There is more to this than meets the eye

I watched Han Feiyue until the red-clad figure completely vanished from my sight. When I turned around, I saw a silhouette standing atop the city tower. The cloak rustled sharply in the wind, and the figure stood unwavering and resolute.

It was Long Zhan!

At last, he had come to see Han Feiyue off. Unfortunately, she never caught sight of him and left the palace with lingering regrets.

As I strode forward, Long Zhan descended from the tower. We met along the long, empty palace path.

“Lord Long,” I greeted him with a bow.

“Hm, you came to see her off?”

“Yes, Lord Long, you came as well. But she has already left.”

“I know.”

“But she didn’t know you came to see her off.”

“She didn’t need to. It would have only added unnecessary worry.”

I remained silent, then glanced once more toward the palace gate. Just a wall apart—on one side, a cage; on the other, freedom.

I turned back to Long Zhan and asked, “Did you know beforehand about Miss Feiyue’s decision that day?”

“I suspected it to some extent.”

“Then why didn’t you stop her? If it hadn’t ended this way, wouldn’t it have been my fault for dragging Miss Feiyue into this?”

“It was a difficult weighing of options. When Feiyue expressed her intention, I did want to prevent it. But then I realized that her choice was a desperate move to force the issue. Both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor cared deeply for her; they wouldn’t let her die. Besides, you were hanging by a thread at the time. Without the truth coming out, your life would also be at risk. Considering all this, I let Feiyue take this extreme gamble.”

“And if she had failed? That would have meant two lives lost,” I said anxiously, recalling the terrifying consequences afterward.

“If one is always timid and cowardly, more lives would be lost. If you, Xiaozi, were in my place or Miss Feiyue’s, what would you do?”

Long Zhan’s question left me momentarily stunned. Reflecting privately, I thought that risking it all to win was not entirely unreasonable.

“Your courage and Miss Feiyue’s bravery command my respect,” I admitted.

“If you say that, it means you approve of our actions. Since you have such courage yourself, why admire Feiyue and me?”

I was taken aback for a moment, then replied, “Lord Long, are you here today just to silence me? Every word you say leaves me no room to argue.”

Long Zhan’s lips curved into a slight smile. “How could my words compare to yours? I was just speaking honestly. Anyway, how is your injury now? Because of the incident at Huayang Palace, the Emperor ordered increased security. We’ve been busy and haven’t had time to visit you.”

I opened my hand for Long Zhan to see. “Rest assured, Lord Long. The wound has scabbed over and no longer hurts. I’m not sure if the nail will grow back, but as long as it doesn’t pain me, I’ll be content to work well.”

“I didn’t bring everything I intended today. If you have time now, come with me. I had someone bring some tonic into the palace for you to help with your recovery.”

“No need, I’m already much better.” In truth, although I had been taking medicine as usual in Jiang Xuan Palace, Jialin had prepared various tonics for me, hoping for my swift recovery.

“Must you be so polite with me? The tonic is here, so do I throw it away?”

“Your servant—”

“If now is inconvenient, I will arrange to have it delivered when the guard shifts tonight.”

“Then your servant will follow Lord Long to collect it.” If I had to accept it, I’d rather go with Long Zhan to retrieve it. If it were delivered personally to Cuiwei Palace, it wouldn’t be discreet.

I followed Long Zhan to his residence and entered with him. He handed me a box and cautioned, “Remember to take it on time. You’ve been in Cuiwei Palace a while; surely you can find a way to sneak these tonics inside.”

I smiled. “I have some skill in that. There aren’t many servants in Cuiwei Palace, and with my injury, I haven’t been tasked with much lately.”

“That’s good.”

After leaving the residence, I began to return to Cuiwei Palace but halfway encountered A Di. She gasped for breath and said, “Xiaozi, I finally found you.”

“Miss A Di, do you need me for something?”

“The young mistress is looking for you. She sent me to find you at Cuiwei Palace, but I waited outside for a long time without seeing you. Later, Miss Lanyan told me you had gone to see the Crown Princess, your lady. I was just about to hurry there to call you!”

“Your young mistress has business with me?”

“I don’t know what. If you have time now, come with me. The young mistress seems to have something urgent.”

I considered briefly. “In that case, I will go with you.”

“Good!”

I followed A Di to Nanxun Hall. Upon entering, I immediately bowed to Xiao Ruo. “Your servant pays respects to Your Highness.”

“Xiaozi, get up quickly.” Ruo’s face showed a flicker of joy but she quickly composed herself and said sharply to A Di, “A Di, I’m a bit hungry. Go make some Hundred-Flower Cake for me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After A Di left, she closed the door behind her.

