LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 67: More Enemies

You end your life as a maid after the banquet. A lakeside mansion is now your new residence. As an aristocrat, you should even have your own maids. Shu Xian knows that Shi Lian is like a sister to you, so she sends Shi Lian to be with you.

Shi Lian: Miss... wait no, Lady... The scenery here is fantastic. It's all thanks to you, my lady.

Xiu Ying: What are you saying girl. It's for both of us. It'll get even better from here on.

You open your window and fins trumpet vine flowers sneaking into your room. Rolling hills and gleaming lake; the breeze carries faint smell of flowers. Everything feels surreal.

Shi Lian: Lady, Concubine Zhuang's people are here.

Shi Lian takes you back to reality. You get ready for fight or fight as you watch the two maids come in. One of them is Xiao Zhen, who is full of smiles. The other behind her is a maid with a round face, who looks nervous and scared.

Xiao Zhen: Concubine Zhuang congratulates you on becoming a lady. She knows you could use a few more hands so she dispatched a capable maid to serve you.

Concubine Zhuang is not that kind. You don't dare taking anyone from her.

Xiu Ying: Give me thanks to her, but I have enough servants, so I must decline.

Xiao Zhen looks at Shi Lian who's behind you, and smirks.

Xiao Zhen: You did accept someone from Shu Xian. Could it be that the maid from Concubine Zhuang isn't qualified?

Xiu Ying: [Smile] Shi Lian is the personal maid of Shu Xian. If Concubine Zhuang dispatches her personal maid, then I would gladly accept.

Xiao Zhen is the personal maid of Concubine Zhuang. As she's been with Concubine Zhuang for so many years, it wouldn't be possible for her to work for you. Xiao Zhen's smile freezes, and gets awkward.

Xiao Zhen: You are full of jokes, my lady. Concubine Zhuang has carefully selected someone to serve you...

You cut her off with a smile, but your eyes show no mercy.

Xiu Ying: Do I look like I'm joking? I am one of the maids. I know what it means to have quality over quantity. I don't need that many servants, but having someone smart and capable such as yourself wouldn't be too many.

Xiao Zhen: [Awkwardly] Thank you lady. I will go back and report that you don't need more servants.

Xiu Ying: Thanks for coming. If Concubine Zhuang gives you a hard time, just come to me.

Your words are filled with praises to Xiao Zhen. It would be very difficult for her to pick on you again. However, she doesn't look too good when she leaves. Probably, she's going to be scolded.

Shi Lian: Concubine Zhuang wants to plant someone near you as soon as you become a lady. Such disrespect!

Xiu Ying: Let it go. It's probably not just her who wants to do this, but she just happened to be the fastest.

Speaking of the devil, other ladies send their gifts as soon as Concubine Zhuang's people left. All the concubines prepared many gifts during this trip, and each of them send you their presents.

Shi Lian: Should you accept these gifts, my lady?

Xiu Ying: We have to survey the situation and make the right calls. Accept everything that's not too expensive and send a return gift.

You have to stay in the palace from here on, and it wouldn't be wise to make enemies. Necessary courtesy is a must.

Shi Lian: [Holds us the box] Consort Rong sends you a coral bracelet. The color and quality are exceptional, so it's probably really expensive.

Xiu Ying: [Eyes glittering] Consort Rong is the mother of the 6th Prince. He lost face big time, so Consort Rong might not be too kind to me. Whether I accept the bracelet or not, she's probably got something up her sleeve.

Shi Lian: What should we do then?

I'm just a young maid who got lucky and became a lady. I'm pretty ignorant about a lot of things, so asking the Emperor for help isn't a bad idea.

You bring the bracelet to the Emperor with a scared look. You tell him that the Consort's bracelet is too expensive and you can't accept it. The Emperor thinks you are mannerly and tells you to accept it. He also points out that Consort Rong is trying to give you a hard time, putting her on the spot. You don't want to make enemies in the palace, but you won't be kind to anyone who looks for a fight. Hopefully Consort Rong and the others will know to stop.