“A’luo dared not reveal her identity to His Majesty due to her oath, until recently when she received Your Majesty’s permission. Who could have expected that before this servant could tell His Majesty, Feng Suzhen would encounter trouble, and their recognition came about in a life-or-death situation. Your Majesty, this is the complete account this servant gave His Majesty.”

“Mm, what you’ve said can indeed be considered… fact. You may go.” Xiao’an said quietly.

Shuangcheng said nothing more and bowed before departing.

Watching Shuangcheng leave, Aunt Hong said with some worry: “Old Ancestor, we imprisoned her mother for many years and separated her from His Majesty. I fear she truly harbors deep resentment. This servant worries that in the future she might turn around and… deal with you.”

Xiao’an didn’t speak immediately. After a long while, she said quietly: “I’m actually glad I spared her life back then. No matter what she does, she’s not as dangerous to His Majesty as that treacherous minister’s orphan daughter. Aunt Hong, this is what parents are—worrying about children forever is destiny. No matter how much His Majesty resents me, I still think of him and feel for him. Currently, only she can eliminate Feng Suzhen. If I got rid of the Feng woman, His Majesty would truly become estranged from me. You’re right—this A’luo is no longer the bold and reckless yet still somewhat sincere little girl of years past. Her sister’s death probably wasn’t as simple as she described. If she truly wants to deal with me in the future, let her come. I am, after all, His Majesty’s mother. If she wants to move against me, it won’t work without great means and wisdom. Yu’er abhors palace intrigue most of all.”

“Your Majesty, Consort Xi requests an audience.”

Just as she reached this point, a palace maid outside reported. Xiao’an stopped there and waved her hand: “Admit her.”

Soon, Murong Xi hurried in. “Old Ancestor.”

With this call, she actually began to cry pitifully: “This Feng Suzhen hasn’t been eliminated, and now there’s another Gu Shuangcheng—no, that’s Gu Xiluo. How should Xi’er handle this?”

Looking at her niece, Xiao’an said sternly: “Listen to my instructions. You haven’t been making trouble these past days, which is good, but you must continue to endure. Who says there might not be a situation where the snipe and clam fight while the fisherman profits? Right now, you can’t topple either side. Do you understand?”

Murong Xi bit her teeth, her hands tightly clasped together.

Outside the door, Shuangcheng and her servant presented quite a scene as well. Meier whispered: “Miss, this old witch is truly formidable. That look in her eyes, that tone—it seems like one careless moment and you’d fall into her trap and lose your life. His Majesty is also frightening, but he’s still very gentle with you. She treats you this way, yet we still must conspire with tigers. Miss, this servant feels it’s unfair to you.”

“How could she be Empress Dowager without being formidable?” Shuangcheng curved her lips. “This old demon—sooner or later I’ll repay the revenge from that year. But for now, I still need to borrow her power to eliminate Feng Suzhen.”

“But Miss, if we want revenge, would His Majesty agree?” Meier was somewhat alarmed.

Shuangcheng’s gaze deepened: “His Majesty naturally wouldn’t agree, but there’s a method in this world called ‘killing with a borrowed knife’—why must we act personally? Meier, do you know? Though I hate Shuangcheng, her revenge must still be avenged. The person who killed her was most likely Xiao’an. When Xiao’an saw me that day and realized she had the wrong person, I saw the killing intent in her eyes. She ultimately didn’t act because she feared the consequences—if His Majesty discovered it, it would sever the mother-son bond. Otherwise, how would she have spared me?”

Hearing her speak sometimes of “killing with a borrowed knife” and sometimes of “Gu Shuangcheng,” Meier was confused but ultimately couldn’t suppress her excitement and curiosity: “Miss, you have a way to deal with the Empress Dowager? How exactly will this be done?”

“No rush, you’ll know eventually.”

Shuangcheng didn’t continue. Meier only heard her say quietly: “Let’s go. We should return. His Majesty’s morning court should be ending soon. I still need to see someone. Go find this person for me.”

When Baihu arrived at Shuangcheng’s sleeping chamber, Shuangcheng had her back to her, arranging offerings on a table in a corner of the room with her maid.

She was somewhat shocked, thinking she had seen wrong, but looking carefully, those fruits were indeed offerings, because in the center of the table sat a proper memorial tablet.

“Miss A’luo…” she called out with some puzzlement.

“Oh, you’ve come.” Shuangcheng smiled and turned around. “Please sit. Meier, serve tea.”

“Yes.” Meier curtsied and went to one side.

Baihu saw that the tablet bore bright red characters—Shuangcheng’s name.

She quickly said: “Miss, you’re too kind. Baihu doesn’t dare.”

“May I ask why you summoned Baihu today…”

Seeing obvious restraint and distance in Baihu’s eyes, Shuangcheng sighed slightly: “I called you here for two matters. First, I want to apologize to you. If I hadn’t requested that you let me accompany you to Qufeng Slope, you wouldn’t have been blamed by His Majesty.”

