The faint scent of plum blossoms drifted through Bai Yu Chen's courtyard as he adjusted the arrangement of tea on his table. He wasn't particularly interested in drinking it but knew appearances mattered, especially when every gesture could be scrutinized by palace rumours.
A soft knock on the door was followed by Wu Feng entering, his expression tense. "Your Highness," he said, bowing deeply, "Han měi rén has arrived to pay her respects."
Yu Chen froze for a moment before forcing a calm demeanour. Han měi rén? His borrowed memories supplied that she was not only a higher-ranked consort but also the mother of the royal princess. Why would someone of her rank trouble herself with visiting him?
"Please, invite Han měi rén in," he said, rising to his feet and smoothing his robes.
Moments later, Han Changning entered, her presence commanding. She was dressed in resplendent lavender robes embroidered with delicate butterflies, a subtle reminder of her status. Her beauty was undeniable, her every movement exuding elegance and power. Yu Chen lowered his gaze respectfully.
"This humble one greets Han měi rén," he said, bowing low. "It is an honour to receive such an esteemed guest."
Han Changning's lips curved faintly as she inclined her head. "You may rise, Consort Bai. It is only proper for this elder sister to visit the younger."
Yu Chen straightened, keeping his hands neatly folded in front of him. "Your visit graces this humble courtyard, Han měi rén. Please, take a seat."
She sat gracefully, her posture as poised as her smile. "I was passing nearby and thought it only proper to greet His Majesty's favoured one. The harem speaks of little else but your recent recovery and rise in rank."
Yu Chen lowered his eyes, his expression carefully humble. "His Majesty is kind beyond measure, but this humble one remains unworthy of such praise."
Han Changning's smile sharpened ever so slightly. "Modesty becomes you, Consort Bai. Yet, it is rare for one so newly elevated to enjoy such favour. The harem is abuzz with admiration—and envy."
Yu Chen's heart skipped a beat, but he schooled his features into a serene mask. "This humble one can only strive to live up to His Majesty's expectations. As the mother of the royal princess, Han měi rén surely understands how overwhelming it can be to meet His Majesty's standards."
The subtle reminder of her role as the emperor's childbearer darkened Han Changning's gaze for the briefest moment before she smiled again. "Indeed. Expectations are a constant in the imperial harem. But not all meet them so easily, do they?"
Yu Chen inclined his head slightly, unsure how to respond. The tension in the air thickened as Han Changning reached for her teacup, her movements precise and deliberate.
"This elder sister also wished to offer her congratulations on your remarkable recovery," she said, her tone light yet carrying an edge. "It is not every consort who survives such a sudden and... mysterious illness."
Yu Chen froze but quickly recovered. "This humble one owes his life to His Majesty's benevolence and the expertise of the imperial physicians. Heaven has truly been kind."
"Indeed," Han Changning murmured, her eyes glinting like a predator's. "Heaven must favour you greatly to grant such resilience."
The room seemed colder despite the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. Yu Chen met her gaze briefly before lowering his eyes again, his heart thudding in his chest.
"This younger one is grateful for Han měi rén's kind words," he said softly, shifting the conversation. "Would Han měi rén care for more tea?"
"No, I must not impose any longer," she replied, rising smoothly to her feet. Her expression remained calm, though her eyes lingered on Yu Chen as if committing him to memory. "Take care, Consort Bai. The harem can be... unpredictable at times. It would be a shame if Heaven's blessings were squandered."
Yu Chen bowed deeply. "Your advice is most appreciated, Han měi rén. This humble one will remember it well."
As Han Changning departed, her lavender robes sweeping behind her, Yu Chen straightened, his calm façade slipping for the first time. Wu Feng, who had been standing nervously by the door, approached cautiously.
"Your Highness," he whispered, "are you all right?"
Yu Chen exhaled slowly, sitting back down. "Remind me to never underestimate Han měi rén." he said rubbing the goosebumps on his arm. "That woman could make a tiger nervous."
He turned his gaze toward the tea set, his mind churning. Han Changning's visit had been far from casual, her words laced with hidden barbs. He didn't know why, but he was certain of one thing—she was not an ally. The tense atmosphere left by Han měi rén's visit gradually dissipated, and Bai Yu Chen reclined lazily on the chaise, savouring the peace. But that peace was short-lived.
