Ning Wanyin stepped out of Mingzhao Hall and immediately sent someone to deliver the joyful news to the old matriarch, who had just returned from her prayers.
By the time she returned to Xihe Courtyard, dusk had already settled.
Pongqin was the first to report, "Miss, Physician Ge has thoroughly examined everything. The round fan and the jewelry are clean—no traces of poison."
Pongqi followed closely, adding, "I inquired carefully—Miss Tang behaved as usual yesterday, with nothing out of the ordinary. However, this morning, she woke from a nightmare, laughing and crying, which startled the maids attending her."
"Ever since waking from that nightmare, she seems like a different person altogether. Just now, after returning to her courtyard, she even sent a box of exceptionally rare tea leaves to the Madam."
Ning Wanyin listened in silence, her delicate features revealing no hint of emotion. "Have the tea leaves been inspected?"
"As per your prior instructions, everything sent to Madam's courtyard must first be examined by Physician Ge. The tea leaves were tested and found to be safe," Pongqi replied.
Ning Wanyin remained contemplative, saying nothing.
Pongqin hesitated before voicing her thoughts, "Miss, could it be that Miss Tang's sudden change in temperament is due to some sort of possession?"
"I've never heard of anyone becoming more rational after being possessed," Ning Wanyin's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. A flicker of wariness flashed through her eyes. "Keep a close watch on her. Exercise caution."
"Yes, Miss."
Lianrui was the last to return with her report. She bowed and said, "Miss, among those selected this time, there are candidates from the Duke of Su's household—"
…
The First of March. Clear skies.
Ning Wanyin bid farewell to her grandmother and mother before entering the imperial palace alongside Tang Miaoling.
Because His Majesty's harem had been sparse before his ascension, and this was the first grand selection since, most of the six eastern and western palaces remained without mistresses—Yonghe Palace among them.
The eunuch leading the way escorted them to the gates of Yonghe Palace, where a group of palace attendants was already waiting.
They had been assigned to the same residence, lodging in the left and right side halls.
"Greetings, My Lady!" Six palace servants bowed to Tang Miaoling.
Four others then turned to Ning Wanyin and saluted, "Greetings, Honored Lady."
Within the palace, hierarchy dictated everything, and status determined one's treatment.
"My dear cousin, what a delightful coincidence! We are to live together," Tang Miaoling feigned surprise, though deep down, she felt anything but pleased.
With memories of her past life intact, she had long known they would be assigned to the same palace.
She had fervently wished to stay as far away from Ning Wanyin as possible!
Trembling internally, yet forced to maintain an air of joy.
Oh, what bitter suffering this was!
Ning Wanyin instantly saw through her pretense but maintained her decorum, offering a polite curtsy.
"Elder Sister Tang, I shall retire to my chambers first."
For those of lower rank, etiquette dictated that they must formally excuse themselves in the presence of higher-status consorts. She had studied palace protocols in secret for three years and would not neglect them, regardless of the other's attitude.
"Yes, you must be weary from the journey. Go and rest," Tang Miaoling quickly nodded, wasting no time in retreating to her own quarters in the left wing.
The longer she stayed in Ning Wanyin's presence, the harder it was to keep her legs from trembling.
…
Yonghe Palace, Right Wing—Lingxue Pavilion.
Honored Ladies were permitted only one personal maid upon entering the palace. Ning Wanyin had brought Lianrui, who had attended her since childhood.
The palace had also assigned her four attendants—two palace maids and two eunuchs—who had earlier greeted her at the gates.
"Your servant, Danli/Lüju, greets My Lady. Wishing you peace and prosperity!"
"Your humble servant, Xiaoguizi/Xiaoyuanzi, pays respects to My Lady. May you be blessed with health and fortune!"
Ning Wanyin regarded them with a calm gaze and spoke in an even tone. "Since fate has brought you to my service, know that I reward diligence and loyalty generously. But should you betray me, there will be no mercy."
"We understand, My Lady!" The four attendants promptly knelt and bowed.
Ning Wanyin was well aware that every consort likely spoke similar words upon receiving new servants—words that carried little real weight. She had no intention of trusting them, yet the formalities had to be observed.
"Lianrui, bestow their reward."
Lianrui stepped forward, distributing silver ingots she had prepared in advance. The Marquis's estate had allocated a thousand taels of silver for her, specifically to secure favor and influence within the palace.
The four attendants gratefully accepted the hefty silver, their delight evident.
A generous master was always preferable.
Ning Wanyin continued, "Now that I have entered the palace, I must be prepared to serve His Majesty. You must all be equally prepared to receive the Emperor's presence."
The four servants were momentarily taken aback. They had never met a mistress so forthright. But Danli quickly regained composure and chimed in, "My Lady speaks wisely!"
Ning Wanyin nodded. "There is no time to waste. From this moment, Lingxue Pavilion must be meticulously cleaned. His Majesty is of the utmost nobility—every inch of this place must be immaculate."
None dared voice objections, for preparing one's quarters to welcome the Emperor was a matter of course.
However…
They soon realized that this newly arrived mistress was far more thorough than they had anticipated.
Not only was Ning Wanyin's sleeping quarters scrubbed spotless, but even the servants' rooms were completely emptied and reorganized.
As for the courtyard flowerbeds—
Under the pretense of clearing weeds, the entire garden was upturned, every inch of soil overturned and each flower replanted anew.
By the time night fell, the attendants were utterly exhausted. Were it not for the generous rewards, they might have sought a transfer elsewhere.
"Miss, every corner of Lingxue Pavilion has been inspected. The flowerbeds contain no poisonous plants or insects, nor any hidden contraband," Lianrui reported.
"There were no anomalies in the servants' quarters, and no unaccounted-for silver was discovered."
The four new attendants thought their mistress overly meticulous, but Lianrui understood her intentions well.
Her lady had once said—
One's dwelling must be intimately known. Every wall, every tile, every object, every blade of grass—nothing must be unfamiliar.
Only then could one truly find security.
"You have all worked hard," Ning Wanyin said, nodding approvingly. She mentally reviewed every detail of Lingxue Pavilion, and after a moment's pause, arched a delicate brow.
"There is no water reservoir here. Send for eight large water vats from the Household Affairs Bureau. Say that I have a fondness for lotuses and wish to grow them."
She then added with a faint smile, "But of course, palace gossip will doubt this claim. Someone will inevitably question my true intentions."
"Thus, let it be 'accidentally' revealed that I admire lotus seeds for their abundance, believing them to be an auspicious omen for bearing children."
In the imperial harem, anything done in the pursuit of favor and offspring was considered natural—beyond suspicion.
Lianrui suddenly realized her oversight and bowed in apology. "I was careless. If a fire were to break out in Lingxue Pavilion, fetching water from afar would be disastrous."
"You've done well already," Ning Wanyin reassured her with a gentle smile. No one could account for every detail at all times—not even herself.
One could only strive for the utmost caution.
With silver paving the way, Lianrui soon had the water vats delivered.
Once all was settled, she returned to report.
The "objects" within Lingxue Pavilion had been addressed. Now, the "people" remained.
…