Chapter 706: Palace Survival Manual
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After sending Hua Rou away, Ah Yu remained in the Astrology Divination Bureau.
Liu Fang and the others were originally supposed to be off duty at this time and should have gone elsewhere to rest, especially considering they would have to work the night shift. They should be getting some sleep now to be refreshed for the night ahead.
However, when they saw that All Yu didn’t leave, they didn’t.
Tang Yuan went to them and said, “Coincidentally, all of you are still here. We don’t have to wait until tomorrow to announce it.”
Everyone:”?” Announce what?
At this moment, they suddenly heard lively voices outside. Right on the heels of that, they saw Eunuch Fu from the Ministry of Internal Affairs instruct someone to carry a few large boxes in.
Eunuch Fu saw All Yu from afar and smiled until his face wrinkled. “Aiya, Lord Commander is really busy every day. It’s already the end of the day, but you’re still working here. You’re a role model for our generation. Everyone in our Imperial City should learn more from your example!”
This flattery made everyone dizzy. When did the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs become so polite? Didn’t they not even respect the Empress?
Speaking of which, the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was very large. The movement of people in the entire Imperial City had to be handled by them. If it was not registered by them, any movement of people was against the rules and had to be punished.
Because of this, many people who quietly changed positions or were chosen by nobles, didn’t receive the approval of the Internal Affairs Department. In the end, these subordinates were the ones who suffered.
Their jurisdiction is extensive, covering not only the inner and rear palaces but also all the eunuchs, palace maids, and young attendants within the entire Imperial City. Additionally, certain tasks that require a significant level of influence also pass through the Internal Affairs Department. For example, procurement for the rear palace, and even the process of young palace maids leaving the palace after reaching a certain age, all undergo their scrutiny.
Furthermore, during festivals, various items sent to the imperial family from different regions and even other countries also need to go through the hands of the Internal Affairs Department.
It was precisely due to the accumulation of these rights and privileges that the individuals within the Imperial City’s Internal Affairs Department held an exceptionally esteemed status in their perception.
Even an ordinary maidservant in the Internal Affairs Department would hold her chin higher than others, and her tone would be slightly more arrogant. However, what did they see now? The Deputy General Manager of the Internal Affairs Department, Eunuch Fu, was actually bowing down to their Commander. What had happened?
Was there anything they had accidentally missed?
“Commander, where do you think we should put these things? Should we move them into the storeroom or put them in the hall?” Eunuch Fu was still smiling, as if he could not see the expressions of the surrounding people whose jaws were about to fall.
Ah Yu said, “Put them in the courtyard first. These things were just copied. I’m afraid the ink hasn’t completely dried yet. It’s better to dry it.”
Everyone:”?” What ink? What drying? What copy?
Soon, they knew the answer. The things in the few boxes were none other than some Imperial Palace Survival Manuals. They were mainly transcripts of the rules in the Imperial City.
What was written by whom, what was still in use, and what had been abolished.
Of course, there were many rules in the Imperial City, but most of them were not explicitly stipulated. Instead, there were some so-called hidden rules, such as the likes and dislikes of the various palaces, that could not be written on paper.
Of course, there were no hidden rules written here. There were only those that were clearly marked and suitable for everyone to read and learn.
It was Xie Guixin who couldn’t help but ask, “Commander, may I ask if these things are to be stored in our Astrology Divination Bureau?”
“No, it’s for you to learn. You have to familiarize yourself with all these rules in three days. You have to answer them fluently within a month.” Ah Yu asked, “Can you do it?”
Seeing that everyone was still confused, Tang Yuan took the initiative to say on Ah Yu’s behalf, “The Commander’s intention is for all of us to internalize these regulations. Know what tasks can be performed and which ones are off-limits, and follow these regulations accordingly. Whether within the Astrology Divination Bureau or outside of it, when conducting tasks, adhere to these rules. By doing so, the Commander will ensure your safety. If anyone violates these regulations, the punishments specified in the regulations will be carried out. Do you understand?”
“I understand, but—”