Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 477 Jade Kirin

(Note: At the end of Chapter 474, Han Shuyi's rank was changed from Shufei, one of the four consorts, to an ordinary consort with the title 'Shun'. I noticed that some readers didn't notice this, so I'm mentioning it again.)

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On her first day in the palace, Han Shuyi did not cause much of a stir in the harem.

That night, the Emperor did not summon her to his bedchamber. Instead, he went to Huining Palace to visit Consort Chun, and after sitting for less than half an hour, he returned to Funing Palace to rest.

When the news reached the various palaces, many who had been anxiously waiting breathed a sigh of relief. However, those with quick minds couldn't help but wonder: was the Emperor deliberately keeping the new concubine waiting in Chenghui Palace on her first day in the palace? Or was there another reason?

Regardless of what others might speculate, Han Shuyi herself truly breathed a sigh of relief.

Inside Chenghui Hall, only Suqin and Xiaodie were anxiously pacing around.

“Your Majesty, His Majesty didn’t come on the first day. What will happen from now on…” Suqin frowned and paced back and forth, anxiously saying, “The old lady specifically instructed that we must abide by the rules when we first enter the palace, but we must not lose our dignity.”

Xiaodie nodded in agreement, "Yes, Your Highness, why don't I have the eunuch waiting outside go to Funing Palace?"

"What are we going to do at the Funing Palace? The Emperor is not someone we can summon at will."

Han Shuyi didn't care at all. She walked to the dressing table, reached out and pulled off the eye-catching five-tailed phoenix hairpin, and casually put it in the makeup box. She turned around and took out a dark blue short jacket from her dowry chest, quickly changed out of her palace dress, and even changed her shoes into soft-soled martial arts boots.

"Your Majesty, what is this...?" Xiaodie was stunned.

Before the words were finished, Han Shuyi went to the corridor, stood in an open space, took a deep breath, raised her hand, threw a punch, and kicked, performing a set of boxing techniques with great force. The restraint she had shown in Renming Hall was completely gone, and she seemed to have returned to the martial arts training ground in the northern frontier.

Suqin and Xiaodie, along with the palace servants and eunuchs standing in the corridor, were dumbfounded. Xiaodie wanted to persuade her but dared not, and could only watch helplessly as she finished performing a set of punches.

"water."

A thin layer of sweat glistened on her forehead. Han Shuyi wiped her face and spoke in a clearer voice.

Xiaodie quickly handed her a handkerchief, which she took and wiped herself haphazardly. After being helped to wash and dress, she changed into a nightgown and went straight to the bed. She lifted the covers and lay down, all in one smooth motion.

"Your Majesty, shouldn't you wait a little longer? What if the Emperor comes over tonight?" Suqin was still worried.

Han Shuyi leaned back on the pillow, pulled the blanket over half her face, and mumbled, "It's better if he comes or not. I'm exhausted after this day."

After saying that, he closed his eyes and actually went to sleep.

Suqin and Xiaodie exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness in each other's eyes. But seeing their master sleeping peacefully, their hearts, which had been hanging in suspense all day, strangely eased a little.

Suqin sighed softly and whispered to Xiaodie, "I'll go settle the palace servants and also find out more about their situation. You stay here to keep watch and be vigilant."

Xiaodie nodded and quietly retreated to the outer room. She opened the suitcase she had brought with her and began to organize the various gift boxes she had brought from the Han residence. These were all specially prepared by the old lady for the palaces to be visited the next day.

Only when the footsteps outside faded into the distance did Han Shuyi open her eyes inside the tent.

Having just arrived, she was surrounded by rules and had to be careful in every situation, so how could she possibly feel sleepy?

......

The next morning, the concubines went to Renming Hall to pay their respects.

Han Shuyi arrived at the perfect time, and everyone rose to greet her, all of them unable to resist looking the newly promoted Consort Shun up and down.

But just one glance was enough to startle me slightly.

After all, no one had ever seen a concubine dressed like this before. She used a gilded wolf-head hairpin to tie her hair up, and the hairpin was engraved with ferocious animal patterns, exuding an indescribable sharpness.

She was quite composed, calmly stepping into the main hall amidst the inquisitive or surprised gazes of the crowd.

She first bowed slightly to Meng Shu, who was at the front, as was customary. Meng Shu returned the bow, her gaze naturally falling on her face.

Han Shuyi wore no heavy makeup, and her eyebrows were only slightly trimmed according to the outline. When she pursed her lips, her face was sharp and angular, showing the heroic spirit of a daughter of a military family, completely unlike the gentle and delicate demeanor of an ordinary concubine.

At first glance, her appearance was indeed striking, but upon closer inspection, it became apparent that her clothing did not match her demeanor at all.

She wore a light purple jacket embroidered with magnolia blossoms, with silver thread trim around the collar and cuffs, and a moon-white skirt. Although the palace attire was appropriate, the color and the silver thread on the collar made her already not-so-fair complexion appear even more plain, making her somewhat inconspicuous in the hall filled with jingling ornaments and dazzling costumes.

"Consort Shun has arrived." The Empress sat at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping over Consort Shun indifferently.

Then he introduced the concubines present to her, and after the introduction, he said slowly, "Consort Chun is quite far along in her pregnancy. She and Consort Qu are currently resting in their respective palaces. Consort Qing has been punished and is confined to Zhaoqing Palace. Perhaps we will be able to see her again in a few days."

Han Shuyi sat down opposite Meng Shu according to her place of honor, bowed slightly, and said, "Yes."

Meng Shu noticed a simple silver bracelet on the half-exposed, fair wrist of hers. It was a plain piece, not a newly made item, and was likely an old one brought from the Han residence. Looking at her upright posture and calm gaze resting on her knees, she showed no signs of the awkwardness of a newcomer, suggesting a composed and patient nature.

However, we still need to observe him for some time to see what kind of person he truly is.

The ceremony of paying respects proceeded smoothly. The Empress gave a few instructions on trivial matters, then suddenly changed the subject, looking at Consort Han: "These past few days, His Majesty has been preoccupied with state affairs and concerned about Consort Chun's pregnancy. He often visits Huining Palace. My sister, you just entered the palace yesterday. His Majesty has not intended to be cold to you. I presume you will go to Chenghui Palace this afternoon."

Han Shuyi seemed oblivious to the implied meaning in his words and replied calmly, "Your Majesty prioritizes state affairs and is mindful of Consort Chun's pregnancy, which is only right. I know my place."

The Empress nodded in satisfaction and said, "You have lived in the northern frontier for a long time and are not yet familiar with the rules of the palace. Consort Jin will assist in managing the six palaces. If you have any questions in the future, you can ask her for advice."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have remembered." Han Shuyi nodded slightly, her gaze briefly meeting Meng Shu's in mid-air before quickly looking down.