Chapter Sixty-Six: Storms Within the Palace

In the silent depths of the palace, branches overflowed with blossoms, yet there was no one to appreciate them. The king had not yet returned, and the inner court was unusually restrained.

In the Hui Study, the Empress Dowager continued her devotions to Buddha, but now she also chanted prayers for the Queen. It was well known that the Queen had fallen ill since her investiture, and to this day she remained bedridden; even the Empress Dowager had never seen her face.

Jade Consort, dressed in dignified attire, walked familiarly to the Buddha hall of the Hui Study. She exuded elegance and classical beauty, her every movement refined and graceful, though sorrow lingered in her eyes.

“Xiao’er, how are things progressing?” The Empress Dowager, as always, wore plain robes and simple hair ornaments.

“Just as Your Highness suspected, that Selected Attendant Qi couldn’t restrain herself. She’s already sneaked into Anxue Palace with her maidservants to investigate the Queen’s condition,” Jade Consort replied, a faint smile appearing on her lips—not from true joy, but a subtle satisfaction.

“Though she acts according to our plan, she is still somewhat petty. After much hesitation, she finally gave up relying on the Queen and turned elsewhere.” The Empress Dowager closed her eyes, her voice low, unable to mask her disdain for Qi Wanliang.

“Your Highness, it’s not that Selected Attendant Qi is petty, but rather she’s cunning,” Jade Consort shook her head. “She’s been watching and waiting, and only now, sensing the Queen’s influence waning, seeks to curry favor with us. Such a woman is hardly likable, but precisely because of her nature, she makes a useful blade to clear our path.”

Yet such a blade need not be particularly sharp; as long as it serves their purpose, that is enough. In fact, should the blade be too sharp, it might harm its wielder.

“Xiao’er, you’re right. A woman so insignificant managed to sow confusion among my people—she must have some talent after all.” The Empress Dowager slowly opened her eyes.

Speaking of the selection a few months prior, those women had been handpicked by her, including Qi Wanliang. She was said to be charitable, the daughter of a local official, well-liked by the people. Yet this timid, ordinary-looking girl was merely playing a role she herself had crafted.

“So, Your Highness, if we discard this blade, we lose nothing,” Jade Consort smiled, calculation flickering across her face.

“Still, as our blade, she should prove her worth—perhaps even draw blood in Anxue Palace.” The golden curtains swayed softly amidst the smoky haze of the Buddha hall; the Empress Dowager spoke without reservation.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. All of this was owed to her, but the one who should repay was gone. As the saying goes, ‘the son pays his father’s debts.’

In Anxue Palace, the gardens were impeccably maintained, plum blossoms exuded their fragrance. The palace was adorned with exquisite carvings—children playing on pavilions, moonlit lotus flowers on bridges, and even the corridors were masterpieces of artistry.

“Attendant, is it really proper for us to enter like this?” The young maid looked nervously at the Queen’s palace, shrinking behind her mistress.

This was, after all, the domain of the palace’s mistress, radiating grandeur and majesty, making her hesitant to admire freely.

“I am here to visit the Queen. If we leave without seeing her, wouldn’t that be…” Qi Wanliang herself seemed hesitant, but her expression was resolute.

“But, Attendant, entering Her Majesty’s palace so boldly seems improper,” the maid persisted, puzzled that they had been barred days earlier but now entered with ease.

Qi Wanliang hadn’t considered this. She gazed at the surroundings of Anxue Palace with envy in her eyes.

“Shuang’er, just follow me. There’s no need to say more.” Her mind was made up—she must uncover whether the Queen was truly ill or had quietly left the palace.

They crept across the arched bridge over the lotus pond, steady underfoot and offering beautiful views. The clear water, emerald leaves swaying in the breeze like round hats, adorned with sparkling dewdrops—like tears of a beauty, crystalline and precious as jewels.

“Attendant, Anxue Palace is truly extraordinary. Every detail is priceless,” Shuang’er, emboldened by Qi Wanliang, admired the scenery.

