“Chun’er, send someone to investigate immediately—and make sure no one notices.”
Once Lu Jingning returned to her palace, she gave the order at once.
Chun’er bowed. “Yes, this servant will go at once.”
Lu Jingning had always been accurate in judging people. That guard didn’t seem like the type who would do something dishonorable—unless the Virtuous Consort held leverage over him.
She must strike first. If the Virtuous Consort had informants near her, then she should also plant her own informants beside the Virtuous Consort.
When Xia’er entered carrying snacks, she found Lu Jingning sitting with a furrowed brow and a worried expression. She slowed her steps and asked softly:
“Little Mistress, what troubles you so? You look deeply worried.”
Lu Jingning looked up, confusion and concern flickering in her eyes. She sighed lightly.
“Xia’er, when you served my lady previously, did you ever learn about the people around the Virtuous Consort? Especially whether my lady mentioned any guards associated with her?”
Xia’er pondered for a moment, then shook her head.
“As for guards, this servant truly doesn’t know. I rarely came in contact with the Virtuous Consort’s people. I only heard my lady mention them occasionally.”
Then she seemed to recall something and added,
“Granny Li is Her Highness’s wet nurse, but that Yunlu… she entered the palace with the Virtuous Consort. She wasn’t always a personal maid.”
Lu Jingning nodded lightly. “Yunlu…”
She remembered clearly—whenever the Virtuous Consort was angry, she would beat her maids. As her personal maid, Yunlu would surely have suffered many times.
Perhaps Yunlu could become an important pawn in her battle against the Virtuous Consort.
“Very well. Go send a bowl of ginseng soup to Yangxin Hall,” Lu Jingning ordered after making her decision.
“Yes, Little Mistress. I’ll go now—”
Before Xia’er could finish, Lu Jingning abruptly rose.
“Forget it—I’ll deliver it myself.”
Seeing this, Xia’er’s lips curved into a teasing smile.
“If His Majesty sees Little Mistress’s thoughtfulness, he will surely be delighted.”
Lu Jingning flushed slightly. “You little mischievous thing.”
Carrying the delicately packed food container with the steaming ginseng soup inside, she stepped gracefully toward Yangxin Hall.
Outside Yangxin Hall, the eunuch Xiao Quanzi spotted her from afar. He immediately dropped his duster and hurried over with flattery in his voice:
“Oh my, if it isn’t Noble Lady Lu! How is it that you came in person? Please wait here, this servant will announce you at once.”
He hurried inside and found Eunuch Zhao.
“Master, Lu Attendant is here—waiting outside.”
“I’ll go inform His Majesty.”
Inside, Xiao Jingheng was focused on state documents.
Eunuch Zhao stepped forward quietly and said:
“Your Majesty, Noble Lady Lu is here.”
Xiao Jingheng’s brush paused. A gentle warmth flashed through his eyes. He set aside the vermillion brush and smiled.
“Go invite her in. Don’t keep her waiting.”
“Yes.”
Eunuch Zhao hurried out.
“Noble Lady Lu, His Majesty invites you in.”
She nodded slightly. “Thank you, Eunuch.”
Lu Jingning entered, walked before the emperor, and bowed gracefully.
“Your concubine greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years.”
Xiao Jingheng smiled and beckoned warmly.
“Come here, Zhaozhao. Come to me.”
Her gentle smile blossomed like a spring flower as she approached with elegant steps, her skirt swaying softly.
When she came close, Xiao Jingheng suddenly rose and pulled her into his arms—firm yet tender.
Caught off guard, her cheeks flushed instantly. She lowered her head and whispered shyly,
“Your Majesty, you startled your concubine… I feel so embarrassed.”
Her hands rested lightly around his waist. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Xiao Jingheng looked at her blushing face.
“Why aren’t you calling me A-Rui?”
“There are others in the hall…” she murmured into his ear.
Then she gently slipped from his embrace, opened the food container, and presented the ginseng soup.
“A-Rui, I worried you’d been working too hard, so I brought this for you.”
Xiao Jingheng finished the soup in one breath.
“Zhaozhao is the most thoughtful. So—how was it visiting the Empress today? Did anyone trouble you?”
Lu Jingning spoke softly,
“Of course not. But Her Majesty has not recovered fully. A-Rui, you should visit her.”
She tilted her head slightly, eyes filled with hopeful expectation.
Xiao Jingheng frowned, thinking for a moment. Then his expression softened.
“Very well. I shall visit the Empress this evening. As the head of the harem, she works hard. Now that she is unwell, I should not neglect her.”
He gently held her hand, his fingertips brushing her skin tenderly.
Lu Jingning leaned on him, smiling sweetly.
“A-Rui is the best.”
Just then—
Noble Consort Liang arrived, her steps graceful, her brocade gown radiant with jewels. Dignity and pride flowed from every movement.
“Is His Majesty attending to state affairs?”
Xiao Quanzi instantly rushed forward, trembling.
“Greetings to Your Highness the Noble Consort. Your Highness, Noble Lady Lu is inside accompanying His Majesty.”
Noble Consort Liang’s expression darkened instantly. Her lips curled into a cold smile, displeasure flickering across her face.
She waved Xiao Quanzi forward to announce her and waited outside the hall.
Inside—
“Your Majesty, the Noble Consort requests an audience,” Xiao Quanzi reported.
Lu Jingning’s eyes rippled faintly. She rose and bowed gracefully.
“Since the Noble Consort is here, this concubine will take her leave so as not to disturb Your Majesty and Your Highness.”
Xiao Jingheng glanced at her with approval and reluctance.
“You are considerate. I will visit you another day.”
He waved gently for her to withdraw.
“Yes. Your concubine takes her leave.”
As Lu Jingning walked out, she heard him say:
“Invite the Noble Consort inside.”
She stepped outside just as Noble Consort Liang was entering.
Lifting her skirt gracefully, Lu Jingning bowed elegantly.
“This concubine greets Your Highness the Noble Consort. May Your Highness be blessed.”
Noble Consort Liang gave her a sidelong glance.
“My, Noble Lady Lu seems to be enjoying great favor.”
“This concubine does not dare accept such praise.”
Before anything more could be said, Xiao Quanzi urged anxiously,
“Your Highness, His Majesty invites you inside.”
The Noble Consort’s gaze lingered briefly on the empty food container in Lu Jingning’s hands, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. Then she turned proudly and entered the hall.
After she went inside, Lu Jingning rose and returned to Chengqian Palace.
(End of chapter)