Chapter Thirty-Six: Hidden Intentions

Hui Study.

A light rain suddenly began to fall from the sky, and the morning sunlight quietly slipped into the clouds, vanishing without a trace.

This morning, the Empress Dowager did not attend her usual early rites. Instead, she indulged in leisure, watering flowers in her study—the very orchids that Xuexue had gifted her. The blossoms were at their finest, thriving with a refined elegance, and their fragrance was delightfully soothing.

“Your Highness, perhaps such matters are best left to your servants.” Cao Xingyu, standing nearby, eagerly stepped forward, hoping to please.

The Empress Dowager paused slightly, her brows barely knitting in a concealed hint of displeasure. “It is but a trivial thing. I am still capable of handling it myself.” Her tone was measured, dignified with the air of the Empress Dowager, yet not wholly distant.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Cao Xingyu nodded and retreated to her place.

She felt confident in her ability to win the Empress Dowager’s favor. At least, the Empress Dowager now permitted her to serve by her side. Moreover, everyone knew that while the Empress Dowager seldom involved herself in state affairs, her bond with the King was deep. If she could earn the Empress Dowager’s favor, surely the King would be more lenient and forgiving.

She had also noticed that the Empress Dowager did not care much for the Queen. Otherwise, she would not have personally chosen palace consorts to serve the King.

Yet, despite her clever observations, the Empress Dowager was shrewd and well aware of what this little maid was plotting. She simply chose not to expose her. Furthermore, Cao Xingyu was obedient and sensible, and the Cao family behind her could still be useful. So she reluctantly kept Cao Xingyu close, intending to send her back to the Cao estate once her punishment period was over.

“Your Highness, the King and Queen have come to pay their respects.”

In the front hall, Ji Wuqing entered with Xuexue. The Empress Dowager left her study for the hall, her face softened by a gentle smile.

“Son greets Mother.”

“No need for such formality.” The Empress Dowager smiled, taking Ji Wuqing’s hand. “I’ve heard you’ve been busy with affairs of state these days. It’s clear you’ve grown thinner.”

She examined Ji Wuqing closely, radiating the grace of a virtuous wife and mother.

“Mother, you worry too much. I am well.” Ji Wuqing smiled in kind, wearing the look of a dutiful son.

“Servant greets the King and the Queen.” Cao Xingyu stood aside, curtsying, her voice deliberately soft and gentle, hoping to catch Ji Wuqing’s attention.

Only by standing behind the Empress Dowager could she observe the King so closely. A hurried glance was all she dared before bowing her head, feeling the King’s brilliance unmatched. Even standing not far from him, she was filled with anxiety, afraid to act impulsively.

Yet precisely because of this, her heart yearned to stand at his side, to become second only to him, above all others.

But the one beside the King was that blind woman—a woman without noble origin or breathtaking beauty. How could she accept such a fate?

She forgot, though, that she had no right to judge whether Xuexue was a suitable match for Ji Wuqing.

“You may leave now.” The Empress Dowager, unperturbed, frowned ever so slightly, dismissing Cao Xingyu with few words.

Cao Xingyu’s heart skipped a beat, but she obediently withdrew.

“Wu Qing, you won’t blame me for keeping Cao Xingyu at my side, will you? She’s a good child, just a little restless since entering the palace. Once her punishment is over, I’ll send her back to her family,” said the Empress Dowager.

Ji Wuqing’s expression was calm, tinged with slight confusion. “Mother, there’s no need to say such things. She’s just a maid.” He had long forgotten who Cao Xingyu was; never remembering her, he had no reason to care.

“Xue’er, you won’t blame me, will you?” The Empress Dowager turned to the silent Xuexue.

“How could I dare?” As long as she stayed out of her way, caused no trouble, Xuexue had nothing to mind. She was simply an incapable young lady, hardly worth her concern.

Having been sent out of the hall, Cao Xingyu could only wait outside. Her thoughts whirled, replaying the King’s deep, scholarly voice in her mind. Even his silhouette lingered, faint yet vivid.

She must remain in the palace. Once she left its gates, she would never have another chance to return. Yet the Empress Dowager’s attitude puzzled her. If she wanted to stay, relying on the Empress Dowager was hopeless. So she must keep a backup plan, just in case.

As she pondered, another figure appeared in her mind.

Perhaps she could help her, after all, it was she who had advised the Empress Dowager about this matter…

Lusi Palace.

