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Meanwhile, in another palace, a concubine stood quietly before the window, gently stroking the head of a black vulture perched on her arm. Behind her, a maidservant stood shivering slightly in the cold.
"Niangniang, it's already very late," the maid whispered. "His Majesty is still at Mei Guiren's palace and should be asleep by now. It's getting cold… Please close the window so you don't fall ill."
The concubine's eyes didn't move from the dark sky as she asked coldly, "Do you think I went too far, plotting against such a low-ranked Guiren who was just promoted?"
"No, Niangniang. This servant doesn't think so. You must have had your reasons."
"Every time I see Mei Guiren, I feel it. That same chill. That same fear. She reminds me of her… that crazy bitch the Emperor couldn't forget. Even after she tried to kill him, and she is dead he still mourned her. That cursed Concubine Mei!"
Her voice rose into a shrill cry, madness flickering in her gaze. Her fingers clenched suddenly around the vulture's throat. The bird thrashed weakly in her grip, its wings fluttering helplessly.
"Do you know how jealous I was?" she spat. "Of a dead woman?! Now there's another one—another Mei! I will never let her be favored. I will never allow it!"
"Y-Yes, Niangniang," the maid said, her voice shaking. "It won't happen again. She's already dead. We made sure of it.
"Yes… she's dead," the concubine murmured. "She'll never come back."
She loosened her grip on the vulture, which had been gasping for air, and continued to stroke its feathers. Behind her, the maid couldn't help but tremble.
The next morning, Mei Liang opened her eyes to find the other side of the bed already cold. The emperor had left. She smiled faintly.
It seems my gamble was right. He still can't stand it when a woman in his harem wants nothing to do with him. Some things never change… even after three years.
A quiet knock came from the door.
Cuiyu entered with a bow. "Good morning, Mistress."
"What is it?" Mei Liang asked, sitting up slowly.
"It's almost time to pay respects to the Empress. I was just about to wake you," Cuiyu said. "Also, the kitchen maid I mentioned yesterday has arrived. Do you remember, Mistress?"
"Yes, I remember," Mei Liang replied. "And about yesterday—you must teach Bitao properly. What happened must never repeat itself. If the Emperor overheard our conversation yesterday, we would have had no chance to ask for mercy."
"I've already warned and punished her this morning," Cuiyu said, pressing a hand to her chest. "This servant was frightened to death when His Majesty entered so suddenly."
"Good. Bring the kitchen maid to the small hall. I'll meet her after I've freshened up."
"Yes, Mistress. I'll do that right away."
Soon, Mei Liang arrived and walked gracefully toward the chair at the center of the hall. Her every step was calm yet composed, like someone who already knew how the game would unfold.
"You may rise," she said coolly.
Taoye stood up quickly, head lowered.
"Do you know why I called you here?" Mei Liang asked.
"This servant does not know," Taoye replied softly.
Mei Liang studied her for a moment, then said, "Lánxīn told me about your younger brother—his situation outside the palace. You've barely been able to help him, since you're only permitted to leave the palace twice a month."
Taoye's eyes widened slightly. "Yes… this servant does have a younger brother."
"Then you must already understand why I summoned you," Mei Liang said. "I want you to be my eyes outside the palace."
Taoye was stunned by Mei Liang's directness. After a pause, she quickly bowed again.
"As long as Noble Lady Mei is willing to help my brother, this servant is willing to do anything."
"Good." Mei Liang's voice was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath. "Take your brother to the residence of Deputy Supreme Commander Ming. I will write a letter. Give it to my elder brother—he'll know what to do."
Taoye dropped to her knees, her forehead hitting the floor. "This servant is deeply grateful to Noble Lady Mei! I… I am willing to do anything in return!"
Mei Liang waved her hand. "Stand up. Don't misunderstand—I'm not doing this out of the kindness of my heart."
Her eyes suddenly turned cold, voice sharp as a blade. "Let me make one thing very clear—if you dare betray me, your brother's life is already in my hands. And I can make you disappear without anyone ever knowing why."
Taoye shivered. She lowered her head quickly, unable to meet Mei Liang's gaze.
"This servant… dares not," she whispered.
"Good." Mei Liang stood, her voice lowering. "It's almost time to pay respects to the Empress. But before that—on your way back to the palace , you must purchase the medicinal herbs No one must see you. Not even the imperial guards. And you must not speak of this to anyone."
"Yes, Noble Lady," Taoye said, her voice trembling slightly.
"These are the herbs: safflower, motherwort, angelica root, peony bark, mugwort, cinnamon twig, perilla seed, and lotus seed. My brother will give you the money once he reads the letter."
She handed over a folded parchment, her fingers brushing the maid's hand.
"Here. Take this."
Taoye stepped forward and received it with both hands. "Yes… this servant understands."
Mei Liang watched her go, a glimmer of calculation in her eyes.
This will be her first test. If she can return unnoticed—with the herbs in hand—then she might be of use after all.
She rose swiftly, adjusting her sleeve as she turned.
Now… it was time to head to Empress Yaotai's palace.
Arriving there, Mei Liang saw that the Empress was already present, along with the rest of the concubines. The only ones who were late were her, Xian Guifei, and Hui Guifei.
Just as she was about to walk toward her seat after paying her respects to the Empress and the high-ranking consorts, Hui Guifei arrived first, with Xian Guifei behind her. Mei Liang quickly paid her respects to them and then sat down. Xian Guifei strolled in and casually paid her respects to the Empress before also sitting.
Empress Qing finally spoke. "It seems that Noble Lady Mei, Noble Consort Hui, and Noble Consort Xian are late."
Mei Liang immediately had a bad feeling. She quickly knelt down and said, "This concubine dares not neglect the morning greetings. It was only… the Emperor rested late at my palace last night, and this concubine lost track of time."
She didn't say it outright, but everyone knew what she meant. That dog Emperor was the reason she hadn't woken up on time—so of course she would use him as her shield Mei Liang thought.
Empress Qing clenched the handkerchief in her hand tightly. They are all using the Emperor to suppress me, she thought bitterly. If even a low-ranked concubine dares to use him as an excuse, how can I keep the harem in order?
Before Mei Liang could speak again, Empress Qing turned her eyes toward Mei Liang. "Is Noble Lady Mei… implying blame toward the Emperor?" she asked coldly.
"This concubine wouldn't dare," Mei Liang replied with her head bowed, her voice cold but steady.
Hui Guifei gave a slight chuckle. "Then why does it feel like you're boasting in front of us, Sister Mei?"
"Yes," Imperial Concubine Jing added, glancing at Yang Cairen with pity in her eyes. "It almost sounds like Sister Mei wants everyone to know that the Emperor stayed in her palace—even after something so terrible happened to poor younger Sister Yang."
Coming Soon Chapter 20 will be released tomorrow at 4:24 PM by this time tomorrow!"