Empress Xu held authority over the Six Palaces, and nothing that moved within the palace could escape her eyes and ears. That she knew of Ling Jingshu’s visit to the palace was not strange. What was strange was why Empress Xu would have any interest in summoning Ling Jingshu.
Wei Jieyu’s brow furrowed slightly, yet there was no refusing this — she had no choice but to smile at Ling Jingshu: “Miss Ling, Her Majesty the Empress wishes to see you in person. This is an immense honor, and after you leave the palace today, your name will spread throughout the capital.”
Whatever one’s wishes might be, an imperial summons from Empress Xu was not to be refused. And one must not betray so much as a flicker of reluctance.
Ling Jingshu assumed an expression of both flattered surprise and faint anxiety, perfectly timed: “I never imagined I would have the fortune to pay my respects to Her Majesty the Empress. I am of no standing and am unfamiliar with palace customs — I only fear I might offend Her Majesty…”
Wei Jieyu said with a smile: “Her Majesty the Empress is gentle and amiable in temperament — there is no need to be nervous.” She paused, then added: “I happen to have nothing pressing at the moment — I’ll accompany you to Jiaofang Palace.”
Ling Jingshu had rescued An’ya, and it was she herself who had summoned Ling Jingshu into the palace. By both reason and feeling, she could not bear to let Ling Jingshu face Empress Xu alone.
Who could say what intentions Empress Xu was harboring?
The gratitude in Ling Jingshu’s eyes was entirely genuine: “Thank you, Your Ladyship.”
Wei Jieyu smiled: “Such a small matter — it is nothing. Come with me.” With that, she turned and led the way.
Ling Jingshu acknowledged and followed.
At that very moment, Imperial Physician Wei suddenly said in a low voice: “Miss Ling, on your way to Jiaofang Palace — please take great care.” His voice was pressed so low it carried to her ears alone.
Ling Jingshu’s heart jolted; she quickly looked up at him.
Imperial Physician Wei’s expression was taut, his brow slightly furrowed, and his gaze was one of a complexity that defied description.
Why was his expression so grave? Could it be that this summons from Empress Xu was not as straightforward as it seemed, that there was something else behind it — that she might face some danger on this visit?
Ling Jingshu was quick-minded, and a rapid succession of thoughts flashed through her head. Yet this was not the moment to press for answers.
“I understand.” Ling Jingshu drew a deep breath, gave a brief reply, and turned to leave.
Imperial Physician Wei watched Ling Jingshu’s willowy figure growing smaller in the distance, a dark and troubled look passing through his eyes, his thin lips pressed tightly together.
Princess An’ya lay on her bed and could not see Imperial Physician Wei’s expression at that moment, but she could sense that his mood was not pleasant. She could not help saying quietly: “Uncle — are you in a bad mood?”
Imperial Physician Wei turned, and managed a smile: “Not at all — don’t let your imagination run away with you. I am only worried about Miss Ling. This is her first time in the palace, and she is bound to be somewhat nervous seeing Her Majesty the Empress. Should she make any misstep, it would not be good.”
Princess An’ya’s attention was easily redirected, for her heart was guileless: “Miss Ling is so clever and quick-witted — she won’t make any misstep. Besides, hasn’t Mother Consort gone with her to Jiaofang Palace? Even if there’s the occasional awkward moment, Mother would not be blamed for it on Mother Consort’s account.”
Let us hope so.
Imperial Physician Wei pulled at the corners of his lips, yet the restlessness in his heart only grew.
……
Ling Jingshu’s state of mind at that moment was equally complicated.
In her previous life, it was this very Empress Xu who had taken her life with a secret imperial decree.
In this life, she had gone to considerable lengths to come to the capital — the path to her revenge was long and uncertain. Still, at last she would be able to look upon the enemy of her previous life with her own eyes.
Imperial Physician Wei’s barely audible reminder and his unfathomably complex gaze flashed through her mind again.
