Chapter 112: Enjoying the Privileges of Being the Lady of the House

As the first rays of morning sunlight kissed the glazed tiles of the palace, Song Ci arrived at the West Huamen Gate of the imperial palace in a horse-drawn carriage. Supporting herself with the hand of a palace attendant and stepping down onto a footstool, she was greeted by a sea of golden hues that made her squint slightly.

“The imperial palace,” Song Ci murmured softly to herself.

This was no film set, nor a mere relic of history devoid of its ancient inhabitants, but a genuine palace guarded by soldiers bearing arms, with eunuchs approaching in measured steps, hands folded respectfully.

“I, your humble servant, greet Madam Song with utmost respect,” a young eunuch with a pale complexion and no whiskers smiled warmly, flicking his feather duster and bowing deeply on one knee.

Song Ci smiled, holding the palace attendant’s hand as she returned the greeting.

Though she did not know this young eunuch, it did not prevent her from offering a kind smile.

Madam Song also held the hand of her personal maid, Shaoyao, and replied with a gentle “No need for formalities.”

“I am a young eunuch from the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, sent by Her Majesty the Empress to welcome Madam Song. The Empress, understanding Madam Song’s advanced age and frailty, has graciously bestowed a rattan sedan chair to spare her the fatigue of walking,” the eunuch explained with a smile, gesturing toward a small sedan chair parked nearby.

Song Ci glanced over and indeed saw the chair, flanked by two sturdy eunuchs standing at attention. A secret joy bloomed within her.

Ah, such thoughtfulness from Her Majesty the Empress.

It was not that Song Ci was unwilling to walk—if she were in her own body, she would explore every corner of this vast palace until her legs gave out. But at this moment, she was a frail old woman, burdened by the heavy ceremonial robes and a headpiece weighing nearly ten pounds. Walking would surely exhaust her.

With a smile, she bowed slightly in the direction of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility and said, “Your humble servant thanks Her Majesty the Empress for her gracious gift.”

She was truly enjoying the privileges afforded to the most exalted madam in the land.

Madam Song supported Song Ci and said, “Mother, please take the sedan chair first; I will follow shortly.”

Since she was not granted a sedan chair herself, she would have to trudge along on foot.

Song Ci replied kindly, “Thank you for your troubles.”

Helping her into the chair, Madam Song signaled to Shaoyao to prepare the customary rewards. She discreetly handed each eunuch a pouch and politely said, “My madam is frail; please take good care of her.”

Delighted by the gifts, the eunuchs smiled. The young eunuch said, “Madam Song, rest assured, we will attend to your needs carefully.”

Once seated and steady, Song Ci rested her hands on the armrests of the rattan chair and nodded to the palace attendant.

Upon seeing this, the young eunuch gave the signal, and the bearers lifted the sedan chair steadily, heading deeper into the inner palace.

Watching the attendant follow closely at her side, Song Ci gently tapped the armrest and said to the bearers, “If there are still noble ladies yet to arrive, please slow down a bit so I may enjoy the sights of the palace.”

“Slow down, slow down,” the young eunuch immediately ordered.

Sure enough, the pace eased.

Looking at the palace attendant, Song Ci winked and silently mouthed a few words.

“Walking slowly, the legs won’t tire.”

The attendant smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart.

Such kindness.

Satisfied that the gesture was understood, Song Ci turned her gaze to the palace scenery.

The morning palace seemed still to be waking. The interconnected halls, their golden glazed tiles bathed in sunlight, dazzled with brilliance. The golden dragons carved upon the flying eaves appeared lifelike, magnificent beyond words.

Passing through the palace alleys, all the eunuchs and maids walked with bowed heads in silent reverence. In the distance, the whinny of horses echoed—likely palace guards on patrol or an urgent arrival of a powerful minister.

Seated in her sedan chair, Song Ci reached the gates of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility in serene contentment.