109: The Invitation into the Trap (3)

I held the two boxes of new tea with a sense of quiet pride. Lin Tanwei had basically trusted the prescription. Yet, knowing her nature, she wouldn’t so easily place complete faith in Zhang Bitong and me. I guessed that next, she would consult the imperial physicians within the palace or seek out doctors outside.

Since it was a secret remedy, a folk prescription, no answers could truly be found from the imperial doctors or physicians. Even if they dismissed it as unrelated, I was confident Lin Tanwei would not disbelieve. What concerned her more was whether the medicine had side effects or poison—she surely worried whether Zhang Bitong and I were plotting against her.

But this very point was flawless, as I had already removed the most critical ingredient from the formula.

I looked at the two boxes of tea—one was naturally meant for Zhang Bitong, but the other I did not keep for myself. Having endured a harsh childhood, I never had the leisure to savor tea.

That was something Xiao Ruo enjoyed.

Since childhood, her nursemaid had cultivated her in poetry, music, chess, painting, calligraphy, song, dance, and the art of tea.

Because of the matter with the Crown Prince, I should also speak with Xiao Ruo. Though I did not know if she was driven by affection or had other motives, it seemed reckless for her to be involved with Jiang Yun.

It had been some days since I last saw Xiao Ruo, so I took this opportunity to visit the Department of Garments.

“Auntie, is Miss Xiao Ruo here?”

“Who are you?” The auntie glanced at me disdainfully.

I answered respectfully, “Auntie, I serve in Cuiwei Palace. I have been sent by Her Highness with a few questions for Miss Xiao Ruo.”

The auntie rolled her eyes. “Oh? What’s going on lately? Xiao Ruo has suddenly become quite the favorite. Everyone’s coming to see her; now she’s even more arrogant and impossible to reason with.”

I didn’t know what had happened.

“Over there,” she pointed to a room. “Go on.”

“Thank you, Auntie.”

I walked to the room and knocked, but there was no answer. I gently pushed the door open.

Xiao Ruo was crouched on the floor, busy with something. Seeing me, she was startled, then quickly hid what she had in her hands.

“Ah Zhi, it’s you?” I only saw a bundle of cloth and couldn’t quite discern what was special about it.

“Mm, sister, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, embroidering clothes. It’s for one of the consorts in the harem who wants it kept secret, so I can’t show it to you.”

“How have you been lately?”

Xiao Ruo pulled me to sit beside the table. “Quite well. But you, Ah Zhi, have suffered again these past days. Don’t blame me for not visiting; there are many rules in the Department of Garments, and the aunties keep me busy day and night. I had no time to see you. I was relieved to hear you’ve escaped danger. Does your body still ache?”

I shook my head and took out the box of tea from my sleeve, handing it to her. “Sister, this is for you.”

Xiao Ruo opened it, sniffed the aroma, and smiled. “Such fine tea—this year’s new crop, isn’t it? How did you come by such a treasure?”

“A consort gifted it to me. I don’t know how to drink tea, so I’m giving it to you.”

“Ah Zhi, you’re so kind to me.” Xiao Ruo hugged me happily. “Having a good sister like you in the palace makes me fearless.”

Hearing her words stirred a twinge of worry. I grasped her hand. “Sister, are you hiding something from me?”

She looked at me innocently. “Ah Zhi, why would I do that? What could I possibly hide from you?”

I said, “You’ve been in the palace a while now; you must have seen the cruelty of this place. Like me, you don’t fight, but you get caught up in troubles and suffer. I only want to warn you to be careful and not act rashly.”

Xiao Ruo replied, “But haven’t you always managed to escape danger?”

“How can I be sure I’ll always be so lucky?”

“Why not? You have the Ninth Prince protecting you.” She put her arm around my shoulders. “I heard about the hunting ground incident. That Ninth Prince really cares for you. In this harem, conflict is unavoidable, but the key is to have a powerful protector. Then, there’s nothing to fear.”

“But—”

“Enough, Ah Zhi. You came all this way to see me; don’t talk like that. Wait here a moment; I have something for you.”

“Okay.”

Xiao Ruo turned to fetch something. I pondered her words—no wonder she was with Jiang Yun. But could that not be a hidden danger?

Did Jiang Yun have the ability to elevate Xiao Ruo, once demoted to palace maid, to his consort? And regardless of whether he could, Gong Wue was no fool either.

Xiao Ruo returned and handed me a fragrant sachet. “I made this myself, for you.”

“Sister, you made this?”

“Yes. Since coming to the Department of Garments, I’ve been learning. Do you like it?”

I looked at it and nodded. “I do. Thank you, sister.”

