"Your Highness, it's time to prepare for the day."
Fuling entered the bedchamber, placing down a bronze basin filled with warm water as she called out softly.
After a pause, a muffled hum came from beneath the embroidered quilts behind the gauzy bed curtains, followed by Yun Wan slowly emerging and sitting up, allowing the palace maids to attend to her.
With no empress in the rear palace, there was no need for early morning greetings. Yun Wan slept until the sun was high, indulged in fine food and drink, and lived a life even more comfortable than she had in the Lu family.
Her lips were red, her teeth pearly white, and her complexion radiant. Her jet-black hair was lush and glossy, smoother than the finest silk. She even suspected she had gained some weight.
Fortunately, when measured with a soft ruler, her waist remained unchanged—only certain other areas had grown fuller.
After freshening up, Yun Wan sat before the dressing table while Yue Ya styled her hair into a simple yet dignified updo. "Which hairpin would Your Highness like to wear today?" she asked, lowering her head.
Yun Wan idly flicked through the selection in the jewelry box before suddenly saying, "I've grown tired of these. Fetch some new ones from the treasury."
Yue Ya obeyed, sending someone to retrieve more.
Soon, a maid returned from the treasury carrying a chest of ornaments.
"Your Highness, the new selection has arrived," Yue Ya announced.
The maid held the chest above her head, making it easier for Yun Wan to inspect.
After a careful look, Yun Wan hesitated.
Noticing this, the maid holding the chest gathered her courage and spoke up. "Your Highness, since you're wearing the Hundred Flowers and Butterflies Silk Dress today, perhaps these pearl hairpins, along with these earrings and bracelet, would complement it perfectly."
Her voice was clear, slightly nervous, yet articulate—enough to leave a favorable impression.
Yun Wan paused, her gaze settling on the maid’s delicate face. "What is your name?"
The maid’s heart leapt—this was her chance to shine. Suppressing her excitement, she answered smartly, "This humble servant is called Lingxiang. I usually tend to the treasury, but since Sister Zhui'er was absent today, I took the liberty of selecting a few pieces for Your Highness."
"Lingxiang?"
"At your service."
Lingxiang… Xiang'er.
Understanding dawned in Yun Wan’s mind, though her expression remained unchanged. "You have good taste. Go and receive your reward."
Lingxiang was overjoyed. "Thank you, Your Highness!"
Yun Wan watched her retreating figure until she disappeared, then her smile faded as she ordered sternly, "Keep an eye on her. Observe her daily activities and who she interacts with. Report any irregularities immediately."
"And inspect every piece in this chest thoroughly, especially the ones Lingxiang just picked out."
Her gaze lingered on the dazzling jewelry on the table, her eyes glinting thoughtfully.
From Lingxiang’s voice, Yun Wan was certain she was the maid who had been with her lover in the flower bushes last night—and she was indeed from her own palace.
Seeing her lost in thought, Yue Ya spoke up. "Does Your Highness suspect Lingxiang and these ornaments are problematic? These were all sent by the Jewelry Bureau according to your allotted share."
In principle, these pieces should have been placed in the dressing box from the start. But the Emperor had sent so many jewels that Yun Wan’s box couldn’t hold them all, forcing the rest into storage.
Yun Wan exhaled softly, murmuring, "It’s not suspicion—it’s certainty."
......
An hour later, Yue Ya returned with a grim expression, whispering into Yun Wan’s ear, "Your Highness, you were right."
She carefully unfolded a handkerchief, revealing a bracelet inside. "The rest seem fine, but this red coral bracelet—several of its beads are musk pearls!"
Musk pearls were unmistakably linked to musk. Typically, beads were stored with musk, absorbing its essence over time before being coated with a transparent substance to preserve their luster.
Most importantly, this method masked the scent. Even Yun Wan, who was sensitive to fragrances, wouldn’t suspect anything without detecting the musk. The mastermind behind this had exploited that very weakness.
Yun Wan had considered the possibility of tainted jewelry, but musk was unexpected.
As everyone knew, musk was precious yet carried both benefits and risks.
Yun Wan pondered—why go to such lengths to expose her to musk? The culprit clearly wanted to prevent pregnancy. Even if she conceived, prolonged exposure could lead to miscarriage.
So, who was Lingxiang’s true master?
Consort Lu? Imperial Concubine Li? Or someone else entirely?
Yun Wan held the coral bracelet, examining it closely while Yue Ya fretted. "Your Highness, be careful! It’s best not to handle this too much."
She took the bracelet, rewrapped it in the handkerchief, and placed it back in the chest. "By the way, I also inquired about Lingxiang. She does have a lover—a low-ranking guard. I haven’t yet learned his name."
Yun Wan washed her hands. "Be discreet. Don’t draw attention."
That afternoon, during the rear palace’s tea gathering, the conversation inevitably turned to Yun Wan.
Imperial Concubine Li casually asked, "It’s been some time since Noble Consort Yun entered the palace. Has she had her wellness check?"
Yun Wan smiled. "Of course. Just two days ago, the imperial physician said I was in good health, though I should nourish myself to ward off chills."
"That’s good to hear."
With that, Imperial Concubine Li said no more.
But others couldn’t resist teasing. "Perhaps Her Highness is already carrying the Emperor’s heir?"
Yun Wan lifted her gaze to the speaker, her tone cool. "If even the imperial physician hasn’t confirmed it, how can you be so sure?"
The woman faltered, shrinking back. "Your Highness, don’t be upset. This concubine was merely speculating. After all, you’ve been in the palace for a while now, and it’s said His Majesty spends every night at Qiyun Palace."
Yun Wan studied her for a moment. "You are Consort Xing?"
Consort Xing blinked. "Yes."
Yun Wan’s eyes flickered with skepticism. "Logically, you entered the palace before me. Why haven’t you conceived? Is there an issue with your health?"
Consort Xing stiffened. If the Emperor never visited her, how could she possibly conceive?
But she dared not say that.
Instead, she stammered, "Your Highness misunderstands. This concubine is perfectly healthy."
Yun Wan pressed, "Then are you implying His Majesty is unwell?"
Consort Xing paled. "That’s not what I meant—"
Yun Wan frowned. "Then what did you mean? If you find His Majesty’s visits to Qiyun Palace improper, I’d be happy to relay your concerns to him."
"N-no need! This concubine appreciates Your Highness’s kindness." Consort Xing’s face twisted in dismay as she hastily declined, inwardly despairing.
Who knew how Yun Wan would twist her words?
Noble Lady Hu and Consort Lu were living proof of that.
Consort Xing fell silent, thoroughly chastened.
The others exchanged glances, mostly amused spectators. After all, their own situations couldn’t get much worse.
Yun Wan’s lips curved slightly. As she raised a hand to adjust her hair, her sleeve slipped, revealing the bracelet on her wrist.
Someone immediately noticed.
"That bracelet on Noble Consort Yun’s wrist is quite exquisite."
