The halls of Lady Wen's estate were a labyrinth of opulence. Each corridor was adorned with delicate silk tapestries, intricately carved wooden screens, and gilded lanterns casting a warm glow over the polished floors. Servants moved silently, their heads bowed in deference, while the air was thick with the fragrance of incense. Li Yuhua followed the head steward, her steps careful and measured, her mind racing with the enormity of the task ahead.
Lady Wen was a woman of considerable influence, her alliances stretching deep into the imperial court. Though her title was minor, her ability to manipulate the tides of court politics was renowned. She was a mistress of whispers, skilled in the art of playing both sides in the ever-shifting power struggles that defined the court. To gain access to her circle was to step into a den of intrigue, where every word held double meaning and every gesture could be part of a greater plot.
Li Yuhua was no stranger to such games, but the stakes had never been higher. Lady Wen had the ear of Chancellor Fang Wei, the man responsible for her family's downfall. If she could find a way into Lady Wen's favor, she might uncover the chancellor's secrets—secrets that could be used to bring him to ruin.
As the steward led her into the grand receiving hall, Li Yuhua took a steadying breath. Lady Wen was seated on a raised platform, surrounded by ladies-in-waiting and courtiers eager for her attention. Her gown was a rich shade of crimson, embroidered with gold phoenixes, and her hair was adorned with jade pins. She was the very image of grace and refinement, but there was a sharpness in her eyes that betrayed the cunning mind beneath the surface.
The steward bowed low before announcing, "My lady, the merchant's daughter has arrived with the goods you requested."
Lady Wen's gaze shifted to Li Yuhua, and for a moment, their eyes met. It was only a fleeting glance, but in that brief instant, Li Yuhua felt as though the noblewoman was appraising her, calculating her worth and potential use.
"You may approach," Lady Wen said, her voice smooth as silk.
Li Yuhua bowed deeply and stepped forward, careful to keep her expression humble. She presented the silks and jade she had brought, all the while remaining acutely aware of the many eyes watching her. This was a performance, and she had to play her role perfectly.
"These are the finest silks from Suzhou, my lady," Li Yuhua said softly. "And the jade comes from the mountains of Yunnan. My family is honored to have the opportunity to serve you."
Lady Wen gestured for one of her ladies-in-waiting to examine the goods, her attention seemingly drifting. But Li Yuhua knew better. Every movement, every word, was part of Lady Wen's game. The noblewoman's indifference was a mask, one that concealed a mind ever-alert to the possibilities presented before her.
The lady-in-waiting nodded approvingly. "The quality is indeed exceptional, my lady."
Lady Wen smiled, though the smile did not reach her eyes. "You've done well, child," she said, her tone patronizing. "It seems your family's reputation for fine goods is well deserved. But tell me—how is it that you've come to Chang'an, after so many years in the countryside?"
The question was laced with subtle malice. Li Yuhua knew this was a test, a probe to see how much she would reveal. She could not afford to slip.
"My family's fortunes have improved, my lady," she replied, keeping her voice steady. "We've been able to return to the capital and resume our business. I am but a humble servant of my father's trade."
Lady Wen's gaze sharpened, though her smile remained in place. "Humble, indeed," she murmured. "But it is said that those who return to Chang'an after such a long absence do so with more than just trade in mind. Tell me, child—do you have any other ambitions in this city of ours?"
Li Yuhua's heart skipped a beat. The question hung in the air, charged with implication. She could feel the weight of the room pressing in on her, every courtier and servant waiting for her response.
"No, my lady," she said softly, lowering her gaze. "My only ambition is to serve my family and ensure that our business prospers."
For a moment, Lady Wen said nothing, her expression unreadable. Then, she leaned back, her smile widening. "A wise answer," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "But remember this, child: in Chang'an, even those who wish for nothing often find themselves drawn into the desires of others. Be careful where your loyalties lie."
Li Yuhua bowed her head in acknowledgment, her mind racing. Lady Wen's words were a warning—one that she would do well to heed. In this court, alliances were fluid, and loyalties could shift in the blink of an eye. To survive, she would need to navigate these waters with the utmost care.
But even as Lady Wen dismissed her, allowing her to take her leave, Li Yuhua could feel the eyes of the courtiers on her, their gazes filled with curiosity and suspicion. She had been noticed, and in the world of the imperial court, that was both a blessing and a curse.
As she stepped out of the grand hall and into the courtyard, the cool evening air washed over her, a brief reprieve from the tension inside. But before she could even catch her breath, she heard footsteps approaching.
Turning, she found herself face-to-face with a familiar figure—Xiao Ruichen.
The general stood before her, his expression as unreadable as ever, though there was a flicker of something in his eyes that she could not quite place. He had changed out of his armor, now dressed in a formal robe befitting his station, but the air of authority around him remained.
"You are becoming quite the subject of interest," he said, his voice low and measured.
Li Yuhua felt a jolt of unease. "General, I am but a merchant's daughter," she replied, forcing herself to remain composed. "I have no wish to attract attention."
Xiao Ruichen studied her for a long moment, his gaze searching. "And yet, attention seems to find you, whether you wish it or not."
She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "You should be careful, Li Yuhua. This city devours those who are unprepared for its games. You are not the only one with secrets."
The words sent a chill through her. Xiao Ruichen was no fool—he knew more than he was letting on. But what did he truly want? And why was he warning her?
Before she could ask, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the courtyard.
Li Yuhua stood there for a long moment, her mind swirling with questions. Xiao Ruichen's warning was clear, but his motives were not. Was he an ally, or was he simply playing his own game, using her as a pawn in a larger scheme?
Whatever the answer, one thing was certain: the storm that had been gathering around her was growing ever closer, and the threads of intrigue were tightening with each passing day.
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End of Chapter 3
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