From cute to empress

After all, Madam Li had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Seeing my sincere attitude in admitting my mistake, her expression softened slightly. She pulled out a thick scroll from the bedside cabinet. It was covered with tiny handwriting so densely that it dazzled me.

"This is the Palace Rules. From today on, you must copy it every day until you can recite it by heart." Nanny Li slapped the scroll in my hand, her tone leaving no room for questioning.

I took the scroll with a bitter face. This "Palace Rules" was thicker than a brick. My hands would break if I copied it all. But I didn't dare disobey Li Ma's order. I could only quietly return to my room and begin my copying work.

Life in the palace was dull and tedious. Besides copying the "Palace Rules," I also had to learn all sorts of tedious etiquette and regulations. Walking was to be done with delicate steps, eating was to be done slowly, and even sleeping posture was to be observed. I felt like a bird trapped in a cage, deprived of both my freedom and my happiness.

To prove I wasn't some useless, foolish girl, I toiled day and night studying the "Palace Rules" and practicing etiquette, practically forgetting to eat or sleep. In just a few days, my once fair skin had become much darker, and I'd lost a lot of weight.

Nanny Li saw it all, but though she said nothing, her attitude gradually softened. Occasionally, she would stop her needlework to point out the mistakes I made while practicing, carefully correcting my posture and movements.

"Your Majesty is a daughter of gold. Your every move must reflect the royal dignity. You must not be clumsy and lose your status." As Nanny Li said this, she gently lifted my chin with her hand to correct the angle of my salute.

I listened carefully, taking every word Li Mama said to heart. I knew that while she was strict, she was doing it for my own good. In this brutal palace, only by learning the rules could one survive.

However, I didn't know that even greater challenges were waiting for me. At a palace banquet, I nearly caused a disaster by misunderstanding Eunuch Zhao's instructions...

In the magnificent palace, elegant ladies were in finery, wine glasses were clinking, and the sound of stringed instruments was incessant. I, dressed in elaborate palace attire, followed Nanny Li closely, my palms sweating with nervousness. This was my first time attending a palace banquet, and everything around me was both novel and apprehensive.

"Your Majesty, remember to keep your eyes straight and be careful with what you say and do." Nanny Li whispered to me, and I nodded like a chick pecking at rice, afraid of making a wrong move.

Halfway through the banquet, I felt thirsty, so I quietly asked Madam Li, "Madam, can I have a drink of water?"

Nanny Li shook her head and pointed to a eunuch in a green robe holding a whisk not far away. "That's Eunuch Zhao, in charge of the imperial service. Go and talk to him."

I took a deep breath, mustered my courage, and walked up to Eunuch Zhao. Following the palace etiquette, I bowed, "Good luck to Eunuch Zhao. I'm a little thirsty, and I want to..."

Before I could finish my words, Eunuch Zhao waved his hand impatiently and said in a shrill voice, "Go away, go and wait. Can't you see that our family is busy?"

I was stunned for a moment, standing there at a loss. Seeing that I didn't move, Eunuch Zhao became even more impatient: "What? You want me to pour you some water myself? Go now!"

I bit my lip in frustration, wondering why Eunuch Zhao was so aggressive. I just wanted a drink of water and didn't provoke him. But I didn't dare to contradict him, so I had to quietly step aside.

At that moment, a young man in elegant attire approached. He had a handsome face, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes, and exuded an air of nobility. I recognized him; he was the current emperor's third brother, the current Prince Yu.

Prince Yu walked up to Eunuch Zhao and said with a smile, "Eunuch Zhao, my father asked me to ask when the song and dance performance will begin."

Eunuch Zhao quickly bowed and replied, "Your Highness, the song and dance performance will begin soon. Please wait a moment."

Prince Yu nodded, his eyes casually glancing at me, a playful smile playing on his lips. I was startled and quickly lowered my head, afraid he might notice something.

"Who is this?" Prince Yu suddenly asked with a hint of teasing in his tone.

Eunuch Zhao was stunned for a moment, then he reacted and pointed at me and said, "Your Highness Prince Yu, this is..."

"I'm a new palace maid, responsible for..." I rushed to answer, but before I could finish my words, I was interrupted by Prince Yu.

"What are you responsible for? Pouring the night incense?" Prince Yu laughed heartily and pointed at me, saying, "Look at her silly face. She doesn't look like a palace maid at all. She's clearly a..."

Prince Yu's words were like sharp blades, piercing my heart. I was filled with shame and anger, and I wished I could find a hole to crawl into.

Prince Yu's words were like a resounding slap in the face, burning me. The snickers from the people around me pricked my pride like needles. I bit my lip, tears of shame welling up in my eyes, but I didn't dare let them fall.

