I returned to my quarters just before dusk, the wind catching the loose ends of my robe. A few other girls watched me from shaded thresholds as I passed. Curious, but indifferent.
No one important watched girls like Yue Zhenzhen.
That was my shield for now.
A single lamp had been lit, casting a faint golden glow over the room. Chun'er knelt beside the brazier, feeding it dry leaves and rubbing her palms together for warmth.
She looked up quickly as I entered. "Miss, you're back! Eunuch Cheng didn't…?"
"Hurt me?" I finished, voice mild. "No. He only reminded me of my place."
Chun'er stood and dusted off her knees. "That's good. You should rest, miss. You still look pale."
Of course I do. New body, unfamiliar frame. I hadn't yet adjusted to the softness of my hands or the unfamiliar pull of this girl's smile.
I stepped infront of the copper mirror. It was not polished well—blurry around the edges, but it is enough to see my reflection.
Yue Zhenzhen's face stared back.
I studied it carefully this time. The cheeks were rounder than mine had been. Eyes large, too innocent, almost trusting. A mouth that turned downward slightly at rest, giving her a look of quiet a worry.
It was a beautiful face, but the kind that faded easily in a crowd.
It's good.
I practiced some smiling.
The kind of smile a foolish, grateful concubine might offer after surviving a hard conversation with a cold eunuch. Sweet, unassuming, a little nervous.
I tilted my head. Smiled again. A bit wider this time.
And again.
I heard a sound behind me.
Chun'er stood frozen by the brazier, her eyes wide, lips parted as if she'd just bitten her tongue. She dropped her gaze instantly and bowed, stiff and quick.
I walked slowly towards her.
"Whats wrong ?" I asked softly.
She shook her head, fast. "No, miss. There's nothing wrong."
But her hands were clenched in her sleeves.Her shoulders too stiff.
She saw something.
Not enough to name it—but enough to know something is missing.
I smiled again, a simple masked smile.
"I'm grateful to you, Chun'er," I said, voice gentle. "You take good care of me."
She nodded, still not meeting my eyes. "You're… very welcome, miss."
"Don't be afraid," I added, turning away. "I won't harm anyone who doesn't deserve it."
She froze.
I sat down and reached for the small brush beside the mirror, smoothing the ends of my hair with slow, precise strokes.
The room fell silent but for the soft hiss of the brazier.
Chun'er remained kneeling for a long time, then bowed low enough that her forehead touched the floor.
That should be enough to show her loyalty.