What was said at the end of the year is true, and in the following days, I really understood a lot.

  For example, Suimao can do things at the end of the year, but its equivalent to a temporary worker, without a system, and can only be counted as Chen Feis employee. It cannot be counted as a palace person, and the treatment is not an iron rice bowl. What about Chen Fei? Although nominally also a concubine, she has no title, and her treatment is also inferior. Together, Chen Fei and Suimao, this master-slave pair, one with a name that is not proper, and the other with words that are not smooth, the two are really unlucky to be together.

  These, of course, have reasons, and the reasons are very complicated.

  When Chen Fei first entered the palace, she was also a fresh and delicate little scallion, with a few clever ideas. This can be seen from the names she changed for the palace maids. The emperor loved novelty, and Chen Fei rose from being a talented woman to a beauty, but unfortunately, she lost favor after gaining it. At that time, Chen Feis popularity was too strong, and Empress Dowager didnt like her very much. So when promoting Chen Fei to the rank of consort, Empress Dowager blocked her, making her title above that of imperial concubine but treatment below that of a consort, creating an awkward situation. With no other choice, Chen Fei endured in this position, finally waiting until Empress Dowager passed away. However, Chen Fei herself had become an old and worn-out white radish by then. The emperors side was filled with fresh and delicate beauties, who would still remember a Chen Fei? Chen Fei didnt have any children to rely on, so this turn of events seemed unlikely to happen anytime soon.

  As for Suemou, she was also an unlucky child. When Chen Fei entered the palace earlier, she brought two maids from her hometown, and the one closest to her was not Suemou. Moreover, when Chen Fei was in power, she had promised Suemou that she would let her leave the palace and get married after a few years. At that time, Suemou was working hard towards this goal. Unfortunately, things didnt go as planned, and Chen Feis most trusted confidant died of illness. Among those closest to Chen Fei, Suemou was one of them, so naturally, she couldnt bear to let Suemou leave the palace. The problem is that when Chen Fei was in power, thinking that Suemou would be leaving the palace to get married, she didnt arrange for Suemou to have an official position as a female officer. Now that Chen Fei has passed away and doesnt get along with the current person in charge, its even more impossible to get this position.

  As a result, Chen Fei and Sui Mu had no choice but to face the awkward situation of being stuck between a rock and a hard place together. They couldnt move forward, nor could they retreat. Even if they wanted to take a step back, they were not willing to give up. Besides, there was no good way out anyway.

  Alas, what can be said about this?

  Isnt this a perfect example of having the right but not using it until its expired and useless? What a pity! As the saying goes: Once, there was a genuine love in front of me, I didnt cherish it, and only when I lost it did I regret it...

  As for the situation in the Smoke and Clouds Palace, its also very complicated. The Smoke and Clouds Palace doesnt only house Empress Chen alone, who knows what each person is thinking or which leg they are holding onto?

  Lets just talk about Chen Feis house, according to the end of the year, although there are not many people, the composition is complex, it may be that outsiders have buried their ears and eyes, such as Wang Mei and Hua Liang. There are also others who have been left behind by others, such as Qing Jing.

  No wonder... At the end of the year, she had to choose an apprentice from among the young palace maids - after all, she couldnt get a read on anyone else and didnt trust them either. This was truly a case of desperate times calling for desperate measures, picking a general from among dwarves - she was forced into it. If she couldnt make her official, she would have to leave, and if she left, what would happen to Empress Chen? Would she be able to rely on those few palace maids who were each harboring their own secrets?

  After understanding the situation, he felt relieved but also slightly disappointed.

  Alas, it turns out that I really dont have any protagonist halo on me, the kind of aura that can make people admire at first sight, infatuated at second sight, and worship at third sight...

  Come to think of it, thats just a figment of ones imagination, even if it exists in reality, its impossible for someone like me, a poor and miserable little girl.

  Just stick to doing your own job well.

  Being noticed by the end of the year can be said to be an opportunity, but it also represents trouble.

  What Chen Fei thought, Wang Mei, Qing Jing, Hua Liang and what others thought...

  What will they all do then?

  Now think of those useless things, just being cautious and careful again and again, dont let others catch a little mistake.

  At the end of the year, Cai Sheng was indeed very careful in cultivating her. She knew that she could read and write, and even keep accounts, which made him overjoyed. Originally, he just thought that this little girl had a good sense of numbers but couldnt express it, and since she didnt have any background when she first entered the palace, he had randomly picked her out like a blind cat catching a dead mouse. He hadnt expected to pick up such a good seedling. In the entire palace, only she, Wang Mei, and Qing Jing were illiterate, while Hua Liang was literate, reportedly being the daughter of a scholarly family before entering the palace. However, when it came to keeping accounts and calculating numbers, she wasnt proficient either.

  At the end of the year, also asked Chao Sheng: "Who taught you to recognize characters? Are there any other people in your family?"