I fled the banquet, stumbling all the way back to my room. Nanny Li caught up with me, looked at my miserable state, and sighed distressedly, "Madam, are you alright?"

I shook my head, choking with sobs and unable to speak. Nanny Li helped me sit down, handed me a cup of hot tea, and said earnestly, "Your Highness, the palace is different from the outside world. You must be careful and cautious in every move, otherwise you will give people a chance to talk and bring disaster upon yourself."

I understood Madam Li's earnest intentions, and I also realized that my previous behavior was naive and reckless. I secretly made up my mind to study palace etiquette and rules more diligently, not make the same mistakes again, and not cause those who care about me to worry about me.

In the days that followed, I immersed myself in my studies. With Matron Li, I learned court etiquette, rules, and regulations, practiced calligraphy, painting, needlework, and even the subtleties of flower arranging, incense burning, and tea tasting. Like a dry sponge, I greedily absorbed the deluge of knowledge, hoping to quickly address my shortcomings.

One afternoon, I was practicing calligraphy when I heard a knock on the door. I put down my brush and said, "Come in!" The door creaked open, and the person who walked in was Eunuch Zhao.

I was a little surprised and quickly stood up and saluted: "Good luck to Eunuch Zhao."

Eunuch Zhao smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty, there is no need to be so polite. I came here today to apologize to you for what happened before."

I was stunned for a moment, looking at him in confusion. Eunuch Zhao sighed and explained, "That day, I was blind and didn't recognize the true emperor. I offended Your Majesty. I beg Your Majesty to forgive me this time."

Only then did I realize that Eunuch Zhao had come to apologize to me. I quickly said, "Eunuch Zhao, you're too kind. It was me who didn't know the rules that day and offended you."

Eunuch Zhao waved his hand and said, "Your Highness, don't blame yourself. I've spent most of my life in the palace and have seen all kinds of people. Your Highness is kind-hearted and talented. Given time, you will become a great person."

I was flattered by Eunuch Zhao's words, and they also made me see the kindness and sincerity hidden under his cold exterior. From then on, Eunuch Zhao often came to my room to teach me some ways to survive in the palace, telling me which people to get close to and which ones to keep at a distance, and how to protect myself in the harem full of intrigues.

I was grateful for Eunuch Zhao's help, and I gradually mastered some palace survival skills, but the pressure inside me was growing. I was like a little white rabbit that had strayed into the jungle, constantly worried about being devoured by lurking beasts. I longed for freedom, longed to return to that carefree world, but I knew that this path was irreversible. Eunuch Zhao's words, while pertinent, weighed heavily on my heart like a huge rock. He was right. I was like a little white rabbit that had strayed into the jungle. In the perilous harem, my naivete would only make me a prey on the chopping block.

I began to imitate the other concubines' behavior and words, learning to hide my true thoughts and put on a false smile. I tried to be cautious and careful, and I was a little wary of everyone. Even the usually kind-hearted Madam Li, I began to distance myself intentionally or unintentionally.

Nanny Li noticed the change in me and hesitated several times before finally sighing. I knew what she was worried about, but I couldn't control my fear. I was like a frightened bird, the slightest movement sending me into a panic.

One day, I was walking in the garden, trying to relieve some tension. Suddenly, I saw a familiar figure standing not far ahead. It was Eunuch Zhao. He seemed to be talking to someone, his expression serious.

I wanted to turn around and avoid them, but curiosity drove me so I walked over quietly, hid behind a big tree, and eavesdropped on their conversation.

"Doctor Sun, I'll leave this matter to you. Once it's done, we will definitely reward you handsomely!" Eunuch Zhao said in a low voice.

"You are too kind, eunuch. This is all within my duty." An old voice replied, "It's just... the queen..."

"Don't worry about the Empress. I'll take care of everything." Eunuch Zhao interrupted him, "Just follow the plan."

Their conversation left me completely bewildered. What was it they wanted to ask Dr. Sun for? What was their plan? Why didn't I know anything about it?

I was about to show up and ask, but I accidentally stepped on a dead branch. There was a crisp "crack" sound, which startled Eunuch Zhao who was not far away.

He turned his head suddenly and saw me hiding behind the tree, his face turned pale. I was shocked and thought to myself, "Oh no, has my eavesdropping been discovered?"

"Your Highness..." Eunuch Zhao walked quickly to me, a flash of panic in his eyes, "Why are you here?"

I gathered myself and said calmly, "I...I was just out for a walk and happened to pass by here."

Eunuch Zhao obviously didn't believe me, but he didn't expose my words. He just gave me a meaningful look and said, "If that's the case, then your Highness should go back and rest early. It's getting late."

I nodded, turned around, and quickly left the garden. My mind was in a mess. The conversation between Eunuch Zhao and Doctor Sun kept echoing in my ears. I had a premonition that something was about to happen...