Chapter 212 Guidance
Chapter 212 Guidance
"This humble lady pays her respects to Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine Ling. May Your Majesty be blessed with good health."
Tian Yuner knelt down carefully and kowtowed to pay her respects. As soon as her knees touched the bottom, she was helped up by Lan Cui who was beside Yan Wan.
"Your mother said you're not feeling well. No need to be polite. Just get up and sit down."
Yanwan raised her chin slightly, sitting lazily on the exquisite kang covered with a soft goose down quilt. One hand rested casually at her side, and the other held a small hand warmer, which emitted a subtle warmth that blended with the warmth in the room.
Her eyes casually swept over Tian Yuner, with a hint of scrutiny in them, and a hint of imperceptible indifference.
Feeling Yan Wan's gaze, Tian Yun'er couldn't help but flinch. Her body trembled slightly, as if a cold wind had blown through her. She lowered her head, her eyes filled with fear, and dared not utter a single sound.
After a while, she mustered up her courage, biting her pale lips tightly with her pearly teeth. Her slightly trembling appearance made people feel particularly distressed.
she said carefully.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. For so many years, I have lived in hardship and anxiety. Without your secret support, I am afraid I would not be able to survive until now. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. I know that my status is low and I cannot repay you. I can only pray silently in my heart, wishing you good health and happiness, and eternal prosperity..."
Speaking of this, Tian Yuner's eyes showed some gratitude. She lowered her head slightly, and her thoughts seemed to drift back to the past.
If it weren't for the help of the imperial concubine in front of them, their family would probably have been destroyed.
Tian Yuner didn't understand why her mother, who had devoted herself to the palace for many years, was suddenly beaten and sent back home with bruises all over her body.
Over the years, Grandma Tian has kept silent about what happened in the palace.
After her ordeal at the horrific Ministry of Punishment, Grandma Tian suffered severe damage both physically and mentally. Even though she recovered after medical treatment, she was left with a persistent illness.
Over the years, Grandma Tian's health had deteriorated year by year. She was often tormented by illness and was extremely weak. However, it was only thanks to Yan Wan's support, both overt and covert, that Grandma Tian was able to hold on until now.
Grandma Tian was deeply grateful for this, her heart filled with respect and gratitude for Yanwan. She often spoke to the children in a serious and solemn tone, repeatedly urging them to remember Yanwan's kindness and never forget this life-saving grace.
"It's alright. Your mother helped me a lot back then. If she hadn't been involved with me, she wouldn't have been dragged into that unnecessary controversy and suffered such hardships. Alas, the past is too painful to recall, so let's not dwell on it. I haven't seen you for a few years. How is your mother doing?"
Yanwan spoke softly, her voice as gentle and warm as the spring breeze.
Her face was extremely kind, her smile was as bright as a blooming flower, and her eyes were full of concern.
It was as if they were just an ordinary elder chatting with a younger generation, without the slightest air of a concubine. Her gentle demeanor made people feel close to her.
Yan Wan naturally knew everything about Grandma Tian's every move. Ever since Grandma Tian left the palace, Yan Wan secretly sent people to keep an eye on her from time to time.
Those spies were like eyes hidden in the dark, closely watching Grandma Tian's life. Yan Wan knew that if Grandma Tian's experience in the palace was leaked, it would bring her great trouble.
Fortunately, Grandma Tian is a smart person and she knows very well that trouble comes from the mouth.
She guarded this secret carefully, as if she were guarding her own life.
But for Yan Wan, Grandma Tian is still of some use.
Hearing that Yan Wan was still thinking about her mother, Tian Yun'er couldn't stop crying. Hearing that Yan Wan was still thinking about her mother, Tian Yun'er felt an indescribable emotion in her heart.
Her eyes instantly became moist, and tears flowed like beads from a broken string, unable to be stopped. The crystal tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped onto the ground, as if venting the emotions deep in her heart.
Tian Yuner's lips trembled slightly. She wanted to say something but didn't know where to start.
Chunchan comforted her for a while before speaking again.
"My mother's health has been getting worse over the years. As soon as winter comes, her body aches badly. She used to be able to walk a few steps, but now, as soon as winter comes, her legs hurt so much that she can't even walk. She can only lie in bed all day, enduring the pain..."
