Days in the palace passed quickly.
Although Yanwan spent every day in the Four Offices, because the very stones in this palace could talk, she could hear all the power struggles occurring between the concubines every single day.
Whether it was Noble Lady Jia giving Noble Lady Shen a hard time, or Noble Lady Hai being poisoned with cinnabar—these matters were absolutely no secret within these walls!
This served as a reminder to Yanwan: the palace was only so large, and as long as you committed an act, there was always a possibility of it leaking!
These noble ladies of the palace were all born into high status and did not hold these servants in any regard; conversely, those below did not hold these ladies in their hearts either.
Except for the few concubines who could manage their own palaces well, allowing their servants to gain real benefits so they wouldn’t speak recklessly, the servants in the other palaces were merely trying to make a living.
Therefore, these people would do the tasks at hand, but nothing more; they had no obligation to keep secrets for these ladies.
On this day, everyone else in the ironing room had assignments, and the Emperor’s garments were needed urgently, so Yanwan had to deliver them to the Imperial presence herself.
The weather had turned cold, and taking advantage of the fine afternoon sunshine, Yanwan carried the tray out of the Four Offices.
Looking at the Hall of Mental Cultivation in the distance, a thoughtful expression crossed Yanwan’s eyes. She had learned from Ling Yunche two days ago that Ruyi had been poisoned and fallen into a coma.
It seemed that life in the Cold Palace was indeed unbearable; even the proud Ruyi had to resort to a desperate ploy to escape it.
And rightly so—if Ruyi hadn’t taken this extreme measure, given the Emperor’s style of conduct, it was truly unknown when he would ever have released her.
Ruyi had been waiting since the Double Ninth Festival, and now it was almost the end of the year.
If she hadn’t made this effort, she would have had to spend another New Year in the Cold Palace!
Thinking of this, a smile flashed in Yanwan’s eyes. As long as Ruyi succeeded, her own opportunity would soon be at hand.
Through her unremitting efforts, Ruyi’s feelings for Ling Yunche were far deeper than they had been in the original story!
At the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Liyu had been sent away by the Emperor on official business, leaving only Jinzhong and Jinbao guarding the gate.
Jinzhong looked down at Noble Lady Shen kneeling before the hall and raised a hand to cover a yawn.
In this freezing weather, this Noble Lady Shen was truly willing to go to such lengths, coming to plead guilty on such a cold day.
With Consort Xian about to leave the Cold Palace, this Noble Lady Shen, who had exposed Consort Xian’s crimes, naturally wouldn’t fare well!
If the Emperor did not punish Noble Lady Shen, wouldn’t he be allowing Consort Xian to be reinstated under the label of having murdered the imperial heir? How could the Emperor favor a poisonous woman? Naturally, he had to clear Consort Xian’s name.
Jinzhong had served the Emperor for many years, so he knew a thing or two about the Emperor’s thoughts.
The Emperor had always valued rules and decorum; throwing Consort Xian into the Cold Palace was for the sake of the rules, and now that she was being released, he naturally had to consider his face.
Where could one find so much true affection in this palace? Er…
Watching Yanwan walking gracefully toward them from the distance, Jinzhong immediately changed his tune. True affection did exist—just like his own feelings for Yanwan; that was an affection truer than pearls!
“Jinbao, keep watch first. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Hurriedly exchanging a few words with Jinbao, Jinzhong straightened his cap and walked toward Yanwan not far away with joy in his eyes.
Jinbao watched Jinzhong’s back and shook his head helplessly; why had this Jinzhong also started fawning over a little palace maid?
“Yanwan, why have you come in such cold weather? You could have just sent someone else. Look, your hands are frozen red!”
As soon as Yanwan met Jinzhong, she had just broken into a smile when this barrage of concern rained down upon her.
“I’m dressed warmly, and the ironing room couldn’t spare anyone else. Besides, I just happened to have the chance to come see you.”
Jinzhong took the tray from her hands. She rubbed her hands together, smiling brightly as she accepted his concern.
