Chapter 28 Returning to the Cold Palace
Under the soft light of early evening, Concubine Su's elegant figure awaited, dressed simply yet gracefully in plain silk. She was standing at the side of the emperor's study, her gaze lowered respectfully as Emperor Gu, clad in his resplendent robes, entered the room with the lightest of smiles—a rarity in his expression. Despite the recent tumult and his rage toward the empress, he felt a rare tranquility in Concubine Su's presence. He looked upon her with a mix of relief and compassion, knowing how the last few years in the cold palace had tested her.
Clearing his throat, the emperor spoke, his voice tempered. "Wanqing," he began, using her personal name with a tenderness absent for too long. "I have wronged you deeply. My failure to see through the malicious accusations, to comprehend the truth… it pains me."
Concubine Su bowed her head, her voice soft yet resolute. "Your Majesty has no need to apologize. I am thankful that truth has now been restored and that I may remain here to serve, even if from afar."
He nodded thoughtfully, his gaze assessing her. "I intend to reinstate you, to restore you to the position you rightfully deserve."
Concubine Su, however, took a deep breath. "If I may humbly request, I would prefer to remain in the cold palace, with my maidservants, if Your Majesty would permit it. I am content there. Returning to the court…" She paused, searching for the right words, "would disrupt the peace I have found."
The emperor looked at her, mildly surprised yet somehow understanding. Life within the main palace walls was wrought with schemes and rivalries—perhaps it was this very peace that gave her spirit such resilience, an inner light untainted by courtly drama. The emperor's gaze softened as he nodded. "If that is your wish, then so be it. But know, Wanqing, that you have my favor. I will see that you are protected, wherever you choose to stay."
A faint smile graced her lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
…
As Concubine Su's carriage made its way back toward the cold palace, it was followed by a small shadow darting through the houses and dark alleyways—Li An. The young girl, alert as a fox, watched the scene with her keen eyes. She felt a swell of pride and relief; her mother, Concubine Su, had been found innocent. A smile tugged at Li An's lips as she observed her mother's graceful poise, even now in the emperor's presence. She understood her mother's decision not to return fully to the court. The cold palace, though desolate, was a sanctuary of sorts, away from prying eyes.
Trailing silently, Li An followed the carriage closely, her steps barely disturbing the scattered leaves beneath her.
Before leaving the palace, she watched as Alu, Concubine Su's senior maidservant, arranged the boxes of gifts bestowed by the emperor, the intricate silks and precious teas symbolizing his restored favor. Alu's face beamed with joy as they unloaded the lavish gifts.
Soon the carriage arrived at the gates of the desolate cold palace. However, it seems that a couple of guards are now standing by the dilapidated gate.
Meanwhile, Misha, Concubine Su's other loyal maidservant, stood at the cold palace gates, eyes misty with emotion as she saw her mistress return safely. The trio embraced tightly, uniting once more in the space they had come to know as home.
In the following days, the cold palace was filled with a rare warmth. Alu and Misha busied themselves, placing new tapestries and arranging delicate porcelain vases filled with fresh flowers—a refreshing change from the usual bleakness of their quarters. Li An felt at ease, knowing her mother was happy, at least for now.
Yet, Li An knew that this peace could be fleeting. The court's undercurrents of scheming and jealousy would continue, and even from a distance, they could reach her beloved foster mother. With quiet musings, Li An began preparing to protect Concubine Su in any way she could.
One evening, she ventured back into an underground room behind the cold palace in the sea of bamboo, where she had discreetly gathered ingredients from nearby herbs, leaves, and flowers, each carefully selected from the emperor's garden during her stealthy forays. Her intent was simple: to create antidotes and simple remedies against the most common poisons in the court.
"Careful concentration," Li An murmured, as Seedee, the small, luminous apparition, hovered beside her, offering guidance. She crushed and mixed the leaves with a pestle and mortar, applying the ancient recipes Seedee had taught her. The small, smoky vials began to take form, each one labeled with symbols representing the poisons they were meant to counteract.
