That evening, Pei Tingyue was strolling through the Imperial Garden when she encountered Bao Lin Yan.
Bao Lin Yan approached cheerfully: “Sister Pei.”
Pei Tingyue halted her steps, her expression indifferent: “Baolin Yan is also here for a stroll.”
Bao Lin Yan smiled with curved eyes: “The spring scenery is intoxicating, and I couldn’t bear to waste it. Since I’ve met you, sister, why don’t we walk together?”
Pei Tingyue glanced at her ingratiating demeanor and found it amusing.
Did she think her blind?
Just days before during morning greetings, she had seen this Baolin Yan glaring at her.
Now putting on such an act—it would be strange if there weren’t ulterior motives!
But Pei Tingyue didn’t reject her outright: “Very well, with Sister Yan’s company, I won’t be lonely.”
She wanted to see what this Baolin Yan was plotting.
Walking side by side, Bao Lin Yan said casually: “Sister Pei has been enjoying abundant Imperial favor these days, making me quite envious.”
Her face was full of delight, as if genuinely happy for Pei Tingyue.
Pei Tingyue remained composed: “I’m merely fortunate to have received some of His Majesty’s grace. Unlike you, Sister Yan, with such exquisite beauty—when His Majesty sees you, he will surely show even more affection.”
“Ah.” At this, Bao Lin Yan sighed.
Her face clouded with sorrow, “Sister Pei, don’t tease me. For His Majesty’s affection, one must first appear before him.”
Seeing no one around, she lowered her voice, “Sister Pei, may I discuss something with you?”
Pei Tingyue chuckled lightly: “Sister Yan, you’re too polite. Speak plainly.”
She sneered inwardly.
Too impatient.
After just a few words, Baolin Yan’s true intentions were already showing.
Bao Lin Yan gestured with her lips toward the nearby palace: “Sister Pei, look—in this palace, the Pinfei form small groups to support each other. Only we two come from humble backgrounds, deemed unworthy by others, left isolated and alone.”
After saying this, she smiled meaningfully at Pei Tingyue, her intention unmistakable.
Pei Tingyue sighed inwardly.
This person not only thought her blind but also a fool.
What alliance? What support? She merely saw Pei Tingyue’s current Imperial favor and wanted to use her to gain favor.
But this came at just the right time.
She happened to need a reason to once again demonstrate her “sincerity” to the Emperor.
Pei Tingyue feigned distress: “But now all the Imperial Concubines despise me. Associating with me would only bring you trouble.”
This remark hit the mark precisely.
Bao Lin Yan immediately furrowed her brows: “This…”
She had only considered the benefits, overlooking this aspect.
Seeing her hesitate as expected, Pei Tingyue added: “How about this: we maintain our usual interactions, but during Shiqin, we speak well of each other. This way, we can still support one another. What do you think, Sister Yan?”
Delight spread in Bao Lin Yan’s eyes as she quickly agreed: “Sister Pei’s idea is excellent. Let’s do that.”
This way, there were no drawbacks, and she could obtain everything she wanted.
Overjoyed, Bao Lin Yan added: “It’s settled then. If I am fortunate, I will never forget Sister Pei’s great kindness.”
Pei Tingyue accepted calmly.
But inwardly she thought: You won’t have that fortune.
Since you’ve conceived such intentions, content yourself with being a stepping stone.
The next afternoon, Pei Tingyue found her opportunity.
She was ordered to serve with brush and ink in the Imperial Study.
When she opened her mouth again but said nothing, Xie Chen set down the official memorial and looked at her. “Tingyue, speak your mind freely. There’s no need to hold back.”
Pei Tingyue snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head in a fluster. “Pinqie had nothing to say.”
Seeing her like this, Xie Chen already had an idea of what was going on. He lifted his gaze and asked, “Truly nothing?”
Pei Tingyue nodded, lowering her head to silently grind the ink.
Xie Chen tapped his knuckles on the desk a few times and said sternly, “I will give you one last chance.”
