She had come back with a heart full of joy; she left with reluctance difficult to bear.

Ling Jingyan wept bitterly, and Ling Xiao’s eyes were red all the way through. The rest of the Ling household had gathered at the gate as well.

Ling Jingshu herself was not without a heavy heart, yet no matter how unwilling she was, she had to return to the palace. She boarded the carriage, waved to everyone, then steeled herself and let the curtain fall.

Coming back this once and seeing that her loved ones were all doing well — she could truly set her mind at ease now.

Before evening, just before the palace gates closed, Ling Jingshu hurried back inside.

Today was the very last day of the year, and the palace was adorned with lanterns and colored decorations, livelier than usual by several degrees.

This year’s palace banquet was also held in Lingbo Palace.

Though the Emperor’s health was not at its best, he still mustered himself to attend the banquet. Yet the one who had always sat at his side — Empress Xu — was nowhere to be seen; the phoenix throne sat empty. Consort Li and Noble Consort Wei each occupied the seats of secondary rank.

There was the music of strings and woodwinds, there was graceful song and dance, there were fine dishes and delicacies, and there were the smiling, flattering faces of all those present. This palace banquet was just as lively as those of years past. The absence of Empress Xu had done nothing to diminish it.

As a Female Official of Lingbo Palace, Ling Jingshu could not escape an occasion of this importance — she inevitably made an appearance before the Emperor as well.

Fortunately, the Emperor had now become completely free of desire; even when he saw a beautiful face, none of his former inclinations stirred in him. He merely asked Noble Consort Wei in passing: “How is Female Official Ling getting along in her duties by your side?”

Noble Consort Wei smiled gently: “I will not conceal it from Your Majesty — Female Official Ling is meticulous in all she does. She now manages the storeroom and the palace accounts on my behalf. With her here, I have been spared a great deal of worry.”

Then she smiled and added naturally: “I truly cannot do without her at my side. Your Majesty, if you wish to show me your affection, grant me Female Official Ling as my own.”

The Emperor nodded casually.

Noble Consort Wei’s heart eased, and she thanked him softly: “This servant thanks Your Majesty for his grace.”

Before, it had been a matter of “borrowing” her services — and when all was said and done, that was neither proper nor appropriate. Now that she had formally requested the transfer, it also put an end to any lingering concerns and silenced any idle talk.

Ling Jingshu soon learned of everything Noble Consort Wei had done on her behalf, and she was genuinely moved.

How fortunate she was — to have met Wei Yan, and also to have a Noble Consort Wei who protected her so wholeheartedly.

…

The palace had long observed the custom of keeping a New Year’s vigil. After the banquet dispersed, the consorts retired to their own palaces. The residents of Lingbo Palace gathered together as well.

Some set off firecrackers; some clustered around the charcoal braziers for idle talk; some nibbled on small snacks; they gathered in small groups of two and three, laughing and chatting. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

Noble Consort Wei and Princess An’ya sat together in quiet conversation, while Ling Jingshu and Xin Yun attended at their side.

Noble Consort Wei said with a gentle smile: “It is the end of the year, and you have all worked hard today — there is no need to stand on ceremony. Everyone sit down.”

The others all knew Noble Consort Wei’s temperament, and quickly chorused their thanks before each finding a stool to sit on.

Very shortly after, an unexpected visitor arrived at Lingbo Palace.

When Noble Consort Wei looked up and saw Wei Yan, a knowing amusement flickered through her eyes: “A’Yan, what brings you here tonight?”

Wei Yan replied with calm composure: “All the other Imperial Physicians have gone home for the new year’s vigil. It was rather dull and stifling sitting alone in the Imperial Medical Office, so I thought I would come to Lingbo Palace to impose on you — to keep vigil with Her Ladyship.”

A deeper amusement settled in Noble Consort Wei’s eyes: “In years past when I invited you, you were always too proper and restrained to come. Tonight you have finally found the heart to come and keep me company.”

Clearly he had come to see his sweetheart!

