Chapter 818: Cai Yang

Three days later, Xia Ruqing’s second sister, Xia Caiying was brought into the palace.

Fortunately, it had been quite uneventful recently, so staying a few more days wasn’t a problem.

Noble Concubine Shih learned of this news and specifically had new bedding and daily necessities sent over.

Xia Ruqing looked at these items.

Thinking: Noble Concubine Shih has really changed her nature.

Zi Yue, while tidying up, frowned and said,

"I still feel something’s amiss! Perhaps... we shouldn’t use these things for now!"

"Better safe than sorry!"

Xia Ruqing nodded thoughtfully.

"Even though... she shouldn’t be foolish enough to tamper with these items!"

"But with my second sister here, it’s not good to let her take any risks!"

"Let’s put them away for now and use our own!"

"Alright!"

Zi Yue acknowledged and then left to do so.

...

Even though Xia Caiying had entered the palace,

She was still an unmarried girl and, according to the rules, could not stay in the harem (and of course, she couldn’t after marriage either!).

After all, it’s where the Emperor’s consorts reside, which would be inappropriate and inconvenient.

To the west of Ningshou Palace, there are several grand palaces designated for the Princesses and Commandery Princesses to stay in.

Any relatives of the other palace consorts also stay here when they come to the palace.

Except that it was a bit too close to Ningshou Palace, but there were no other issues.

Xia Ruqing was still somewhat uneasy.

She specifically called Xiao Xizi to find the courtyard furthest from Ningshou Palace.

She had people clean and set it up for Caiying to stay.

Additionally, she assigned Zi Su and Xiao Zhu Zi to serve closely, which slightly eased her worries.

The first night, Xia Ruqing stayed here with her until midnight before returning.

Before leaving, she reminded,

"There are people guarding inside and out. I’ll have someone come to fetch you early tomorrow to go over there!"

While she couldn’t stay overnight, she could be there during the day.

This was the best arrangement.

Xia Caiying wasn’t afraid either.

"Big sister, I used to live alone, I’m not scared!"

At just fourteen, the little girl already had a hint of resilience in her eyes.

It made one’s heart ache to see.

Xia Ruqing pondered for a moment.

Her mother wasn’t by her side, and she lived with her brother and sister-in-law.

No matter how well they treated her, a young girl’s heart would still be sensitive.

"Alright!" Xia Ruqing smiled.

"It’s getting late, you should sleep early. I’m leaving now!"

"Take care, big sister!"

...

Leaving Fengyu Pavilion, Xia Ruqing returned to Duanning Palace.

Upon returning, she rested.

The next morning.

The moment she opened her eyes, she hurriedly called someone to fetch Xia Caiying.

"It’s her first time in the palace, unfamiliar with everything, don’t delay. Quick, go!"

A young girl living alone; what if she gets scared!

Zi Yue laughed and said,

"Don’t worry, Your Lady, Xiao Zhu Zi and Zi Su are there too!"

"Also, the maids the young mistress brought from the residence are all with her!"

"Besides, Your Lady, this is the palace, nothing will happen!"

In other words, she wasn’t alone, and there were plenty of people!

Xia Ruqing realized this and heaved a sigh of relief.

"Right!"

"This is the palace, after all, not the outside world!"

If it’s not safe here, then where would it be!

"Your Lady, please get up, I’ll get water ready for your face wash!"

"Hmm!"

Xia Ruqing efficiently got up.

Zi Yue then laughed,

"It’s only the Chen Hour, yet as soon as the young mistress enters the palace, our Lady doesn’t even get to sleep in!"

Xia Ruqing just glanced at her.

"It’s not that I don’t want to sleep, it’s that I can’t!"

"This is what’s called, knowing when to advance and retreat!"

Zi Yue stifled her laughter.

"Yes yes, Your Lady excels at advancing and retreating appropriately!"

After washing up, Xia Ruqing changed into casual clothes and went to the side hall to see Chenchen and the two little ones.

Also waiting for Xia Caiying to come over.

Zhao Qichen had just woken up and was organizing his books. Seeing his mother consort approaching, he was a bit surprised.

Thinking: Mother Consort is up so early today?!

"Greetings, Mother Consort!"

Xia Ruqing’s heart melted; her son was truly handsome!

Even his saluting gestures were precise and proper, filling her heart with joy.

"Good!"

Xia Ruqing bent over to help her son up.

Then had Sister Huang and others also rise.

"Going to the study already? When do you have breakfast?"

Sister Huang smiled and said,

"His Highness the Crown Prince usually reads or does martial training for half an hour before breakfast!"

Xia Ruqing felt a bit heart-wrenched.

"Reading and training without breakfast? Oh heavens, he’s just over three years old!"

In modern times, a three-year-old... would just be in junior kindergarten.

Many children still needed teachers to help with meals and potty training.

Seeing this,

Children in ancient times had it hard!

It’s better to give birth to a Princess!

From a young age being pampered, in their delicacy, it didn’t matter if they were slightly spoiled; they had their father emperor!

Sister Huang felt a bit awkward.

Thinking: Why is Your Lady so surprised? Didn’t they all grow up this way?

The Second Prince isn’t even three, but he’s starting his education!

Sons of the Imperial Family shouldn’t expect it easy.

Even if it’s not for themselves, at least for the honor of the Imperial Family, they can’t raise a wastrel!

...

After sending Chenchen off to school,

Xia Ruqing returned.

Just in time, Xia Caiying also arrived.

The sisters dined together, and afterward, strolled around Duanning Palace, not to delve further.

...

Over at Ningshou Palace.

As soon as Xia Caiying moved into Fengyu Pavilion, the Empress Dowager received the news.

Initially, she didn’t pay much attention.

After all, relatives of the harem’s concubines always stayed here upon entering the palace.

However,

Upon careful thought, this time it felt different.

"It’s Noble Consort Xian’s sister!"

"How old is she, is she engaged?"

She didn’t know if it was because she’d seen too many Fine Ladies lately, but everyone seemed like a Fine Lady to her.

Seeing a maiden, she had to ask once, how old are you, are you engaged?

Not engaged and here for selection?

If she could directly be under my command, even better, I’ll ensure you get to Sixth Rank Honored Lady and beyond!

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, I heard she’s fourteen, a half-sister of Noble Consort Xian!"

"Not engaged yet!" Sister Qing said.

The Empress Dowager pondered.

"Fourteen, still a bit young! And a half-sister!"

"How does she look?"

It would be promising if she was beautiful too.

In the future, if she entered the palace, the sisters serving one husband would make a great story.

Sisterly strife and rivalry, she loved watching such drama!

Sister Qing thought for a moment and said,

"I haven’t seen her; she always wears a veil when out, never revealing her true face!"

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager pursed her lips.

"Just an illegitimate girl, why pretend to be a noble lady!"

"Find some time, go have a look. If she’s good-looking, bring her to me, if not, then forget it!"

Sister Qing felt a bit uneasy, advising,

"Your Lady... this is... Noble Consort Xian’s sister!"

"Noble Consort Xian is the Emperor’s cherished favorite, is this appropriate?!"

The Empress Dowager immediately sobered, pondering deeply.

Right!

Just then, her relationship with the Imperial Son had improved; doing this now would be inappropriate.

"Then, have someone observe discreetly and wait before deciding!"

"Don’t alarm her!"

Sister Qing finally sighed in relief.

"Alright!!"