Cai Qing recounted everything that had happened to Feng Jin.
"That little girl really has quite a temper."
"Madam, you have no idea, she looked like she wanted to fight me right then."
Cai Qing truly felt that the maid named Xiao Qi, though young, possessed a rather significant temper.
"It's good for people to have some temper. What's the point of being meek and submissive?"
Even as palace maids, they needed spirit. To live a lifetime of timidity and fear would be a stifling and unbearable existence.
"Madam speaks wisely. From what I see, that girl Zhen Zhu is quite protective of Xiao Qi, always shielding her."
"Protecting her... it's good if she has someone to care about. That makes her easier to handle."
Feng Jin placed a silver hairpin adorned with a Ruyi-shaped intertwined silk into her hair. She glanced at her reflection with satisfaction, then rose with a pleased air.
"Alright, it's about time. Let's go and see them."
"Yes, Madam." Cai Qing nodded in agreement and stepped forward to help Feng Jin walk out.
When Feng Jin arrived, Zhen Zhu was scooping water from the pond with a basin and pouring it onto the lawn to the side.
"With your clumsy method, how long will it take to empty this pond? It will be years and years."
"Greetings, Madam. This servant is foolish and could only think of this clumsy method. I beg your pardon, Madam."
Hearing the sound, Zhen Zhu quickly knelt on the ground, pulling the still-dazed Xiao Qi down to kneel with her.
"Do you know why I assigned you a task that is fundamentally impossible to complete?"
"This servant is dull-witted and does not know Madam's thoughts."
Zhen Zhu kept her eyes lowered, her gaze constantly avoiding Feng Jin's.
"Dull-witted... I think you're not dull-witted at all, quite the opposite, very clever."
From the very beginning, Zhen Zhu could have cultivated an appearance of dulled intelligence, but in reality, she was exceptionally smart. She seemed oblivious to everything, yet knew everything, subtly evading Feng Jin's questions. She merely wanted to downplay her presence, which was indeed very clever.
"Madam, please forgive me. This servant dares not deceive Madam."
Zhen Zhu lowered her head even further, not daring to meet Feng Jin's gaze.
"I am not a fierce person. You may rise."
"Yes, Madam." Zhen Zhu nodded, then stood up meekly, lowering her head in silence, trying to minimize her presence. She knew better than anyone that being too outstanding would only invite the jealousy of others. Within the imperial palace, having no presence was the best way to protect oneself, the safest path.
"What is your name?"
Feng Jin shifted her gaze to the slightly younger one standing to the side, who appeared to be thirteen or fourteen years old.
"This servant's name is Xiao Qi."
"Xiao Qi, how old are you this year?"
"This servant is thirteen years old." Xiao Qi answered, following Feng Jin's lead.
"Thirteen years old, truly young."
At such a tender age, a child who still needed care was already learning to serve a master in ancient times. The contrast was quite stark.
"I recall that in your Xiliang, palace maids are only permitted to leave the palace after reaching twenty-four years of age, is that correct?"
Zhen Zhu couldn't discern Feng Jin's true intention behind the question at first. She simply replied in agreement, nodding, "Madam is correct. Palace maids may leave the palace upon reaching twenty-four years of age."
"Twenty-four years old, ten years is a long time to endure. It is even more difficult for you as dowry maids. If you receive favor from your master, you might be released to marry. Otherwise, you will only die alone, old. As servants, our lives are never our own; our very beings and fates are not ours to command."
Feng Jin began to sigh, instantly evoking a sense of empathy in Xiao Qi. Zhen Zhu continued to keep her head down, but her mind was racing, trying to decipher the meaning behind Feng Jin's words.
"I find myself quite fond of you, little one. I have a younger sister at home, around your age. Why don't I ask Madam Sun to grant you to me, and you can serve by my side?"
"Madam... this servant... this servant..."
Xiao Qi was taken aback by this sudden development, unsure how to respond, and remained frozen in place.
"If you have no objections, you will be by my side from now on. You're so thin, little one, and your clothes are torn."
Feng Jin stepped forward and helped Xiao Qi up from the ground, appraising her. Xiao Qi had a delicate look, but she was too thin, her skin sallow, appearing somewhat malnourished.
"Cai Qing, take Xiao Qi back. She is now one of my people. Go and get her some clean clothes."
"Yes, Madam."
Cai Qing stepped forward and, before Xiao Qi could react, led her away.
"Madam, Madam... this is not right. We are the Princess's dowry maids. Without the Princess's order, we cannot follow Madam back without authorization."
Zhen Zhu immediately panicked. She quickly got up to argue with Feng Jin, but constrained by the difference in their statuses, she could only remain kneeling, not daring to overstep, and watched helplessly as Xiao Qi was led away by Cai Qing.
"That's easily handled. We have always been on good terms with your Princess. When we return to the capital, I will personally speak with the Princess. She will surely grant me a mere maid."
Feng Jin had made up her mind to take Xiao Qi and would not give Zhen Zhu any opportunity to object. At this moment, she truly felt the immense difference in their statuses.
"You have also had a tiring day. Go back and rest. We will waive this punishment."
"Madam..." Zhen Zhu watched Feng Jin's retreating back, her heart filled with anxiety. This was terrible. Xiao Qi had been taken, and she had no way to get her back. Wait, she should find Madam Sun. Madam Sun would certainly not stand by and watch Xiao Qi be taken away. Only Madam Sun could find a way to get Xiao Qi back. With a plan in mind, Zhen Zhu hurried to find Madam Sun. Upon meeting Madam Sun, she explained what had happened.
"What? Xiao Qi was taken by her!" Madam Sun's voice was so loud it echoed throughout the room, her face filled with panic.
"Madam Sun, this servant implores you to get Xiao Qi back." Zhen Zhu bowed several times to Madam Sun, pleading.
"Once she's taken, it will be difficult to get her back." She had clashed with Feng Jin several times before, and had never gained an advantage. Now that the person was in Feng Jin's hands, it would be hard to retrieve her.
"Madam Sun, Xiao Qi grew up under your care. She is only thirteen years old, Madam Sun, please, just get Xiao Qi back, Madam Sun."
"Enough, you close your mouth. You are the one who brought Xiao Qi here. Is your own punishment not enough, that you must now implicate others!" Madam Sun shifted her anger, directing all the blame onto Zhen Zhu. Angrily, she grabbed a teacup from the table and hurled it forcefully at Zhen Zhu.