Ling Jingshu’s thoughts were in turmoil. She could not make sense of the reason behind it all, and silently admonished herself: she must be on her guard at every moment! A woman who could command the rear palace and see her own son ascend to the throne — this Empress Xu was no simple creature.
Lingbo Palace was not far from Jiaofang Palace, and they arrived quickly.
While the palace maids went in to announce their arrival, Wei Jieyu said in a low voice: “When you see Her Majesty the Empress, do not let yourself be flustered — it will only throw you off. If something comes up that you cannot handle, say nothing; leave it all to me.”
Ling Jingshu was deeply grateful and nodded her agreement.
Very soon, a palace maid came to invite Wei Jieyu and Ling Jingshu inside Jiaofang Palace.
Compared to the refined elegance of Lingbo Palace, the Jiaofang Palace where the reigning Empress resided was far more spacious and opulent. The main hall could hold nearly a hundred people.
Ling Jingshu stepped over the high threshold and followed behind Wei Jieyu with her head lowered, moving in small, graceful steps into the main hall.
She had not raised her head, yet she could sense that quite a number of gazes had come to rest upon her.
Among those gazes were curiosity, interest, and sharp scrutiny. The most piercing pair came from Empress Xu, who sat enthroned in the phoenix chair.
“This subject Wei, pays her respects to Her Majesty the Empress.” Wei Jieyu performed a courtesy bow.
“This commoner girl, Ling Jingshu, pays her respects to Her Majesty the Empress.” Ling Jingshu, however, knelt down properly and performed a full kowtow.
A woman’s voice drifted over unhurriedly: “Both of you, please rise. Someone — offer Wei a seat.”
In Jiaofang Palace, Wei Jieyu had the privilege of sitting; naturally, Ling Jingshu could only stand.
Empress Xu’s voice was fairly pleasant, and her tone carried the natural authority of one who holds power over all.
Wei Jieyu gave her thanks for the honor and settled into the chair to one side.
Ling Jingshu also expressed her thanks, rose, and without looking up or glancing around, stepped back to take her place standing at Wei Jieyu’s side.
Empress Xu remarked casually with a smile: “A girl who knows her manners and understands propriety.”
Wei Jieyu smiled in response: “To receive a word of praise from Her Majesty is her good fortune.”
The few consorts seated nearby also laughed and offered their agreement.
Empress Xu had long grown accustomed to the fawning of those around her, and smiled with an air of indifference as she looked Ling Jingshu over.
The girl was slender in figure, neatly and appropriately dressed, her posture graceful — she inspired a favorable impression on sight. However, she kept her head lowered the entire time, and her features could not be clearly seen.
“Raise your head — let this palace take a good look at you.” Empress Xu gave the command.
Ling Jingshu responded with a yes and raised her head.
Everyone present felt a sudden brightening before their eyes.
The palace was never short of beauties — plump or slender, each a different style of charm. The consorts seated here, though perhaps not quite matching Wei Jieyu, were all beauties in their own right. Even among the palace maids, there was no shortage of attractive faces.
However, in recent years the Emperor had taken little interest in the rear palace and rarely set foot there; no young beauties had newly entered the palace, and most of the consorts present were no longer young. However carefully adorned, they could not conceal the melancholy of youth gradually slipping away.
The girl before them was, beyond any question, strikingly beautiful. What made people even more envious and resentful was that fresh and vibrant youth of hers.
Without excessive adornment, she was still breathtaking.
Even Empress Xu was slightly surprised and taken aback for a moment, before smiling and turning to tease Wei Jieyu: “Wei, you have long been called the foremost beauty of the palace. Yet today, with Miss Ling standing beside you, she holds her own without yielding in the least.”
Wei Jieyu smiled and replied: “This subject has nothing but the simplest looks — how could she deserve the title of foremost beauty? Your Majesty is teasing this subject. This young Miss Ling is in the bloom of her youth, and seeing her brings this subject joy as well.”
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