Upon entering the palace for the first time, Qingqing realized that the Lin Mansion was nothing special. The two vermilion gates alone were twice as tall as those at the Lin Mansion. The huge marble slabs required at least three people to move. Even Yafu, usually so lofty, was momentarily speechless. Master Lin instructed the two girls, “Study diligently and speak cautiously,” and then left with instructions for the maid Xiaotang to take good care of them. After winding through the palace with a young eunuch for half an hour, he finally stopped and said, “Ladies, we’ve arrived.” Yafu smiled and curtsied, “Thank you for your trouble, sir.” She then took out a gold leaf from her sleeve to reward him. The young eunuch’s eyes lit up, and his attitude became much more respectful, “Oh, how could I accept gold from the young miss?” Despite his words, his greedy eyes betrayed his true feelings. Suddenly, a voice from behind said, “Second Miss Lin’s reward is an honor for you, take it.” The eunuch turned around, quickly knelt on one knee, “Thank you, Fourth Prince.” He then turned back to accept the gold leaf from Yafu, “Thank you for the reward, Second Miss Lin.” Qingqing couldn’t help but admire Yafu, thinking she was born to thrive in the palace. She then looked at the person who had just spoken, a boy around twelve or thirteen, wearing a silver fox cape, tall and handsome, looking very similar to the Crown Prince. Hearing him called “Fourth Prince” by the eunuch, she deduced he must be a prince.
Before Qingqing could finish her thoughts, Yafu curtsied again, “Greetings, Fourth Prince.” Today, Yafu’s attire was particularly charming, her smile radiant. However, the Fourth Prince merely gave a stiff nod, barely acknowledging her. Yafu felt snubbed, her face showing her discomfort. Soon after, the Crown Prince, the Seventh Prince, and three princesses arrived one after another. Qingqing and Yafu had to stand and greet each one. At the appointed time, three tutors arrived. These tutors for the imperial descendants were no ordinary teachers; there were three of them, each holding the rank of First Class Senior Official: Grand Preceptor, Grand Guardian, and Grand Protector. The Grand Preceptor was in charge of guiding the Crown Prince. Every time they met him, they had to bow at the palace gate, and the tutors would return the bow, always yielding at each gate. Once the tutors were seated, the Crown Prince could sit. When engaging in study with the tutors, one had to bow in fear and reverence. After the Crown Prince sat, the other princes and princesses took their seats according to age. When the Crown Prince left, he was escorted with a ceremonial procession.
