Chapter 464

Chapter 464 Concubine Shen was a household-born servant. Ever since she could remember, she had worked as a helper in the prince's mansion. But at that time, Prince Jing had not yet been granted his title and established his household, so there was no proper master or mistress in the residence. Every day she would tie her hair in braids and dart around the mansion, occasionally getting caught by the steward and scolded. Still, her days were carefree and happy. When Prince Jing established his household, Concubine Shen took the opportunity to secure a small position within it. Later, a new Concubine An entered the household. Princess Consort waved her hand generously and assigned Concubine Shen to serve at Concubine An's side. Concubine An bestowed upon her the name Ji Xiang, while another senior sister who served alongside her was called Ping'an. When she first began serving at Concubine An's side, she felt her mistress was easy to get along with—no temper at all, and considerate toward the servants. Sister Ping'an, who shared her quarters, was also a good person. Even her parents said she was lucky, that she had landed in a nest of good fortune. Who would have thought that as time went on, problems would emerge. Concubine An had a good temper, but a temper that was too good became weakness. Concubine Liu, who had entered the household at the same time, repeatedly snatched Concubine An's food, clothing, and charcoal. In short, anything usable, she would seize. She and Sister Ping'an wanted to speak up for their mistress, but were always stopped by her. Every time, their mistress would grumble for most of the day, feel wronged for most of the day, complain that Concubine Liu went too far—stirring up full indignation in her and Sister Ping'an—and then finally soothe herself back into calm. The phrases she heard most often were "Forget it...", "Never mind...", and "Better not..." It churned one's heart with irritation, as if living each day with a stifled breath. Sister Ping'an could restrain herself, but Concubine Shen had a fiery temper and refused to endure this mistreatment any longer. Taking advantage of the fact that Concubine Liu was new to the mansion and unfamiliar with its rules, she schemed to have Concubine Liu clash with Consort Ning by wearing the same outfit at a banquet. Consort Ning was utterly domineering and humiliated Concubine Liu on the spot. At the time, Concubine An and Ping'an both hid aside and snickered. But back in the courtyard, Concubine An began to worry again. "What if Sister Liu finds out? What would we do?" "Sister Liu has a bad temper. I'm afraid there will be a scene." Concubine Shen's heart turned cold. For some reason, she suddenly felt afraid. Not because she feared Concubine Liu's revenge, but because she feared this version of Concubine An. It was Ping'an who comforted Concubine An: "Don't worry, mistress. Only the three of us know about this. As long as no one speaks of it, Concubine Liu won't find out!" "Really?" "Would this servant ever deceive you?" Ping'an comforted Concubine An for half the day before finally putting her at ease. Concubine An fretted all evening, and spent the following days in constant anxiety, unable to sleep well for several nights. She thought the matter had blown over, but two days later, Concubine An suddenly spoke up: "Ji Xiang... perhaps you should go and apologize to Concubine Liu?" "Sister Liu is now at odds with Consort Ning. We can't bear the consequences." "With Princess Consort to uphold justice, if you go and apologize, perhaps this matter will simply pass?" Concubine Shen's eyes flew wide open, and she was so shocked she couldn't collect herself for a long while. "Mistress, Concubine Liu is narrow-minded and overbearing. If she finds out this was this servant's doing, she might well take this servant's life!" Concubine Shen felt wronged inside, but she also knew how to speak and put on a show that would stir Concubine An's kind heart, thereby dispelling her intention. Afterward, Concubine Shen consoled herself. Her mistress was simply too timid, too frightened, which was why she had said such a thing. In the end, her mistress never brought the matter up again, which showed she did care for her. As a servant, one must be loyal to one's mistress for life. She absolutely could not harbor any other thoughts. Until the incident of "lying on ice to seek carp" happened. She pleaded with her mistress countless times with her eyes, but her mistress only turned her face away and said in a weak voice: "Sister Liu is only making a joke. She surely won't truly harm your life. Go and come right back—at least let Sister Liu vent the anger in her heart." Despair filled Concubine Shen's heart, while beside her, Concubine Liu let out a triumphant cold snort.