The Warm Pavilion of Chengming Hall was filled with the elegant fragrance of Suhe Incense.
Glistening white pearl curtains hung from the ceiling, with a few rays of light filtering through the gaps, perfectly illuminating two figures nestled close together.
Emperor Zhaoheng lounged lazily on the soft couch, one hand holding a book while the other encircled Shuixian’s slender waist, holding her firmly in his embrace.
Having burned incense and read through the classics, he now bent to admire the warm, fragrant beauty in his arms.
Emperor Zhaoheng felt completely content. He gently kissed her smooth forehead and asked casually:
“I heard you visited Zhaoyang Palace the other day. Did Noble Consort Li give you any trouble?”
His voice was low, tinged with concern.
Shuixian nestled against his sturdy chest like a docile kitten.
She tilted her head slightly, using her fair, delicate foot to subtly hook the hem of his dragon robe, her movements carrying an intimate dependence.
“Your Majesty need not worry,” she said in a soft, sweet voice. “Sister Noble Consort Li treats me quite well.”
As she spoke, Shuixian raised her slender wrist and extended it before Emperor Zhaoheng’s eyes.
On her fair wrist, a green jade bracelet of exquisite quality glowed warmly, making her skin appear even more delicate.
“Look, this is a gift from Sister Noble Consort.”
Emperor Zhaoheng’s gaze fell on the jade bracelet, then shifted to the beautiful profile of the woman in his arms.
He knew Noble Consort Li’s temperament all too well—how could he not know that Shuixian must have suffered some grievance after visiting Zhaoyang Palace?
Yet she was so understanding, enduring the slight without complaint and even speaking up for Noble Consort Li.
A warm feeling quietly flowed through the Emperor’s heart.
What man wouldn’t delight in seeing his women get along harmoniously, with peace reigning in the inner chambers?
Shuixian’s obedience greatly satisfied his desire for control as an emperor, as well as his vanity as a man.
“Xian’er…” he murmured softly, his fingers caressing the jade bracelet on her wrist, saying with pity:
“You are always so understanding. But if you suffer any grievance, you must tell me. Don’t keep it to yourself.”
Shuixian wrapped her arms around his strong waist. “This humble one is not afraid of grievances. As long as I can stay by Your Majesty’s side, enduring a little idle resentment… is nothing. Your Majesty attends to countless affairs daily, laboring for the realm. This humble one only wishes for Your Majesty’s ease of mind, not to be troubled by trivial matters of the inner palace.”
These words, combined with her clinging posture, completely softened Emperor Zhaoheng’s heart.
Unable to resist, he leaned down, found her soft lips, and kissed her deeply with tenderness and passion.
As their breaths mingled, the temperature in the inner chamber seemed to rise as well.
Just as the atmosphere grew tender and intimate, a eunuch’s announcement suddenly echoed from outside Chengming Hall.
“Your Majesty, Noble Consort Li has arrived—!”
The amorous mood was instantly shattered.
Emperor Zhaoheng’s brows furrowed slightly in displeasure as he released the woman in his arms.
Shuixian promptly sat up, quickly smoothing her slightly disheveled hair and adjusting her collar.
Noble Consort Li had already swept into the hall with great energy, clearly not waiting for the announcement.
She was evidently dressed with great care, wearing a magnificent palace gown woven with gold and pink, its hem trailing on the ground. Her magpie bun was adorned with gold and kingfisher feathers, her bright and flamboyant appearance making Chengming Hall appear even more resplendent.
The moment Noble Consort Li saw Emperor Zhaoheng, a delighted smile immediately spread across her face.
“Oh my!” Noble Consort Li covered her lips with a light laugh. “Your servant did not know Your Majesty was also here with my sister. I truly apologize for interrupting Your Majesty and my sister’s pleasant moment.”
Noble Consort Li’s excuse was flimsy; any guard with eyes standing outside Chengming Hall could see through it.
Yet neither Emperor Zhaoheng nor Shuixian pointed out the flaws in Noble Consort Li’s words.
Shuixian rose and made an elegant bow to Noble Consort Li. “May Noble Consort Li be blessed with endless good fortune.”
Only then did Noble Consort Li pretend to notice Shuixian, making a token gesture to assist her. “Dear sister, please rise.”
“I acquired some exceptionally fresh venison today,” Noble Consort Li said. “Thinking that a young lady like you might enjoy such novelty, I specially came to invite you to my Zhaoyang Palace for a small gathering. We can grill the venison, savor fine wine, and enjoy the scenery—wouldn’t that be delightful?”
Though she spoke these words, her gaze remained fixed on Emperor Zhaoheng.
Behind her, Fangfei promptly presented an exquisite jade plate, neatly arranged with uniformly sliced, beautifully marbled crimson venison, its appearance utterly tempting.
Emperor Zhaoheng’s attention was also captured by the venison.
Being fond of hunting and archery, he naturally had an affinity for game meat. “Oh? The Noble Consort is in a refined mood.”
Seeing the emperor’s interest, Noble Consort Li secretly rejoiced and enthusiastically extended her invitation. “Indeed! I’ve prepared everything in the rear garden of Zhaoyang Palace—pavilions, waterside pavilions, red clay stoves, paired with this freshly hunted venison, and a pot of warmed fine wine. It complements the setting perfectly! Your Majesty, won’t you join us to liven things up?”
As she spoke, her eyes shimmered with anticipation as she looked at Emperor Zhaoheng, then turned to Shuixian and added, “Dear sister, you must come too—the more, the merrier!”
