Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I returned unharmed.

Her Highness even rewarded me with a bracelet. As soon as I went back to my quarters, the palace maids gathered around me.

They asked all at once about what had happened today. Before I could speak, I saw them look toward the door and fall silent.

“Auntie Qinglan.”

The green-clad maid I had seen today walked in with no expression on her face. She looked me over. “Ah Yin, pack your things. From today on, you will move to the inner hall and serve the imperial consort.”

…

I did not have many belongings. A single small bundle held everything.

Following behind Qinglan, I quietly studied her as well.

She looked only sixteen or seventeen, yet she seemed to have the imperial consort’s great trust.

As I was thinking, I heard her say, “It is your good fortune to serve in the inner hall. Know your place and keep to your duties.

“That cook had too many thoughts. For a little silver, she dared alter Her Highness’s medicinal meal without permission. She deserved to die.

“Before you, there was another palace maid. She had only been here three days before she got involved with a momo from Consort Rong’s palace…”

I froze.

Was she talking about Pei’er?

The surroundings were silent, making Qinglan’s voice especially clear.

Her voice was young, but every word carried weight.

It was hard to imagine that someone so young had already become the imperial consort’s trusted confidante.

Qinglan turned her head and glanced at me.

“Ah Yin, the cakes you made satisfied Her Highness. Serve Her Highness wholeheartedly from now on, and Her Highness will naturally not treat you poorly. But if you harbor any other thoughts…”

Her tone shifted abruptly, turning cold.

I hurriedly said, “Ah Yin would not dare. Thank you for your guidance, Auntie.”

“Good that you don’t dare.” Her voice was faint and chilling. “The ones who die the most are always those who are too bold…”

After entering Jade Feather Palace, I did not serve beside the imperial consort at every moment like Qinglan, but I saw her far more often than before.

The consort disliked rising early, and she also disliked associating with the other concubines. She did as she pleased.

These days, she often asked me to make sophora flower cakes for her.

Whenever she ate them, she was always especially quiet.

Her eyes would lower, and no one knew what she was thinking.

More and more, I felt that she was not quite like the vicious, ruthless imperial consort from the rumors.

It seemed as though she was hiding many secrets.

I wanted more and more to approach her and understand her.

So I urgently wanted to earn her trust.

The opportunity came very soon.

That night, I woke suddenly from sleep.

I heard footsteps outside.

I sat up, pushed open the window, and secretly looked out. It was the imperial consort.

She wore a wide cloak that covered her head and face.

Qinglan walked in front of her, carrying a lantern to light the way.

The lantern cast an orange glow ahead of her.

Their footsteps were very light, and before long, they vanished from sight.

I was still thinking when I saw a palace maid quietly follow them from behind.

This was…

There was no time to think. I threw on a garment and followed as well.