Chapter 3: Why is my sister still kneeling?

Chapter 3: Why Is My Sister Still Kneeling?

The wedding sedan returned to Tingxue Palace. Ruan Hanzhang alighted at the palace gate, and Hongxiu, ever quick-witted, promptly stepped forward to thank Eunuch Little Liu with a lucky red packet.

Eunuch Little Liu bowed deeply, offered a few auspicious words, and then departed with the wedding sedan.

The eunuch guarding the gate noticed her return and immediately came forward to congratulate her: "Congratulations, Talented Lady. May you rise step by step, with good fortune and happiness."

Ruan Hanzhang gave another subtle nod, and Hongxiu again stepped forward to offer a reward.

For a moment, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

However, as soon as they stepped into Tingxue Palace, everyone immediately lowered their eyes and held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

Jieyu Murong had entered the palace four years ago. Hailing from the Dingqiang Tribe of the northern deserts, she was the daughter of a tribal chieftain. Upon entering the palace, she was granted the rank of Junior Sixth-Rank Talented Lady. In just four years, she rose from a junior consort to a mid-ranking consort, eventually climbing to the position of Third Rank Jieyu.

Such favor was not only due to the Dingqiang Tribe’s submission to Great Chu and their efforts to maintain peace along the border but also because Jieyu Murong was radiant and tall, a lively, cheerful, and straightforward beauty.

Previously, the most favored in the palace were Virtuous Consort Xu, Consort Yi of the Zhou family, Jieyu Murong, and Talented Lady Situ.

However, after the New Year, Jieyu Murong had caught a cold that lingered, and she had not fully recovered. Since falling ill, her temper had grown irritable, and she disliked any unnecessary noise. The entire Tingxue Palace dared not act out of line.

Even Lady Wei of Baolin rank, who had entered the palace earlier, remained quiet and seldom ventured outside.

To return to the Tangli Pavilion, one had to pass through the front hall’s covered walkway and cross the ornamental Chuihua Gate to reach the rear hall.

The two moved quietly and quickly along one side of the covered walkway.

Ruan Hanzhang, already exhausted from the previous night, was not only suffering from back pain but also trembling uncontrollably in her legs. She forced herself to stay alert, straightening her back to avoid letting anyone notice any weakness.

Just as the two were about to reach the Chuihua Gate, a low voice rang out: "Talented Lady Ruan, how bold of you! How dare you not go to give thanks to Consort Jieyu?"

Jieyu Murong was the principal consort of Tingxue Palace and also Ruan Hanzhang’s superior. Since it was her first time serving the emperor the previous night, it was customary to pay respects to Jieyu Murong the next day and express gratitude for her past kindness.

The speaker was Nanny Niu, who served by Jieyu Murong’s side.

Ruan Hanzhang raised her eyes and looked toward the front hall. Amidst the swaying shadows and osmanthus bushes stood a tall figure.

Nanny Niu was also from the Dingqiang Tribe. Her features were pronounced, with deep-set eyes, a high nose bridge, and piercing blue eyes that marked her distinctly apart from the Central Plains people, making it clear she was of northern descent.

Ruan Hanzhang sighed to herself, knowing she wouldn’t be able to rest anytime soon. Gritting her teeth, she forced a smile and said to Nanny Niu, "I came to pay respects to Her Ladyship yesterday, but she was unwell. I unintentionally disturbed her rest and felt deeply remorseful, so today I did not wish to disturb her again."

Her voice was light and unhurried, neither arrogant nor complacent due to her night with the emperor. Instead, she remained calm and dignified.

"I hadn’t expected that Her Ladyship would recover so quickly in just one night."

Ruan Hanzhang was a lady of noble upbringing, cultured and well-bred. Even though her current rank was far below Jieyu Murong’s, her innate pride was not to be abandoned.

Nanny Niu gave her a deep look and spoke in flawless Mandarin.

She was quick to cover for her: "Consort Jieyu has always been gentle and kind. Knowing that the Talented Lady must be exhausted today, she did not wish for you to trouble yourself with coming and going. She forced herself to rise so that you could pay your respects and then be on your way without needing to return."

Hear that—what a paragon of kindness.

Ruan Hanzhang raised an eyebrow, a hint of helplessness on her face. She glanced at Hongxiu, who quickly stepped forward to support her as they made their way to the front hall.

"In that case, I shall trouble Her Ladyship."