  Chao Sheng shook his head: "There was only one uncle... but once, Uncle said he was going out and never came back. I was alone, with no one to rely on, relying on neighbors for support, eating one meal and skipping the next, later... I entered the palace."

  At the end of the year, it was natural for her to think that she had learned to read and write thanks to her uncles teaching.

  "Alas, youre also a poor soul..."

  Chao Sheng had never actually seen this so-called uncle and didnt know if there were any other people in the family.

  When Chao Sheng said that there was no one left at home, he felt a little excited on New Years Eve. It wasnt that she was gloating over his misfortune, but rather that since Chao Sheng had no relatives or family outside the palace, leaving the palace would be pointless, so naturally he could only focus on doing well in the palace. Moreover, without any family members or attachments, even if others wanted to play tricks, they would have fewer opportunities to do so.

  Suì Mù herself is another example, she has a family, and there are many of them, but they are all servants in the Chen Feis household. The whole family is under the control of the Chen family, so Suì Mù can only serve Chen Fei devotedly until death.

  Chao Sheng was originally a petite girl, in the Yunxia Palace, even Cai Zhu who is one year younger than her is taller. Probably because before entering the palace she didnt eat well, but recently with enough food and nutrition, her height has quietly increased a bit. Wearing the dress that Sui Miao had specially altered for her at New Years, she now has a slender and elegant appearance.

  Qing Jing said with a sour tone: "After all, who taught whose apprentice is like who, look, Chao Sheng is another sister at the end of the year."

  Chao Sheng has already figured out a few tricks for getting along with Qing Jing. No matter how sour she is, Chao Shengs ultimate move is to lower her head.

  Lowering ones head is also a matter of finesse, it cant be so low that people think youre foolish, stupid or lazy. It has to be just right, fully expressing humility, obedience, harmlessness and compliance...

  In short, Chao Sheng has been practicing the skill of lowering her head since she entered the palace, and even if its not perfect, the level of proficiency is not something that ordinary people can match.

  In fact, Qing Jing is still easy to deal with. Even if she says a few words, considering her age, she cant do anything to Cao Sheng.

  Wang Mei and Hua Liang are relatively difficult to deal with.

  After Wang Mei returned from her trip at the end of the year, everything seemed to be back to normal. She still had a smiling face when greeting people and was as warm and considerate as before. However, there were two instances where Chao Sheng felt that someone was watching her from behind, but when she turned around, she couldnt find anyone. Coincidentally, both times Wang Mei happened to be right behind her.

  The beam was motionless and silent.

  This makes peoples hearts even more uneasy.

  It is said that a dog that bites does not bark. The one who barks the loudest, Qing Jing, is actually not feared by Chao Sheng. As for Wang Mei, she has always been cautious and on guard. This Hua Liang... doesnt she have any thoughts in her heart at all?

  Han Xun was delighted for her, and in a moment of leisure, he said to her: "You should learn from Sister Sui Mu, who knows, maybe one day Ill rely on you to take care of me."

  Chao Sheng sighed and said: "Dont laugh at me, Huan Xun sister."

  Hu Xiang said, "Whats so funny about that?" She whispered, "Sui Mu is the first-rate sister of our Yunxia Palace. She teaches you well, and you should learn from her with a humble heart. In the future..."

  How it will be in the future is hard to say and cant be expressed in words.

  Chao Sheng shook his head.

  Xiang Xun is a good person with a good life, but... this temperament is not quite suitable for staying in the palace.

  If only things were as simple as she said they were.

  No matter where in the world, if you want to do things, you must first learn to be a person. Especially in the palace, this point is particularly important. If you dont know how to be a person, you will find it difficult to move forward. The better you are born, the more skilled your craft, and the higher you stand, the more you must remember this point.

  She secretly handed her a package: "Here, for you."

  "What is this?"

  "Its your skirt, Ive altered it for you."

  Chao Sheng has been moved to live with her in the same house for years, and Han Xun can still talk to her and hand things over, but its not as convenient as when they lived together in the same house before.

  Chao Sheng took over the package: "Youre busy every day, and you still help me with this..."

  "Its okay, I dont have much work to do." Huang Xun whispered: "These days, Mei Jie gave me less work, and Qing Jing didnt bother me either, its been a lot easier."

  Thats it, as the years went by and the old lady grew older, the fish, shrimp, crab, and clam under her became more honest. Originally, they should have done their own work themselves, and no longer arbitrarily assigned it to the younger palace maids, which made things much easier.

  The year-end really has the prestige of the mountain towns Tai Sui.

  But there are reasons for this. Firstly, she has seniority and is the most prominent here. Secondly, she has real power, managing both people and accounts. Thirdly, which is also the most important, Empress Chen trusts her deeply.

  With these three things, she can be considered the leader.

  Although Chao Sheng is called an apprentice, she doesnt have any of these three qualities. How can she take over the family business in the future?

