Transmigrated as the Villainess, She Made the General Blush - Chapter 11

The carriage from the Chancellor’s Mansion jingled crisply as it traveled through the streets of the Capital, slowly coming to a stop outside the palace gates.

Tassels hung from the four corners of the carriage curtains, swaying in the air as a subtle fragrance drifted around them.

When the Imperial Guard on duty at the palace gate saw that it was the Xiao Mansion’s carriage, and that the womenfolk of the Xiao Mansion were stepping down, they only glanced briefly before letting them pass-never daring to inspect them closely.

Who would dare look too closely?

Just look at Fourth Miss Xiao in her red dress embroidered with gold and adorned with jade, that stunning and proud face, and those sharp, piercing phoenix eyes-who would dare to stare?

A few more glances, and they’d have their eyes plucked out!

“Madame Xiao, Fourth Miss Xiao, please.”

The Imperial Guard on duty raised his hand toward the palace gate, stepping aside and bowing to let them pass.

Fang Qin’er wore a gentle smile, nodded to them, and led Xiao Wangshu and a group of Matrons and maids into the palace.

They hadn’t walked far inside before Empress Xiao Caiyi sent a sedan chair to receive them.

Within the palace, no one may ride horses or use carriages-the Emperor alone may do so in the Imperial Carriage. All others entering the palace must proceed on foot, or if favored by the Emperor or Empress, may use sedan chairs or palanquins.

Of course, that applies only to ordinary people.

When Xiao Hong and Xiao Pingnan entered the palace, one rode in a carriage and the other on horseback, trampling the rules set by the royal ancestors underfoot.

And they did it under the pretense: “Duty calls, and time must not be wasted.”

Compared to that, Fang Qin’er and Xiao Wangshu were perfectly willing to get out at the palace gate, walk a few steps inside, and then switch to a sedan chair-truly observing etiquette and law.

“Later, I will go and speak with the Empress and Consort Xiao. If you want to listen, you can; if you find it dull, you may stroll around the Empress’s palace.”

Fang Qin’er gently smoothed the jet-black hair at Xiao Wangshu’s temples, smiling as she said, “In the blink of an eye, Wangshu has grown up. Just last night, your father told me that our Wangshu is now able to take on responsibilities.”

Xiao Wangshu curved her eyes in a smile and replied, “I’ve come of age long ago; I ought to take on some matters and share in Father and Mother’s worries. Mother, you may go about your business later-once I’m in Eldest Sister’s palace, I won’t cause any trouble.”

Hearing Xiao Wangshu’s words, Fang Qin’er found there was nothing more to advise her on for now, and instead started talking about her childhood.

Xiao Wangshu joined in the reminiscing, laughing and following along with Fang Qin’er’s stories.

Occasionally, when Fang Qin’er spoke of things from when she was very young, Xiao Wangshu would only listen with a simple smile. Even if she could recite those stories by heart, she would not interrupt.

Some things are best left unsaid-a normal person wouldn’t remember events from when they were that little.

“See, you don’t remember either. You were only about this tall back then.” Fang Qin’er gestured a height with her hand, then smiled again. “Time passes so quickly. Wangshu has grown up, and even Fu Guang can take on responsibilities now.”

Mothers in these grand houses, their hands stained by ruthless scheming, do it all for their clan’s honor and the future of their children.

At last, the day they have been waiting for is almost here.

“Mother.” Xiao Wangshu tilted her head and gently leaned on Fang Qin’er’s shoulder.

She was an orphan, and had never done such a thing before. Trying it now, she found her mother’s shoulder surprisingly warm.

Delicate and slender, yet with the resilience to support the sky for her children.

“Your father just praised you last night, and today you’re acting like a little child again?” Fang Qin’er teased with a laugh, raising her hand to smooth Xiao Wangshu’s hair.

“Mhm.” Xiao Wangshu gave a soft hum, the usual sharpness in her phoenix eyes softening, a trace of lazy affection in her gaze.

Seeing the mother and daughter so close as before, Matron Du and the others walking beside the sedan chair felt gratified.

“This old servant can see, the young ladies are always more thoughtful. No matter how considerate the young master is to Madame, he could never snuggle up to her like the young miss does,” Matron Du said with a laugh as she walked along.
The palace is like a tiger’s den and a wolf’s lair; the women of the inner court represent the powers of various factions.