This Public Servant Jinzhong had a tall, upright posture, a handsome face filled with affection, and was so attentive—who could look at him and not be smitten?
As the two talked, she noticed the woman kneeling in front and tugged on Jinzhong’s sleeve, gesturing toward her:
“Who is that? Why is she kneeling before the Hall of Mental Cultivation on such a cold day?”
She could only see a back, but from the attire, she could tell it was likely a concubine. To be kneeling in such freezing weather, was she being punished by the Emperor?
Jinzhong followed her gaze and explained carefully:
“That is Noble Lady Shen. She used to be a palace maid in Consort Xian’s palace. Consort Xian entered the Cold Palace because this Noble Lady Shen testified that she had committed poisoning. Two days ago, when Consort Xian was poisoned and fell into a coma, Noble Lady Shen actually tried to suppress the news. Today, she is here to plead guilty.”
She hadn’t expected this to be the case. Yanwan recalled it all—so this was A’ruo.
This Emperor was quite interesting, conferring a title of Noble Lady upon a maid who betrayed Consort Xian.
Ruyi suffered in the Cold Palace, while A’ruo lived in luxury as a Noble Lady.
One couldn’t tell if this was to disgust Ruyi, or if there was some other underlying intent?
As the two were speaking, the previously clear weather unexpectedly began to snow, and a thin layer quickly settled on the ground.
Jinzhong held the tray in one hand, and with his free hand, he brushed the snowflakes off Yanwan’s shoulders. Remembering Liyu’s new assignment, he hurriedly shared the news with Yanwan as if presenting a treasure.
“The Emperor has already had the Yi Kun Palace cleaned up. As soon as Consort Xian’s health improves slightly, she will be leaving the Cold Palace. Liyu is responsible for arranging the staff for the Yi Kun Palace. Do you want me to have Liyu arrange for you to be placed there?”
Yanwan was stunned. This was indeed an opportunity, but if Ruyi didn’t personally ask for her, given the paranoia of these ‘Ruyi-syndrome’ sufferers, wouldn’t they be wary of her beauty and secretly harm her?
She didn’t blame herself for being overconfident in her beauty; after all, back when the original body served beside the First Prince, she had been driven off to the flower garden for that very reason!
Thinking of this, she felt quite speechless about Ruyi, Hailan, and that whole group of women.
Although she herself empathized with Wei Yanwan, Hailan and the others eliminating competitors could be considered reasonable.
In any case, if it were her, since she was going to strike, she would surely remove all future troubles; she would never drive someone away like she was playing a game.
Exhaling slowly, she suppressed the malice in her heart, looked up at Jinzhong, and spoke softly:
“If I go directly, it might actually annoy Consort Xian. My thought is, if Consort Xian doesn’t request me, then I might as well find a way to serve in the Imperial presence. Anyway, with you at the Emperor’s side, you’ll be able to fish me out one way or another!”
Jinzhong was slightly startled. Looking at her smiling, beautiful eyes, how could he refuse? He immediately agreed.
Of course he could fish Yanwan out. Even if it took a great deal of effort, he would pave the road for her to ensure she moved forward smoothly.
As long as he lived, he would plan well for her. As long as she didn’t break off their relationship, he would support her in everything she did!
Watching the deep affection in Jinzhong’s eyes, Yanwan sighed inwardly. His physical incompleteness had made Jinzhong’s personality delicate yet insecure, but he was willing to throw himself into the fray for the love in his heart.
This contradictory personality made her feel endless pity; she hadn’t met a man like this in the modern world.
As they talked, they did not notice that in the inner chamber of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Emperor was sitting beside a daybed, watching the two of them through the glass window.
The Emperor casually set the book in his hand onto the low table before him, his handsome face expressionless as he bypassed the kneeling Noble Lady Shen to study the two people talking not far away.
He certainly recognized Jinzhong, but the woman he was speaking to was a fresh face. Judging by her attire, she was a palace maid, but her appearance was truly outstanding. Was this what beauty that could topple cities looked like?
