As expected, the scandalous news from Lingbo Hall spread with astonishing speed, like thunder before one could cover one’s ears. Since the maid and the eunuch held no high standing, people felt no need for restraint in spreading the rumor — the more it spread, the more detailed and outlandish it became.

By the end, the story had grown into the eunuch supposedly sleeping in the maid’s room every single night.

A moment’s thought made clear this was impossible.

Palace rules were strict, and eunuchs and maids mostly shared rooms two to a chamber. Even if that eunuch had the boldest nerve imaginable, there was no way he could run to the maid’s room every day, much less stay overnight every single time.

Yet these rumors were told with such vivid, convincing detail that just when they seemed about to die down, some even more sensational tidbit would surface. It quickly became the laughingstock on everyone’s lips.

Because of this, Wei Jieyu, too, found herself thoroughly in the spotlight.

The maids and eunuchs dared not mock her openly, but how could the palace consorts possibly let such a fine opportunity slip by?

One after another, they took turns visiting Lingbo Hall, and after some idle chitchat, would offer a few words of feigned, casual concern: “Sister Wei, a few days ago I heard about something rather new. They say a maid and a eunuch in Lingbo Hall… oh, well, such a sordid affair is better left unsaid.”

A flicker of unease crossed Wei Jieyu’s eyes, though her expression remained composed as she said: “Such a trivial matter — how did it even reach your ears?”

Lady Wang covered her mouth and gave a coquettish laugh: “It’s those maids — idle all day with nothing to do, always loving to gossip. I happened to overhear it myself, and when I asked around a bit, I could hardly believe it. Sister Wei has always been so strict about propriety — how could you let someone close to you cause such a scandal?”

“Sister Wang, that’s not quite fair to say. Sister Wei must have been kept completely in the dark, or else such a stir would never have happened.”

“Indeed, with it spreading so wildly, it hardly reflects well on Sister Wei either.”

Although Wei Jieyu was favored on ordinary days, she conducted herself with great modesty and caution. Having so rarely caught such a fine chance to needle her with veiled jabs, the consorts naturally showed her no mercy.

As the consorts traded remarks back and forth, Wei Jieyu could hardly send them away, and could only sit there with a stiff smile, enduring their company.

Soon, even Empress Xu came to hear of the matter.

When Wei Jieyu came to pay her respects, Empress Xu remarked, as if in passing: “Wei Jieyu, you really ought to keep a tighter rein on the people around you. Otherwise it becomes a laughingstock, and quite an eyesore for everyone to witness.”

Wei Jieyu, looking ashamed, said: “Your Majesty’s reproach is well deserved. It is entirely this consort’s fault for not disciplining her people strictly enough, causing such a scandal and troubling Your Majesty over it.”

Empress Xu’s lips curved in a smile that was not quite a smile: “It’s no great trouble to me, but you really must pay closer attention from now on.”

Wei Jieyu murmured a series of humble assents.

—

After paying her respects, Wei Jieyu rose and left Jiaofang Hall.

Thinking back on the past few days’ turmoil, Wei Jieyu couldn’t help but give a bitter laugh.

Rumors truly did no end of harm to people! These past few days, wherever she went, she had become the center of everyone’s attention. As for how that felt — better not to even speak of it!

“Your Highness the Consort!”

A familiar voice rang out not far away.

Wei Jieyu came back to herself and steadied her gaze to look over. The moment she made out the face of the person approaching, the corners of her lips lifted at once: “A’Shu, what are you doing here?”

Ling Jingshu had now been in the palace for several months. Since Wei Jieyu frequently came and went from Jiaofang Hall, she often crossed paths with Ling Jingshu.

Ling Jingshu stepped forward, bowed, and said with a smile: “This servant came here today especially to wait for Your Highness.”

Wei Jieyu gave a noncommittal “oh,” her expression unchanged: “You came specially to wait for me — is there something important?”

“Nothing too important.” Ling Jingshu said with a smile: “Ever since entering the palace, this servant has never once gone to pay a visit to Your Highness. I wonder if Your Highness might have some free time this afternoon?”

Wei Jieyu smiled: “You’re welcome to come to Lingbo Hall any time at all.”

Ling Jingshu quickly thanked her.

After Wei Jieyu returned to Lingbo Hall, she could not help but ponder quietly to herself. Why would Ling Jingshu suddenly come looking for her? Could it be that she had already sensed something?

No, that couldn’t be! The matter had been kept so secret — there was no way she could possibly know.

—

Past noon.

Wei Jieyu rested briefly, then rose and freshened herself up a little.

Xinyun came in smiling to report: “Your Highness, Official Ling has come requesting an audience. Should this servant lead her to the side hall?”

“No need for such trouble — just bring her straight to my chamber,” Wei Jieyu said without hesitation.

Xinyun acknowledged the order and soon led Ling Jingshu in.

Ling Jingshu still wore her pale green palace dress, her pretty face plain and unadorned, smiling as she bowed in greeting.

Wei Jieyu beckoned her over with a smile: “Come now, there’s no one else here — no need for such formalities. Come sit and talk. And don’t keep calling yourself ‘this servant’ — just be like before.”

Ling Jingshu pressed her lips together in a smile, not the least bit shy, and replied cheerfully: “Then I’ll take the liberty just this once today.”

With that, she walked over to sit beside Wei Jieyu.

Wei Jieyu asked warmly: “Serving in Jiaofang Hall these past days — surely no one’s been giving you a hard time?”

“No one’s troubled me openly, but there’s always been someone tripping me up behind my back.” Ling Jingshu made no attempt to hide it and spoke plainly. “Still, I can manage. Your Highness needn’t worry for my sake.”

Wei Jieyu smiled: “You’ve always been clever and quick-witted — handling a few female officials should be no trouble at all for you. But if you ever run into something you can’t resolve, feel free to come find me privately.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.” Ling Jingshu smiled gratefully, then shifted the conversation: “Actually, the real reason I came today was to offer my thanks specially.”

Something stirred in Wei Jieyu’s heart: “Out of the blue like this — why would you suddenly want to thank me?”

Ling Jingshu gave Wei Jieyu a deep, meaningful look: “If Your Highness hadn’t deliberately arranged that whole affair to draw everyone’s attention away, I’m afraid the rumors about His Highness the Crown Grandson and myself would still be spreading through the palace right now.”

Wei Jieyu: “…”

Wei Jieyu stared at Ling Jingshu in utter shock, the words bursting out before she could stop them: “How could you possibly know?”

The instant the words left her mouth, she regretted them.

By saying that, she had undeniably confirmed it.

Sure enough, Ling Jingshu let out a soft sigh: “I had only suspected it before and dared not be certain. But now there’s no doubt at all.” With that, she rose to her feet and bowed properly, with great formality: “For my sake, Your Highness lost face and endured grievance. This debt of gratitude, I, Ling Jingshu, will never forget as long as I live.”

Wei Jieyu was stunned into silence for a moment before finally speaking: “Very well, since you’ve already guessed it, I won’t hide it from you. This matter was indeed something I arranged secretly.”

After a moment’s thought, she added with a smile: “In truth, the real ‘mastermind’ behind it wasn’t me. When I heard the rumors, I worried for you, but I never thought to help you in such a way myself. It was someone who came and pleaded with me, and only then did I agree to it.”

Ling Jingshu: “…”

Wei Jieyu gave Ling Jingshu a meaningful glance: “As for who that person is — even if I don’t say it, you should already be able to guess, shouldn’t you!”