“Azhi, how is your health now? Let me see quickly!” Ruo came over, inspecting me thoroughly.

“Your Highness, I am fine now.”

“Azhi, I’m sorry you suffered.” Ruo took my hand and noticed my two bandaged fingers. She brought them close, gently blew on them, and asked, “Do they still hurt? It pains me just to look at them. Our fingers are connected by heart—does it hurt much?”

Seeing Ruo’s tears, I hurriedly comforted her. “Sister, look at you, why are you crying again? I am just a servant. How can you cry for a servant? I’m fine now. It hurt briefly then, but no longer.”

“Nonsense. Even when I was hit by the master’s board, my hand hurt badly—let alone you now. It’s my fault for being useless, unable to climb up. If I had a higher position, I would surely speak up for you.”

“Your Highness need not blame herself. Even if you were now the Noble Consort, my fate would be the same. This matter was critical, and even the Empress Dowager couldn’t fully protect Miss Feiyue. Now that we have saved a life, I am satisfied.”

Ruo wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. “Enough of these unhappy things. Azhi, you must take good care of yourself. If one day I rise to a high rank, we will enjoy happiness together. Then I can even bring our parents into the palace to reunite, right?”

I smiled faintly but said nothing more. What Ruo cared about was not what I sought.

I paused, then asked, “Your Highness, how is your relationship with the Emperor lately? I heard recently that you seem—”

Ruo covered her lips with a handkerchief and sat down. “I’ve tried my best, but it’s been ineffective. But Azhi, don’t worry—I won’t give up. I worked hard to reach this position and will keep striving higher.”

I responded softly but said no more. Repeating such words dulls their meaning. Ruo has been in the harem for some time; she must have sensed the coldness and cruelty in the palace’s intrigues. Many things cannot be changed by others’ persuasion. In my heart, I only wish for Ruo’s safety.

As we talked, voices came from outside—Lin Taiwei’s voice, sharp and biting.

“This Sister Ruo is truly a noble lady. Now that she is the Emperor’s consort, she never leaves the house. Even in broad daylight, the doors stay shut. Those who know say it’s proper decorum; those who don’t might think she’s hiding some shameful secret!”

Lin Tanwei’s words were harsh and unpleasant to hear.

“Your Highness,” I whispered to Ruo.

She signaled me to keep quiet and said, “Now that she calls me by name, it would be improper if I don’t respond. Stay inside. You just escaped; if they see you here, it will be very dangerous. I will go out to deal with them. Tanpin likely won’t stay long. Once they leave, you can come out.”

Ruo’s consideration was prudent; I nodded in agreement.

I stood by the wall and watched through the window as Ruo opened the door and stepped out.

She bowed gracefully before Meng Pingjun and Lin Tanwei. “Sister Tan, Sister Jun, I am merely resting in the palace. I did not expect your visit. Please forgive my lack of hospitality.”

Lin Tanwei smiled. “I was only speaking casually. It seems I disturbed your rest.”

“Not at all. Would you like to come inside?”

“No need. I came to catch up with Sister Jun only. If you are tired, please continue to rest. Ah, you’re not tired, just idle, right? Although the Emperor often visits Nanxun Hall, he hasn’t been to your room in a long time, has he? No wonder you rest here during such a fine time. Sister, you are truly fortunate, and I envy you greatly! Don’t you agree, Sister Jun?”

Meng Pingjun smiled gently. “You flatter me. We all serve the Emperor. If Sister is young, beautiful, talented, and well-read, perhaps one day the Emperor will visit you again.”

“Sister Jun is eloquent. I wish you soon regain the Emperor’s favor.”

“Thank you both, Sisters.”

At that moment, a eunuch quietly spoke to Xiao Jing, who immediately approached Lin Tanwei and whispered something in her ear. Upon hearing it, Lin Tanwei said to Meng Pingjun and Ruo, “I have some matters to attend to in the palace. I will take my leave.”

“We escort you, Sister,” they both bowed.

After Lin Tanwei and Xiao Jing left, I bid farewell to Ruo and prepared to return to Cuiwei Palace.

I originally planned not to pass by Xiyu Pavilion, but seeing Xiao Jing and Lin Tanwei acting furtively, I detoured that way.

As I approached, I soon saw someone leaving Xiyu Pavilion. Looking closely, it was an imperial physician from the Imperial Medical Institute—someone I had seen once before.

What secret business did Lin Tanwei have with this physician, meeting so mysteriously?