The Empress gently rotated the jade bracelet in her hand, her gaze soft as she turned toward the Noble Consort Liang, asking with concern:
“Noble Consort, how is the Eldest Princess these days? I heard she caught a slight chill recently. This palace has been quite worried.”
Noble Consort Liang bent slightly. When she spoke of the princess, the harshness she usually carried disappeared, replaced by a gentle motherly glow.
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. The Eldest Princess is no longer troubled. She’s lively again, which greatly eases this concubine’s heart.”
Hearing this, the Empress’s lips curved into a warm smile. “That is good.”
She then addressed all the gathered concubines with a gentle yet firm tone.
“His Majesty has not been on the throne long. The harem must bear branches and leaves for the continuation of the imperial bloodline. You must all serve with dedication—do not quarrel or stir jealousy. Do you understand?”
“Yes, we shall remember Your Majesty’s teachings.”
With a light motion of her hand, the Empress said, “Very well. You may withdraw.”
At once, the concubines rose and saluted.
“Your concubines take their leave.”
The sound of jade ornaments swayed as their figures slowly disappeared beyond the palace doors.
The Empress noticed Lu Jingning still standing there. Believing the girl had something to say, she smiled and asked:
“Lu Attendant, is something the matter?”
“Your Majesty, I heard that you often have trouble sleeping at night. I specially made a calming sachet for you, hoping it may be of help.” Lu Jingning presented the sachet with sincere concern.
“Lu Attendant is very thoughtful. Qingming, take it and hang it by this palace’s bed.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Qingming stepped forward and received the sachet, then presented it before the Empress.
The Empress lifted it to her nose. “There is a faint floral scent—jasmine?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. This concubine dried jasmine flowers, ground them into powder, and mixed them with medicinal herbs. It creates a soft fragrance.” Lu Jingning explained politely.
“You truly are clever, Lu Attendant. If you encounter difficulties in the future, you may come to this palace.”
Lu Jingning nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Feeling warmth toward Lu Jingning, the Empress couldn’t help inquiring gently,
“Since entering the palace, have you grown accustomed to the living conditions?”
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well accustomed.”
Hearing this brought the Empress relief. “Good. You should return now. The sun will grow hotter—do not let yourself be burned.”
Lu Jingning felt a wave of emotion in her heart. “Yes. May Your Majesty rest well. This concubine takes her leave.”
She walked step by step out of Changchun Palace. The Empress was as gentle as she remembered.
“Your Majesty, this Lu Attendant has attended His Majesty for three nights straight,” Qingming said incredulously.
The Empress paused in her motion, her fingers still on the jade beads. “Lu Attendant is gentle of temperament and kind of heart. It is natural for His Majesty to favor her.”
Qingming nodded but lowered her head sadly.
“But His Majesty hasn’t come to see you even though he knows you’re ill…”
The Empress had long grown accustomed. She comforted her:
“His Majesty is merely busy with state affairs.”
Qingming hesitated, then said softly, “But it seems the Noble Consort’s favor may be divided because of Lu Attendant.”
The Empress coughed lightly, her eyes falling on the sachet in Qingming’s hands.
“You must keep a close watch on Lu Attendant. Report anything unusual to this palace.”
“Why is that, Your Majesty?” Qingming asked in confusion.
“Lu Attendant now receives His Majesty’s favor. There will naturally be those in the palace who resort to underhanded methods.” The Empress warned gently.
Qingming still did not understand why the Empress cared so much for this girl, but she knew servants should never question.
“Yes, this servant understands.”
Outside Changchun Palace—
“Little Mistress, I heard the lotus flowers in the imperial garden are blooming soon. Shall we go take a look?” Chun’er suggested.
Lu Jingning was feeling bored and nodded. “Let’s go.”
Chun’er supported her as they walked toward the imperial garden.
A soft breeze passed through. The fragrance of lotus drifted in the air. The pond was filled with tall, elegant blossoms swaying like dancing fairies.
Lu Jingning was captivated and stepped forward for a closer look.
“Little Mistress, you shouldn’t go further,” Chun’er said anxiously, noticing the soft, unstable mud beneath her feet.
Lu Jingning thought nothing of it. “It’s fine.”
She tiptoed slightly, reaching toward a nearby lotus—but her foot slipped, and she lost her balance.
“Ah—!”
“Little Mistress!” Chun’er cried, rushing over, barely grabbing her hand.
Chun’er shouted urgently, “Someone! Help!”
Her voice pierced through the quiet garden. Several guards rushed over upon hearing the cry.
One guard reached out steadily and grabbed Lu Jingning’s other hand.
Her face turned pale, eyes trembling with fear, though she forced herself to remain calm as the guards slowly lifted her back to safety.
At last she regained her footing, staggering slightly as shock washed over her.
Chun’er’s eyes were filled with tears as she supported her. “Little Mistress, are you hurt? Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Lu Jingning replied, trying to suppress her lingering fear.
Chun’er wiped her eyes. “Thankfully that guard acted quickly. Otherwise you might have been in real danger.”
Lu Jingning followed her gaze. The guard stood silently nearby.
Seeing his face clearly, her heart jolted violently.
Him?
It was the same guard the Virtuous Consort had falsely accused her of having an affair with in her previous life.
Why was she encountering him so early in this life?
Chun’er noticed her frozen expression and asked worriedly, “Little Mistress, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
Lu Jingning snapped back to herself and shook her head slightly. “I’m fine.”
She turned toward the guard again, emotions swirling. “You saved me. You deserve a reward. What do you want?”
The guard immediately knelt on one knee.
“This is my duty. I dare not seek reward.”
His voice was steady and firm. Under the sunlight, his armor shone faintly, his features resolute, eyes full of unwavering loyalty.
After speaking, he did not linger.
“Your servant takes his leave.”
He rose, saluted, and walked away with long, confident strides—his back straight like a pine tree.
Lu Jingning watched him disappear, her emotions tangled.
“Chun’er, when we return, find out everything about that guard.”
Chun’er nodded quickly and turned to go.
Lu Jingning stopped her again, her eyes filled with resolve. “Make it thorough. I want to know everything about him.”
“Yes, this servant understands.”
Lu Jingning was deeply puzzled. Earlier, when she asked for his choice of reward, he refused everything.
Then why, in the previous life, did he falsely accuse me of having an illicit relationship with him?
If he loved money, he could have asked for a reward—but he didn’t.
Could it be that the Virtuous Consort held some leverage over him? That seemed possible.
Only after Chun’er’s investigation would she know how to proceed.
If he was trustworthy, she would pull him into her camp— and lure the Virtuous Consort into her own trap.
(End of chapter)