Chapter 365
CHAPTER 365 (1): WINTER SOLSTICE
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Su Xi-er wore the white pearl around her neck while looking at Grand Tutor Kong, softly calling out, “Godfather . ”
Grand Tutor Kong nodded, and his expression became serious . “You should still call me ‘Grand Tutor’ in front of others . We should still respect the palace rules, understand?”
“Of course I do . Don’t worry, Godfather . ”
Grand Tutor Kong waved his hand . “From now onwards, not only are you a court lady in the Imperial Library, you are also this old man’s goddaughter . I have already reported this to the Imperial Household Department and Ministry of Revenue; you will no longer be considered a lowly palace maid . There is nothing else; you may continue your work . ”
Su Xi-er nodded and walked out of the main hall . Grand Tutor Kong disappeared for quite some time after obtaining my birth information . So it turns out that he had to leave to take care of the logistical matters concerning my new status .
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Chao Mu had been waiting for her in the courtyard . She immediately came forward to question Su Xi-er when she saw her . “What did Grand Tutor Kong want?”
“Nothing much . Grand Tutor Kong had heard about what happened in the Imperial Garden yesterday, so he advised me to endure, and not to make a fuss . ” Su Xi-er kept the truth from her .
She then looked at Tan Ge, whose gaze was also set on her . The two of them exchanged a smile, but said nothing .
“That’s it?! Why did he need to do such a thing?!” Chao Mu harrumphed before noticing the red string around Su Xi-er’s neck . The pearl that hung on it was covered by her clothes .
“Su Xi-er, why are you wearing a red string?”
Su Xi-er smiled . “I’m 15 this year, when a woman finally comes of age . I recently read a book which stated that we should wear something red when we come of age so that it’ll be auspicious . ”
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“I see . I also want to wear a red string when I turn 15 . ” Chao Mu heartily laughed . However, she didn’t know that such a day would never arrive .
“Come on, the three of us will be going to the Imperial Kitchen to carry water and chop firewood today . ” Although they were assigned to do manual labour, Chao Mu was still in high spirits .
Beimin will be bustling with activity during the important Winter Solstice palace banquet . It will be held in the Imperial Garden from lunch until dinner . During that time, even palace maids can go to the Imperial Garden to view the opera performances, albeit from afar .
Chao Mu held onto Su Xi-er with her left hand, and Tan Ge with her right, happening to pull her left hand .
When they had just left the Imperial Library, Chao Mu noticed Tan Ge’s slightly furrowed brows .
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“What’s wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable?” Chao Mu asked worriedly .
Tan Ge shook her head . “I didn’t sleep well last night . I’m fine, let’s go . ”
“Remember to get ample rest . ” Su Xi-er replied in concern .
Tan Ge could hear the concern in their voices, causing her heart to twinge in pain . She followed Chao Mu as they walked forward, but no longer uttered a single word until they reached the Imperial Kitchen .
Upon arriving, Su Xi-er saw that many palace maids were busying themselves with various tasks: washing vegetables and dishes, sweeping the floors, chopping firewood, and drawing well water . .
A plump female cook came out to continue assigning people jobs before she caught sight of Su Xi-er’s group . “You three lasses look lively . What are your names? Let me look at yesterday’s duty roster . ” The roles of each palace maid had already been decided the other day .
After Su Xi-er’s group gave their names, the female cook gave them each a task, with Su Xi-er being given the role of drawing well water, Chao Mu washing the vegetables, and Tan Ge washing the dishes .
“Get on with your own job . ” The female cook then hastily left due to the Imperial Kitchen being especially busy today .
Chao Mu and Tan Ge left in one direction while Su Xi-er headed for the well .
The well was situated in the backyard of the Imperial Kitchen . It’s opening was extremely large, with buckets to match .
Just as Su Xi-er bent down to pick up a well bucket, she heard people quietly gossiping behind her .