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Gradually, when the Emperor came every evening, he would bring his petitions to Canglan Court to review them as well. The antique shelf in the inner chamber was moved out to the hall to make space, and a desk was added for the Emperor to work. The already small Side Hall became even more crowded.

While the Emperor worked, Lian Hua would be at her vanity doing her own things; either embroidering a handkerchief or carving a wooden doll, and from time to time she'd pour tea or fetch water for the Emperor. They got along quite harmoniously.

One morning, when it was still dark outside, Lian Hua attended to the Emperor as he dressed and prepared for court. Now, only Lian Hua and Zhang Qing could help the Emperor into his court attire, as the place was too small for more people to move around freely.

While putting on his court clothes, the Emperor thought that the Side Hall was indeed too small and not practical at all. Should he give her a bigger one?

With that thought, the Emperor said, "Canglan Court is situated in a secluded area, the Side Hall is too narrow, and the Main Hall is old and in need of repairs. I think it can be changed..."

The still half-asleep Lian Hua, upon hearing this, instantly woke up, her drowsiness swept away, and she thought excitedly: It's coming, the reward is coming. Indeed, all these days of hard work were not in vain. Does His Majesty mean to bestow favor upon her, with good times on the horizon!

And so, with these thoughts, Lian Hua's face flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the Emperor, words of gratitude already on her lips.

Seeing Lian Hua's excited expression, the Emperor felt a pang of apprehension; this Little Concubine had a past of climbing into bed for favor. Her character was questionable—if he were to reward her for no merit, would she become even more brazen, corrupting her behavior even further?

The Emperor suddenly became vigilant, realizing he could not bestow a reward; not only could he not reward her, but he also had to warn her not to harbor improper thoughts, and so he said, "When you have accumulated enough experience to move up in rank, the Bureau of Palace Attendants will naturally arrange for a new palace. You should wait patiently."

No sooner had the Emperor spoken than Lian Hua promptly bowed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty...huh?... for your guidance." She corrected herself mid-sentence and felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her, completely chilling her.

Your Majesty's words carried an implicit double meaning: one was that she should not expect any exception to be made for her promotion in rank in the future, and the second was that she should probably not anticipate any rewards either. She was to keep to herself quietly.

After the Emperor left that day, Lian Hua lay on her bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep, her heart chillingly cold. She had used up her wealth by accompanying him in eating, drinking, and sleeping—what had it all been for? When His Majesty slept with her, he would sweetly call her "Xiao Lian Hua, my good girl" in bed, but then turn his face and not acknowledge her afterwards. Truly, there was no affection after stepping down from the bedchamber.

The more she thought about it, the more stifled she felt, realizing it would be better to go water the vegetables with Xiao Qing. After all, when the vegetables grew, they would feed her, whereas His Majesty only caused her to bleed. Thinking this, Lian Hua got up, put on her shoes, changed into a set of coarse hemp clothes, and went out to water the gardens.

A few days later, Noble Consort Xue sent out invitations to all the concubines for a lotus appreciation banquet at the Jade Lotus Pool, and Lian Hua was among those invited.

Lian Hua was delighted. It was different being promoted to Daying; she touched the invitation enviously—the material was truly fine, obviously expensive, and the calligraphy on it was exquisite. Her own scrawl couldn't hold a candle to it.

When she was young, all she cared about was eating, not practicing her writing. Lian Hua felt a tinge of regret; if there was a need to write in the future, wouldn't she be the laughingstock? She resolved to practice her writing later.

Lian Hua knew that many concubines would occasionally hold private sessions for appreciating flowers or the moon, where poetry and couplets were written. She had never had the chance to participate before, but perhaps she would in the future. After all, if she persevered for ten or twenty years, she would be able to rise to a Fifth-rank Beauty on seniority alone. There was still time.

On the morning of the lotus appreciation banquet, Lian Hua got up early to dress and prepare. Since the Emperor had not visited Canglan Court the night before, Lian Hua had eaten well and slept soundly, waking up refreshed.

She chose a light blue dress, applied a thin layer of petal rouge to her face, defined her eyebrows, touched up her lips with a bit of lip color, and adorned her hair bun with several silk flowers matching her dress. With her only silver hairpin in place, Lian Hua was ready to leave.

This outfit made Lian Hua's skin look tender and dewy, like a sprite among the flowers, ethereally fresh in a way that was indescribable. It captivated Xiao Qing, who couldn't blink, exclaiming how beautiful she looked.

Lian Hua felt a hint of pride, but thinking of the variously colored dresses of the other concubines, she quickly moderated her feelings. She reminded Xiao Qing not to speak out of turn at the banquet, to be discreet and prudent.

It's no wonder Lian Hua was so cautious; Xiao Qing had followed her since she entered the palace and was unfamiliar with the strictness of palace life.

Approaching the Jade Lotus Pool, from a distance, she saw someone in a similar light blue dress. Lian Hua had some recollection; it seemed to be Beauty Li.

Beauty Li had been articulate and noticeable during Noble Consort's birthday banquet, which was why Lian Hua remembered her well.

Seeing the same colored dresses made Lian Hua feel uneasy. She slowed her pace and lowered her head, waiting by the roadside to bow and pay respects. As the person drew near, Lian Hua, followed by Xiao Qing, performed a kneeling salute, "Consort, I wish you eternal happiness."

It wasn't until Beauty Li approached Lian Hua that she stopped, looked down at her from head to toe, snorted, and said, "Lift up your head."

Lian Hua did as she was told, lowering her eyes.