From cute to empress

After leaving the garden, I couldn't calm down for a long time. The conversation between Eunuch Zhao and Imperial Physician Sun weighed on my heart like a huge rock, making it difficult for me to breathe. What were they hiding? Was I involved? A series of questions swirled in my mind, making me feel unprecedentedly uneasy.

In order to find out the truth, I decided to take the initiative to approach Doctor Sun.

The next day, I called for Imperial Physician Sun, claiming to be feeling unwell. He quickly arrived at my chambers, carefully feeling my pulse and asking how I was feeling. Feigning weakness, I whispered, "I've been feeling anxious and short of breath lately, and I've been having trouble sleeping. What can I do?"

Imperial Physician Sun pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty may have been overthinking lately, resulting in insufficient Qi and blood. I will prescribe some tranquilizing decoctions. If you take them regularly, you should feel better soon."

I nodded and said gratefully, "Then I'll have to trouble Doctor Sun."

While Doctor Sun was writing the prescription, I casually asked, "By the way, Doctor Sun, I seemed to see you and Eunuch Zhao together in the garden yesterday. What were you talking about?"

Imperial Physician Sun paused for a moment. He looked up at me, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, I just happened to run into Eunuch Zhao yesterday and chatted for a few minutes. It's nothing serious."

I sneered inwardly, this was clearly a perfunctory response. But I didn't expose him. I just smiled and said, "Really? I thought it was something important. Doctor Sun, you are a skilled doctor and have the emperor's trust. I hope you will take good care of me in the palace from now on."

Imperial Physician Sun quickly said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is what I should do."

After Doctor Sun left, I carefully recalled his expression and tone, and became even more certain that he must be hiding something from me. But I still didn't know why he did this.

Over the next few days, I often, intentionally or unintentionally, created opportunities to approach Doctor Sun and try to get information from him indirectly. Doctor Sun seemed to be aware of my thoughts, but he remained tight-lipped and never mentioned what happened in the garden that day.

Although I didn't get the answer I wanted, I found that Doctor Sun was indeed a man of great medical skills and a kind heart. Not only was he an excellent doctor, but he was also kind to others and took great care of the palace maids and eunuchs.

Once, I witnessed Doctor Sun treating a young palace maid for burns. His movements were gentle and his expression focused, as if he were treating a precious treasure. At that moment, I suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of trust in him.

Maybe I can choose to believe him.

I decided not to press Dr. Sun any further, but to get along with him sincerely. I began to actively ask him for medical advice, and he patiently explained it to me.

"Your Majesty, there are many acupuncture points on the human body, and each acupuncture point corresponds to different functions. For example, this Hegu point can relieve symptoms such as headaches and toothaches." Doctor Sun said as he pointed to the acupuncture points on my hand and explained patiently.

"So that's how it is! Doctor Sun, you are so amazing!" I listened with great interest and couldn't help but sigh.

Under the guidance of Dr. Sun, I gradually mastered some basic medical knowledge, which made me more comfortable in palace life.

I know I still have a long way to go, but I believe that with the help of kind people like Dr. Sun, I will be able to overcome any difficulties that come my way.

During this period, in addition to learning medical skills from Doctor Sun, I also gradually became familiar with other palace maids.

At first, I just wanted to get some news about the palace from them, after all, I was still unfamiliar with everything here. But as I got to know them, I found that although these girls were of humble status, they were all kind and lovely, and I quickly became friends with them.

"Mengmeng, why do you always like to wear such plain colors? Your skin is so fair, you should look better in something bright!" The speaker was the lively Chuntao, who always enthusiastically pulled me to share various interesting stories about the palace with everyone.

"Yes, look at this goose yellow skirt, it suits your temperament so well!" The gentle and quiet Xia He also agreed. She is clever and dexterous, often helping everyone mend clothes, and she also taught me embroidery.

Looking at the bright and charming girl in the mirror, I couldn't help but sigh, realizing I could be so beautiful. Since entering this world, I've lived in insecurity and fear, almost forgetting how to dress myself, let alone how to enjoy life. It's these lovely girls who have helped me feel happy and warm again.

However, not everything is so rosy in the harem.

One day, Nanny Li suddenly announced that the Emperor was hosting a flower viewing banquet and had assigned us, the palace maids, to decorate the imperial gardens. This was an important task; if we did it well, we might even be recognized by the Emperor.

Everyone was very excited and immediately got busy. However, the task that Aunt Li gave us was not easy.

"The emperor is going to entertain envoys from neighboring countries at this flower viewing banquet, so it must be grand and splendid, and no mistakes can be made!" Nanny Li warned seriously.

