Early the next morning, news of Consort Yi’s release from confinement spread like wildfire throughout the rear palaces.
Almost simultaneously with the news spreading, Shuixian was already kneeling on the cold blue brick floor of Zhaoyang Palace, forcibly enduring the hidden discomfort left from serving the emperor the previous night.
“You treacherous Shuixian! I must have been blind!”
Noble Consort Li threw the jade bracelet she had once gifted Shuixian onto the ground, where it immediately shattered into pieces!
She said bitterly, “Just days ago you were pretending to be pitiful, claiming Consort Yi forced you! I wondered why you would wander near that ill-omened Changxin Palace wall for no reason!”
“Indeed! This morning, right after His Majesty left your Chengming Hall, that wench was released from confinement! Speak! Was it you whispering in His Majesty’s ear?!”
Shuixian kept her head lowered, her long lashes concealing the fleeting cold mockery in her eyes.
Noble Consort Li’s reaction was completely within her expectations.
The waters of the rear palace needed to be stirred up like this!
The more chaotic it became, the more someone like her—with neither family background nor connections—could climb step by step amidst the turmoil!
She had no doubt that Noble Consort Li had managed Zhaoyang Palace like an iron fortress, strictly guarding against Consort Yi’s infiltration.
At this moment, only Noble Consort Li, Fangfei, and herself remained in the hall. Even Yinzhu had been ordered to wait outside by Noble Consort Li.
Instead of directly answering the accusation, Shuixian posed a question:
“Your Highness, please calm your anger. May I ask, are you so enraged today because Consort Yi has been released from confinement…”
“Or because you failed to seize this opportunity to completely overthrow her and eliminate the threat forever?”
Noble Consort Li was taken aback by the question, then her anger flared even hotter: “What do you mean?! Of course it’s…”
Her words cut off abruptly.
Some things she wouldn’t say to Shuixian.
She desperately wanted to crush Consort Yi completely!
That wench who pretended to be gentle all day long, relying on her good family background to oppose her at every turn!
The Empress, that sickly woman, was one thing—who knew when she might… But what right did Yi Guichun have?!
If anything should happen to the Empress, Consort Yi would be the biggest obstacle to her ascending to the position of Empress!
Though Noble Consort Li didn’t say it, her expression clearly revealed her thoughts.
Shuixian understood perfectly—what Noble Consort Li cared about most was never superficial matters like confinement, but the threat Consort Yi’s very existence posed to her ultimate goal!
Throughout the entire rear palace, Noble Consort Li feared none more than Consort Yi, who came from an equally distinguished family!
“Your Highness is wise.” Shuixian said calmly, “Consort Yi’s confinement this time appeared to be punishment, but in reality, it didn’t harm her fundamentally. Her rank wasn’t reduced, and the Yi family’s foundation remains completely untouched.”
Shuixian paused, giving Noble Consort Li time to think, then continued: “One month of confinement was merely a light punishment. If she can emerge today, she can regain favor tomorrow. Does Your Highness believe such punishment is useful for overthrowing her?”
Noble Consort Li frowned deeply, instinctively glancing at Fangfei beside her.
Fangfei gave a slight nod to Noble Consort Li, indicating that Shuixian’s words held truth.
Seeing her trusted confidant in agreement, Noble Consort Li’s anger subsided slightly as she looked at Shuixian with some urgency: “Then what do you suggest should be done?”
Meeting her gaze, Shuixian said quietly: “Your Highness, completely overthrowing Consort Yi is no easy matter. It requires timing, planning, and most importantly… capability. At present, this humble one has the will but not the means.”
“Ability?” Noble Consort Li raised an eyebrow. “Is this consort not capable enough?”
“Your Highness naturally commands great authority,” Shuixian first flattered, then subtly shifted her tone: “However… the reason Consort Yi can threaten this humble one is because she holds the lives of my parents and younger sister! As long as my family remains enslaved in Yi Manor, they will forever be hostages in Consort Yi’s hands, and my actions will remain constrained!”
“If Your Highness truly wishes to use this humble piece in your game against Consort Yi, you must first allow this piece to break free from her chains and act without restraint.”
She gazed intently at Noble Consort Li: “Your Highness, you previously promised to ensure my safety. Now I boldly beg Your Highness to extend your assistance and rescue my family from Yi Manor’s clutches!”
“Only when they are safe can I serve Your Highness with undivided attention!”
A flicker of guilt flashed through Noble Consort Li’s eyes.
Rescue her family? Save a bunch of lowly servants… having the Ruan family reach into a court official’s household to fish out some slaves? How improper! What if some censor submits a memorial accusing…
From the very beginning, Noble Consort Li had never intended to expend such effort! In her view, Shuixian was merely a tool to be discarded after use—why go through such trouble for her?
“Well…” Noble Consort Li’s eyes darted evasively as she lifted her teacup to hide her expression. “Since this consort has made a promise, naturally I will find a way. Rest assured, with me here, Consort Yi wouldn’t dare truly harm your family!”
