After the morning greetings at Changle Palace concluded, Lin Ningzhu and Jiang Wanxiang walked side by side along the corridor leading back to their respective quarters. Behind them, palace maid Hanyun followed closely, holding a small embroidered hand warmer. A gentle breeze blew past, carrying a faint chill.
Lin Ningzhu furrowed her brows slightly and spoke softly, "Sister Wanxiang, during our audience with the Empress just now, the arrogance exuded by Noble Consort Zhao truly made me uneasy."
Jiang Wanxiang sighed lightly and comforted her in a gentle voice, "We are both newly appointed concubines and still unfamiliar with the customs of the palace. I have heard that Noble Consort Zhao holds herself in extremely high regard, her temperament domineering and proud. Not everyone is like her, Ningzhu. Don't let it trouble your heart too much."
As they spoke softly, a gentle voice suddenly called out to them, "Lady Lin, Lady Jiang, were your greetings with Her Majesty smooth?"
Looking up, they saw a woman gracefully approaching. She was dressed in a sky-blue satin gown embroidered with silver wave-like patterns that shimmered subtly under the light, resembling rippling water. Her hair was styled elegantly in a floral hairpin bun, adorned with a sapphire pin, and delicate jade tassels hung gently over her forehead, swaying lightly with each step and adding a touch of ethereal charm.
"Greetings, Lady Wen." Lin Ningzhu and Jiang Wanxiang curtsied slightly.
Wen Zhiying smiled warmly, her gaze gentle. "The two of you are still new to palace life; I imagine it must feel overwhelming. I've heard that Her Majesty the Empress is kind and virtuous. If you encounter any difficulties or have any questions, do not hesitate to seek her guidance."
Lin Ningzhu nodded lightly and spoke softly, "Her Majesty was indeed kind and gracious to us just now. However, Noble Consort Zhao's haughty demeanor during the greetings was truly intimidating."
Jiang Wanxiang lowered her eyes slightly, her voice tinged with confusion, "This palace is a place of deceit and rivalry. As newcomers, we truly don't know how to carry ourselves."
Wen Zhiying smiled faintly, her eyes reflecting warmth and resolve. "It is natural to feel lost and uneasy when first stepping into the palace. To survive here, one must learn the rules, observe others carefully, and know when to speak and when to remain silent."
Lin Ningzhu looked up, her eyes carrying a glimmer of hope. "Sister, do you have any advice for us?"
Wen Zhiying nodded gently. "What we learned in the Imperial Academy is merely surface-level etiquette. The true art of survival lies in keen observation, knowing when to stay quiet, and when to voice your thoughts appropriately."
Jiang Wanxiang nodded in understanding, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "Hearing your words has brought much clarity to my heart."
The three women exchanged smiles and continued walking gracefully along the path.
As they strolled through the winding palace corridors, they eventually arrived at Spring Radiance Garden, the largest imperial garden in the palace, where flowers bloomed year-round, filling the air with sweet fragrances.
In spring, the garden was a sea of colorful blossoms and lush greenery. Winding stone paths meandered through the flowerbeds, and the pond's surface rippled gently as a few golden fish swam lazily by, creating delicate ripples. In the distance, rock formations and elegant pavilions stood harmoniously, painting a picturesque scene.
Lin Ningzhu took a deep breath, a smile lighting up her face. "The flowers in Spring Radiance Garden are truly enchanting, like the radiant pearls of the palace—breathtakingly beautiful."
Wen Zhiying smiled and said, "Finding a moment of peace here is indeed a rare luxury."
Jiang Wanxiang nodded lightly, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Perhaps we might even encounter a fortuitous meeting today."
As they walked leisurely along the lakeside path, a sharp and shrill voice suddenly disrupted the tranquility of the garden.
"Liu Lanxin, someone as plain as you dares to flaunt yourself before me?"
"That's right! Wearing all these accessories—are you trying to seduce His Majesty now that you've become a concubine?"
