maidservant

Yunshan returned to Liuhua Palace in anger, her mind completely occupied by the humiliation she received from Zhong Sicheng, so much so that even though Yunjin was clearly arranging flowers in front of her, she seemed unaware and walked straight past.

"Master Song has returned home?" Yun Jin saw her distraught look and deliberately made a joke to bring her back to her senses.

Yunshan suddenly came to her senses, turned around, and said unhappily:
"I was just distracted. What's this Mr. Song? If you keep saying that, I'll tear your mouth off."

There was still some irritation in his tone.

After Yunshan explained the cause and effect of the matter in detail, Yunjin frowned slightly:

"It sounds innocuous, like it's nothing important, but it's actually like a thorn in my throat."

She then suggested, "How about we ask the Empress for advice and see what she thinks should be done?"

At this time, Lin Yu was sitting next to a warm little stove, holding a needle and thread in her hand, concentrating on making small shoes for the prince.

"Your Majesty..." Yunshan walked in, bowed first, and then sat down beside her without any hesitation.

Seeing her coming, Lin Yu threw the unfinished small shoes in his hand into her hands and said with a smile: "You came at the right time. Making things for this little guy is even more difficult than making things for adults. Help me take a look."

Several people sat together, working non-stop with their hands while talking about their worries.

Lin Yu listened to Yunshan's story quietly, patted her shoulder gently, and said earnestly:
"This is unavoidable. Those who don't know the truth of the matter, seeing only the conflict between you and Zhong Yaocheng over this medicine attendant, will assume that you are biased towards her. Now, no matter what the actual situation is, Fan Yao can only be considered as one of your subordinates."

Lin Yu raised his head slightly, lost in memories, and talked about the past:
"When my father was selecting generals in Nanzhou, even though he had clearly announced the rules for promotion and competition, and the selected generals were all appointed by the late emperor himself, even now, those people are still regarded as my father's confidants."

At this point, she smiled and looked at Yunshan: "I didn't expect that our Lady Yunshan would also encounter such a controversial appointment of officials?"

"Your Majesty is making fun of me too." Yunshan pretended to be angry and acted coquettishly, and the atmosphere in the room became a little more relaxed.

Yunshan leaned her large eyes towards Lin Yu and asked, "Then, Madam, does that mean I will accept Fan Yao openly and without any need to avoid suspicion?"

Lin Yu raised the corner of his mouth and said patiently:
"You can use this tactic of combining kindness and severity. On the one hand, reassure her, but on the other hand, tell her seriously that she needs to be more careful than others in everything she does. If something goes wrong, you will not forgive her."

After saying that, Lin Yu winked playfully.
"They say everything is a learning process, and the officialdom is like a long article. Unfortunately, I don't know much about being an official. Why don't you go ask my 'Monkey King'?"

At this time, Yun Jin smiled and couldn't wait to share:

"The second young master sent a letter home today, saying that he had made great contributions in suppressing the rebels and asked His Majesty for a house. It's right next to the West Street city gate!"

Yunshan was full of confusion and couldn't help asking, "Why does he want to move out?" Logically, since the Marquis and his family would not return to Kyoto, it was natural for him to take care of the Marquis's Mansion.

Lin Yu smiled and reached out to gently push Yunshan, teasing:
"Why don't you find some time to ask him in person?" Then, changing the subject, "My second brother just had his coming-of-age ceremony last year. He's twenty-one now, and you're twenty-three. Do you really intend to stay with me forever and only consider your own marriage when you're twenty-five?"

After a few days, the palace's organizational and personnel changes were finalized, and the six departments were back on track, resuming their normal schedules of duty and rest. Yunshan took out twenty taels of gold from the emperor's gift, dressed like an ordinary woman, and left the palace from the pharmacy, intending to give it to her sister.

As she stepped into the bustling street, Yunshan instantly noticed that the people's dress and appearance had quietly changed.

On the streets and alleys, many young women are dressed in men's clothes, with light figures and unique charm when walking.

These women wore round-necked robes with narrow, tight cuffs, making their movements particularly agile. Some of them turned their collars outwards, adding a touch of casualness and ease.

Unlike those worn by men, their robes are not deliberately wide, but extend to the ankles just right. The smooth lines outline a simple and elegant beauty, and every move reveals a heroic spirit.

The colors of the clothes are rich and varied. Compared with the delicate chrysanthemum orchid and goose yellow, the elegant and tranquil plain colors, the fresh and soft light blue, the vibrant light green, and the calm and low-key brown seem to be more popular. These colors are cleverly matched on women, showing a unique charm.

The trousers are slim-fitting, slightly tightened at the ankle, and tucked neatly into the boots.

"It's much more convenient now." Yunshan thought to herself.

Looking at the hairstyle again, the complicated flying sideburns wigs of the past are now hard to find, replaced by simple and neat sideburns, or a bun that imitates the look of scholars in the school, showing a refreshing and capable look.

There are also some women with delicate minds who tie a palace belt with beautiful jade around their waists, and their every move exudes elegance.

Yunshan looked at the novel scene in front of her, full of curiosity, so she asked the owner of the nearby clothing shop.

"Alas! A while ago, East and West Streets were in chaos. Those rebels were worse than beasts, actually robbing women in broad daylight."

"Since then, in my shop, more men's clothing and accessories are sold to women." The shopkeeper sighed helplessly while wiping the counter.

Yunshan couldn't help but sigh that the world is unpredictable and it is such a severe situation that forces people to seek ways to survive. Who would have thought that this forced response would inadvertently trigger a trend of women dressing as men.

"Girl, come and take a look! The clothes we have here are made of high-quality materials and are of excellent quality. They can even keep out a little rain."

Seeing that Yunshan's clothes were made of good material, the shopkeeper took her straight to the inner room where ready-made clothes were placed.

"Look at this pattern, the pheasants, the fighting sheep, the wandering unicorns—how magnificent and majestic, and the meaning is also wonderful. And the robes embroidered with winged horses and ribbon-shaped birds—I just think you look so slender and delicate, it might not be suitable for them."

Yunshan was intrigued and chose a green outfit embroidered with orchids. It was fresh and elegant, just what she liked.

Then she carefully combed her hair from bottom to top, and cleverly flipped it outwards at the top of her head, completing a neat and playful half-up bun.

"I have money in hand, I am very confident."

Yunshan, like a wealthy merchant, shopped as she went, unable to let go of the dazzling array of goods. When her hands could no longer hold any more, Yan Lie reached out and took the heavy items from her. (End of this chapter)