Chapter 4: Threads of Deception
The days following the grand gathering were quiet, yet beneath the surface of tranquility, tension lingered. Yue Lian had returned to her routine, dedicating her time to celestial affairs and studying methods to strengthen the heavens' defenses. However, the faint shadow of doubt—Ling Xiu's shadow—persisted in her thoughts.
Ling Xiu, for his part, continued his work as a servant, moving through the palace with unassuming grace. He was careful to blend in, performing his tasks diligently but never attracting too much attention. Yet, every action he took was calculated, every word a thread in the intricate web he wove around Yue Lian and her household.
Yuan'er remained close, her sharp mind and perceptive eyes ensuring their cover was not compromised. While Ling Xiu played the humble servant, Yuan'er took on the guise of an aloof, slightly clumsy maid, her antics diverting suspicion from their true purpose.
---
One late afternoon, Yue Lian was in the gardens, seated under the shade of a magnolia tree. A scroll lay open on her lap, but her eyes were drawn to the koi pond before her. The fish swirled in graceful patterns, their movements serene and hypnotic.
Chun Mei approached with a tray of tea, her gentle presence soothing. "My lady, you've been working tirelessly. You should rest more."
Yue Lian offered a small smile, accepting the cup Chun Mei poured. "Rest will come when the realms are secure. Until then, there is work to be done."
Chun Mei hesitated, then asked, "Have you noticed anything unusual lately? Among the servants, perhaps?"
Yue Lian's brow furrowed slightly. "Why do you ask?"
"Qiu Rong mentioned that Ling Xiu seems... too composed for a new servant," Chun Mei said carefully. "She's been watching him closely."
Yue Lian sipped her tea, her thoughts turning to the man in question. "Composure is not a crime, Chun Mei. But I will keep your words in mind."
Before Chun Mei could respond, a commotion erupted near the courtyard. Voices rose in heated argument, drawing Yue Lian's attention. She rose gracefully, gesturing for Chun Mei to follow.
---
In the courtyard, Qiu Rong stood with her arms crossed, glaring at Ling Xiu. A broken vase lay on the ground between them, shards glinting in the sunlight.
"This was an heirloom from the goddess of the Eastern Winds," Qiu Rong snapped. "How dare you be so careless?"
Ling Xiu bowed deeply, his expression calm. "I take full responsibility, Mistress Qiu Rong. But if I may, the vase was already precariously placed when I found it."
"Are you suggesting this is my fault?" Qiu Rong demanded, her voice rising.
"I only suggest that circumstances may have contributed," Ling Xiu replied, his tone measured.
Yue Lian's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "What is the meaning of this?"
The crowd of servants parted as Yue Lian approached, her presence commanding. Qiu Rong bowed deeply. "My lady, this servant has damaged a precious gift to the palace. His excuses are unacceptable."
Yue Lian's gaze shifted to Ling Xiu. "Is this true?"
Ling Xiu straightened, meeting her eyes. "It is true, my lady. I failed to prevent the vase from falling. I accept whatever punishment you see fit."
Qiu Rong's expression hardened, but Yue Lian raised a hand, silencing her. "Enough. Ling Xiu, you will clean this up and report to Chun Mei for reassignment. Qiu Rong, you will oversee the placement of future artifacts to ensure this does not happen again."
Qiu Rong's eyes widened. "My lady—"
Yue Lian's tone brooked no argument. "The matter is resolved. Let us move forward."
As the crowd dispersed, Ling Xiu lingered, kneeling to gather the broken shards. Yue Lian watched him for a moment before speaking. "Why did you not defend yourself more strongly?"
Ling Xiu paused, then looked up at her, his expression thoughtful. "Because I was at fault, my lady. Even if circumstances played a part, I failed in my duty. Defending myself would only diminish the dignity of the palace."
Yue Lian studied him, her expression unreadable. "A wise answer."
Ling Xiu bowed his head. "Thank you, my lady."
---
That evening, as Ling Xiu returned to his quarters, Yuan'er was waiting for him.
"You let her think you were weak," she said bluntly, her arms crossed.
"I let her think I was humble," Ling Xiu corrected, his voice calm. "There's a difference. Humility disarms suspicion. It makes me appear harmless."
Yuan'er narrowed her eyes. "And yet, she defended you again. You're pushing her too far too soon."
Ling Xiu smirked, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Yue Lian is sharp, but she values fairness and justice. By letting her protect me, I make her believe she's in control. Every time she intervenes, she binds herself closer to me."
Yuan'er sighed, shaking her head. "Just don't forget—she's not like the others. If she uncovers the truth..."
"She won't," Ling Xiu said confidently. "Not until it's too late."
---
In her chambers, Yue Lian sat at her desk, the broken shards of the vase arranged neatly before her. She traced a finger over one of the pieces, her mind turning over the day's events.
Ling Xiu's words echoed in her mind. 'Defending myself would only diminish the dignity of the palace.'
There was something about him—a contradiction she couldn't ignore. He was both bold and humble, clever yet deferential. The more she observed him, the more she questioned his motives.
Yue Lian leaned back, her gaze drifting to the window. The moon hung high in the sky, its light casting a silvery glow over the palace.
Who are you, Ling Xiu? she wondered silently.
Unbeknownst to her, Ling Xiu stood outside, hidden in the shadows of the garden. He watched her silhouette through the window, a flicker of something unspoken crossing his face.
The game was advancing, the pieces falling into place. But even Ling Xiu, master of deception, could not predict how deeply the threads of their fates were beginning to intertwine.