Standing by the lake, Wen Jinmu and Feng Nanqiao surrounded a young girl dressed in a light green palace gown. Their voices were sharp and mocking, their gazes filled with contempt.
Liu Lanxin lowered her head, clutching her gown tightly with trembling hands. Her eyes welled with tears. "I… I didn't… I would never…"
Seeing this scene, Lin Ningzhu's heart tightened. She stepped forward and said firmly, "Ladies Wen and Feng, why must you be so harsh? We are all concubines of His Majesty. Why make things difficult for one another?"
Wen Zhiying and Jiang Wanxiang stepped forward as well, standing beside Lin Ningzhu.
Wen Zhiying spoke in a calm yet firm tone, "Sisters, palace rivalries bring no true benefit. Why trouble others like this?"
Jiang Wanxiang added softly, "Her Majesty the Empress has just reminded us to support one another. Have you already forgotten her words?"
Wen Jinmu and Feng Nanqiao exchanged glances, their expressions filled with reluctance. "Hmph! You foolish women will regret this one day!"
With a flick of their sleeves, they stormed off.
Liu Lanxin slowly raised her head, her tear-streaked face filled with gratitude. "Thank you, sisters, for standing up for me… I have no way to repay your kindness."
Lin Ningzhu gently patted her shoulder and said softly, "There's no need for gratitude. In this palace, we must look out for one another. It's the least we can do."
After bidding farewell to Liu Lanxin and Wen Zhiying, Lin Ningzhu and Jiang Wanxiang walked hand in hand out of the garden. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows along the stone path, swaying gently with the breeze.
As they walked, Lin Ningzhu paused, her gaze fixed on a tall pavilion in the distance. "That tower is so tall—it seems to pierce the clouds."
Jiang Wanxiang followed her gaze and said softly, "That's Yunxia Tower. I've heard it's one of the few tranquil places in the palace, and His Majesty occasionally visits to rest."
Lin Ningzhu gazed at the elegant silhouette of Yunxia Tower and sighed softly. "A place as ethereal as this, hidden deep within the palace walls, feels so out of reach."
Jiang Wanxiang smiled and said gently, "If you're curious, why not go up and take a look? I'll return to my quarters to rest."
After a moment of hesitation, Lin Ningzhu nodded lightly and walked gracefully towards Yunxia Tower.
Yunxia Tower soared into the sky, its layered pavilions surrounded by a faint mist, giving it an ethereal and otherworldly aura. The interior was meticulously decorated, with carved railings and jade-inlaid panels, exuding an atmosphere of serene elegance.
Lin Ningzhu ascended the winding wooden staircase step by step until she arrived at a spacious music chamber.
Sunlight filtered through the intricately carved lattice windows, casting dappled patterns onto the polished wooden floor. In the center of the chamber stood a jade-white guqin, its surface smooth and translucent, shimmering faintly as if carved from heavenly clouds.
Lin Ningzhu approached the instrument, her delicate fingers tracing its strings. She murmured softly, "This guqin… it's so pure, like a treasure descended from the heavens."
Unable to resist, she plucked a string gently. A clear, melodious sound resonated through the room, akin to the soft tinkling of a mountain spring, lingering in the still air.
Drawn by the instrument's allure, Lin Ningzhu seated herself before the guqin, placing both hands delicately upon the strings. With a deep breath, she began to play.
The notes floated softly into the air, weaving a story of melancholy and longing, like ripples across a tranquil lake stirred by the gentlest breeze.
"Endless waters flow, soft and tender as love…"
The melody drifted, carrying with it an ethereal beauty, both sorrowful and tender, painting a picture of distant memories and unspoken emotions.
Suddenly, a deep and commanding voice echoed from the doorway.
"Who is playing the guqin here?"
Startled, Lin Ningzhu's fingers froze mid-air, and the music came to an abrupt halt. She turned her head sharply and saw a tall figure standing at the entrance.
