“Auntie.” Murong Qiufeng quickly stood up.
Shangguan Ye directly pressed his shoulder back down. “Hey, don’t move. It’s not done yet.” He gestured for Youxiang to continue.
Youxiang pouted and lowered her head, continuing to tend to the wound without acknowledging the newcomer.
Murong Qiufeng was somewhat helpless. At this moment, the Empress had already entered. The large door was open, and she could see them changing the bandages from afar.
“Hehe, Your Highness is already here so early.” The Empress teased, though inwardly, she was beginning to feel suspicious. Nothing in the harem escaped her eyes. She knew that the King had not returned last night.
Normally, Shangguan Ye’s care for Murong Qiufeng would be understandable, especially due to Murong Qiufeng’s relationship with Murong Qiujin. However, as time went on, oddities began to show. Shangguan Ye’s care seemed excessive—almost shadowing Murong Qiufeng, and some things were done personally by him. The Empress had noticed this early on, but had not yet been able to confirm her suspicions.
Now…
Her eyes subtly scanned the hand that Shangguan Ye had placed on Murong Qiufeng’s shoulder. It appeared to be a simple gesture of help, but something felt slightly off, especially with the tenderness in Shangguan Ye’s gaze toward Murong Qiufeng, which he did not even try to hide.
A chill suddenly ran through the Empress’s heart, and when she met Shangguan Ye’s eyes, she was stunned. His gaze held a trace of provocation.
“The Empress is also up early.” Shangguan Ye said.
The Empress instinctively pressed her hand to her chest, smiling as she spoke. “Hehe, I couldn’t see Qiufeng yesterday and have been quite worried. Qiufeng, how is your injury?”
At this moment, Youxiang had finished wrapping the bandage. Murong Qiufeng raised his hand to touch the dressing and moved his stiff neck, smiling. “It’s already healed. It was just a minor injury.”
“Don’t move.” Shangguan Ye quickly grabbed Murong Qiufeng’s hand that was touching the injured area, his voice a bit reproachful yet helpless. “A minor injury, and you dare say that. Next time you get such a minor injury, let’s see how I punish you.”
Murong Qiufeng thought of Shangguan Ye’s so-called punishment kiss, and his face turned red. Seeing that the Empress was looking at them, he quickly withdrew his hand and stood up, trying to hide his awkwardness. He smiled. “I apologize for making you worry, Auntie. Since you’re here so early, have you had breakfast?”
The Empress’s heart sank a little. Her smile almost faltered. “Hehe, I’ve already had breakfast. I had the kitchen prepare some snacks for you. They’re all your favorites.” She gestured to her servants to place the snacks on the table.
“By the way, Your Highness, how is Qiujin? We haven’t seen her for a while. Why not bring her to the palace while we’re at it?”
“No need. She went out to travel a few days ago, so she probably won’t return soon.” Shangguan Ye said coldly.
The scene then shifts to the Empress in the royal garden, reflecting on the growing tension and her suspicions. A sudden voice from behind breaks her thoughts.
“Your Majesty, you’re out so early to admire the snow. How lonely it must be without company.” A sharp voice echoed in the garden.
The Empress turned, and before her stood the newly appointed Concubine, An Lanxin, wearing a snow-white cloak and exuding arrogance. An Lanxin had been the Emperor’s favorite for a year, having risen swiftly in rank. She was known for her beauty and her brazen attitude, but the Empress knew that too much arrogance in the harem was dangerous—it led to a swift fall.
The Empress’s mood soured as she listened to An Lanxin’s mocking tone. “Concubine An, you should be careful. The winter winds are cold. A woman’s health is fragile. If you’re more careful, perhaps you’ll hear some good news next spring.” The Empress’s words were a veiled jab, hinting that perhaps An Lanxin’s condition could improve with better care.
An Lanxin’s face darkened. She had been unable to conceive despite being favored by the Emperor, which became a sore spot for her. The Empress’s words struck a nerve, but An Lanxin quickly recovered her composure.
“Hmm, no need for the Empress to worry. I heard that the Empress’s nephew has entered the palace. I even heard that His Majesty rushed to see him last night after court, and the King stayed there all night. The Empress is fortunate. One niece has captured the King’s heart, and now another nephew seems to be following suit… Ah!” She finished her sentence with a sharp laugh.
Before she could finish her taunt, a loud slap echoed through the air.
An Lanxin’s hand flew to her cheek in shock. She stared in disbelief at the Empress.
“Y-you… you dared slap me?”
“In this harem, I make the rules.” The Empress’s voice was cold as she leaned in slightly. Her eyes gleamed with icy authority. “Your duty is to serve His Majesty, not to gossip. Think carefully about your place. Do you believe that even if the Emperor favors you, I can’t take you down?”
“You… you dare!” An Lanxin’s face showed her genuine fear for the first time.
The Empress gave a cold laugh, her eyes flashing with a sharp warning. “Try me,” she said, her voice low and dangerous, before turning and walking away.
