The rays of favor were falling onto Ru lingyi's path , her hopes gradually ignited . She sat by her bedside at the early hours of the morning reminiscing on her journey so far. What started off as an accident, now turned to be a journey...a journey of unknown destination.
The sound of someone approaching brought her back from the sea of thoughts as she turned to see who it was.
"ahh!.. Wanying" Lingyi called out at the sight of Wanying who seemed rather busy in search of what only she knows.
Wanying waved reluctantly in acknowledgement without bothering to look at Lingyi as she dashed out of the room in haste.
Ru lingyi was surprised to see Wanying in such state so early in the morning..but paid no further attention to it. She stood up , brushing off her robe to be sure she was well dressed to start her day.
...
Meanwhile at Luyang Palace, the morning light reflected gently through the silk-paneled windows the quarters, casting a warm glow across the room where Consort Shu sat, savoring her tea elegantly.
She took her time with each sip, taking delight in the complexity of the brew. Cai, worked behind her, fingers weaving delicate braids into her mistress's coiffure. Consort Shu's expression was one of serene satisfaction, her gaze steady, her mood untroubled.
Cai was focused on her task, yet she could barely keep her thoughts from drifting back to the afternoon before. Finally, after several failed attempts to mask her curiosity, she took a step forward, looking to her mistress's reflection in the mirror. "humh!! , niang niang … I can't help but wonder…" she paused to see Consort Shu's expression.
The corner of Consort Shu's mouth lifted, catching Cai's eye in the polished glass. "Oh, out with it already Cai," she murmured, amused. "You'll explode if you keep circling like that."
Feeling encouraged, Cai continued, "Naing Niang, do you think Wanying will… take the bait?" She quickly lowered her tone, to avoid anyone overhearing her...not like there was someone else in the room.
"Patience, Cai, is the best virtue" Consort Shu spoke, her fingers tracing the delicate porcelain rim of her teacup.
"If there's one thing a woman in the palace must learn, it's patience. A seed, once sown, grows on its own time. Wanying may not have realized it yet, but she's already begun her journey down the path I laid for her. She only needed the slightest… encouragement." Shu's words hung in the air, laced with the same subtle poison she intended to use to her advantage.
Cai's lips curved into a small smile, her hands now quicker and more confident as she smoothed the final braids, as though her mistress words were a fuel to her engines.
But as if on notice ,another maid entered the room bowing deeply. "Niang niang... Wanying seeks an audience. Shall I show her in?" the maid asked.
The announcement seemed to please Consort Shu, and she took a final sip of tea before placing her cup down with a delicate click on the side table beside her . She glanced toward the door, that same wily smile playing at the edges of her mouth. "Yes, let her in."
The doors parted, and Wanying stepped forward, her every movement precise, though the tension in her shoulders betrayed her unease. She sank into a respectful bow.. "This servant greets your highness Consort Shu."
Shu studied Wanying's countenance , reading the simmering emotions she worked hard to suppress. Behind the courtesy and composure, Wanying's jealousy and desperation were written plainly enough for Shu to enjoy.
"Wanying," she replied warmly, gesturing for her to rise and take a sit opposite her. "I trust you slept well? You must be worn thin, working so diligently every night by Consort Xian's side."...Shu said , with her tone laced with an obvious sense of pity.
The words stung wanying like a needle , though her expression didn't falter. "It's my duty," she replied calmly, though the bitterness in her voice was subtle. "but, sometimes a person's loyalty… is not enough."..she concluded.
Consort Shu nodded, as if in deep sympathy. "Ah, how well I understand that." She leaned forward, voice dropping to a confidential murmur. "Loyalty is, after all, a two-sided sword, It can be one's most precious asset or ...it can become the chain that binds you." She said looking directly and sharp into Wanying's eyes , the spark in her eyes inviting Wanying to open up.
Wanying's hands tightened on her lap. "That chain has become very heavy," she admitted quietly, her gaze lowering as if weighed down by her own words.
Consort Shu's smile widened, satisfied with the response. She gestured subtly to Cai, who immediately disappeared behind a screen and returned holding a small bottle of green glass. Its contents glistened under the morning light, a liquid so clear it might have been mistaken for water if not for the faint shimmer it gave off. Cai placed it on a tray and set it in front of Wanying, stepping back quietly.
