Chapter 299

Chapter 299 Prince Jing was preparing to ascend the throne, and the women of the prince's household also needed to begin their preparations. First, their belongings had to be packed, and then arrangements made for the move to the palace. At this critical juncture, no one dared to make a mistake, for fear of delaying a lifetime of wealth and honor. Of course, more people were looking forward to something else. Rank! When Prince Jing had been a prince, the rear courtyard had only three ranks: Side Consort, Concubine Consort, and concubine. Precisely because there were so few ranks, with rules restricting advancement, many people's ambitions had also been curbed. After all, in the past two years, everyone had more or less figured out the rules for rank advancement in the household. First and foremost, one had to become pregnant. Even someone as favored as Consort Xie, when she had risen from concubine to Concubine Consort, had first conceived a child before discussing advancement. As long as one could conceive, there was a possibility of advancement. Even if one miscarried after conceiving, it was still fine—at least Prince Jing would remember some of the affection and there would be some chance of advancement. If one conceived and could carry the child to term, even better—the chances of advancement would greatly increase. But if one could not conceive, then one should not entertain any fanciful ideas. However, once Prince Jing became Emperor, not to mention the Empress, there would be plenty of ranks to fill from the First-Rank Four Fei down to the Ninth-Rank Lady-in-waiting. Even without conceiving, as long as one received a little favor, one could move up a step. A single rank difference meant completely different treatment. Now that Prince Jing showed no intention of taking new concubines, this was an opportunity for the old members of the household. Everyone was pondering what rank they might receive once they entered the palace. Would they get two more serving attendants? Would their food and clothing be elevated by a few grades? It wasn't just the consorts and concubines of the rear courtyard—even the maidservants and matrons were discussing it, hoping only to enter the palace early and gain some fortune. At Spring Mountain Courtyard, because Xie Run was ill, everyone only dared to discuss it quietly. That day, Yueya'er sat under the eaves at the entrance of the main courtyard, gazing at the main hall with worried eyes. Her younger sister Yueliang'er carried two steaming Snow Jade Cakes in her bosom. "Sister, the small kitchen just made Snow Jade Cakes, and Nanny Wu gave me two. Come and try one with me." Yueliang'er was young and fond of eating. Most of her monthly allowance went to supplement Nanny Wu's small kitchen, and she had become quite familiar with Nanny Wu. Just now, when Nanny Wu finished making the Snow Jade Cakes, she casually gave her two to try, and Yueliang'er hurried over to share them with Yueya'er. Seeing her appearance, Yueya'er's anger flared. "With a bit of food in your mouth, you forget who your own parents are!" Yueliang'er shot back, "I forgot who my mother was long ago. When I was sold back then, I couldn't even remember what she looked like!" Yueya'er reached out and pinched Yueliang'er's arm. "Still talking back to me!" "Our mistress is sick, and you still have the mind to eat, you gluttonous..." Yueliang'er wanted to cry out in pain but was afraid of startling others. "Sister, I'm wrong, I'm wrong!" "You know yourself—we were starved back then, and now I can't bear even the slightest hunger. The moment I see food, I want it." Yueya'er found it hard to scold her further. After all, they had been sold by their family due to a disaster back then, and the two of them had nearly starved to death before entering the prince's household. Yueliang'er stuffed a Snow Jade Cake into her hand and sat down beside Yueya'er. "Sister, I care about our mistress just as much as you do." Yueya'er gave her a lazy glance. Yueliang'er said softly, "Sister, do you think our mistress can become a Noble Consort after entering the palace?" Yueya'er's expression changed, and she immediately stuffed the Snow Jade Cake into Yueliang'er's mouth. "Shut up! How dare you speak recklessly about such matters?!" Yueliang'er quickly explained, "It's not me saying it—I heard the matrons at the gate talking." "No, the whole courtyard is talking about it!" "They say our mistress has a child and has always been favored, so she might well become a Noble Consort. Then our entire Spring Mountain Courtyard would eat well and drink well along with her." "Shut up!" Yueya'er had served by Xie Run's side for years and had been trained by Xie Run for several years. Her temperament had long since changed from what it once was. "Such words—if those muddle-headed old women don't know any better and talk nonsense, that's one thing. But how could you follow along without a brain and listen to them?" "The people in our household have never been peaceable. They stir up waves even when there's no wind, and everyone is watching our mistress, hoping only to find some fault to drag her down." "If our mistress doesn't become a Noble Consort, these words will make people laugh when they spread. And if she does, spreading it far and wide before things are settled—are you afraid those with wicked hearts won't have a way to stir up trouble?" She lowered her voice, speaking with disappointment. "If our mistress truly becomes a Noble Consort, are you afraid there won't be a day to rejoice?" "Now that things haven't been decided, everyone is already discussing this here. If people from other courtyards hear it, they'll think our mistress is arrogant. Even if the Prince hears it, would he be pleased?" Having received a thorough scolding, Yueliang'er immediately shrank her neck and dared not speak again. "Sister, I know I was wrong. It's all those gossiping old women!" "If you know they love to gossip, why do you repeat their words behind their backs? You are our mistress's person. Next time you hear them speaking nonsense, spit in their faces." "If they dare to be dissatisfied, I and the other sisters will back you up." Yueliang'er nodded repeatedly. The two sisters had just finished speaking when the fence set up in front of the main courtyard was suddenly pulled down. Several senior maids walked out with smiles on their faces. Yueya'er stood up excitedly and rushed forward. "Sister Dantao, has the mistress recovered from her illness?" Xie Run had contracted the Seasonal Plague, and for fear of contagion, her main chamber had been placed under quarantine. These past few days, only her two senior maids had attended to her closely, while no one else was permitted to approach. Dantao nodded. "The mistress has mostly recovered. The eldest young lady said there's no need for further quarantine and treatment." "That's truly wonderful." Yueya'er's eyes grew slightly moist. "During all the days the mistress was ill, this servant could hardly sleep at night. Thank goodness she's finally recovered..." Fortunately, before falling ill, Xie Run had managed to secure the services of Nanny Xu, who was now tasked with managing the maids and matrons of Spring Mountain Courtyard—a test of both her competence and loyalty. Xie Run could hear the joyful voices from outside the courtyard. Having been ill twice in succession, she had grown thinner, the contours of her jaw becoming ever more defined. Fortunately, she had carried some flesh on her frame before, so she was not reduced to skin and bones. Instead, her gentle warmth had taken on a touch of cool elegance and quiet refinement. "Where is Taotao playing right now?" Xie Run had just taken her medicine, and the bitterness lingered in her mouth, so she had a maid prepare a bowl of sweet water. Xiaoshu attended to her carefully as she drank. "Nanny Xu has personally taken Fifth Young Master outside to play." "She must be truly exhausted these days—managing all the matrons and maids of Spring Mountain Courtyard while also keeping watch over those tending to Fifth Young Master." "Our Fifth Young Master can never sit still. He fusses all day to go out and play. Nanny Xu, being uneasy about it, has deliberately set aside all other matters to stay by his side." Dantao lifted the curtain and entered, a smile at the corners of her lips. "During these days, the mistress and this servant have observed quietly—Nanny Xu truly has her own abilities. Worthy of one who came from the palace." Xie Run drank the sweet water, the bitterness in her mouth suppressed, and simply nodded.