Towers and pavilions at every corner, wrapped on countless corridors and decorated roofs. Every faction fights for itself. Eyes cannot move from such extravagance. The most majestic place in the world, the Forbidden City.

As they arrived at the Forbidden City, Xu Yan got out of the carriage and began to walk on foot. Li Qin gave the horse back to Ming Ming and he returned to the Xu Mansion. Xu Yan's family paid off the interviewers to let her go through the interview. They were let through the gate, and she was unexpectedly calm as she saw the impeding palace in front of her. After all, it's not her first time.

THE FORBIDDEN PALACE

"Miss! Miss! The floor is made of marble, and walls, and the halls." Li Qin ran around excitedly. "I thought our mansion was already wealthy as can be but this..."

"Of course. Our mansion isn't comparable to the palace." Xu Yan said, looking up to the palace.

*At their arrival to the training with other maids*

The matron walked towards the maids and yelled harshly, "The most important part of the palace is the rules. You need to get familiar with the palace duties here, so get changed! You must dress appropriately. If you make any mistakes, you can go home!"

"[tense] Miss, let's get changed!" Li Qin whispers.

(...) *After getting change*

Xu Yan remembered the days she spent here. Some were sweet, while some were... painful. She extends her hand and feels a petal fall into her hand. Memories come back to her like veils, unwrapping layer by layer. This most majestic place has her most cherished moments and her worst nightmares.

XY in her mind: "So what if revenge and survival is dangerous? I'll stomp every obstacle that comes my way. I've died once, I'm not scared.

She promised herself that she would take revenge if there was an afterlife or a new chance. The chance has come, and Xu Yan always keeps her word.

Li Qin: [quietly] Miss, the matron is here!

Li Qin's voice brought her back. She lets go of the petal and watches it fly with the wind as the stern matron approaches.

Matron Rong: [sternly] I am Matron Rong. Listen up. Palace Duties should be taken seriously as it is your duty to serve your masters. Any mistakes can cost you your job, but it might cost your life!

Matron Rong has been in the Forbidden Palace since she was in her 30's and has served the princes carefully. She is loyal and sincere to this palace. Now 60, she was promoted to the title of Matron and became strict.

The girls stood nervously in the big yard. They get even tenser after hearing the Old Matron's speech.

Li Qin: [quietly] Miss, we really have to work hard so then we can avoid tough jobs like laundry and sewing. *Leans her head closer to XY

The matron was still speaking but Xu Yan, remembering the rules, did not break it so she just nodded.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Li Qin: The matron is so mean...

Matron Rong: [angrily] Were you allowed to speak?! Where do you put the rules?!

Xu Yan turned to Li Qin and showed her the 'shh' gesture and Li Qin quickly looks to the ground.

Matron Rong: One person in every batch of maids will be selected to become the supervisor to be in charge of everyone's responsibility. *Walks away

Everyone lights up after hearing that because life will be 'easier'. The girls began to chatter but Xu Yan took the clothes and tries to figure out how to do laundry. Because she was spoiled as a kid, she had no idea how to do the laundry.

Xu Yan: [distressed] Qin Qin, how do I wash this?

Li Qin: Xiao Jie, shouldn't we be more worried about promotions? What are you doing with the laundry?

Xu Yan: I know, but... have you seen a supervisor that doesn't know how to do laundry?

Li Qin looked worried at her not being able to get used to the palace duties but seeing her being proactive, she gets settled.

Li Qin: [sigh] I'll teach you then my lady, watch. *Picks up the clothes

Xu Yan: You're the best Qin Qin. *Picks up clothing and follows Li Qin* But Qin Qin, we're in the palace now. You shouldn't address me as your lady.

Li Qin: [turns to her] Hm? Then what should I address you as?

Xu Yan: [smiles] Just call me Xu Yan!

Li Qin: *looked back at the cloth she holds* That's not appropriate... I'm your maid, Xiao Jie.

Xu Yan: We're in the palace, not outside. Just be casual Li Qin *points at Shi Lian's cheek* 'My lady' or 'Miss' is forbid. I command you.

Li Qin: [Laughs awkwardly] It's not appropriate! Plus, I wouldn't get used to it.

Xu Yan: [serious] Su Li Qin. We've been together since we were kids. We're basically like sisters even if it's not by blood. But since you are older than me, I allow you to call me Xu Yan mei mei!

Li Qin: [shocked] Ah?! Xu Yan MEIMEI? I can't.

She shooks her head.

Xu Yan: [disappointedly] I guess it's one sided...you don't see me as one of your family.

Li Qin: [panickingly] No, no! You always treated me good! I see the Xu Family as my family too. I can call you Miss Xu.

Xu Yan: ... That's the same, people would think I'm controlling you. Xu Yan or Ah Yan.

Li Qin: [sighs] Fine, Yan Yan? Xiao Yan?

Xu Yan: [happy] Yan Yan is good! See Qin Qin, you finally gave in.

Li Qin: I should obey my younger sister, right? [both giggles]

*Li Qin finishes teaching Xu Yan how to do laundry*

Xu Yan gasps, "Woah Su Li Qin, incredible. *Thumbs up* You almost made me think I did something immense."

While everyone was still trying to figure out how to become a supervisor, Xu Yan learned how to do the laundry.

Footsteps approaching the yard, "Looks like none of you remembered what I said!" yelled the old matron. Then suddenly, the yard immediately becomes quiet. "Your job is to serve the masters, not getting promoted!" She continued yelling. "Only Xu Yan remembered my words. She's figuring out how to do the palace duties well. That's the mentality for becoming supervisor!"

Xu Yan thought to herself, "Is my ticket towards promotion coming?" She smiled to herself. The old matron smiles,

"Xu Yan, first day and you're already getting promoted. At least I can rely on two people here. You did well too, Su Li Qin." She walks out of the yard.

Xu Yan and Li Qin looked at each other happily and Li Qin started jumping in joy.

"It's my first time to see the Old Matron smiling at me, even in the past she always had a stern face on me." Xu Yan spoke to herself.

Some people started scoffing. "How pretentious..." Cai Li rolls her eyes.

"WHO are you calling pretentious?" Li Qin yelled.

*Xu Yan holds her back* "Forget it, no point in fighting with random people." She whispered. Li Qin stared Cai Li down and Cai Li got nervous and walked away.

Li Qin turned to Xu Yan and smiled, "You always stand out, as expected from Xu Yan from the Xu Family!"

Xu Yan smiles back, "[serious] Su Li Qin. I know you're trying to protect me, but I've grown mature now and I don't need your protection."

"Miss..." Li Qin called her quietly.

"What I'm trying to say is that you should start behaving calmly. Change for me." Xu Yan pats Li Qin's shoulder.

Li Qin nodded and smiled, "Madam Xu was correct, you're all grown up now."

XY in her mind: "Hopefully Qin Qin's wildness will calm down now, in our last live she offended the Noble Consort with her sharp tongue."

"Yan Yan, you get new clothing from the promotion, let's go and see if they suit you!" Li Qin says.

"Let's go!" Xu Yan smiles brightly.

(...)