Chapter 14: Meeting an Old Friend Again

"Attend to Prince Su!"

"Greetings, Prince Su."

One after another, everyone bowed in respect.

Yin Su silently nodded to the gathering, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling precisely on Zhao Jiao.

Zhao Jiao understood his intention and responded with graceful composure.

Their eyes met, drawing the sidelong glances of those nearby.

The gossip in Jingdu City spread swiftly; there were already several rumors about the intimate display at the palace gate between Zhao Jiao and Prince Su. Nearly every young lady of noble family present had heard of it and knew that the Fifth Miss of the Xu family was among the candidates. Yin Su’s glance made Zhao Jiao’s identity unmistakable.

Yin Su smiled faintly at Zhao Jiao, his starry eyes brimming with meaning.

Then, he slowly closed the carriage window, and the coach rolled quietly past the crowd.

"Your Highness, Fifth Miss of the Xu family looks quite lovely in that attire!"

The coachman casually remarked.

The person inside the carriage smiled more deeply.

As the carriage departed, Zhao Jiao became the center of attention.

"So this is the Xu family’s Fifth Miss. I hear she just broke off an engagement..."

"Could she not? Before the wedding, there was such a scandal all over the city—"

"She looks ordinary enough. What could Prince Su possibly see in her?"

"Exactly. She was never known before. Such shamelessness. If it were me, I wouldn’t even dare show my face."

"The Xu family is a minor household, yet she qualifies to be a candidate. I wonder what tricks she used."

"So what? Someone like her could really be selected?"

"...."

For a time, the chatter was unending.

Zhao Jiao listened quietly, unmoved.

But some were unwilling to be overshadowed.

"Steward Fang, please be more careful with the roster. Don’t let just anyone sneak into the palace. A person who broke off her engagement and behaves improperly—how could she be qualified to serve the Empress Dowager?"

Song Lianzhi said arrogantly, casting a disdainful look at Zhao Jiao.

Steward Fang looked embarrassed, unsure how to respond. The roster had been settled layer by layer by the Imperial Household Department; he had no power to decide who stayed or left. Yet, how had the Xu family sent such a daughter into the palace?

Could it be that Prince Su was secretly supporting her? Then…

"Enough… I won’t make things difficult. With her like this, she won’t even reach the Empress Dowager’s side. Is everyone here? If so, let’s proceed!"

Song Lianzhi carried herself with haughty entitlement.

Steward Fang and Nurse Li exchanged glances and prepared to lead everyone into the palace when a splendid carriage slowly arrived, its wind chimes ringing crisply.

Upon seeing the carriage, Steward Fang and Nurse Li immediately bowed respectfully.

The noble young ladies straightened themselves, while Song Lianzhi puckered her lips in displeasure.

The carriage did not stop but rolled slowly past the crowd.

Only royalty were permitted to enter the palace by carriage.

Through the half-drawn curtain, Zhao Jiao caught sight of a woman wrapped in a white fox fur coat, and her entire body stiffened.

Feng Yuer…

"An adopted daughter, always making a bigger scene than that detestable Feng Zhaozhao. No matter how much she pretends, she will never be…"

"Miss Song, it’s time to enter!"

Nurse Li interrupted Song Lianzhi’s whispered grumblings just in time. By the heavens, this Miss Song dared say anything; it had been so long since anyone mentioned that name.

"Let’s go."

Song Lianzhi withdrew her gaze and turned toward the palace gate. The others silently bowed their heads and followed.

Zhao Jiao followed expressionless. The cold wind along the way finally cleared her mind.

She hadn’t expected to meet Feng Yuer under these circumstances…

Only two years, yet everything had changed.

"This is Caiwei Palace. The young ladies will stay here for the time being. The palace has arranged a maid for each lady. Please feel free to command them if you need anything. Hurry and freshen up; shortly we will lead you to pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress!"

Nurse Li introduced the residence. Upon hearing they would soon meet the Empress, everyone eagerly took their maids back to tidy up.

Caiwei Palace was quite spacious, enough to accommodate so many.

"My name is Yin Kou. I am your maidservant, Miss," the maid assigned to Zhao Jiao said obediently, leading her to the room and respectfully introducing herself.

Zhao Jiao looked her over—fine features, clearly well-trained in the palace, very proper.

"Thank you."

"Not at all, Miss. Would you like me to assist with your hair and clothing for the meeting with the Empress?"

Zhao Jiao set down her bundle and shook her head. "No need. Could you prepare a hot water bottle for me? It’s quite cold in the palace."

Yin Kou glanced at Zhao Jiao thoughtfully before nodding and going to prepare the hot water bottle. When they were assigned to serve these noble young ladies, no one wanted to serve this particular Miss Xu. The palace was known for favoring some and looking down on others. The Xu family’s status was low, and she was the least presentable among the candidates. Yet this Miss Xu was completely different from what Yin Kou had imagined.

There was an indescribable feeling—though it was her first time in the palace, she showed no curiosity, unlike the others who looked around nervously. Her manner was free of petty airs, exuding a calm and dignified aura.

"Miss, warm your hands."

Yin Kou was quick and soon filled the hot water bottle, carefully testing its temperature before handing it to Zhao Jiao.

Zhao Jiao took it and rose. "Let’s go."

Yin Kou said nothing more but obediently followed.

Cradling the hot water bottle, Zhao Jiao was the first to leave the room. Nurse Li gave a quiet glance but said nothing. Soon everyone emerged, most having refreshed their attire, appearing even more radiant—some dignified, some simple, others splendid. Each had put effort into making a good impression on the Empress.

Only Zhao Jiao and Song Lianzhi remained unchanged.

"Misses, once you are ready, follow me to Fengxiang Palace."

Nurse Li was not one for many words. Facing those eager to ingratiate themselves, she accepted their greetings politely but spoke little.

Caiwei Palace was not far from Fengxiang Palace, though the walk took nearly half an incense stick’s time.

Upon reaching Fengxiang Palace, everyone waited properly for summons. From within came the sound of lively activity.

"Summon the young ladies into the hall..."

A palace attendant called out loudly. The noble young ladies visibly grew nervous.

Zhao Jiao kept her head lowered, silently following the others into the hall, while their maids waited outside.

In the main hall of Fengxiang Palace, Empress Tong Qingyan sat upright on the phoenix throne, dignified and resplendent.

On either side sat several princes and princesses, among them Princess Nianzhao of the Grand Princess’s Mansion.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress! Long live the Empress, long live, long, long live!"

"Please rise!" Empress Tong smiled and nodded, surveying the assembly.

"Greetings, princes and princesses!"

The noble young ladies had expected only to meet the Empress but were surprised to see so many royals at once, causing some anxiety.

"Everyone, please stand. It just so happens that they have all come here for some merriment today. Since you are about the same age, meeting one another won’t hurt. Look at you all, so fresh and lively—Her Majesty the Empress Dowager will surely like you. Don’t be so reserved; introduce yourselves and let us see which families you come from. Each one so well brought up!"

Empress Tong encouraged them gently, putting everyone at ease.

Though Zhao Jiao kept her head lowered, she could feel Yin Su’s gaze upon her. At this moment, she only hoped he would not be too intense. This Prince Su—had she made a grave mistake in attracting his attention?

Yet now she could not afford to care about Yin Su.

Feng Yuer, the Empress, Yin Changli… Facing these familiar faces, Zhao Jiao clenched her palm with her fingernails hidden in her sleeve, pain grounding her as she struggled to stay clear-headed.

One by one, the noble young ladies began their nervous introductions.

Zhao Jiao forced herself to set aside the flood of thoughts and muster her strength to respond.