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墨書 Inktalez
"Sister, you haven't lied to Yaya, right?" Yuhua looked at me with a heartbroken expression, her eyes reminiscent of our first meeting years ago—filled with both anticipation and wariness. Damn it, there was that wariness again!
I toyed with the pen in my hand, continuing to work on my project, seemingly unaffected by her distress.
After a long while, I stood up and called Yun Ying to collect the design sketches I had completed. Then, I removed the gray coat I had put on to avoid staining my clothes while painting and handed it to Xiao Quanzi, who had been waiting patiently nearby.
I turned back and casually asked, "What about you? Do you think I'm using you?"
Her gaze flickered away as she stammered, "Of course not. How could my sister possibly use Yaya?"
"Then that's settled," I concluded.
"But—what about the Emperor?" she asked cautiously, observing my expression with concern that I might get angry.
I sighed and pulled her down to sit beside me. "The Emperor's attention towards me is purely accidental. But you don't need to worry; it won't be long before I return to my original life, or perhaps an even quieter one." I reassured her, hoping to ease her mind.
I knew that those jealous Consorts had been spreading rumors lately. If it weren't for the outrageous claims they made, Yaya wouldn't have come to verify things with me today. Seeing her haggard expression, she must have been pondering this for quite some time but was too afraid to come to Jiu Nian Xuan to find me.
In this past month, the Emperor had favored me almost excessively. At first, he summoned me to his palace for companionship, but eventually, he began staying overnight at Jiu Nian Xuan every night. If it weren't for my insistence on not moving out, he would have likely already arranged for me to have a new chamber. For a time, the once-ridiculed Xie Meiren was brought back into conversation—not as a beauty but as Jieyu. Once again, I became a favored figure in the palace, a result that left me feeling helpless. Yet the instigator of all this seemed unfazed; every day after court, he would linger in Jiu Nian Xuan with me, playing chess and chatting, even enjoying the meals I prepared. Initially furious upon discovering that I cooked for myself, he nearly tore apart the entire harem in his anger. However, seeing how much I enjoyed cooking and tasting my dishes changed his mind.
In truth, he spent most days just staring at me blankly as if I were someone else entirely. On several occasions during the night when I woke up briefly, I found him propped up on one elbow, gazing at me in silence.
Was all of this caused by that damned eunuch?! The next day, I summoned him and slapped him hard across the face. Blood trickled from his mouth, yet he still respectfully said, "This is for Young Master’s best interest."
That old fox didn’t even flinch. I coldly warned him: "If you think I'm still that Fourth Miss Xie who was kept in seclusion and bullied at will, you're mistaken." Leaning closer to him, I whispered ominously in his ear: "Want to manipulate me? Unless I willingly allow it, you'll see the consequences of trying to meddle with me. And I guarantee you'll regret it for life."
His face turned pale as I dismissed him and sat back down in a daze. This bloodthirsty and cold-hearted version of myself was truly who I was. What I just said was no joke.
"Sister, I believe you; I won't overthink things anymore. I'm leaving now," Yaya finally felt reassured after my promise and returned to her usual cheerful self as she happily walked away.
I knew her anxiety stemmed from the rumors spread by the women in the harem. It was ironic that my usual feigned illness, which kept me away from others, had become a stepping stone for them to gain the Emperor's favor through Yuhua. These women certainly had vivid imaginations when they were bored.
However, since Yaya was willing to come and seek my confirmation, it showed she still trusted me as her sister.
But right now, I had a score to settle, and it wasn't with them. There was one more person I needed to clarify things with. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel at ease!
The silent night felt somewhat eerie. Especially tonight in Jiu Nian Xuan, Xiao Quanzi watched as their master sat leisurely in a high position sipping tea, while Yun Ying, trembling and pale, knelt on the ground.
Xiao Quanzi was about to step forward to plead for Sister Yun when a chilling glance from their master froze him in place, rendering him unable to move.
After what felt like an hour of this tense atmosphere, the master finally spoke, her voice as cold as ice: "I don't want to beat around the bush. Just tell me directly—who is your master behind your back?" She glanced at the person kneeling before her, someone who had been by her side for so long, and continued, "I don't want to hear any lies." The thought of betrayal after so many years together pierced her heart.
"I'm sorry, miss. I'm so sorry." Yun Ying looked at her icy mistress, momentarily speechless with guilt. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Normally, the miss would never act this way; she had always been warm like Winter Sunlight, making Yun Ying willing to give up everything and follow her devotedly!
"Still unwilling to speak?" The voice remained cold.
"It’s Yun Ying who has wronged you, miss. If you do not forgive me, I am willing to die as an apology." Saying this, she raised her hand to strike her own face with a fierce wind that revealed she was skilled in martial arts!
How much had she hidden from me! But there was no time for further inquiry; I flicked my teacup towards her wrist to stop her from taking such drastic action. Sighing deeply, my voice softened and lost its feigned chill: "What are you doing? I have no intention of punishing you." I stood up and walked over to help Yun Ying rise from the ground. Tonight, I had deliberately feigned illness to refuse the Emperor's summons. His repeated requests had stirred unrest in the harem, so he had tacitly agreed.
Yun Ying sobbed uncontrollably but stubbornly remained kneeling, bowing deeply before me. Looking up at me with determination in her eyes, she declared: "Yun Ying swears that ever since you woke up after your injury and treated me with kindness, I have never done anything to betray you."