As she stepped through the front hall’s entrance, the bitter smell of medicine hit her. The palace lanterns inside were dim, their curtains drawn low, blocking out the warm sunlight of the day.

The palace’s interior lay shrouded in dim silence, like a creature lurking in the darkness, waiting for an opportune moment.

Ruan Hanzhang instinctively covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief. Noticing Nanny Niu’s darkened expression, she said, "Goodness, how can Her Ladyship recover in such gloom? You must not neglect your duties just because she is ill."

Upon entering the bedchamber, Nanny Niu dropped her polite smile. Hearing Ruan Hanzhang’s remark, she replied snidely, "The running of Tingxue Palace is not for the *Talented Lady* to trouble herself with."

She emphasized the words "*Talented Lady*," a clear reminder of Ruan Hanzhang’s status.

Ruan Hanzhang had excellent vision and could navigate the dim bedchamber with ease, but she pretended otherwise, feigning unsteadiness as she slowly made her way inside.

The blue gauze curtain swayed, and the lanterns in the bedchamber flickered, blurring the line between day and night.

Only a faint palace lamp lit in the corner, casting a soft glow on the tranquil scene veiled in darkness.

Ruan Hanzhang followed Nanny Niu to the bedside and looked up to see a pair of bright eyes.

Jieyu Murong was half-reclining on the bed, covered with a brocade quilt. Her deep brown hair cascaded loosely, framing her face.

Even in illness, she remained a striking foreign-born beauty, bright-eyed and clear-complexioned.

Nanny Niu’s eyes narrowed, a sharp glint flashing within them: "Why haven’t you paid your respects to Consort Jieyu?"

A flicker of indignation crossed Ruan Hanzhang’s face. She opened her mouth to say something but, meeting Jieyu Murong’s deep blue eyes, ultimately knelt reluctantly on the floor.

According to palace rules, a lower-ranking lady must perform a full kowtow when meeting a principal consort.

"I pay my respects to Consort Jieyu. Wishing you health, longevity, and peace."

Jieyu Murong, playing up her illness, pretended not to hear her greeting. She remained silent, quietly leaning against the bedside.

Clearly intending to humiliate her, she had not provided a cushion for kneeling and did not invite Ruan Hanzhang to rise. After kneeling for a while, Ruan Hanzhang began to struggle.

Jing Huayan’s harsh treatment the previous night had left even Ruan Hanzhang utterly worn out. After kneeling for some time, her entire body ached even more.

Hongxiu, though usually steady, was far from foolish. Seeing Ruan Hanzhang’s slender frame sway, she quickly knelt and moved forward to support her.

"My lady, are you all right? What if you take sick?"

These words were meant for Jieyu Murong.

Nanny Niu kept a stern face, ignoring the mistress and servant, her eyes fixed solely on Jieyu Murong.

Jieyu Murong appeared to be in a light slumber. Hearing Hongxiu’s words, she slowly opened her eyes and looked at Ruan Hanzhang.

"Why is my sister still kneeling?"

Her voice was unusually hoarse. Though she spoke only a few words, they sounded as though they had traversed countless rocky mountains—gravelly and harsh.

"Look at me, I’ve been so ill I’ve grown forgetful. You may rise."

"Thank you, Your Ladyship."

Ruan Hanzhang supported herself with Hongxiu’s hand and struggled to her feet, doing her best to maintain her composure.

Only then did Jieyu Murong lift her eyes and look Ruan Hanzhang over carefully.

"What a beauty."

She spoke slowly, emphasizing each word: "All you newcomers to the palace are so young and vibrant, putting us old hands to shame."

"You flatter me."

Ruan Hanzhang, steadying herself with Hongxiu, her handmaid, stood gracefully erect.

"Your Ladyship holds the rank of Jie Yu and has long been favored by the emperor. I heard that during Your Ladyship's illness these past months, His Majesty visited frequently. How could we ever compare to the years of affection between Your Ladyship and His Majesty?"

Here, Ruan Hanzhang changed tack: "It has been many days since I entered the palace, yet I have not come to pay my respects to Your Ladyship. That was remiss of me, and I deserve whatever punishment you see fit."

She was growing restless, wanting to return early to lie down.

However, Ruan Hanzhang had done nothing wrong, and Jie Yu Murong could only make her kneel a while longer—nothing more.

So she sighed weakly: "It is my own incompetence; how could it be your fault, younger sister?"

As she spoke, she was overcome by another coughing fit.

