Finally arriving at Biyun Pavilion, Mei Liang was quietly amazed. Though it wasn't as grand or beautiful as Xian Guifei's Yunhua Palace, it was surrounded by tall trees that filled the air with a refreshing scent. The breeze was cool and soothing—especially welcome in the sweltering summer heat.
She quickly regained her composure and turned to the maidservant who had shown them the way.
"You may leave now," Mei Liang said.
Cuìyù stepped forward and slipped a small pouch of coins into the maid's hand. The servant blinked in surprise, her smile blooming wide. She hadn't expected to be rewarded—especially not by a low-ranking concubine—for something as simple as guiding the way. She bowed deeply and left, her face still beaming with gratitude.
Cuìyù then walked closer to Mei Liang. "Mistress, why did you reward that servant? We don't have much money left."
"The heart of a servant can be bought with just a little silver," Mei Liang replied. "You never know when we might need her help. It's better to be prepared."
Cuìyù pondered her mistress's words and nodded. She wasn't wrong.
Lánxīn, on the other hand, paid no mind to such things. She rushed ahead into Biyun Pavilion, shouting, "Mistress! Come quickly and see! It's so beautiful!"
"This girl…" Cuìyù sighed, following behind. "When will she ever grow up? How can she take care of our mistress acting like this?"
Though she scolded her, even Cuìyù's eyes sparkled with joy and anticipation.
Watching them, Mei Liang couldn't help but recall her past life. Her personal maid had likely been killed—by the emperor, or perhaps by Xian Guifei. Even when she was favored by the emperor, he had never allowed her to live in Biyun Pavilion. She had pleaded with him, faked illness, acted coy—none of it worked.
They used to say she and Xian Guifei were the most favored. But Mei Liang knew better. To the emperor, she was a mere toy—something to enjoy when the mood struck and discard when it didn't.
This time, she would never let herself fall in love with him again.
Meanwhile, in the chilly corridors of Changqing Hall, not a word was spoken. Eunuch Zhao and Eunuch Guo stood stiffly, their faces pale, afraid to draw the emperor's wrath.
"You two, leave," Emperor Xiang Longwei commanded. "Make sure no one enters."
The eunuchs bowed and exited swiftly, glancing once more at the strange old woman standing before the emperor. The door shut behind them with a quiet thud.
Outside, Eunuch Guo couldn't contain his curiosity. He leaned in and whispered to Eunuch Zhao, "Who do you think she is? That old woman has been hidden away in the Summer Palace for three years… She's the only one who can make His Majesty this angry."
"I've never seen the Emperor so furious… not since three years ago, when that woman was killed by Consort Xian," Eunuch Guo whispered. "What do you think her relationship with His Majesty is?"
Hearing him mention that woman, Eunuch Zhao's expression changed instantly. He grabbed Eunuch Guo's mouth and hissed, "Are you insane? How dare you speak of her—let alone guess His Majesty's thoughts? That name is forbidden in the palace! Do you want to lose your head? Say one more word, and I'll report you to the Emperor myself."
"I was just curious," Eunuch Guo mumbled, now pale. "Of course I want to live…"
He fell silent immediately, worried someone else might overhear them.
Meanwhile, inside the grand yet cold hall, Emperor Xiang Longwei's eyes were filled with a frightening madness. He stood before the strange old woman, his hand gripping her neck tightly.
"Why hasn't she returned yet? It's already been three years," Emperor Xiang Longwei said coldly to the old woman.
"You dare play tricks before this emperor?" he growled.
The old woman gasped, her face turning blue as she struggled for air. In desperation, she croaked, "Don't forget… I'm the only one who can do anything about her!"
At those words, Emperor Xiang Longwei slowly loosened his grip. The old woman collapsed to the floor, clutching her throat and gulping down air. Her eyes trembled with terror as she looked up at the emperor.
"Please… give me a little more time," she begged hoarsely.
"It's been three years already," the emperor snapped. "If I don't see progress the next time we meet, your head will roll—not theirs."
The old woman shivered, unable to tear her gaze away from his deep red eyes—eyes that had once been black.
Outside Changqing Hall, Noble Consort Xian approached, her long sleeves fluttering in the breeze. She paused when she saw the two eunuchs standing by the entrance, alone.
Why are neither of them inside with the Emperor?
Her eyes narrowed as she walked closer. "Why are Eunuch Zhao and Eunuch Guo standing outside instead of attending His Majesty?"
Both eunuchs quickly bowed and paid their respects.
Eunuch Guo resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Does she think we'd dare disobey the emperor's command? Would he need our permission to send us out? He's not someone weak enough to be bullied by two powerless eunuchs.
Eunuch Zhao, keeping a calm face, answered respectfully, "Replying to Noble Consort Xian—His Majesty is handling important court matters. He asked us to stand guard outside."
"All right then," Xian Guifei said with a graceful smile. "Go inform His Majesty that I've personally prepared his favorite—Sea Cucumber and Bamboo Pith Soup."
Behind her, her maidservants held a covered tray, their expressions haughty as they glanced at the two eunuchs standing guard.
"I'm sorry, Noble Consort Xian," Eunuch Guo said, bowing politely. "His Majesty is in a bad mood and doesn't wish to see anyone right now. Please, don't make things difficult for this servant."
At that, Hóng'è, one of Xian Guifei's personal maidservants, stepped forward and snapped arrogantly, "How dare you block the way of my mistress? Just because you're the chief and deputy chief eunuchs, don't think you can do whatever you like! Are you not going to report this to the Emperor?"
Inside the hall, Emperor Xiang Longwei's headache intensified as he heard the voice outside. His expression darkened further, and his eyes—already bloodshot with fury—shifted from deep red to a faint, unnatural purple.
The old woman on the floor trembled, instinctively backing away as she sensed the shift in his mood.
The Emperor's voice rang out like thunder: "Didn't I tell Chief Eunuch Zhao that no one was to disturb Zhen? Send whoever it is away. And that mouthy one who dared to speak just now—flog her twenty times with a wooden board!"
Outside, Hóng'è froze. Cold sweat soaked her back as the Emperor's words echoed through the courtyard. Her legs trembled. Just as she turned to beg for mercy from the Emperor—or at least from her mistress—Xian Guifei struck first.
Slap!
A loud, resounding slap landed across Hóng'è's cheek.
"Who gave you permission to speak on your own?" Xian Guifei snapped. "You dared to spout nonsense in front of His Majesty? I've tolerated your insolence for too long!"
She spoke loud enough for the Emperor to hear, hoping it would calm his fury. But even after her outburst, the Emperor remained silent. That silence only confirmed what she feared—his anger was no longer something she could soothe with a few soft words.
Knowing she'd overstepped, Xian Guifei didn't dare plead for mercy. She gave a low bow, turned around, and left with the rest of her maidservants, her face composed, but her heart full of unease.
A moment later, another eunuch arrived. Without delay, he grabbed the now-crying Hóng'è, who screamed and struggled, but was quickly dragged away for punishment.
Coming Soon Chapter 23 will be released tomorrow at 4:25 PM by this time tomorrow!"