"Noble Consort Ning… Consort Lin…" The little eunuch beside Eunuch Yu went pale and tumbled in, scrambling on hands and knees to drop at their feet. "Bad news, madams—His Majesty—"
Ning Zhiqing glanced at Axin, anxiety quickening her voice. "What's happened to the Emperor?"
"Consort Ning, you must go—please see for yourself." The little eunuch was shaking with fright, sweat on his brow, lips trembling; the sight he'd seen had left him tongue-tied. Eunuch Yu had ordered him to fetch Consort Ning immediately — if the Emperor had met with an incident, she was not the only one who could take charge.
"All right. I'll go with Consort Lin."
Ning Zhiqing grabbed Axin's hand and squeezed it hard. "Lin Fei, we must hurry. I don't know what's happened to him." Even if a smile tugged at her mouth, her tone and the lift at the corner of her lips betrayed how much she cared for Helian Zheng.
Axin gave a quiet affirmative, and Ning Zhiqing swept them both toward Helian Zheng's sleeping chambers. The little eunuch's legs felt weak, but he pushed himself up and hurried after them.
When Axin and Ning Zhiqing arrived at the emperor's bedchamber they both froze. Helian Zheng lay on the dragon couch with pain carved across his face; his eyes were wide, as if he wanted to speak but could not. Bai Xi knelt at the foot of the couch — her dudou undone, undergarments exposed — pale and trembling, tears tracking down her cheeks.
At the sight of Ning Zhiqing and Axin, she babbled a frantic explanation. "I don't know what happened. I hadn't seen His Majesty for so long, and I couldn't help myself — when he saw me he was pleased and pulled me onto the couch. Not long after, I heard a terrible scream. In anger he kicked me off the dragon couch. I fainted, and when I woke I found him like this."
Bai Xi wept as she spoke. A bruise had formed on the exposed skin of her waist — it looked like a kicked wound. She dabbed at her tears, disheveled, and called out, "Has the imperial physician arrived?"
Helian Zheng, prostrate on the dragon couch, could not speak a single word. His body would not move; his mind screamed for the system to answer, but nothing came. Hearing Bai Xi's tearful account of what had happened, rage surged through him — he wished he could rise and crush the treacherous woman's throat.
"Has His Majesty had an episode?" Ning Zhiqing's eyes were worried as she stepped closer to the couch. Seeing Helian Zheng's wide, furious, unwilling eyes filled her with a quiet, private joy. He never expected to be undone by a palace concubine he once doted on.
She glanced sideways at the small, rabbit-like Bai Xi, lips pressing together. That Concubine Bai was not as innocent as she seemed: she'd slipped into the emperor's chambers, roused desire, and—most alarmingly—rendered Helian Zheng immobile. That made Bai Xi dangerous. When Ning Zhiqing noticed the small, smug curve at Bai Xi's mouth, she narrowed her brows. If this woman wasn't dealt with, what harm might she do to Axin later?
"Your Majesty, the imperial physicians are coming at once. Don't worry — they'll treat you." Ning Zhiqing said, voice steady.
Helian Zheng fixed his eyes on Ning Zhiqing, searching her face for truth. At last he judged her concern genuine and felt a small ease.
That treacherous Bai Xi had ruined him. He imagined Ning Zhiqing's unwavering devotion and resolved that, when he recovered, he would kill the woman. As for the noble consort who cared for him so loyally, he would reward her — perhaps make her Empress, if she stayed obedient; he wouldn't mind granting a little more favor.
Soon Eunuch Yu arrived with the imperial physician. Ning Zhiqing stepped aside; her worry remained written plainly on her face. Helian Fu had come early and stood properly, his small face pale as he watched Helian Zheng — their presence reassured the Emperor, calming his inner fury while the physicians examined him.
"Bring a robe for Consort Bai," Axin said, voice cool.
A maid quickly draped a robe over Bai Xi. Ning Zhiqing's annoyance prickled; the concubine had already been exposed, everything seen — apart from Helian Zheng and Helian Fu, the room held only maids and eunuchs, nothing scandalous. Still, she noticed the old physician feigning concern as he examined the Emperor — well, one more to see, then.
Her displeasure didn't fade. Bai Xi's foxlike charm invited pity; Axin's gentleness might be the sort to sympathize. That little vixen was no good; she had managed to cripple the Emperor.
