"Then you should settle down early. You have to rise early tomorrow to pay respects. You've been busy all night—I'm afraid you'll be quite tired."
Who says it's not true?
She had thought serving the emperor in bed would be exhausting—but even not doing that proved just as tiring.
Just imagining the scolding awaiting her in the morning made her uneasy.
"Turn off the lights."
"Yes, my lady. Sleep well. I'll stand guard outside."
After Chunqi spoke, she extinguished the sheep-horn lanterns inside the bedchamber, leaving only a dim one lit outside. Its flickering glow cast shadows across the room as Lin Wanyi gradually drifted into sleep.
She slept soundly.
But over in Qian'an Hall, the lights were being lit once more.
Dong Yuzhong, hearing movement, pushed the door open and entered.
As expected, the emperor had sat up, moving his neck left and right, as if shaking off stiffness.
"What time is it?"
"Your Majesty, it's just past the hour of Chou."
It was still early—too early to attend court—but he felt no desire to return to sleep.
Though short, that nap had been remarkably restful.
A sense of long-lost ease settled over Yuwen Hong. He smiled to himself—her massage skills were indeed extraordinary.
He hadn't expected the second young lady of Xiangfu to have such a talent.
Compared to the spoiled Concubine Lin, she was clearly gentler, calmer.
It seemed that the Xiangfu held many untold stories.
As the emperor's mind wandered, the relaxed smile on his face slowly faded into thoughtfulness. He turned to Dong Yuzhong and said:
"Light the lamps. I won't rest further—prepare for me to rise."
"Your Majesty, at this hour—isn't it… a bit too early?"
"It matters not. I haven't finished reviewing yesterday's memorials—I'll continue now."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
With a clap, palace maids and eunuchs quickly entered, eight of them forming an orderly line to serve His Majesty in his morning preparations.
Since it wasn't yet time for court, he wore a plain black robe embroidered with subtle golden dragons. Clothed and refreshed, he made his way to the study.
Another day of relentless work had begun.
—
When Lin Wanyi stepped out early in the morning, she found Mu Lanchun waiting in the courtyard.
"Lanchun? Why are you here so early?"
Mu Lanchun approached with a cheerful smile, her round eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I heard Sister served the emperor again last night, so I came to congratulate you—and go with you to Linzhi Palace to pay our respects."
News of who shared the emperor's bed never remained a secret in the palace.
Not only was it recorded meticulously, but word spread fast.
Though this was her second time, Lin Wanyi still felt embarrassed. She quickly changed the subject.
"I woke up late. Let's hurry—it wouldn't do to arrive late."
"Right."
With no sedan chairs waiting, the two walked side by side.
"I want to eat Chunqi's green plum pastries again. Sister, may I visit later and take some home? Hehe."
Her impish grin made Lin Wanyi chuckle.
"You do love to eat. Fine—wait till she's made them, and you can take some."
"I knew Sister cared about me."
Lin Wanyi genuinely liked the straightforward Mu Lanchun.
At least, after days of Chunqi discreetly inquiring about the last incident, nothing had leaked out—proof that Lanchun was discreet.
Still, sisterhood in the harem was fickle. Lin Wanyi, though fond of her, never lowered her guard completely.
The two chatted as they walked, and soon arrived at Linzhi Palace.
As soon as she stepped into the courtyard, Lin Wanyi could feel several sharp gazes land on her.
She didn't need to look—she knew it was because of last night's imperial summons.
She didn't want to be a thorn in anyone's eye, but she couldn't very well tell them she'd just sat by the emperor all night.
The bitterness in her heart was hidden beneath a serene expression.
Just as they reached the corridor, a sharp, mocking voice rang out from behind.
"I was wondering why I felt a tightness in my chest this morning—turns out I walked right into a jinx."
The speaker snorted and cast a vicious look at Lin Wanyi, her eyes practically boring holes through her.
"This concubine greets Concubine Chu," Lin Wanyi said calmly.
"This concubine Mu greets Concubine Chu," Mu Lanchun echoed respectfully.
Naturally, they both had to bow their heads before someone of higher rank.
Other concubines offered their salutes too, some half-squatting, some simply bowing.
Concubine Chu smiled and chatted warmly with others, yet pointedly ignored Lin Wanyi and Mu Lanchun.
Then, with a scornful tone, she continued:
"I lived in the northwest for years, often going hunting with my father. Even wild beasts have their cunning. Some can dodge arrows, some lead people into traps. But the worst are foxes—especially those who've cultivated into spirits. They can steal hearts… and eat them."
Everyone present understood her implication.
She was clearly calling Lin Wanyi a fox spirit—seductive, manipulative, dangerous.
Several concubines covered their mouths with handkerchiefs, hiding their laughter.
Mu Lanchun's face flushed with anger, but Lin Wanyi raised a hand to stop her.
It wasn't worth the fuss. Arguing would only bring trouble.
Seeing Lin Wanyi so calm only deepened Concubine Chu's resentment. She longed to claw apart that unbothered, beautiful face.
Just once she wanted the emperor to flip her card and summon her instead.
Just as she prepared to throw out another insult, a soft and clear voice interrupted:
"Sister Chu, talking like that so early in the morning is… rather unnerving."
Startled, Concubine Chu turned around.
The speaker was a quiet, unassuming noble lady—one who'd been in the palace for some time.
It was Lady Ye.
"And what, are you here to teach me a lesson, Lady Ye?"
Lady Ye, dressed plainly but neatly, stepped forward with grace and calm.
"Sister Chu jests. You and I are both women of the harem—we should remember, a virtuous lady avoids ominous talk."
Her words were gentle, her tone considerate, but Concubine Chu—spoiled at home and emboldened by the protection of Consort Yi—had little patience for "old-fashioned" restraint.
With a cold snort and a threatening look, she retorted:
"Lady Ye, perhaps you should spend less time worrying about me and more time figuring out how to regain the emperor's favor."
Though both were noble ladies, Concubine Chu's tone was condescending.
Lady Ye, who had merely stepped in to help, now found herself dragged into the fray.
Lin Wanyi's gaze grew cold.
What she disliked most were people like Concubine Chu—those who couldn't tell right from wrong.
She stepped forward, her voice composed but pointed.
"Perhaps Lady Chu is unaware that the eighth day of the fourth month is Buddha's birthday. This entire month is considered holy. Speaking of such ominous things so early in the morning—be careful not to offend the heavens. It may seem a small matter, but if your luck suffers because of careless words, it won't be so trivial anymore."