Chapter Seventeen: Truly Captivating

"Your Majesty, while keeping the enemy at one’s side may not be the wisest choice, having their every move unfold beneath your very eyes could well be an intriguing experiment."

This affair soon became the talk of the entire palace, yet what people relished most in their hushed discussions was the Queen’s intelligence and composure, her unflappable grace in the face of crisis.

From that day on, no one dared look down upon the seemingly frail and talentless blind Queen. Once again, the King’s favor toward her became the subject of fervent whispers, a secret delight for courtly gossip.

As for the concubine Jin, who failed so spectacularly—no, now merely the concubine Jin—she became a laughingstock among all. Yet those with even a slight connection to Lady Yan, the gentle and guileless consort, found themselves regarded with pity. Lady Yan was known for her innocence and good nature, never one for palace intrigue, and so she was met with universal sympathy.

Upper Academy.

The afterglow of sunset burned blood-red across the sky, so vibrant that from afar it resembled the swirling peony-red robes of a beauty, dazzling and radiant. The slanting rays of dusk spilled into the study through open windows.

On a wide bamboo chair by the window, the deep sunlight cascaded down, bathing the figure draped in pale blue who reclined there. The man leaned with quiet elegance, the sunset gilding his handsome features in a luminous glow, as if he were a vessel of exquisite glass, shining with brilliance.

His eyes were closed, and beneath the sunlight, each long eyelash seemed etched with clarity.

"Your Majesty, while keeping the enemy at one’s side may not be the wisest choice, having their every move unfold beneath your very eyes could well be an intriguing experiment."

In his mind, he recalled Xuexue’s calm yet faintly arrogant expression as she spoke those words. He could not help but smile. "Xue’er, you truly understand me."

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Physician reports that Concubine Jin’s injuries are not serious; with careful application of ointments, she will soon recover," Temple Jian reported in a low voice, standing just outside the beaded curtain, head bowed.

"Is that all?" Ji Wu Qing murmured, his tone tinged with regret. "She needs a lesson she’ll remember. Her face—whether she sees it or not hardly matters; perhaps it’s best left as a reminder."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

Anxue Palace.

Fish glided freely through the pond, as graceful and colorful as the water plants themselves, a lovely sight.

"Lanhua, what is loyalty? And what is betrayal?" In the quiet hall, the young woman's clear, cool voice sounded, cutting through the silence.

She sat upright in her chair, her snowy face as flawless as sculpted jade, translucent and delicate.

Below her, the palace maid knelt, her face ashen. She could not forget how her mistress of twelve years had used and discarded her without mercy—the wound in her heart was slow to heal. Indeed, she was now a prisoner, accused of betraying her mistress; the Queen’s question seemed only to confirm her guilt.

"Your Majesty, I know my sins are grave. I only beg for a quick end." Her heart was deadened; she neither pleaded nor defended, seeking only death.

"Lanhua, what is your real name?" Xuexue spoke unhurriedly, sipping the tea that Peach Blossom had handed her, her face expressionless.

Lanhua froze. Her real name—how long had it been since anyone had asked?

"Loyalty is faith, unwavering unto death; betrayal is self-interest, not to be trusted. Your loyalty was a refusal to face reality, aiding the wicked; your betrayal is resignation, despair, a soul torn to shreds. You are loyal, but to those who would betray you." Xuexue seemed to see straight through her, her words merciless, each one striking at the maid’s fragile defenses.

"Your Majesty..." Lanhua lifted her head in disbelief, torn between sorrow and joy.

"There is no longer a maid named Lanhua in Anxue Palace. Lanhua died here today."

"Your servant, Yuzhi, thanks Your Grace!"

From that day on, there was a new, special maid in Anxue Palace: Yuzhi.

"Your Grace, is it truly wise to keep her by your side?" Peach Blossom, though she did not object, could not help but voice her doubts. In the palace, kindness was most dangerous—even the Queen herself might fall victim to the schemes of concubines. And Yuzhi had once meant harm.

"Do not worry," she replied, offering nothing more.

Night fell, and the stars glittered.

Palace maids and eunuchs carried lanterns before and behind, lighting the way. The palace, its flowers in full bloom, fell into deep silence under the night sky. Tonight, the stars shone exceptionally bright, glowing like blossoms in the dark, more beautiful even than the flowers that adorned the day.

To wander the palace by night—this was her first time. Yet, in truth, she lived her life beneath the veil of night. Xuexue listened closely to her surroundings, and in the quiet, she could distinguish every footstep.

"What is this habit of yours?" Ji Wu Qing leaned down to whisper, amused by her wary manner.

"Your consort is uneasy." Xuexue hadn’t expected him to be watching her so intently, and she wondered what he was truly thinking. Ji Wu Qing was impossible to fathom, and she had no desire to try—guessing another’s thoughts was exhausting. Yet here he was, asking her such a question. It was odd: he’d summoned her for a walk at night, before dinner, without any warning.

"Xue’er, don’t say one thing and feel another. Today, you faced Concubine Jin and Lady Yan without a trace of fear; why show such unease before me? Could it be that I am special to you?" Ji Wu Qing smiled with elegance, the very image of a refined and charming gentleman, stirring the heart.

"How dare I. Before Concubine Jin and Lady Yan, my conscience is clear. Before Your Majesty, you are the ruler, and I am your subject—the proprieties between king and servant must not be neglected." Xuexue replied with poise, her words naturally distant, yet flawless.

"Such clarity between us." Ji Wu Qing muttered softly, displeased. He childishly squeezed the small hand he was holding, his thumb caressing it as if pondering something. "By the way, about today—why did you not tell me the truth? Would I allow them to bully you?"

He spoke with such chivalry that Xuexue was left speechless. This man was shrewd beyond measure; she refused to believe he didn’t know the whole story.

"If someone strikes me, should I kick back? The world does not work that way. As they say, one returns the favor in kind. I believe those who twist truth will, in the end, reap what they sow." The matter was neither great nor small, yet it touched upon hierarchy, etiquette, and the dignity of the harem—such troubles would surely arise again.

"Xue’er, you truly leave me no choice but to love you." Ji Wu Qing whispered in her ear, their intimacy obvious.

Up ahead, an unexpected visitor approached: a girl in white, her hair loose and flowing. The maid beside her carried a white lantern embroidered with lotuses, making the girl’s figure seem even lighter, more ethereal and elegant.

"Your Majesty, Your Grace," she greeted with a graceful bow, her face tinged with faint alarm, as though vexed by this unplanned meeting.

...Author’s Note...

Last night I accidentally uploaded a chapter from my drafts—how frustrating!