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Xu Si jolted upright in bed, a sharp pain throbbing through her head. The unfamiliar carved bed and antique furnishings brought her instantly to her senses.
Before she could make sense of what was happening, a clear voice sounded beside her. “My lady, you are finally awake. Today is the day you are to pay your respects to Her Majesty the Empress. We must not miss the appointed hour.”
Xu Si turned her head and saw a plainly dressed maid with delicate features watching her anxiously.
Xu Si was stunned. She soon realized that she had somehow crossed into the world of *The Legend of Zhen Huan*.
Before she could fully digest this astonishing fact, an ancient book glowing faintly appeared before her eyes. Four bold words were written across its cover: “Rules of Survival.”
Xu Si drew a deep breath, forcing down her panic, and opened the book.
Rule One: In the inner palace, rank is of the utmost importance. At all times, you must clearly understand the difference in status between yourself and others. Never overstep your place.
When meeting someone of higher rank, you must perform the formal ceremony of greeting and speak with due respect. You must not show the slightest negligence. If you defy this rule, disaster will follow.
Xu Si quickly recalled the formalities of paying respects from the television drama and silently rehearsed them in her mind.
By then, the young maid, Li Zhu, had already entered with water and other washing supplies to attend to her.
As Li Zhu helped her wash and dress, Xu Si pondered the path that lay ahead.
Once she had finished preparing herself, Xu Si set out with Li Zhu for the Empress’s palace.
Along the way, she observed her surroundings, doing her best to remain calm.
When she entered the palace, quite a few consorts were already present.
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Drawing upon her recollection of the various consorts’ ranks, Xu Si found her proper place and respectfully greeted the Empress. “Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless peace and prosperity.”
The Empress gave a slight nod. Her gaze rested on Xu Si for a moment before moving away.
Rule Two: Consort Hua is arrogant, domineering, and jealous, yet deeply favored by the Emperor. Never offend her through word or deed. If she deliberately makes things difficult for you, respond with humility and never confront her directly. If Consort Hua bestows something upon you, accept it graciously and offer your thanks—but never consume any food she gives you.
No sooner had the morning greetings ended than a fragrant breeze swept through the room. Consort Hua entered, surrounded by her attendants. Her eyes were haughty as she surveyed the room, finally settling on Xu Si.
“So this is the newly arrived Lady Xu? She does possess a certain beauty.” A smile of unclear meaning curved Consort Hua’s lips.
Xu Si’s heart tightened. She hurriedly lowered her head and replied with deference, “I am no more than a humble willow by the roadside. How could I presume to attract Your Ladyship’s notice?”
Consort Hua gave a faint scoff and ordered someone to bring over a box of pastries, claiming that it was a gift for Xu Si.
Xu Si accepted it, gratitude covering her face. “Thank you for Your Ladyship’s generous gift. I shall never forget Your Ladyship’s kindness.”
After Consort Hua departed, Xu Si quietly handed the pastries to Li Zhu and instructed her in a low voice, “Under no circumstances are you to eat them. Find somewhere and dispose of them carefully.”
Rule Three: The Emperor is the center of power in the inner palace. Winning his favor is the key to establishing yourself here, but you must never appear overly eager or allow your scheming to show. The Emperor admires talent and gentleness. In his presence, you must reveal what makes you unique, while always observing proper restraint.
Not long afterward, the Emperor held a banquet in the Imperial Garden, and all the consorts attended in their finest attire.
Xu Si deliberately dressed in a fresh, understated style rather than competing with the other consorts for attention.
The Emperor was in high spirits that evening. Upon hearing that one of the consorts was skilled at playing the qin, he ordered a performance.
An idea came to Xu Si. When the music ended, she rose gracefully and said, “I have heard that the ancients used poetry and lyrics in their songs, lending them a distinctive charm. I am not particularly gifted, but I would be honored to offer a humble performance.”
