Elder Qin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Given your… lack of specific training, young one, the most fitting role for you at this time would be in general service within one of the newly established residences. His Majesty, the Azure Dragon Emperor, has recently selected several new concubines, and their quarters are still being organized. Extra hands are always needed."
Lin Feng's ears perked up. This sounded like a perfect opportunity to observe and potentially… gain favor. "That sounds… like a valuable opportunity to learn and serve, esteemed Elder," he replied, trying to sound enthusiastic.
Elder Qin nodded in approval. "Indeed. You will be assigned to the residence known as the Fragrant Courtyard of the New Moon. It belongs to Consort Hua, one of the Emperor's most recent additions. And as luck would have it," he added with a knowing smile, "the young maid who spoke so highly of you, Bai Lian, also serves within that courtyard. Perhaps you two can assist each other in finding your footing."
Lin Feng's internal favorability meter for Elder Qin just ticked up a few notches. Not only had he secured a work assignment, but he was also being placed near Bai Lian. "That is… most fortuitous, esteemed Elder. I am grateful for your consideration."
"See that you work diligently and cause no trouble," Elder Qin said, his kind eyes holding a hint of warning. "The Emperor's reign is still in its early stages, barely two months since his ascension. Everything within the Forbidden City is under scrutiny. The selection of the new concubines also occurred within this timeframe, a significant event meant to bring auspiciousness and harmony to the imperial household. Consort Hua is newly arrived and will require considerable support in establishing her residence."
Lin Feng nodded solemnly, absorbing this information. The Forbidden City, even in his limited view of it so far, felt vast and steeped in history. He imagined towering vermilion walls stretching towards a sky often hazy with the smoke of incense and countless cooking fires. Golden-tiled roofs glinted under the sunlight, their intricate carvings depicting mythical beasts and auspicious symbols. Courtyards, paved with smooth stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, echoed with the whispers of courtly life. Grand halls, adorned with elaborate paintings and lacquered pillars, hinted at the power and ceremony within.
As an outer palace eunuch, Lin Feng's own living quarters were far more modest. He shared a small, cramped room with several other newly initiated eunuchs, their sleeping arrangements simple mats laid out on the floor. The air often carried the mingled scents of sweat, unwashed clothing, and the communal latrines nearby. It was a far cry from the comfort he was accustomed to, but it was a roof over his head and a (somewhat) safe haven.
The Fragrant Courtyard of the New Moon, Elder Qin explained, was located in the eastern sector of the outer ring of the inner palace – close enough to the Emperor's direct residences to be considered prestigious for a new concubine, yet far enough to maintain a degree of privacy. As Lin Feng made his way towards the eastern sector, following the directions provided by Elder Qin, he began to notice subtle changes in the architecture. The walls seemed higher, the ornamentation more intricate, and the very air carried a sense of greater order and refinement. He was entering a different level of the imperial hierarchy, and he knew he had to tread carefully. His survival, and perhaps even his ambitions, depended on it.
Reaching the Fragrant Courtyard of the New Moon, Lin Feng found a serene space enclosed by delicately carved wooden gates and blossoming plum trees. The air hummed with a quiet elegance, a stark contrast to the outer palace bustle. As he stepped into the courtyard, a familiar face brightened with a smile – Bai Lian.
"Esteemed brother Lin Feng!" she exclaimed softly, hurrying towards him. "I was hoping you would be assigned here. Consort Hua will be pleased to have another helping hand." She then explained the household arrangement. "You are the only eunuch assigned to our Lady's residence, esteemed brother. There are three of us maids – myself, Chun Hua, and Dong Mei." She gestured towards two other young women who stood a short distance away, observing Lin Feng with polite curiosity. Chun Hua was petite and fair, with an air of quiet efficiency, while Dong Mei was taller, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Both were undeniably beautiful, fitting the general aesthetic of the palace.
Lin Feng bowed slightly to the other two maids, a polite gesture of acknowledgement. Internally, his brain was doing a double-take. One eunuch, three beautiful maids, all serving a new concubine? Talk about a setup that sounds less like imperial service and more like the beginning of a very questionable sitcom. He couldn't suppress a wry smile.
Out of professional (and perhaps personal) curiosity, Lin Feng subtly focused his attention on Chun Hua. He waited for the familiar shimmer, the tell-tale sign of his system kicking in. Nothing. He then turned his gaze towards Dong Mei, who offered a friendly nod. Again, silence from the system. It was as if they were invisible to his unique… talent. His eyebrows rose slightly in surprise. So, it's not just 'any' beautiful woman. There's a specific criteria here. Maybe it's a compatibility thing? Or perhaps my system has a particular… taste. He glanced back at Bai Lian, whose favorability score of 47 was still fresh in his mind. Apparently, she was the only one in this fragrant courtyard who met the system's mysterious standards.
Bai Lian, noticing his gaze shifting between the other maids and then back to her, offered a gentle smile. "We are all here to serve Consort Hua to the best of our abilities, esteemed brother. We must work together harmoniously."
Lin Feng nodded, a sense of amusement bubbling beneath his polite exterior. "Indeed, esteemed sister Bai Lian. Harmony is… paramount." He looked around the elegant courtyard, taking in the blossoming trees and the serene atmosphere. Being the sole 'brother' in a household of beautiful women serving a new concubine in the Emperor's newly established reign… it certainly promised to be an interesting chapter in his unexpectedly time-traveled life. He had a feeling his survival was about to get a whole lot more complicated – and potentially a lot more fun.