The next day, the sunlight was warm, casting a gentle glow through the clouds.
It was early winter, and such light brought a warmth from within, yet within Jinhua Palace, a faint chill permeated the air.
Early in the morning, Yun Xiao received news that Xiao He had been beaten twenty boards the previous night and had not survived; she had been beaten to death.
Although Xiao He was detestable, Yun Xiao had never wished for her death. Upon hearing of her demise, while relieved, Yun Xiao felt a profound sadness.
In this palace, a single misstep could lead to utter destruction. Those of low status, the palace maids and eunuchs, were as lowly as mud, their lives no more significant than ants, turning to dust in an instant. The high and mighty masters, however, were sharp weapons of destruction.
The palace walls were a terrifying nightmare. No matter how pure and beautiful one was, stepping inside meant transforming into a bloodthirsty demon, or else facing certain death.
Yun Xiao’s expression shifted unpredictably, marked mostly by a trace of melancholy and coldness.
Wan Wan, standing beside her, couldn't help but suggest, "Your Majesty, why don't we go for a stroll? The weather is lovely today. Don't stay cooped up inside."
"Alright," Yun Xiao nodded, rising to her feet. She stretched her limbs and led her two maids outside. Xiao Yuan and Xiao Zhao guarded the inner chamber entrance. As soon as they saw the Empress emerge, they followed closely, walking out of the main hall with her…
The small garden of Jinhua Palace was planted with many varieties of late chrysanthemums.
Globular, peony-shaped, hooked, pine-needle-shaped, and honeycomb-shaped – their forms were diverse, and their colors vibrant, creating a stunning spectacle. A gentle breeze swept through, carrying their fragrance and instantly easing the heart.
Yun Xiao strolled among them with light steps, her fair hand gently brushing the soft, bead-like petals, smooth and delicate.
As Yun Xiao admired the flowers, she pondered recent events. Murong Chong, this man was like a phantom in the palace, a shadow that followed her.
The thought sent a slight shiver through her. What kind of person was he, to be able to move without a trace?
Even with his face veiled, his elegance and nobility were palpable. The half of his face that was visible seemed carved by divine craftsmanship.
It was clear he was not hideously ugly; on the contrary, he must possess a beauty capable of toppling nations. Yet, he chose to wear a veil, which solidified her belief that he harbored a deep, bloody feud with the Emperor.
Although they had met twice, and he had threatened her each time, he hadn't truly harmed her. She could sense that he was not a bloodthirsty individual.
His pupils held too many concealed emotions, like an unfathomably deep ancient pool, reflecting an endless desolation.
Yes, desolation. Even with his arrogant, domineering demeanor and cold heartlessness, she had clearly seen the desolation in his eyes – so deep, so dense, like unresolvable morning dew, or like layers of mist, ensnaring her so tightly she couldn't escape.
Yun Xiao was lost in thought, nearly colliding with a nearby flower branch. Wan Wan, behind her, quickly steadied her and asked curiously, "Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?"
"Wan Wan, do you know Murong Chong?"
If he was truly that famous, Wan Wan, being a worldly girl, should have heard of him, Yun Xiao turned to look at Wan Wan.
She saw the girl's pupils instantly widen, her long eyelashes fluttering a few times. She froze completely, showing no reaction, her mouth agape as if an egg could fit inside. Yun Xiao reached out and tapped her forehead.
"What are you spacing out for?"
"Your Majesty, did you say Murong Chong? Are you sure it's that Murong Chong? The Murong Chong who is the Palace Lord of Shenlong Palace?"
Her rapid-fire questions, her face drained of color, suggested she had heard some earth-shattering, astonishing tale. Her entire demeanor had changed. Wan Wan, who usually remained unfazed even when mountains collapsed, had lost her composure.
Yun Xiao recalled when Wan Wan had gone to steal Shangguan Lin's jade, she hadn't been this terrified. Could this Murong Chong be someone who had descended into bloodthirsty madness? Look at how frightened she was.
