Housekeeper of the Hundred Blossom Palace

“Somehow, you can’t see who’s the master between them.”

No matter how you look at it, that should not be the behavior of a person taking care of the imperial prince.

Libin gave a small sigh at Yui Mei’s scowl.

“It can’t be helped, that’s a maid that accompanied Consort Hu from her maiden family.”

Aside from maids being promoted from their court lady status, there were also instances when they were brought along from the consort’s family to serve.

Just like the case with Noble Concubine Jiang, there were many people like her among the maids deployed from the parental abode.

‘Well, personnel like her must have heard about what would happen when the time comes.’

In order to prevent other households from snatching the position of second wife in case the concubine died, they would arrange the woman who could be the substitute to accompany the concubine as her maid.

Those kinds of muddy scenes were also depicted in the movies in her previous world, so she deduced that that maid might have been sent for that reason.

“But saying ‘she won’t let him run away’ sounds disturbing, right.”

Yui Mei looked at the thicket where the imperial prince emerged earlier.

If he really ran away, then it would make sense why he appeared from that place.

The way the maid took him was also overbearing, short of saying ‘she won’t ever let him go’.

There must be a reason why he was so thin, no doubt about it.

As Yui Mei contemplated the imperial prince’s circumstances, Libin replied.

“Hey, don’t get involved too deeply. Imperial Prince Youren’s situation is not that good.”

“What do you mean?”

Yui Mei wanted to hear about the full story.

“You don’t know about this, too?,” Libin grumbled and sighed.

“Imperial Prince Youren was branded as ‘cursed’ by the empress dowager, so he is currently in a precarious situation.”

A curse again.

‘That empress dowager really loves curses!’

Perhaps, she might be the type of person who would chalk it up to a curse if she did not understand something.

Then that was the same as refusing to think critically, but what would be the implication if it was an eminent person?

“Rather than that, what was the curse? Does he laugh suddenly, or break into a dance?”

When Yui Mei stated the symptoms of curses she recalled, Libin frowned.

“… That is also creepy, but it’s completely different. Apparently, there were a lot of instances when Imperial Prince Youren would start behaving abnormally during meal times.”

After the empress dowager witnessed it for herself, she declared that he was possessed by a curse.

“So it was during meal times, huh…”

Yui Mei hummed.

With regards to children, food, and losing weight, she had an inkling as to what it was.

“I would like to know more about the imperial prince’s specific behavior when he is having his meal.”

Libin raised his brow at Yui Mei’s words.

“What do you mean, do you know something?”

It was only natural to be asked like that, however, she did not intend to divulge information while she’s still lacking information.

“I do have an idea, but I want to confirm it first.”

Yui Mei stared directly at Libin as he said ‘hmm’ while he deliberated.

“If I’m not mistaken, His Highness the Crown Prince was also present when the empress dowager censured him.”

In other words, he was suggesting they ask the crown prince.

He was probably in his office at this time.

“… Can I eat my snacks there?”

Yui Mei was concerned about the package containing manju hidden in her breast pocket.

If it was not allowed, then she planned to eat it before going there.

“You are… Well, we can at least serve some tea.”

Even though Libin looked exasperated, he did give her the go- signal to bring her snack. Moreover, there would be tea, so it must be a splendid place.

Suddenly, Yui Mei became eager to go.

“Alright, let’s go and listen to that story!”

And so, Yui Mei headed towards the crown prince’s palace.

Crowds of beautifully dressed ladies went to and fro the crown prince’s palace.

It was only natural that a low-ranked court lady led by the crown prince’s attending eunuch would draw attention as they walked through the corridors.

“What’s with that girl.”

“She’s being led by Libin, though.”

She was being ogled and whispered at from all directions but Yui Mei ignored them all, as she was busy observing the building.

“Oh, It’s not that ostentatious.”

Yui Mei muttered as she looked around.

The furnishing gave off an unexpected vibe since they were surprisingly low-key, or in rude terms, plain.

It must be because apart from decorations such as engravings on the building itself, there were few tall vases and other ornaments that could be seen.

“His highness is not fond of such decorations.”

“Yes, indeed.”

‘It’s easier for the cleaner if there were no unnecessary ornaments.’

She walked while contemplating this, and they arrived at a certain room.

“We have returned.”

“Come in.”

Libin called out in front of the door, and the crown prince’s voice resounded from within the room.

When the door was opened, the crown prince was sitting behind the front-facing desk, and his writing figure greeted them.

There was no one else inside the room except for the elderly maid attending to him.

“Welcome back…Oh, if it isn’t Yui Mei.”

The crown prince’s eyes widened at her as he greeted them with a smile, so Yui Mei bowed her head.

“Raise your head. It’s rare for Yui Mei to come here, did something happen?”

“Yes, the truth is…”

The crown prince put his brush down and asked Yui Mei, but Libin explained in her stead.

———————

T/L Thoughts:

Is it just me, but with the number of times Libin sighed, he could already blow up a hot balloon. orz

Honestly, I’m quite surprised that maids coming from the maiden family are portrayed as villains in this novel. Although it depends on who stationed those maids, they were usually loyal to the MC, with only a few exceptions. Those who betray their ‘masters’ were usually planted/ bribed by the stepmom/ villainous main wife/ villains. The main reason for this is because masters in Ancient China held the life contracts of their slaves so they could not act impudently. Well, at least it’s a new perspective. So, how will Yui Mei solve this curse involving lil bro Youren? ?

Hi everyone, Hanazakura here, thanks for reading, I’m grateful to you guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. We reached our 10th chapter milestone, hurray! Housekeeper of the Hundred Blossom Palace will now have a set schedule!  We will be releasing a chapter three times a week from now on. It will be every Mon, Wed and Fri, at 8:00 GMT. 

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