Chapter 10: Departed

When Su Mi woke up, the daylight was already bright. Emperor Qi Long had already left.

She tried to sit up, but her body ached terribly.

Her foster father's medical skills were unparalleled, and in the small bamboo cottage where her foster parents lived in seclusion, there was an extensive collection of both ancient and modern medical books. Even the libraries of the Imperial Hospitals of major nations like Qi, Chen, and Liao couldn't compare. As a child, when she was bored, she would often sneak away to read them. She remembered once stumbling upon a book about ancient secrets of yin and yang harmony. Her face had turned crimson with embarrassment, almost as if she had committed a crime, and she feared someone might discover her. Even though she knew she shouldn't look, her curiosity had gotten the best of her, and she had secretly read it for hours.

Who would have thought that one day, it would come in handy?

As she was thinking about this, a bright voice rang out: "Su Ge Yi has woken up!"

Su Mi turned her head to see that the room was already filled with over ten palace maids and eunuchs, each holding items for her washing and dressing.

Seeing that she had awakened, the head maid hurriedly helped her sit up. Four palace maids, each holding a golden basin, jade bowl, silver pitcher, and silk towel, came forward to assist her with her morning grooming.

"Has the Emperor left?" Su Mi asked quietly.

"The Emperor has already gone to court, but before he left, he specifically instructed not to disturb you while dressing," the clever maid replied immediately. The newly appointed Su Ge Yi was truly exceptional—the Emperor had stayed in her room the entire night, and even today's court meeting had nearly been delayed because of it.

No wonder so many in the palace dreamed of becoming a mistress. Su Mi relaxed, allowing herself to enjoy the considerate service of the palace attendants.

After they wiped the water from her face and handed her the towel, several young maids stepped forward with a tray, offering her a selection of clothing. According to palace customs, when a concubine had spent the night with the Emperor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would prepare new clothing for her in the morning. It was both a reward for the night's company and a gesture of good luck, meant to bring happiness and festive energy.

Su Mi casually chose a simple outfit with delicate floral patterns. After donning the undergarments, she sat down at the vanity table, where two older palace women approached to style her hair. Looking into the mirror at her own beautiful face, Su Mi smiled faintly, then took the comb from the nearby maid and said, "I'll do it myself."

How long had it been since she had carefully styled her hair like this? In the past, it was her foster mother who had taught her the delicate art of grooming—how to draw her eyebrows, apply lip color, and adorn herself with flowers and jewels.

She remembered what her foster mother used to say while combing her hair:

"My dear, you will captivate so many men in the future."

"Foster mother, you're teasing me. You and my real mother are the true beauties."

"I'm not joking, my dear. You'll make the world fall for you one day."

...

Su Mi set the comb down and picked up a rich, red rouge, blending it gently. The scented powders and lotions in the palace were all made from dewdrops gathered from flowers in the early morning—refreshing and fragrant.

Once Su Mi placed the final hairpin into her hairstyle, she put on a yellow satin gown adorned with delicate silver beadwork on the sleeves and hem. The maids couldn't help but be dazzled. The new mistress, although wearing a common "Flying Swallow" bun and only simple jewelry, exuded an elegance that was impossible to ignore. Her delicate makeup enhanced her natural charm, making her seem enchanting yet refined.

Su Mi smiled and said, "According to the palace rules, I should go and pay my respects to the Empress, yes?"

The Hall of Phoenix Elegance, as lively as ever, buzzed with activity.

As Su Mi entered, the gazes of the other concubines seemed to carry subtle meanings, their eyes full of curiosity and hidden thoughts. She stepped forward and bowed to the Empress with grace.

The Empress smiled warmly and said, "So, you're the newly promoted Su Ge Yi. You certainly have a beautiful appearance, I can hardly take my eyes off you. It's clear you and Liu Shi from a few days ago are like spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, each excelling in her own way." She then turned to the others and laughed, "I suppose you've all been overshadowed now, haven't you?"

"Hmph," several of the other concubines shot looks of dissatisfaction.

The Empress noticed the tension and said with a laugh, "The ladies here are naturally beautiful and noble, so how could someone like Su Mi compare?" Su Mi bowed her head humbly and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty and all the esteemed ladies are unmatched in beauty and grace. How could a humble servant like me dare to compare?"

The other concubines' expressions softened slightly.

"I heard the Emperor stayed in your room until nearly dawn," Concubine Ni said, handing her teacup to a maid as she straightened up. Her tone turned sharp. "As concubines serving the Emperor, we should first understand that the Emperor's duty is to the people of the empire. We, as his women, should advise him to take care of his health and prioritize the country's well-being. We should never use our beauty to indulge him, leading him into excess."

