The morning air carried a faint smell of flowers in blossom through the Xu house. Ruyi sat by her dressing mirror while Xiao Lan repositioned her hairpin.
"Imperial Noble Consort Yao has invited you for tea, Miss Ruyi," Xiao Lan said with enthusiasm.
Ruyi smiled lightly. "An honor indeed."
With that, she rose gracefully and straightened the edges of her robes before heading out. But just as she stepped out of the gate, her gaze landed on a familiar figure: Liu Yi.
He was leaning casually against the wall, his sword resting on his hips, giving the impression that had been waiting for her all morning. The glint in his eyes showed he was here with a purpose.
"What's he doing here?" Xiao Lan asked.
"None of our business, let's go." Ruyi replied. Without sparing him another glance, they headed towards their carriage, acting as if they hadn't even noticed his presence—until Liu Yi called her name.
"Miss Xu," he called, bowing slightly, "His Highness has sent a carriage to convey you to the palace."
Ruyi paused. "Oh?" she said, turning to face him. "Go back and tell him—I don't agree," she pronounced the words deliberately, leaving no room for misinterpretation, then turned towards her carriage, Xiao Lan trailing after her.
"Miss Xu, please wait a moment," Liu Yi pleaded, blocking her path.
"Move aside," she commanded Coolly.
"I won't take much of your time; I just want to have a word with you," Liu Yi persisted.
Ruyi sighed in frustration, then finally gave in. "Alright, you have two minutes."
Liu Yi nodded and led the way towards the carriage sent by Sun Jingxuan.
On getting inside, Liu Yi reached into his robes and pulled out a pouch, extending it to Ruyi. "His Highness expects your cooperation."
"Really?" She said unconvinced, accepting the pouch. "What does he mean by this?" she asked.
"He hopes that you accept this as a token of goodwill," Liu Yi answered.
Ruyi opened the pouch and grinned. Liu Yi pulled out a jade hairpin out of his inner robe and held it out to her. "His Highness also asked me to give you this."
She picked up the hairpin, her fingers tracing its elegant surface. the jade hairpin gleamed beneath her touch, and one could tell it was a rare item. Admiring the exquisite craftsmanship, she gave a subtle nod of approval.
"How lovely, it's really beautiful, but it's a pity—I don't like it." Calmly, she returned the pouch of money and hairpin back to Liu Yi. "Tell his Highness, I can't be bought."
With that, she got off the carriage and started to walk away, but Liu Yi blocked her part once more.
"Please wait a moment."
"What do you want this time?" she asked.
"Please let me take you to the palace, at the very least," Liu Yi offered.
"It's not necessary; I'll find my way," Ruyi replied and continued to walk towards her carriage.
She had just reached the door when a harsh, metallic sound came from the carriage.
Liu Yi had drawn his sword, slamming it against the carriage and rendering it useless.
"Are you crazy?" Ruyi snapped, her voice venomous.
Liu Yi sheathed his sword and bowed his head in apology. "Forgive me, Miss Xu; this is the only option I have. I'll make it up to you, you have my word."
He gestured towards the waiting carriage. "Please."
Ruyi suddenly broke into a sinister grin, "Alright, I'll go… but on one condition."
"Miss Ruyi, what are you trying to do?" Xiao Lan whispered curiously into her ears.
"Don't worry, I'll just teach him a lesson," Ruyi replied.
"Tell me your condition," Liu Yi said firmly.
"If you want me to take the carriage, then you must be the one to ride it. What do you think?" Ruyi asked.
"Isn't that going too far, Miss Ruyi? What will people think of you?" Xiao Lan remarked.
"I don't care," she responded.
Liu Yi observed her for a moment before agreeing. "Alright." He signaled the coachman to get down while he took the reins himself. "Shall we?"
Ruyi was impressed by his resolve and was assisted into the carriage by Xiao Lan, who then climbed in after her.
Liu Yi confidently rode the carriage towards the palace, the trotting of the horse echoing along the way.
Ruyi remained silent throughout the ride; all she could think about was why the Imperial Noble Consort had sent for her. The thought of standing before her—the same woman who had sentenced her to be buried alive, who never cared to do a proper investigation—she couldn't help but wonder if she had also been involved in the schemes. What's more, why was she interested in her, of all people?
The carriage came to a halt, and Liu Yi pulled up the curtain. "We've arrived."
Ruyi exited the carriage with an air of grace and walked in like a queen in exile who was back to reclaim her throne—unbreakable, rebellious and tactical. Lifting her chin, she let a small, unrealistic smile play on her lip, a sign of her self-awareness.
