Chapter 75: A Candid Exchange

Yang Yunji watched as Lady Yu's procession receded into the distance before finally coming to her senses. She led her attendants toward her own residence.

"Master, there is still something I don't understand," the young maid said with a touch of bewilderment on her face. "Although Lady Yu now holds supreme authority over the harem, it's clear to everyone that she has power but lacks the King's favor. The most esteemed and secure person in the palace is still the Queen. Shouldn't we be currying favor with her instead?"

"Think about the fate of Attendant Qi. With such a cautionary tale before us, do you really believe it makes any difference to flatter the Queen?" Yang Yunji shook her head and stepped into Jingyan Pavilion. The palace was elegant and sumptuous; though smaller than others, its furnishings were of the highest quality.

Such is the splendor of the palace: every corner radiates opulence.

"So you mean..." The young maid was still puzzled.

Wasn't Attendant Qi's downfall the result of disrespecting the Queen, acting duplicitously, and sneaking into Anxue Palace while the Queen was ill? It was hardly surprising that the King ordered her banishment.

"Nothing is ever so simple. This matter shows the Queen has no need for our flattery. She has the King's love and genuine power as Queen, while I am but a humble Yunji," Yang Yunji explained. "Moreover, Lady Yu may lack the King's affection, but aside from the Queen, who else in the harem can attract the King's attention? We must seek a powerful patron, not chase after unattainable dreams."

"You are right, Master," the young maid nodded, still not fully comprehending.

Anxue Palace.

After the other consorts departed, peace returned to Anxue Palace.

She held a jade cup, sipping tea in delicate mouthfuls. The tea was the color of flower petals, as if blossoms had melted into the water.

A sip brought a slight frown to her brow, delicate lines forming as if the tea had burned her.

"Are you all right, Your Highness?" Yu Zhi noticed her mistress's expression and immediately poured a cup of cool tea, placing it beside her.

But the cool tea was intercepted by a hand. "She is still recovering and mustn't drink anything too cold," Ji Wuqing said, and drained the cup himself, clearly enjoying it.

Yu Zhi quickly retreated, relieved to see her mistress's composure return. Yet it was unusual for her mistress, always so perceptive, to be distracted enough to burn herself with tea. Could it be because the King had so casually appointed Lady Yan's maid as a Yunji earlier?

"May I ask you something, Your Majesty?" The tea's burn jolted Xuexue back to herself, leaving her quietly perplexed, before clarity returned to her gaze.

"At last, you’re willing to speak to me?" The King propped his head in his hand, looking at her, depths of his eyes probing.

He lounged beside her, his dark hair tied with a white ribbon faintly patterned with plum blossoms. One hand played with the jade cup, his handsome face radiant.

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" Xuexue asked, momentarily at a loss.

"If you don’t wish to clarify, so be it," Ji Wuqing replied indulgently. "Ask what you wish."

Hearing this, Xuexue detected a trace of anticipation in his tone. Not as exuberant as little Xi’er when happy, but like a child awaiting a desired gift.

What did he expect her to ask?

"Do you have any news of my mother and the others?" It had been over a month since their last parting. She wondered where they had gone; Taoxin was with them too, which made her worry.

"Well..." The King stopped fiddling with his cup, his gaze flashing. "Who knows where they’re enjoying themselves? Your mother has always been carefree; once she sets off, she’s hard to find. Besides, I have no intention of searching for them. Let them return when they’ve had enough."

He was nonchalant, utterly unconcerned.

Xuexue fell silent, unsure what to say. Truthfully, her mother’s uncertain whereabouts were partly her fault; her mother had left with her, and now Xuexue was safe in the palace while the others' locations were unknown.

Her mood felt unsettled. She sighed softly, unable to explain her restlessness.

"Are you troubled by what happened earlier?" The King leaned close to her ear, asking mischievously.

"I am indeed troubled," she admitted without concealment. "Worried about my mother and the others." She added, not quite certain herself why she felt so uneasy.

