Chapter 4.1

Yao Huang’s carriage turned into Changshou Lane just as the neighbors were sitting down for lunch. The alley was quiet, with no one in sight.

The Yao family of three had forgotten to ask the imperial messenger when their daughter would return. During the excitement of receiving the imperial decree, their emotions overwhelmed them, and by the time they calmed down, the messenger had likely already returned to the palace.

It was the gatekeeper, Ah Gui, who first noticed movement outside. Peering through the crack in the gate, he saw two finely dressed maids helping Yao Huang down from the carriage!

Ah Gui was both shocked and delighted. As he unlatched the gate, he shouted loudly toward the house, “Master, Madam, the young lady is back!”

His shout echoed through the house. In the main hall, the Yao family of three dropped their bowls in surprise, while the nearby neighbors, overhearing the commotion, perked up their ears and rushed outside to see what was happening.

The sound of footsteps grew chaotic. Zhang Yue exchanged a glance with the other seven guards, and the eight men, weapons in hand, formed a protective barrier around the soon-to-be princess and her carriage. Without explicit permission, no one was allowed to approach her.

Among the four palace maids, Huamei and Bailing, who had previously served as second-tier maids in Noble Concubine Du’s palace, were well-acquainted with the demeanor of nobles. They immediately frowned at Ah Gui’s loud announcement.

Bailing merely found it hard to adapt at first, but Huamei, entrusted by Noble Concubine Du with this task, was brimming with disdain: The prince insists on marrying a mere daughter of a hundred-household official despite the noble consort’s advice. He’ll regret this sooner or later! ^[1]A hundred-household official was a rank in ancient Chinese administrative and military systems. It refers to an official responsible for managing or leading a group of around 100 households or a … Continue reading

As for Chunyan and Qiuchan, they were newly selected palace maids chosen at random by Noble Concubine Du. The maids she kept around her were all meticulously trained and familiar; naturally, she wouldn’t send her best to serve the prince.

Yao Huang, having left the palace, no longer felt the eager rush to return home. Along the way, she cheerfully admired her silver ingots and jewelry. By the time she arrived at her family’s gate, she maintained a calm and composed demeanor.

Hearing Ah Gui’s thunderous announcement, Yao Huang instinctively observed the expressions of the four palace maids, quickly noting the subtle changes on their faces.

At last, the gate opened. Yao Zhenhu, Luo Jinhua, and Yao Lin burst out in a rush, followed closely by the equally excited cook, Wu shi, and her two daughters, Qiaoniang and Ah Ji.

“Mother!”

The moment Yao Huang laid eyes on her family after more than a month apart, her eyes welled up with tears. She threw herself into her mother’s embrace, sobbing uncontrollably.

Luo Jinhua, while sneaking glances at the unfamiliar guards and maids, deliberately raised her voice and joked, “The palace food must be excellent! Look at you, you’ve gained weight!”

Yao Huang: “…”

Huamei lowered her gaze to hide her disdain, silently thinking, What a vulgar woman!

Zhang Yue noticed Yao Zhenhu staring at the group of eight guards. Stepping forward, he bowed and took the initiative to explain their roles. Due to the modest size of the Yao household, the eight guards would be divided into day and night shifts, with two guards stationed at the front and back entrances, respectively.

Hearing this, Yao Zhenhu chuckled heartily. “His Highness is truly thoughtful, but our Changshou Alley hasn’t seen a thief in years. Having you all stand guard here feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. You might as well return to assist the prince with his duties.”

Zhang Yue: “…”

Yao Huang was stunned by her father’s naivety. Forgetting her moment with her mother, she quickly wiped her eyes and turned to say, “Father, His Highness arranged this for my safety, and I appreciate it very much. Please, don’t worry about it.”

Seeing his daughter’s sweet smile, Yao Zhenhu immediately accepted the arrangement. He enthusiastically asked Zhang Yue, “Have you all eaten yet? We’ve just steamed some fresh buns—why don’t you come in and have some?”

Zhang Yue declined politely, “Thank you, sir, but we’ve already eaten. Please, go ahead and escort the young lady inside to rest.”

Yao Huang, worried her father might say something inappropriate, quickly asked Zhang Yue to handle the arrangements for the guards’ shifts and led her family into the courtyard.

The neighbors, intimidated by the presence of the eight guards, didn’t dare follow them to the Yao household and instead returned to their homes.

Inside the small Yao courtyard, Yao Huang briefly introduced the four palace maids to her family. Glancing at the southern room in the west wing, she instructed her maid, Ah Ji, “Take them to clean up the southern room. They’ll stay there from now on. Once it’s tidied, prepare some food for them.”

Ah Ji nodded timidly, feeling somewhat intimidated by the four palace maids, who were dressed far more elegantly than even her mistress.

Turning to Huamei, Yao Huang said, “After your meal, feel free to rest for now. There’s no need to rush into work.”

Huamei responded curtly with a slight nod, her demeanor cool.

Ah Ji then led the four palace maids away to settle in.

The Yao family gathered in the main hall. After the kitchen had brought in an extra set of tableware for Yao Huang and retreated, Luo Jinhua immediately closed the door, tears brimming in her eyes. She held her daughter’s hand and looked her up and down anxiously. “It’s been so long. Did you suffer or get bullied in there?”

Yao Huang smiled. “You’re overthinking it. With the Matrons watching over us, the palace was extremely harmonious. Not even a harsh word was exchanged among the candidates.”

Luo Jinhua nodded, observing her daughter’s glowing complexion. “Hmm, you do look well. You haven’t lost any weight, either.”

Yao Huang laughed. “Lose weight? Impossible! It’s such a tiny space where we weren’t allowed to run or jump. I’ve got so much pent-up energy! But let’s talk while we eat. I only had a steamed bun early this morning—I’m starving!”