The Hall of Supreme Harmony.
After downing a cup of wine, Emperor Jingxuan frowned as his sharp gaze swept across the empty space before him. His voice was cold as he demanded, "Where is Madam Yun?"
She had been there just moments ago, yet now her seat was vacant.
Jiang Fusheng had already sent someone to inquire. A young attendant returned and explained, "Madam Yun drank a little with Consort Shu and Concubine Hui earlier. She became slightly intoxicated and has already retired for the evening."
So she had been drinking. Emperor Jingxuan raised a brow. No wonder he had noticed from afar that Madam Yun wore a dazed, tipsy smile.
He had never seen her in such a state before, and the thought stirred a restless anticipation within him.
Recognizing his master’s growing impatience with the banquet, Jiang Fusheng tactfully offered an excuse. "Your Majesty, you seem weary. Perhaps it would be best to retire for some rest?"
Emperor Jingxuan’s expression remained indifferent. "Indeed, I am fatigued. I shall take a walk."
The grand palace banquet was tedious, especially as it neared its end, leaving everyone drained.
Once the emperor departed, the absence of his imposing presence at the high seat only seemed to invigorate the remaining guests, and the hall grew livelier.
Outside, the autumn breeze carried a crisp chill, refreshing against the skin.
Above, the night sky stretched vast, adorned with a full moon and scattered stars, their brilliance casting a silvery glow over the world below.
Emperor Jingxuan descended the palace steps with measured, confident strides.
Jiang Fusheng grinned knowingly. "Your Majesty, are you going to visit Madam Yun?"
"You presume too much, servant," the emperor retorted, though his tone lacked any real displeasure.
Jiang Fusheng chuckled obsequiously. "Drunkenness is unpleasant, and Your Majesty has always shown Madam Yun the utmost care. This lowly one merely dared to guess."
Ignoring him, Emperor Jingxuan strode purposefully toward the Perfumery Bureau.
But after a few paces, he suddenly halted.
Confused, Jiang Fusheng called, "Your Majesty?"
The emperor lifted his sleeve, sniffed lightly, and then frowned. A flicker of hesitation passed through his deep-set eyes before vanishing just as quickly.
Turning back, he declared, "Never mind. I shall change my robes first."
Madam Yun was fastidious. If he went to her reeking of wine, she would undoubtedly recoil—even if she never voiced her displeasure, her subtle avoidance would speak volumes.
The journey to the imperial bedchambers was not short, and soon, Emperor Jingxuan’s palanquin disappeared into the night.
A quarter of an hour later, it arrived at the Purple Palace Hall.
Unlike the clamor of the banquet, the hall was now eerily silent.
Jiang Fusheng scowled upon seeing not a single guard at the entrance. These worthless fools, daring to neglect their duties at such a time! Tomorrow, they’ll be sent to the Laundry Bureau for hard labor!
Bowing deeply, he apologized, "Your Majesty, this servant has failed in discipline."
Emperor Jingxuan had already noticed the lapse. With a cold glance, he ordered, "Punish yourself accordingly. Prepare my bath."
As for the others, he trusted Jiang Fusheng to deal with them.
Suppressing his dread of the impending flogging, Jiang Fusheng hurriedly replied, "This servant will have hot water readied at once!"
The emperor entered his chambers and strode straight to the bathing quarters without pause.
Steam curled in the air, and to his surprise, the large bathing pool was already filled.
Without further thought, Emperor Jingxuan shed his robes and stepped into the water.
The warmth enveloped him, soothing his fatigue as he leaned back against the edge, arms resting along the rim.
The silence of the hall was broken only by the occasional crackle of candle wax. His mind wandered, recalling every moment shared with Madam Yun since they first met. His chest swelled with emotion, as if his heart had been submerged in water, expanding with each memory.
Yet...
His brows knitted slightly, casting a shadow over his handsome, stern features.
He had promised Madam Yun that he would never force her affections—that he respected her too much to compel her into the palace against her will.
But months had passed, and still, she showed no sign of reciprocating his feelings, nor any intention of entering the imperial harem.
Occasionally, she treated him with warmth, but Emperor Jingxuan knew it was merely out of obligation, not genuine sentiment.
Worse still, such tenderness was not reserved for him alone—she was equally gentle and patient with others.
In her heart, there were too many people she cared for, and he was neither first nor foremost among them.
The realization left him with a dull, suffocating ache in his chest.
His eyes snapped open, dark as ink, as his fingers absently turned the dragon-engraved ring on his thumb.
It was time to have an honest conversation with Madam Yun.
The thought brought to mind her smiling face as she spoke with Lu Yuanduo earlier that evening—a smile she had never once bestowed upon him.
Tomorrow.
No later than tomorrow.
He would demand a clear answer from her. Regardless of her choice—
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
—he would ensure it aligned with his desires.
And if she refused—
His expression darkened, countless ruthless schemes surfacing in his mind.
One way or another, he had the means to—
Crash!
Something toppled in the outer chamber. Emperor Jingxuan’s gaze sharpened, instantly alert.
"Who’s there?"
Silence.
His killing intent surged.
Pieces of the evening fell into place—the seductive dancers, the unattended palace, the prepared bath—
A calculated ploy to lower his guard.
How familiar.
A mocking smile curled his lips.
So, the conspirators had grown restless again. Another assassination attempt?
Wrapping himself in a robe, he palmed a hidden dart, poised to strike the moment the assassin revealed themselves.
......
Meanwhile, Yun Wan stirred in her sleep, her body burning with an unbearable heat. Parched and restless, she felt like a fish stranded on land, desperate for water to soothe her discomfort.
Groggy, she forced her eyes open and stumbled from the bed in search of relief.
But the moment her feet touched the ground, she swayed and collided with a folding screen.
The brief pain jolted her awake.
Blinking, she took in her surroundings—
And froze.
The chamber was opulent, every furnishing exuding extravagance.
But to Yun Wan, it was utterly unfamiliar.
Where am I?
She stifled a scream. This was not her residence!
She remembered boarding her palanquin to return home—so how had she ended up here?
Pinching her palm hard, she fought to remain calm.
Her priority was escape.
Yet the room was vast, and after circling it twice, she found no exit.
To make matters worse, a strange weakness spread through her limbs, and an insidious heat pulsed from within.
Then—the sound of water.
Driven by instinct, she staggered forward—
And knocked over the screen blocking her path.
