Reborn into the palace, she seduces the emperor's heart, driving the chief minister to madness!

Chapter 235 Arranging Palace Attendants

The next day was the day to return to the palace. The snow on the mountain had melted, and the branches were bare, giving off a desolate feeling.

Chu Qingyin was wearing the same clothes she had come in, and her bright red cloak embroidered with magnolia blossoms stood out in the crowd.

Because of Qiao Qingling's forced return to the palace, the concubines who came with her became wary and unwilling to have any further involvement with Chu Qingyin.

Chu Qingyin seemed oblivious to this, standing calmly under the eaves, waiting to depart.

"Your Highness, it's cold outside. Please wait in the carriage."

Xianglan tightened her clothes, her face showing worry: "Eunuch Chen just sent someone to say that His Majesty still has matters to attend to and will probably not be able to set off for a while."

The weather has suddenly turned cold these past few days, and my lady has caught a chill and has been coughing for two days now.

"It's alright."

Chu Qingyin pursed her lips and stood expressionless at the head of the table.

Consort Qin greeted her from a distance but did not approach. The other concubines surrounded her, making Chu Qingyin's side appear somewhat desolate.

Chu Qingyin didn't care, and pondered to herself when she could use the human skin mask and the sleeping potion.

When Pei Yuanling arrived with a group of ministers, everyone boarded the carriage.

The imperial carriage returned, and it took most of the day to finally arrive at the palace.

Having eaten vegetarian meals at Baohua Temple for several days, Chu Qingyin had the small kitchen prepare a lot of meat dishes now that she had finally returned to the palace.

Because there were still matters to be dealt with in the previous dynasty, Pei Yuanling did not dine with her, so she ate alone that night.

"I've been eating vegetarian food at Baohua Temple for the past few days, and my mouth is so full of tasteless food."

Chu Qingyin picked up a piece of Eight Treasure Duck with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth, finally feeling as if she had come back to life.

After dinner, Xianglan suddenly knelt down in front of her and solemnly kowtowed.

Chu Qingyin frowned slightly. "What are you doing? Get up quickly."

"Your Majesty, I was not able to express my gratitude to you directly while we were at the temple. I can only do so after we return to the palace."

She knelt on the ground and performed a deep bow. "My eldest daughter was originally an innocent and simple person. Since the passing of the madam, the master has handed over the management of the mansion to Aunt Jiang. My daughter has suffered all kinds of grievances in the mansion, and no one has ever been willing to stand up for her."

She choked out, "This servant thought Your Highness had just mentioned it casually, but I never expected Your Highness to take it to heart. I have no way to repay you but to serve Your Highness like a cow or a horse for the rest of my life."

After Xianglan returned to the palace, she immediately inquired about Qiao Qingling's current situation.

Upon learning that she had been sent back to the palace, Qiao Qingling was thrown into the Cold Palace. In the harsh winter, with little food and clothing, she feared her days were numbered.

The girl's revenge was finally achieved, and she knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

Why say all this?

Chu Qingyin said slowly, "Since I have taken your young lady's body, her hatred is naturally my hatred. Even if you don't say anything, I will not let Qiao Qingling get away with it."

Upon hearing this, Xianglan kowtowed again, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Winter days always pass quickly.

Before long, it was New Year's Eve. The palace was bustling with activity, with lanterns and decorations everywhere. Palace maids and eunuchs hurried about, carrying all kinds of festive items.

Looking at the lively scene, Chu Qingyin recalled the warm and cozy New Year celebrations at home in her previous life, and felt a little empty inside.

Xianglan carefully helped her choose the outfit to wear for the New Year's Eve banquet, saying, "Your Majesty, this year's New Year's Eve banquet is different from usual. His Majesty has invited all the ministers of the court to attend the banquet. You must outshine everyone at that time."

Chu Qingyin's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile: "There's no need to outshine everyone, just don't be impolite and make a fool of yourself."

Suddenly, an announcement came from outside the hall. It was a garment made by the Bureau of Clothing and Costumes being delivered, and the person leading the delivery was none other than Qinglan.

Qinglan, dressed in the formal attire of a palace lady, walked gracefully ahead.

