“There was actually a laxative!”
“I was afraid the residence physician made a mistake, so I specifically told my mother about this. She immediately ordered people to invite many doctors from the city, and the final results were all the same!”
Shen Zhinian’s eyes darkened.
No wonder Zhao Yungui received such a severe punishment in her previous life; Liu Ruyan’s methods were truly vicious!
Recalling this, Zhao Yungui was immensely scared, and she gratefully clasped Shen Zhinian’s hand, saying, “Zhinian Jie, it’s a good thing you discovered something was wrong in time, otherwise I can’t imagine what would have become of me that day…”
She didn't know, but Shen Zhinian was clear about it, and she patted Zhao Yungui’s hand to comfort her, saying, “Alright, don’t be scared, it’s all over now.”
Zhao Yungui’s tone was a bit sad, but more than that, it was indignant.
“I always treated Liu Ruyan as my own sister. I don’t understand why she would harm me?”
Shen Zhinian saw through it clearly.
“There are so many Guan Nv Zi throughout Great Zhou who meet the criteria for the imperial selection, so typically only one person is chosen from each region during the palace selection. You and Liu Ruyan both come from Jiangnan, so to be absolutely sure, she naturally had to make you lose your qualification.”
Zhao Yungui said resentfully, “There were so many ways she could have made me fail the selection, but she chose the one with the most severe consequences for me. This woman is truly malicious!”
“And… I’m not the type His Majesty likes anyway, even if she hadn’t acted, I wouldn’t have been chosen…”
Shen Zhinian said, “Liu Ruyan probably knows she acted like a villain for nothing. Perhaps she’s regretting it right now.”
Zhao Yungui’s face was filled with disgust.
“After the results came out, I wanted nothing more than to rush to the Liu family’s villa in the capital and smash her face!”
“But my mother said that since Liu Ruyan dared to act, she must have destroyed all the evidence. She is a Xiao Zhu now, and a single handkerchief can’t convict her; I would also end up with the crime of offending a superior…”
Shen Zhinian nodded.
“Your aunt’s words are reasonable.”
“It’s also a good thing that you’ve learned her true colors. You won’t have to worry about her stabbing you in the back again.”
Zhao Yungui looked at her, worriedly saying, “Zhinian Jie, I heard Liu Ruyan was also selected. You ruined her plans, so she will definitely hold a grudge against you. She is so cunning, you must be careful of her after entering the palace!”
“However, I’ve been her close friend for so many years, so I know some of her secrets. I hope they can help you…”
As Shen Zhinian listened, the corners of her lips curved slightly.
In her previous life, Liu Ruyan was able to become Consort Xian, the head of the Four Consorts, so her methods must have been extraordinary. In this life, knowing her weaknesses gave her an advantage!
After Shen Zhinian entered the palace, it would be difficult for the two of them to meet again. After finishing their serious discussion, Zhao Yungui also shared many intimate words with her.
Although they hadn't seen each other for many years, there was no awkwardness between them. As they chatted about childhood anecdotes, Shen Zhinian’s eyes and brows also showed a hint of a smile.
It wasn't until after lunch that Zhao Yungui left. Before leaving, she repeatedly urged, “Zhinian Jie, my mother said that you saved me, which makes you a great benefactor to our Zhao family!”
“If you need any help in the palace, feel free to write to me. The Zhao family will go through fire and water for you, without hesitation!”
Zhao Yungui’s parents were very loving; there wasn't even a single concubine in their residence, and she was their only daughter. She grew up pampered, which cultivated her carefree and vibrant personality.
Shen Zhinian felt a little envious and agreed with a smile.
Shortly after Zhao Yungui left, Handan ran in, beaming, and excitedly said, “Xiao Zhu, someone from the palace has arrived! The Shen Father is calling everyone to receive the imperial decree!”
Fuqu stepped forward.
“Chu'er will assist Xiao Zhu in changing.”
After tidying her appearance, Shen Zhinian went to the front hall and knelt with everyone from the Shen Residence to receive the imperial decree.