"Yes, Ma'am." We answered in unison, but we couldn't help feeling a little nervous.

The task of decorating the imperial garden was arduous and complex. Not only did we have to arrange all kinds of exotic flowers and plants in a staggered and orderly manner, but we also had to hang lanterns and colorful silks to create a festive and lively atmosphere. How could we, the palace maids who were only responsible for sweeping and washing on weekdays, have ever done such a delicate work?

As the deadline was approaching, the layout of the Imperial Garden was still in a mess. We were as anxious as ants on a hot pan, but we didn't know what to do.

"What should we do? If this goes on, we will definitely be punished by the nanny!" Chuntao stamped her feet in anxiety.

"Don't worry, we'll think of a solution." I tried to stay calm, but looking at the chaotic scene in front of me, I was also unsure.

At this moment, Qiu Ju, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up: "I do have an idea, but I wonder if you are willing to try it."

"What idea? Tell me quickly!" We asked hurriedly as if we had grabbed a life-saving straw.

Qiuju looked at us, a cunning gleam in her eyes, then she leaned close to our ears and whispered her plan... Qiuju's plan was very simple, which was to make use of each of our strengths, divide the work and cooperate, and strive to complete the task in the shortest time possible.

"Chun Tao, you are the most clever and dexterous, so you will be responsible for weaving garlands and lanterns! Xia He, you are good at embroidery, so you will be responsible for sewing tablecloths and chair covers. As for me, I will be responsible for stealing... no, borrowing some fresh fruits and vegetables from the imperial kitchen to decorate the table." Qiu Ju finished speaking in one breath, sticking out her tongue mischievously.

"Will this...will this work?" I asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, Mengmeng, we can do it!" Chuntao and Xiahe said in unison, their eyes full of confidence.

Following Qiuju's plan, we began our intensive and orderly preparations. Chuntao wove colorful flowers into beautiful wreaths, Xiahe embroidered exquisite tablecloths and chair covers with colorful silk threads, and with Qiuju's help, I "borrowed" basket after basket of fresh fruits from the imperial kitchen.

We divided the work and helped each other, and the originally messy Imperial Garden gradually became orderly. Looking at this brand new scene before our eyes, we all felt extremely relieved and proud.

The flower viewing banquet was held as scheduled. The emperor praised the imperial garden we decorated and gave us a special reward.

"You have done a great job. I am very pleased." The emperor looked at us with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty!" We knelt down excitedly to express our gratitude, the joy in our hearts was beyond words.

However, just as we were immersed in the joy of success, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.

"Hmph, these are just some rough jobs, what's there to be happy about? You are really a bunch of country bumpkins who have never seen the world!" It was Cui'er who spoke. She looked at us with disdain, her eyes full of jealousy and resentment.

Ever since the last incident, Cui'er has been holding a grudge against us and has been against us at every turn. This time, seeing us praised by the Emperor, she was furious and wanted to humiliate us in public.

"Cui'er, you..." I was very angry and was about to refute her, but was stopped by Chuntao.

"Mengmeng, ignore her, let's go!" Chuntao pulled me and turned to leave.

"What? Are you mad because I said it right?" Cui'er became even more arrogant when she saw us leaving. "I'm telling you, don't think that just because you're close to Imperial Doctor Sun, you can fly to the top and become a phoenix! You're destined to be lowly palace maids for the rest of your lives!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?!" I couldn't bear it any longer. I turned around and glared at Cui'er. "Doctor Sun and I are just friends. Don't try to slander us!"

"Friends? Who would believe that?" Cui'er sneered. "Do you think I don't know that you approached Imperial Doctor Sun just to curry favor with him so that you could live a better life? I've seen many scheming women like you!"

"You...you are slandering me!" I was so angry that I was shaking all over, but I didn't know how to refute her.

"I'm slandering you? Then tell me, why did you want to get close to Doctor Sun? Why did you want to learn medicine? Isn't it for the purpose of making a big splash in the future?" Cui'er pressed on step by step, aggressively.

"I..." I was speechless and had no words to say for a moment.

"What? You can't say it?" Cui'er looked at me triumphantly, her eyes full of the joy of victory.

At this moment, Xia He, who had been silent all the time, suddenly spoke.

"Cui'er, that's enough!" Xia He's voice was soft but full of power. "We are just friends with Doctor Sun. We learn medicine only to be able to take better care of ourselves and others. It's not as complicated as you think!"

"That's right! We are not like you, your mind is full of intrigue. We just want to live a peaceful life!" Chuntao also stood up to support.