“As long as you like it. Now, Ah Zhi, I have work to do and can’t keep you longer. Once I finish this task, I’ll find time to visit you.”

“All right.” I stood, hesitating but ultimately not mentioning Jiang Yun. Hopefully, Xiao Ruo understood the situation and would proceed cautiously.

I left the Department of Garments and returned to Cuiwei Palace. Upon entering, Yun Qing closed the door behind me, and I immediately reported to Zhang Bitong what had transpired.

After hearing my report, Zhang Bitong said, “So it seems she already believes this matter?”

I replied, “I expect Lady Tanwei will send someone soon to investigate the prescription.”

“Doesn’t that risk exposing the ruse?”

“No need for concern, my lady. The prescription is genuine, but since it’s a secret formula, not everyone knows about it. As long as the remedy is sound, Lady Tanwei will believe it. For the next few days, please claim illness and avoid visiting Kunning Palace; that will reinforce the belief that you truly are pregnant but keeping it secret.”

“Good. What you say makes sense. Yun Qing, arrange for someone to keep watch near Xiyu Pavilion and see if Lin Tanwei makes any moves.”

“Yes, mistress. I will arrange it.”

Within two days, news came from Yun Qing that Xiao Jing had left the palace briefly and returned with something. Lin Tanwei appeared anxious; seeing Shui Yunqiu’s belly growing, she was desperate for a child, further convinced the remedy was effective.

Since Lin Tanwei was convinced, I had to proceed to the next step.

Because Zhang Bitong wished to deal with Lin Tanwei, it was easier for me to enter and exit Cuiwei Palace. Zhang Bitong also instructed Yun Qing not to involve me in many matters.

That evening, Lin Tanwei, Lady Meng Pingjun, and Zhang Bitong went together to Zhongcui Palace to visit Shui Yunqiu, giving me the chance to act.

I quietly went to Xiyu Pavilion. Having previously scouted the area, I knew there was a dog hole near the kitchen’s backyard. Without hesitation, I slipped inside.

At the kitchen, I secretly placed the medicine I carried into the decoction pot. But that wasn’t enough—I needed to sneak into Lin Tanwei’s room to find the medicine she had collected.

Lin Tanwei wouldn’t leave such a thing in plain sight—it had to be hidden somewhere.

Seeing no one nearby, I quietly entered her chamber, carefully closed the door, and began searching. After a thorough look, I found the medicine she was drinking beneath layers of clothing in a wardrobe.

I unfolded the paper and mixed in my own medicine. None of them knew medicine, so it would not be noticed. If anything went wrong later, I would not be blamed. The original prescription was harmless, and the medicine had been gathered by Lin Tanwei’s own people—nothing to do with me.

After repackaging it, I planned to escape quickly. But just as I reached the door, I heard Lin Tanwei’s voice.

“Xiao Jing, has the medicine finished boiling? Zhang Bitong has been drinking it for over a month and is pregnant. If I take two doses a day, I’ll conceive even faster.”

“Will drinking more be harmful, Your Highness?”

“Didn’t you ask the doctor? This medicine strengthens the body; even drinking more is fine.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then hurry and check on it.”

“Yes, I’m going now.”

Hearing Lin Tanwei’s footsteps approaching, I panicked. If she caught me, all would be lost. I looked around—only under the bed was there a place to hide.

Regardless of how long I might be trapped or whether I would be discovered, I was about to crawl under when suddenly someone grabbed my collar.

Startled, I almost cried out, but my mouth was immediately covered.

Before I could react, the person pulled me into their arms, pushed open the window, and jumped out.

Just as I landed, the door opened.

Lin Tanwei immediately sensed something was wrong. “Who’s there?”

The figure who appeared stood boldly by the window, blocking me from view.

It was none other than Long Zhan.

“Lord Long?”

“I pay respects to Your Highness.”

As he spoke, he subtly gestured for me to step aside.

Long Zhan leapt into the room, and I slipped back. I could have gone straight to the kitchen and escaped through the dog hole, but curiosity held me. I leaned against the wall, not leaving.

“Lord Long, have you come to accept my proposal?” Lin Tanwei asked.

“I wish to, but I am powerless. Serving close to the Emperor, I face many constraints. I ask Your Highness to understand.”

Lin Tanwei sneered. “As commander of the Imperial Guards, I know your power. It’s just finding one man. I believe you have the capability. You helped me sneak into the banquet last time; this should be no different.”

So Lin Tanwei had called upon Long Zhan—no wonder he suddenly appeared. That event was indeed his doing. What was their relationship? Why would Long Zhan assist her?

A wave of disappointment rose in me, and I promptly left through the dog hole.

