Chapter 12: Renowned Throughout Shangyun Prefecture (Part II)

Since that night when Su Yue and Lingzhi claimed victory, their status in the Yan Residence soared. Following Xiao Baisu’s subtle hints, it was clear the two would become the Young Master’s personal maids and senior managers within the household.

The other girls in the miscellaneous courtyard also performed well during the Hundred Flowers Banquet, though none shone quite as brightly as Su Yue and Lingzhi. Time flowed on, stars shifted. Su Yue spent two peaceful years in the courtyard, growing from a little girl into a young maiden. She had blossomed in appearance and her stature had shot up.

In these two years, Su Yue used the Foundation-boosting Spirit Pack, successfully establishing her foundation. Now, she was in the late stage of foundation building, just a step away from forming her core. Others in the courtyard still struggled at the Qi Refinement stage; only Lingzhi and Yanran had recently succeeded in building their foundation.

Lingzhi, practicing the Pure Maiden’s Heart Technique, should have advanced swiftly, yet after her dazzling dance at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, many noble families invited her to perform at their estates, delaying her cultivation. Fortunately, with her dual spiritual roots, she still managed to excel among the girls, despite the setbacks.

Yanran’s path to foundation building was far more arduous. Nearly all her time was spent cultivating, but her solid background meant she'd already mastered many basics before entering the selection. Music, chess, calligraphy, poetry, and classics were second nature to her. Truth be told, even now Su Yue couldn’t compose a poem if asked. Literary talent, like cultivation, required innate aptitude.

When the Lantern Festival arrived, the entire Yan Residence was immersed in celebration, except for the miscellaneous courtyard, where everyone stood in the yard receiving instructions.

“You’ve been in the selection for two years now. Your diligence has not gone unnoticed by us managers. But all feasts must end; some of you will inevitably be eliminated. Over these months, you’ve seen that while assessments continue, those ranked A never change. They are our choices for the Young Master! The others, starting today, are assigned back to their respective rooms, where their own managers will make arrangements.”

In the courtyard’s center, Madam Sujin stood tall, reading aloud the final candidates to serve as the Young Master’s senior maids.

“Su Yue, Yue Lingzhi, Xu Yanran. Tomorrow, the three of you will report to the Snow Pavilion.”

No sooner had Madam Sujin finished speaking than the courtyard exploded in excitement.

Qingran looked at Madam Sujin in confusion. She had always been ranked A, never dropped, so why wasn’t her name called?

“Quiet! News from the Young Master arrived recently: this year only three will be chosen to serve in his quarters. As for Qingran, you’re promoted to intermediate manager, overseeing the ceremonial department. That's all, dismissed.”

Madam Sujin waved her hand and left.

---

Although Qingran was promoted to intermediate manager, it was a silent demotion. Compared to being a maid beside the Young Master, the title might outrank a personal maid, but the authority was far less.

Qingran clenched her fists, staring at Madam Sujin’s retreating figure, her eyes reddening with dissatisfaction.

“Madam Sujin, I have a question. It’s no surprise Su Yue and Lingzhi were chosen, but Yanran once fell from the A rank, while I never did. Why choose Yanran and not me?”

Her voice was already choked with emotion.

Madam Sujin turned to her and replied, “What you know, Yanran knows as well. What you don’t, Yanran does better.”

With that, Madam Sujin departed.

“Qingran, sister…”

“Qingran…”

Her friends gathered to comfort her, and at last Qingran could no longer hold back her tears. All those days and nights of diligence, never daring to slack, fulfilling every task, only to have it all come to naught—this outcome was impossible for her to accept.

Yanran stood aside, feeling uneasy. She wanted to console Qingran, but remembering she was the one who had taken Qingran’s place, she stepped forward, then halted, unable to go any further.

As evening fell, all the maids returned to their rooms to sleep.

Lingzhi lay in bed, fingers caressing the new garments sent by the Bureau of Affairs, unable to suppress her smile.

In another room, Qingran lay with bloodshot eyes, saying, “Xu Yanran, I’m not convinced by you.”

Yanran turned to face her, “I know.”

“But the results are final. I won’t trouble you about it. Just remember—don’t disgrace our Ceremonial Bureau. Serve the Young Master well, and if you’re sent back, don’t blame me for being harsh.”

Yanran looked at the awkward Qingran and nodded, “I won’t.”

---

And so, the night passed in silence.

In the morning, Su Yue, Lingzhi, and Yanran followed the Young Master’s steward to the Snow Pavilion. Only Su Yue appeared refreshed and spirited; the other two had dark circles or swollen eyes. Clearly, only Su Yue had slept well.

When they arrived, the chief steward was already waiting to assert her authority.

The three lined up to undergo inspection by their new leader.

The chief steward of the Snow Pavilion was the Young Master Yan Qitang’s wet nurse, who had been by his side since childhood—almost like a mother. Madam Jin was not only a senior manager herself; her son also served as Yan Qitang’s attendant. In the Snow Pavilion, Madam Jin’s word was law.

“You’ve come to the Snow Pavilion, so now you’re its people. I know you were all favorites of your previous managers, but here, don’t put on airs. Do as you’re told, understood?”

Madam Jin stood in the courtyard, leaning on her cane, instructing the three.

“Yes, Madam Jin,” they answered, heads bowed.

Madam Jin nodded, then drew several slips of paper from her sleeve.

“According to custom, you must be renamed upon entering the Snow Pavilion. The Young Master gave me the name slips a few days ago. Lingzhi, since you used to handle spices, you’ll be called ‘Fragrant Addition.’ Su Yue, your name will be changed to ‘Pearl Round,’ as a play on words. Yanran will be ‘Jade Grace’—quite elegant.”

Madam Jin assigned their new names with casual indifference.

Su Yue couldn’t fathom how ‘Pearl Round’ sounded anything like her original name, and being called ‘Su Pearl Round’ felt terribly awkward.

The other two had no objections, remaining silent, though they secretly laughed at Su Yue’s new name.

“Madam Jin, ‘Pearl Round’ really doesn’t go well with my surname. Could you please choose another name for me?” Su Yue decided to take initiative—she couldn’t accept such a name.