The Emperor had thought Noble Lady Shu’s appearance was already exceptionally striking, yet he had not expected there to be a woman in the palace even more beautiful than her.
Across the sparsely falling snow, watching the woman’s every smile and gesture, the Emperor couldn’t help but reveal a smile of his own. His gloomy mood, clouded by Consort Xian’s poisoning and coma, finally began to lift.
He picked up the teacup on the low table and took a sip, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on the beauty outside the window.
She was simply too sweet when she smiled! For someone already beautiful, when she laughed, there were even shallow dimples on her cheeks. Such bright, charming beauty was very rare in the palace.
The Emperor stared, stunned, for who knew how long. By the time he came back to his senses, the beauty was gone, causing the Emperor to withdraw his gaze in a state of loss.
Catching sight of A’ruo still kneeling there to plead guilty, the Emperor withdrew his gaze in disgust.
Consort Xian had been poisoned by secret malice—how could A’ruo have kept such a thing hidden? It was just this foolish woman who insisted on acting on her own accord.
Yesterday, he had gone to the Cold Palace to see the comatose Ruyi, and his pity had flourished.
Ever since he ascended the throne, Consort Xian had been targeted by everyone everywhere, with all sorts of tactics deployed. The Emperor had finally opened his eyes to the methods of these harem women and dared not look down on them again.
It was just unexpected that even with his protection, Ruyi had still thought of seeking paths through the Empress Dowager—that went against his intentions.
This time, the Empress Dowager hadn’t opposed him letting her out of the Cold Palace. Ruyi had truly grown; it seemed that life in the Cold Palace had helped her sober up quite a bit.
Thinking of this, the Emperor turned his head to look at the sky outside the window, a smile appearing on his face.
Yanwan also hadn’t expected that she would be transferred to the Yi Kun Palace so quickly!
She had assumed that after Ruyi left the Cold Palace, she would at least need to recover her health before thinking of her.
Who could have guessed that the very day Ruyi left the Cold Palace, she would have Liyu transfer her over? This truly exceeded her expectations.
It seemed that “Ling Yunche’s cousin” was a highly effective card to play!
“Brother Li, it’s packed up. Let’s go.”
Yanwan emerged from the room carrying a small bundle, immediately spotting Liyu’s tall, slender, and handsome figure.
The people beside the Emperor were truly unparalleled in looks and temperament; each one was more handsome than the last!
Liyu felt a bit helpless at being addressed that way. They had known each other for over a year, and he knew perfectly well that this girl only called him “Brother Li” when she needed a favor!
Reaching out to take the bundle from her to carry it for her, the two left the Four Offices and headed toward the Yi Kun Palace.
Just after leaving the Four Offices, Liyu turned his head to look at Yanwan and asked curiously:
“Tell me, when did you hook up with Consort Xian? This lady demanded you by name the moment she arrived at the Yi Kun Palace.”
Yanwan blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering in a way that obscured the expression in her eyes. Without hesitation, she smiled brightly and explained:
“My cousin is a guard in the Cold Palace and helped Consort Xian quite a bit. It’s all thanks to his connection; otherwise, a little palace maid like me, how could I have ever gotten to know Consort Xian?”
Cousin?
Liyu was often tasked by the Emperor to check on the Cold Palace. He knew all the guards on duty. He sifted through them in his mind, and quickly pinpointed the most outstanding one—Ling Yunche, who had rescued Consort Xian multiple times.
“Is the cousin you’re talking about Ling Yunche?”
Yanwan looked at him innocently and nodded in admission. Who would have guessed that this lad Liyu would dare to put the moves on her!
Liyu reached out and tapped her smooth forehead. Seeing her look of pure innocence, he chuckled and said:
“Don’t put on an act for me. ‘Cousin,’ my foot—I think it’s ‘darling.’ No wonder when I and Jinzhong offered to help you find a better position before, you refused to budge. Do you really think Consort Xian’s palace is such a good place to be?”
Liyu glared at her with a look of disappointed expectations. Others might not know, but how could he be unaware that serving beside Consort Xian was hardly a safe bet!