Today, she was merely a guest invited for tea; the day would come when they would kneel before her, powerless, just like she had once been. She would take what she deserved and ruin everything they hold worthwhile.
The head attendant stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Miss Ruyi, Her Grace is waiting; please follow me."
Ruyi bowed and followed, Xiao Lan trailing close behind. Liu Yi cast a final, worried glance her way before departing. As they walked towards the pavilion, murmurs and whispers followed like a swarm of bees.
"What a beauty! Who is she?" A new maid whispered to another.
"I heard she's minister Xu's daughter, who had always been sickly but has now suddenly recovered. She's an important guest of Her Grace," one answered.
"She's so lucky; I can't believe Her Grace invited her personally for tea," another added.
"I heard she caused quite the stir at the academy yesterday. Why would Her Grace summon her today?" another person inquired.
"Do you think she's going to be punished?" the new maid asked again.
"I don't know; you can never predict Her Grace. I suggest you focus on why you're here; you might not know since you're new, but Zhun Momo hates people who gossip about others," one of the maids advised before walking away.
"Yes," the new maid answered with fear in her voice.
Ignoring the whispers, Ruyi walked carefully towards the pavilion, her steps delicate as glass. The Consort's private garden was sophisticated, filled with various plants and flowers. A clear koi pond, home to graceful red koi fish, swimming gently, was situated in the center. The pathway, lined with rocks and flowers, led to a sitting area intricately carved from stone.
The servants and handmaidens bowed at the same time as they approached the majestic pavilion. In the middle of it all sat Imperial Noble Consort Yao, her exquisite robes highlighting her delicate, winsome features.
She smiled as she looked up at Ruyi.
"Ruyi, Come, have some tea," she said with warmth in her voice.
Ruyi got on her knees, followed by Xiao Lan and bowed elegantly. "Ruyi greets Your Grace."
"Get up, Have a seat," Consort Yao said, assisting her up.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ruyi said, taking her seat opposite Consort Yao. She forced a smile, though her inner thoughts told a different story.
The head attendant started to pour tea, but Consort Yao stopped her. "Let me," she insisted. "Ruyi is my special guest, after all." She took the tea pot and poured tea first for Ruyi, then for herself.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ruyi uttered.
"You're so beautiful," Consort Yao complimented, "why did you have to wear a veil?"
My mother thought it was a good idea, as it was my first time outdoors. She feared I'd be too timid to face the crowd," Ruyi responded.
Consort Yao chuckled. "That makes sense, then. Tell me, how are you adjusting to the capital?"
Ruyi's fingers clenched around her cup as she answered. "Responding to Your Grace, I'm settling in fine. Thank you for your concern."
Consort Yao sipped her tea and smiled brightly. "Good." Then, setting her cup down, she continued, "Ruyi, what is it that you like most?"
Ruyi gave a subtle smile as she considered the question. "Your Grace," she answered, "I find beauty in many things: Poetry, calligraphy, embroidery, but above all, resilience. The ability to rise each time you fall, the ability to pick oneself every time there's a setback, the ability to fight for what you believe is right."
Consort Yao studied her for a moment before whispering the word "resilience." "Not bad, it's an admirable quality."
Ruyi lowered her head in appreciation before sipping her tea. "Thank you, Your Grace. Life teaches many lessons; without resilience, one would simply be at the mercy of others."
"Oh? And what lesson has life taught you?" Consort Yao asked.
"That patience is the sharpest blade; it cuts deeper than any blade when wielded correctly," Ruyi answered as though she was hinting at something.
She knew ruining her enemies took patience and time, and she was more than willing to wait; she would take them down one after the other when they least expected. Digging her nails into her palm, she contained her unleashed anger, at least for now.
"Wise words for one so young," Consort Yao said with a glint of admiration in her eyes.
"Thank you, Your Grace," then with confidence, Ruyi added, "wisdom is not measured by age but by experience."
A brief silence followed, the weight of her words lingering in the air. Then, realizing she had spoken too boldly, she immediately sank to her knees and bowed. "Forgive me if I've spoken out of turn, Your Grace."
Consort Yao chuckled softly, amused by Ruyi's words. "It's alright," she said. "You're right, actually. I appreciate a mind that dares to speak the truth and think beyond the surface."
"Get up," Consort Yao ordered, and Ruyi rose.
"Thank you, Your Grace," Ruyi remarked, settling into her seat. Consort Yao sipped her tea before speaking again. "Not many people are brave enough to speak the truth, fearing the consequences, but you…you intrigue me. I like you."