You thought this turbulence would be over after the Emperor rejected the 6th Prince, but that was not the case. As you are picking some lotus flowers and leaves to make dessert today, you overhear two young maids talking about you.
Maid A: Hey, do you think we should try to get on Xiu Ying's good side?
Maid B: I heard that the 6th Prince wanted to marry her, and His Majesty rejected him furiously. It just seems odd that he rejected the prince despite how much she means to His Majesty.
Maid A: So it's probably true that she's going to be taken into the back palace then.
Maid B: I never thought she'd become a royal concubine so quickly. It's nice to be pretty. When will I ever get so lucky.
You have goosebumps all over even though it's during a hot summer day. As the two maids continue talking abut you, you decide to talk to them about it.
Xiu Ying: [Angrily] What are you two even talking about?
The two maids are stunned by your sudden appearance.
Xiu Ying: You have no idea what's been going on, and now you're gossiping about it? Which palace are you with? I'm going to have a word with your master about discipline!
You put on a serious look. The two maids immediately apologize in fear.
Maid A: Sorry miss, please don't tell His Majesty. I won't do it again.
Maid B: Sorry, sorry, we won't be gossiping again. Please forgive us. Please don't tell His Majesty.
You get completely frustrated with the two girls. They are saying sorry but they still believe that the Emperor wants you.
Xiu Ying: I'm just a maid, back then and from now on! Remember that.
The two maids look at each other. Eventually they seem to accepted your explanation after much effort, still they look suspicious as they leave.
Xiu Ying: I want to stop these rumors, but as it involves the Emperor, the rumors are well hidden. I can't do much about it right now. Forget it.
It's mid-summer. The days are immensely hot, and the Emperor decides to stay in his summer palace in the hills. You follow along. You put on stern look the whole way. Anyone who wants to get close to you is scared away.
Eunuch: [Mumbling] Not even a concubine yet and she's already getting cocky.
Your attempt to fight off rumors by being cold turned into another rumor. You almost want to smash your table.
Shu Xian: Relax, relax. If you've really had it then just talk to the Empress Dowager or the Emperor. They'll set things right.
Xiu Ying: Telling on them is the last resort. But if they keep pushing me too far, then I'd be left with no choice. Plus, I suspect that it was the 6th Prince that spread the rumors. He lost face from being rejected. That's why he's taking revenge.
Shu Xian: That's even more reason for you to be less impulsive. Don't overdo yourself.
Village Lady Fuduan
The Emperor set up a banquet at Breeze Tower on the evening of his arrival at the summer palace. As the name suggests, Breeze Tower is nice and cool even during a hot summer. It makes people feel relaxed and comforted.
After a few rounds of wine, the Emperor sends away the musicians and puts down his glass. Everyone gets ready for his speech and quiets down.
Emperor: I have discussed with the Empree Dowager. Xiu Ying is intelligent, demure, observative, and even protected the throne. Her loyalty is exceptional. Both the Empress Dowager and I are fond of her. Thus we are conferring her as the Lady of Furui.
The Tower falls silent as the Emperor finishes. You come to you senses. You walk forward gracefully, kneel, and accept the title.
Xiu Ying: Xiu Ying hereby thank His Majesty and Her Highness.
Empress Dowager: [Kindly] Good girl. You deserve the title, I have long thought of you as my own granddaughter.
Emperor: [Laughs] Both I and the Empress Dowager wouldn't want to part with you. Just stay here, in the Phoenix Hall!
Most people at the Tower thought the Emperor wants to take you as a concubine, but turn out he had no such thought, and only thinks of you as his own daughter.
A maid becoming and aristocrat is already honorable to the extreme. The path ahead is immeasurable. All kinds of looks fall onto you. For you though, this act completely demolished the rumors that have been spreading lately.
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