If one does not encounter them, it is well enough. But if one does, the Lady must juggle concerns for her children at home while contending with external threats, and is inevitably distracted.

Now that the young master and young lady are of one mind with the Lady, she need not worry about her rear when facing outward, and can act with greater composure and decisiveness.

Upon hearing this, Fang Qin’er smiled and said, “Fu Guang is a son; he will one day stand tall and proud, so naturally he cannot be coddled. Our Wangshu is a daughter; she was born to be cherished and adored.”

Xiao Wangshu also smiled, her heart a swirl of emotions.

Why was she sent to the orphanage?

When she was young, she heard people say it was because she was born a girl.

The shock of cold and warmth alternating was too great; for a moment, Xiao Wangshu was speechless. Only when Jiaofang Palace came into view did she finally speak up to remind, “Mother, we have arrived.”

“Lady, Fourth Young Lady.”

A Matron stationed outside Jiaofang Palace stepped forward, bowed, and said, “This old servant awaits by order of Her Majesty the Empress, and has been expecting you for some time.”

The Palace Attendants carrying the sedan chair set it down in unison, lowering the poles, half-squatting on the ground, heads bowed as Fang Qin’er and Xiao Wangshu’s shoes passed before them.

Those brocade shoes inlaid with pearls were precious treasures they dared not even glance at for long.

“Lady, Fourth Young Lady, this way please.”

The Matron and Palace Maids of Jiaofang Palace came forward to lead Fang Qin’er and Xiao Wangshu into the hall.

—

In the front hall, a woman in a bright yellow phoenix robe sat in the seat of honor.

A woman in a blue robe sat quietly below her, gently fanning herself with a round fan, one hand resting on her own belly.

According to past custom, upon hearing that Fang Qin’er was coming to the palace, Xiao Pan’an would always arrive early to wait together with Xiao Caiyi, never daring to let Fang Qin’er make another trip to pay respects to her in a separate palace.

After all, both she and Xiao Caiyi were born of concubines, while Fang Qin’er was their Legal Mother.

On the surface, Xiao Caiyi now held the exalted position of Empress, mother of the nation; Xiao Pan’an was the Imperial Consort, a rank not low. But in truth, their attitude toward Fang Qin’er was little different from that in the Chancellor’s Mansion.

Because the status of Xiao Caiyi as Empress and Xiao Pan’an as Imperial Consort was entirely supported by the Xiao Family.

“This subject-wife greets Your Majesty the Empress, may you live a thousand years! Greetings to Your Majesty the Imperial Consort, may you live a thousand years!”

“This subject-daughter greets Your Majesty the Empress, may you live a thousand years! Greetings to Your Majesty the Imperial Consort, may you live a thousand years!”

Fang Qin’er led Xiao Wangshu in bowing and paying respects to those above, following the proper protocol.

The Matrons and maids brought from Xiao Mansion also followed closely behind, bowing and paying respects in neat formation.

Seeing this, Xiao Caiyi and Xiao Pan’an rose one after the other and came forward personally.

“Mother and Fourth Sister, there is no need for such formality, please rise quickly.” Xiao Pan’an, one hand on her belly and the other supporting Fang Qin’er, appeared especially warm and enthusiastic.

By contrast, Xiao Caiyi’s demeanor was much cooler.

“Mother, Fourth Sister, please be seated.”

After speaking, she turned and instructed the Palace Maids, “Serve tea and refreshments.”

The Palace Maids in the hall responded in unison, “Yes.”

Fang Qin’er’s smile remained as she said to the two of them, “This courtesy must not be omitted. Thank you, Your Majesties, for granting us seats.”

“Mother, please sit and chat. It must have been tiring to come to the palace.” Xiao Pan’an continued her warm invitation, one hand supporting Fang Qin’er toward the seats.

Fang Qin’er gently withdrew her arm, then turned to support Xiao Pan’an in return, and instructed those behind her, “Cang Dong, quickly help the Imperial Consort to her seat, be careful not to let her stumble.”

“Yes.” Cang Dong stepped forward and assisted Xiao Pan’an to sit down.

Fang Qin’er and Xiao Wangshu followed Xiao Pan’an and took their seats in order.