I walked calmly down the long stone path toward Jingxin Palace.
The Empress Dowager had sent for me again.
A formal visit this time.
It was rare for a newly crowned empress to meet the Empress Dowager twice in one week. But I had expected it. In her past life, she had summoned me often during the early months, always testing, always judging.
As I turned the corner, my steps slowed.
There she was.
Noble Lady Mei.
She was dressed in soft pink robes, her long black hair pinned with silver flowers. She looked sweet and innocent, like a harmless noblewoman.
But I knew better.
"Your Majesty," she said, bowing deeply. "I didn't expect to see you here."
I smiled politely. "Lady Mei."
She held a small box in her hands, wrapped neatly in gold silk. "I was on my way to see the Empress Dowager and offer a little gift."
"Oh?" I asked, glancing at the box.
"It's a rare honey cake from the southern province," she said sweetly. "Only five were sent to the capital. I thought Her Majesty might enjoy something different."
I kept my face still, though I felt like laughing.
In the past life, I had brought the same kind of cake to the Empress Dowager. Mei had encouraged me to. I had believed her.
But the Empress Dowager hated sweets.
She hadn't said much then, only smiled faintly. But later, she had said to one of her maids, "An empress who doesn't understand my tastes? How foolish."
From that moment, her opinion of me dropped.
And I never recovered it.
Now, Mei was trying the same trick again.
Except this time, I wasn't the same.
"I see," I said softly. "The Empress Dowager does enjoy thoughtful gifts."
She gave me a quick look, probably wondering if I brought anything.
Of course, I had.
Inside my sleeve was a thin, rare booklet, Poems of the Spring Court, handwritten by a scholar who had passed away ten years ago. The Empress Dowager admired that scholar greatly.
In my past life, I had learned this too late.
Not this time.
"I hope she enjoys it," I added gently.
Mei's smile tightened. "Of course she will."
We walked together in silence for a moment, the guards and maids trailing behind us.
"You've been quiet these past days," she said lightly. "I've been hoping to visit, but I heard you've been too tired to receive guests."
"That's right," I replied. "The wedding was tiring. I needed time to rest."
She gave a little laugh. "You're still adjusting to life in the palace, I imagine. It can be so overwhelming."
I looked at her and smiled. "Not as overwhelming as the many faces people wear here."
Her eyes flickered for just a second.
"True," she said. "But some faces are easy to read."
I didn't respond.
She was testing me again.
Let her try.
We reached the steps of Jingxin Palace. The guards bowed, and a maid greeted us politely. "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager awaits."
We entered together, our steps slow and elegant.
The Empress Dowager sat on her golden seat, dressed in deep red robes with embroidered cranes. Her hair was styled high, her eyes sharp as ever.
We both bowed low.
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager," we said in unison.
"Rise," she said, her voice cold.
We stood. I could feel Mei glancing at me, waiting for the right moment.
She stepped forward first.
"Your Majesty," she said sweetly, "I brought a gift for you. It's a rare honey cake from the southern region,lightly sweet and made with almond flour. I thought it might please your palate."
The Empress Dowager looked at the box but did not move to take it.
"How thoughtful," she said flatly.
Mei smiled, then stepped back.
I moved forward and bowed again. "Your Majesty, I too brought a small offering. It's an old copy of Poems of the Spring Court, written by Scholar Yao in his final year. I thought you might enjoy reading it again."
The Empress Dowager's expression shifted.
Her hand reached out this time. A maid brought the booklet forward, and she took it carefully, running her fingers along the old parchment.
"I haven't read this version in years," she said softly. "Very few copies remain."
I bowed again. "It was found in my family's library. I thought it might bring some comfort."
She nodded slightly. "You are thoughtful."
Then she turned to Mei.
"I remember trying that honey cake once," she said calmly. "Too sweet for my taste."
Mei's face froze for just a moment. "I… I had heard it was delicate and light."
The Empress Dowager raised her eyebrows. "You must have heard wrong."
Silence fell over the room.
I didn't gloat. I didn't smirk. I simply lowered my eyes politely.
Mei stepped back with a tight smile.
The Empress Dowager motioned for tea. We all sat around the low table as the maids poured cups for us.
"I have watched many empresses come and go," she said. "Some were soft and kind. Others were strong and silent."
She looked at me. "Which will you be, I wonder?"
I met her eyes steadily. "I will be the one who remembers your teachings."
She nodded slowly. "We shall see."
After some light conversation, the visit ended.
Mei and I left together in silence.
As we walked back down the stone path, the tension between us grew heavier.
Finally, she spoke.
"That was quite a clever gift."
I looked at her, my tone still gentle. "I only remembered what Her Majesty once said during a past festival. She spoke highly of Scholar Yao."
Mei kept her smile, but her eyes were colder now. "I see. You're sharper than I expected."
"And you're just as sweet as your gift," I said, keeping my voice soft but firm.
Her expression hardened for a second before she turned away. "This palace has many eyes. I hope you remember who your real friends are."
I stopped walking.
"Friends don't feed poison with a smile."
She turned to look at me, surprised. But I was already walking ahead.