Yun Xiao found it amusing.
She had no idea if the Murong Chong she had encountered was indeed the Palace Lord of Shenlong Palace, nor did she know who the person Wan Wan spoke of was. Thus, she could offer no reaction and merely gazed at Wan Wan with a smile.
"What is it?"
"Your Majesty, if you've truly met the Palace Lord of Shenlong Palace, you must avoid him. As you pass, you must even spit three times to ward off bad luck, understand? That fellow Murong Chong is said to be bloodthirsty and kills without blinking. They say that after killing someone, he always places half a lotus flower on the victim's body to signify his deed."
As Wan Wan finished speaking, Xiu Xiu beside her let out a gasp, her fear evident even from the description alone.
Yun Xiao remained silent, rolling her eyes. It didn't seem as terrifying as they made it out to be. He was fierce, but not that cruel and heartless. Perhaps compared to the people in the palace, he was more genuine; he killed when he meant to kill and clearly announced it.
Unlike these petty individuals in the palace, who hid daggers in their smiles, making them impossible to guard against, constantly calculating and making every step perilous.
However, she cleverly said nothing, yet she knew that the person she had met must be the Palace Lord of Shenlong Palace that Wan Wan spoke of, because she had seen an embroidery on his white brocade robe: a brocade half-lotus.
"Accompany me for a walk."
Yun Xiao continued to wander in the garden. The only benefit of being in this imperial palace was the ability to live like a parasite, doing nothing, eating and drinking well, surrounded by beautiful maids, living a life of luxury. If it weren't for the hidden schemes, this would truly be a good life.
Wan Wan and Xiu Xiu exchanged glances; neither dared to ask their mistress why she had suddenly brought up Murong Chong.
The surroundings were tranquil. A cool breeze brushed against their cheeks. The group passed through the garden and walked towards a pavilion with an octagonal, exquisite design.
The pavilion was fully equipped, with a white jade stone table and several round stone stools. Tea and pastries were arranged neatly. Yun Xiao sat down, sipping tea and enjoying the pastries, content in her own company.
However, this rare moment of tranquility did not last long. The voice of Xiao Yuanzi was heard from outside.
"Your servant greets Prince Lin."
Shangguan Lin. What was he doing here? Doubt flickered in Yun Xiao's eyes, and she immediately thought of Ye Suxue and Shangguan Yao's appearance last night.
Could the appearance of Prince Lin be related to Shangguan Yao? This man was truly unfathomable. Why would he send Prince Lin over? To test if she was indeed foolish?
She was curious to see how this cold and ruthless Prince Lin would test her alleged foolishness.
Yun Xiao smiled, her eyes curving into crescent moons like those in the night sky. Her two small dimples held the fragrant allure of sweet wine.
She continued to sip her tea with elegant composure. No one had ever said that fools couldn't appreciate poetry and art, so she simply needed to remain quiet.
Wan Wan had already led Xiu Xiu out. Both maids were a little apprehensive, but they had not forgotten their current status and respectfully blocked the way to the pavilion.
"Your servant greets Your Highness."
Shangguan Lin was dressed today in a deep purple brocade robe, his waist cinched with a jade belt embroidered with golden pythons, adorned with colorful silk tassels, and hanging a lustrous jade pendant. A chilling aura radiated from him.
His features differed from Shangguan Yao's; they were of a firm, cold, and resolute type. His thick eyebrows and large eyes, his eagle-like nose, and his aggressively curved lips formed a mocking, disdainful smile. His eyes shot out captivating cold glints, piercing through the lightly lifted gauze.
They fell directly upon the person in the pavilion. That shadow, vaguely discernible, indicated she was sipping tea with a relaxed posture, showing no sign of foolishness. Could it be that the Emperor's brother was telling the truth, that this woman was not foolish? Then Yun Mo's ambition was evident.