"Then why—" I wanted to ask why she had leaked my whereabouts to Chief Eunuch Gao, leading to several encounters with the Emperor—once at Miyu and once in the pear blossom grove. Fortunately, during our meeting at Miyu, the lighting was dim and I had disguised myself well enough that he did not recognize me as the later Xie Weiying.
"This is the only time I've listened to my lord." My fists clenched; it truly was Head of the Family! I had always found it strange how well Head of the Family seemed to know everything about me when the only close person by my side was Yun Ying. I never wanted to doubt her, but after entering the palace—
Yun Ying wiped away her tears: "I am actually someone trained by my lord specifically for your sake. He instructed me to stay by your side—to protect you and—" She paused. I scoffed; naturally it was also to monitor me.
She continued: "And also to report everything about you back to him. Because of my momentary carelessness, you fell into the pond; I've felt guilty about that ever since. Although you were timid as a child, you were kind-hearted and we relied on each other. Thankfully you survived; even though you've forgotten everything, you've become strong. I've been genuinely happy since you woke up; I've never told my lord anything about your affairs since then. Until just before entering the palace when my lord came while you were out and saw how transformed Curved Pavilion looked. He first expressed amazement and then muttered something like 'I knew during the family banquet that Firefly must be special.' After casually asking about your daily life, he left without saying anything else. I thought nothing would happen after that, but soon after you were summoned into the palace."
Yun Ying suddenly looked up at me, a hint of admiration in her eyes as she said, "Before entering the palace, my master once told me that someone like you is destined to hold great power. But after you entered the palace, you showed no interest in vying for favor, so I took it upon myself to speak with Chief Eunuch Gao. I thought it was for your benefit, but you seemed unhappy. Miss, I was wrong. You can punish me however you wish, but please don't send me away. I want to serve you for the rest of my life."
It turned out that my entry into the palace was likely a scheme orchestrated by the Head of the Family. He must have known about my debt to Chen Ningyuan and set a trap for me to willingly fall into. Even though I realized it was a trap, the path I chose was probably still the same! After all, I genuinely hoped that Second Sister and Chen Ningyuan could be together. I knew that what Yun Ying said was true; if she truly wanted to harm me over the years, she could have acted long ago. Why wait until now? That foolish girl!
I glanced at Yun Ying calmly and said with a misty gaze, "Do you really want me to forgive you? Then you just need to do one thing for me, and I will forgive you."
Yun Ying lowered her head firmly and replied, "Even if it means dying, I will have no complaints."
I suddenly let out a cold laugh and said hollowly, "Yun Ying, do you know that in this harem, only the Cold Palace is the safest place? It is where one can live out their days in peace."
Weary, I waved my hand at Xiao Quanzi, who stood there in a daze. "Xiao Quanzi, you may leave for now."
The next day, I got up early and went out with Yun Ying to visit Consort Xie at Southern Pingyi Palace—my aunt. At this moment, I thought she would be more eager to see me than I was to see her.
My aunt had been waiting for me to help her ascend to the position of Queen. How could I let her down?
Pingyi Palace.
The lush green trees lined the path like a secluded flower trail. The simplicity felt reminiscent of Xie Manor. However, there was an added chill—perhaps because the Emperor had not visited in a long time, leading to a lack of warmth? I never knew that my proud and domineering aunt would arrange her quarters so modestly; perhaps it was because of the Emperor's preferences...
There were eunuchs waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Yun Ying and me, they directly led us inside while respectfully saying, "Jieyu, your lady has been waiting for you in the hall for quite some time. This way please." Their heads remained bowed; I couldn't even see their faces.
"You've come," my aunt said from her seat.
"Yes, Aunt. How have you been these past few years? Father has been reminding me to check on you since entering the palace," I replied respectfully with my head lowered.
"Is that so?" From my peripheral vision, I noticed her nails painted a deep blue. They matched her expression—always cold and heavy. It seemed as if she anticipated everything with calm composure.
"You may leave now," she said lightly as she swept her gaze over the surrounding maids and eunuchs. They all bowed and exited without hesitation; even Yun Ying was not allowed to stay behind.
She glanced at me gently and said, "I won't beat around the bush. I assume your brother has already told you the purpose of your visit to the palace."
"Yes, my father mentioned it."
"Then do you know what you are supposed to do?"
"I've been here for so long, and I've been unwell, unable to assist my aunt. Yet, my aunt still worries about me. I truly—" As I spoke, I found myself choking up, unable to hold back my tears. I hoped I had acted convincingly enough.
"My dear, I don't blame you for the past; I have my own faults as well. You need to take good care of your health. We, as aunt and niece, must support each other in this deep palace and maintain close ties." If it weren't for the lack of emotion in her eyes, I might have been moved by her sorrowful expression and concern for me. Unfortunately, those eyes couldn't deceive me.
Still, I cooperatively sobbed softly as she stood up and embraced me, Xie De Fei.
"I understand, Aunt," I replied obediently, presenting myself as a delicate and gentle young woman.
This woman was far from the serene and virtuous image she projected.
I recalled a man's lament I had once heard: indeed, the harem was a woman's world. Men here could never fathom a woman's true thoughts. No wonder they say that a woman's heart is like a needle in the sea.
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