Ning Zhiqing shifted forward to block Axin's line of sight. "Consort Bai, I cannot say whether your words are true or false. We will wait for the Emperor to speak before deciding your punishment. Whether you are innocent or not—His Majesty must decide."
"Y-Yes, Noble Consort." Bai Xi bowed her head and bit her lip with hatred. When Helian Zheng had doted on her, who was this Ning Zhiqing to stand so high? She'd once planned to have Ning Zhiqing and Axin poisoned — now that they'd been exposed, she had other, darker thoughts.
Hearing Ning Zhiqing's words, Helian Zheng's eyes shone with satisfaction. She was truly devoted to him; when he recovered, he would reward her. He still burned with a desire to choke Bai Xi for what she'd done.
Earlier, in his bedchamber, he had been cultivating the path of longevity. For some reason his body grew hot; then a soft body had fallen upon him. For a moment desire overcame him and restraint slipped — things were done that ought not to have been done. At the critical moment Bai Xi forced something into him; once he swallowed it, he felt wrong. He managed with his last strength to kick her off the couch.
Afterward he could not move, could not call out. Bai Xi stood rubbing her waist and mocked him, vowing to make him live a life of helplessness, to repay all the palace women one by one, and to destroy his empire. Her fury made him tremble.
When the sound of footsteps approached, he watched that same snarling, beastly woman suddenly go pale and melt into a pitiful expression, offering him a deep, saccharine smile before collapsing weakly beside the dragon couch. The performance was seamless, exceptional — more polished even than the courtiers he had once thought the best actors. He had underestimated Bai Xi.
"Imperial Physician Xu, how is my father?" Helian Fu asked with concern. Helian Zheng felt comforted — his son's first instinct was worry, and he felt pleased with the boy.
Ning Zhiqing matched him. "Imperial Physician Xu, whatever you must do, please make sure the Emperor is healed. Restore him quickly."
Pain twisted Helian Zheng's face, but a small, dangerous smile lingered in his eyes as they flicked to Bai Xi. Her scheme would fail. When he could speak, she would not escape punishment; he would make her suffer every conceivable torment.
Bai Xi caught that thought and, when no one watched, shot Helian Zheng a sharp glare. She smiled with scorn. Think what you will — the draught she'd given him was a palace secret remedy she'd obtained from an old maid: the "Zombie Beauty." It didn't kill, but it rendered the victim's body paralyzed and mute while the mind stayed aware — they could hear, think, watch, even move their eyeballs, but could not speak or move limbs.
If the Emperor were dead, she'd be in trouble — but if he were only immobilized and silent, the Zombie Beauty would be undetectable to physicians.
[Zombie Beauty?] The system's explanation whispered in Axin's mind. [She's clever — harsher than I expected.]
[I also heard Bai Xi say she plans to use it on you and Noble Consort Ning. She has a whole stash. Be careful.] The system hurriedly divulged what it knew — whether demon or mainstream, if someone was stronger, flatter them. [You must be careful.]
[Alright. You may leave.] Axin replied.
The system paused, surprised — really let it go? It wasn't a good little system. Watching Axin's expression closely, the system realized she did not intend to kill it; a tiny gladness tickled inside it. This so-called demon of a being was oddly trustworthy — like the system, not without some decency.
[What is your name?] it asked. Names mattered; better know now than offend later. A not-quite-official system had to mingle with both righteous and perverse powers.
Axin's eyes curved into something like a smile. "Shen."
[Is there anything else I can do for you?] the system asked, reluctant to go. This Shen was powerful; if it could follow her rather than drift alone, life would be easier.
Axin felt the system's eagerness and said, "No. I don't need any auxiliary tools."
The system was disappointed but did not insist. A strong being needed no crutch. Why take this compromise route? The system cast a secret glance at Ning Zhiqing — perhaps she had something to do with it. Ning Zhiqing carried a mysterious, noble aura the system could not place. Helian Zheng and Bai Xi seemed to carry that air too: it was stronger on the Emperor, faint on Bai Xi — as if the aura wasn't wholly their own.
[Then I'll be off. Perhaps we'll meet again.] the system said.