With that, she parted her lips and began to sing a modern adaptation of an ancient-style song. The melody was lilting, and the lyrics were fresh and original.
The Emperor was indeed captivated, his gaze turning toward Xu Si again and again.
After the banquet, the Emperor asked Xu Si to remain behind and spoke with her at length, praising her talent warmly.
Xu Si maintained an air of gentleness and modesty throughout, successfully leaving a deep impression on the Emperor.
Rule Four: In the inner palace, no one’s heart can be easily fathomed. Do not place blind faith in anyone’s words. A consort’s show of goodwill may conceal a hidden agenda. If anyone shares a secret with you or invites you to participate in a plot, politely decline and remain vigilant. Never allow yourself to be drawn into the heart of the palace’s conflicts.
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As the days passed, Xu Si gradually established herself in the inner palace.
Noble Lady Cao suddenly sought her out. After dismissing the attendants, she said mysteriously, “Younger Sister Xu, you strike me as an honest person, so there are a few things I must tell you. Consort Hua has grown even more overbearing of late. If we do not join forces, I fear none of us will enjoy peaceful days in the future.”
Xu Si’s heart jolted, but her expression remained composed. With a smile, she replied, “Elder Sister speaks the truth. It is only that I have just entered the palace and know nothing of its ways. I shall leave everything to Elder Sister’s guidance.”
Seeing that Xu Si’s attitude was deliberately vague, Noble Lady Cao exchanged a few more words with her before taking her leave.
Xu Si knew very well that Noble Lady Cao was one of Consort Hua’s followers. This visit had certainly been a test, and Xu Si remained on guard, not daring to relax for even a moment.
Rule Five: The Imperial Kitchen is responsible for supplying food to the inner palace. Maintaining good relations with the eunuchs and maids there may bring you certain conveniences, but you must never make unreasonable demands. If the food delivered to you has an unusual smell or an abnormal appearance, under no circumstances should you eat it. Immediately return it on the pretext of feeling unwell, then investigate discreetly.
One day, a bowl of soup was brought with Xu Si’s meal. The moment she leaned closer, she caught a faint, peculiar odor.
Her heart tightened as she recalled the rule. She immediately summoned Li Zhu and said, “I have suddenly taken ill today, and this soup does not look very appetizing either. Take it back to the Imperial Kitchen and tell them that I appreciate their kindness.”
Li Zhu did as instructed.
Xu Si then secretly sent Huan Bi to make inquiries. She soon learned that Consort Qi, jealous of Xu Si’s favor, had bribed a junior eunuch in the Imperial Kitchen and intended to tamper with the soup.
Xu Si kept her expression calm and waited for the right moment.
Rule Six: The Office of慎刑司 is where offenders in the inner palace are punished. Avoid going near it whenever possible. If a consort is sent there, do not hastily plead on her behalf, lest you bring trouble upon yourself. However, if someone close to you is wrongly accused, you may gather evidence in secret and seek an opportune moment to clear her name.
On one occasion, Huan Bi, a maid in Zhen Huan’s service, was falsely accused of stealing an object from Consort Hua’s palace and was taken to the Office of慎刑司.
Zhen Huan was frantic with worry and sought Xu Si’s advice.
Knowing full well how terrifying that place could be, Xu Si urged Zhen Huan not to act rashly. She secretly sent Li Zhu to investigate and discovered that Consort Hua’s people had deliberately framed Huan Bi.
Xu Si waited until the Emperor was in a good mood before presenting him with the evidence. She tactfully explained that Huan Bi had always been unfailingly loyal and could never have committed such an act.
The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation, and Huan Bi was ultimately proven innocent.
Rule Seven: The inner palace will host various festivals and celebrations. On such occasions, pay close attention to your words and conduct, and never lose your composure. You should also make good use of these opportunities to display your abilities, but do not be too conspicuous, lest you arouse the jealousy of others.
Before long, the palace welcomed the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.
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