The scorching sun of July baked the earth in relentless heat.
As the weather grew unbearably hot, Yun Wan became increasingly reluctant to venture outside. A single trip under the blazing sun left her dizzy and drenched in sweat, so unless absolutely necessary, she preferred to stay indoors where it was cool.
On this day of rest, Yun Wan carefully packed the finalized incense pellets into a delicate box and instructed Fuling to deliver them to the Emperor’s presence as soon as possible.
No sooner had Fuling left than someone from Consort Shu’s palace arrived, summoning Yun Wan.
Assuming it was something urgent, Yun Wan braved the sweltering heat to make the trip, only to find that Consort Shu simply wanted her to deliver a cooling tonic to Emperor Jingxuan.
"......"
She was momentarily speechless.
Last time could be excused—there had been a reason. But this time?
In this palace, anyone might lack cooling tonics—except Emperor Jingxuan.
What kind of tonic needed to be delivered right now? And why call her specifically?
Suspicion flickered in Yun Wan’s eyes.
Had Consort Shu discovered something?
It wasn’t impossible. That day, Emperor Jingxuan had openly chased her carriage on horseback through the palace grounds. Though he had ordered strict secrecy, with so many eyes around, who could guarantee no one had leaked it to Consort Shu?
But if that were the case, given Consort Shu’s temperament, how could she remain so composed? How could she still greet Yun Wan with a smile?
With this in mind, Yun Wan grew wary and decided to test the waters.
"Your Highness, this may not be appropriate," she declined softly.
As Consort Shu frowned, Yun Wan explained in a gentle voice, "I am not a palace woman. Given my status, if I appear before His Majesty too often—even under Your Highness’s orders—it may invite gossip."
Her reasoning was sound—unless Consort Shu already knew the truth.
Consort Shu’s expression darkened, her anger simmering beneath the surface.
Already entangled with the Emperor, and still putting on this act!
Before she could lash out, she remembered Emperor Jingxuan’s warning. Now was not the time for open confrontation—and besides, she still needed Yun Wan.
Suppressing her fury, Consort Shu forced a smile. "The palace has strict rules. Who would dare spread rumors? If anyone does, I will not let them off lightly!"
Her sudden shift in demeanor made her expression appear oddly strained.
Yun Wan understood—she was now seventy to eighty percent certain.
And so, she became even more cautious. Who knew what Consort Shu was plotting?
Lowering her eyes, she feigned hesitation. "I still dare not. If His Majesty were to question it..."
As if recalling something, Yun Wan shuddered, her gaze flickering up at Consort Shu with fear.
"To be honest, Your Highness, after what happened with Consort Shen, I’m still shaken. I truly am afraid."
A single misstep in the palace could cost one’s life—how could she not be terrified?
Noticing Consort Shu’s displeasure at being refused, Yun Wan added softly, "His Majesty holds Your Highness in high regard. If you were to deliver it yourself, he would surely appreciate your thoughtfulness."
Let Consort Shu suffer under the scorching sun—then she’d understand why Yun Wan hated being summoned on a whim.
Unaware of her resentment, Consort Shu replied coldly, "It seems you truly are frightened, to refuse my orders like this."
"If you are unwilling, I won’t force you."
Proud by nature, and accustomed to years of pampered authority in the palace, she was unused to being defied—let alone repeatedly.
She had meant this as a favor, a chance for Yun Wan. But if the woman was ungrateful, so be it.
Recognizing her displeasure, Yun Wan rose timidly. "Then I shall take my leave and not disturb Your Highness further."
After she left, Chun Tang entered to find Consort Shu sneering, "She really thinks highly of herself. The Emperor is only taken with her face."
Men were fickle. How long could Yun Wan rely on mere beauty?
Chun Tang soothed her, "Your Highness, endure it a little longer. Once Yun Wan enters the harem officially, given her background, her rank will never surpass yours. Then she’ll be under your control."
Once she became an imperial consort, she would be bound by palace rules—and with Consort Shu holding authority over the inner court, even the Emperor’s favor would have limits.
Consort Shu understood, but her worry remained. "Yet so far, I’ve seen no sign that His Majesty intends to grant her a rank or bring her into the harem."
That was what troubled her most.
Chun Tang’s heart skipped a beat. "Could it be… the Emperor never plans to make her a consort?"
Taking a widow—especially one from a minister’s household—as a concubine was hardly proper.
That couldn’t be!
If the Emperor had no intention of bringing Yun Wan into the harem, then all her efforts, all her suppressed anger—what had they been for?
Her schemes would come to nothing!
Consort Shu shot up from her seat, pacing anxiously.
"No! I can’t wait any longer!"
After careful deliberation, she made up her mind. Leaning close to Chun Tang, she whispered, "Go and..."
Chun Tang hesitated. "Your Highness, perhaps we should send word to the Duke first? Discuss this with him?"
Consort Shu shook her head. "My elder brother is too cautious. He’d never agree. Rather than waste time, I’ll make this a done deal."
By then, even if he was furious, it would be too late to stop her.
---
At the Emperor’s quarters, Jiang Fusheng entered and announced, "Your Majesty, Lady Yun has sent a box of incense pellets."
Knowing his master disliked any reminder of Yun Wan’s ties to Third Master Lu, he deliberately referred to her by her maiden name.
Emperor Jingxuan’s eyes brightened. "She’s here? Show her in at once."
Jiang Fusheng shook his head slightly. "No, it was Fuling who delivered it on Lady Yun’s behalf. She said her mistress crafted a new incense that Your Majesty would surely appreciate."
Hearing Yun Wan hadn’t come, the Emperor’s expression cooled. "Bring it here."
Jiang Fusheng summoned his apprentice, who presented the box.
Curious about this sudden gift, Emperor Jingxuan opened the clasp.
A rich, familiar fragrance filled the air. His eyes flashed with recognition.
Lifting a pellet to inhale its scent, his delight was unmistakable. He laughed heartily.
"Lady Yun is truly a master of her craft—a genius! Those useless fools couldn’t replicate this incense, yet she succeeded."
Jiang Fusheng immediately understood what this meant. "Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
Smiling, the Emperor closed the box. "It’s been days since I last saw Lady Yun. What has she been occupied with?"
Jiang Fusheng seized the opportunity. "Perhaps the heat keeps her indoors. Your Majesty might consider paying her a visit."
"A sound suggestion."
If the mountain won’t come to me...
Easily convinced, Emperor Jingxuan ordered, "Prepare the carriage. I’ll visit Lady Yun."
