On the way back to the palace, Xia’er looked around curiously and whispered,
“Little Mistress, was that the Noble Consort Liang just now?”
Lu Jingning nodded gently. “Mm. The very one who once held favor over all six palaces.”
Xia’er thought carefully about Noble Consort Liang’s appearance, then sighed sincerely.
“She truly is beautiful—elegant, noble, and with extraordinary presence.”
Then she added earnestly,
“But this servant still thinks… Little Mistress is even more beautiful. Your beauty is the kind that overwhelms anyone who sees you. No one can look away.”
As she spoke, she unconsciously clung tighter to Lu Jingning’s arm.
Lu Jingning couldn’t help laughing, delighted. “Your mouth is so sweet.”
By evening, the setting sun dyed the Forbidden City in hues of blazing red.
After finishing his memorials, Xiao Jingheng said to Eunuch Zhao,
“Prepare the carriage for Changchun Palace.”
Eunuch Zhao quickly complied and began coordinating the palace staff.
—Inside Changchun Palace—
“Your Majesty is coming to our Changchun Palace!” Qingming said excitedly.
Hearing this, the Empress’s face blossomed with joy she hadn’t shown for a long time. She quickly instructed,
“Help me dress at once.”
Afterward, she stood before the bronze mirror, scrutinizing her reflection.
“Qingming, do I still look haggard?”
Qingming examined her closely and smiled warmly.
“Your Majesty was born beautiful. Today, you are even more radiant—there is no trace of fatigue.”
She gently placed the last golden hairpin in the Empress’s hair. Reflected in the mirror, the Empress looked dignified and graceful, her eyes shimmering with hope.
A eunuch’s sharp voice echoed through the hall:
“His Majesty has arrived!”
The Empress put down her comb at once, adjusted her robes, and walked quickly out the door. She bowed deeply, her voice filled with joy she couldn’t hide.
“This concubine greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty.”
Xiao Jingheng raised a hand gently, his gaze soft.
“Empress, rise.”
The Empress stood, smiling tenderly.
“This concubine prepared several dishes Your Majesty likes. Please, allow me to invite you inside.”
She moved aside gracefully, her eyes glowing with hope and affection.
“Very well.” Xiao Jingheng replied lightly, his expression calm.
During dinner, he asked, “Are you feeling better?”
The Empress smiled, warmth in her eyes.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. I am much improved.”
She picked up a piece of tender fish and placed it carefully in his bowl, full of care.
But Xiao Jingheng only glanced at it distractedly. Then he said with seriousness,
“Lu Noble Lady has just entered the palace. As the mistress of the harem, you should look after her more.”
The Empress paused, her smile faintly dimming for a moment. But she quickly regained her gentle expression.
“This concubine understands. I will not fail Your Majesty’s expectations.”
“Will Your Majesty stay in Changchun Palace tonight?” she asked, filled with anticipation.
Xiao Jingheng nodded and continued eating.
Hearing his response, the Empress’s joy overflowed. She served him dishes nonstop.
“Your Majesty must eat more. You’ve grown thinner.”
“Mm.”
—Meanwhile, in Chengqian Palace—
Chun’er returned in a hurry, her expression full of excitement and intrigue.
She gently pushed open the door and saw Lu Jingning reclining on the consort couch, rolling a delicate strand of beads between her fingers.
Chun’er quickly approached and whispered,
“Little Mistress, this servant has found everything.”
Lu Jingning immediately turned, her eyes bright with urgency.
“Well?”
Chun’er leaned in and spoke almost inaudibly, though every word was clear:
“The guard from earlier is named Han Yizhi. He has only an elderly mother at home. But recently, his mother seems to have fallen ill and they lack money. He has even been borrowing silver from other guards.”
Lu Jingning’s brow tightened. A complex expression flashed through her eyes—thoughtful, calculating, uncertain.
Most likely, in her previous life, the Virtuous Consort threatened him using his mother, forcing him to betray her. But all this was still speculation.
Just then, Xia’er entered hurriedly and said anxiously,
“Little Mistress, a guard disguised as a eunuch is kneeling outside, begging to see you. This servant feared others might notice, so I came quickly to report.”
“What? A guard? Bring him in.”
Lu Jingning suspected it might be Han Yizhi.
“Yes.”
Xia’er returned quietly with the man, ensuring no one saw.
The moment he entered, Han Yizhi fell to his knees, bowing repeatedly.
“This servant is guilty. Please punish me, Little Mistress.”
“Oh? And what crime have you committed?”
Lu Jingning walked toward him slowly, her gaze probing.
“After saving you today, a memory suddenly appeared in my mind… This servant is guilty. I should not have allowed others to slander you. I deserve death.”
Hearing this, Lu Jingning’s heart trembled. Her eyes locked onto him, intense and unwavering.
She opened her lips slowly.
“You have also been reborn… haven’t you?”
She sat down leisurely on the consort couch, posture proud, face cold in the candlelight.
Han Yizhi remained kneeling, kowtowing over and over. Each impact carried crushing remorse.
“Little Mistress, this servant deserves death. Please grant me execution!”
Lu Jingning’s eyes were icy as she stared down at him.
“Because of you, I suffered humiliation and torment. A single life—how could it ever repay what I endured? Even if you died ten thousand times, it wouldn’t erase my hatred!”
Every word struck Han Yizhi like a heavy blow.
He trembled violently. His forehead broke open against the hard floor, blood dripping and blooming into small crimson flowers.
“This servant knows his sins are unforgivable. In my previous life, the Virtuous Consort threatened me with my mother’s life. I was forced to sacrifice Little Mistress. I do not seek forgiveness—only a chance to atone.”
Lu Jingning’s expression softened slightly, though a sharp, calculating light remained in her eyes.
“I can give you a chance to repent. It depends on whether you dare accept it.”
Han Yizhi looked up, stunned, then resolute. He bowed deeply again.
“This servant is willing! I will serve Little Mistress with my life, no matter the cost!”
Lu Jingning rose and stood before him. She lowered herself slightly, lifting his chin with a single slender finger.
Her voice was low, cold, and commanding:
“For the sake of your devotion to your mother, I will spare your life—for now. Your life now belongs to me. Serve me loyally and without hesitation, and I may grant you a new beginning.”
Han Yizhi bowed until his head touched the floor.
“This servant will die a thousand deaths if needed!”
(End of chapter)