Baihu’s gaze flickered: “Miss speaks too seriously. At that time, Baihu also had selfish motives—I hoped you could suppress Director Li’s prominence. I didn’t expect to implicate you and cause your injury. The master’s punishment was deserved.”

“Selfish motives… I didn’t expect Hu’er to be so honest.” Shuangcheng’s eyes showed apparent surprise, then continued: “I truly like Hu’er’s straightforward nature, and so does His Majesty. Because you’re someone who often serves at his side, he’s grown accustomed to you and thus overlooks you.”

“Miss flatters me. Baihu doesn’t deserve such praise.” Baihu’s tone was slightly bitter.

“Has Hu’er ever thought about… serving His Majesty?” Shuangcheng suddenly asked.

Baihu was obviously startled, nearly dropping the teacup Meier handed her—

“Baihu is ignorant. What does Miss mean by… by this?”

Her voice carried a tremor.

“Baihu is the master’s guard and never dares think of overstepping bounds. The master also absolutely has no… no such intention. Please don’t worry, Miss.”

At this point, her voice grew louder, her face somewhat flushed, her tone somewhat angry.

Shuangcheng set down her own teacup and sighed again.

“What a pity then,” she said. “I had originally wanted to have His Majesty take you as a consort, but it seems I was overthinking.”

Baihu’s whole body shook, her eyes wide.

Shuangcheng’s eyelids drooped slightly, as if she hadn’t noticed, only continuing her unfinished words: “I always felt that Hu’er’s love for His Majesty is no less than mine. During my absence, I’m grateful for your companionship. Speaking of the other ladies, they’re not without merit, but Consort Xi—her marriage inevitably involves politics. Miss Miao is talented with good family background and truly devoted to His Majesty, but ultimately returned to her country. There’s also Consort Wei, who still has Huo Chang’an in her heart. But you’re different.”

Baihu hesitated, still looking at Shuangcheng incredulously: “Miss A’luo, is this truly your honest thought?”

“Naturally. Why would I lie to you? Must I curry favor with everyone around him? If I had to do that, there would be no point in staying by his side.” Shuangcheng said quietly.

Baihu immediately became anxious: “Miss, forgive me. Baihu meant no offense. You are naturally the person His Majesty values most. If Miss… if Miss could bestow such grace upon Baihu, Baihu would be grateful for life and repay your great kindness even as a slave.”

Her face flushed red. As she spoke, she had already stood up, her eyes full of hope.

“A’luo will certainly do her utmost.” Shuangcheng walked over and grasped her hand, whispering: “This way, when I’m gone in the future, there will still be someone who truly treats him well.”

Her tone was full of desolation, as if spoken unintentionally. Once the words were out, she quickly stopped and only smiled at Baihu before returning to her seat.

Seeing this, Baihu couldn’t help but become anxious: “Miss, what do you mean by this? You finally recognized each other with His Majesty—why would you leave again?”

Shuangcheng glanced at the tablet on the table and smiled bitterly.

“You’re right—this recognition wasn’t easy. Back then, if my sister Shuangcheng hadn’t died in my place by accident, I would have been gone long ago. What would there be to speak of today? But what good does returning now do? His Majesty has someone in his heart.”

“Are you referring to Director Li?” Baihu frowned slightly and stepped forward to support Shuangcheng’s arm. “I see that Director Li isn’t one of those seductive types. Last time when I wronged her, she unexpectedly helped me avoid punishment. If she treats even me this way, as His Majesty’s childhood sweetheart, she would certainly respect you more.”

Shuangcheng shook her head and smiled.

“Hu’er, let me say something—don’t take offense. In her heart, you don’t count as a rival, so it’s acceptable to sell you a favor. This way, all of you remember her kindness. As for me, while His Majesty may value me to some degree, there are still those feelings between us. She won’t easily let me go. What should I do if I don’t leave?”

“Moreover, she was originally a treacherous minister’s daughter. I truly fear she’ll harm His Majesty. So as long as I’m here, I cannot tolerate her.”

Baihu’s brow furrowed deeply. Finally, she said quietly: “Miss speaks reasonably. Precisely because of this—”

Her tone was urgent: “Miss shouldn’t leave!”

“I originally intended to compete with her, but this situation puts His Majesty in a difficult position. Now he’s even fallen ill. I don’t want His Majesty to be so troubled, so I thought to let His Majesty also make her a consort. But no matter how much I care for His Majesty, early this morning I went to his sleeping chamber to visit, only to see…”

Shuangcheng laughed self-mockingly: “I suddenly felt that I might as well withdraw and fulfill their union. His Majesty’s heart is entirely on her now. Old love ultimately cannot compare to new love. If I left, perhaps Feng Suzhen, because His Majesty could finally devote himself wholly to her, would let go of her hatred and treat His Majesty with complete sincerity. Her father’s treason deserved death—His Majesty cannot be blamed.”

