maidservant

Chapter 40: Yunshan shyly tells her inner thoughts, Li family makes things difficult for Liuhua Palace

Lin Yu noticed that Li Song's eyes fell on Yunshan behind him.

After the banquet, when no one was around, she whispered to Yunshan about her worries.

"Yunshan," Lin Yu's voice was soft and smiling, "My cousin is interested in you."

Yunshan was startled when she heard this, and her face flushed instantly. Joy surged through her heart like a tide, but she didn't know how to respond for a moment. Her eyes were filled with a complex mixture of panic and surprise.

Lin Yu couldn't help but smile at her expression and continued, "When you entered the Marquis' Mansion three years ago, I saw what he was thinking. Yunshan, do you have any romantic feelings for your cousin?"

Yunshan opened her big, watery eyes, her expression becoming increasingly complex. After hesitating for a moment, she whispered, "I am of low status and dare not expect anything from Li Xueshi."

"This is not an extravagant wish," Lin Yu quickly held her hand and comforted her, "If you two love each other, it will be a beautiful story."

Yunshan lowered her head slightly, thought for a moment and said, "This servant wants to stay with the master for a few more years."

"Okay, okay," Lin Yu patted her hand gently. "It's good that you're willing to accompany me. If my cousin agrees, I'll arrange for you to take turns taking a day off, and I'll make sure you can spend some time with me every month."

"It's just..." Lin Yu's joy was quietly filled with concern, and his gaze fell gently on Yunshan's face.
"But the rules of this aristocratic family are very strict. Marriage between men and women must be of equal status. Yunshan, if you are also attracted to him, I will ask the emperor for your favor and let you marry him as his concubine. What do you think?"

These words were like a bolt of thunder, striking Yunshan's heart and leaving her stunned for a moment.

Noble concubine, that was an identity she had never dared to even think about before. She was just a slave, but now she had the opportunity to become his noble concubine. This kind of honor was really beyond her reach now.

Lin Yu looked at Yunshan's face full of shock and helplessness, and did not rush to ask her for an answer. He just patted her shoulder gently to comfort her.

As the night deepened, the watery moonlight filtered through the window screens, gently falling into the house and quietly enveloping Yunshan's heart, disturbing her thoughts and causing her to fall into deep entanglement and contemplation.

She covers her face with her sleeves at night and shyly lowers her brows.

Yunshan recalled quietly, from the time she met Li Song at the age of seven until now.

During their long years together, Li Song had never oppressed her in the slightest as a master and servant. He had always been extremely caring towards her, his eyes and words filled with genuine concern.

Every little detail over the years spoke of Li Song's affection, a love so sincere and passionate, without a trace of falsehood. Yunshan knew that this love was invaluable, a source of warmth in her world.

So, shouldn't I also take that step bravely for this precious friendship?
Even if we have to face many unknown difficulties in the backyard of that house in the future, shouldn't we fight to the death to protect this friendship?
It's easy to find priceless treasures, but it's hard to find a true lover. Perhaps this is the only way to live up to the fate we've shared over the years and justify the deep, secret love I harbor in my heart.

Since Concubine Cui began assisting in the management of the harem, she has managed everything with impeccable efficiency, rivaling even the Empress's leadership. This celebration banquet, she had meticulously planned, not only earning the Emperor's attention but also receiving numerous precious gifts. This act served as a shining beacon throughout the harem, clearly signaling the Emperor's growing regard for Concubine Cui. Even if Concubine Cui had wished to remain low-key and live her life as before, she was now thrust into the spotlight, unable to remain aloof.

After Concubine Li gave birth to the emperor's first daughter, the emperor often visited her palace to enjoy the joy of having a son. After the princess's hundred-day ceremony, the emperor showed special favor and bestowed the character "Hui" on Concubine Li as a token of his appreciation.

The current harem structure is vastly different from when she first entered. The Empress holds the primary position, with Consort Hui in second place, above Consort Lin and Consort Cui. These changes are like the shifting winds and clouds.

For the next month or two, Lin stayed in seclusion within the palace, concentrating on recuperating. She had no intention of getting involved in the harem's affairs; she simply wanted to spend this special period in peace and tranquility.

However, the harem has always been full of unpredictable troubles. Even if she tried to avoid them, those disputes would still follow her like a shadow and come to her on their own initiative.

Ever since Huifei was granted the title of "Zun" (respected), her status rising to a higher level, she often summoned Linfei to her palace for conversation. In the past, when Huifei was a concubine and Lin was a consort, Huifei was always respectful and courteous when meeting Linfei. But now, times have changed, and the reversal of status has brought subtle changes to their relationship.

Every time Concubine Lin received an invitation from Concubine Hui, even if she was extremely reluctant, she had to accept it, after all, there was a difference in status.

Once, Concubine Lin was nauseous and unable to move. She wanted to decline politely, but was mocked by the nanny beside Concubine Hui:

"Empress Lin is relying on her pregnancy to not even give face to Empress Hui? When our Empress Hui was pregnant with the eldest princess, she was very respectful to you."

Yun Jin tried to argue, but Lin Yu held her back. Concubine Lin knew she couldn't cause any more trouble at this moment, so she had to let Yun Jin support her as she dragged herself forward.

When they arrived at Concubine Hui's palace, Concubine Hui seemed to be friendly and asked her about her well-being, but her words were full of sarcasm that Concubine Lin's former glory was gone. She also mentioned that Concubine Lin had exchanged glances with Li Song at a small banquet.

Because of the last slander, Concubine Lin was furious and annoyed, her face turned pale, and she almost had a miscarriage. She could only keep up appearances and struggle to deal with the undercurrents in this meeting.

After listening to Yunjin's description of Concubine Hui's difficulties today, Yunshan was filled with resentment.

She knew perfectly well that if a concubine was accused of having an affair with another man, even a cousin, the consequences would be disastrous if such an accusation reached the emperor's ears. In this inner court, the emperor's favor was everything. Once suspected, the emperor's favor would fade, and it would be difficult to recover.

The more Yunshan thought about it, the more she felt terrified. Concubine Hui's mind was unpredictable. Who knew one day she would use this matter as a topic of conversation after dinner, exaggerating it in front of the emperor. If that happened, Lin Yu would be doomed.

Thinking of this, Yunshan did not dare to delay for a moment and rushed to Lin Yu anxiously. As soon as she arrived, she knelt down heavily and said with tears in her eyes:
"Your Majesty, please inform His Majesty of my relationship with Li Xueshi first! I am but a humble servant. Even if His Majesty does not allow me to marry him as a concubine, it does not matter. But Your Majesty, you must not bear such a false accusation because of me!"

She was filled with worry and only hoped to protect Concubine Li and calm this unprovoked turmoil.

After much deliberation, the master and his servants decided that this was the best solution. Lin Yu looked at Yun Shan, who knelt before him, with a firm gaze. He spoke softly and gently, "Don't worry. When His Majesty summons me, I will speak to you about this matter. No matter what, I will secure a place for you."

(End of this chapter)