Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 231 How to settle down

Jixiang was chosen first, and most of the others were not surprised. Jixiang was the best among them. Not only was she outstanding in appearance, but she was also humble and had become very popular in a short period of time.

Moreover, in such a setting, one would not dare to express jealousy casually.

After everyone had lined up, Granny Xu gently raised her hand and said, "Raise your heads."

The palace maids slowly raised their heads. A few of the bolder ones looked towards where Hua Yan was standing. Seeing that Hua Yan had a beautiful and otherworldly appearance, they immediately lowered their heads and did not dare to look directly at her.

Jixiang was considered the most beautiful among them, but now, standing behind Consort Meng, she lost some of her original beauty.

Even Jixiang herself felt ashamed of herself.

Following Hua Yan's instructions, Meng Zhu held the roster and read out a few names. The palace maids whose names were called all showed joy and slowly stepped forward one by one.

Hua Yan said, "Donggua, these ten-odd people are all skilled in cooking and have been registered by the Imperial Food Bureau. Choose two of them to be your assistants."

Donggua bowed his head in agreement, then turned around and raised his honest-looking face to Xu Mama, saying, "Mama, may I take them into the hall to ask them a few questions?"

Xu Mama laughed heartily and personally led Donggua and his entourage into the inner hall.

These dozen or so palace maids all hoped to be chosen by Donggua. If they were not chosen, they would most likely end up doing menial tasks such as washing and cleaning in the Imperial Kitchen, which would be much better than going to the kitchen in Consort Chun's palace.

After Xu Mama left, Hua Yan walked through the crowd one by one, seemingly randomly selecting five people, including Lü Liu.

Mengzhu said to the five people, "You will be temporarily assigned to serve in Huining Palace for the next two days."

"Yes."

Green Willow and the others immediately knelt and bowed.

The five people mentioned were not particularly surprising, and Jixiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, especially since the tone of the voice did not seem to indicate that they were to be sent to the kitchen to serve, which made her feel even more at ease.

Before long, Granny Xu returned to the main hall with her entourage. Donggua was accompanied by two round-faced palace maids who looked obedient, while the others who were not chosen looked regretful.

A recorder from the Bureau of Ceremonies selected the files of these eight people, and Granny Xu took them and handed them to Mengzhu. With everything settled, Huayan led the group back to Huining Palace.

Green Willow, suppressing her excitement, followed behind, giving Spring Peach a reassuring look as they passed by.

Back at Huining Palace, Aunt Mei was just coming out of the front hall, accompanied by people from the Imperial Food Bureau. They had come today to discuss the banquet dishes and other matters for Consort Chun's birthday.

When the steward saw Hua Yan and the others, he immediately bowed and greeted them. After standing up, his gaze swept over Hua Yan's back, as if trying to guess which one was Dong Gua.

Hua Yan handed over Lv Liu Ji Xiang and the others to Aunt Mei, and went to Consort Chun's bedchamber alone.

"How are Green Willow and the others doing now? Are they adapting well?" Consort Chun asked casually as Hua Yan entered her study.

Hua Yan placed the roster on the table and replied with a smile, "This servant was also a little worried, so I couldn't help but take a look. There are many people in the Bureau of Ceremonies, so I brought her back with me. We can talk later tonight."

Consort Chun got up and walked around the table. Hua Yan stepped forward and helped her to sit down on the daybed under the window in the side room. She then grabbed a cushion from the side and placed it behind Consort Chun's waist.

"After this banquet, I will find a reason to assign her to serve you. That way, you will have someone to take care of you. Xia'er and Dong'er are not family, so it is not appropriate to use them."

Hua Yan smiled and curtsied to thank Consort Chun. Consort Chun, seeing this, pretended to be angry.

"You've helped me a lot, and you're thanking me for such a small thing. That's too formal."

Hua Yan grasped Consort Chun's outstretched hands and said with a smile, "That's not the case. Green Willow entered the palace for my sake after all. I only feel at ease when I have her by my side."

What are you going to do with the rest of them?

Hua Yan recalled the annotations in the roster. Although she still didn't know who Chun Tao was, she felt that Chun Tao's performance was better. Huan Yun had mentioned her many times before, saying that she was quick-witted and good at reading people. She must have been intentionally given the "average" rating.

"Of the six people Green Willow brought, Lotus will go to the Imperial Clothing Bureau. Apart from Green Willow, the rest can be placed in..."

While the mistress and servant were talking, Mingyue quietly came in and reported, "Your Majesty, Huayan instructed me to keep an eye on Dong'er these days. She hasn't made any unusual moves lately. This morning, I saw her leave Huining Palace and meet with Hanfang from the Empress's palace."

(Han Fang, see Chapter 158 for details)

"Hanfang? Chun'er mentioned her before; she was also born into the Qingguo Duke's household." Hua Yan pondered.

"That's right. Back in the Prince's mansion, Hanfang and Granny Yu were also acquainted."

Consort Chun asked in surprise, "That's strange. If there really was something, the Empress should have sent someone from her side to handle it. Why would she have Hanfang contact Dong'er instead?"

Hua Yan asked, "After Han Fang met with Dong'er, did she return to Renming Palace or go somewhere else?"

"After leaving the Imperial Garden, Hanfang did not go in the direction of Renming Hall, but seemed to be heading towards Guo Xiuyi's Dieqiong Pavilion. This servant did not follow her. After Dong'er returned, she went to the side hall to clean, and there was nothing unusual."

Hua Yan nodded slightly, "For now, let's continue to keep an eye on Dong'er and have Xiao Nianzi keep a close eye on Dieqiong Pavilion."