The atmosphere thickened as all eyes turned on Su Mi—some probing, some filled with jealousy, their gazes almost piercing. Su Mi lowered her head obediently, fully aware that she had no right to argue with anyone in the room. As a low-ranking new concubine, her only option was to humble herself.

The Empress, however, was more gentle. "Concubine Ni, there's no need to be so harsh. Su Ge Yi has only just been promoted, and she likely doesn't understand the rules of the higher ranks yet."

"I understand my mistake. Thank you, Your Majesty and Concubine Ni, for your guidance," Su Mi immediately dropped to her knees in apology.

"Mm," the Empress nodded. "I've heard about the matter with Consort Wei. It's rare to see such loyalty. I'm moved by your devotion. I've already instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to handle the matter." The Empress then changed the subject, her tone softer.

"Your Majesty, I am eternally grateful for Consort Wei's immense kindness. I have no way to repay such a great debt," Su Mi said, her voice trembling with emotion, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

The Empress nodded in satisfaction, her heart secretly swelling with pride as she recalled yesterday's events.

Her suggestion to properly handle Wei Caijin's funeral had originally been meant to demonstrate her own virtue and win the favor of the court, while also subtly curbing Ni Yelin's growing influence. She never expected that this small gesture would bring about such an unexpected result, one that would work in her favor.

"Lately, the palace has seen many joyous occasions," the Empress continued, her voice soft but filled with meaning. "First, it was Liu Shi, and now it is you. Since you've been granted the title of Consort, you must serve the Emperor wholeheartedly, bear him heirs, and follow the palace rules. Your behavior must be dignified, always in line with the palace's standards. In a few days, a teaching matron will be sent to you to help you learn the palace etiquette and rituals. It is essential that you learn well and not forget the favor the imperial family has bestowed upon you."

Su Mi nodded respectfully, accepting her words.

At that moment, a palace servant came in to announce, "Lady Liu is here."

Liu Qiyan entered the hall and immediately froze upon seeing Su Mi standing there. Her face turned bright red, and after a moment of hesitation, she walked forward and took Su Mi's hand. "Sister, I…"

"Are you acquainted with Su Gengyi?" Wen Fei, who was standing nearby, asked immediately.

"Replying to Your Majesty, we've met a few times when we were both palace maids," Liu Qiyan began to explain, but before she could finish, Su Mi spoke up, her voice calm but firm. She gently pulled her hand away from Liu Qiyan's grasp.

"Since that's the case, you should be good sisters and get along well," the Empress said with a smile. "Both of you are fortunate to receive the Emperor's favor, and you'll become part of the palace's little story of sisterhood."

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. We will surely keep your words in mind," Su Mi responded respectfully.

Afterward, when Su Mi returned to Caiwei Palace, she found the courtyard was crowded with people. He Yu Wang, the head eunuch from the Imperial Household Department, was standing outside with a small group of palace maids and eunuchs.

Seeing Su Mi approach, He Yu Wang quickly rushed over. "Ah, Su Gengyi, you've returned! It's so cold today. You must have suffered. I was wondering why the magpies in the palace were chirping so much these past few days. I thought something joyful was about to happen! And here it is—it's all for you, my apologies for not recognizing the noble guest earlier! Congratulations, Lady! With your fortune, it's certain you'll be promoted to a Consort soon—no doubt about it…" He spoke quickly, his eyes darting nervously to gauge Su Mi's reaction.

In the past, when Su Mi had been a palace maid, she had often dealt with him, and he would treat her with arrogance, frequently scolding and belittling her. Seeing him act so respectfully now made her want to mock him, but after a moment of contemplation, she decided against it. In the palace, who wasn't like this? Why bother with such a petty person?

"It's no trouble, Eunuch He," Su Mi said lightly.

He Yu Wang, noticing the calm expression on her face, relaxed and smiled. "A few days ago, because there were some urgent matters in the Imperial Household, the servants below didn't do their job properly and delayed Lady Wei's allocation of silver. This was my oversight. I've already punished them severely. Today, I've personally come to deliver it. Alas, it's a pity Lady Wei has already…" He sighed dramatically. "But thankfully, you're still here, Lady Su. I'll have to trouble you to count it and accept it on her behalf."

He gestured, and one of the smaller eunuchs quickly brought forward a tray.

Su Mi glanced at the items under the red cloth. On the tray, there were several hundred taels of silver, along with a handful of ornate jewelry: gold-inlaid hairpins, earrings, bangles, and jade ornaments.

Of course, the amount of silver due for Wei Caijin's account wouldn't require such an excess. It was clear that most of this was a "gift" for herself. Su Mi didn't want to argue over it, so she smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch He. I understand the difficulties in the Imperial Household. There will surely be more matters to handle in the future, and I'll have to trouble you again. I hope you'll be forgiving."

"You're too kind, Lady Su," He Yu Wang grinned widely. In the palace, accepting such a gift meant that past grievances would be forgiven, and the matter would be considered settled.