Shuixian immediately caught the warning in Noble Consort Li’s eyes.
She understood perfectly—this was a signal that she must decline.
In a gentle voice, Shuixian replied, “Thank you for your generous invitation, elder sister. However… the Imperial Physician examined my pulse just two days ago and said my constitution tends toward dryness. I must maintain a light diet and avoid heating foods like venison. I fear I must decline your kind offer.”
After speaking, she looked apologetically at Emperor Zhaoheng. “Your Majesty, please go with elder sister. Do not let my refusal dampen your spirits.”
This was exactly what Noble Consort Li wanted to hear!
Her eyes flickered with triumphant delight, though she feigned regret. “What a pity. Your health comes first, dear sister.”
She immediately turned to Emperor Zhaoheng, linking her arm with his quite naturally. “Your Majesty, see how considerate our sister is, not wanting to disturb us. Then… I boldly request that Your Majesty grace Zhaoyang Palace with your presence? The venison will lose its flavor if it cools.”
Emperor Zhaoheng glanced at the meek, understanding Shuixian who voluntarily stepped aside, then at the radiant, enthusiastic Noble Consort Li.
With a beauty inviting him and delicacies awaiting, he had no reason to refuse.
He patted Shuixian’s hand. “Rest well. I will visit you later.”
“Yes. I respectfully see off Your Majesty and Noble Consort Li.”
Shuixian bowed her head in a graceful salute.
Noble Consort Li cast a triumphant glance at Shuixian before cheerfully leading Emperor Zhaoheng away from Chengming Hall, arm in arm.
The inner chamber instantly returned to silence, leaving only the faint scent of Dragon Saliva Incense and a trace of lingering intimacy in the air.
Shuixian slowly straightened up, her face retaining only a chilling calm.
She walked to the soft couch and looked at the book on the table that Emperor Zhaoheng had been reading, left halfway through.
And that man had been easily whisked away by another woman with just a few words.
Acid bitterness?
No, none at all.
Her heart’s lake was calm and unrippled, even stirring with icy mockery.
This imperial harem had always been thus.
The Emperor’s favor was like fleeting clouds—today it might rest with you, tomorrow it could be in another’s embrace.
What she sought had never been that elusive and intangible affection.
What she wanted was power—the strength to control her own destiny!
“Yinzhu.” Shuixian’s voice rang out, clear and cold.
Yinzhu, who had been waiting outside the door, immediately responded and entered: “Mistress.”
“Accompany me for a walk.” Shuixian straightened her sleeves, her gaze turning toward outside the hall. “Let’s stroll near Changxin Palace.”
Understanding flashed in Yinzhu’s eyes as she silently followed.
The mistress and servant walked along the palace path, seemingly wandering aimlessly.
When they reached a secluded spot outside Changxin Palace’s walls, Shuixian halted.
She raised her wrist, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to be heard by the hidden informants in the shadows of the palace wall.
“This bracelet bestowed by Noble Consort Li is truly of excellent quality,” Shuixian remarked with a sigh.
Yinzhu immediately caught on and cooperated: “This servant thinks it’s extremely fine as well. Noble Consort Li truly holds you in high regard, Mistress.”
Shuixian curled her lips slightly: “Indeed. Noble Consort Li recently… has been growing increasingly favored within the imperial harem.”
Having said this, she lingered no longer. Taking Yinzhu, she turned and left gracefully, as if they had truly just been passing by to admire the scenery.
Having served Yi Guichun for nearly twenty years, she knew exactly what words would most provoke her nerves.
Yi Guichun, you must be provoked to emerge quickly, so you can commit even greater errors before the Emperor, and allow me…
To utterly destroy you!
Inside Changxin Palace, the imperial decree of house arrest hung like a heavy dark cloud over the sky, making the atmosphere within the hall intensely oppressive.
Consort Yi sat despondently by the window, her face so gloomy it seemed to drip water.
The humiliation of being confined and forced to copy scriptures gnawed at her day and night, making her hatred for Shuixian increasingly vivid!
“Imperial Concubine!” Xuemei hurried in.
She approached Consort Yi and lowered her voice, relaying every word the informant had just overheard.
Crash!
The white porcelain teacup in Consort Yi’s hand smashed violently onto the floor, shattering into pieces instantly!
“That wretched slave!”
Consort Yi sprang to her feet. “I knew it! Shuixian’s sudden betrayal and pursuit of glory must mean she’s already found a patron!”
“Noble Consort Li, that vile woman actually dares to extend her reach into Changxin Palace! How utterly shameless!”
“Imperial Concubine, please calm your anger!” Xuemei hurriedly tried to soothe her, while carefully retrieving a sealed letter and an inconspicuous brocade box from her sleeve.
“Imperial Concubine, Lord Yi’s residence has sent a reply and… the item.”
Consort Yi forcibly suppressed her surging rage, took a deep breath, and accepted the letter.
She quickly opened it, her eyes scanning the page rapidly.
Gradually, the overwhelming fury on her face dissipated bit by bit, replaced by a cold and cunning smile.
“Father is aiding me!”
She murmured under her breath, a ruthless glint flashing in her eyes.
The contents of the letter had clearly given her immense confidence.
Her gaze then fell upon the brocade box.
“Good… very good.”
“Shuixian, oh Shuixian…”
She took the box, weighing it in her hand. “In life, you were my Yi family’s servant. In death… don’t even think about escaping my grasp!”
A sharp, ruthless light flashed in Consort Yi’s eyes as she handed the box back to Xuemei and issued a low command:
“Tonight, deliver the items to that wretched maid Shuixian!”