On the palace walls, the sunlight gradually faded. The flying snow merged with the evening’s golden glow, like golden foil falling from the sky.

Xiuhe, seeing Concubine Zhao standing by the window for some time, couldn’t help but say, “Concubine, are you still watching the snow? Be careful of your eyes. It’s best not to gaze for too long…”

Zhao Wan had seen the jewel-topped carriage leave at noon, and now it was nearly the You hour.

Where had Concubine Gu and His Majesty gone?

Her mind was unsettled. Though the Department of Palace Affairs had removed Concubine Gu’s jade tablet, Concubine Gu was not cast aside like an old shoe as the other palace inhabitants believed.

If she had truly been discarded, why would there be a red-topped imperial carriage and unwavering favor?

That night, when His Majesty left, did he also go to Concubine Gu…

Zhao Wan dared not think too deeply and unconsciously fingered the white rabbit jade pendant in her waist pouch.

Should she reveal everything to A’yan…

If she told him, would he still be suspicious of her… would he treat her differently…

Seeing Zhao Wan’s furrowed brow, Xiuhe tried to console her again, “The Imperial Birthday is approaching. Concubine will surely see His Majesty again… All palaces are preparing gifts these days. Has Concubine decided what to give His Majesty for his birthday?”

Hearing this, Zhao Wan pondered for a moment.

Yes, there was still the Imperial Birthday.

There was still a chance.

She had already formed an idea in her mind and was about to instruct Xiuhe to run an errand. However, she then realized that Xiuhe was still young and new to the palace, and fearing she might make a mistake, Zhao Wan took an umbrella and went with her to the Department of Manufacturing.

As the master and servant passed through the Imperial Garden, they happened to see Noble Consort De coming through the snow, seemingly also enjoying the scenery.

When Noble Consort De spotted Zhao Wan, her smiling face was replaced with coldness.

Zhao Wan’s heart trembled, and she curtsied, “Greetings to Noble Consort De.”

Noble Consort De silently watched her curtsy and after a long while said, “Concubine Zhao, no need for such formality. Rise.”

Zhao Wan respectfully stood up.

Noble Consort De saw that though she wore only light makeup, she was as beautiful as a lotus emerging from clear water, which made her heart fill with even more hatred.

“Concubine Zhao is truly as His Majesty described—exceptionally beautiful and graceful. Coming through the snow, you look even more delicately charming.”

Zhao Wan heard the sarcasm in her voice and could only bow her head, saying, “Noble Consort flatters me.”

Noble Consort De gave a light laugh, “Concubine Gu has been scarred and cannot serve anymore. In this Noble Consort’s view, future glory and favor will all fall on Concubine Zhao.”

Zhao Wan bowed again, “Noble Consort worries too much. This concubine… has no desire to compete for favor.”

Noble Consort De sneered, “Since you’ve entered the palace, how can you say you have no desire to compete for favor…” She looked around, “To speak such falsehoods before this Noble Consort—someone, slap her face.”

Dongcao stepped forward at this command and delivered a resounding slap to Zhao Wan’s face.

Her snow-white cheek immediately showed a red handprint.

Xiuhe was so frightened that she knelt in the snow, kowtowing, “Please, Noble Consort De, spare the Concubine!”

Seeing her endure the slap without resistance, Noble Consort De’s anger subsided slightly, “In the future, you should learn to be shrewder. Lies and false words—don’t speak them to this Noble Consort.” She turned to her attendants and said, “I’m tired. Let’s return to Luoying Palace.”

After Noble Consort De had gone far, Xiuhe finally got up from the snow, took out a silk handkerchief, and gently stroked Zhao Wan’s cheek, “Concubine, does it hurt? Shall this servant go to the Imperial Medical Institute for some medicine?”

Zhao Wan brushed her hand away, “It doesn’t hurt. Let’s go to the Department of Manufacturing.”

Xiuhe’s eyes widened, “Concubine, won’t you go back to rest?”

Zhao Wan shook her head.

For the Imperial Birthday, she needed to gain true imperial favor to establish her footing in the harem.

Otherwise, bearing an empty title, being a target—sooner or later, she would be at the mercy of others.

The two of them walked along the narrow palace path toward the Department of Manufacturing when they encountered several patrolling guards.

Qi Chuang recognized Zhao Wan at a glance.

Her left cheek still bore a faint red handprint.

Zhao Wan also saw Qi Chuang, and as their eyes met, she called out, “Commander Qi.”

Qi Chuang paused momentarily, stopping in his tracks.

The guards beside him glanced over but continued walking forward without stopping.

Qi Chuang clasped his hands in salute, “Greetings to Concubine Zhao.”

Zhao Wan said softly, “Commander Qi, no need for such formality.”

Qi Chuang straightened up, “Concubine Zhao, do you have any instructions?”

Zhao Wan smiled faintly, “Nothing in particular. It’s just that upon suddenly seeing the Commander, recognizing an acquaintance, I couldn’t help but call out.”

Qi Chuang’s brow furrowed slightly, his gaze sweeping over her cheek, showing some sympathy, “Concubine Zhao has suffered a minor injury. It would be best to apply some ointment carefully…”

Hearing this, Zhao Wan lightly touched her cheek, “I understand.”

After speaking, Qi Chuang raised his leg to leave, but Zhao Wan asked, “Does Commander Qi know whether the assassin who held Concubine Gu hostage has been executed?”

Qi Chuang: “This humble official does not know.”

