Chapter 251: Chapter 251: Your Performance Surpassed My Expectations
"Why has the princely heir come?" Qu Fulan was quite surprised.
"Are you nervous?" he asked.
"A little bit." Qu Fulan did not conceal it.
Last time at Yao Mountain, the Emperor was on the stage, and across such a distance, it felt simply curious, not really nervous.
Now, it’s a direct meeting with the Empress, akin to a face-to-face encounter with a high-ranking official in modern times; who wouldn’t feel a bit anxious?
More so in this era of imperial power, where even a minor misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.
"No need to be nervous, Her Majesty the Empress is virtuous, and she won’t make things difficult for you. As for others in the palace... you don’t need to worry either. I will have someone keep an eye out, and if anything arises, it can be promptly reported to me."
"Will the princely heir enter the palace too?"
"Yes, just as there’s some business to report to the Emperor."
Feeling reassured with a familiar face accompanying, Qu Fulan’s tension of entering the palace lessened considerably, especially knowing there would be someone watching out.
Qu Fulan had watched many ancient television dramas, where trusted ministers before the Emperor often have some assistance in the palace. If anything happens there, they would be informed promptly.
Just like those princes, being aware of developments in advance is certainly advantageous.
Ultimately, one’s network and capability depend on personal abilities.
"This way, Miss. Her Majesty is at Zixi Pavilion having a meal now. I will first take you to see Nanny Gui, who is responsible for teaching palace etiquette. Her manner is strict but for everyone’s benefit." The attendant led the way, and thanks to Heir Pei’s arrangements, the attendant spoke courteously and emphasized Nanny Gui’s character.
It’s protocol; otherwise, having someone unfamiliar with etiquette directly meet Her Majesty would risk embarrassment before the court.
There are many nannies teaching etiquette in the palace, each with a different temperament. Only Nanny Gui is the most comprehensive, albeit very strict. She treats Qu Fulan just as any noble lady—with rigor—administering lessons with a ruler if performance is inadequate, acknowledging with favor if excellent.
Even so, noble family madams eagerly try to send their daughters into the palace under Nanny Gui’s tutelage, but she serves the Empress, not available to just anyone.
The attendant, after delivering her, only mentioned that she was a relative from Pei Mansion, called into the palace for fitting, sparing further details.
Strangely, the attendant expected the princely heir would instruct him to speak more favorably of Nanny Gui.
In the past, young ladies entering the palace for training were extensively cautioned, fearing losses under Nanny Gui’s watch.
Speaking of Nanny Gui, upon first sighting Qu Fulan, she was immediately struck by her outstanding looks.
The Emperor’s harem, proverbially three thousand strong, admits none but beauties. To say one outcompetes another in beauty wouldn’t be far-fetched, yet Nanny Gui found this girl remarkably delightful.
Such surprise passing shortly, a person is merely skin-deep; initially stunning, yet moderate upon longer view.
Upon learning Qu Fulan was a cousin from Pei Mansion, Nanny Gui expressed no particular sentiment. Whether kin or legitimate descendant, she merely observed performance, unconcerned with status.
While many young ladies were trained by Nanny Gui, few garnered her praise. These delicate misses, often petted at home, found prolonged instruction unbearable.
Now this one, deemed ineffectual as well, yet unable to delay due to the Empress’s call, Nanny Gui taught the basics once through, ensuring firm memorization to avoid procedural mistakes; as for standard conformity, mere adequacy sufficed.
However, after one session, Nanny Gui surprisingly found this young lady not only notable in memory but commendably precise in demeanor.
Her poise was crucial; she remained collected, walking, kowtowing, kneeling—all executed impeccably.
With further training, she could likely epitomize etiquette among Capital City’s noble daughters.
Nanny Gui favored such perceptive individuals, imparting additional advice.
Ultimately, Qu Fulan reached the Empress’s quarters, conduct and etiquette, responses and demeanor unexpectedly competent, drawing Her Majesty’s closer inspection.
Not merely exceptionally pretty but composed and graceful at such a young age—remarkable indeed, explaining why even the Grand Princess admired her.
The Empress only posed basic inquiries before reviewing the booklet, where Qu Fulan had illustrated lingerie designs for convenient selection by others.
"I desire a few styles and patterns unclaimed by others; can you create that?"
Qu Fulan understood the Empress sought unique designs exclusive to herself.
Such requirements are natural for someone of her standing. Qu Fulan agreed, noting it necessitated her innovation, hence omitted from the general booklet.
Having taken the Empress’s measurements, she retired for rest as Qu Fulan was escorted out by the attendant again.
En route, they were intercepted by Consort Zhang’s entourage.
With the Empress recently gaining prominence, every move observed, hearing someone called into the palace for fittings, how could Consort Zhang stay seated?
The attendant found himself in difficulty, instructed to escort Qu Fulan out, yet Consort Zhang’s servants insisted on detaining her.
"Her Majesty merely wishes to see, posing a couple of questions; don’t make it seem like she wishes harm."
Qu Fulan was taken to Consort Zhang’s palace.
She did not encounter trouble; Consort Zhang’s focus lay in lingerie, probing all avenues only to hear the Empress preceded her, naturally compelling her pursuit.
Originally aiming to discern her rival’s intent, it essentially coerced her. Qu Fulan could not disclose specifics but also refrained from blunt refusal.
"Her Majesty mentioned just a few preliminary designs, undecided on specifics."
Consort Zhang remained skeptical, lacking proof, ultimately demanding uniqueness herself.
Exclusive custom orders often carry steeper prices due to exhaustive resources from design to materials to workmanship, consuming effort and time. Offering cheaper rates would severely undermine business.
Since efforts center on personalization, overlooking other clients, staffing increases consequently inflate costs.
Thus, upon querying the cost, Qu Fulan’s reply was deliberative.
"To meet Her Majesty’s requirements, the price is around ten taels per piece."
Is the price steep? Certainly for ordinary folk, even for other noble family matriarchs; their lingerie orders merit one or two taels, justifying labor and material costs.
But palace noblewomen differ.
Qu Fulan recalled seeing somewhere that ancient Empress’s banquet attire’s price cap was non-existent; a thousand taels is standard. Everyday wear exceeds hundreds.
Hence, a custom lingerie piece priced ten or twenty taels wasn’t excessive, befitting their exalted status.
Qu Fulan finally escorted from the palace, noticing Heir Pei awaiting by the carriage.
Seeing her emerge, he assessed her momentarily, then warmly praised, "Your performance exceeded my expectations."