"It's been like this for the past few years. Perhaps it's because I'm getting older and my illness is getting worse. That's why I've resorted to this trick and asked you to beg me for help, Your Majesty, to help me find a way out..."
As Tian Yun'er spoke, tears fell non-stop. Her young face was filled with sorrow and heartache. She was fifteen or sixteen, the most beautiful age, the most pitiful.
The sight of her crying was enough to melt anyone's heart.
"I'm sorry for bringing up your distress. Don't worry. I'll ask Doctor Bao to come and see your mother. Don't worry, Doctor Bao is an excellent doctor. While he can't cure your mother's illness, he can certainly provide some relief."
Yanwan spoke softly, her eyes full of concern and comfort. She tilted her head slightly and glanced at Chunchan beside her.
Chunchan understood and quickly stepped forward, handing a handkerchief to Tian Yuner, saying softly, "Young lady, please wipe your tears. The Empress cares so much about your mother that she will definitely ask Doctor Bao to do his best to treat her."
Tian Yuner took the handkerchief, her heart filled with emotion. She gently wiped away her tears, and the handkerchief seemed to still carry a hint of warmth, just like the care that Yanwan gave her.
The charcoal fire in the hall was burning brightly, and her originally cold hands and feet had gradually recovered their temperature. The faint fragrance from the handkerchief wafted over, making Tian Yuner feel much more at ease.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Without your support, our family would have been..."
Tian Yun'er's voice trembled slightly, full of gratitude and relief. She carefully put away the handkerchief, which seemed to carry endless gratitude.
Afterwards, she quickly knelt down to express her gratitude, her gesture respectful and pious. She knew very well that without Empress Yanwan's care and support, the fate of her family would be extremely difficult.
This time, it was Yan Wan who helped her up personally.
Yanwan leaned forward slightly, her graceful posture as noble as a blooming peony. She stretched out her delicate hand and gently placed it on Tian Yuner's arm.
The hand was white and delicate, with slender fingers, and the golden armor gleamed brightly in the dim light of the hall.
The armor was inlaid with large sapphires, which emitted a brilliant light even in the dim hall.
"Good boy, this is all I should do. However, you still have a whole family to support, so you can't just rely on me for support, right? Do you have any good plans?"
Yanwan's voice was gentle and concerned, and her eyes revealed her worry for Tian Yuner.
Simply providing support is not a long-term solution. Tian Yuner needs to find a way to be self-reliant in order to truly support the family.
This is also the reason why she entered the palace.
"My younger brother is a loser. He's idle all day, never striving for progress. The whole family relies on my mother's hard work. Your Majesty, you know that I'm too weak to do heavy work, nor can I share much of the burden for the family. But please, Your Majesty, show me a way forward. I will go through fire and water to repay your kindness."
Tian Yuner's words were filled with helplessness and eagerness. Her eyes gleamed with a determined light, reflecting her desire to change her fate and her deep trust in Empress Yanwan.
After saying this, she pretended to kneel down again, but Yan Wan stopped her.
Yan Wan raised her hand slightly and said softly, "No need to be like this. Stand up and talk. Since I said I want to help you, I will find a proper solution for you."
Yanwan's voice was steady and gentle, giving people a sense of reassurance. Tian Yuner stood up and looked at Yanwan expectantly.
"What a coincidence! Your mother died in disgrace. I know she was not at fault, but rather took the blame for the one above her. Over the years, I have been trying to find ways to help you. But you are so weak and frail that you can't enter the palace and become a head aunt or something like that. It's such a pity."
Yan Wan sighed slightly, a trace of regret in her eyes. She looked at Tian Yun'er's frail appearance and felt a little helpless.
"If I were a concubine, I wouldn't be able to enter the palace with my status. But there's always a way out. The emperor currently values the Fifth Prince the most, and he's reached the age of maturity. I'll have someone arrange for you to live in the Fifth Prince's residence. After that, it all depends on your own luck..."
There was a hint of expectation in Yanwan's tone. She looked at Tian Yuner with interest, waiting for her response.
There was both scrutiny and encouragement in that look, as if telling Tian Yuner that this was a rare opportunity, and as long as she grasped it well, she might be able to change the fate of herself and her family.
