Imperial Palace. Rules are rules and cannot be ignored..."
She lectured her incessantly all the way to the entrance of the main hall. Just as they reached the entrance, Zi Su finished her speech and offered a polite, forced smile. "Madam, have you committed all of that to memory?"
Lady Yao was utterly dumbfounded. "Wh-what?"
"Are you saying I have to kneel to my own daughter? What kind of absurd rule is that?!"
Zi Su’s smile vanished. Her expression became impassive as she stated, "But of course. Our Mistress is Consort Xian Pin, holding the official Third Rank. And you, Madam, what is your rank? Within the palace walls, personal relationships hold no sway. Only rank matters!"