Chapter 9: Wet Nurse

Chapter 9: Wet Nurse

When she returned to her room, the Second Prince's residence had indeed sent over Jade Radiance Cream.

Han Suyin came forward to wipe Rong Bi's face while her own eyes were red-rimmed. "I knew serving others was difficult before, but today I've learned what it means to be manipulated. That's just our fate, isn't it?"

"But why did you choose the First Princess? You don't know this, but even though she seems favored, since Empress Shen is no longer here and she's widowed, there's really no future for you if you go there." Han Suyin wondered secretly if Empress Luo had other plans for Rong Bi. With one of them serving the Crown Prince and the other the princess...

Looking in the mirror at Han Suyin's still worried expression, Rong Bi smiled, her face still stinging a little. "I only want to survive until I'm twenty-five and then leave the palace. Being a widow would be peaceful."

Whispering, Han Suyin said, "Didn't you know? The princess's residence keeps many favorites..." But inwardly, she scoffed. How naive. If Princess Yi Yang wanted to make things hard for her, it would be better to stay in the palace and serve the princes. If she caught someone's eye and earned a rank, she might finally be free. Perhaps Empress Lao had another mission for her.

Rong Bi fell silent. When she was nothing but the lowest and most powerless pawn, she could only choose the path that seemed less risky. She had no other choice.

Whatever she said today was unimportant.

Whether it was Princess Yi Yang, His Highness the Crown Prince, Empress Lao, or the one who had slapped her today, Yuan Zhen, or the one who lusted after her, Yuan Ya, none of them cared about her words or actions. They only saw Empress Lao behind her.

Rong Bi hated feeling so helpless.

Upon entering the palace, she had even lost the name given to her by her parents.

She was nothing but an object.

Yet, she yearned to break free and alter her pitiful circumstances.

She was unsure of what exactly to do, but her only thought was to defy their intentions. Empress Luo wished for her to captivate the Crown Prince with her beauty, yet the Crown Prince found her bothersome and sought to gift her to the Third Prince. Princess Yi Yang, being a sibling of the Crown Prince from the same mother, also desired her departure.

Therefore, she resolved not to remain by the Crown Prince's side nor go to the Third Prince. Instead, she would seek refuge with Princess Yi Yang.

As for her future steps, she hadn't yet decided. All she intended was to prevent the nobles from having their way so effortlessly.

Han Suyin continued her muttering, "The Crown Prince is an aloof and meticulous man. I've heard that he has an extreme fondness for cleanliness. He insists on changing his bedding and blankets daily, and if there's the slightest hint of impurity in his tea cups or tableware, he wouldn't use them again..."

She was visibly shaken by the scene that had unfolded earlier today, muttering anxiously under her breath as she helped Rong Bi pack his belongings.

Before leaving the palace, Rong Bi seized an opportunity to pay a visit to Eunuch Tang Xi.

Tang Xi's eunuch still greeted her with a smile upon seeing her. "Miss, I've heard that you've caught the First Princess's eye? That's an excellent opportunity. The First Princess is a kind mistress. Serve her well."

Rong Bi chuckled. "Grandpa Tang is always well-informed. Since I'm about to leave the palace for the Princess's residence, I've been sorting through some items that won't be of use to me anymore. I thought I'd bring some to Grandpa Tang. Nothing valuable, just bits of cloth and some medicinal pills. I'm afraid Grandpa Tang has seen far better and might not find these interesting."

Tang Xi chuckled. "Why would I disdain anything Miss Rong has to offer? Whatever she possesses must be excellent. But Grandpa Tang doesn't need them, so I'll keep them for you. Grandpa Tang has a hunch that you'll eventually come back."

Rong Bi also smiled. Tang Xi commented, "I'll take care of it for you. Grandpa Tang appreciates your thoughtfulness." Then, he took the initiative to guide her further, "Princess Elder doesn't like desserts, just like the Crown Prince. They both dislike soups or stews with indiscernible ingredients. Princess Elder enjoys yellow thrush pickles and braised mutton. When cooking for her, focus on making it aromatic, and you'll be on the right track."