Chu Qingyin looked surprised, never expecting Lu Zhiheng's hand to reach so far.

"May Your Highness, Consort Liang, be well."

Qinglan gracefully bowed and said respectfully, "The clothes for this year's New Year's Eve banquet have been prepared. Please take a look."

"Good work."

Chu Qingyin nodded slightly and dismissed the rest of the people, leaving only three people in the hall.

Once only the three of them remained in the hall, Qinglan knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, the Master said that the New Year's Eve banquet is a good opportunity. If you wish to leave, he will assist you in leaving when there is unrest in the palace."

Chu Qingyin's expression was solemn as she tucked away the guard's uniform hidden beneath her fine clothes, her heart filled with complex emotions: "So soon? Can I have some time to think about it?"

She hadn't expected Lu Zhiheng to act so quickly. There were only half a month left until Lunar New Year's Eve, and she didn't have time to arrange many things.

She hadn't yet made arrangements for the whereabouts of her maids in the palace, especially Xianglan. What would she do if she left?

Qinglan replied, "Then Your Highness, please consider this carefully. His Majesty said that whatever decision you make, he will fully support you."

After saying this, Qinglan took her leave, leaving behind only those few sets of clothes.

Xianglan approached with a worried expression: "Your Majesty, are you really going to leave the palace? Although the palace is full of dangers, the outside world is no less dangerous."

Chu Qingyin gently stroked the guard's uniform and said with a bitter smile, "Xianglan, do you think I don't want to live a peaceful life? Staying in the palace is just repeating the fate of my previous life. I really don't want to repeat the same mistakes again."

Seeing that she couldn't persuade her otherwise, Xianglan stopped talking.

Since the Empress insisted on leaving, she naturally respected the Empress's wishes.

***

In the days that followed, Chu Qingyin outwardly continued her leisurely life in the palace as usual, but in private she maintained contact with Lu Zhiheng.

The sun was shining brightly that afternoon.

Chu Qingyin sat lazily on the couch, pondering how to settle Xianglan and the others.

She called Yu Yan and the others over. When they saw her suddenly summon them but then remain silent, they looked at each other in confusion, wondering what was going on.

After a long while, Chu Qingyin lazily raised her eyes and looked at the palace servants in the hall. "You have been by my side for more than half a year now. Are you getting used to it?"

Upon seeing this, Kang Luhai spoke first: "It is our blessing to serve Your Highness. Although there are many rules in the palace, we have adapted very well."

The other palace maids nodded in agreement, all somewhat bewildered.

Chu Qingyin's lips curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile: "I am well aware of your loyalty these past few days. Now that the year is drawing to a close, it is thanks to the hard work of you all that we have achieved this."

As she spoke, she clapped her hands lightly.

Soon, Xianglan brought out a large silver tray from the palace, on which were placed many exquisite jewelry pieces and several neat rows of silver coins.

Looking at the surprised crowd, Chu Qingyin slowly said, "These are my gifts to you, a small token of my appreciation."

"Your Majesty, this is far too precious."

Kang Luhai was astonished. Such a set of jewelry was enough to cover the expenses of an ordinary family for a lifetime, and they simply could not afford it.

She had divided these things into five portions, and everyone received one, except Kang Luhai received a larger portion.

Hearing him say that, Chu Qingyin just shook her head and said softly, "This is what you deserve. Take it all. It will be something to rely on when you leave the palace in the future."

Upon hearing the words "leave the palace," everyone froze, then looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion.

Why does it sound like the Empress is giving her final instructions?

Yu Yan couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, you said... leave the palace? Why do we need to leave the palace?"

As she spoke, her eyes reddened slightly, "Did we servants do something wrong to displease Her Majesty and want to send us away?"

"Silly girl, what are you thinking about?"

Chu Qingyin chuckled and said, "When palace maids reach the age of twenty-five, they are to be released from the palace to get married. You are all not young anymore, so naturally you need to save up some money."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

Only Xianglan felt heavy-hearted; she knew that her mistress was truly leaving.

Just then, Pei Yuanling walked in from outside. "What wedding?"