As Yueying exited the study, her expression shifted from sorrow to an intense, simmering anger. She moved briskly down the corridors, her fists clenched, and her eyes cold with determination. Once her face softened and bowed with feigned humility, now it hardened with a fierce resolution. The servants who crossed her path felt a chill as they glanced at her; gone was the gentle, sorrowful woman they had seen before. In her place was someone they hardly recognized.
Yueying's beauty had always turned heads in the pavilion. Her features were delicate, her eyes a striking shade of deep amber, and her skin flawless like the finest porcelain. Her dark, flowing hair framed her face elegantly, giving her an allure that had drawn admiring whispers among the palace staff. But now, her beauty was overshadowed by an icy hatred, her lips pressing into a thin line as her thoughts whirled darkly.
Standing in a quiet corner where no one could hear her, she let her true feelings emerge in a venomous whisper.
"Lady Yanli..." she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "She may have his heart, but I will not stand by idly. I was brought here to take care of him, and I will not let some... spoiled, noble girl stand in my way."
Her eyes narrowed as she clenched her jaw, the fury seething within her barely contained. "Yanli..." she muttered, the name twisting like poison on her tongue. "I will remove you from his life by any means necessary. You may have everyone fooled, but you'll see—you'll regret ever setting foot here."
The servants passing by cast uneasy glances at her, quickening their steps, sensing the malice that radiated from her. They murmured among themselves once they were out of earshot, exchanging worried looks. No one dared speak to her, nor approach her, aware that any slight misstep would likely provoke her wrath.
Back in the Study:
Within the study, Zhen's gaze softened as Yueying's footsteps receded down the hall. His thoughts lingered on Yanli—the woman who had unknowingly become the heartbeat of his world, the one he had cherished in secret for so many years.
He turned his attention to Bai Min, who stood waiting for her next orders. Trustworthy and skilled, Bai Min had been at Zhen's side for years, her loyalty to him unwavering. Her sharp, intelligent eyes met his, ready to follow whatever directive he gave her.
"Bai Min," he began, his voice low but purposeful. "I have an important task for you."
Bai Min straightened, listening intently.
"You will go to Lady Yanli's residence," Zhen continued, his gaze holding a glint of anticipation. "From now on, you will serve her as a personal maid, but you are there for far more than that. Your task is to ensure her safety without her realizing it—and to keep me informed of everything about her life."
A faint smile played on Bai Min's lips, understanding the unspoken affection behind his instructions. "Of course, Your Highness," she replied. "It will be my honor to protect Lady Yanli. I will remain by her side, unseen, but always watchful."
Zhen's eyes lingered on her, his voice softening as he continued. "No harm must come to her, Bai Min. She is... precious to me."
Bai Min nodded, her expression warm with loyalty. She had known her master's heart for years, had seen the way he looked after Lady Yanli from afar, a love he hid even from himself. Bai Min, in her quiet understanding, had always known this order would come.
"Your Highness, there is one matter," she hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Yueying… she has grown resentful. She sees herself in a place that is not hers. It is clear she regards Lady Yanli as... an obstacle."
Zhen's eyes turned to steel, his voice deadly calm. "I am aware of Yueying's delusions, but she will learn her place soon enough. I brought her here to repay a debt, not to create chaos. Let her be a warning for all others."
Bai Min bowed in acknowledgment, though her gaze was thoughtful. "Understood, Your Highness. I will be mindful of Lady Yanli's protection and keep watch over Yueying's actions as well."
At that moment, Wei Lin, who had been observing the exchange, cleared his throat. "Your Highness, should there be any... direct confrontation with Yueying? Her ambitions could become troublesome."
Zhen's lips curled in a faint smirk, his eyes holding an edge of amusement. "If she becomes foolish enough to act against Yanli, she will find herself swiftly removed from this pavilion. I have no patience for such schemes."
Bai Min, sensing that this was her cue, took a step forward, her gaze filled with steely determination. "Your Highness, I will see to it that Lady Yanli never faces harm, from anyone. She will be protected at all costs."
Zhen gave a nod of approval, his voice soft yet firm. "Go then, Bai Min. Make sure that she never suspects I am behind this. And report to me regularly."
Bai Min bowed deeply, understanding the depth of his command. "I will, Your Highness."
As Bai Min exited, Wei Lin leaned closer to Zhen, a faint smile on his face. "You truly care for her, Your Highness. It's rare to see you this concerned."
Zhen didn't reply immediately, his gaze drifting to the window where the soft glow of evening light filtered through the ornate lattice. His voice, when he finally spoke, was barely a whisper.
"She is... unlike any other. My heart was never mine after I met her."
Wei Lin watched him, a knowing look in his eyes. He had served Zhen long enough to understand his master's struggles, to see the depth of feeling he kept locked away.