Dressed in an imperial yellow dragon robe embroidered with golden threads, the man carried himself with a regal presence. His sharp brows and deep eyes carried a piercing intensity, yet within them lay a glimmer of curiosity and warmth.
It was none other than His Majesty, Emperor Jun Wangran.
Lin Ningzhu's breath caught in her throat. Quickly rising to her feet, she lowered her head and curtsied gracefully.
"Your Majesty, may you be blessed with eternal fortune. I stumbled into this place by accident and unintentionally disturbed you. Please forgive me."
Jun Wangran stepped into the room, his gaze lingering briefly on the guqin before falling upon Lin Ningzhu. His expression softened slightly.
"Lady Lin, do you know the name of the piece you were playing just now?"
Lin Ningzhu hesitated before shaking her head lightly. "Your Majesty, I do not know its name. It is merely a tune an older sister once taught me."
The emperor's lips curved into a faint smile. "That piece is called 'The Song of Xiang Maiden.' It is an ancient court melody passed down from the previous emperor's time, known only to a select few. You played its opening movements beautifully."
Lin Ningzhu's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "I did not know… that it carried such history."
Jun Wangran stepped closer to the guqin, his wide sleeves brushing against its strings, producing a soft hum. His voice grew gentler.
"I rarely visit Yunxia Tower, yet today I chanced upon you and this tune. This melody is meant to be sorrowful, yet in your hands, it carried an air of purity and tranquility."
Lin Ningzhu lowered her head modestly. "Your Majesty flatters me."
Jun Wangran studied her for a moment, his gaze deep and contemplative. "Lady Lin, have you grown accustomed to life in the palace since your arrival?"
Lin Ningzhu hesitated before speaking softly, "Your Majesty, I grew up in the countryside. Life in the palace feels foreign to me, but Her Majesty the Empress has shown kindness, and my fellow sisters have offered their companionship. I have no complaints."
The emperor's smile grew warmer. "You are content with little, and that is admirable."
His fingers brushed lightly across the strings of the guqin, and a faint melody resonated once more, echoing softly through the chamber. For a moment, the emperor and Lin Ningzhu stood together in silence, the atmosphere serene and timeless.
When the song concluded, Jun Wangran looked at Lin Ningzhu with a rare trace of gentleness in his eyes.
"Lady Lin, your talent should not remain hidden away in some forgotten corner of the palace."
Lin Ningzhu's eyes widened in surprise as she quickly knelt. "Your Majesty, I do not dare accept such praise."
Jun Wangran's voice grew firm yet gentle. "From this day forth, I bestow upon you the title of 'Talented Lady Xiang.'"
Lin Ningzhu's heart trembled, and she bowed deeply. "Your Majesty's grace is beyond my comprehension. I humbly accept your favor."
Night began to fall outside the tower. The faint glow of lanterns illuminated the palace grounds, casting long, shimmering shadows.
Jun Wangran stood by the window, gazing out at the imperial gardens below. The golden embroidery on his robe shimmered under the soft candlelight, as regal and untouchable as the stars in the sky.
He turned back towards Lin Ningzhu and stepped closer. With a faint yet undeniable tenderness, he cupped her chin gently, tilting her face upward to meet his gaze.
"Tonight, your music has stirred something in my heart that I have not felt in a long time."
Lin Ningzhu's breath hitched, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your Majesty, I was merely playing thoughtlessly. If it brought you even a moment's joy, it is already my greatest honor."
The emperor's lips curved into a soft smile as he lowered his hand.
The flickering candlelight danced across their faces as the distant echoes of the guqin melody faded into silence.
In that stillness, a fragile thread of connection formed between them, delicate yet undeniable—a fleeting moment suspended in time, like the faint ripples on a tranquil pond.
The night deepened, and Yunxia Tower stood tall against the starlit sky, shrouded in an air of timeless mystery and quiet reverence.