The early morning sun cast a gentle glow across Yanli's pavilion, illuminating her study where she sat in quiet contemplation. After Xiolan's recent departure, Yanli had decided it was time to choose another personal maid—someone trustworthy and competent who could truly assist her. She had high standards, and after Xiolan's long service, finding a replacement felt both pressing and challenging.
Yanli glanced up as her butler, Old Jin, entered the room, his respectful bow deep and reverent. "My Lady, as you requested, I've gathered a selection of maids for you to review. They await your summons in the outer hall."
"Thank you, Old Jin," Yanli replied with a warm smile. "Please bring them in. I'd like to get to know each of them."
The butler nodded and turned to leave, his footsteps echoing as he went to fetch the group. Yanli took a calming breath, straightening her posture and mentally preparing herself. While she wasn't necessarily difficult to please, she was particular about those she kept close, knowing the importance of loyalty and skill in her servants.
A few moments later, the doors opened, and Old Jin returned, leading a line of young women into the room. Each of them had their heads bowed, hands clasped before them in respect, yet Yanli could feel the nervous energy that filled the space as they stepped in. Her gaze swept over each of them, observing their expressions and postures, searching for a certain calmness that would indicate a capable mind.
Among them was a woman Yanli hadn't seen before. She was dressed plainly, like any maid, but something about her presence was different. She held herself with a quiet dignity, her eyes neither too timid nor overly eager. Her face was calm, her gaze level, and there was a sharpness in her that Yanli found oddly reassuring. Yanli's attention lingered on her for a moment longer before she began addressing the group.
"Thank you all for coming," Yanli began, her voice steady and kind. "Today, I seek a maid to fill Xiolan's place—a trusted role that requires more than just skill. I need someone who is both observant and loyal, someone who will anticipate my needs but also be discreet."
The group nodded, though Yanli noticed a few faces paling slightly at her words. She decided to approach each maid with a few questions, wanting to get a sense of their personalities. The first two maids, though respectful, seemed too timid to handle the demands of her role. They answered in whispers, eyes darting nervously, and Yanli's doubts only grew as they fumbled over their words.
Then, Yanli finally reached the woman who had intrigued her. She was calm, standing with her hands folded neatly before her, her gaze unwavering.
"What is your name?" Yanli asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the maid's face.
The maid met her gaze without a hint of hesitation. "This servant is called Bai Min, My Lady."
Yanli felt an immediate sense of steadiness from her, as if Bai Min was already accustomed to situations requiring patience and poise. "Bai Min," she repeated softly. "Tell me, what do you believe makes a good servant?"
Bai Min answered without delay, her voice firm yet respectful. "A good servant, My Lady, understands her master's needs even without being told. She must be attentive, loyal, and always prepared to put her master's wellbeing above her own. And above all, she must be silent, for it is not her place to speak unnecessarily."
Yanli was struck by the certainty in Bai Min's voice. There was something refreshingly direct about her, and Yanli felt a quiet confidence bloom within her chest. "And if there was ever a time when you needed to keep a secret to protect your master, would you do it, even at risk to yourself?"
"Without hesitation, My Lady," Bai Min replied, her gaze never faltering. "A servant's life is tied to her master's—her safety, her reputation, and her honor. It would be a betrayal to reveal anything entrusted to her care."
Yanli paused, studying Bai Min's face intently, as if looking for any signs of falsehood. Yet Bai Min remained steady under her gaze, her expression unreadable but sincere. Finally, Yanli allowed herself a small smile.
"I see. Bai Min, do you believe you can anticipate my needs as well as understand the importance of loyalty and discretion?" Yanli leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowed in focus.
"Yes, My Lady," Bai Min replied without a hint of hesitation. "I will make it my priority to understand not only your instructions, but also the intentions behind them. I will serve you as if your concerns were my own."
Yanli's smile grew, a genuine warmth flickering in her eyes. "Very well. Bai Min, I have chosen you. From today onward, you are my personal maid. I will expect diligence and loyalty from you—and in return, I will make sure your efforts are recognized."
Bai Min bowed deeply, her voice calm and steady. "Thank you, My Lady. I will serve you faithfully and to the best of my abilities."
Old Jin, who had been observing the selection, gave an approving nod. He understood Lady Yanli's discerning nature well and knew that only a maid of Bai Min's demeanor could truly fulfill her needs.
As the other maids filed out, Yanli turned to Bai Min, feeling a sense of satisfaction that surprised even her. She had expected this process to be tiring, yet something about Bai Min's calm and capable demeanor had given her peace of mind.
Yanli smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Bai Min's presence felt reassuring, and Yanli believed she would be a valuable addition to her household. The quiet strength in Bai Min's demeanor hinted at resilience, something Yanli knew would be necessary in the days ahead.
"Bai Min," she began, motioning for her to sit across from her at the small table, "I want you to feel comfortable in your new position. I expect you to voice any thoughts or suggestions you may have as you learn about my routines."
"Thank you, My Lady," Bai Min replied as she took a seat, her posture relaxed yet respectful. "I will do my utmost to adapt to your needs and preferences."
Yanli nodded, pleased by Bai Min's willingness to engage. "Let us start with what you know about me. I want to ensure that you have some understanding of my daily routines."
Bai Min's brow furrowed slightly as she considered her response. "I am aware that you enjoy reading in the mornings, often seeking solitude in the garden for inspiration. You also take a keen interest in herbal remedies, which speaks to your desire to help others."
"Very perceptive," Yanli said, her heart warming at Bai Min's observations. "My garden is a source of comfort to me. It allows me to connect with nature and find peace away from the demands of palace life."
"I can see how that would be important, My Lady," Bai Min replied. "Shall I assist you in caring for the garden? I have some experience with herbs and flowers, and I would be happy to help."
"That would be lovely," Yanli responded, enthusiasm lighting up her features. "In fact, I'd like to expand my garden to include more medicinal herbs. Perhaps we can work together on that."
Bai Min smiled, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "I would be honored to assist you with that project. It would be a privilege to help create a place that brings you joy."
Yanli leaned back, feeling a warmth spread through her. For the first time since Xiolan had left, she felt a flicker of hope that perhaps Bai Min could help fill the void left by her former maid. "Let's start tomorrow, then. I'll gather some seeds and we can plan together."
"Very well, My Lady," Bai Min agreed, her voice steady. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss today?"
Yanli thought for a moment, then decided it was time to address something that had been on her mind since Xiolan's departure. "I'd like to ask about your previous experiences. What brought you here to serve in the palace?"
Bai Min hesitated for a fraction of a second, a shadow passing over her face. "I was previously in service to another noble family. However, after they fell out of favor, I found myself seeking new opportunities. I hoped to find a master whose values aligned more closely with my own."
Yanli sensed the weight behind Bai Min's words, but she didn't press. "I understand. The court can be a difficult place to navigate."
"Indeed, it can," Bai Min replied, her expression firm. "But I believe in loyalty and integrity. I have no desire to play games or engage in palace politics."
"Good," Yanli said, a smile returning to her lips. "That's exactly the kind of attitude I appreciate. I hope you will find your time here to be rewarding."
As they continued to talk, Yanli felt a growing sense of camaraderie with Bai Min. She could tell that Bai Min possessed a sharp mind and a quiet strength that would complement her own spirited nature. The more they spoke, the more Yanli sensed that Bai Min would be an invaluable ally in the days to come.