Crossing Into The Emperor's Body At Night Chapter 1 Part2

Chapter 1 Part 2 : Emperor's Body

If Fang Shu could bypa.s.s the second-rank maid and work under Jin Xiu, it would lessen the winding road ahead, and she'd gain a backer as well. It was natural for her to be happy.

"Thank you, sister Jin Xiu."

Truth be told, her true age was higher than any other maid serving in the Changchun Palace. But what could she do? Who told her to transmigrate into a 14 year old maid with the same given and last names? Everyone now called her "little sister" or "little fairy".

Fang Shu had been a shop owner in her previous life. Upon arriving in this world, the original owner had been at the palace for a short while, and the steward in charge had arranged work for her based on her skills.

But little girls couldn't embroider, arrange flowers, or practice the art of temaking. The original owner of her body had been scolded by the steward, who she'd refused to obey and had often talked back to. He'd been furious, wanting to transfer her in the Xinzhe Library.

Fang Shu had later learned that she, or rather the little maid girl, had made some serious mistakes, some even hurting the master she served, and she'd been difficult to get along with. She must've suffered a lot, for she'd considered jumping into a well. It was a deep well, and if someone jumped down in it, there was almost no way to live.

When Fang Shu had arrived in this world, she'd been composed, calm-headed. Her strong desire to survive had taught her to swim in an instant. She'd grabbed the bucket of water in the well and climbed up along the long hemp rope.

She hadn't wanted to go to the Xinzhe Library, so she'd found the offended steward and showed her talent with flowers. Pleased with her, he'd promised to have her work weeding the imperial garden.

Although tiresome work and not very valuable, it hadn't been without its opportunities for promotion. She'd managed the flower field exceptionally due to her previous skills. Three months later, the empress had been pa.s.sing by and she'd praised her, wanting Fang Shu to come to the Changchun Palace to raise flowers. There, she'd become a third-rank maid-in-waiting.

Fang Shu was satisfied. She planned to stop for a while before rising again. If she climbed the hierarchy too fast, she would be envied.　　

“Don't thank me. It was you who did your best.”

Since Fang Shu had entered the Changchun Palace, the flowers had grown more delicate. The empress loved it and had praised her several times. Jin Xiu had kept this fact in her mind, and she was taking this opportunity to give Fang Shu a chance.　

"Still, it is sister Jin Xiu who should be selected for the promotion.”

Fang Shu didn't think it the credit would be hers. That kind of inflexibility would make other people dislike her.

Jin Xiu gave her a broad smile, and said, “You speak well.”

Jin Xiu had given her the opportunity; whether Fang Shu could hold it or not depended on her.　　

Fang Shu still had something left to say, but Jin Xiu straightened up all of sudden and pointed to the Changchun Palace's sign, reminding her where they were, signalling it wasn't convenient to talk anymore.

Fang Shu retreated to let the other take the lead. Jin Xiu told the others to keep up, until they arrived and the dishes were set.

Since her work here was done, Fang Shu intended to go back and care for her flowers. Jin Xiu stopped her, and said, “There's no one to serve tea. Go ahead.”　

There were two first-rank maids and three second-rank attendants in the empress's room. How could they be short for serving tea? Jin Xiu just wanted to let her get familiar with the others.

Fang Shu was grateful, because she could see that Jin Xiu truly wanted to help her. So she nodded and followed her.

Upon entering the room, she first curtsied the empress, who didn't respond. Jin Xiu spoke in the empress's stead. 

“The empress's tea is finished. Why don't you come and pour more?”　　

Fang Shu hurried to stand up. She walked to Jin Xiu's side with small steps, picked up the teapot from the table, and poured the empress another cup of tea.

The empress had her chin propped up, and Fang Shu couldn't tell what she was thinking. Throughout, she was preoccupied with the chopsticks on the bowl and didn't pay attention to the tea being served.

Since the empress wasn't in the mood to speak, Jin Xiu didn't dare to bother her either. So Fang Shu's trip was just that, a waste, leaving no trace in the empress's heart, who hadn't even looked at her.

This meal pa.s.sed by in silence. The empress tasted a few bites. She knew the meal had been cooked in the imperial kitchen, but she was simply too bothered by something on her mind. She put down the chopsticks and sighed.

“You eat. I have no appet.i.te.”

To be continue….