The palace corridor was empty; I walked alone under the night’s cover.

“Why did you leave without waiting for me?” Long Zhan suddenly blocked my path, startling me.

“Why wait for you? Aren’t you afraid I’ll spoil the good thing between you and Consort Tan?” I said irritably, trying to skirt around him.

“You heard everything and don’t want to ask why?”

“People here claw their way up ruthlessly. I know my place. If it’s not my business, I won’t ask.”

Long Zhan stepped closer and blocked my way with one hand. “Do you think I’m doing this just to advance myself?”

“Isn’t that so?”

Disappointment flickered in his eyes. “I’m already commander of the Imperial Guards. What rank could Lin Tanwei help me gain? And with my strength, why would I need to lean on a harem consort?”

His tone was sharp, and I had no answer to his question.

He lowered his hand. “If you think I’m that kind of person, there’s no point explaining. But I want to warn you—it’s too dangerous to sneak into Xiyu Pavilion so recklessly. Next time, if you must do something, I can help.”

After speaking, he flicked his cloak and strode forward.

Long Zhan was truly not that kind of man. At least, in all the time I’d known him, he never was. After my harsh words, he still warned me to be careful and offered help. I felt ashamed and stepped forward, calling out, “Lord Long!”

He stopped but didn’t turn his head. “What else? It’s late; you should go home soon.”

The more he spoke like that, the more guilty I felt. Before he could leave, I hurried up to him.

“I misunderstood you, Lord Long. I promised last time not to doubt this matter. Today, I was wrong.”

“You believe me again?”

“I was impulsive. Though I don’t understand why you act this way, I think you must have your reasons.”

Long Zhan looked at me steadily and smiled softly. “Don’t you want to know why?”

“If Lord Long wishes to speak, please do. If not, I won’t pry. But Consort Tan is cunning; please be cautious.”

Long Zhan said solemnly, “Now she has need of me.”

“Need of you?”

“Do you know what she asked me to do?”

“I don’t.”

“She asked me to find a reliable man to help her conceive a dragon heir.”

“What?” I was shocked. Lin Tanwei was so bold as to want to bear a child through someone else?

Long Zhan nodded. “You know how many consorts there are in the harem, and the Emperor is diligent in state affairs. He rarely visits the consorts each month. Conceiving is extremely difficult. Everyone wants a prince or princess to secure their position, so they resort to all sorts of means. This is not the first time Consort Tan has done such a thing.”

I nodded. Lin Tanwei was desperate—taking medicine to conceive quickly while asking Long Zhan to find a strong man. This woman was indeed audacious.

I asked, “Did Lord Long agree?”

“This is a serious matter. I have not yet agreed. Xiao Shao, what do you think?”

“I hope you won’t agree. If this is exposed, you’ll be trapped. It’s too risky. Or perhaps you have some difficulty you can’t speak of.”

Long Zhan hesitated, then said, “At first, I refused. But seeing you sneak into her room today, I know you intend to oppose her. It’s not easy for you to bring her down. If I agree to her request, it will be done.”

I was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“In this harem, adultery is a capital crime. The Emperor will never tolerate his women having affairs. You understand this, right?”

I nodded. I had considered this plan but lacked the ability to execute it—no means to bring a man into Lin Tanwei’s trap. And I hadn’t expected Lin Tanwei to be so brazen. This was a matter of life and death.

I said, “Lord Long, I cannot let you take such risks for me.”

“Do you know I have no choice but to take this risk?”

“I don’t understand.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Long Zhan said, “Well, there’s something I won’t hide from you.”

I waited for him to continue.

“Do you remember once, by the lake, we met a palace maid?”

I thought carefully and nodded. “That was Consort Tan?”

That was when Lin Tanwei had been demoted to palace laundress.

Long Zhan nodded. “She threatened me with that, so I agreed to help her sneak into the banquet.”

“Is she threatening you again with this matter?”

He nodded.

I was confused. “There’s nothing shameful between you and me. Why fear her threats?”

Long Zhan paused, glanced at me, then said, “The harem is dangerous. Since I vowed to protect you, I must consider your safety in every way.”

I was touched and even more apologetic. “Lord Long, I misunderstood your kindness. But please, do not risk yourself for me again. I will handle this myself.”

“Only by eliminating the source can future troubles end. If you can’t be ruthless, I will do it for you.”

“Lord Long—”

Before I could finish, he interrupted, grasping my shoulders. “Protecting the ruler is like taming a tiger. I have survived all these years; what’s one consort? Trust me and return quickly.”

I had forgotten that Long Zhan was a man of decisive action—wasn’t that the impression I had the first time we met?

Slowly, I could only say one word: “Very well.”