The sun was setting when I returned to my chambers.
Soft golden light slipped through the silk curtains, casting long shadows on the floor.
I sat in front of the mirror, letting the maid remove the heavy hairpins and comb my hair gently.
"Has Xiu returned from the kitchen?" I asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the maid replied. "She's waiting outside."
"Send her in."
A few moments later, Xiu entered with her head bowed. "Your Majesty."
The air in my chamber was still. The faint scent of jasmine lingered from the incense, but even that couldn't cover the heaviness I felt inside.
Xiu knelt in front of me, helping me remove my outer robe. Her hands were gentle, but I saw the nervous flicker in her eyes.
I studied her carefully.
In my past life, I had trusted too easily. I believed loyalty came from years of service, from shared laughs and quiet talks. But when everything fell apart, even the people closest to me disappeared without a trace. Including Xiu.
Was it fear that made her leave me back then? Or something more?
It was time to find out.
"Xiu," I said softly.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"You've been with me for many years."
She nodded. "Since you were thirteen, Your Majesty."
"And during those years… did you ever think of leaving my service?"
Her hands paused for a moment. "Never."
"Not even when others offered you more?"
"No one ever dared," she said quickly.
I smiled a little. "Good. Then I have something important for you."
She looked up.
"There is a maid named Ping'er. She serves Noble Lady Mei."
Xiu's brows furrowed slightly.
"I want you to watch her. Quietly. Do not speak to her or let her notice. Just follow her when you can. See who she meets. What she carries."
Xiu hesitated, but nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
This would be her first test. I didn't need her to find anything big just yet. I just wanted to see if she would obey. Or if she would run straight to Mei.
There was a knock at the door.
"His Majesty has summoned the Empress," the maid announced from outside.
I glanced at Xiu. "Help me change."
The path to the Emperor's chambers felt longer than usual. The stone floors were cold under my embroidered shoes, and the night air smelled of pine and something sharp like danger.
When I stepped inside, I found Zhao Rui standing near a low table, dressed in black silk.
He didn't look at me at first. His gaze was on a scroll in his hand.
"You came," he said without turning.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty."
He smiled faintly, then finally looked up.
"You're always so proper," he said. "Even now."
"I am the Empress. It's only right to behave as one."
He poured two cups of wine and motioned for me to sit across from him.
We sat in silence for a while.
"I thought you might be tired," he said. "After visiting the Empress Dowager."
"It was nothing I couldn't handle."
"She doesn't like many people."
"I know."
He raised an eyebrow. "You do?"
I nodded slowly. "She prefers books over gifts. And she hates sweets, even though everyone keeps offering them."
His eyes narrowed, just slightly. "You've studied her well."
"It's important to know who holds real power in the palace."
Zhao Rui seemed amused. "You've changed, Lian Hua."
"Perhaps I've simply matured."
He drank his wine, watching me.
"I noticed something today," he said after a pause. "You didn't react when Consort Mei tried to steal your moment."
My fingers tightened around the cup. "There was nothing to react to. Noble Lady Mei speaks often, but says very little of worth."
He chuckled. "You speak sharply than before."
"Words are a weapon too, aren't they?"
He leaned closer, resting one arm on the table. "Tell me, what do you think of me?"
I didn't flinch.
"In what way, Your Majesty?"
"As a man. As your husband."
I met his eyes. "You are powerful. Clever. Respected. But also dangerous."
He looked pleased. "And that doesn't scare you?"
"I've lived long enough to know fear is a waste of time."
He studied me quietly.
In the past, I would have blushed under that gaze. I would have looked away, unsure of myself. Now, I met his eyes without flinching.
After a long silence, he stood and walked toward the large curtain behind him.
"I won't ask you to stay tonight," he said over his shoulder. "Not until you come willingly."
That surprised me.
"Why?" I asked.
He turned slightly, a strange look in his eyes. "Because I want to understand you first."
So that's his plan.
He wants to study me. Break down my walls, piece by piece.
But I am not the same woman he once knew.
"Very well, Your Majesty," I said, rising. "I'll take my leave."
He said nothing more as I walked out.
Back in my chambers, the candles were low. Xiu had waited up, eyes wide with questions.
"Well?" she asked carefully.
"There was no wedding night," I said simply.
Her face lit with relief, then confusion. "Then why did he call you?"
"To talk. He wants to know who I am."
Xiu frowned. "But he already knows you."
I shook my head. "No. He knew the young,playful Lian Hua. This one is a stranger to him."
I removed my hairpins slowly.
"Did Ping'er do anything suspicious today?" I asked.
Xiu nodded. "She went to the outer courtyard alone. She met with a man dressed like a servant. He handed her a letter."
"Good work."
She looked pleased. "Should I follow her again tomorrow?"
"Yes. But be careful. Don't get caught."
I lay down on the bed, staring up at the silk canopy.
Today had gone as I expected. Mei had shown her claws. The Emperor had tried to read me. And Xiu had passed her first test.
But this was only the beginning.
The palace was quiet now.
But I knew the storm was coming.
And this time, I would be ready