Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 381 Court Rules, Making Friends with Nobles

Upon entering the palace, Su Jinxiu diligently learned the complex and intricate palace rules and etiquette under the guidance of her nanny, in order to avoid making mistakes.

Su Jinxiu knew that in the inner palace, the slightest mistake could lead to utter ruin, so she studied her nanny's teachings with utmost care.

"The way you walk should be light and graceful, with steps that are neither too big nor too small," the old woman said sternly as she demonstrated.

Su Jinxiu imitated it earnestly, and fine beads of sweat gradually appeared on her forehead.

"And the gesture of bowing should be graceful, and the eyes should be respectful."

Su Jinxiu practiced again and again, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

However, learning court etiquette was not always smooth sailing.

Sometimes, Su Jinxiu would forget the details of a certain action because she was nervous.

"How did you make a mistake again? This would be a serious offense of disrespect in a formal setting!" the old woman scolded, her face grim.

Su Jinxiu quickly apologized, "Please calm down, Granny. I will definitely work even harder."

There are many etiquette rules in the palace, from morning greetings to mealtime etiquette and how to behave in various situations, each with strict requirements.

"When eating, the chopsticks should not touch the rim of the bowl, and you should not make any noise while chewing."

Su Jinxiu tried her best to remember every detail, and often reviewed it repeatedly in her mind late at night.

Meanwhile, the other concubines and palace maids in the palace had different opinions about Su Jinxiu's diligent study.

Some of the concubines thought she was deliberately trying to curry favor and compete for the emperor's affections.

"Look at how serious she is, she just wants to get the Emperor's attention."

Some of the palace maids mocked her behind her back.

"What's the use of learning all this? You still have to live your life cautiously."

Faced with these gossips, Su Jinxiu chose to ignore them and focus on learning the rules.

After a period of effort, Su Jinxiu has made great progress in etiquette and manners.

But just when she thought she had almost mastered it, an accident happened.

At a palace banquet, Su Jinxiu accidentally knocked over a wine glass.

"Oh dear, what should I do!" she thought in a panic.

All eyes immediately turned to her, some with surprise, some with mockery, and some with schadenfreude.

"He can't even hold a wine glass properly, he has no manners at all."

Su Jinxiu's face flushed instantly, and she quickly knelt down to beg for forgiveness.

Fortunately, the Emperor did not blame her too much, but simply told her to be more careful in the future.

But this mistake made Su Jinxiu even more vigilant, and she realized that she could not relax for a moment in the palace.

Back at her residence, Su Jinxiu practiced even more diligently, even reciting various rules in her dreams.

"We absolutely cannot afford to make a mistake this time."

However, the rules of the court are not just these superficial actions and etiquette, but also include deeper rules governing interpersonal relationships and power struggles.

Su Jinxiu gradually realized this as she studied hard.

"It seems that merely learning these superficial rules is far from enough to gain a foothold in the court."

Just as Su Jinxiu was pondering how to deal with the complex situation in the palace, a mysterious palace maid approached her.

"Madam, I have something important to tell you."

At a palace banquet, Su Jinxiu met a concubine of high status. This noblewoman admired her greatly and was willing to provide her with some assistance in the palace.

At that palace banquet, the lights were dazzling, and the music and dancing were lively. Su Jinxiu, dressed in an elegant yet dignified palace gown, sat quietly to one side.

That concubine, known as Consort Hui, possessed an elegant demeanor and an extraordinary air about her. She happened to notice Su Jinxiu and was drawn to her unique and serene气质 (qi zhi - a kind of refined and composed demeanor).

"Are you Su Jinxiu from the Marquis's residence?" Consort Hui asked softly.

Su Jinxiu quickly stood up and bowed: "This humble servant is indeed you, and greets Consort Hui."

Consort Hui smiled and waved her hand: "No need for formalities. Judging from your bearing, you are quite remarkable."

As the two conversed, Su Jinxiu's words were polite and her insights unique, which made Consort Hui admire her even more.

After the banquet, Consort Hui sent a message saying that she was willing to provide assistance to Su Jinxiu in the palace.

Su Jinxiu knew this was a rare opportunity and was extremely grateful.

However, there are many eyes in the palace, and Su Jinxiu's friendship with Consort Hui quickly attracted the attention of others.

Some of the concubines who were jealous of Consort Hui began to gossip behind her back.

"Consort Hui has found another accomplice to consolidate her position."

"Hmph, that Su Jinxiu, I wonder what tricks she used to curry favor with Consort Hui."

Even the palace maids and eunuchs changed their attitude towards Su Jinxiu; some tried to curry favor, while others treated her coldly.

"Look how smug she is now, who knows when she'll fall down."

Su Jinxiu didn't care about this. She knew that she had to be careful with her words and actions in the palace and not be swayed by such gossip.

Consort Hui did not distance herself from Su Jinxiu because of outside gossip; on the contrary, she often invited her to her palace for tea and conversation.

In Consort Hui's palace, Su Jinxiu learned many ways to survive in the palace.

"The people in this palace are complicated; you must not easily trust others," Consort Hui said earnestly.

Su Jinxiu nodded in agreement: "Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."

However, at the same time, Su Jinxiu also discovered that Consort Hui's life in the palace was not smooth sailing.

Although she held a high position, she also had many enemies who secretly tried to trip her up.

On one occasion, Consort Hui was falsely accused of tampering with the gifts given to the Empress.

"What should we do? If the Empress blames us, Consort Hui will be in trouble."

Su Jinxiu was extremely anxious and decided to help Consort Hui find out the truth.

She inquired everywhere and investigated carefully, and finally discovered that it was another concubine who was jealous of Consort Hui's favor and deliberately framed her.

"So it was her who was behind this!"

Su Jinxiu presented the evidence to the Empress, clearing Consort Hui's name.

Consort Hui was extremely grateful to Su Jinxiu: "If it weren't for you, I would probably be doomed this time."

This incident made their relationship even closer.

But their friendship also brought more trouble.

Someone whispered in the Emperor's ear that Consort Hui and Su Jinxiu were forming a faction for personal gain.

"Your Majesty, we cannot allow them to be so unruly in the harem."

Although the emperor did not express his opinion, he had some doubts in his heart.