Extraordinary people employ extraordinary means.

Of course, I am not so fortunate. I hadn’t returned from the Palace of Earthly Tranquility having rendered some grand service, so Zhang Jieyu had no reason to treat me with particular kindness. I was carried to the gates of Cuiwei Palace by two guards, who simply released me and left. It was Little Luzi and Hongxiu who helped me inside. Naturally, I could not retire to rest immediately; instead, I was taken straight to Zhang Jieyu’s chambers.

I could only remain sprawled on the floor; that posture, at least, was somewhat less agonizing.

At this moment, even if I did not wish to cry, I had to, if only to elicit some small measure of sympathy—if not from everyone, then at least from Yunqing.

Zhang Jieyu had barely asked what had happened when I recounted, tearfully, all that transpired in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Of course, I omitted the part where the Empress attempted to win me over.

When I had finished, Zhang Jieyu asked, “Did she say anything about me?”

I shook my head.

Now was truly the perfect time to embellish, to fuel Zhang Jieyu’s anger toward the Empress. But I dared not. If I spoke out of turn now, Zhang Jieyu might not mind, but Yunqing certainly would. Her attitude toward me had been relatively good; if she decided I was a mindless servant prone to gossip and sowing discord, she would never look at me kindly again.

Yunqing had taught me early on: no matter what I know, I must not speak out. Matters of the masters are for the masters; servants must know their place.

“Even if she didn’t say anything openly, bullying the people of my palace is nothing less than a slap in my face!” Zhang Jieyu said, her anger rising.

“I fear that is precisely her intent, Your Grace. You must be cautious. But since the Grand Empress Dowager has intervened, I doubt the Empress will dare make further trouble. This child is truly pitiful, just arrived at Cuiwei Palace and already suffering such misfortune. Your Grace is kind-hearted; permit him to rest for a few days?”

Zhang Jieyu glanced at me and nodded. “Give him some ointment. It is only because he belongs to my palace that the Empress set her sights on him.”

Noticing that Zhang Jieyu’s attitude toward me had improved, I realized that the Empress’s commotion had brought me an unexpected benefit—it dispelled Zhang Jieyu’s suspicions of me. With Yunqing’s sympathy and her words on my behalf before Zhang Jieyu, I might yet remain in Cuiwei Palace.

If I could help Zhang Jieyu regain imperial favor, she would surely trust me even more.

Empress, I bear you no grudge, but since you have treated me thus, do not blame me for a little retaliation.

Since Zhang Jieyu had given instructions, Yunqing gave me the finest ointment available. After two days in bed, I was able to walk again.

With me bedridden, Little Luzi had to take care of all my tasks. Sharing a room with me, he snorted and glared each time he saw me, thoroughly displeased.

Privately, I heard from Hongxiu that the maidens would enter the palace at the hour of the dragon tomorrow. Those chosen by the Emperor would attend the evening banquet, and all the palace mistresses would be present.

It was an excellent opportunity.

I would see that Zhang Jieyu shone at tomorrow’s banquet.

When I rose and walked into the courtyard, I saw Zhang Jieyu poring over her wardrobe, fretting, “What should I wear? I cannot let those new girls laugh at me.”

“Your Grace is beautiful; anything you wear will look splendid,” Yunqing said from beside her.

“You always know how to please me,” Zhang Jieyu replied, suddenly plopping down with a sigh. “What use is it to look good? The Emperor hasn’t visited Cuiwei Palace for a month. Once those newcomers arrive, he’ll be dazzled and pay me no mind.”

“Your Grace worries too much,” I interjected, kneeling before her chamber door. “Forgive me for speaking out of turn.”

“You recover quickly. But I need no comfort from you.”

I replied, “I promised Your Grace I would help you regain the Emperor’s favor. Now is the time for me to fulfill that promise.”

Zhang Jieyu perked up at once. “Do you truly have a way? Rise, come in and speak.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

I entered and asked, “I have heard that years ago, Your Grace won the Emperor’s heart with a dance. Is that true?”