Wanying's eyes flickered with curiosity and hesitation, darting between the bottle and Consort Shu, whose expression was nothing short of indulgent.
"Consider it....a solution to your burdens," Consort Shu murmured, her tone so gentle it was almost comforting.
She tapped her nail guard on the tray, drawing Wanying's attention back to the bottle. "A few drops in tea, or even a tonic and you will see it's wonders. It's all quite simple ,but the effects, however, are… remarkable." She folded her hands elegantly in her lap, watching as Wanying stared at the glass container with mounting curiosity and unease.
Wanying hesitated, searching Shu's face for a sign of what, exactly, this solution entailed. But Consort Shu merely leaned back, her expression as serene as it was unreadable.
"The palace is a place of endless competition, Wanying," Consort Shu continued, her tone taking on a slightly harsher edge, "and those who are weak-willed or faint-hearted… well" she chuckled, covering her nose elegantly with her last and finger raised above another,.." they simply won't survive. You, of all people, know this truth. You're clever, more clever than that child who's dared to stand in your place."
The reference to Ru Lingyi was more than enough to harden Wanying's expression.
"Lingyi… Consort Xian has practically taken her under her wing overnight, and for what? I served her faithfully for years."she recollected painfully
"Indeed. Yet here you are, seeking solutions," Shu pointed out, her tone light but pointed. "And I, naturally, wish only to help a friend in need."
Wanying's gaze drifted to the small bottle. She could almost feel its presence calling her, the answer to her grievances lying within that glistening liquid. Her fingertips brushed the glass, feeling the cool, fragile surface beneath them. "What exactly… will this do?" Wanying asked
Consort Shu leaned forward, her eyes glittering. "A few drops," she said softly, "will simply weaken her, just few drops is enough to remind her of who is truly indispensable by Consort Xian's side." Her words were measured, their meaning clear. "It is subtle, but effective. She'll become less capable, perhaps even a bit forgetful… a minor inconvenience that a seasoned maid could easily manage, but a young girl?" She raised a delicate eyebrow. "Well, she will beg to differ herself "
Wanying's pulse quickened, her doubts now clouded by the sharp edge of temptation. To see Lingyi falter in her duties, to remind Consort Xian of who truly held chengqian palace together… it was a bitter comfort, but comfort nonetheless.
Consort Shu's gaze softened, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Think of it as a… gentle nudge. Nothing more. You're not harming her."
Wanying bit her lip, her fingers closing around the bottle. Her loyalty to Consort Xian felt bruised, battered by the weight of betrayal she'd experienced. A subtle "nudge" would give her back some control, perhaps even restore her place of honor. What harm was there in that?
Seeing her internal struggle, Consort Shu pressed gently. "This is not an act of malice, Wanying. You're preserving what is rightfully yours. Consort Xian will be grateful, in the end, to have you at her side rather than some untested girl." She took a sip of her tea, the satisfied gleam in her eyes playing beneath her calm demeanor.
Wanying met her gaze and, for the first time, allowed herself to imagine the scene Shu had painted for her. Lingyi, frail and faltering, overshadowed by Wanying's assured competence. The image was intoxicating indeed.
"Thank you, Consort Shu," Wanying murmured, her voice tight with gratitude...and a touch of shame. "I… appreciate your kindness in this matter."
"Kindness?" Shu chuckled, her laugh a low, throaty sound as she waved slightly. "Think nothing of it. I only did what any friend would." Her expression softened, though the glint in her eyes remained sharp as a dagger's edge.
"Now, take your time with this. Act naturally, wait for the right moment, and, above all… be patient."
"Of course," Wanying replied, tucking the bottle safely into her sleeve. She dipped into a bow, murmuring her thanks once more before stepping back toward the door.
But as she turned to leave, Consort Shu's voice stopped her. "And Wanying…" she called, the faintest smile playing at her lips. "Remember that in the forbidden city, loyalty is but a mask. Wear it well, but never let it blind you."
Wanying glanced back, nodding solemnly. "I understand, Consort Shu."
With that, she left the room, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread. The bottle pressed coolly against her wrist, a heavy reminder of the choice she just made.