Boom—
A thunderclap split the sky, and in an instant, the weather shifted dramatically. Dark clouds rolled in, blotting out the sunlight, transforming the clear sky into an ominous gloom.
Yun Wan and her maid Yue Ya quickened their pace, retracing their steps with urgency.
Suddenly, a fierce wind howled through the garden, rustling the trees violently. The light faded, replaced by an oppressive darkness.
Yue Ya cursed the wretched weather under her breath while shielding Yun Wan from falling branches.
But the further they walked, the more uneasy they felt. Yue Ya tugged at Yun Wan’s sleeve, hesitating before speaking. "Madam, I don’t think this is the way we came..."
The Princess's Mansion was even larger than the Duke's residence, with winding paths and hidden trails that made it easy to lose one’s way.
Yun Wan had always been directionally challenged—unless she had walked a route multiple times, she relied purely on instinct.
Hearing Yue Ya’s words, she paused and glanced around. Something did feel off. She remembered passing a pavilion earlier, yet now, there was no sign of it.
Just then, a maid from the Princess's Mansion hurried by. Yue Ya swiftly stopped her. "We’re guests attending Her Highness’s birthday banquet and have lost our way. Could you guide us back to the main hall?"
The maid, clearly annoyed at being interrupted, forced a polite smile upon realizing they were the Princess’s guests. "Apologies, but I’m in a hurry. If you wish to return to the main hall, go straight ahead and then turn..."
She gestured vaguely, speaking rapidly before darting off without waiting for a response.
Yun Wan and Yue Ya exchanged bewildered looks.
Yun Wan sighed. "Let’s just keep walking!"
Following the maid’s directions, the surroundings grew eerily quiet, the trees thickening as if they had stepped into another world.
Yue Ya fretted. "Madam, I think we took a wrong turn... Should we go back?"
No sooner had she spoken than raindrops the size of beans began pelting down, drenching them in seconds. The downpour intensified, soaking Yun Wan’s sleeve and hair.
A flash of lightning split the sky, followed by a deafening thunderclap that startled both women.
Turning back was no longer an option—they hadn’t passed any pavilions or sheltered eaves along the way.
Yun Wan pointed ahead. "Let’s find somewhere to take cover!"
Otherwise, they’d be drenched to the bone, risking illness upon returning home.
Yue Ya scanned their surroundings and suddenly brightened. "Madam, there’s a courtyard over there!"
Yun Wan spotted it too and immediately pulled Yue Ya toward it.
As they neared, the courtyard revealed itself—a serene, elegantly arranged retreat resembling a guesthouse.
Yun Wan guessed it was meant for resting visitors, though she couldn’t fathom why it was tucked away in such a secluded spot.
Yue Ya gestured urgently. "Madam, the rain’s getting worse. The gate’s unlocked—let’s take shelter under the eaves!"
Yun Wan agreed, and the two huddled beneath the covered walkway, finally escaping the deluge.
Yue Ya stared at the relentless rain, murmuring, "Who knows how long this will last? If we’re late returning, the old mistress will surely scold you again..."
Yun Wan remained composed. "Don’t panic. Storms like this pass quickly. Besides, with so many guests today, we can’t be the only ones stranded."
"You’re right. Her Highness will likely send someone to fetch us soon."
......
Inside the chamber, the relentless drumming of rain and muffled voices seeped through the walls like an incessant buzz, shattering the silence.
On the divan, a pair of cold, phoenix-like eyes snapped open, sharp with irritation. The air around him turned glacial.
"Jiang Fusheng."
His voice was frost-laced.
Jiang Fusheng, who had been hesitating whether to shoo away the intruders, stiffened at the summons. Trembling, he stepped behind the screen and bowed.
Emperor Jingxuan massaged his throbbing temples, displeasure etched across his imperial features. "Find out who’s making noise outside and remove them."
"At once, Your Majesty."
With that, Jiang Fusheng stormed out, his round face set in a scowl.
Who dared disturb the Emperor’s peace?
Moments later, he returned meekly, whispering, "Your Majesty, it’s Madam Lu and her maid sheltering from the rain."
Silence hung behind the screen.
Jiang Fusheng, sensing the Emperor’s mood, ventured carefully, "From what I saw, the eaves offer little shelter. Madam Lu’s robes are quite drenched."
His heart pounded—had he overstepped?
The quiet stretched until the Emperor’s deep, icy voice finally cut through.
"Bring her in."
Relieved at guessing correctly, Jiang Fusheng exhaled and hurried back outside, his horsetail whisk in hand.
Under the eaves, Yun Wan had retreated as far as possible, but the wind drove the rain sideways, leaving both women thoroughly soaked.
There was no escape—unless they entered the chamber. But barging in uninvited would be improper.
As she hesitated, Jiang Fusheng appeared. Yun Wan blinked in surprise as he greeted her warmly. "Madam Lu, what a coincidence."
"Eunuch Jiang? What are you doing here?"
Her gaze flicked toward the chamber. If he was here, then...
She pointed wordlessly.
Jiang Fusheng nodded. "You’ve guessed right—His Majesty is inside."
After a brief explanation, he stated his purpose. "Madam Lu, His Majesty invites you inside to take shelter."
Yun Wan stiffened. "I appreciate His Majesty’s kindness, but we’ll manage here. We wouldn’t dare impose."
The last thing she wanted was to face Emperor Jingxuan.
Of all places—why did she have to stumble upon him in this remote corner of the Princess's Mansion?
Jiang Fusheng shook his head firmly. "This is His Majesty’s command. I dare not disobey. Madam Lu, please—"
He stepped aside, gesturing with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Yun Wan swallowed hard. Refusal wasn’t an option.
With a resigned breath, she followed, feeling like a lamb led to slaughter.
At the chamber door, under Jiang Fusheng’s expectant gaze, she slowly pushed it open.