Zhao Wan smiled faintly, “In that case, I won’t detain the Commander…”

After Qi Chuang had gone far, Xiuhe, following behind Zhao Wan, secretly looked back once more at Commander Qi’s retreating figure. The way he and the Concubine had interacted seemed familiar yet with a certain distance.

Xiuhe could only keep her questions to herself as she followed step by step toward the Department of Manufacturing.

Upon reaching the Department of Manufacturing’s quarters and hearing Concubine Zhao’s instructions, Xiuhe finally learned that she wanted to create twelve wooden stakes, each three feet tall and carved with branches of red plum blossoms.

As Concubine Zhao was currently in favor, the Department of Manufacturing quickly agreed to this task.

Xiuhe asked, “Concubine’s use of plum blossom stakes is for the Imperial Birthday? What performance do you plan?”

Zhao Wan nodded, “Of course, it’s to soar high.”

She wanted to let A’yan know that she was the one who had danced the Flying Celestial Dance at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet.

*

With the Imperial Birthday approaching, not only were the palace consorts secretly competing, but the court officials also seized this opportunity—some flattering to curry favor, others offering straightforward advice to make a name for themselves.

Memorials criticizing the Emperor occasionally appeared, with the most common complaint being the absence of an Empress and the difficulty of imperial offspring.

Elder statesmen like Liu Fang and Qi Ruotang not only wrote memorials themselves but also instructed trusted governors and inspectors to submit reports to the Emperor.

They extensively discussed matters of national foundation and dynastic continuation.

Noble Consort De of the Liu family and Consort Shu of the Qi family were both hot candidates for the position of Empress.

But some civil officials submitted proposals, suggesting a compromise candidate for the position of Empress.

On the second day of the eleventh month, four days before the Imperial Birthday, “someone” anonymously reported that Qi Huo, the Right Vice Minister of Personnel, was corrupt, privately accepting land and property spread across various local prefectures—all “gifts” from local officials during their evaluation periods.

There were land deeds and Qi Huo’s private letters as evidence.

The entire court was shocked.

What was shocking was not the lavishness of these “gifts,” but that Qi Huo was the youngest son of Qi Ruotang.

It was clear that the Emperor intended to deal with the Qi family.

Qi Huo, dressed in third-rank python-patterned robes, removed his cap and stamped his foot, kneeling for a long time before the jade steps of the great hall, claiming that it was his household servants who had been deceived and accepted these numerous valuables without his knowledge.

Gong Zhenghai, leading the new faction, verbally and in writing condemned him for inconsistency in words and deeds, saying his explanation was inadequate.

In the court, the two factions argued back and forth for a full three days.

One day before the Imperial Birthday, Xiaoyan used the Imperial Birthday as a reason to dismiss the court for five days, ordering Qi Huo to cease his official duties and reflect behind closed doors to correct his disloyal heart.

*

In Heluo Palace, Gu Yi was still cramming last minute, picking up her brush to write and draw in a book.

Tao Jia, looking at the inch-thick book, asked uncertainly, “Is Concubine giving this book to His Majesty as an Imperial Birthday gift?”

Gu Yi nodded, “Yes, my needlework is poor, and I can’t play the zither, so I had to find another approach. This book of true words is my heartfelt gift.” It’s the chicken soup for the soul that I’ve brewed for Xiao Gouzi.

Tao Jia tilted her head and said, “This servant doesn’t understand. Although Noble Lady won’t perform an artistic skill, wouldn’t it be better to embroider a pouch that His Majesty could wear on his person regularly?”

Gu Yi shook her head, “My embroidery skills are terrible!” This “terrible” had been confirmed by Xiaoyan himself. “Besides, all of His Majesty’s items are meticulously crafted by the Department of Manufacturing, the Department of Ornaments, and the Department of Treasury. I won’t embarrass myself by offering an embroidered pouch…”

Having said this, she put down the final stroke of her brush and gently blew on the still-wet ink.

Tao Jia moved closer to examine the “Book of True Words” and saw that in the center of the white page, she had written only four large characters: ‘Wishes Come True.’

She understood even less now.

*

After court, Xiaoyan returned to Tianlu Pavilion to change out of his court robes and rest a bit.

Eunuch Gao, with a slight bow, presented a scroll on a tray, “Tonight’s Imperial Birthday banquet has been fully prepared. Your Majesty, would you like to review it?”

Xiaoyan took the scroll and glanced at it. The scroll recorded nothing more than guests, seating arrangements, dishes, and today’s performances.

Gao saw Xiaoyan’s brow furrow slightly, and his heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, he heard him ask, “For today’s performances, Heluo Palace has only reported Concubine Zhao?”

Gao thought to himself, If you want to ask about Concubine Gu, just say so directly!

But on the surface, he smiled with narrowed eyes, “In response to Your Majesty, that is correct! Concubine Gu’s leg injury is just healing, and dancing is not very feasible. But she said that since she has no talents or skills, she could only personally make a gift for Your Majesty to present to you.”

Hearing this, Xiaoyan’s expression eased somewhat. He made an “mm” sound and said, “Then… what gift is it? Present it…”

Gao said with difficulty, “Concubine Gu said that this gift requires her to explain to Your Majesty in person how to use it, so it hasn’t been presented in advance.”

Xiaoyan made an “mm” sound, his eyebrows relaxing, “In that case, I’ll reluctantly go and take a look first.”

Gao’s face showed respect as he responded, “Yes.”

But in his heart, he gave a big thumbs up to Concubine Gu of Heluo Palace.

Impressive.