Ru Lingyi's mind was a whirlwind of emotions as she made her way back to Chengqian Palace. The lingering warmth of Prince Lan's embrace still tingled on her skin, the soft words he whispered into her ears, she blushed at the thought of the soft..yet passionate kissed they shared . Back at her normal life as a secretary , she never had anytime for any form of romance, yet here she is, in an unknown world filled with surprises and a lover was on the suprise it brought.
The butterflies she felt in her stomach swamped like fishes in the sea, but it was quickly overshadowed by the realization that her absence would not go unnoticed. By the time she reached Chengqian Gate, her heart was racing, her thoughts scrambling for excuses.
As she approached, her steps faltered. There, seated on the corridor with a poised and regal demeanor, was Consort Xian. The evening breeze played with the folds of her robe, but her expression was as calm and unreadable as a still lake. Lingyi swallowed hard, her stomach twisting.
As she approached, she thought of the possible lie that could save her from all reprimanding. But sadly, none was forth coming.
"Ni-ang niang…" Lingyi stammered as she bowed low, the words catching in her throat.
Consort Xian said nothing, her gaze unwavering as it bore into Lingyi. The silence stretched, and Lingyi felt her anxiety deepen with every passing second.
"Niang niang," Lingyi tried again, forcing a smile to mask her fear. "Allow me to escort you inside. The air is cool; you might catch a chill...I mustn't allow you harm your royal health "..Lingyi said in attempt to just clear everything off and for the air to go back to default setting. Or so she thought.
But Consort Xian tilted her head ever so slightly, her lips curving into the faintest smile, though it was far from warm. "Oh?? Lingyi… Shouldn't you be the one worried about catching a chill after your privy moments with a certain male companion?"
Lingyi's breath hitched, her knees buckling beneath her as she dropped to the ground. "Niang niang!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
"niang naing?" Consort Xian repeated.."what is it you want to say?"
"I—I didn't mean to—"
"To meet with Prince Lan?" Consort Xian cut her off sharply, her voice like a blade slicing through Lingyi's feeble excuses.
Lingyi's head shot up in shock, her mouth falling open. How did her mistress know? She had been so careful—or so she thought.
Xian leaned forward, her gaze as cold as it was piercing. "Listen carefully, Lingyi. I know everything that happens in Chengqian Palace. Don't think for a moment that your actions go unnoticed." Her tone softened slightly, though her words carried a warning. "Don't misunderstand me. I am not against you finding companionship—far from it. But…" She rose gracefully, her gaze never leaving Lingyi. "Don't let it interfere with your duties. Otherwise, you may find yourself losing both the companionship you cherish and the position you hold."
With that, Xian turned and entered her chambers, the hem of her robe sweeping behind her like a ripple in still water.
Lingyi remained frozen on the ground, her mind reeling. The reprimand from her mistress stung, but what struck her more deeply was Consort Xian's uncanny knowledge of her whereabouts. The mistress she served was far more calculating than Lingyi had realized.
Lingyi scrambled to her feet and hurried after Consort Xian, determined to make amends by attending to her needs.
---
Meanwhile, in the chambers of Concubine Hua, the atmosphere was thick with tension and unspoken malice. Hua paced back and forth in frustration, her silk robes swishing against the floor as she muttered under her breath. Her thoughts were consumed by the turn of recent events in the harem —Jia's triumph, Yu's amused glances, her own near humiliation. It was unbearable.
Without a knowledge of how to escape from this cellar of agony, the very one she put her self in, she reluctantly threw herself into her dressing chair and gestured for A'rou to retire her for the night.
With caution, A'rou approached and started her duty. Gradually, she dismembered the intricate coiffure of her mistress while been careful not to make a mistake that will transfer the already boiling aggression on herself.
A'rou applied all her years of expertise in attempt to calm her Mistress's nerves, she applied all the soothing oils she knew of, all the balms and incense but none of them seemed to change anything. Rather, Concubine Hua was continuously loosing it .
A'rou, ever watchful, approached with cautious steps, sensing her mistress's ever growing dark mood. "Niang niang," she began softly.
Hua's train of thought stopped mid-step and she turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. "What is it?"
The poor maid hesitated for only a moment before continuing, knowing her words would be well-received."I have news that might bring you delight ".
"Then out with it already "..Hua said impatiently .
"I've learned that Concubine Shu, Consort Jia, and Noble Lady Yu will be having tea at the imperial garden tomorrow afternoon" .
"And is that a new development?".. Concubine Hua asked almost annoyed .
"Niang naing .. isn't it a perfect day to start your grand scheme?.." A'rou said ...slowly, more like a whisper.
Concubine Hua's lips curled into a slow, calculating smile, her earlier fury transforming into something far more dangerous. "Is that so?" she murmured, a spark of mischief flickering in her eyes.
The maid nodded eagerly. "Yes, niang niang. It seems they plan to spend the afternoon there together."
"Good," Hua said, the word rolling off her tongue like a predator savoring its next meal. "You've done well. Very well."
The maid straightened, pleased with the praise.
Hua's smile deepened as she arose from her seat and began to pace again, but this time , slowly and intentional with a purpose.
"An opportunity like this is too good to waste. Let them bask in their false sense of security. Tomorrow, I'll remind them that the Forbidden City is no place for idle camaraderie." concubine Hua giggled wickedly.
"What should I do, niang niang?" the maid asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
Hua turned to her, her expression sharp and resolute. "Prepare my emerald robe. If I'm to make an appearance, I must definitely do so in style. Let them see me for the force that I am."
"Ofcourse, niang niang," the maid said, bowing deeply before retreating to carry out her orders.
Left alone, Hua let out a low, mirthless laugh. "Tomorrow?," she whispered to herself, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Tomorrow, we shall see who truly holds the power in this palace. As they say, she who laughs last... laughs best ." Her gaze shifted to her dressing mirror.."Jia, you might be a fourth ranking Consort, but that won't last for ever...you will always be a lowly palace maid."
The air in her chambers seemed to hum with her dark resolve, her plans already beginning to take shape.
The next day promised to be anything but ordinary in the Forbidden City. Ru Lingyi, concubine Hua, Consort Jia, Consort Shu, and Noble lady Yu all retired in their respective chambers, each unaware of just how intertwined their fates would soon become.