He smiled, narrowing his eyes. "In the past, Her Majesty the Empress kept a strict watch over her, allowing only a single bird's nest jelly each day and forcing her to drink bird's nest and white fungus soup. Now that no one is there to supervise her, she likely indulges without restraint." He reached into his sleeve, pulling out a piece of paper which he then handed to her. "These are the dishes that the former Crown Princess used to favor. Of course, I don't know if her tastes have changed as she's grown older. Nonetheless, you should try them all. I had initially thought you wouldn't come, so I intended to have someone deliver this to you."

Rong Bi was both astonished and delighted. She quickly bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Grandpa Tang!" Then, she sincerely added, "If there's anything Grandpa Tang needs help with in the future, I'll be more than willing to assist without hesitation."

Tang Xi smiled faintly, sighing inwardly. It was just to repay a favor; after all, she had once received grace from Her Majesty the Empress. Now, both the Crown Princess and the Prince were left without protection, vulnerable to others' manipulation. For such a fine princess to gain such a reputation – it was pitiful, truly pitiful. The Empress, beneath the earth, could not rest in peace.

Rong Bi's smile faded as she bowed deeply once more.

The Palace Ladies' Bureau swiftly dispatched the exit permit and instructions for the handover. In the evening, Rong Bi knelt respectfully outside the Crown Prince's quarters before following the eunuchs out of the palace. A carriage with a blue cloth top conveyed her to Princess Yi Yang's residence.

Upon hearing of Rong Bi's arrival, Princess Yi Yang became intrigued and summoned her. She asked, "I only want to know – what was the fortune that Second Brother drew today?"

Rong Bi bowed and replied, "This servant does not recognize many characters, and I was too nervous at the time to read the slip clearly."

Princess Yi Yang smiled thinly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're quite clever." It was clear she didn't believe Rong Bi's words.

Rong Bi kept her head down and remained silent. Princess Yi Yang reached out to lift the girl's chin, studying her features carefully. "You know you're beautiful, don't you? With your looks, you could have a bright future serving any noble lady in the palace. So why did you choose to come to me, a neglected one? Your bloom is brief; if you miss your time, your life will be forever altered."

Rong Bi replied, "I don't believe that marriage is the only destiny for women. Missing my bloom does not mean missing my life."

Princess Yi Yang was taken aback but then chuckled. "What a rebellious servant you are!"

But Rong Bi wasn't afraid, for Princess Yi Yang's expression showed she didn't take it seriously.

Seeing Rong Bi's calm demeanor, the princess released her grip and said with a hint of laziness, "Go on then. Report to Mother Flower; she's my wet nurse and oversees all domestic affairs in the residence. I've already spoken to her. Since you've come from the Imperial Kitchen, you'll serve in my personal kitchen for now."

Relieved, Rong Bi knew her position was secure for the time being, and she would have a stable period instead of constantly worrying about being disliked by the crown prince and sent away.

She bowed respectfully and rose to leave. A serious-faced maid approached to guide her out, whispering, "Greetings, little sister. I'm Mei Xiang. I'll take you to meet Mother Flower."

Rong Bi quickly smiled. "Greetings, Sister Mei Xiang. Thank you for your trouble."

Mei Xiang shook her head. "No need to thank me. I used to serve in the palace as well. But most of the princess's attendants have married, leaving only me. I chose not to wed and remain by the princess's side."

Rong Bi's smile deepened. "Sister, you have such a broad-minded heart. Please teach me more in the future."

Mei Xiang shook her head. "There's no need for teaching. The rules here in this mansion are much more relaxed than in the palace. Besides, Princess has a gentle temperament. Just follow her orders, and you'll be fine. Mother Hua was the Princess's wet nurse and also came from the palace. You should listen to her arrangements. The Princess likes to order some snacks at night. In the past, we couldn't find a suitable kitchen maid, but now that you're here, it's perfect."

As they spoke, they arrived at the meeting hall where an elderly woman sat, poring over accounts. She was dressed simply, with a kind expression. Upon seeing Mei Xiang, she smiled. "Mei Xiang, you're here? The kitchen just sent over some pine nut candy. Try it."

