Chapter 22: The Second Time

Chapter 22: The Second Time

“A servant doesn't know either. Should we call Chuntao and ask her directly, my lady?”

“Hmm... alright.” Fan Xueyao thought for a moment and decided it would be good to ask Chuntao. She had assigned Chuntao to the front because she heard that Chuntao was quick-witted and smart. On one hand, she wanted someone smart to handle the front, reducing the chances of mistakes. On the other hand, she wanted to observe Chuntao's character and see if she could be trusted. If she proved useful and smart, she could become a confidante.

Hua Ping went outside to call Hong Xiao, who was tending to the flowers in the courtyard, to summon Chuntao to the back. Hong Xiao immediately left, and soon Chuntao arrived.

Chuntao was petite with a round face, looking more like thirteen or fourteen despite being sixteen. Though not particularly striking, she had learned the rules well. Upon entering, she bowed respectfully to Fan Xueyao and wished her well.

Fan Xueyao didn’t deliberately make things difficult for her and let her rise after the formalities.

“Thank you, my lady.” Chuntao curtsied again, slightly lowering her chin and keeping her eyes downcast, every gesture showing respect.

Then Fan Xueyao repeated her earlier question. Chuntao replied, “I used to serve Aunt Meng Qing. At the time, Aunt Meng managed ten young maidservants, including me. We were close and called each other sisters. Aunt Meng and Lady Wang had a deep friendship and often interacted. This morning, my sisters came to give me hair ribbons and scented soap, and they mentioned this incident.”

Her tone was calm, as if describing something mundane, but there was a hint of pride in her voice. It wasn’t obvious, but those who paid attention could detect it. Despite her youth, Chuntao was ambitious. Her words conveyed a clear message, easily understood by anyone with a bit of sense.

Chuntao had deliberately passed the message through Hong Xiao to Su'e, and then to Fan Xueyao, to reveal her network of connections. Fan Xueyao understood the implications and nodded noncommittally.

Indeed, everyone should not be underestimated. Even though Chuntao was just a minor figure, a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl, her sources of information were likely broader than some of the higher-ranking ladies. A single aunt managing several maidservants, who in turn had their own connections, formed an extensive intelligence network. These first-hand reports often reached the upper echelons only after multiple layers of transmission.

Fan Xueyao intended to cultivate her own informants and listened to Chuntao’s intentions, realizing that Chuntao was merely seeking favor rather than acting as a spy. She decided to accept Chuntao’s offer of loyalty.

Hua Ping opened the cabinet containing valuables and brought out ten taels of silver. Fan Xueyao, with a warm expression, said, “True friendship lies in mutual support and reciprocation. Share this silver with your sisters. Use it for tea or cosmetics. Your sisters even brought you hair ribbons, so you should return the favor.”

Chuntao politely declined at first but then accepted the gift gratefully. They both knew this money was not for tea or cosmetics; it symbolized something deeper.

After a few more words, Fan Xueyao dismissed Chuntao. Although she accepted Chuntao’s loyalty, she did not change her position. Chuntao continued to serve in the front hall, but occasionally came to the back hall to pass messages to Hua Ping or Su'e. For important and confidential matters, she would report directly to Fan Xueyao.

Fan Xueyao was not in a rush to gain favor. Besides grooming and exercise, she focused on observing the twelve maidservants in the hall. To her surprise, only Hong Xiao had been specifically assigned to her by Empress Xu, while the others were regular assignments. Hong Xiao was not a spy but an observer sent by the empress to assess her character.

Knowing Hong Xiao’s background, Fan Xueyao was not in a hurry to deal with her. While she observed the maidservants, they also observed her. Hua Ping, being particularly perceptive, quickly noticed that Fan Xueyao was not only beautiful but also skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and embroidery. Sometimes, when admiring flowers or scenery, she would recite poetry, which sounded elegant even if Hua Ping didn’t fully understand it.

Such a remarkable beauty, yet humble and unpretentious, was almost perfect except for her modest background. However, the Great Liang dynasty restricted the origins of concubines to prevent the rise of powerful in-laws. Most concubines came from ordinary backgrounds, typically fifth rank, which was neither high nor low. This was not a disadvantage.

Hua Ping believed Fan Xueyao would have a bright future and decided to serve her diligently to secure her position as a trusted senior maid.

After several days of fulfilling political obligations by visiting newly appointed concubines, Chu Nan finally had the freedom to visit his favored concubines. After finishing his official duties, he instructed Li Huairen to inform the Office of Bedchamber Affairs that he would spend the night with Fan Xueyao. Li Huairen, recognizing Fan Xueyao’s current favor, promptly went to the office.

Inside the Office of Bedchamber Affairs, Lu Shangqin and Ge Shangqin sat on a couch discussing matters with several female officials. A young maid entered to announce, “The two Shangqins, Eunuch Li from the imperial presence has arrived.”

Lu Shangqin and Ge Shangqin exchanged glances, knowing this was an imperial decree, but unsure whom the emperor had chosen. Having visited all the new high-ranking concubines, the choice now depended on his preferences.

Without hesitation, they said, “Please invite Eunuch Li in.”

They stood up and greeted Li Huairen as he entered. Li Huairen delivered the emperor’s decree and then sat down at their invitation.

“The emperor has summoned Concubine Fan for tonight. Please accompany her to the palace.”

They acknowledged, knowing this was part of their duty. Both had seen Fan Xueyao and were impressed by her elegance and beauty. Such a stunning woman, even they felt their hearts race.

But they wondered if the emperor truly favored her or was simply charmed by her beauty.

Uncertain, they asked Li Huairen for clarity.

“Can’t you tell?” Li Huairen smiled.

They admitted their uncertainty and sought his advice.

Li Huairen chuckled, “Look at the time. What hour is it?”

Confused, they looked at each other. Ge Shangqin quickly understood and thanked Li Huairen.

Li Huairen laughed and left after having tea.

Lu Shangqin and Ge Shangqin saw him off, then Lu Shangqin asked what Li Huairen meant.

“Don’t you see? He made it clear,” Ge Shangqin reminded her.

Lu Shangqin still didn’t understand, frowning.

Ge Shangqin explained, “What hour is it?”

“About midday, but—” Lu Shangqin paused, suddenly understanding.

Ge Shangqin finished, “When does Eunuch Li usually deliver decrees before the afternoon? The emperor sent him urgently, indicating his true feelings.”

Lu Shangqin finally understood, feeling both relieved and amused.

“He serves the emperor, so he must be cautious,” Ge Shangqin added, reminding Lu Shangqin of their roles.

They resumed their meeting, gathering female officials to continue their work until the afternoon, then selected a few dignified maidservants to accompany them to the Spreading Fragrance Hall.

Fan Xueyao had been enjoying her days, free from scrutiny and interruptions. She spent her time sewing, practicing calligraphy, painting, and playing games. She also practiced dance for an hour daily to maintain her physique and skills.

When the Office of Bedchamber Affairs arrived, she was not surprised. Although the emperor had not summoned her recently, she sensed that the time had come.

That evening, as Fan Xueyao was carried to the Hongning Palace in a sedan chair, Chu Nan was reading under bright candlelight. In his private quarters, he appeared relaxed, sitting casually with his legs crossed and leaning against the armrest.