121 The Jealous Type

I followed Liu Yunmeng for a while until we reached a pavilion, where she stopped and asked, "Xiao Xiaozi, do you have something to discuss with me?"

Liu Yunmeng was both gentle and perceptive; just by glancing at her a few times, she already sensed I had matters to bring up.

I first said to Liu Yunmeng, "I have not yet had the chance to properly thank Your Highness for what happened last time. If it weren’t for you teaching Princess Xi He how to speak after she woke up, I fear I would not have survived."

"So Xi He has already told you about it. I acted on someone else’s request, and besides, since you usually treat Xi He well, I never believed you would harm her. Though Xi He may be young, she is not naive in dealing with people. Since she likes you, you cannot be a bad person."

"I am deeply honored by Your Highness’s kindness. I am incompetent and failed to protect the princess properly; please punish me."

"Enough. That matter is in the past. Since Xi He has forgiven, I will say no more. But your visit today is not merely to express gratitude, is it?"

I nodded. "Your Highness, I wish for you to summon someone to the palace."

"You mean my brother?"

I was slightly taken aback; I hadn’t expected Liu Yunmeng to guess so quickly.

She smiled softly. "When you handed me Lady Lan's letter last time, I already suspected something. I have also noticed the matter between her and Yun He. Is it Lady Lan’s idea for you to come here?"

I replied, "Your Highness, Master Liu and Lady Lan are mutually affectionate and willing. They have not seen each other for several months now. I wish for them to meet in Your Highness’s Zimeng Hall. Since Master Liu is your brother, and Lady Lan often visits her sisters, this would not arouse suspicion. Of course, the decision rests with Your Highness."

"I also hope for their happiness. I cannot bear to see my brother suffer from lovesickness, nor Lady Lan weep so bitterly. Yet, I have pondered long without finding a solution. Should their affair be discovered, it could mean death—or worse, the extermination of their entire clans."

"I understand Your Highness’s concerns, but one must try. If all efforts fail, then we shall accept it without regret. The most important thing now is for them to meet. If they can reach a decision, Your Highness will no longer have to worry."

"Then let them meet. If they must part, it is only right they see each other one last time."

"Thank you, Your Highness. Master Liu has not visited Princess Xi He for a long time either. Hasn’t her kite been broken? Princess Xi He has been insisting on flying a kite."

"Yes, I will send someone to call Yun He. Once the time is set, I will inform you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Liu Yunmeng returned to the palace, and I had barely taken a few steps when I ran into Xiao Ruo.

"Sister, your servant greets Your Highness," I said, surprised to meet her here.

"I was just following you, but seeing you talking with Sister Meng, I waited here. No need for formalities between us sisters—why would you need to greet Your Highness?"

Xiao Ruo explained kindly. Judging by where she stood, she likely hadn’t overheard my conversation with Liu Yunmeng.

"Now you are the mistress, and I am still a servant. It would look bad if others saw us like this. From now on, address me as Your Highness. If you want to see me, why not send someone to call me instead of troubling yourself to come?"

"That’s no trouble at all. By the way, how did you happen to meet Sister Meng?"

I fabricated a small lie. "It was about Princess Xi He’s affairs. I asked about her recent condition, and Sister Meng said if I had business, I should go to Zimeng Hall to keep her company."

"After what happened last time, Sister Meng still entrusts Princess Xi He to you. She must be a person of great understanding," Xiao Ruo said.

I pressed my lips silently.

Xiao Ruo glanced at me and asked, "Azhi, do you blame me?"

Her tone and expression were full of remorse. No wonder she waited here in person for me.

I smiled faintly. "How could your servant blame Your Highness?"

"Because I didn’t tell you anything and quietly became the Emperor’s concubine again."

I said, "That is the path Your Highness chose yourself. Your brilliance last night astounded everyone; your servant could never blame you."

"Azhi, you clearly do blame me. I was afraid, quietly sewing that garment alone, telling no one. During that time, my aunt thought I was shirking work and beat me several times. Azhi, please understand. I truly do not want to live that life anymore. I want to return home gloriously to see my parents—I cannot let them know I am merely a palace maid here. Besides, Azhi, you have suffered much all along. I was ashamed to trouble you."

