funbook-pk Chapter 473 Arrangements for Baoli
Chapter 473 Arrangements for Baoli
Inside Yongshou Palace
An Lingrong took a short nap and then stood up with Baoli's help. She asked softly.
"Bao Que and Xiao Linzi, have they returned from outside the palace?"
Late at night three days ago, tragic news came from Yong'an Beile Mansion. The owner of Beile Mansion unfortunately fell into the water and drowned.
Upon hearing this, the emperor, who was handling memorials in the Yangxin Palace, immediately sent Su Peisheng to lead people to investigate the reason why Prince Yong'an fell into the water.
It was not until this morning that others were allowed to enter the Prince's Mansion as a sign of mourning.
An Lingrong immediately sent Baoque and Xiaolinzi there.
Normally, Hongzhan should have led his brothers and sisters to pay their respects, but the emperor, mindful of the horrific death of Prince Yong'an and fearing that it would frighten the young children, cancelled the visit.
"My Lord, I didn't see any trace of them before I came in."
Baoli replied respectfully, and the comb in her hand gently moved through her hair without any pause.
"What about Su Peisheng? Has he returned to the palace?"
"Master, General Manager Su has been busy outside the palace these past few days, and I haven't heard of him returning. I heard that General Manager Su has a house outside the palace, so I guess he lives there."
The news spread throughout the palace.
Some people say that Su Peisheng was disliked by the emperor, while others say that Su Peisheng was valued by the emperor and was asked to take care of the funeral of Prince Yong'an.
Anyway, there were both good and bad rumors, and fortunately Baoli heard one at noon.
"Master, I heard that Chief Steward Su brought several young eunuchs with him when he left the palace this time. He must be living a very comfortable life."
An Lingrong saw through the mirror that Baoli's face was filled with pure envy, and she smiled gently.
"Su Peisheng served the emperor wholeheartedly, so the mansion must have been given to him by the emperor. At his age, he should have been living a carefree life as a wealthy man."
"But it is indeed enviable that he can stay outside the palace for so long."
An Lingrong only visited a few shops in a hurry when she first arrived in the capital.
Later, after hearing Concubine Hua talk more about the prosperity of the capital, she would occasionally wonder when she would have time to experience the hustle and bustle outside the palace.
While the two were talking, a greeting was heard from outside the door.
"Master, I have returned from the Prince's Mansion."
"Okay, you've had a hard time all the way here, go and rest for a while."
An Lingrong did not call anyone in directly. Some things were not suitable to be discussed in front of Baoli.
"Baoli, you are about to turn twenty-five. Have you decided when to leave the palace? You have been loyal to me over the years, so I can make an exception and send you out early."
This person has been with her for many years. An Lingrong wanted to ask her opinion and make arrangements in advance before chaos broke out in the palace.
"My Lord, I am still undecided."
Baoli knelt on the ground, kowtowed three times, and explained in a low voice.
"A month ago, I contacted two close sisters who had left the palace earlier. One of them was taken away by her parents to an old drunkard to be given to her younger brother in exchange for money for his studies. She was beaten daily."
"The other woman's parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law doted on her, but they unexpectedly chose a scholar with lofty ambitions. She was left to run the household. Not only did she spend all her personal savings and dowry she brought out of the palace, but she was also so exhausted that she miscarried twice in quick succession. The old lady in that family didn't appreciate her efforts and kept nagging her to pay for her son to take a concubine to continue the family line."
"They both said that life outside the palace was like being soaked in bitter water, far inferior to the happiness in the palace."
There was a hint of trembling in Baoli's voice.
"While I was out of the palace, I visited the maid who used to take good care of me. She works as a servant in a wealthy family. She said that the world is harsh on women, and that it is even more difficult for palace maids who have reached the age of retirement to survive."
Baoli glanced at An Lingrong secretly, and seeing that she didn't look angry, she plucked up the courage to continue speaking.
"When palace maids reach the age of retirement, they will be sent back to their hometowns. If they wish to stay in the capital, they must marry as soon as possible."
"I don't want to be too far away from my brother, so please show me a way forward, Madam."
Baoli banged her head loudly, her heart filled with helplessness and confusion.
The nanny once gave her an idea that if she wanted to stay in the capital, she could be introduced to a wealthy master as a concubine.
Baoli refused on the spot, but the nanny threatened her that if a woman like her who had no family to rely on did not settle down quickly, her final destination would only be a charity that took in the disabled or a brothel.
She didn't dare to tell her master these foul words.
Baoli knew that the nanny thought she was still the palace maid who swept the dust in the unused palace, so she exaggerated her words in an attempt to control her.
However, she also specifically inquired about it because of what the nanny said, and found that the palace maids arranged by the master generally had a good life.
After Baoli discussed with his brother, he decided to shamelessly ask his master for help.
An Lingrong stared at the person kneeling on the ground, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the chair, making a crisp sound.
"Baoli, tell me what you think?"
Baoli surrendered to her in order to save her brother, but what did this person say?
Act with moderation and follow instructions.
For example, regarding the incident with Su Peisheng just now, Baoli would not have reported it if she had not asked about it.
Although she is not as easy to use as Baoque, Baoge and Xiaolinzi, her loyalty is impeccable.
"Master, your servant...your servant..."
Seeing her hesitating, An Lingrong persuaded her gently.
"Not long after I entered the palace, you came to serve me. Baoli, you have served me for many years. If you have anything to say, please speak directly."
"Besides, I have always hoped that those around me would live well. When I asked about your leaving the palace today, it was not just a casual question."
She paused and continued.
"Originally, I wanted to discuss this matter with you after you leave the palace, but I'm telling you today. Whenever a maid who serves me reaches the age of retirement and leaves the palace, I will give her a dowry as a token of my appreciation."
An Lingrong thought of what Baoli had just said about the maid who served people, and added.
"Even if there are those who don't want to get married, the things I give you can ensure that they have enough food and clothing for the time being."
When Baoli heard this, her eyes instantly turned red and her voice was choked with sobs.
"Master, your kindness to me is as great as a mountain, and I will never be able to repay you in this lifetime. If my brother had not also entered the palace, I would have been willing to serve you for the rest of my life."
"I heard that older eunuchs would be sent to Zhongguan Village, Enji Village, and nearby temples, so I visited them privately..."
When she said this, her voice choked again and tears couldn't stop falling.
Those eunuchs who once had high ranks might be able to make a living there, but if eunuchs of the lower class went there, they might eventually become a grave without a tombstone.
An Lingrong understood Baoli's unspoken intention. The concubines of lower rank in the palace had a hard life, let alone the elderly eunuchs.
She handed the snow-white handkerchief to Baoli and said, "Wipe your tears. Don't make such a fair-skinned girl look ugly by crying."
"I have an idea, and I'd like to hear it first. If you don't have a crush on someone, you can stay at my parents' house for a while after leaving the palace. You can learn some skills from the maid in the mansion, and the future arrangements are entirely up to you."
"Whether you get married or find a job, I won't interfere too much."
"If you encounter any difficulties, you can always come back to the mansion for help."
Although An Lingrong did not care about Baoli as much as Baoque and Baoge, she would not tolerate others bullying those who left her place.
Baoli, who understood what his master meant, was so moved that he burst into tears, kowtowed his head loudly, and expressed his opinion excitedly.
"This servant is willing to return to the mansion and serve. My sister and I are the master's people for life, and are willing to be at your service at any time."