After Transmigrating Into A Eunuch, I Became Famous In The Harem - Chapter 31

Shao Yin saw Su Zhongjie and froze in place.

A cold wind blew, sending snowflakes drifting down.

Her face paled as a sharp pain shot through her abdomen.

She forced a bitter smile. “Eunuch Su, I’m afraid I can’t make it to Kunning Palace.”

Su Zhongjie didn’t know why her face had suddenly paled, but he guessed it was due to discomfort.

He knew the Empress and the Noble Consort were at odds, and that the Noble Consort had angered the Empress today, making Kunning Palace unusually cold.

If he couldn’t bring her back, the Empress would surely hold him accountable.

But Shao Yin’s complexion looked genuinely unwell.

After a moment, Shao Yin spoke, her expression helpless. “The Noble Consort has already disciplined me. If I go to the Empress’s palace today, I fear she’ll be angry.”

“Eunuch Su, I really don’t know what to do. I don’t want to cause conflict between the two Imperial Consorts.”

Su Zhongjie considered for a moment. “Very well. Rest here for now. I’ll return and report this to the Empress.”

Su Zhongjie left.

Shao Yin returned to her room, lit the charcoal brazier, and collapsed onto the bed with a deep sigh.

No job is easy, no matter where you work.

Serving these Imperial Consorts in the Imperial Palace is especially grueling.

The charcoal fire gradually warmed the room. As Shao Yin’s body heated up, the cramping in her lower abdomen eased, and she felt drowsy.

She closed her eyes and pulled the quilt over herself.

This rare moment of relaxation and vacation brought a fleeting sense of ease to her face.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard the soft rustling of footsteps in the snow outside.

Her eyes snapped open, and she sat up.

Someone knocked on the door. The Empress’s voice called from outside, “Shao Yin, open the door.”

Shao Yin hurried to the door and opened it.

The Empress stood there, Ruyi holding an umbrella over her. Snowflakes still drifted onto her shoulders, creating a stark contrast against her cold, somber complexion.

Shao Yin stepped aside to let the Empress enter and escape the snow, saying, “Your Majesty, why have you come? My quarters are so humble and might soil Your Majesty’s shoes.”

Guan Zhixian stepped inside. Seeing Shao Yin’s rosy complexion, which didn’t match Su Zhongjie’s pitiful description, her icy expression softened slightly. She glanced around the room.

These quarters were typical for a eunuch. Though the Imperial Palace was vast, its grandeur was reserved for the lords and consorts. Even the most favored servants could only hope for modest accommodations within its walls.

Most palace servants saved up enough to buy houses outside the palace walls, allowing them to leave during their days off.

Shao Yin clearly couldn’t afford to buy a house outside the palace, so even during her days off, she had to stay in these cramped quarters.

Even the coal fire in the room was a reward she’d earned herself.

The room didn’t even have a proper table or stool.

Shao Yin lifted the quilt and straightened the bed. “These quarters are humble and must be an inconvenience for Your Majesty.”

Guan Zhixian strode to the bedside and sat down. Su Zhongjie and Ruyi stood outside, closing the door behind them.

This served two purposes: to give the two women privacy to speak, and to prevent the servants from crowding the Empress in the cramped space.

Once seated, Guan Zhixian studied Shao Yin closely. Her complexion was indeed not as rosy as before; the flush on her cheeks was likely from the coal fire, and her lips were still pale.

She had rushed over intending to confront Shao Yin about obeying the Noble Consort’s orders. But seeing her frail appearance now softened her heart.

Then, with a sudden flash of determination and amusement in her eyes, she declared, “I’ll buy you a house outside the palace.”

Shao Yin was taken aback. Why would she offer to buy me a house?

She assumed the Empress had come to reprimand her.

The panic and helplessness in her eyes stirred Guan Zhixian’s heart with pity.

The Empress’s smile widened. “What’s wrong? I’m offering you a house, and you don’t want it?”

She glanced around the room. “I think a three-compound residence would be suitable. It’s far superior to this cramped little place. You won’t have to spend your days off holed up in your quarters.”

Her expression turned serious. “But you mustn’t tell the Noble Consort about this. If she finds out, she’ll send someone to drag you back from your home even during your days off.”

No reward without merit. Shao Yin didn’t believe her service to the Empress warranted such a gift.

A three-compound residence near the Imperial Palace was like a four-sided courtyard house in the heart of Beijing’s First Ring Road, right next to the Forbidden City. Such a prime location would be exorbitantly expensive in any era.

Shao Yin couldn’t accept the Empress’s gift in good conscience. If these masters ever fell out of favor with her, demanding the return of the house would be the least of her worries. If they pinned false accusations on her instead, how could she ever clear her name?

Shao Yin wasn’t greedy. She didn’t want her future residence to be so close to the Imperial Palace and these fickle masters.

In the palace, even a cramped and inconvenient place to rest was enough.

She only hoped she could align herself correctly with the winning side. Once the Great Female Protagonist ascended to the position of Empress Dowager, she would be allowed to leave the palace.
Shao Yin lowered her head in gratitude for the Empress’s kindness and politely declined her offer of reward.

Guan Zhixian’s sudden impulse to reward Shao Yin with a residence stemmed from a momentary whim.

She had assumed Shao Yin would respond with the same delight as other palace attendants.

Yet Shao Yin had unexpectedly refused her.

Standing in the simple dwelling, Shao Yin appeared slender and delicate, her features so refined she seemed like a glass doll that might shatter with a single misstep.

Guan Zhixian’s heart softened just by looking at her.

“Is this because of the Noble Consort?” The Noble Consort’s figure flashed through Guan Zhixian’s mind, and the warmth in her voice turned frosty. “She seems to be controlling you a little too strictly.”

