“Why does His Majesty always come to the Heavenly Mechanism Palace? His own palace is far more comfortable, yet he keeps running over here. I worry that the ladies of the harem, left alone in their rooms, must be harboring resentment.”
That day, Ah Du was quietly absorbed in his studies, while the emperor strolled in, hands clasped behind his back, looking around as if he had nothing better to do—clearly seeking mischief.
Yun Shang sat idly in her chair, snacking on some fruit. She had felt Wei Yao’s deep resentment the other day—was it truly because of her that the emperor neglected the harem? That would be such an unfair injustice. She marveled at how someone could wield such influence just by existing.
Naturally, the emperor paid no mind to such concerns. The reason he enjoyed visiting the Heavenly Mechanism Palace and spending time with this pair of siblings was simply that they were far too entertaining—endlessly amusing, in fact.
Add to that the wondrous scene he had witnessed the other day, which only convinced him further that the siblings possessed real skill. The more contact he had with them, the better.
“The Heavenly Maiden’s words are too modest. Being with you two, I feel at ease myself, don’t I?”
The emperor chuckled heartily. He liked coming here because Yun Shang and Ah Du were genuinely helpful. Many issues that could not be resolved in court were easily solved by consulting Yun Shang—he never went wrong by listening to her.
Thus, he did not mind granting her more authority, a higher status, and even issuing orders that anyone who met Yun Shang in the palace must treat her with utmost respect.
“I’ve heard that His Majesty once favored Consort Wei. A few days ago, I saw her—she is truly a rare beauty. But she seems so troubled. Does His Majesty not pay her more attention? Can he truly neglect such a great beauty?”
Yun Shang toyed casually with a grape in her hand. From the way Wei Yao had looked the other day, it was clear she was proud and high-handed. She had probably sent many letters to her father, complaining and trying to find flaws in Yun Shang.
“Since the Heavenly Maiden tells me to, then I will obey. Whatever the Heavenly Maiden says is always right!”
The emperor appeared calm and good-humored, but Yun Shang knew his tolerance was built entirely on having personally witnessed her abilities. Otherwise, no one could maintain such composure with her.
But what of it? This was exactly what she wanted.
That night, Wei Yao sat in her palace, grieving and frustrated. Having seen the famed Heavenly Maiden with her own eyes, her heart only grew more sour.
If she hadn’t seen her, she might have been able to dismiss it. But now, seeing for herself, she realized the girl really was breathtaking. And if the emperor’s desire had been stirred by her beauty… then her heart felt even more bitter.
She had never believed in any mystical powers of the Heavenly Maiden. It was simply her old habit flaring up again—swayed by beauty. And now… hadn’t she already lost favor?
“Your Highness, are you upset because of that Heavenly Maiden? Since returning from the Imperial Garden, you haven’t spoken a word.”
Qing’er looked on, heart aching for her mistress. The situation was unusual—this Heavenly Maiden was not a consort of the harem, yet the emperor clearly favored her. Wei Yao’s frustration was understandable; she probably saw no way to deal with the Heavenly Maiden.
“Qing’er, do you really believe this Heavenly Maiden has supernatural powers? Could there really be someone in the world this capable? Or… does His Majesty merely intend to bring her into the harem?”
Wei Yao’s face was grave, plagued by a gnawing unease. From the first glance at Yun Shang, she sensed this was no ordinary person. Even a faint trace of hostility in her eyes betrayed her strength.
“Your Highness, I do not believe such things. But it seems that His Majesty may truly have such intentions. You’ve already sent a message back to the Duke’s residence, haven’t you? Asking your father to investigate, to see exactly who these two in the Heavenly Mechanism Palace are, and whether they’re deceiving His Majesty.”
Qing’er could do no more than comfort her mistress, hoping the Duke would quickly uncover the truth.
Wei Yao nodded slightly, resigned to wait patiently, praying her father would soon discover the Heavenly Maiden’s true background—where she came from, what she was capable of, and how powerful she really was.
Unexpectedly, that evening, the emperor arrived. Wei Yao immediately wore a charming smile, greeting him warmly.
Yet she could clearly sense that the emperor’s favor was not as abundant as before, at least showing a trace of indifference.
“Your Highness has been spending so much time in the Heavenly Mechanism Palace. I suppose it is because the Heavenly Maiden possesses some unusual charm. Might Your Highness explain just how powerful she is, so that I may see for myself?”
Wei Yao leaned coquettishly against the emperor, genuinely seeking clarity.
If the emperor were merely captivated by her beauty, why not just grant her a position in the harem? Why go through the trouble of giving her the title of Heavenly Maiden?
“You need not concern yourself with this. When encountering the Heavenly Maiden, one must show proper respect. I have said her status is extraordinary—this is not something for you to compete over.”
Though the emperor held Wei Yao close, his words were cold. He was no fool; he understood why Yun Shang had summoned him here. There must have been some dispute during their last encounter.
“Your Majesty commands, I will remember and ask your pardon,” Wei Yao said, panicking slightly, rising to kneel and bow low.
She had never imagined that the emperor would come to chastise her—and all because of that Heavenly Maiden. One moment she felt confused whether to cry or laugh. She had thought the emperor had not forgotten her, but now she realized the truth.
From that moment on, Wei Yao truly began to resent Yun Shang. She knew this mysterious woman was not merely a Heavenly Maiden; she clearly intended to enter the harem and become a favored consort of the emperor.
“Sister, you’ve been acting strangely lately. Why do you always seem to run into her? Who exactly is she?”
In a corner of the Imperial Garden, Yun Shang strolled leisurely with Ah Du, having already spotted Wei Yao approaching with a group of attendants.
Ah Du still did not recognize Wei Yao, nor did he know her status—he was simply curious.