On the other side, a group emerged from the side room, noticing Supervisor Cui's somewhat displeased expression. Knowing she was still regretful about that little maid's beauty, an attendant nearby couldn't help but advise:
"Auntie, why bother? The palace is full of beauties. Besides, while that girl was pretty, she clearly lacked wit. Last time when you specifically gave her an opportunity, she still got easily framed. In my opinion, no matter how beautiful such goods are, they'd never stand out in the rear palace!"
"On the contrary, Mistress Zhang Jia, though slightly less attractive than her, is extremely clever and filial to you. Moreover, wasn't it proven that last incident had nothing to do with her?"
The small maid with faint freckles tentatively persuaded while touching her noticeably plumper waist purse.
Unfortunately, Supervisor Cui merely gave her a sidelong glance for this obvious biased speech:
"What do you know? In today's palace, it's not stupidity we fear, but excessive cleverness!"
Even with all her flaws, An Ning's obedience and that face of hers surpassed too many others.
What a pity - she lacked fortune too!
With this thought, she warned the little maid: "Considering your mother's face, I'll overlook you accepting small benefits ordinarily. But if you speak out of turn again, this humble abode may not accommodate you..."
Before An Ning could properly bid farewell, Prince Zhuang's people arrived swiftly. Leading them was a stern-looking matron around fifty, wearing a stone-blue satin embroidered jacket with a ginger-yellow embroidered vest, appearing extremely efficient and capable, followed by two teenage maids.
Life for low-ranking palace maids wasn't easy, with ration deductions being common. Despite nearly five years in the palace, An Ning only had two modest blue cloth bundles when leaving.
After greeting the matron, the young maids deftly took the bundles without even glancing at An Ning's shabby clothing.
Their discipline was evidently excellent.
An Ning roughly understood the prince's household rules now. Actually, the original owner had saved considerable silver over the years despite living frugally, though most was hoarded away without even giving much to her younger brother outside.
Not out of stinginess, but because the girl knew clearly - given her stepmother's nature, any money sent would be embezzled anyway. Before dying, she still intended this silver for her brother's future studies...
The carriage soon arrived at its destination.
"Miss, this Hibiscus Residence will be your new home..."
Following Matron Wusu, An Ning surveyed the modest courtyard. As a concubine, expecting luxurious accommodations was impossible. But one thing satisfied her - thanks to Prince Zhuang's relatively unpopulated rear residence and spacious mansion, she avoided the cramped palace conditions.
Though not large, having private quarters already surpassed many. Perhaps because the prince himself was somewhat artsy, the courtyard was elegantly arranged with pleasant asymmetry, even having a small bamboo grove in the back. Outside the window, a few red plum blossoms were visible.
After touring with the head maid, An Ning felt quite pleased. Indeed, no matter their status, masters lived infinitely better than servants.
By regulation, a prince's concubine had two personal maids plus various cleaning servants. After brief introductions in the front hall, An Ning simply had them state their origins while Suxin and Suwen recorded everything before dismissing them.
The entire process took under fifteen minutes.
Rewards? She'd consider that when richer - no point embarrassing herself with meager silver now.
Either bestow full favors or none at all - half measures only bred complaints.
After settling, An Ning comfortably reclined on the daybed. The bedroom already had a brazier with premium red charcoal - the first warmth she'd felt in ages, making her sigh deeply.
Watching this, her system felt exasperated:
"Host! How could you? This is no way for a new mistress! First impressions establish authority - you should've at least disciplined them to secure loyalty and prevent betrayal!"
"System, watch less TV please."
She rolled her eyes skyward: "Consider my background - these people probably investigated everything before I arrived."
"Throughout history, three things command obedience: authority, influence, and wealth!"
"Tell me, which do I possess now?" Her eyes nearly rolled permanently upward. Did it think these veteran mansion schemers would pledge undying loyalty because of some random tough talk or "protagonist aura"?
Without visible benefits, who'd risk their necks?
Sipping fresh tea, An Ning understood. Their current cooperation stemmed from temporary shared interests and her decent looks suggesting potential. After all, servants benefited from their mistress's rise.
She knew full well - as a "fatherless girl" without backing, their betrayal wouldn't even require high stakes.
Authority? Had she pulled some TV drama intimidation, they'd be laughing behind her back!
Ignoring her system's fantasies, An Ning closed her eyes to rest, unintentionally making maids Suxin and Suwen nervous about their new mistress's temperament.
Come evening when An Ning awoke, the two became noticeably more attentive. Suxin smiled warmly:
"Miss, you're awake! The sewing room sent these fabrics earlier. Not knowing your measurements, finished garments will take two more days."
"These jewels were delivered by Matron Gui from the princess consort's quarters. She said since you're new, there's no hurry to pay respects - rest well these days."
Seemed like a kind mistress, quite generous too. An Ning nodded smilingly, revealing nothing.
She'd long investigated - despite the mansion's size, the rear residence only had one proper mistress (the princess consort). Side consorts? None at all.
Understandable - with both parents deceased and clearly infertile, what noblewoman would jump into this pit? Since concubines couldn't advance through childbirth, the side consort position remained vacant.
Despite its size, the mansion was remarkably simple in population.
Whatever others thought, An Ning was delighted - fewer superiors meant less suffering.