Baihu’s eyes reddened, becoming even more anxious: “Miss A’luo, you think of His Majesty in everything, even willing to speak on behalf of subordinates. You are the one who loves His Majesty most. You absolutely must not harbor thoughts of death or departure. Otherwise, if you’re gone, wouldn’t His Majesty suffer? No, I must tell him!”

“You must not,” Shuangcheng sternly stopped her. “You cannot say a single word to him, otherwise I won’t consider you a friend anymore. I cannot add any more trouble for him now. If he loved me, I wouldn’t leave no matter what. But if I truly reach the point where I must go, I would only leave quietly, never putting him in a difficult position.”

“Miss, why torture yourself so…”

“My heart is bitter, and in this deep palace, there’s no one to confide in. Today’s words were inevitably excessive. Well then, go back. I won’t see you out. Regarding your matter, I will certainly press forward. Meier, escort Miss Baihu out.”

Having said this, Shuangcheng turned and returned to the inner bedroom. Baihu wrung her hands anxiously.

“Meier, you must persuade your mistress. Last night… last night… His Majesty was only temporarily bewitched by Li Huaisu…”

Meier also reddened her eyes: “Miss Baihu, please be at ease. This servant will certainly counsel my mistress well. My mistress also said she still owes Miss Shuangcheng her life. She has no ability to avenge her herself and can only rely on His Majesty. Even if she’s truly heartbroken by His Majesty, unless absolutely necessary, she’ll still remain. She also said that in a few days when her health improves, she’ll go out to pay respects to Miss Shuangcheng.”

Listening to this while glancing at Shuangcheng’s memorial tablet, Baihu said quietly: “Compared to Miss A’luo, how much can Li Huaisu have suffered? Yet she always maintains a cold expression, as if we’ve greatly wronged her. Though we indeed have selfish motives, still…”

“Meier, good girl, if there’s any movement on Miss A’luo’s side, you must notify me, understand?” Before leaving, she earnestly instructed Meier.

Meier nodded, a flash of hesitation crossing her eyes, as if she wanted to say something.

Baihu asked: “Do you have something you want to say?”

Meier hesitated for a moment. Baihu grew impatient: “Since your mistress considers me a friend, is there something you girl cannot say?”

“My mistress doesn’t want to engage in such petty matters, but I think—if His Majesty sees Director Li again, could Miss Baihu notify us? If our mistress knows nothing, she’s truly at a disadvantage.” Meier finally bit her lip and spoke.

“Correct. Know yourself and your enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat. Rest assured, I’ll definitely notify you.”

Meier thanked her profusely and escorted her out of the courtyard before returning.

In the bedroom, Shuangcheng had removed her outer robe and sat on the bed reading.

Meier said softly: “Miss, the matter is settled. I’ve sent her away. Don’t strain yourself—sleep a while. His Majesty will probably come visit after court.”

Shuangcheng didn’t answer. After reading a while longer and asking Meier about the time, she curved her lips: “I can’t sleep. I haven’t offered incense to Shuangcheng yet. I might as well go out and finish the task.”

She set down the “Six Secret Teachings” in her hand and, without donning her outer robe, got up and went out.

“His Majesty arrives.”

As she was offering incense, the palace servants’ voices rang out clearly. She didn’t go out to welcome him but continued bowing her head in silent prayer, bowing three times before placing the incense in the burner.

“Paying respects to Shuangcheng?”

A clear, steady voice came from behind, passing by her ear.

She quickly turned around and smiled at the man in court robes: “You’ve come? Yes, paying respects to my sister.”

Lian Yu nodded. Seeing her light, thin garments, he reproached her: “This autumn coincides with natural disasters, with floods in many regions. Last night the capital also had rain all night, and winter approaches soon. You’re still recovering from serious injuries—how can you be so careless and not wear an extra layer?”

As he spoke, he glanced at Meier with quite stern eyes.

“You’ve also served your mistress for many years. How can you lack even basic care and concern? If you make her ill, I’ll certainly take your life.”

Meier looked terrified and immediately knelt: “Your Majesty, forgive me. This servant…”

“Don’t blame my maid. I was reading on the bed just now and suddenly remembered about offering incense, so I hurried down and out. She wanted to help me dress but didn’t have time before you arrived.” Shuangcheng quickly explained.

Lian Yu’s expression softened slightly, but he still turned to Ming Yanchu behind him: “Go personally to the Internal Affairs Department and have them send several capable female officials and maids to serve. This one cherishes her maid—it’s difficult for me to punish her, but if others make mistakes, I can deal with them however I please.”

