Upon hearing this, both women were momentarily stunned.
Just as Consort Shu was about to agree to Yun Wan’s request to withdraw, she quickly changed her words: "Your Majesty, what are you saying? How could it be a disturbance? This concubine has been longing for Your Majesty’s visit!"
To avoid arousing Emperor Jingxuan’s suspicions, Consort Shu smiled at Yun Wan and said, "Sister-in-law, why not stay and join us for the meal? It would save you the trouble of going back and forth."
If Yun Wan were to leave as soon as the Emperor arrived, wouldn’t it seem as though His Majesty was driving her away?
Meeting Consort Shu’s smiling yet unyielding gaze, Yun Wan realized she had no choice but to stay for the meal.
Further protests would be pointless, so she sat back down.
The meal was served in the dining hall. Due to Emperor Jingxuan’s presence, the imperial kitchen had prepared several additional dishes, all steaming hot when served.
The Emperor took the seat of honor, with Consort Shu to his left and Yun Wan seated beside her.
During the meal, Consort Shu eagerly served the Emperor, placing dishes into his bowl. "Your Majesty, as the weather grows warmer, this duck soup is perfect for cooling the body. Do try it."
"And these crystal-glazed pork slices and braised shredded delicacies—please give them a taste as well."
Rarely did the Emperor dine in her palace, so Consort Shu spared no effort to showcase her thoughtfulness, hoping to leave a favorable impression.
Her attentiveness left Jiang Fusheng, the eunuch standing nearby, with little to do. He could only bow his head and remain silent.
As she continued her enthusiastic recommendations, Emperor Jingxuan spoke calmly, "Consort Shu, silence during meals."
The implied meaning was clear: you’re being too noisy.
Consort Shu froze, her face flushing with embarrassment, and she dared not say another word.
Meanwhile, Yun Wan remained quiet throughout, eating her meal in silence.
She only wished for the meal to end quickly so she could leave.
Yet someone seemed to have seen through her thoughts and deliberately thwarted them.
Beneath the round dining table, the tip of Yun Wan’s embroidered slipper was lightly brushed—like the touch of a dragonfly skimming water.
Yun Wan paused, then continued eating a slice of bamboo shoot from her bowl as if nothing had happened, subtly pulling her legs back to avoid further contact.
But the owner of the boots opposite her seemed to have eyes of their own, pressing forward relentlessly until Yun Wan had no room left to retreat, her legs pressed tightly against the stool.
Frustrated, Yun Wan gave the boot a light kick, careful not to make any noticeable movements that might draw Consort Shu’s attention.
The boot remained unmoved, showing no intention of yielding.
Flustered, Yun Wan ate faster, only to accidentally bite into a piece of spicy ginger. Her expression changed instantly, her face flushing from the sudden heat.
Noticing this, Consort Shu glanced over and asked, "What’s wrong? Did you eat something spicy?"
A servant hurriedly brought tea, and Yun Wan forced herself to drink a cup of warm water to soothe the burning sensation before explaining, "This humble one was careless—I accidentally ate a piece of ginger."
Consort Shu nodded without further comment.
She instinctively looked at Emperor Jingxuan, worried he might be displeased.
But the Emperor remained indifferent, as if the incident was of no consequence. After tasting a slice of the glazed pork, he casually asked, "Lady Lu, how do you find the imperial kitchen’s dishes?"
Yun Wan lowered her eyes. "Your Majesty, they are naturally exquisite."
"And compared to the Lu family’s cook?"
"The imperial kitchen serves delicacies, while the Lu household prefers simpler fare. Each has its merits."
Her answer was flawless, and Consort Shu chuckled approvingly. "Sister-in-law speaks wisely."
Emperor Jingxuan’s gaze lingered on Yun Wan briefly before he said nothing more.
By the time the meal was nearly finished, Yun Wan had already prepared her excuse to leave.
Once outside Changchun Palace, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.