Mei Xiang replied, "Thank you, Mother Hua, but I have duties to attend to. I won't eat now. By the Princess's command, I've brought this Shanggong sister here. The Princess said she'd like her to serve in the courtyard kitchen. Could you please arrange that?"

Mother Hua's face betrayed a moment of surprise when she saw Rong Bi. Then, she regained her composure. "Why such a beautiful Shanggong? What a lovely child. Come closer, let me take a look at you."

She took Rong Bi's hand and, with a smile, asked about her name, her previous assignment, and her hometown. Rong Bi answered warmly to each question.

Mother Hua laughed kindly and chattered on. "Princess is weak, so I've always had people prepare soup with codonopsis and angelica for her. But the Princess has a keen sense of taste; she can always detect the flavor. She doesn't like it. Now that you're here, that's great. I believe you can make medicinal dishes without any detectable taste, as they do in the palace. You could give it a try."

Mei Xiang left the room, leaving the two of them alone. Suddenly, Mother Hua tightened her grip on Rong Bi's hand and asked with a smile, "Did Her Majesty the Empress send you with any other tasks?"

Rong Bi noticed the tension hidden beneath Mother Hua's smile. A hint of suspicion flashed through her mind. Then, a thought struck her, and she chuckled. "Mother is advanced in years, and the Empress might worry that you may not have the strength to manage everything. That's why I've been sent to assist you and serve the First Princess." This was a vague answer. It was true that the Empress had sent Rong Bi to serve the First Princess, so saying she was there to assist Mother Hua wasn't entirely false.

However, Mother Hua was clearly uneasy. Her face froze upon hearing this, and uncertainty filled her heart. She forced a smile and said, "Why would you say such a thing? If Her Majesty has any tasks, you should just tell me."

Rong Bi's heart was filled with suspicion, but her face remained composed as she replied, "Her Majesty the Empress only asked me to serve Princess Elderly well and learn from Mama Hua. Since Princess Elderly was breastfed by you, I'm sure you have deep affection for her. I must learn from your example." Her words were diplomatic yet vague, but Mama Hua perceived them as mockery, causing her anxiety to escalate. She muttered, "Her Majesty promised me that it wouldn't affect the princess..."

Rong Bi smoothly continued, "Her Majesty is as radiant as the sun and moon, naturally caring deeply for Princess Elderly."

Mama Hua, now on edge, asked, "Then what about my Luo'er?"

Luo'er? It sounded like a pet name. Could it be that Mama Hua had someone under the Empress's control? Rong Bi responded cautiously, "It depends on Mama's loyalty in handling matters."

Seeing Rong Bi's aloof expression, Mama Hua grew even more unsettled, suspecting the Empress's fickle nature and fearing that she herself was under suspicion. She hastily explained, "I've taken care of it and stored it securely in the warehouse. I already instructed Eunuch Lin to convey this to Her Majesty. Please don't believe any other rumors. But it can't be casually disturbed—the princess has been sharp since childhood. If discovered, everything would be ruined. Her Majesty must trust me."

Rong Bi maintained her cold demeanor, but Mama Hua mistook her indifference for support from behind the scenes. This only fueled her fear and panic, convinced that Rong Bi was indeed sent by the Empress to monitor her. She held Rong Bi's hand tightly, "Please reassure Her Majesty that everything is taken care of! As per her request, the important item is safely in the warehouse. I've personally inspected it—there's no risk at all!"

Rong Bi replied, "Mama, rest assured, I'll report back to Her Majesty."

She had only wanted a peaceful life in the princess's residence, so why did she need to know these secrets? Perhaps since the moment the Empress chose her to be the Crown Prince's comptroller, tranquility had become a distant dream.

Regret filled her heart, but she knew she had uncovered a significant secret. The warehouse? What invaluable item was hidden there? If it wouldn't affect the princess, then it was likely intended for the Crown Prince?

Regardless of whether it was Princess Elderly or the Crown Prince, they were both figures towering above her, capable of determining her fate at any moment.

She shouldn't have become entangled in this.