Hearing Noble Consort Li’s casual dismissal, Shuixian laughed coldly inwardly.
Just as expected.
Noble Consort Li and Consort Yi were ultimately birds of a feather, viewing human lives as worthless grass—especially the lives of servants like them.
From the very beginning, Shuixian had known Noble Consort Li would never genuinely save her family.
Having been reborn, she had long seen through it all—the only one she could ever rely on was herself!
What she needed wasn’t for Noble Consort Li to personally rescue anyone, but to use the Ruan family behind Noble Consort Li to deal with the Yi family!
Thinking Shuixian was wholly preoccupied with her family’s welfare, Noble Consort Li set down her teacup and urged: “Speak quickly! What exactly is your plan?”
“Your Highness need not rush.” Shuixian said mysteriously: “This scheme requires perfect timing and conditions. I need time—time to return to her side and regain her trust.”
She paused, looking earnestly at Noble Consort Li: “Therefore, I beg Your Highness to expel me from Zhaoyang Palace! And ensure everyone, especially Consort Yi, knows you are furious with me for pleading to lift Consort Yi’s confinement!”
Shuixian looked steadily at Noble Consort Li and said slowly: “When the time is ripe, I will find a way to notify Your Highness. Then, you must strike with thunderous force without any mercy!”
…
News of Shuixian’s fallout with Noble Consort Li quickly spread throughout the rear palace.
On the surface, it appeared she could never return to her previous master-servant relationship with Consort Yi either.
For a time, although Shuixian enjoyed some favor, she drifted through the rear palace like rootless duckweed, with every consort avoiding her for fear of offending either of the two high-ranking consorts by association.
Little did they know, Shuixian had already privately visited Consort Yi, adopting a humble posture and pretending to be controlled through her family’s captivity in Yi Manor.
Watching Shuixian’s appearance of suppressed anger, Consort Yi felt immense satisfaction.
She believed she now held Shuixian’s lifeline—from this moment on, whether alive or dead, Shuixian would forever remain her slave.
Regardless of whether Shuixian was loyal at heart, she could no longer escape her control!
Before the Longevity Festival, Emperor Zhaoheng had once again chosen Shuixian’s name from the roster.
At dinnertime, the Emperor arrived at Chengming Hall.
If Noble Consort Li and Consort Yi each had their own spies in the palace, Shuixian understood clearly that combined, they were no match for Emperor Zhaoheng.
This harem was, after all, his hunting ground.
So Shuixian said nothing, merely accompanying the Emperor quietly during the meal.
Emperor Zhaoheng knew Shuixian was obedient, but he hadn’t expected her to endure so much recent injustice without complaint or fuss in his presence.
Coinciding with several troublesome political matters at court that had been weighing on his mind, he had no desire to delve into the petty squabbles among the women of the harem at this time.
During the meal, the Emperor deliberately avoided mentioning Shuixian’s recent circumstances, speaking only sweet words and discussing topics that could help him relax after the tense affairs of state.
Emperor Zhaoheng was captivated by her, retiring to bed earlier than usual.
Though Shuixian didn’t know about the Emperor’s recent political frustrations, she could vaguely sense his pent-up emotions.
It seemed as if the Emperor was holding back some anger, his brow unconsciously furrowed.
Shuixian couldn’t help but reach out to smooth his knitted eyebrows.
The Emperor caught her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it, suddenly asking: “Do you blame me?”
In the intensity of the moment, a trace of guilt toward her recent suffering surfaced in Emperor Zhaoheng’s heart.
Shuixian shook her head – she had never thought to rely on the Emperor for solutions.
Without expectations, how could there be disappointment?
“Shuixian doesn’t blame Your Majesty.”
She slightly raised herself to kiss his tightly clenched cheek.
Shuixian had never placed expectations on him, but she knew how to make him feel guilty.
Emperor Zhaoheng’s heart surged with emotion. Bracing himself beside her, he wanted to pour out all the affection in his heart for her.
By midnight, the bedchamber had gradually quieted.
After calling for water and waiting until the world felt fresh and clean again, Emperor Zhaoheng held Shuixian in his arms.
In the darkness, other senses became sharper.
“Xian’er,” he drew her closer, his voice carrying a reassuring tone, “Stay peacefully by my side. In this harem… with my protection, you need not worry about anything.”
Shuixian closed her eyes, curling up in his warm embrace, nodding slightly.
Yet in her heart, she was clearer than anyone.
Protect her?
He hadn’t even asked why she had recently incurred Noble Consort Li’s wrath, or why she had been humbling herself before Consort Yi.
This so-called protection was nothing more than an empty promise made when a man was in good spirits.
Though her heart remained coldly rational, she merely nestled closer against him, as if drawing comfort from the security he offered.
Unlike usual practice after serving the Emperor, Shuixian didn’t seize the opportunity to leave the bed and take the contraceptive pills prepared by Xiao Chuanzi.
Tonight, she simply turned in his embrace, found a more comfortable position, and allowed herself to sink into this false warmth scented with Dragon Saliva Incense…
…
Soon, the Longevity Festival arrived.