“By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Shen Zhinian, the second daughter of Da Li Si Si Cheng Shen Maoxue, is gentle and elegant. She is hereby conferred the rank of Daying of the seventh rank, bestowed the title ‘Rou’, and shall enter the palace on the ninth day of the ninth month. By imperial command!”
The people in the palace were all shrewd. Although Shen Zhinian was only a seventh-rank Daying, the eunuch announcing the decree dared not slight this Xiao Zhu in the slightest.
After everyone received the decree and stood up, he said with a fawning expression, “Among the ten Xiao Zhu selected this time, only Rou Daying has a title, which shows the depth of His Majesty’s favor. Congratulations, Xiao Zhu!”
Everyone in the Shen Residence was incredibly shocked, not expecting Shen Zhinian to be so favored by His Majesty, and even she herself was a little surprised.
It seemed that on the day of the selection, she had indeed left an impression on the Emperor’s heart.
As the daughter of a sixth-rank minor official, entering the palace as a Daying was not as conspicuous as being a Guiren. With a title, she also wouldn't be looked down upon by the palace staff who sought to curry favor.
Shen Zhinian was very satisfied with this beginning!
Coming back to his senses, Shen Father suppressed the joy in his heart and ordered someone to hand over a purse.
“Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch!”
Weighing the purse, the eunuch announcing the decree’s smile grew even wider, and he offered a few more flattering auspicious words.
Madam Zhou maintained a proper smile, but only she understood the bitterness in her heart.
All this glory and honor should have belonged to her daughter!
Immediately, a palace Ma'am of about forty, meticulously dressed, stepped forward and bowed.
“This old Chu'er is a teaching Ma'am from the palace, surnamed Xiao. Greetings, Rou Daying!”
“Before Rou Daying enters the palace, this old Chu'er will instruct you in the palace rules.”
Although Xiao Momo’s tone was respectful, it carried a hint of strictness, and her aura was even stronger than that of a minor official’s wife, giving off a very harsh impression.
Madam Zhou looked a bit intimidated, but Shen Zhinian showed no fear on her face. She stepped forward and helped Xiao Momo up.
“Ma'am, there is no need for such formality. For the time being, I will trouble you with your guidance.”
At the same time, Shen Father ordered his servants to likewise hand over a bulging purse.
Xiao Momo accepted the purse, but her expression remained stern.
“Teaching palace rules to Xiao Zhu who have not yet entered the palace is this old Chu'er’s duty, and this old Chu'er will naturally do her best.”
After this interlude, the eunuchs all left to announce the decree at the next household.
Xiao Momo was politely invited to stay in Shen Zhinian’s courtyard, and she would officially begin teaching palace rules tomorrow.
In the blink of an eye, it was the next day.
Today was also the third day of Shen Nanqiao’s return home after her marriage.
Although her current status was not as noble as Shen Zhinian's, she was, after all, the legitimate daughter. With Madam Zhou's favoritism, the Shen Residence still began to bustle, preparing for her reception.
However, Shen Zhinian’s courtyard remained as quiet as ever; no one dared to disturb her.
After finishing breakfast, she began to learn the rules from Xiao Momo.
After some time together, Shen Zhinian discovered that Xiao Momo was actually quite good, just a bit rigid, strict, and somewhat unfeeling.
——
Imperial Concubine ranks in the Imperial Harem:
Empress, Super Rank, 1 person.
Imperial Noble Consort, First Rank, 1 person.
Noble Consort, Second Rank, 2 people.
Four Consorts (Consort Xian, Consort Liang, Consort Shu, Consort De), Third Rank, 4 people.
Consort, Third Rank (Subordinate), 5 people.
Pin, Fourth Rank, 6 people.
Guiren, Fifth Rank, unlimited number.
Changzai, Sixth Rank, unlimited number.
Daying, Seventh Rank, unlimited number.
Guan Nv Zi, Unranked, unlimited number.
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