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Xu Si meticulously prepared a classical dance fused with modern dance elements. During the performance, her movements were as light as a fairy descending from the heavens, drawing wave after wave of cheers from the onlookers. The Emperor was so overjoyed that his favor toward Xu Si deepened considerably. However, Xu Si noticed jealous glints in the eyes of several surrounding imperial concubines, making her understand that she must act with even greater caution in the future.

Rule 8: If you hear strange sounds or see unidentified objects within the inner palace, do not panic. Act as if nothing is amiss and leave the scene immediately, and never mention the matter to anyone. These may be hidden secrets of the inner palace, and knowing too much will bring danger upon yourself.

One evening, while strolling through the imperial garden, Xu Si suddenly heard the faint sound of weeping. The cry was wretched and mournful, appearing exceptionally eerie in the silent night. Startled, Xu Si wanted to turn and leave, only to find her legs seemingly paralyzed and unable to move. She took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and recalling the rule, feigned composure as she walked away in the opposite direction. After walking a short distance, the sound gradually faded, allowing Xu Si to finally heave a sigh of relief. Upon returning to her palace, seeing her pale complexion, Liuzhu asked with concern, but Xu Si merely shook her head and remained silent.

Rule 9: The Empress Dowager holds an extremely lofty position within the inner palace. Although she usually keeps a low profile, her influence cannot be underestimated. On the first and fifteenth day of each month, one must go to the Empress Dowager's palace to pay respects, displaying sufficient reverence and filial piety during the audience. If the Empress Dowager asks for your opinion, answer prudently with appropriate phrasing.

On the first day of the month, Xu Si went to the Empress Dowager's palace to pay her respects. The Empress Dowager sat in the main seat, gazing kindly at the concubines. When her turn came, the Empress Dowager inquired, "I have heard that you are deeply favored by the Emperor. Do you have any special arts for managing your husband?" Xu Si hastily knelt and respectfully replied, "This concubine is terrified. I merely serve His Majesty with all my heart and treat him with utmost sincerity, not daring to practice the slightest deception. His Majesty is wise and martial, bestowing boundless favor upon me; this concubine feels nothing but gratitude." Hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction spreading across her face.

Rule 10: In the inner palace, bearing imperial offspring is a crucial means of solidifying one's status, yet underhanded methods must never be used to contend for the dragon seed. If you become pregnant, be exceptionally careful with your diet and personal safety, and avoid conflicts with other concubines. At the same time, remain vigilant against frame-ups by others, and seek assistance from trusted individuals.

Some time after entering the palace, Xu Si discovered she was with child. This news filled her with both pleasant surprise and anxiety. Deeply aware of the perilous situation pregnant concubines faced in the inner palace, she became even more cautious. She dismissed all newly arrived palace maids and eunuchs, keeping only Liuzhu and Huanbi to serve her side. Regarding her diet, she had Liuzhu personally supervise the Imperial Kitchen to ensure the safety of her food.

However, Consort Hua grew jealous upon learning of Xu Si's pregnancy and instigated Noble Lady Cao to tamper with Xu Si's miscarriage-prevention medicine. Sensing an unusual odor in the medicine, Xu Si secretly had Wen Shichu help examine it, discovering that musk had been mixed into the decoction. Fury raged within Xu Si's heart, but she knew she could not act rashly. She deliberately wept before the Emperor, claiming she felt unwell and that her fetus was unstable, thereby drawing the Emperor's attention. The Emperor ordered a thorough investigation, which ultimately uncovered the conspiracy masterminded by Consort Hua and her cohorts. Consort Hua was rebuked by the Emperor, and Noble Lady Cao was also implicated.

Rule 11: When plague or other epidemics break out in the inner palace, obey the arrangements of the Imperial Household Department and take proper preventive measures. Do not blindly trust folk remedies. If any concubine is infected with the pestilence, do not visit them casually to avoid contagion. If you unfortunately become infected yourself, actively cooperate with the treatment while keeping it a secret to prevent widespread panic.

A sudden outbreak of pestilence struck the palace, infecting numerous palace maids and eunuchs. The Imperial Household Department swiftly took action, distributing preventive medicine and isolating patients. Strictly following the directives of the Imperial Household Department, Xu Si barred her palace gates and minimized contact with the outside world. She had Liuzhu and Huanbi brew herbal medicines and burn mugwort throughout the palace to enforce protection. When other concubines came to visit, Xu Si declined all of them under the pretext of indisposition, preventing the pestilence from spreading into her quarters.

Rule 12: If you encounter a fire or other emergencies in the inner palace, remain calm and act according to the established emergency protocols of the palace. Do not panic and flee blindly, so as to avoid chaos. At the same time, try your best to help those around you, but do not plunge yourself into dangerous circumstances.

Late one night, shouts of a fire suddenly echoed through the palace. Startled awake, Xu Si rose swiftly while Liuzhu and Huanbi were already packing essential items. Calmly, Xu Si directed them, "Do not panic. Take the valuables first, then follow me to a safe place." They ran along familiar paths toward an open area. Along the way, Xu Si spotted a young palace maid trapped in the flames; after a momentary hesitation, she led Liuzhu and Huanbi to rescue the young maid together.

Rule 13: In the inner palace, you must learn to conceal your true emotions, never easily displaying joy, anger, sorrow, or pleasure before others. Especially when facing enemies, maintain a smile so that the other party cannot fathom your thoughts.

As the days in the inner palace stretched on, Xu Si came to understand the vital importance of this rule more and more. Whether facing the deliberate harassments of Consort Hua or the covert struggles of other concubines, she consistently maintained a smile, keeping her genuine emotions hidden deep within. In the eyes of the crowd, she was a gentle and lovely First-Class Attendant, unaware that her heart had long since mastered the inner palace's strife and was perpetually prepared to handle every crisis.

Rule 14: When the Emperor passes away and a new emperor ascends the throne, obey the edicts of the new emperor and make no presumptuous comments regarding the affairs of the previous reign. The preferences and rules of the new emperor may differ from those of the late emperor; adapt to the new environment and regulations as quickly as possible.

Years later, the Emperor passed away, and a new emperor ascended the throne. Xu Si knew profoundly that this was a brand-new beginning and a dangerous turning point alike. She strictly followed the new emperor's decrees, uttering not a single word regarding the people and events of the former court. Observing the new emperor's preferences and temperament, she labored to adapt to the new court regulations. Within the new emperor's inner palace, relying on the experience and wisdom accumulated over the years, she continued to survive amidst the complex court.

Rule 15: If an opportunity arises to leave the inner palace, do not hesitate—seize the moment. However, before departing, ensure that no hidden dangers are left behind that could imperil yourself or others.

By chance, Xu Si learned that the imperial court was engaging in a matrimonial alliance with a foreign state, requiring the selection of several palace maids and concubines to travel abroad. Xu Si realized this was an extraordinary opportunity to escape the inner palace. Secretly packing her belongings, she cleaned up every trace of her existence in the palace. She bid farewell to Zhen Huan, whom she had always trusted, urging her to take good care of herself. On the day the matrimonial delegation set forth, Xu Si embarked on the road leaving the inner palace with complex emotions, silently praying that a brand-new life awaited her in the future.