"Chunqi, are you dissatisfied?"
There was not a trace of emotion in Qiu Ming’s words, but Xiao Luzi, who had spent quite some time with him, saw his expression and knew that he was a bit angry.
Chunqi suddenly lifted her head, earnestly answering Qiu Ming while looking directly at him.
"Mr. Qiu is the Chief Eunuch of Xianyi Palace. Even if the young mistress says nothing, how dare a servant like me be dissatisfied?"
These words sounded rather sarcastic. Qiu Ming had served at the imperial court for so long and had seen all kinds of situations.
He clasped his right wrist with his left hand, letting it naturally hang before him, and then spoke sternly to Chunqi.
"You were brought here by the young mistress herself, theoretically meaning you should understand some matters better than others. But your temper strikes me as more befitting a master than a servant. Your young mistress used to indulge you, seeing you as lively and cute. But you must know, the palace has no shortage of lively and cute masters, yet lively and cute servants are rare. Do you know why?"
His words made Chunqi grit her teeth, but she could not retort.
"Because lively and cute servants do not meet good ends. They either get beaten to death after being provoked or are banished from the palace. I assume neither path is one you’d be happy to take."
Chunqi was now extremely upset. She had grown up with Lin Wanyi, alongside the main household, whose members were amiable and rarely bound the servants by strict rules.
So, within the East Cross Courtyard, the maids and young attendants could mostly retain their natural dispositions, rarely forced to mature under pressure.
Since coming to the palace, she had been cautious everywhere. But seeing how quickly Lin Wanyi gained favor, Chunqi’s disposition became livelier too.
She felt they had worked together to bring down a noble and were now riding on a wave of success.
Therefore, having a few more privileges seemed no big deal.
But for Qiu Ming, these were merely grains of sand he could not tolerate.
Seeing Chunqi, her eyes filled with tears and grievance beyond measure after his rebuke, he changed from his stern demeanor to a gentle one.
"Your taking that lash for the young mistress shows your loyalty, which speaks to the heavens and earth. The young mistress often mentions your many virtues to us. But Chunqi, let me ask you this: when the day comes that the young mistress falls into a predicament because of your frivolous temperament, will your remorse and regret be of any use?"
Chunqi was rendered speechless by his question.
"Here in the palace, we servants are said to be as insignificant as a blade of grass, yet at the same time, we are crucial. Our every word and action, in the eyes of outsiders, represents the attitude of Xianyi Palace and the young mistress. If we are not overly cautious, you might bring disaster upon the young mistress before you even realize it!"
"Are you truly waiting until a calamity strikes before you break into tears? I ask you, will it be of any use?"
Chunqi instantly burst into tears, feeling both alarmed and fearful.
She always thought these were just minor matters, forgetting that in the palace there are no small matters. Even the slightest misstep could be seized by someone else and turned into a sharp weapon to stab at one’s heart.
Her young mistress often advised her in the past, but she would remember for three days and forget after two.
After Qiu Ming’s stern lecture and face-to-face reproach, her mind unexpectedly cleared a lot.
With reddened eyes, she immediately performed a half bow toward Qiu Ming.
"Mr. Qiu’s words today, Chunqi will remember. Good medicine tastes bitter, and loyal advice grates on the ear, but I am not someone who cannot distinguish loyalty from deceit, so I understand that Mr. Qiu speaks for the good of the young mistress and us servants. From now on, concerning all matters in Xianyi Palace, this servant will heed Mr. Qiu’s instructions and never repeat today’s mistake!"
Qiu Ming smiled and personally assisted Chunqi in standing up.
He showed rare tenderness and spoke to the three present.
"The four of us serve close to the young mistress, representing her face when we leave her side, so we must not make any mistakes, understand?"
"Mr. Qiu, rest assured, I will remember," the maid replied.
"Mr. Qiu, rest assured, I will remember," said the servant.
"Mr. Qiu, rest assured, I will remember," echoed another maid.
Lin Wanyi, sitting by the bright window, also smiled as she listened to Qiu Ming’s words outside.
This Qiu Ming was indeed the apprentice personally taught by Mr. Dong, capable beyond measure.
With only three servants in Xianyi Palace, he had used entirely different methods to win them over.
With Xia An, he moved them emotionally and enlightened them with reason!
With Xiao Luzi, he entrusted them with trust and let them learn through experience!
With Chunqi, he used both kindness and severity, attacking her weak point!
It must be said, even Lin Wanyi might not have such remarkable skills in managing subordinates. Truly, the palace is full of hidden talents!
Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but recall the Emperor’s advice when Qiu Ming was sent over.
"Your foundation in the palace is too weak; you have no means to protect yourself when incidents arise. I should pay more attention lest you find yourself without proper clothing in the future!"
Letting out a chuckle, Lin Wanyi felt warmth in her heart.
Thus, as she stitched the garment, she did so with even more earnestness.
Time flies, and with it, the fleeting moment passes like a white steed’s shadow across the gap.
That afternoon was like any other. Lin Wanyi worked on sewing the Emperor’s robes, while Xia An and Chunqi sat nearby, sorting through the threads.
Until they heard Qiu Ming’s voice from outside.
"Young mistress, Eunuch Jiang from Linzi Palace has arrived, saying he’s bringing things from the Imperial Concubine for the Dragon Boat Festival."
"Hmm, please invite Eunuch Jiang in."
Upon opening the curtain, Jiang Heqing was ushered in, followed by two eunuchs carrying trays filled with various items.
"This humble servant, Jiang Heqing, wishes the young mistress well."
"Eunuch Jiang, you’re too polite. Thank you for taking the effort on such a hot day."
It was rather odd; this year’s summer had come early. Though it was just the beginning of May, the sun seemed scorching enough to melt people.
For several days, there had been no rain, making the palace stiflingly hot!
Xianyi Palace was better off, with plenty of flowers and plants planted in its front and rear courtyards. If the back window was opened, a breeze could blow from both ends, making it reasonably cool.
But coming all the way from Linzi Palace, even Jiang Heqing’s hat brim was lined with sweat.
Xia An brought a bowl of cold tea over, offering it to Jiang Heqing.
Without much hesitation, he drank it, then wiped his mouth and said,
"In this entire palace, only the young mistress’s cold tea is so refreshing. On a hot day , a bowl truly feels comforting!"
"If Eunuch Jiang enjoys it, I’ll have Chunqi bring you some tea powder to take back later. Just add water and let it cool before drinking."
"That would be wonderful! Many thanks to the young mistress."
Lin Wanyi gave a gentle smile. By building rapport with Jiang Heqing, she was indirectly sending a message to the Imperial Concubine.
No matter her private dislikes, her brother’s future was still in the hands of Lin Guifei. Until the competition concluded, her brother’s name could be struck out at any moment, making her have to handle things carefully.
Jiang Heqing was also a cheerful person. After drinking the tea, he spoke,
"The Imperial Concubine specifically sent me with these gifts for you, young mistress. Inside are incense bags to ward off evil and protect against plagues, a wrist-bound bracelet made of five-colored silk thread, and a Five Poison Round Fan, all quite fitting for the occasion!"