Pei Tingyue’s eyes were filled with intense struggle. Finally, as if she had made up her mind, she took a deep breath, set down the inkstick, and said in a muffled voice, “Pinqie does have something to say to Your Majesty.”
“Speak.”
Pei Tingyue forced a smile. “Pinqie was just thinking that if Pinqie were well-versed in poetry and literature, I could help ease Your Majesty’s weariness when you are tired, instead of being as dull and boring as I am now.”
Xie Chen’s tone softened slightly. “You wish to study poetry?”
If he had the time, he could indeed teach her a thing or two.
Pei Tingyue’s voice was strained. “Pinqie knows I lack talent and fear I would not be able to learn. Among the sisters in the palace, there are several who excel in this area. For example, Bao Lin Yan, who entered the palace with me—her poetry and literary skills are among the finest in the palace.”
Xie Chen understood—she was recommending someone to him.
He was somewhat puzzled.
Usually, when he summoned her, she would be overjoyed.
Today, why was she willing to push him toward someone else?
Xie Chen’s expression gave nothing away. “What do you mean by this, Tingyue?”
Pei Tingyue ventured cautiously, “Would Your Majesty consider meeting her?”
As she spoke, she stole glances at Xie Chen’s expression.
Seeing that he was not angry, she breathed a sigh of relief.
“You want me to see her?”
Pei Tingyue bit her lip. “Mm.”
Xie Chen said, “In that case, return to your palace. I will summon Bao Lin Yan.”
Before she could fully exhale in relief, Pei Tingyue froze in place, her face showing disbelief.
Xie Chen propped his head on his hand and asked, “Why are you still standing here? Return to your palace.”
Pei Tingyue’s eyes reddened instantly, filled with immense grievance. “Your Majesty is driving Pinqie away?”
Xie Chen feigned confusion. “Did you not recommend Bao Lin Yan to me? How can I discuss poetry and share tender moments with her if you are here?”
At these words, all color drained from Pei Tingyue’s face. She staggered backward as if unable to steady herself.
Xie Chen continued, “Moreover, there is no need for you to come these next two days. It would be a good time to have this Bao Lin Yan serve me.”
At this, Pei Tingyue lost all strength and collapsed to the floor. For a long moment, she shook her head in a daze.
Seeing the hem of the dragon robe before her, she clung to it stubbornly, like a child throwing a tantrum. Then, she pressed her face against Xie Chen’s knee, her voice thick with tears. “Pinqie doesn’t want this!”
Xie Chen said coldly, “You don’t want it? Just now, you urged me to summon Bao Lin Yan, and now you say you don’t want it. What is this about?”
Pei Tingyue’s breath hitched. She looked up anxiously. “Pinqie was out of my mind. Pinqie spoke wrongly. It was Pinqie’s mistake.”
Seeing that his brow remained stern, Pei Tingyue was so frightened she didn’t know what to do. She released the fabric of his robe and instead grabbed Xie Chen’s hand, clutching it tightly.
In a panic, she explained, her voice choked with tears, tugging at one’s heartstrings: “It’s because during this time, Pinqie has enjoyed Your Majesty’s imperial favor alone. Everyone in the imperial harem has been gossiping, accusing Pinqie of being a seductress who has bewitched Your Majesty… Pinqie was so frightened by the ostracism that I recommended someone else to Your Majesty.”
Xie Chen allowed her to hold his hand, repeating her words, “Having imperial favor all to myself… I’m afraid…”
So this was why she was pushing him away?
Pei Tingyue quickly said, “I’m not afraid anymore, Pinqie is not afraid anymore.”
“Oh?” Xie Chen asked, “Why are you no longer afraid?”
Her beautiful eyes welled up with tears, “After what just happened, Pinqie finally understands her own heart. Rather than seeing Your Majesty favor others, Pinqie would rather endure being ostracized.”
“Turns out, Pinqie likes Your Majesty more than I imagined.”
“Your Majesty, please don’t summon Bao Lin Yan, and don’t send Pinqie away, alright?”
Pei Tingyue looked up at him pitifully.