Chapter Thirty-Eight: Seizing the Opportunity

Late at night.

Xuexue lay in bed, tossing and turning. The words Ji Wuqing had spoken during the day lingered in her mind, etched deeply as though carved into her bones, impossible to erase.

“Could it be that my words today have unsettled you, making it hard for you to sleep?” Ji Wuqing drew near, wrapping his arms around her restless form through the quilt, gently holding her close.

“It’s not that…” she replied.

“That’s only fair, isn’t it? If my words had no effect on you, wouldn’t that mean I’m terribly lacking in charm?” His tone was filled with self-assurance, dispelling the faint guilt Xuexue had felt.

Indeed, Ji Wuqing, the very culprit who had thrown her heart into disarray, now seemed to be enjoying her discomfort.

Since that day, their interactions had resumed as usual. Yet something within Xuexue had changed; whenever Ji Wuqing was near, a strange feeling stirred inside her. She couldn’t describe it, only that her heart was no longer as calm as before.

Life continued, nonetheless, and their days in the palace remained peaceful and worry-free.

At lunchtime, Taoxin led a group back from the Imperial Kitchen, carrying an array of light dishes. Yet, owing to the king’s special request, two meat dishes were added for the queen.

For this, Taoxin couldn’t help but praise the king’s thoughtfulness towards his queen.

But now, something couldn’t be ignored.

“Your Majesty, this servant has an urgent matter to report.” The maids placed the food and withdrew. Xuexue still held her book, her demeanor serene.

“Speak.”

“Just now, when I was at the Imperial Kitchen, I think I saw Lady Cao. The staff there were evasive, making excuses—I wonder what they’re scheming.” Taoxin’s expression was grave; she was certain she hadn’t mistaken what she saw.

Though Lady Cao hid quickly, Taoxin had glimpsed her silhouette.

“What do you mean by that?” Xuexue continued turning pages in her book, though her brows creased ever so slightly.

“I’m not sure how to explain, but anything is possible in this palace. Also, the Imperial Kitchen prepares food for the king; I can’t help but feel Lady Cao is up to something,” Taoxin said, young yet raised in the palace and well aware of the hidden machinations.

“Taoxin, what are you suspicious of?”

Seeing that Xuexue was taking her words seriously, Taoxin hurried on, “Your Majesty, you must know that in this deep palace, any vile thing may happen. I’ve heard from the older maids that the late emperor was once schemed against by certain ambitious palace women. One maid colluded with the Imperial Kitchen, drugging the emperor’s meals, hoping to rise from servant to mistress…”

“Such things happened?” Xuexue’s heart stirred at the revelation.

“In the palace, women will stop at nothing to achieve their aims. I’m worried Lady Cao might use such despicable means for her own ends.” Taoxin’s words were mild; the truth was even more shameful.

Xuexue said nothing more, her expression unchanged, as if lost in thought.

Taoxin didn’t press further, but quietly glanced at her mistress’s face. Seeing her seemingly unmoved, Taoxin grew anxious. “Your Majesty, no matter what… even if it’s just my wild guessing, wouldn’t it be wise to check on the king, just in case?”

“That would be rather abrupt,” Xuexue replied softly, turning her pages as if talking to herself.

“If Your Majesty were to go, how could it be abrupt? The king would surely be pleased,” Taoxin couldn’t fathom her mistress’s thoughts, so calm and detached.

“No need. Why disturb him while he’s managing affairs?” She set aside her book and sat at the table, beginning to eat quietly.

“Your Majesty…” Taoxin was surprised but knew her place, obediently standing aside. The palace was left with only the faint sounds of Xuexue’s meal, barely audible.

The atmosphere was silent, oddly oppressive.

“Is there osmanthus fish today?” Xuexue suddenly asked softly. “That’s the king’s favorite dish. I wonder if he’s had it for lunch. Taoxin, pack up the osmanthus fish and send it to the Academy. Perhaps he hasn’t eaten yet.”

Taoxin, hearing this, had thought her mistress was determined not to go to the Academy, but was delighted at the unexpected turn. She quickly nodded, joy evident on her face. “Yes, I’ll pack it up now.”

Xuexue noticed and asked, “Why do you look so happy?”

“I’m happy for you, Your Majesty.” Her mistress was always calm and aloof, even with the king’s favor that made all the palace jealous.

