The turrets of the Forbidden City were soaked by a continuous drizzle, and the moss on the glazed tiles was full of water vapor, glowing dark green in the gray sky. In the backyard of Xinzheku, a dozen palace ladies were hunched over, washing clothes on the cold stone slabs. The astringent smell of soap locust mixed with the moisture of rainwater filled the tip of their noses.
Shu Daye's hands were already red from the cold, and his knuckles were as stiff as rusty hinges. She stared at the bright yellow pajamas embroidered with lotus patterns in the tub, and her mind was still replaying the absurd moment three days ago - in order to meet a deadline for a marketing plan, she was making instant coffee in the company's tea room.
"Shu Daye! Why are you so dazed! This is the imperial concubine's pajamas. If a thread gets damaged after washing, watch your skin carefully!"
A sharp scolding came from behind, and Shu Daye suddenly came back to his senses and saw the steward, Mrs. Wang, standing in the corridor with her hands on her hips, her triangular eyes wide open as if she wanted to eat someone. She quickly lowered her head and sped up the movements of her hands, but couldn't help but roll her eyes in her heart.
Shu Daye, this was the name she wore after traveling through time. The original owner was a palace maid from Xinzheku who had just entered the palace for three months. Her parents were small traders in Shuntian Prefecture. In order to raise money for her seriously ill brother, they sold her into the palace. Three days ago, the original owner was dragged to her knees in the rain by Mrs. Wang because she washed the wrong cloak in the Queen's Palace. Her already weak body could not withstand the torment, so she died. When she opened her eyes again, her core was replaced by her own from the 21st century.