“Yes, the Queen’s palace is the finest. Compared to our Wushuang Hall, it’s likely no better than the kitchen here—or perhaps even worse.” She spoke casually, but a strange light flashed in her eyes.

She surveyed the surroundings, the pavilions and towers, the status and luxury they displayed. She had thought her own residence was decent, at least far better than her family’s modest courtyard. But now, seeing Anxue Palace in its entirety, she realized how limited her experience had been.

Little wonder so many women aspired to enter the royal palace and become its most honored ladies. Even the daughters from her hometown vied for the Empress Dowager’s selection.

Only one spot could be reported, and as the official’s daughter she was destined to seize it.

In the end, she succeeded—envied, befriended, and resented by all the other noble daughters.

Yet once inside the palace, she realized her insignificance, forced to rely on powerful women. The Queen had treated her well, protected her, and given her dignity.

But if anyone blocked her path to advancement, she would become their enemy.

“Attendant?” Shuang’er noticed something amiss with her mistress and quickly brought her back to herself.

“It’s nothing, I was just distracted. Let’s hurry to find the Queen’s bedchamber.” She shook her head, nearly losing herself for a moment.

Now, she must stay alert. Yet Anxue Palace was so vast, she didn’t know where to begin. If she got lost, it would cost precious time.

Moreover, they didn’t even know where the Queen’s bedchamber was.

Thinking this, she led Shuang’er down a secluded path, hoping to follow one of the palace maids if they crossed paths.

Sneaking through Anxue Palace, they were unaware that many eyes had already taken notice.

Everything progressed smoothly; they followed two young maids carrying medicinal food to the Queen’s bedchamber.

There were no guards at the door. The two maids soon emerged carrying empty bowls, muttering, “Since Her Majesty fell ill, she’s become strange—never lets us see her face.”

“What’s strange about that? She’s still sick, her appearance must be unfit for visitors.”

“But I feel she’s not quite the Queen… And since her illness, no one’s allowed to serve her up close.”

“Shh, best not to talk about such things. It doesn’t concern us.”

Gradually, the two maids walked away, but their conversation lingered in Qi Wanliang’s mind.

This was a gamble, and she herself lacked confidence. But after hearing the maids’ exchange, she sensed something was amiss.

She pushed open the door. The bedchamber was quiet, its windows sealed, making the simple room feel empty. The incense burner emitted a gentle fragrance—unidentifiable but fresh and elegant.

The bed curtains were drawn, revealing the large bed.

She saw the person on the bed sleeping with her back turned and crept forward to investigate.

The soft carpet muffled her steps, but the person on the bed suddenly spoke in alarm, “Didn’t I tell you all to leave? I don’t need attendants near me. Don’t approach!”

Qi Wanliang was startled by the abrupt voice, but steadied herself, scrutinizing the figure.

The voice was clearly not the Queen’s, and the tone betrayed fear.

“Who are you? Why are you impersonating Her Majesty? Where have you hidden her?” The conviction grew in Qi Wanliang’s heart—the woman on the bed was not the Queen, but someone else, perhaps even the blind Queen’s double.

“Who are you? Why are you speaking nonsense?” The woman’s voice wavered, as if exposed and uneasy.

“You don’t even recognize me, yet claim to be Her Majesty!”

Qi Wanliang stepped forward to see the woman’s face, but just as she reached the bedside, the door swung open.

“Your Majesty, good news! The King has returned and is already at Anxue Palace!” Yu Zhi entered excitedly, announcing as she walked.

But when she saw Qi Wanliang standing by the bed, her expression turned from confusion to anger, “Selected Attendant Qi, why are you here? What have you done to Her Majesty?”

“You’ve come just in time. Since the King is here, I have urgent matters to report,” Qi Wanliang replied earnestly, as if bearing momentous news.

“Why is there such commotion in Xue’er’s bedchamber?”