Shen Zhiyi ran through it in her mind.
Consort Shu was flamboyant and sharp. Consort De was calm and reserved.
One stood in front as a target—so what did the one in the back become?
“Your Ladyship,” a voice called from outside again.
This time, Qingtang hurried out. When she returned, her expression was strange.
“What is it?”
“It’s Consort Shu…” Qingtang paused.
“She’s sent someone to invite Miss to admire chrysanthemums.”
Shen Zhiyi raised an eyebrow.
They had only just met in the Imperial Garden yesterday, and now she was inviting her again today?
“Who came?”
“It’s the steward maid from Consort Shu’s palace. Her surname is Zhao. She’s waiting outside.”
Shen Zhiyi stood up and walked to the door.
A woman in a dark blue vest stood at the courtyard gate, smiling broadly—but the smile looked entirely insincere.
“Eunuch Zhao,” Shen Zhiyi greeted as she approached.
“You’ve had a long trip.”
Eunuch Zhao curtsied. “Your Ladyship is too polite.”
“Consort Shu said that yesterday in the Imperial Garden, there wasn’t time for a proper conversation. Today she has prepared some pastries and invites Your Ladyship to come and sit awhile.”
Shen Zhiyi smiled gently. “Consort Shu honors me greatly. I should go pay my respects, but…”
She pressed a hand lightly to her chest and coughed softly twice.
“Yesterday I caught a chill. I’ve not been feeling well since returning. I’m afraid I might pass my illness to the Consort. Once I recover in a few days, I will certainly go and apologize.”
Eunuch Zhao’s smile stiffened slightly.
“This… the Consort gave strict instructions that you must be invited…”
“Eunuch Zhao,” Shen Zhiyi interrupted softly, her tone still gentle.
“Please tell Consort Shu that I appreciate her kindness. When I recover, I will personally come to apologize. If she truly wishes to see me…”
She paused, smiling harmlessly.
“Perhaps she could come to Fangcao Hall instead? I’ve planted radishes in my courtyard—they’re just sprouting. She might find them interesting.”
Eunuch Zhao’s expression shifted several times before forcing out a smile.
“Your Ladyship is joking. This servant will report back.”
With that, she quickly left.
Qingtang stood there stunned for a moment. When the person was gone, she whispered,
“Miss… if you say that to Consort Shu, won’t she be furious?”
“Furious?” Shen Zhiyi turned back inside.
“The angrier she gets, the better.”
Qingtang hurried after her. “But… haven’t you offended her now?”
“If I don’t offend her, she won’t spare me anyway.”
Shen Zhiyi kept walking.
“If I do offend her, she’ll have to think twice—whether I have backing strong enough to speak like this.”
Qingtang nodded slowly, half understanding.
Inside the room, Shen Zhiyi stood by the window, looking at the orchid.
“Qingtang.”
“Yes?”
“Before (5-7 PM), I need to go out. If anyone comes looking, say I’m resting.”
Qingtang immediately tensed. “Where are you going, Miss? Should I come with you?”
“No need.” Shen Zhiyi looked at her.
“You stay here. Do what you normally do. If anyone asks, say I was unwell this afternoon and lying down.”
Qingtang nodded firmly.
At (5-7 PM), the sun was slanting west.
Shen Zhiyi changed into inconspicuous clothing and left Fangcao Hall through the back gate.
She avoided the main paths, following the palace walls eastward, taking a long detour before reaching the side entrance of the Imperial Garden.
At this hour, the garden was quiet.
She lowered her head and quickly passed through the rockeries and stone paths toward Yujing Pavilion.
When she was close, she stopped.
Someone was inside the pavilion.
No—two people.
One stood, one sat.
The standing one was a eunuch, hands folded respectfully. The seated figure had his back to her, dressed in black robes—an unmistakably familiar silhouette.
Xiao Jue.
Shen Zhiyi’s heart gave a sudden jolt.
She instinctively wanted to retreat—but it was too late.
“Since you’re here, come up.”
Xiao Jue’s voice came from the pavilion—low, even, perfectly clear to her ears.
Shen Zhiyi stood still, unmoving.