The courtyard was modest; a solitary swing drifted in the breeze, surrounded by flowers blooming with wild abandon, setting off the purple-robed beauty who strolled in with an air of freedom.

Lady Xi Liang grasped the swaying swing, her slender fingers gleaming pale.

“I knew the Empress Dowager wouldn’t help her. She’s not foolish, quickly realizing the problem,” she said with a slight smile, her expression gentle. Then she sat elegantly on the swing, her movements brisk and confident.

“But Your Highness, are you sure we should get involved in this matter? From what I heard, Cao Xingyu wants you to help her. She’s quite ambitious, but even the Empress Dowager wouldn’t help her. Why should we stir up trouble?” her maid said.

“Well put. Even if I wanted to meddle, I lack both the favor and the means. I’m just here to watch the spectacle.” She swayed gently on the swing, a consort without favor or ambition—what waves could she possibly stir? “But since she’s thought of me, I can’t refuse her outright. Meigu, deliver her a message…”

When Cao Xingyu received Lady Xi Liang’s ‘golden advice’ from Meigu, surprise flickered across her face.

“Looks like my Lady’s efforts were in vain. In the future, please don’t trouble her again,” Meigu said clearly, noting the hesitation in Cao Xingyu’s eyes.

Though she thought her Lady was watching the drama without fear, this ploy was truly ruthless. If Cao Xingyu followed it, she might never recover.

“Please thank Lady Xi Liang for her kindness.” Cao Xingyu offered no explanation, her proud demeanor prompting Meigu to turn and leave.

If Cao Xingyu foolishly followed her Lady’s suggestion, she deserved whatever came to her.

Cao Xingyu fell into deep thought, her heartbeat erratic.

Lady Xi Liang was right; if she wanted to stay in the palace, she had to become a true mistress… Once she was a true mistress, what reason would the King have to send her away?

Thinking this, a smile of satisfaction appeared on her face. She walked to the lakeside, crouching to gaze at her reflection. The water was calm, vividly mirroring the woman above.

Her delicate beauty was undeniable—even in plain dress, her allure shone through. Born beautiful, her unadorned face was like a lotus emerging from water: pure, yet with a fresh charm.

She believed she could succeed. As long as she prepared thoroughly, she was certain she could win the King.

Xuexue noticed something: Ji Wuqing seemed unusually relaxed today. He was not busy with state affairs as usual, but followed her back to Anxue Palace.

Upon returning, Ji Wuqing lazily reclined on the soft couch in her study, his demeanor shed of gentle masks, resembling a carefree neighbor boy.

“What does Xue’er usually do in the palace?” His lovely eyes watched as Xuexue sat at her desk, picking up a book and pretending to read.

“As you see, Your Majesty, I read to pass the time when I have nothing to do,” she replied calmly.

“So this is how Xue’er’s good temperament was cultivated?” He lay back on the couch, propping his head and gazing at the girl reading.

Her expression was always serene—neither aloof nor overly warm, just quietly composed. When someone drew near, it never felt as though they truly reached her…

Perhaps this was why she continually attracted him.

“Your Majesty, do you not realize you’re disturbing someone’s reading?” She refused to converse further, feeling as though he were prying into her heart—a strange sensation.

She did not realize how bold, even spoiled, her words were.

Upon hearing this, the King narrowed his eyes in a dangerously playful gesture.

His smile did not fade, but the curve of his lips grew fainter.

Rising from the couch, he slowly walked to Xuexue’s side, coming behind her, then leaned down, enveloping her completely in his presence.

His handsome brows lifted in a mischievous arc—like a prelude to anger. Had any palace attendants been near, they would have been terrified.

“You’re dismissing me,” he complained, his tone almost like a child sulking.

Xuexue was startled; he really did sound like Xiaoxi’er, bargaining with her.

“Your Majesty, I am not.” Though his tone resembled a child needing comfort, she knew well that Ji Wuqing was merely teasing her.

“...And you won’t even comfort your angry King?” Ji Wuqing was clearly dissatisfied with her response, shaking his brows in accusation, his handsome face paired with a plaintive expression.

“Your Majesty, this is hardly how you ought to behave,” Xuexue said seriously, noting he did not mind showing such childishness before her.

Could this be his true self?

“Then what does Xue’er think the King should be like?” He bent down completely, hands resting on the desk, subtly trapping her in his embrace, enveloping her in his presence.