Chapter 49

CHAPTER 49: Entering the Palace Early in the morning, Ling Jiayue had just risen when Lingxue, who had kept watch through the night, promptly brought over the washing supplies. The basin was filled with water infused with rose juice, which was excellent for moisturizing the skin. Lingxue wrung out a cloth and handed it to Ling Jiayue. Ling Jiayue took the cloth and gently wiped her face. When she was finished, Lingxue took back the used cloth, while Lingzhu brought her mouth-rinsing water. Ling Jiayue took a few small sips, swished it around for a moment, and spat it out. “Miss, how would you like your hair styled today?” Lingxue asked. “Just a usual style,” Ling Jiayue replied indifferently. “Yes, Miss.” Lingxue picked up a comb and gently gathered Ling Jiayue’s hair. She dripped some rose essential oil into her palm and smoothed it over the ends of Ling Jiayue’s hair, then swept it high and arranged it into a flowing-cloud bun. She secured it with a hairpin that was entirely jade-green and added quite a few crystal ornaments. Though simple, the style was particularly tasteful. “Miss, which set of hair ornaments would you like today? The ruby set or the silk flowers?” Lingzhu asked. “Never mind. I won’t wear any today. This is fine as it is,” Ling Jiayue said. “Miss, you were born beautiful, but you usually dress far too plainly. If you made yourself up properly, you would outshine every woman in the capital,” Lingzhu urged. “I’m not going to a beauty pageant, so why would I dress so extravagantly? Go bring me that plain-colored cloak. We’re going to Mother’s courtyard,” Ling Jiayue said. Lingzhu did as she was told and brought over the cloak Ling Jiayue usually wore. It was ivory-colored, with pale flowers embroidered across its surface. Though the cloak itself was plain, the floral embroidery was exceptionally delicate. Simple as it was, it suited Ling Jiayue’s appearance today perfectly. After Ling Jiayue had put on the cloak, the three of them headed toward Madam Liu’s courtyard. Today was the fifteenth of the month. Madam Wan and Madam Chen had brought their respective children to pay their respects to Madam Liu and Ling Taian. Ling Jiaxuan’s injuries had nearly healed, so he had come as well. The entire room was filled with people, making it lively and bustling. “Greetings, Mother.” Ling Jiayue bowed to Madam Liu. Looking at Ling Jiayue’s attire, Madam Liu praised her inwardly. Though she wore the simplest plain colors, they accentuated her noble bearing and radiant beauty, allowing her to overshadow all the other lovely young women in the room without even trying. “Quickly, get up. Was it freezing outside? Steward matron, go bring the hand warmer prepared for Miss and have her hold it,” Madam Liu instructed. “Mother, I’m simply afraid of the cold. That’s why I hurried over to your courtyard to borrow your hand warmer,” Ling Jiayue said playfully. “Master, take a look. Yue’er has become so good at keeping accounts that she thinks about the hand warmer in my courtyard all day long,” Madam Liu complained coquettishly. Ling Taian merely smiled without saying anything. Ling Jiaxuan also teased her. “Mother, Yue’er doesn’t only covet the one in your courtyard. She even keeps an eye on the ones in mine. It isn’t worth much, really, but just look at how stingy this girl is~” At that moment, the steward matron brought over the hand warmer prepared for Ling Jiayue, and the servants carried in the prepared breakfast. One after another, the maids entered with trays and soon filled the table with food. “All right, sit down and eat breakfast,” Ling Taian said. Only then did everyone take their seats. Ling Jiayue sat beside Madam Liu, leaning against her. When no one was looking, Ling Zixue secretly shot Ling Jiayue a resentful glare, then quickly withdrew her gaze for fear of being noticed. Madam Liu personally ladled out a bowl of wine-fermented rice balls and handed it to Ling Jiayue. “I know you like these. It’s the depths of winter, so they’re perfect for warming you up. Eat a little more.” “Thank you, Mother,” Ling Jiayue said as she accepted the bowl. Madam Wan teased, “Madam, you dote on the eldest daughter so much. She truly is blessed.” Madam Liu smiled as well. “I dote on all of you. None of you are allowed to leave later. Stay for lunch—I’ll prepare a few hot pots, and we can have a warm meal together.” “Thank you, Madam,” Madam Wan and Madam Chen replied. Ling Jiayue and the others began eating breakfast. Because Ling Jiayue had caught Lingxin the previous day and successfully made her a witness, her mood was exceptionally good. She even ate an extra bowl of breakfast. After breakfast, Ling Jiayue prepared to go to the guest room to find Doctor Lin and work with him on Ling Taian’s antidote. She set down her bowl and said to Madam Liu, “Mother, I’m going to work with Doctor Lin on the antidote.” “All right, good girl. Go on,” Madam Liu said, gazing at Ling Jiayue affectionately. Ling Jiayue had just risen and was preparing to leave when the steward entered. Accompanying him was Eunuch Chen, who had come from the palace. When Ling Taian saw Eunuch Chen paying a visit, he knew that an imperial summons had arrived. He hurriedly stood and went to welcome him. “I didn’t know Eunuch Chen would honor us with his presence. Please forgive me for failing to welcome you properly. Steward, quickly, bring some tea.” Eunuch Chen raised his hand in a delicate gesture and let out a high-pitched laugh. “Prime Minister Ling, you’re too polite. What business could this old servant have here? It’s merely that the masters in the palace have given some instructions.” Just then, the steward brought in the freshly brewed tea. Ling Taian took it and handed it to Eunuch Chen. “Eunuch Chen, please have some tea.” Eunuch Chen accepted the tea and took a sip, then said, “This winter is exceptionally cold, but the plum blossoms in the palace have bloomed beautifully. The Empress Dowager enjoys liveliness, so she has instructed the young masters and misses of every household to enter the palace and view the plum blossoms five days from now.” “May I ask Eunuch Chen whether the princes and princesses will be attending as well?” Ling Jiayue asked. “Indeed. Since it is the Empress Dowager’s decree, the princes and princesses will certainly be going too. Prime Minister Ling, this must be your legitimate daughter, yes? What a lovely young lady.” Ling Taian immediately rebuked Ling Jiayue. “How impolite.” “Never mind. This old servant has delivered the message and will not impose any longer. I shall take my leave,” Eunuch Chen said. After he finished speaking, he rose to leave. Ling Taian hurriedly instructed the steward to see Eunuch Chen out properly. Then Ling Taian turned to Ling Jiayue and the others, his expression stern. “You must all be on your guard when entering the palace this time. Do not cause trouble in the imperial palace, and even less so disgrace the Ling Residence. Is that clear?” Although Ling Taian was a good-natured Prime Minister, he was exceptionally strict when it came to the family’s reputation. He would not tolerate even the slightest mistake from his children. Ling Jiayue naturally understood his intentions, and everyone answered together, “Understood, Father.” Ling Taian turned and instructed Madam Liu, “Have the tailor come to the residence over the next few days and make some clothes for all of them. We cannot allow them to lose the dignity of the Prime Minister’s Residence. Also, be sure to intensify their instruction in proper etiquette. They must not offend any of the palace’s nobles.” “Yes, Master.” After giving his instructions, Ling Taian rose and went to his study. Once Ling Jiayue learned that they would be entering the palace, she smiled to herself. A pillow had been delivered just when she was feeling sleepy. She had been worrying over how to deal with Ling Ziqi, and now that she would be entering the palace, she would definitely make sure Ziqi went there—but never came back.