“Little Mistress, Granny Li from Her Highness the Virtuous Consort’s quarters requests an audience.”
After putting down the tea in her hand, Siyu spoke respectfully.
Lu Jingning looked slightly doubtful. “Let her in.”
“Yes.”
Before long, Granny Li entered holding a jewelry box.
“Greetings to Noble Lady Lu.”
She had completely put away the arrogant attitude she usually displayed before her.
“What brings Granny here today?” Lu Jingning asked softly.
Granny Li presented the jewelry box with both hands. “This is a reward from Her Highness the Virtuous Consort.”
Lu Jingning raised her hand lightly, signaling her to present it. There was a hint of vigilance and curiosity in her brows.
Granny Li carefully opened the box. Inside lay a pair of exquisitely carved jade bracelets.
Lu Jingning’s eyes flickered. She pondered silently, Why would Lu Shiwei be so kind as to send me something? There must be a trick to this.
Her expression remained calm. A faint smile touched her lips as she said softly, “Her Highness is truly thoughtful. Such a valuable gift—Jingning feels unworthy.”
After speaking, she picked up the bracelet and let her fingertips glide over the smooth jade surface. A faint, hidden sneer flashed through her eyes.
“Her Highness was merely in a poor mood a few days ago. We hope Noble Lady Lu can be more understanding.”
Although Granny Li spoke thus, her eyes had already drifted to the side, sizing up the maids around Lu Jingning, and finally settling on Xia’er.
Lu Jingning had already seen through her intentions. Wasn’t this a prey that had delivered itself right to her door?
“Granny speaks too seriously. We are all sisters of the inner palace.” She remained composed outwardly, but her mind was already working.
“Her Highness the Consort is waiting for this old servant to return with an answer. This old servant will take her leave now.” Granny Li had already found the person she wanted; she couldn’t wait to go back and inform the Virtuous Consort.
“Very well, Granny Li, take care on your way.” Lu Jingning intended to see what schemes they planned to use against her.
“This old servant takes her leave.”
With that, Granny Li returned to Zhongcui Palace.
After she left, Lu Jingning kept Xia’er behind and reminded her, “I imagine the Virtuous Consort will act soon. You must be careful.”
“Please rest assured, Little Mistress. I will be cautious.” Xia’er replied firmly.
Lu Jingning nodded in satisfaction. “Naturally, I trust you.”
She then looked at the bracelet again, picked it up, and brought it close to her nose. A familiar scent drifted to her.
“This bracelet is problematic.”
“Could it be that Her Highness intends to harm you?” Xia’er asked anxiously.
Lu Jingning was no longer surprised. In her previous life, the Virtuous Consort had sent her the exact same bracelet. “It’s likely infused with musk. It causes infertility.”
“What? For a concubine, children are just as important as favor. Her Highness is truly vicious!” Xia’er said in disbelief.
Fortunately she hadn’t made a grave mistake—otherwise, being associated with someone as malicious as the Virtuous Consort would have brought disaster.
“Don’t worry. I have my ways to deal with it.” Lu Jingning reassured her.
Seeing that she was completely calm, Xia’er also relaxed. “That’s good.”
Evening, Yangxin Hall.
Eunuch Zhao walked over quietly and reported in a low voice, “Your Majesty, it is getting late. Please choose a name card.”
Xiao Jingheng paused his brush, lifting his gaze from the complicated memorials. There was weariness in his eyes, but still full of authority.
After a moment of thought, the corner of his lips lifted slightly. Without hesitation, he pointed to the plaque bearing “Noble Lady Lu.” His voice was low and resolute. “When I finish, I will go to Chengqian Palace.”
Eunuch Zhao immediately understood and answered respectfully, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
He then withdrew, thinking privately that Noble Lady Lu was about to bask in imperial favor and flourish.
Chengqian Palace.
“Little Mistress, His Majesty chose your name card tonight. He will be here shortly!” Chun’er rushed in joyfully to announce the news.
But she found Lu Jingning looking troubled. She didn’t understand. “Little Mistress, His Majesty is coming—why are you not happy?”
Seeing Chun’er’s innocent confusion, Xia’er explained, “The Little Mistress just entered the palace and has attended His Majesty for three consecutive nights. It may stir jealousy.”
“I have not yet dealt with the Virtuous Consort. If I draw too much attention now, more enemies will arise,” Lu Jingning thought aloud.
“Then what should we do?” Chun’er asked worriedly.
After thinking for a while, Lu Jingning told them, “Don’t panic. I’ll handle it. Xia’er, prepare the evening meal and wait for His Majesty.”
More than an hour later, Xiao Jingheng arrived at Chengqian Palace with a group of eunuchs, the night surrounding him.
“Your concubine greets Your Majesty.”
Lu Jingning had posted people to watch for his arrival. The moment she saw him, she stepped out to welcome him.
Xiao Jingheng quickly helped her up. “Did I make you wait long?”
“Not at all. I would wait as long as it takes.” Lu Jingning answered with shy sweetness.
Xiao Jingheng tapped her nose dotingly. “Did you forget what I said yesterday? No need to call yourself ‘your concubine.’”
“Yes, A-Rui.” She took his hand and led him toward her bedchamber.
During dinner, Lu Jingning looked at him with an expression of fragile sorrow.
“What’s wrong, Zhaozhao?” Xiao Jingheng noticed something amiss. He held her hand gently and asked.
“A-Rui is not only mine… but also the sisters’ in the harem.” Lu Jingning said pitifully.
Xiao Jingheng’s brows drew together, full of concern. “Zhaozhao, has someone bullied you?”
Lu Jingning shook her head, her eyes glistening as if tears were about to fall, yet she stubbornly held them back.
“No… A-Rui, I just… I don’t want to make things difficult for you. There are many sisters in the harem. You must share your favor evenly.”
Her voice trembled slightly as she twisted the hem of her sleeve with both hands.
Xiao Jingheng felt a warm surge in his heart. He looked deeply at her, filled with tenderness and gratitude.
Which concubine in the harem didn’t want exclusive favor? Yet no one thought about him.
Only Zhaozhao—she would rather feel wronged herself than trouble him. She truly loved him.
He suddenly pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head, whispering comfortingly, “It’s all right. With me here, don’t be afraid.”
Acting weak really works, Lu Jingning gloated inwardly.
“Tomorrow you are to greet the Empress, aren’t you?” Xiao Jingheng asked.
Lu Jingning nodded. “Yes, A-Rui.”
After thinking a moment, he said, “Then skip the greeting tomorrow.”
Lu Jingning immediately stepped out of his embrace. “I mustn’t. Her Majesty’s health is always poor, and we don’t greet her often. Besides, I just entered the palace. How could I not go?”
Seeing her insistence, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. He didn’t press further, his lips curving into a gentle smile.
He lifted her into his arms and walked steadily toward the bed.
Candlelight flickered, casting warmth and tenderness over them.
Lu Jingning shyly lowered her head, her cheeks flushed. “A-Rui…”
Xiao Jingheng gently laid her on the soft bed and lay beside her. Their eyes met, filled with affection and yearning.
He slowly leaned in, their breaths growing warmer, the atmosphere in the hall becoming more and more heated and entwined.
And so, they spent a blissful night.
(End of chapter)