This move was taught to her by Jinzhong himself.
Memories flooded into her mind like a tide. At that time, she was struggling to make her way in the palace, and Jinzhong's guidance was like a bright light in the darkness.
Now, she used this trick on Tian Yuner, and she couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions in her heart.
Tian Yun'er originally thought that Concubine Ling would keep her by her side as a little palace maid. After all, her status was low, and it was a great honor for her to be able to serve the Concubine.
But she never imagined that Concubine Ling actually wanted her to follow the Fifth Prince. This sudden arrangement shocked her, and her heart was filled with doubts and uneasiness.
But on closer reflection, she felt that what Concubine Ling said made sense. The Fifth Prince was highly regarded by the Emperor and had a promising future. If she could marry into the Fifth Prince's household, perhaps she could bring a better life to her family and repay Concubine Ling's kindness.
Moreover, there must be a deep meaning behind Concubine Ling's action. She must have seen certain qualities in herself and believed that she could make a difference in the Fifth Prince's mansion.
She has had a weak constitution since childhood, and has spent countless sums of money to barely survive until now.
Her body had been weak since she was a child, and she couldn't withstand the slightest wind and rain. In order to maintain her frail life, her mother had spent countless money over the years, seeking medical treatment everywhere, and only then could she barely survive until now.
The expensive medical expenses were suffocating the entire family.
Being a meager palace maid, the meager monthly salary and rewards were truly pitiful. Not to mention supporting one's family, even supporting oneself was difficult. In this palace, the life of a palace maid was filled with hardship and frustration. They toiled daily for a pittance.
Tian Yuner herself understood that given her physical condition and family burden, being a palace maid was far from enough.
In the Fifth Prince's mansion, there might be more opportunities and possibilities. The Fifth Prince has a noble status and a bright future. If one can gain his favor, one's fate will change dramatically.
Even if she could only become a concubine, she would have better living conditions and status, not only being able to support herself but also having enough to support her family. She thought to herself, a glimmer of hope flashing in her eyes.
"I'm just telling you this. The Fifth Prince is a rare talent, brilliant and charming, and he's the perfect match for you little girls. He's a man of integrity, kind-hearted, and a good man. None of the Emperor's sons can compare to him. If you could follow him, I'm sure he wouldn't treat you unfairly. Think about it carefully; this is a rare opportunity."
Yanwan's voice drifted softly, like a gentle breeze brushing past her ears. There was a hint of allure in her voice, bewitching Tian Yuner's heart. Her words were like tempting fruit, making Tian Yuner's heart flutter. Tian Yuner listened quietly, her heart rippled.
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty, but this is a matter of great importance, so I need to go back and discuss it with my mother..."
Tian Yun'er bowed her head slightly, her tone respectful and cautious. Although she was already largely convinced, she still had her elders above her, and she still had to consult her mother on everything. After all, this decision concerned her future, so she couldn't act rashly.
"Of course. For such an important matter in life, I must discuss it with my family. I'll have Chunchan take you back later..."
Yan Wan nodded slightly, speaking sympathetically. A gentle smile washed over her face, a warm and inviting warmth. Seeing that Tian Yun'er didn't immediately acknowledge the man, Yan Wan didn't get upset. She knew full well that this matter couldn't be rushed.
Yan Wan wasn't afraid that she would regret it after returning. Even if she didn't want to, she had plenty of ways to make her obey. In this palace, she held great power and had plenty of means to control others. If only Grandma Tian had been more sensible and obediently followed her instructions, a lot of trouble could have been avoided.
She believed that with Grandma Tian's gratitude to her and her consideration for the family's future, she would definitely persuade Tian Yuner to follow her arrangements.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your advice. I will think about it carefully. Your Highness is kind-hearted. Meeting you is a blessing that my family and I could never hope to achieve in eight lifetimes..."
Tian Yuner agreed obediently, with excitement and a hint of expectation for the future in her eyes.
Can she also become the master?
If she turns into a phoenix on the tree, she won't have to be like her mother.
Your life is in the hands of others, and you have no say in whether you live or die.
Just a few words can determine a person's destination.
eurekapd