Wu Feng bustled into the room with the determination of a soldier on a mission, carrying a small lacquered tray. Atop it was a steaming bowl of murky, ominous-looking medicine. The pungent scent wafted through the air, making Yu Chen wrinkle his nose before Wu Feng even got close.
"Your Highness," Wu Feng declared, setting the tray on the table with a dramatic flourish. "It's time for your medicine."
Yu Chen eyed the concoction as if it were poison. "Absolutely not. That smells like swamp water mixed with regret."
Wu Feng's round face twisted in dismay. "Your Highness, the imperial physicians said you must finish every drop! If you don't, how will you recover your strength and continue to bask in His Majesty's favour? What if Han měi rén visits again? You must stay alert!"
"Let her visit. I'll deal with her from the grave," Yu Chen grumbled, turning his face away like a stubborn child. "I refuse."
Wu Feng groaned dramatically, setting the tray aside to free his hands for an exaggerated pleading gesture. "Your Highness, please! If you don't take this, I'll be the one to suffer! His Majesty will flay me alive if he finds out you refused."
Yu Chen raised an eyebrow, smirking. "And why should that bother me? You're always bullying the junior servants. Maybe this will teach you some humility."
Wu Feng gasped, clutching his chest. "Your Highness, how can you say such a thing? Your humble servant only scolds them for your benefit! If I didn't, they'd slack off, and then who would bring you your snacks?"
At the mention of snacks, Yu Chen's gaze sharpened. "Snacks?"
Wu Feng nodded eagerly, sensing an opening. "Ah yes, Your Highness. Speaking of which, the kitchen just finished preparing an array of delicacies: honeyed lotus seeds, golden sesame cakes, and candied kumquats. They're still warm!" His own mouth began to water at the thought.
Yu Chen narrowed his eyes, suspicion creeping in. "And why haven't I seen these snacks yet?"
"Because," Wu Feng said with a sly smile, "they were reserved for the most obedient consorts. If Your Highness drinks this medicine like the good, noble soul you are, I can ensure they mysteriously find their way here."
Yu Chen leaned back, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Let me get this straight. If I drink that vile sludge, I get snacks?"
"Exactly, Your Highness!" Wu Feng exclaimed, his enthusiasm nearly spilling over.
"Fine," Yu Chen said with a dramatic sigh. "Bring the snacks first, and I'll consider it."
Wu Feng froze, his expression shifting to one of panic. "Your Highness, that's not how bribes work! You have to—"
"Snacks first, or no deal," Yu Chen interrupted, crossing his arms defiantly. "What if you run off with the medicine and never bring the goods? How do I know you can be trusted?"
Wu Feng sputtered, torn between indignation and despair. Finally, he sighed in defeat. "Fine, Your Highness. I'll fetch them now. But if you don't drink this medicine afterwards, I'll... I'll..."
"You'll what?" Yu Chen asked, smirking.
"I'll eat the snacks myself!" Wu Feng declared with faux courage, though his wide eyes betrayed his fear of the consequences.
Yu Chen chuckled as Wu Feng darted off, returning minutes later with a tray laden with an assortment of brightly coloured treats. The aroma of honey, sesame, and caramelized sugar filled the room, and Wu Feng was practically drooling as he set the tray down.
"There! Your snacks, as promised!" Wu Feng announced, though his hands lingered longingly near the golden sesame cakes.
Yu Chen examined the array with a critical eye, then slid the medicine bowl closer. "Very well. A deal's a deal."
He pinched his nose, downing the bitter medicine in one swift gulp. His face contorted in agony. "Heaven above, that's awful."
Wu Feng clapped his hands together. "Good! Now you can enjoy the—"
But Yu Chen was already reaching for the snacks, his earlier reluctance forgotten. As he bit into a candied kumquat, his expression shifted to bliss. "Ah, this is the cure I needed all along."
Wu Feng, watching him devour the treats, sighed. "Your Highness, must you eat with such abandon? Leave some for your humble servant!"
Yu Chen raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say they were reserved for consorts? And as far as I recall, you're a eunuch."
Wu Feng huffed, clearly affronted. "Your Highness, if I had known you were this heartless, I wouldn't have fetched them at all!"
"Relax," Yu Chen said, tossing him a honeyed lotus seed. "You've earned your share, But next time, bring the snacks first."
As Wu Feng happily munched on his prize, Yu Chen leaned back with a satisfied smile.