  "Hey, I heard that June 13th is the birthday of the princess, we all have to pay our respects - have you prepared any gifts?"

  Chao Sheng shook his head: "Sister and the others probably have a plan, we cant intervene."

  "Indeed." Huán Xūn was very curious: "In the past, when I celebrated my birthday at home, my mother would cook noodles and eggs for me to eat. I wonder what the empress eats on her birthday?"

  Chen Feis birthday is approaching, but she fears that she wont be able to enjoy it. Another year has passed, and shes a year older; her beauty is fading, and the emperors favor is no longer hers.

  Chao Sheng said: "I guess Ill have to eat a bowl of longevity noodles too? Anyway, its better than the stuff outside."

  However, according to the palace rules, on Chen Feis birthday, her family members can enter the palace to visit and chat with her, which is a good thing. Although Chen Fei is also called a consort, she usually does not have the power to allow relatives to enter the palace for visits, but during festivals and birthdays, her family members can come to pay their respects and see her briefly.

  Hu Xiang said: "The ten characters you taught me last time, I have memorized and can write them. Teach me a few more."

  "Its inconvenient at this moment, Ill come find you after dinner."

  Chao Sheng brought back dinner, waiting for Sui Mu to return and eat together. As a result, when Sui Mu returned, he said that he had already eaten at Chen Feis place, so Chao Sheng hastily ate two mouthfuls himself before putting away the bowls and chopsticks.

  "Dont eat so hastily, be careful of stomachache at night." At the end of the year, he took out a handkerchief package from his sleeve and opened it to reveal four pieces of pastries with lotus flower patterns on them: "This was given by the princess, try some."

  Chao Sheng knew that Chen Fei was giving it to him for the New Year, not for himself. However, with a grateful heart, Chao Sheng thanked her and took a bite.

  As expected, good things are indeed good, with a mouthful of sweetness and fragrance, tears almost welling up in my eyes.

  Mother, since I opened my eyes and arrived at this place, I havent had a good day. Before entering the palace, I was hungry one moment and full the next. After entering the palace, its hard to see meat, let alone such fine sugar. Sugar is a precious thing these days - Chao Sheng feels that her tongue has forgotten what sweetness tastes like.

  This mouthful of flavor suddenly reminded her of those carefree years in her past.

  The years that have passed can never be returned.

  "Does it taste good?"

  He nodded with relish: "Delicious."

  "Silly girl, just eat if you like it, why are you crying." At the end of the year, he took out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears: "All these are for you, this time you can eat your fill."

  Chao Sheng finished eating a piece of pastry, and the remaining ones were too precious to be eaten at once. He rewrapped the pastries, put away the handkerchief from New Years Eve, and said, "Ill return it to sister after I wash it."

  At the end of the year, Xiao Hong smiled and said: "If you dont mind that Ive used it before, then keep it. Tonight Ill be keeping watch in the mistresss room, you sleep yourself, and bar the door."

  Chao Sheng nodded and whispered: "Can I also give a piece of this pastry to Huan Xun to try?"

  "Give it to you is yours, you should be happy, just give it to her."

  The end of the year has passed, Chao Sheng tidied up the house and packed two pieces of pastries to look for Han Xun.

  The rooms where the palace maids lived were all the same, but Xiangyuns room was next to the east wall. Xiangyun and her companions lived in the west wing. However, the eastern rooms had been renovated before, it is unknown why the western ones were not renovated together. Moreover, in summer when the sun shines from the west, the west side is always hotter than the east side.

  Chao Sheng asked: "Huan Xun sister?"

  Xiangyun hurried over and opened the door. Because she was in the house and hadnt tied her skirt, she stood there wearing only a pair of flower-patterned pants.

  "Come quickly."

  Chao Sheng flashed into the door, and Huai Xiang looked out for a moment, then quickly closed the door and locked it.

  "Tide is born, look at this."

  Xun picked up the mat and felt around underneath it for a while before pulling out a thin booklet.

  Chao Sheng was greatly surprised: "Where did this come from?"

  The palace maidens things are all limited, youd better not say half a word more, or it might cause trouble. Not to mention the written words. Chao Sheng Jiao Xun Yan recognized characters, all of which were underground, writing on the table, and teaching only the characters on the yellow calendar.

  "This was given to me by Xiao Wang, he said it was a piece of scrap paper that someone else had written on and didnt want, so he took it."

  Now that you mention it, Chao Sheng also realized it.

  This is indeed not a book, but just some pieces of paper sewn together, with the edges neatly trimmed to look like a real book. Some pages have big ink stains on them, and some are even crumpled up and then smoothed out again, with the creases still clearly visible.

  "Take a look at this, what are these characters?" Huán Xūn excitedly blushed slightly: "I think these characters are really beautifully written..."

  The tide is also forced to praise a sentence, the words on it are really clear and elegant, outstanding.

  ————————————

  It seems that the male lead may need a few more days before he can make an appearance.

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