That meal had been fraught with tension—she had been on edge the entire time, fearing Emperor Jingxuan might say too much and arouse Consort Shu’s suspicions.
On her way back, she passed through the imperial gardens, where she spotted several elegantly dressed women in the distance—likely imperial concubines.
Fuling noticed them too and whispered to Yun Wan, "Those are the noble ladies and talented ladies. It seems they heard His Majesty was dining at Changchun Palace and came here hoping to catch a glimpse of him."
Such tactics were commonplace in the harem—nothing more than petty schemes to win favor.
If they managed to see the Emperor, well and good. If not, they were used to disappointment.
Returning to her quiet courtyard, where only she and Fuling resided, Yun Wan finally relaxed.
Fuling, ever diligent, busied herself tidying the room before noticing Yun Wan sitting quietly on the couch. "Would you like some tea, my lady? If so, this servant will brew a fresh pot."
The tea from earlier had gone cold, and drinking it would be bad for digestion.
Yun Wan waved her hand, covering a small yawn. "No need. I’d like to rest for a while. You may leave."
Fuling bowed. "This servant will be in the side room. Call if you need anything, and I’ll come at once."
After a morning of socializing and travel, Yun Wan was exhausted. The moment her head touched the pillow, she fell asleep.
Meanwhile, Emperor Jingxuan, having eaten his fill, set down his chopsticks. Seeing this, Consort Shu stopped as well and asked, "Is Your Majesty finished?"
The Emperor gave a faint hum. "We have matters to attend to. There’s no need to see Us out."
Once outside the palace gates, he turned to his attendant and ordered, "Tell the imperial kitchen to use less ginger in their summer dishes. It’s neither autumn nor winter—no need to make people’s tempers flare."
Jiang Fusheng noted the command silently.
Was this concern for Lady Lu’s discomfort?
......
Yun Wan slept for an hour before waking with a drowsy call for "Yue Ya." When no one answered, she suddenly remembered she was in the palace.
Fuling entered. "My lady, you’re awake?"
Yun Wan sat up and asked, "Fuling, did anyone visit while I was asleep?"
"Yes."
Fuling explained, "Servants from the inner court and a few maids from the Perfumery Bureau came by. The former wanted to know if you needed anything, while the latter brought gifts."
Yun Wan paused. "Gifts?"
Fuling reassured her, "Don’t worry, my lady. They were just small tokens from the maids—handmade items. Since they’ll be serving under you, they wanted to show their respect."
Such gestures were common in the palace. To live comfortably, one had to "show appreciation" to those above.
Fuling asked, "Shall we accept them? If not, this servant can return them tomorrow."
After a moment’s thought, Yun Wan replied, "Keep them. Store them in my chest."
Rather than rejecting the gifts, Yun Wan believed accepting them would put the maids at ease.
She added, "Tomorrow, pick a few suitable trinkets from my jewelry box and give them as return gifts."
Fuling smiled and agreed.
"Oh, and what time is dinner usually served in the palace?" Yun Wan inquired.
Fuling answered, "Around the end of Shen hour or the beginning of You hour. Are you hungry, my lady?"
Yun Wan nodded sheepishly.
She hadn’t eaten much at Changchun Palace, and after walking back and taking a nap, she felt hungrier than usual.
Fuling grinned. "Then this servant will go to the imperial kitchen and fetch dinner as soon as possible!"
After Fuling left, Yun Wan wandered around the courtyard before returning indoors, where she noticed two books on the display shelf.
With nothing else to do, she took one down and reclined on the couch to read.
She lost track of time until the fading daylight made it difficult to see. Rising to light the candles, she prepared to continue reading.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. Assuming it was Fuling returning, Yun Wan called out, "The door isn’t locked—come in."
As the words left her lips, the door swung open, and a blaze of twilight spilled into the room. Silken robes of black and gold fluttered like wings, their wide sleeves billowing like clouds.