"You..." Cui'er didn't expect that Xia He and Chun Tao, who were usually weak, would stand up and refute her. She was a little flustered for a moment.

"Cui'er, I know you're jealous of us, but you can't slander us just because of that!" I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. "I admit that I did have my own motives for approaching Doctor Sun, but I can guarantee that my motives are definitely not as dirty as you think!"

"Then tell me, what is your purpose?" Cui'er sneered.

"My purpose..." I paused, then raised my head, looked at Cui'er, and said word by word, "I want to find out the truth and give me justice!"

Continue writing the above article and complete the development of events from the first-person perspective. Event: 6. Niu Mengmeng saw through Cui'er's conspiracy and revealed her true face together with other palace maids. Cui'er received the punishment she deserved. Qiuju's plan was simple to say, which was to make use of their respective advantages, divide the work and cooperate, and strive to complete the task in the shortest time.

"Chun Tao, you're good with words, so you'll be in charge of getting the materials for the decorations from the warehouse. Remember to ask for plenty so you don't have to run back and forth," Qiu Ju arranged the arrangements clearly. "Xia He, you're very clever and skillful, so you'll be in charge of sewing the lanterns and colorful silks. Meng Meng and I will be in charge of arranging the flowers and plants. How do you think?"

"Good idea!" We all nodded in agreement and immediately took action according to Qiuju's arrangements.

Although I had little knowledge of flowers and plants, with everyone's help, I gradually found my way. We worked together in perfect harmony, and the originally chaotic Imperial Garden gradually became orderly under our skillful hands.

Looking at this scene, my heart is filled with a sense of accomplishment. This is not only the result of our joint efforts, but also a testimony to our friendship.

However, just as we were immersed in joy, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Niu, the most favored lady in our palace? Why are you doing such rough work?" The speaker was Cui'er, and her sarcastic voice was full of sarcasm.

I frowned, didn't want to pay attention to her, and continued to fiddle with the flowers and plants in my hands.

"What? You don't want to talk? Do you think you are superior to others and don't want to talk to inferior people like us?" Seeing that I ignored her, Cui'er became even more excited. She walked up to me and bumped into me on purpose.

I staggered and almost fell, and the flowerpot in my hand fell to the ground and shattered into pieces.

"What are you doing?!" Seeing this, Chuntao and Xiahe hurried over to support me and glared at Cui'er.

"Hey, you still dare to glare at me? Don't you realize who you are?" Cui'er said arrogantly, "I'm the Empress's servant. If you offend me, you'll be in big trouble!"

"Cui'er, you've gone too far!" I couldn't bear it any longer. I stood up and glared at Cui'er. "Did we provoke you? Why are you targeting us like this?"

"I'm targeting you? Humph, I just don't like you, what's wrong?" Cui'er sneered, "Especially you, Niu Mengmeng, relying on your looks to dream of becoming a phoenix, without even considering whether you're worthy enough!"

Cui'er's words completely infuriated me. I took a deep breath, suppressed my anger, and said coldly, "Cui'er, I advise you to keep your mouth shut! I don't need you to judge me for who I am!"

"What's wrong? Are you angry because I hit the nail on the head?" Cui'er looked at me smugly. "I'm telling you, Niu Mengmeng, you'd better behave yourself. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make sure you can't stay in the palace!"

"Really? I want to see what you're capable of!" I met Cui'er's gaze without fear. "Whatever you want, just come at me!"

"Okay, that's what you said!" Cui'er snorted coldly, turned around and left the imperial garden.

Watching Cui'er walk away, I felt a surge of anger and anxiety. I knew Cui'er was narrow-minded and vindictive, and she wouldn't let this go. I had to find a way to deal with this, or else, not only me, but Chuntao and Xiahe would be implicated as well.

I told Chuntao and Xiahe about Cui'er's threat to me. They were very worried, but they couldn't think of any good solution.

"How about we go and report to Madam Li?" Chuntao suggested.

"No!" I shook my head. "Cui'er is the Queen's woman. We have no evidence. Nanny Li won't believe us."

"What should we do? Are we just going to let her bully us?" Xia He said anxiously.

"Of course not!" A glint of determination flashed in my eyes. "We can't just sit there and wait for death. We have to find a way to expose her true face!"

In the next few days, I kept thinking about how to deal with Cui Er. I knew that in order to defeat her, I had to find her weakness and seize her advantage.

I began to pay attention to Cui Er's every move, hoping to find some clues. My hard work paid off, and I finally discovered a secret...