Zhang Jieyu replied, “Indeed, but that was so many years ago. The Emperor has surely forgotten. Besides, I am older now and cannot dance as I once did.”

“Your Grace possesses a new charm now. If I may be so bold, I suggest you practice that dance again while there is time. Leave the rest to me.”

“Just practice the dance?”

“Yes.”

“Very well, I shall go practice now. But, Xiao Xiaozi, if I do not succeed, do you know what awaits you?”

“If I fail, I am willing to accept any punishment.”

“Remember, you said it yourself.”

Eagerly, Zhang Jieyu hurried off to practice her dance. I then turned to Yunqing. “Aunt Yunqing, I have a favor to ask.”

“Speak.”

I leaned in and explained everything to her.

After listening, Yunqing said, “Will this plan work? The mistress…”

“Rest assured, Aunt. I have my ways.”

“Very well, I will trust you this time. Let us hope our mistress regains favor.”

All of this depended on the help of one person.

I pleaded with Hongxiu for some time, convincing her to prepare a few fine dishes for me. Carrying the food box, I went in search of the one I needed.

Long Zhan!

After inquiring with several guards, I finally discovered where Long Zhan lived. Fortunately, being a eunuch, I could enter such places without concern.

When I arrived, Long Zhan had not yet gone on duty. Entering the courtyard, I found him dressed in a white inner robe and black boots, practicing his martial arts.

He suddenly spun around and, swift as lightning, punched toward me. A strong gust accompanied his fist; I blinked, feeling a cool breeze brush my cheek.

“You didn’t even flinch?” Long Zhan withdrew his fist and straightened up.

“I bear no grudge against you, Master Long. You would not strike me without cause.”

Long Zhan picked up a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow. “What brings you here?”

“To repay a favor.”

“What favor?”

“The favor from two days ago, when you had me sent back to Cuiwei Palace.”

“That was my subordinates, not me. If you wish to repay someone, find them.”

“But it was your order. Without you, they would not have done it.”

Long Zhan glanced at my food box, walked over, and with a flick of his finger, opened the lid. “Is this for me?”

I nodded. “I brought it specially for Master Long.”

Long Zhan snapped the lid shut and replied, “No need.”

He turned to head inside.

I hurried after him, saying, “I am here to ask a favor.”

“My duty is to protect the Emperor. Anything else is none of my concern.”

“This matter concerns the Emperor.”

Long Zhan halted and turned. “What is it?”

“I hope Master Long will help my mistress. She is the Emperor’s concubine; surely that relates to him?”

“Don’t make me draw my sword to chase you away.”

That was Long Zhan’s answer, and he began to remove his inner robe. I would have turned away, but as a eunuch, it hardly mattered; so I watched openly.

Long Zhan’s upper body was unlike Jiang Xuan’s fair skin. His was muscular and bronzed, covered in scars large and small. For one so young, he had clearly survived many battles. No wonder he led the Imperial Guard.

He finished dressing, donning his crimson official robe.

He grabbed his sword and moved to leave, but I blocked his path. “Master Long, please help me.”

“Do you really want me to draw my sword?”

“Please, Master Long, understand my sincerity. I cannot bear to see my mistress despair day after day, obsessed with whether she has the Emperor’s favor. Tomorrow the maidens enter the palace; it will be her last chance. If she cannot win the Emperor’s heart, she will lose hope entirely. As her servant, I must do what I can. Please, Master Long, grant me this. If you refuse, I shall kneel here and will not rise.”

“Kneel if you wish.”

With that, Long Zhan pushed open the door and strode out. His second leg had not yet crossed the threshold when I grabbed it.

Startled, Long Zhan looked down at me. I clung tightly to his leg, saying, “Please, Master Long, help me. Unless you sever my hands, you’ll have to drag me away. My wounds are not yet healed; a few rounds of dragging will cripple me, and then I won’t be able to serve my mistress—at least she won’t blame me.”

Long Zhan tried to shake me loose, but I held fast. He tugged again, but I remained attached, moving with his leg.

After a moment’s stalemate, Long Zhan sighed and looked at me. “Very well, what do you want me to do?”