The days following Wan Mei's arrival were filled with whispers.
"She is like a fairy descended to earth," one maid gushed."The emperor looks at her as though she is the sun," another sighed.
Li Yue heard it all. She neither flinched nor frowned. Words were air. It was actions that mattered.
One morning, as she walked the shaded path to the lotus pond, Li Yue found Wan Mei waiting there. Alone, save for a single maid who trailed discreetly behind.
Wan Mei turned, her face blooming with a smile that seemed genuine. "Sister Li Yue. How fortunate we are to meet."
Li Yue inclined her head politely. "Fortune indeed."
They strolled together along the water's edge, the lotus blossoms reflecting like scattered pearls. On the surface, their conversation was mild—compliments about the scenery, polite inquiries about health. But every word carried an undercurrent.
"You must have many admirers in the palace," Wan Mei said sweetly. "I heard even the emperor himself has spoken kindly of you."
Li Yue's lips curved. "And now he speaks kindly of you as well. The emperor's heart is generous."
Wan Mei's smile faltered, just for an instant. But she recovered quickly, tilting her head with feigned innocence. "I hope I will not take what belongs to another."
Li Yue met her gaze evenly. "Then let us hope you know what belongs to you."
The silence between them deepened, broken only by the croak of frogs on the pond. Their smiles never left their faces, yet the air shimmered with unspoken challenge.
Later that week, trouble arrived in the form of a poisoned cup.
It happened during a routine tea gathering hosted by the empress. The ladies sat in a circle, sipping delicately, trading compliments thinly veiled as barbs.
Wan Mei, seated at the emperor's favored side, reached for her cup. Before she could sip, Li Yue's hand shot out, steady and calm.
"Wait."
All eyes turned. Li Yue lifted the cup, swirling the liquid. Her gaze narrowed. "This fragrance… it is not right."
The empress's eyes sharpened. A eunuch rushed forward to test the tea with a silver needle. It blackened instantly.
Gasps erupted.
Wan Mei paled, her hand trembling. "If not for Sister Li Yue…"
The empress's gaze lingered on Li Yue, thoughtful and calculating. The emperor, when informed, sent immediate orders for an investigation.
By the end of the night, the culprit was found—an unfortunate maid bribed by unknown hands.
Wan Mei's gratitude was displayed openly. She clung to Li Yue's arm, tears glistening like dew. "You saved me. I owe you my life."
Li Yue smiled gently. "We are sisters in the palace. It is only natural."
But in her heart, she thought: Last time, you were the untouchable heroine. This time, I will weave myself into your story. Let us see if you can shine as brightly when I stand beside you.