Under Noble Consort Wei’s knowing gaze, Wei Yan, for once, flushed faintly, and could not help glancing over at Ling Jingshu.

Ling Jingshu was looking over at him at the same moment.

In the warm, luminous candlelight, her eyes held a smile full of warmth and brightness, glittering with a gentle, dazzling radiance.

His gaze, without meaning to, became entangled with hers in a long, tender moment.

Noble Consort Wei thought briefly, then instructed Xin Yun: “Xin Yun, just let Jingshu stay here to attend. Take the others outside to watch the firecrackers and fireworks — no need for everyone to stay cooped up in here feeling constrained.”

Xin Yun answered cheerfully, led the other palace maids out, and they all withdrew.

Only Noble Consort Wei and Princess An’ya remained in the side chamber, along with Wei Yan and Ling Jingshu — four people altogether.

Noble Consort Wei said softly with a smile: “Well then — there are no outsiders now. Just the four of us keeping the vigil together.” Just like a family, gathered together to see the old year out.

Wei Yan was deeply moved. Noble Consort Wei had put in so much thought on his behalf.

Princess An’ya had just turned fourteen with the new year, and her large, quick eyes glanced curiously at Wei Yan, then turned to look at the flush of color on Ling Jingshu’s cheeks — as if she had suddenly understood something. She pressed her lips together to hide a smile.

The flush on Ling Jingshu’s face deepened a little more.

Yet the joy and contentment rising up from the very depths of her heart were so delightful and sweet.

…

On that same night, in another corner of the palace, one particular hall lay in exceptional cold and stillness.

Empress Xu lay with vacant, unseeing eyes on her bed, the faint sounds of firecrackers and revelry drifting distantly to her ears.

Yet all that noise and merriment had nothing more to do with her.

Her illness had never improved. She had been confined to bed for more than half a year, grown thin as withered wood, her complexion ashen and sallow — scarcely a trace remained of that Empress Xu who had once commanded such prestige and glory, so brilliant and arresting.

After an unknown stretch of time, familiar footsteps sounded at the door.

“All of you, go out.” A familiar voice settled heavily in her ear: “This prince wishes to speak with Royal Mother for a while.”

The palace maids assigned to “attend” Empress Xu exchanged glances. One of them, gathering her courage, spoke: “Your Highness, we have been commanded to serve Consort Xu. We dare not leave without authorization.”

Prince Yan’s gaze went cold: “This prince has already reported to Father Emperor. Tonight I have come specially to keep vigil with Royal Mother. Should anything at all happen, this prince will bear full responsibility. All of you — withdraw.”

Over these past six months, Prince Yan’s reputation for filial piety had spread throughout the palace and beyond, and he had won considerable favor with the Emperor.

The palace maids dared not stand their ground against Prince Yan, and could only comply and withdraw.

Prince Yan sat down at the bedside, inclined his head slightly, and called out “Royal Mother.”

Empress Xu’s tears flooded out in an instant.

The chamber furnishings were sparse. Only a single candle stand burned, casting a somewhat dim light. Yet it was more than sufficient for Prince Yan to see clearly the gaunt and wretched state into which Empress Xu had wasted away.

A shadow passed briefly through Prince Yan’s eyes, yet his voice remained entirely steady: “Royal Mother, I have come to see you. Today is New Year’s Eve, and I will keep vigil at your side. When tonight passes, it will be a fresh new year.”

“I know you have endured much hardship here. Bear with it a little longer. I will take you out of here soon.”

Empress Xu choked out: “Very well — I will wait for you to save me.”

No one understood Prince Yan’s character better than Empress Xu.

He was not one to bow beneath another or accept exile to the provinces as a regional prince. His ambitions were soaring, and what he wanted was that position which stood above ten thousand others. For the sake of it, he could bide his time without acting — and he would certainly make his move and stake everything on it.

Even if the Crown Prince held overwhelming power, even if failure would mean his utter destruction, he would absolutely not let the matter rest.

She would not stand in his way.

If he succeeded, all would be well. And if he failed — they were mother and son together. They would simply die, and that was all.