“Yes, this servant will handle it immediately and ensure both Your Majesty and Miss A’luo are satisfied.” Ming Yanchu immediately replied with a smile.

Hearing this, Shuangcheng felt both pain and hatred, thinking: Lian Yu, have you ever given such favor to that Feng Suzhen?

She slowly leaned toward his embrace: “You are my clothing.”

Lian Yu seemed to pause, not immediately reaching out to hold her. Shuangcheng still smiled but stopped her movement, saying softly: “I was presumptuous. Let me go put on my robe—wait a moment.”

“A’luo,” Lian Yu frowned and immediately stepped forward. But Meier was already kneeling before him in tears: “Your Majesty, even if you execute this servant, I must speak. You cannot treat my mistress this way. My mistress worried about your health and braved heavy rain to visit your sleeping chamber early this morning. But what did she see? Only Director Li emerging from your palace… I wanted to confront you, but my mistress wouldn’t allow it, saying she didn’t want to put you in a difficult position and would pretend not to know. Now, can’t you even embrace her?”

Lian Yu closed his eyes tightly, said nothing, and walked quickly past her into the inner chamber.

In the bedroom, Shuangcheng sat on the bedside. Seeing Lian Yu enter, she didn’t weep or show much sorrow, only curved her nearly pale lips: “Lian Yu—it’s been so many years since I called you this. I can barely remember, and I suppose it won’t be possible in the future. The A’luo of the past would never have tolerated a second woman, but Shuangcheng is dead. I finally returned, gained what was lost—the A’luo who once dared to love and hate has also become submissive. Knowing you value her so highly and would risk great danger for her, even if I risk my life to save you, what does it matter? It’s merely icing on the cake. If one day neither you nor she can tolerate me, I ask only one thing of you—help me find the murderer who killed Shuangcheng.”

“Though she went to meet you behind my back and wronged me first, I still owe her a life.”

At this point, her tears finally fell.

When Xuanwu escorted Suzhen back to the Court of Judicial Review, everyone in the residence was still asleep. They had grown accustomed to Suzhen’s midnight palace visits and no longer waited at her door as they had the first time.

After Xuanwu left, Suzhen didn’t enter her room to rest but stood under a tree in the courtyard, looking up in contemplation.

The rain that had just stopped on the road began pattering down again.

She seemed to forget to fetch an umbrella, or perhaps was too lazy to get one.

The rain quickly soaked her through.

These two rainfalls seemed to awaken her.

Even she had forgotten where she had casually discarded that item, but he still remembered. She didn’t know when he had taken it from her. That thing wasn’t actually his, nor even hers, and she didn’t know why he kept it with him.

Ming Yanchu’s words replayed in her mind once more.

What a clever Eunuch Ming. Actually, he understood very well what should and shouldn’t be said, but he had said it all.

She understood his meaning.

Actually, even if he had said nothing, after seeing Lian Yu, she would have understood.

The rain grew heavier, cold piercing to the bone, yet her smile grew broader.

She clenched her hands tightly, then released them; released them, then clenched them viciously again.

After doing this five times, she finally made a decision.

“Li Huaisu, what madness are you standing here having?”

Someone behind her scolded, and with hurried footsteps, an oil-paper umbrella covered her head.

“Little Zhou, help me with something.” She turned around and said to the other person through the noise of rain.

The rain had plastered her hair in strands against her forehead and cheeks, causing her to squint slightly, but she still wore a smiling expression.

For some reason, Little Zhou found this smile quite glaring. Her heart felt somewhat uncomfortable and displeased, and she couldn’t help rolling her eyes: “Even if you’re going to order me around, you don’t need to make yourself look like a ghost. As long as there’s payment, I’ll definitely help you. Speak—what trouble is it?”

“Good, thank you. Help me enter the palace once to request an audience with Lian Yu. Say I want to go out and play with him for a day. I… miss him very much. Tomorrow, I’ll wait for him at the place where we release lotus lanterns. Come rain or shine, I won’t leave until he comes.”

“I’m really impressed with you. You just saw him today and want to see him again tomorrow. There are many beauties in the palace—be careful the Emperor doesn’t grow tired of your clinging.” Little Zhou crossed her arms, adopting an “I’m the love expert” attitude.

But seeing Suzhen still looking at her pleadingly, she snorted, thrust the umbrella into Suzhen’s hands, and grumbled as she went back inside. Soon, she emerged with another umbrella, ignored Suzhen completely, and headed straight out.

Watching her leave, Suzhen felt something metallic and sweet rise in her throat. Unable to suppress it, she spat out a mouthful of bloody foam.

Suzhen hadn’t expected that the next day would bring warm sunshine and clear skies.

As soon as day broke, she dressed properly, took a food basket, and came to the place where the two had once argued and laughed on that Qixi night, watching the surrounding vendors begin their busy day while quietly waiting.