So, this decision brought Taoxin genuine joy.

Xuexue frowned again, but said nothing. What was there to say?

At the Academy.

The young emperor, clad in regal purple, moved from the study to the side hall, where lunch was already laid out. Ji Wuqing took his seat, and attendants immediately approached to serve him.

Cao Xingyu suppressed her nervous excitement, but couldn’t help casting glances at Ji Wuqing.

“Hm? No osmanthus fish today?” Ji Wuqing looked over the exquisite dishes, but felt no appetite.

Cao Xingyu hastily knelt. “Your Majesty, the osmanthus fish was taken by the chief maid from Anxue Palace. So… the snowflake fish is a new dish from the Imperial Kitchen, please try it.”

“How interesting. Xuexue has taken a liking to my favorite dish. That’s good news, I suppose.” He smiled, not sparing even a glance for the kneeling Cao Xingyu.

She knelt, tense and resentful; clearly, the king didn’t care for her at all.

“What dish is this? The workmanship is exquisite, like snowflakes.” Upon his question, Cao Xingyu quickly stood. “Your Majesty, this is snowflake fish, a new recipe. Please try it.”

“Your Majesty, Selection Attendant Qi requests audience, saying she has something important to report.”

Cao Xingyu’s face paled; she had worked hard to bribe the Imperial Kitchen, disguised herself as a kitchen maid to deliver lunch, chosen this moment since the king would usually dine at Anxue Palace in the evening. She hadn’t expected this lowly attendant to dare intrude!

Her hands clenched tightly; it seemed today’s plan would fail.

“Let her in,” Ji Wuqing said calmly, picking up his chopsticks to taste the snowflake fish.

Seeing his intent, Cao Xingyu grew anxious. “Your Majesty, forgive me, this snowflake fish…”

“I greet Your Majesty.” Before Cao Xingyu could finish, Qi Wanliang had already entered. She stood at a distance, dressed in a modest palace gown, head lowered, not daring to meet Ji Wuqing’s gaze.

“Rise. What urgent matter do you have?” Ji Wuqing was about to bring a bite of fish to his lips.

“Your Majesty, you must not eat the snowflake fish! It’s been poisoned!” The woman shouted in panic.

Cao Xingyu’s face turned ashen.

When Xuexue arrived at the Academy, the guards and eunuchs refrained from announcing her, seemingly at Ji Wuqing’s instruction. She and Taoxin slipped in quietly, winding through corridors surrounded by blooming flowers, and finally, guided by Miaojian, reached the side hall.

Miaojian stood outside, not entering with Xuexue.

“Miaojian, has something happened inside?” she asked, pausing.

“Your Majesty, please go in. It’s nothing serious, but enough to strip certain schemers of their illusions.” Miaojian bowed respectfully, his words well chosen.

Though Xuexue didn’t know exactly what had occurred, Miaojian’s words made it easy to guess that Cao Xingyu’s plot had been exposed.

Inside, Cao Xingyu knelt, face lifeless. Qi Wanliang stood nearby, head bowed, timid as ever.

“Your Majesty, forgive me for disturbing you.” Xuexue’s robe was plain, lending her an air of gentle grace.

Even in simple attire, her elegance and noble bearing could not be concealed; every movement revealed her innate dignity.

“Did you come because you heard news from Selection Attendant Qi?” Ji Wuqing asked, with a hint of mischief in his voice.

Xuexue sensed it—he seemed genuinely pleased by her arrival.

“Your Majesty, what makes you say so? I received no message. The Imperial Kitchen apparently sent the wrong dish, so I came to deliver yours personally.” As she spoke, Taoxin placed the osmanthus fish before Ji Wuqing with utmost respect.

The osmanthus fish was exquisitely prepared and still steaming.

“You’re so thoughtful.” The smile on Ji Wuqing’s lips deepened, even his beautiful, deep eyes seemed to brim with joy.

He picked up his chopsticks and ate the osmanthus fish with relish.

“But, Your Majesty, you seem busy now. I’ll take my leave.” She knew she shouldn’t have come; the drama of a beauty rescuing the hero? It seemed someone else had already played that part.

“Are you sulking?” As she turned to leave, Ji Wuqing rose and caught her arm, his tone overflowing with affection and gentleness.

Cao Xingyu, kneeling nearby, was both surprised and bitter.