Cang Yue adjusted her makeup while Ning presented a cup of Pu’er tea. Cang Yue softly asked, “Your Ladyship, did His Highness punish you today?” Noticing Xu Qiu’er’s pale complexion, she inquired further.
“No, this matter is considered past,” Xu Qiu’er replied. “Xiao Rong!”
Xiao Rong immediately knelt: “Your Ladyship.” The Fu Qiu Palace’s hierarchy included one overall manager, two supervisors, four main officers, eight departmental heads, and thirty-two staff, totaling around a hundred people.
Xiao Rong was close with the three gate guards, skilled in gathering information and able to leave the palace easily. Xiao An maintained relationships with eunuchs in the central court, allowing her to hear news from the outer court. These two had earned Xu Qiu’er’s trust over the years.
In the imperial harem, the relationship between masters and servants is subtle. Loyalty is tied to interests rather than personal character, as palace maids and eunuchs serve masters who hold varying ranks.
If one encounters an incompetent master, they risk being implicated by the master’s actions, as palace rules dictate that when a master commits an offense, servants also face punishment.
Thus, servants work diligently to protect their masters not out of loyalty, but to avoid repercussions. While masters can choose their servants, the reverse is not true, making it essential for servants to be discerning and showcase their talents before the right audience. This resembles concubines flattering the emperor.
Xu Qiu’er and her peers share a common interest, making navigating the palace dynamics particularly challenging. Their dedication to Xu Qiu’er stems from mutual trust, as servants who betray their masters often meet dire fates, unless their master is hopeless and never intended to share fortunes.
“Master, Lord Gongson requests an audience.”
Xu Qiu’er orders someone to let him in, pondering why Long Hanxie initially sent Gongson Jinyu out of the capital, concerned that they were scheming together. Why has he now permitted Jinyu’s return?
“This subject pays respects to Your Ladyship,” Gongson Jinyu said, appearing dusty after coming straight to the palace.
Xu Qiu’er asked, “What happened?”
Gongson Jinyu caught his breath, “I have just met with the Crown Prince, who wants me to convey a message to Your Ladyship.”
Xu Qiu’er raised an eyebrow, “Go ahead.”
