The rumors didn't stop.
Whispers floated through the palace like dust in sunlight. "There's a girl in the Lotus Pavilion. She saved the silk."
"Didn't she get a gift from His Majesty?"
"I heard Lady Bai spoke her name."
No one spoke to me directly.
But I felt the change.
The other girls kept their smiles tight. Some stopped talking when I entered the room. A few began leaving the table when I sat down.
That's okay.
Let them avoid me.
Let them wonder.
Let them report to their masters.
⸻
At court, the emperor sat in silence while his ministers argued over border patrols and taxes.
Zhao Yunxie wasn't listening.
His mind kept returning to that moment. When she fell. That girl— he wondered in silence that felt too familiar.
He turned to Eunuch Lin. "There's a concubine in the Lotus Pavilion. A new one. What's her name?"
The eunuch blinked. "There are many, Your Majesty. May I ask—?"
"She wore a crooked comb."
The eunuch nodded slowly. "Lady Yue Zhenzhen."
Zhao Yunxie said nothing.
But that name stayed with him all day.
⸻
That evening, I was called. But not to the emperor's private chambers.
I was taken to a quiet tea hall in the inner gardens. No guards. No courtiers. Just a small table, two chairs, and a pot of warm tea.
Zhao Yunxie sat at the table, dressed simply, his hair tied back. He didn't look at me at first.
I bowed deeply. "Your Majesty."
"Sit," he said.
I sat across from him. Hands placed carefully on my lap, eyes low.
He poured the tea himself.
"Do you know why you're here?" he asked.
"No, Your Majesty."
I could feel his eyes watching my every move.
I kept my eyes on my tea cup.
"You helped during the fire," he said.
"I did what anyone would do."
He tilted his head. "Most ladies run first."
I smiled faintly. "I didn't think to."
There was silence.
"You're very calm," he said.
I kept my voice soft. "I'm often quiet."
"You're not afraid of me?"
"I am."
He leaned forward slightly. "Then why aren't you shaking with fear?"
"I am," I said gently. "I just don't show it."
For a moment, he said nothing.
His eyes narrowed, studying me like a puzzle he cant seem to put together.
Then he stood, "You may go."
I bowed again. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
I walked slowly and carefully.
⸻
That night, I slept with the candle burning low.
Far across the palace, Zhao Yunxie sat alone in his study.
A servant asked if he needed anything else in which he waved them off.
And when he finally dozed off, he sat up frightened remembering his dream
"I will remember everything."
He woke up sweating.
And for the first time in a long while… He looked over his shoulder.