Hearing Xiao Ruo grow tearful, I understood. Indeed, I was somewhat upset she hadn’t told me beforehand. But she had kept far more from me. Who in the palace could protect another? I myself was in no better position. If Xiao Ruo knew what she was doing and had the strength to proceed, why should I blame her? This was her own path. Just as I, too, have kept many things from her without worrying whether she would resent me.

With that thought, I was at peace. "Sister, Azhi does not blame you. But having seen the palace intrigues, where no favor lasts forever, I only worry about your safety. Once you climb to that position, the conflicts will never cease. You must be careful."

Xiao Ruo finally shed tears and took my hand. "Azhi, since you still call me sister, I know you do not blame me. I will be careful—more than careful. Once I gain the Emperor’s favor, I can protect you as well. Why don’t you come to my palace?"

"Please don’t, sister. If we are not too close, no one will suspect. If we grow close, others will become suspicious. We cannot risk it, lest we both be accused of treason. Your care is enough. I will guard myself well, and you must do the same."

Xiao Ruo nodded. "Alright, I’ll listen to you. But come with me now. The Emperor has bestowed many gifts—I want to share them with you. If you want anything, I’ll give it. You are my only family in this palace; we must support each other."

"Sister, actually—"

Before I could finish, a loud voice called out, "Xiao Xiaozi!"

I turned to see Ping’er a short distance away, her little face puffed with anger.

Both Xiao Ruo and I quickly withdrew our hands. Ping’er glared at Xiao Ruo, then grumbled at me, "Xiao Xiaozi, Consort Tong has been looking for you for a long time. Why are you still here? She isn’t someone you can approach casually now—she’s Your Highness. If the mistress and servant get too close, wouldn’t you be afraid of being implicated?"

Ping’er seemed jealous, which left me helpless.

I whispered to Xiao Ruo, "I will find a chance to see you."

Xiao Ruo nodded.

"I’ll take my leave."

"Go ahead."

I hurried to Ping’er’s side and walked a few steps with her before she stopped and questioned, "Xiao Xiaozi, have you not been to the prison for days? Has your backbone softened?"

"What do you mean, Sister Ping’er?"

"She is now a noble consort, and you two holding hands like that—if others see, you both could die."

In the moment’s excitement, I had forgotten my manners. I quickly smiled and said, "Didn’t Sister Ping’er just see? I won’t do it again."

"What’s the point of seeing? I’m going to report you."

"If you wanted to report us, you wouldn’t have lied that Your Highness was looking for me."

"Cheeky."

I couldn’t help but smile.

"What’s your relationship with her? Is she clinging to you? That woman looks cunning and no good. Tell me, is she asking for your help?"

"Sister Ping’er, I’m just a servant. She is the mistress. Why would she ask me? We just happened to meet; she recalled her hardships, and I comforted her a little. We are both servants; we should understand her feelings."

Ping’er pouted in dissatisfaction. "What memories? Isn’t she quite proud now? Even if she remembers, why hold your hand? Xiao Xiaozi, did you reach out first? You can’t have any other thoughts. She is Your Highness now. Besides, I won’t allow you to have feelings."

I pleaded, "Sister Ping’er, you’ve misunderstood. I promise there won’t be a next time. I’m just a servant—how could I have feelings for the mistress? Please forgive me for today."

"Are you lying?"

I swore, "I swear it, Sister Ping’er. Don’t you believe me?"

"Alright, alright. Just stay away from her. Take good care of yourself—you keep getting into trouble every now and then."

"Yes, I will remember your advice."

"By the way, the Ninth Prince came to see me last time. I only then realized you still treasured the silk I gave you!"

Ping’er said this shyly.

"I wouldn’t dare throw away anything Sister Ping’er gave me."

"But now that the Ninth Prince knows, will he think anything of us?"

I hurriedly said, "Don’t worry, Sister Ping’er. The Ninth Prince has saved me several times. He is trustworthy. If you trust me, then trust the Ninth Prince as well."

"Mm." Ping’er nodded firmly. "If you say he’s trustworthy, then he is. I knew he was a good person when he saved you."

Whether he’s truly good or not, I only know that Jiang Xuan has never treated me badly.

"Well, I won’t keep you. I’m going back now. You should return to the palace too."

"Yes, I’ll see you off, Sister Ping’er."