Yuan Yuan’s eyes flashed a trace of confusion, upon which the Empress Dowager hurriedly said,
"It was my oversight, how would you know Nanny Xu? You don’t even fully recognize the people around you, do you? Ah, it’s all my fault; I should have allowed those who were with you to come along as part of your dowry, but..."
"Never mind, the ones here have been carefully chosen by me. If you need anything, just ask them; remember, I will always be your support, so don’t feel embarrassed."
After the Empress Dowager had left, Yuan Yuan carefully pondered the meaning behind her words. That meant she was supposed to have people from her dowry accompany her into the palace, but the Empress Dowager had not allowed it, so she had entered the Imperial Palace alone. The previous group, having neglected her, had been sent to Xinzhiku to perform hard labor; the new ones were handpicked by the Empress Dowager...
Isn’t that a bit too good?
The so-called Nanny Xu must be one of the nannies who had checked her health. When the Empress Dowager asked her about it, her tone was clearly filled with concern.
She could see that the Empress Dowager truly cared for her, worried that she might have been harmed. It was less about Nanny Xu and more about her health; unfortunately, she hadn’t responded, which had caused the Empress Dowager to sigh heavily.
Did she think she wasn’t smart enough, which led to her disappointment?
Yuan Yuan looked around—the palace had been arranged with decorations befitting her status, even more luxurious than before. It seemed that the Empress Dowager truly cared for her.
Just as the Empress Dowager was leaving, she had patted her hand to console her.
"The Emperor doesn’t realize your worth yet, don’t be too sad. This Yikun Palace is so vast, if you feel bored, you can walk around or come to Cining Palace to alleviate your boredom,"
The Empress Dowager hadn’t restricted her movements but had disallowed others from visiting her, perhaps to prevent her from seeing those women and getting hurt.
But was Yuan Shoucheng, her father and the head of the Imperial Hospital, too indifferent towards her?
If not for the Empress Dowager’s mention, she wouldn’t have known a father could be so cold, to not even ask one unnecessarily extra word; wouldn’t she recognize him otherwise?
Looking at the multitude of palace maids and eunuchs in Yikun Palace, she found it amusing.
What’s the use of having so many people serve her?
Wasn’t she just being raised like a pet?
Others raise pets for amusement and pleasure, while raising her seemed to prepare her for an early demise.
Yuan Yuan shook her head, gathered her emotions, and sat up, letting the palace maid help her wash up but refused any hair ornaments and simply tied her hair into a simple bun. She didn’t wear any extravagant palace attire, only adding two pieces that seemed more refreshing.
Even if she felt like a balloon no matter what she wore, finding something visually appealing was still necessary.
Because the people who had previously neglected her were severely punished by the Empress Dowager, these new servants took extra care in attending to her.
Just as she had changed her clothes, the noon meal was also brought in. She was assisted to the table by a palace maid, but she only glanced at it from afar before turning in astonishment.
"Shishu, what did you just say? These are the things I enjoy eating the most?"
Shocked, Yuan Yuan raised her voice, causing Shishu and the others to panic.
"Lady, is, is there something wrong? You normally eat these, don’t you?" Follow current novᴇls on novelFirｅ.net
Yuan Yuan felt a twitch in the corner of her eye as she stiffly turned to look at the greasy food that crowded the table.