"So you’re not blaming me for acting too casually after all. Seems I was overthinking," he said with a hint of disappointment, his handsome features tinged with melancholy.

"You mean the matter of Lady Yan’s maid? Or rather, the newly appointed Yunji?" She seemed to understand now, her face lighting up with sudden realization.

"Are you deliberately provoking me?" The King's gaze grew dark and foreboding.

"I dare not. You are the King; you do as you wish. I would never dare to fault you," she replied, her tone strangely distant, then grew earnest. "Still, I must remind Your Majesty: 'Without rules, nothing can be accomplished.' While caprice is a ruler’s right, to command true respect, virtue is essential."

Her expression was cool, her words carrying a hint of admonition, her serious demeanor almost theatrical—spouting lofty principles, but subtly mocking his impulsiveness.

"Hmm, you’re right, Xue’er. I should pay more attention," the King nodded, clearly pleased with her attitude and response.

Xuexue paused, unsure what she’d actually said, feeling her reaction was oddly possessive...

"I am tired; I’ll retire to my chambers," she said, rising and heading toward her quarters.

"Can’t you be candid with me, Xue’er?" Ji Wuqing watched her rise, disappointment flickering across his face.

"Candid?" She mulled over the word, sinking into thought. "You are right, Your Majesty. To be candid, have you ever considered sharing your favor equally among the consorts?" She turned, a faint smile on her lips, sly and mischievous as a young girl.

It was undeniable: Ji Wuqing showered her with exclusive favor. In the harem, only she enjoyed unending affection; he had never shown interest in anyone else.

Ji Wuqing sat, watching her, his smile deepening.

"So, are you offering the King advice?" he asked, his tone laced with a hint of danger.

"If I were to advise, I would hope Your Majesty puts state affairs first. If all his attention is lavished on the harem, that would hardly be wise, would it?" Though a ruler obsessed with women is not necessarily a tyrant, she could not fathom what kind of scene might unfold if Ji Wuqing were to truly dote on the consorts.

How would she feel and react?

"Well said, you speak to my heart." He watched her serious demeanor, listened to her earnest words, and nodded in satisfaction.

No sooner had he expressed his approval than he strode up to her, seized her delicate hand, and led her out of Anxue Palace. Xuexue was caught off guard, bewildered as she followed in his steps.

It was obvious: he was delighted—delighted by her answer?

"Ziqing?" she called his childhood name, unable to resist.

"Yes."

Yanxi Palace.

The palace maids stood trembling in the courtyard, moonlight flowers blooming everywhere, their pure white petals swaying gently in the breeze—like dancing skirts, wild and unrestrained.

Yet, amidst the flawless blooms, the cautious fear of the maids and eunuchs was starkly etched.

Lady Yan stood atop the steps, resplendent in palace attire, her beautiful eyes scanning them all.

She no longer favored white robes, but had donned deep purple, her once ethereal air now tinged with grave solemnity. Her gaze, once innocent and kind, was now calculating, plotting.

She was like a moonlight flower wilted in a rainy night, withered in overcast gloom.

Everyone knew why their mistress had changed so: since returning from the Cold Palace, she was no longer the same. She seldom smiled, her words lacked warmth, and the stark contrast made people fearful.

She now lost her temper at the slightest provocation, punishing many servants.

Now, Yanxi Palace had another newly appointed Yunji: Lotus Yunji, Lianxiang, Lady Yan’s personal maid.

"Kneel and listen to my instructions," she finally commanded, watching the crowd prostrate themselves at her feet, their heads bowed and bodies trembling in fear. Only then did her heart feel some relief. "Have you all heard the King’s decree? From today, Lotus Yunji will reside in the side hall of Yanxi Palace, presiding over her own court."

Not a single servant dared breathe, fearful that Lady Yan might seize on any excuse to vent her anger.

Seeing no response, Lu Xiyan’s expression changed. "What, am I speaking to myself?"

"We dare not, please calm your anger, Your Highness!"

"We dare not, please calm your anger, Your Highness!"