Quick Transmigration: Underdog Turns out to be Untouchable

Chapter 887: Chapter 798: Unwilling to Be a Slave 18

In the palace, while there is a fixed number of clothes for palace maids and eunuchs, there are inevitably times of wear and shortage. Though mended clothes can barely be worn, wearing patched clothes in the palace is a serious offense. Therefore, when clothes are torn, the servants must purchase new ones from the Clothing Bureau with their own money.

The fabrics for palace maids’ clothes are also hierarchical. The fabric for the close First-class Palace Maids of masters is the best; followed by that for the Second-class and Third-class Palace Maids, and then servant maids. Bai Ruoyun is the Steward Aunt, so her clothes are supposed to be better than those of a First-class Palace Maid according to protocol.

Each year, Bai Ruoyun buys clothes of a Third-class Palace Maid for Qiushuang and Qiuyi, and this year was no exception. It was not because Bai Ruoyun was stingy, but because Violence Room slaves are at the lowest rank and are not allowed to wear new clothes at all.

Even the Third-class Palace Maids’ clothes must be made to look worn before they can be worn. As for clothes for First-class and Second-class Palace Maids, even old ones are never given to the criminal slaves in the Violence Room.

Shuangshuang was indifferent to what she wore. Although the fabric of Third-class Palace Maids’ clothes was coarse, it was at least light. Moreover, the weather was not too hot now, so it was just right to wear them.

After the spring chill, Xiao Chun’s leg had improved significantly. Even on overcast, rainy days, it was not too painful. That day, after Shuangshuang treated Xiao Chun’s leg, she returned to the female Violence Room, only to find Bai Ruoyun sitting with a grim expression watching her as she entered.

One glance from Shuangshuang, and she noticed a young and beautiful palace maid sitting on a chair beside Bai Ruoyun. The maid was dressed as a First-class Palace Maid, in a sky blue palace maid attire with fine dark blue flowers embroidered on the neckline and hem.

The two-tone attire appeared plain at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it was lavishly extravagant. Such garments do not stand out in front of the master yet satisfy one’s sense of beauty — a favored embroidery method among the Chief Palace Maids.

On her head, the palace maid wore a small ruby crown, fixed with a tasseled hairpin, an accessory that only First-class Palace Maids could wear. In short, the maid exuded an aura that outshone Bai Ruoyun, who was clearly managing a palace and should have been higher in rank than her.

Upon seeing this palace maid, Shuangshuang knew in her heart that her father’s matter was likely resolved. Indeed, when the maid saw Shuangshuang, she immediately stood up with a smile and said, ”You must be Shuangshuang. Truly, you’re remarkable. It’s no wonder our Empress couldn’t forget you after meeting you once.”

This maid’s enthusiasm made Bai Ruoyun’s expression even more unsightly. Seeing the bewilderment on Shuangshuang’s face, Bai Ruoyun coughed lightly and reluctantly said to Shuangshuang, ”This is Sister Lan Ying, the Chief Palace Maid beside the Noble Consort. Please come forward to pay your respects.”

Before Shuangshuang could pay her respects, Lan Ying hurriedly interjected, ”Oh, no need for so many formalities. There’s not much of an age difference between us, so I’ll take the liberty of calling myself your sister. Just call me Sister Lan Ying. I’m here because our Empress wants to meet you. Would you mind coming with me to see her?”

Shuangshuang looked at Bai Ruoyun. She was still under Bai Ruoyun’s command, and leaving the Violence Room required Bai Ruoyun’s permission. Moreover, Shuangshuang had no intention of severing ties with Bai Ruoyun; she had intended to maintain a good relationship with her all along.

Seeing Shuangshuang seeking her opinion, Bai Ruoyun’s irritation slightly eased. She couldn’t refuse the Noble Consort’s summons and could only nod, reminding Shuangshuang, ”Go and return quickly, and don’t linger too long with the Noble Consort.”

Shuangshuang agreed and then left with Lan Ying. Yingyue Palace was not close to the Violence Room. On the way, Lan Ying chatted casually with Shuangshuang, with no probing at all, but purely to close the distance, discussing topics that were easy and agreeable.

Given no unexpected circumstances, Lan Ying would be her colleague in the future. Lan Ying’s friendly overture was beneficial to Shuangshuang.

One sought to befriend, the other sought to make friends. Throughout the journey, their conversation flowed smoothly, confirming there would be no friction should they work together in the future.

Yingyue Palace had an independent peach grove, and when the peach blossoms bloomed, the scenery was breathtaking. This peach grove was a personal gift from the Emperor to the Noble Consort, as she loved peach blossoms. Due to the Emperor’s favor for the Noble Consort, he specifically ordered many cherished peach trees to be planted in the palace.

Because of the late Emperor’s extravagance, both the National Treasury and the Emperor’s private treasury were not affluent. That the Emperor would spend Silver Coins to transplant such a large peach grove for the Noble Consort demonstrated his devotion. If not for the Noble Consort’s low family status, she would be more than just a Noble Consort.

Unfortunately, it was already summer, and the peach blossoms had long since wilted, leaving only green branches, festooned with little fuzzy peaches. They were beautiful, but not as captivating as a tree full of blossoms.

As the Noble Consort had already given the instructions beforehand, Lan Ying did not let Shuangshuang wait outside but directly took her inside to meet the Noble Consort.

Today, the Noble Consort was still dressed in grand attire, wearing a set of palace robes in azure blue. The fitted bodice and cinched waist all highlighted her exquisite figure.

Her raven-black hair was coiled high, adorned with a full set of elegant cloud pins, adding to her noble air, complimenting her beautiful countenance, enchanting beyond compare.

Shuangshuang glanced slightly, then bowed her head in respect. She was well-versed in the Noble Consort’s every move. After all, in her previous life, the two of them had been rivals for quite some time, to the extent that one could be called a sworn enemy. No one understood the Noble Consort better than Shuangshuang.

Today’s elaborate dress and serious demeanor might have appeared unapproachable, but in truth, it revealed the Noble Consort’s inner tension. The source of her tension was naturally the fear that today she might not be able to tame Shuangshuang, who in her eyes, was full of pride and would rather enjoy freedom in the Violence Room than bow to serve anyone else.

This was advantageous to Shuangshuang, as it implied she was intrinsically superior in the Noble Consort’s eyes, deserving of respect. Unlike her other servants who could be ordered around at will, this impression was highly beneficial to Shuangshuang.

Shuangshuang was directly defined as having the status akin to that of a strategist, naturally distinguished from slaves. A strategist must first earn the master’s trust through intellect.

Therefore, Shuangshuang maintained her seemingly humble yet dignified posture, saluting and greeting the Noble Consort, ”Your servant, the criminal slave of the Violence Room, Shuangshuang, pays her respects to the Noble Consort. Wishing the Noble Consort ten thousand blessings and peace.”

The Noble Consort indeed felt a bit tense, mainly because Shuangshuang appeared incredibly capable in her eyes, so much so that she could be deemed highly intelligent and strategic.