Jie Yu Murong seemed to have more to say, but her throat was unwell, and she was truly weak. She leaned against the bedside, resting for a long time.

The bedchamber was far too dim. Ruan Hanzhang, already exhausted, began to feel lightheaded and cold after standing for a while.

No one cared whether she was uncomfortable. Nanny Niu was busy running back and forth, tending to the ailing Jie Yu Murong.

After a moment, Jie Yu Murong seemed to recover slightly.

"Talent Lady Ruan," she said, enunciating each word, "you are new here and may not know the rules of the Listening Snow Palace. Today..."

She coughed and said, "Nanny Niu, tell her."

Nanny Niu stepped forward and said, "Talent Lady Ruan, Her Ladyship dislikes commotion in the palace the most. From now on, Talent Lady and the little mistress should get along well with Baolin Wei, live quietly, and avoid causing any trouble."

Ruan Hanzhang seethed inwardly but put on a respectful face, replying calmly, "Yes, I understand. Your Ladyship may rest assured."

Jie Yu Murong's deep blue eyes fixed on her. After a long while, she said, "You are a well-bred lady from the Central Plains. I need not say more. I am very pleased that you came to pay your respects today. Nanny Niu, bring the present I prepared earlier as my congratulatory gift."

Nanny Niu turned and directly presented the present.

Ruan Hanzhang glanced down and saw a palm-sized sandalwood box, its lid open, filled to the brim with gold peanuts.

In the palace, such small items like gold and silver peanuts were used to reward palace maids and eunuchs—nothing more than a gesture for good fortune.

To reward an imperial concubine with them was a deliberate insult.

Ruan Hanzhang's expression darkened immediately.

Nanny Niu's face broke into a smile again. She said loudly, "We come from afar and do not understand the customs of the Central Plains. We only know that gold and silver are valuable. This is our lady's sincere gift. I wonder if the little mistress likes it?"

If any other imperial concubine had given such a reward, Ruan Hanzhang could have refused it outright. But Jie Yu Murong was indeed of foreign descent, and if Ruan Hanzhang declined this sincere gift, it would be seen as disrespecting her superior.

This Jie Yu Murong, with her bright-eyed and generous appearance, was not foolish in the least. Her cunning ran deep, unlike the nomadic tribes of the grasslands.

This gift was something Ruan Hanzhang could not accept.

If she accepted it today, it would mean she was weak-willed and could be humiliated by Jie Yu Murong.

What about tomorrow?

She stood quietly in the shadows, her ears pricked up slightly, then suddenly broke into a brilliant smile.

Ruan Hanzhang actually spoke directly: "Thank you, Your Ladyship, for your reward."

She stopped the indignant Hongxiu, stepped forward directly, and personally took the heavy sandalwood box in her hands.

Not only Jie Yu Murong but even Nanny Niu was stunned, unable to react.

Just then, a commotion arose outside.

A young palace maid hurried in and curtsied to everyone: "Jie Yu, Talent Lady, Liang Daban is here."

Liang Daban, whose real name was Liang Santai, was the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial and also Jing Huayan's most favored confidant.

His arrival at the Listening Snow Palace could only mean one thing.

That Ruan Hanzhang had served the emperor well and was being rewarded.

Liang Daban was usually so busy he seemed to be stepping on wind and fire wheels. The fact that he came in person today meant the emperor had personally instructed it, giving Ruan Hanzhang great honor.

If one spoke of thoughtfulness, this was undoubtedly thoughtful.

The moment the name "Liang Daban" was uttered, everyone inside and outside the palace changed expressions.

Those in the main hall of the Listening Snow Palace looked somber, while those from the Pear Blossom Pavilion were overjoyed—a clear divide.

Ruan Hanzhang raised her eyes, filled with delight. She waved the wooden box in her hand at Jie Yu Murong and said with a smile, "Your Ladyship's reward is so timely. Might I make a convenient gesture and directly reward Liang Daban with it?"

Her eyes smiled, but her tone was firm: "After all, Liang Daban has taken the trouble to come here personally, which also shows His Majesty's regard for the Listening Snow Palace."

Jie Yu Murong's chest heaved, nearly breathless. She frowned at Ruan Hanzhang, as if truly studying her face for the first first time.

Ruan Hanzhang's beautiful phoenix eyes stared directly at Jie Yu Murong. Without waiting for her to speak, she asked bluntly, "Your Ladyship won't be angry with me, will you?"