After a few hours, Li An finished her task, pleased with her work. Each vial of antidote was carefully wrapped and stored in a small box, which she hid away in her private room. In her mind, she was readying herself and those closest to her for whatever dangers might come. Alu and Misha, too, would be given these vials to keep on hand. It was her silent way of protecting her family.
Days slipped by, filled with laughter, quiet companionship, and simple daily tasks. Each evening, Concubine Su would read poetry aloud as Li An, Alu, and Misha listened, basking in the warmth of her voice and the comfort of each other's presence. During these times, Li An felt a sense of normalcy and security that was rare in the imperial palace.
Yet, as her skills continued to grow, so did Li An's awareness of the palace's machinations. One evening, after a chess match with Seedee in the void space where they practiced, she resolved to craft a more effective means of protection for her foster mother. She began studying the properties of more complex substances, each ingredient chosen with care, knowing that her work would need to remain undetected by the more observant eyes in the court.
On one such evening, as the moonlight streamed into the quiet room in the cold palace, Alu approached Li An, her voice barely above a whisper. "Young Miss, you are always preparing and creating these elixirs…for your mother, yes?"
Li An has a visible workshop in the cold palace for her mother and others to see.
Li An glanced at her, a soft, knowing smile on her lips. "Yes. It is a precaution, for the future. I want Mother to be safe, always."
Alu's eyes softened as she nodded, understanding the weight of Li An's silent promise. "Your care is beyond your years, Young Miss. We are grateful for everything you do, though you shouldn't burden yourself too much. You are still young."
Li An's resolve only deepened. "It isn't a burden. I would do anything to protect my mother. I do this willingly."
From that night on, Li An continued her work with renewed purpose, balancing her time between her beloved foster family and the quiet studies with Seedee, who taught her advanced techniques of potion crafting and rudimentary alchemy. The process required utmost precision, but with Seedee's guidance, Li An quickly mastered each lesson.
One sunny afternoon, as Concubine Su enjoyed a leisurely stroll with Alu and Misha, Li An discreetly handed Alu a small, jade box. "Keep this safe, Alu. Inside are pills and capsules. In case of any suspicious food or drink, mix the pills in, and it will neutralize most poisons without drawing attention."
Alu nodded as she accepted the box, she had seen her young mistress concocting these medicines and was touched by her thoughtfulness. She gave a deep bow, her voice filled with gratitude. "Young Miss, thank you. I promise to keep it safe and to follow your instructions."
Not long after, Li An offered the same to Misha, who accepted it with a grateful nod, clearly moved. To each, she imparted a small instruction in whispers, reinforcing the trust and bond between them. Her heart swelled as she realized that her quiet efforts had fortified a protective barrier around her small family.
…
As winter settled in, the cold palace became even more secluded, its courtyards blanketed in soft snow. Li An's days were filled with gentle laughter and the warmth of her family's companionship. She and her foster mother would often sit by the window, watching the snow fall in quiet harmony. These moments became cherished, rare gems in Li An's memory—a contrast to the courtly strife she knew she would someday face.
One snowy evening, as she sat beside her mother, Concubine Su reached out and gently clasped Li An's small hand in her own.
"My An'er," she murmured, "you are wise beyond your years. Sometimes, I forget how young you truly are. You've shown such kindness and strength."
Li An looked up, her heart swelling with warmth as she saw the pride and love in her mother's eyes. She knew that, despite everything, she was not alone. This family, though small and humble, was her greatest source of strength.
"I am only following what you taught me, Mother," she replied, her voice steady and filled with conviction.
As the days stretched on, Li An continued her preparations quietly, her resolve unbreakable. For her mother's sake, and for the sake of their peaceful life in the cold palace, she would carry this silent burden willingly. And with every remedy crafted, every antidote prepared, she felt herself growing, her skills sharpening with each passing day.
Li An understood that the peace they now enjoyed was a gift, one she intended to safeguard with all her might. She would ensure that, no matter what, her family would remain protected. And so, even as the snow fell softly over the palace, Li An's heart burned with a fierce resolve, her mind ever vigilant for the challenges yet to come.
One day, Seedee suddenly appeared and showed a thorough plan to Li An. It is a plan for them to gather a large amount of wisdom points for Seedee to grow.