After Lu Jingning returned to Chengqian Palace, Xia’er was shocked when she saw her face. “My lady, this servant will go get an ice pouch for you.”
“No hurry.” Lu Jingning stared at her red and swollen reflection in the bronze mirror, her eyes full of calculation.
On the other side—
A maid beside the Pure Consort, Dieyi, came running to report, “Your Ladyship, after Lu Attendant returned from Zhongcui Palace, she was beaten.”
“Oh?” The Pure Consort sounded surprised. “She didn’t cry or make a fuss?”
Dieyi shook her head, confused. “Why didn’t she go to the Emperor to seek justice for herself?”
A meaningful smile appeared on the Pure Consort’s lips. She sipped her tea, eyes deep. “That Virtuous Consort is truly foolish—she actually brought a venomous snake into her side. Sooner or later, she will fall at Lu Attendant’s hands. Just wait and see.”
“How could that be, Your Ladyship? You think too highly of that Lu Attendant,” Dieyi muttered.
The Pure Consort merely smiled and shook her head. “Just watch.”
She dismissed the maid with a wave, her eyes gleaming with understanding.
Hall of Mental Cultivation
Xiao Jingheng had just put down his vermillion brush. He rubbed his tired brow, a rare gentleness flashing in his gaze. “Eunuch Zhao, summon Lu Attendant. Let her accompany Us for lunch.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will send someone at once.”
Xiao Jingheng paused, then added, “No—you go in person.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Eunuch Zhao bowed deeply, his steps light as he left the hall. Passing through winding palace paths, he soon arrived at Chengqian Palace.
“My lady, how could the Virtuous Consort humiliate you like this? Isn’t she supposed to be kind and gentle?” Chun’er grew angrier the more she thought about it.
Lu Jingning didn’t care at all—she had seen through the woman long ago. “Don’t worry. Today’s beating won’t be for nothing. Later, tell the kitchen to send the Emperor a bowl of soup.”
“Yes, my lady…” Chun’er answered gloomily.
Seeing Chun’er’s expression, Lu Jingning asked with concern, “After you deliver the soup, go rest. Tell the others to come in.”
Just then, a young eunuch came in to report, “My lady, Eunuch Zhao is here.”
A sly glint flashed through Lu Jingning’s eyes. She lightly patted Chun’er’s shoulder, a faint smile curving her lips. “Looks like the opportunity has arrived. No need to send the soup anymore. Invite Eunuch Zhao in.”
She rose slowly, adjusting her clothes, her eyes gleaming with strategy.
“Yes, my lady.” Chun’er’s eyes brightened. She quickly stepped out and soon returned with Eunuch Zhao.
Eunuch Zhao kept his head lowered, his steps steady, though curiosity glimmered in his eyes. This suddenly favored Lu Attendant was worth observing. “This servant greets my lady.”
Lu Jingning lifted her slender hand. “Eunuch Zhao, no need for formalities.” Her composure was noble and refined.
When he raised his head, his gaze unintentionally brushed over her face—and froze. Her fair skin was unnaturally flushed, slightly swollen. He was secretly startled.
Quickly averting his gaze, he said respectfully, “My lady, His Majesty invites you to accompany him.”
Lu Jingning smiled lightly, a smile hiding countless unspoken intentions. “You must be tired from the journey, Eunuch Zhao. Please rest a moment. Siyu, serve tea. I will go change my clothes and tidy up so as not to offend His Majesty.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
As he sat down, Eunuch Zhao thought of Lu Jingning’s swollen face and instantly knew—someone in the palace was about to suffer consequences.
Lu Jingning returned to the inner chamber. After dressing, she emerged wearing a light pear-white gown, drifting softly like a blooming spring pear blossom.
Her face was pale without makeup, the swelling still visible, making her look even more fragile and pitiful.
Stepping lightly out of the room, she found Eunuch Zhao waiting. He couldn’t help silently praising her beauty.
Lu Jingning bowed slightly. “Forgive me for keeping you waiting.”
“No hurry. My lady, please.”
Seeing her impeccable manners, he thought her future path in the palace would probably not be difficult.
They walked along the towering palace walls, sunlight and shadows interwoven. Her steps were gentle, each one like walking on clouds—elegant and radiant.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xiao Jingheng was reading memorials.
Eunuch Zhao stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Lu Attendant has arrived.”
The Emperor’s brush paused. Without lifting his eyes, he said, “Let her in. Also, serve the meal.”
Lu Jingning entered quietly, light as spring breeze.
She lowered her gaze and offered her bow. “Your concubine greets Your Majesty.”
“Rise. Come to Us.”
“Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.” She stood and approached his side.
Seeing this, Eunuch Zhao led the servants out of the hall.
Xiao Jingheng set aside his brush and looked up at her. She kept her head lowered. “Why do you keep your head down?”
Lu Jingning shook her head lightly, her voice trembling almost imperceptibly. “This concubine accidentally fell today… I was afraid I might frighten Your Majesty.”
Xiao Jingheng’s brows softened, concern filling his gaze. He smiled faintly. “It’s fine. Raise your head. Let Us see.”
Lu Jingning slowly lifted her head. Crystal-like tears shimmered in her clear eyes, unable to hide the redness and swelling on her face.
The Emperor’s expression froze, a trace of heartache flickering in his eyes. “You call this a fall?”
“Your concubine tripped while going out today…” she said pitifully.
Xiao Jingheng had been in the palace too long—he recognized immediately that she had been slapped.
She was foolish, perhaps, but at least unlike the other women in the palace who rushed to complain at the slightest grievance.
Without warning, he pulled her gently into his arms and settled her on his lap.
Lu Jingning gasped softly, her hands instinctively wrapping around his neck, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Your Majesty…”
Xiao Jingheng lowered his head, his gaze filled with tenderness as he caressed her swollen cheek. “Does it hurt?”
His warm fingers, so careful and gentle, made her heart tremble slightly.
She shook her head softly, tears shimmering. She forced them back, whispering, “It doesn’t hurt… Please don’t worry, Your Majesty.”
Seeing her suppress her tears made his heart ache even more. “I’ll have the imperial physician take a look later.”
“No need, Your Majesty. It will heal in a few days.” She nestled lightly against him, her voice small.
Suddenly remembering something, Lu Jingning blushed. “Your Majesty… someone might come in later…”
Amused by her shy expression, Xiao Jingheng’s lips curved. “Go sit on the soft couch over there. Once We finish these memorials, We’ll keep you company.”
He pointed toward the ornate couch nearby.
Lu Jingning nodded shyly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
She walked to the couch, her skirt swaying like a pear blossom dancing in the breeze.
As she sat quietly, she looked toward the Emperor.
Xiao Jingheng sensed her gaze. She was truly adorable. He smiled to himself and continued reviewing his memorials.
(End of chapter)