Seeing Liyu sigh, as if he didn’t hold Consort Xian in high regard, Yanwan was puzzled. Liyu had always been helping Consort Xian, so why would he say such things?
“What’s wrong with Consort Xian? I heard she was very favored in the past. Besides, a girl as pretty as I am—I’m afraid of danger in other palaces, and I heard Consort Xian has a good temperament!”
Liyu snorted, too lazy to refute her self-praise. Slowing his pace, he said in a low voice:
“It’s precisely because she’s favored that people watch her. Be careful after you go in. Go out with her as little as possible. Suixin is an easy person to get along with; later, have a word with her and make sure you aren’t assigned to go out.”
Thinking of Consort Xian’s personality, Liyu gave a heartfelt warning. Yanwan was indeed beautiful; if other concubines saw her, Consort Xian might not be able to protect her.
Thinking of this, Liyu’s heart sank. He looked at Yanwan’s delicate profile and said suddenly:
“If there’s an opportunity, keep climbing upward!”
This statement startled Yanwan. Seeing Liyu’s complex expression, it was clear he wasn’t speaking in irony.
This left her somewhat baffled. Was Liyu implying that meaning?
How could he encourage her to climb upward? To climb upward, wasn’t that blatantly telling her to seduce the Emperor!
Thinking it over, Yanwan said cautiously:
“Many thanks, Brother Li. Let me go to the Yi Kun Palace and see how things are. If life is hard, I will have to trouble Brother Li to rescue me. By the way, Ling Yunche really is my own cousin, don’t you go spilling the beans for me!”
Yanwan warned him nervously; the identity of Ling Yunche’s cousin was extremely useful, and it would be troublesome if the truth were revealed.
It would be easy to verify her relationship with Ling Yunche; while she might be able to fool the “wise” Consort Xian, she really couldn’t fool people like Liyu.
She had finally realized it: even though this Liyu was a eunuch, he was still a man! No wonder he told her to climb upward; he was a man capable of cherishing the fairer sex!
Liyu glared at Yanwan. He had guessed correctly—this Ling Yunche was definitely not her cousin!
Just as they were about to reach the entrance of the Yi Kun Palace, Liyu tossed the bundle into her arms and said crossly:
“You be careful yourself. This Chief Eunuch is very busy; I have no time to deal with your affairs!”
Yanwan couldn’t help but laugh out loud. This Liyu was quite interesting.
Hearing this crisp laughter, Liyu’s ears flushed slightly red. He walked quickly into the Yi Kun Palace, his facial expression turning serious as if he were changing masks.
The two soon arrived at the main hall of the Yi Kun Palace to pay respects to Ruyi.
The Yi Kun Palace was magnificently decorated, the main hall very spacious, and the ornaments inside were all exquisite pieces. Compared to this, the Cold Palace was simply unbearable to look at.
Ruyi sat at a round rosewood table. Seeing Liyu bring Yanwan in, a smile appeared on her otherwise expressionless face.
“My Lady, I have brought you the person you wanted. Check to see if there is anything else you need. The Emperor specifically instructed that you must be satisfied. Once the Emperor is finished with his official duties, he will come to visit you personally.”
When Ruyi heard the Emperor was coming, the expression on her face faded. Her time in the Cold Palace had broken her heart, and having suffered so much, she was not without resentment toward this childhood sweetheart of an Emperor.
After a long while, Ruyi sighed, looked at the frostbite on her hands, and said calmly:
“Thank you for the trouble, Liyu. I don’t need anything else. You go attend to your business first; I want to have a word with Yanwan.”
Liyu looked at Consort Xian’s expression and didn’t linger. He glanced at Suixin beside her, bowed, and turned to leave.
As he turned, he happened to meet Yanwan’s eyes. He saw her bow and even pretend to be well-behaved as she said goodbye.
“Safe travels, Public Servant Li.”
Taking advantage of his position facing away from Consort Xian, Liyu glared fiercely at her as he walked away. She was nothing but an act!