"This time, I've brought a few people for you to choose from. According to palace regulations, you may pick one eunuch and two maids to serve you," he said, gesturing toward the group of servants.

Su Mi looked over them. The palace had strict hierarchies, and the women in front of her were all from the lowest ranks. In the past, only those with high status could choose palace maids from noble families. For those at lower ranks, they could only select from women of the same social standing. Serving a favored lady or Consort could be a golden opportunity for these young maids, a way for them to rise through the ranks.

As she scanned the group, Su Mi's gaze lingered on one familiar face. Without a word, she subtly pointed to the two maids at the back. "Those two," she said.

"Mi Qing, Mi Hong, why aren't you kneeling to your mistress?" He Yu Wang immediately scolded from the side.

The two palace maids quickly stepped forward and knelt to Su Mi, offering their respects.

"Rise," Su Mi said calmly.

Mi Hong, around fifteen or sixteen years old, had slightly darker skin but delicate features. Her bright eyes were large and full of vitality.

Mi Qing, on the other hand, was quiet and elegant, pleasing to the eye. Although her palace attire looked somewhat worn, it was neat and clean. What was most important, however, was that Su Mi remembered her well. Mi Qing was originally a maid in the Wei family. Su Mi had seen her when she first entered the palace. Mi Qing had been assigned to serve a noble consort, but that consort had fallen out of favor after an unfortunate misstep and had been sent to the cold palace, where she had eventually passed away. Afterward, Mi Qing was assigned to the Department of Labor, where she performed menial tasks such as laundry.

"The eunuchs need not pick someone else. I think the little Luzi from the East Rear Courtyard of Caiwei Palace will do just fine. Let him take this position," Su Mi said, turning and smiling lightly.

"To have the honor of catching the mistress's eye, that's his eight generations of luck!" He Yu Wang flattered, chuckling as he turned to the eunuch at his side. "What are you waiting for? Go and fetch him!"

"By the way, Mistress, would you like to move to a different residence?" He Yu Wang glanced around, hesitating. "I heard this place..."

"No need, this will do. It's quiet, and I'm familiar with it," Su Mi replied with a smile. The place she was staying in was the East Warm Pavilion in the eastern courtyard, the same place Hui'er had stayed just a few days ago.

As for that little palace maid, it was likely that the Emperor had already forgotten her completely. With so many palaces and so many concubines, how could the highest ruler in the land remember a mere maid who had been casually favored on a whim? Su Mi couldn't help but mock herself silently.

"Yes, yes, the Mistress's judgment is always so wise," He Yu Wang answered eagerly, though in his heart he couldn't help but grumble, Doesn't the Mistress realize the taboos here?

It was well-known that the palace had long respected ghosts and gods and feared bad omens. Just the thought that both the East and West Warm Pavilions in this courtyard had seen deaths made him feel a shiver run down his spine. He decided that he should avoid this place in the future.

Before long, the arrangements for Wei Qing'er's funeral began.

As the year-end approached, it was customary to keep funerals simple, but since the Emperor had personally issued the decree, the arrangements were naturally more elaborate than usual. The various palace concubines also prepared a large number of incense, candles, and offerings to send their condolences. Just two days ago, Emperor Qi Long had issued another decree, promoting Wei Qing'er's father, the Southern Returned Marquis, from the third rank to the first rank and bestowing him with gold and silver as consolation for his long years of service. At least the old man's days would be a bit easier now.

Layers of pure white drapes hung down to the ground, creating a sense of otherworldly separation. The ashes from the cremation were placed in a dark red wooden coffin, and an indescribable stillness filled the room. In the empty hall, the only sound was the cold wind howling through the cracks.

Su Mi stood in front of the spirit tablet, the wind tugging at the corners of her clothing. She stared at the coffin in a daze. "This is the last thing I can do for you... It wasn't in vain that we were sisters. But the essence of a pure person remains pure; you have left clean and untainted, while I… I remain, struggling in this filthy world."

Record of Qi Shishi, Head of the Imperial Dormitory:

On November 12, Liu Shi, a maid from Juhe Palace, was promoted to the position of Ge Yi. Shortly after, she fell ill, and the Emperor, moved by her plight, promoted her to a higher rank. On the 16th, Su Mi, a maid from Caiwei Palace, was also promoted to Ge Yi, and both women received the Emperor's favor. Not long after, Liu Shi was promoted to the rank of Chang'An, while Su Mi was promoted to a higher rank as well.

Concubine Wei, a native of the Wei state, had entered the palace after her family's downfall. With talent in poetry and painting, she had not yet gained favor when she passed away. The Emperor mourned her loss and buried her with the rites of a concubine, placing her in the imperial tombs. He also issued a decree to show compassion towards her parents, the Southern Returned Marquis, and provided them with support.