Her tone sharpened, carrying a different kind of danger than the Noble Consort’s.

The Noble Consort’s danger was unpredictable, like a storm that could be triggered by a single careless word.

The Empress’s danger, however, was overwhelming, each word landing with such force it could bend Shao Yin’s spine.

Before Shao Yin could respond, Guan Zhixian’s expression hardened. “Or perhaps you don’t consider yourself a member of Kunning Palace, and me your mistress? Is that why you dare not accept what I offer?”

“Hmph.” Her cold laugh nearly made Shao Yin’s knees buckle. “I wonder if it’s your own fawning nature or if the Noble Consort truly has some influence. In less than a month, she’s already turned you into one of her people.”

“I’m innocent!” Shao Yin protested sincerely, her voice trembling with genuine hurt. “I remain loyal to Your Majesty, never forgetting the oath I swore to you. But… I haven’t served you much. How can I possibly deserve such a precious reward from Your Majesty’s own hands?”

If this were the Noble Consort, Shao Yin’s flattery would have already won her a smile.

But Guan Zhixian remained unmoved, her icy gaze fixed on Shao Yin. “I detect no loyalty to me in your words or actions.”
“Moreover, whether I choose to reward you is my own decision. To refuse me and attempt to change my mind is insolence.”

“I will punish you.”

The single word “punish” made Shao Yin’s knees go weak.

Just as she was about to kneel, Guan Zhixian gripped her wrist and pulled her upright.

Yet she said nothing, her aura of authority and displeasure radiating unchecked.

Shao Yin stole a furtive glance at her.

Guan Zhixian withdrew her wrist and met Shao Yin’s gaze, allowing her to observe her expression.

Even with her stern, cold face, the Empress couldn’t hide her imposing presence and delicate features.

Shao Yin felt overwhelmed by her imposing aura, unsure of what to do.

Good words wouldn’t work, and she wasn’t allowed to kneel. What could she possibly do?

Shao Yin lowered her head, her eyes downcast, looking like a fish on a chopping block, helpless and vulnerable. Her submissive demeanor even carried a hint of grievance.

Guan Zhixian was amused by her reaction.

Is that all she’s capable of?

This servant was truly infuriating. If she were still in her own palace, Zhixian would have taken great pleasure in thoroughly disciplining her.

Her imposing presence still weighed heavily on Shao Yin as she spoke coldly, “No one has ever dared refuse a gift from this Empress.”

How could Shao Yin possibly refuse now? She could only accept gratefully. “This servant thanks the Imperial Consort for her generosity.”

Guan Zhixian leaned forward, her body tilting toward Shao Yin. “And?”

Shao Yin instinctively stepped back, but stumbled and nearly fell. Guan Zhixian grabbed her hand and yanked her closer. “Am I that intimidating?”

Shao Yin staggered forward two more steps, nearly falling into the Empress’s arms.

Just as she regained her balance, Shao Yin hurriedly answered the Empress’s question. “Your Majesty is not frightening. It’s I who am too timid and easily startled.”

Guan Zhixian didn’t argue. Seeing how genuinely frightened Shao Yin looked, her expression grew even colder.

She lowered her gaze to her meticulously manicured nails. “You still haven’t answered my question. Aside from expressing gratitude, is there nothing else you want to say?”

Shao Yin inwardly sighed. The women of the Imperial Harem are becoming increasingly difficult to please.

Yet deep down, a warmth blossomed. Despite the Empress’s fierce demeanor, she was scheming for Shao Yin’s benefit, planning to gift her a three-compound residence. Shao Yin wasn’t ungrateful; she would forever cherish the Empress’s kindness.

She stole another glance at Guan Zhixian. Her eyes held a timid vulnerability, yet a hint of shrewdness peeked through. Combined with her simple, pure appearance and those dewy eyes, how could anyone remain angry?

Guan Zhixian could only let Shao Yin manipulate her, even a trace of amusement flickering in her eyes. “You truly have nothing else to say?”

Shao Yin was beginning to grasp the ropes. Liang Fujun craved flattery, truth or falsehoods alike. As long as it made her feel cherished and supported, it was enough.

The Empress preferred honesty over flowery flattery. She wasn’t moved by empty compliments.

Shao Yin could only bare her heart. “I’m truly delighted to have a residence outside the palace. No matter what challenges I face in the future, I’ll always have a place to go.”

“Moreover, since this residence is a gift from Your Majesty, others will think twice before daring to interfere.”

“Yet I feel unworthy of such a generous reward.”

“Still, my heart swells with joy. I’ll cherish this home, no matter its condition.”

Guan Zhixian nodded, pleased to hear these words.

She looked at Shao Yin. “Is that all?”
Shao Yin added, “Your Majesty has always occupied a special place in my heart. I will never forget you.”

This was also true.

Regardless of who ultimately became the Great Female Protagonist, the Empress would always hold a unique position in Shao Yin’s heart.

It was she who had rescued Shao Yin from the Emperor’s side, gradually accepted her as one of her own, and protected her secret of cross-dressing.

After Shao Yin finished speaking, the air grew still, broken only by the occasional crackle of the charcoal fire.

The heat from the fire made the air between them feel scorching. Whether from the warmth of the flames or something else, the crimson blush on Shao Yin’s cheeks deepened.

Guan Zhixian suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, her heart pounding against her ribcage. Her gaze remained fixed on Shao Yin for a long moment.

After a pause, she asked, “Does the Noble Consort have a place in your heart too? Or is it only me?”

Support After Transmigrating Into A Eunuch, I Became Famous In The Harem