Imperial Physician Xu finally withdrew his hand where he had been checking the pulse, face uneasy. Eunuch Yu read the sign and felt dread. "Imperial Physician Xu, how is His Majesty?"
"Alas…" Xu shook his head. "His Majesty has suffered severe loss of vital essence. His body is as rigid as stone; he cannot speak. I have never seen such strange symptoms. I must consult with the other imperial physicians — I dare not prescribe treatment lightly." In truth, Xu thought there was no solution; he had no idea.
At that, Helian Zheng grew frantic, but could not move — he could only stare at Bai Xi as if he would devour her. Bai Xi breathed easier; perhaps no cure was best for her.
"Imperial Physician Xu, go at once to consult with the medical academy. I expect you to return with a treatment. When the Emperor recovers, I will richly reward you." Ning Zhiqing urged, then turned to Eunuch Yu. "Eunuch Yu, supervise the medical academy for me. Ensure every physician studies the Emperor's condition. No one must slack. You are His Majesty's most trusted; I entrust this to you."
Eunuch Yu bowed and left with Physician Xu, casting a look at Helian Zheng that suggested approval. Ning Zhiqing's mouth curved slightly. Very good — now she could twist the world any way she liked.
She stepped to Helian Zheng's side. "Your Majesty, rest and let the physicians do their work. As for state affairs, I and Helian Fu will keep watch until you recover and can take matters into your hands. How does that sound?"
Though he could not speak, Helian Zheng's eyes consented.
Ning Zhiqing's face softened. "Consort Bai, I know you missed His Majesty. This sudden illness frightened you, and while you may not bear primary guilt, I am still angry. You will be punished by serving the Emperor closely. If you worsen His Majesty's condition, I will not spare you."
"His Majesty once favored Consort Bai; I suppose he will not object." Ning Zhiqing finished and turned away, ignoring Helian Zheng's wide, protesting eyes — the sight of that woman tending him made him furious. He wanted to shout he would never accept it, that he had been blind before to favor her — but Ning Zhiqing did not look back.
She stepped before Bai Xi. "Consort Bai, as atonement you will serve the Emperor personally. Until he recovers, you shall not step beyond this chamber."
Bai Xi froze. She had plotted to poison Ning Zhiqing and Axin; now she was to serve the very man she'd crippled? If the Emperor did not recover, she could not leave the chambers at all.
She wanted to protest, but with so many watching, any odd behavior would invite suspicion. Having risked everything to paralyze the Emperor, she could not now expose herself. She swallowed her rage and feigned grateful tears.
"Captain He, you are the Emperor's most trusted guard. From now on, the security of the bedchamber is yours. Those who should not leave will not; those who should not enter will not. Understood?"
"Yes, Noble Consort." He Qing bowed his head, a private smile in his eyes. Look, my lady — Helian Zheng is paralyzed and confined to the dragon couch for life. Even an emperor, if he cannot move or speak, is no more than a pair of wide, staring eyes. Amusing indeed.
Having given her orders, Ning Zhiqing went to Axin and smiled, eyes more possessive than she hid. "Lin Fei was frightened. I'll see you home."
She gripped Axin's hand fiercely — inside she was taut with excitement. Axin, Helian Zheng immobilized, Bai Xi trapped here; the palace, the realm — all were at her fingertips.
Could she possess this person?
Ning Zhiqing pressed her lips together. How should she reveal her feelings? If she confessed, would Axin accept her? If acceptance came, would their love forever be hidden in the deep palace? She chided herself for greed. To hold this woman was one thing; to proclaim it to the world, another. She inhaled and steadied herself, holding Axin's hand. She must not give enemies a handle to use against her. If Axin would accept her quietly, that would suffice. Within the palace, all would be her people: He Qing would hide for her, and Helian Fu—whose true identity must remain secret—would not expose them. In fact, He Qing and Helian Fu might prefer she had a weakness; a balance of power would keep peace.
"Zhiqing, we're here." Axin reminded her. Ning Zhiqing realized she had been lost in thought, and she left off guessing what lay behind Axin's gentle indulgence. As long as there was no malice, she wouldn't read too far into the other's mind.
They reached Axin's pavilion. Ning Zhiqing smiled at the change in herself — just months ago she had been blunt and reckless; such schemes in so little time. She watched Axin with a touch of worry: would such calculating craft make Axin hate her?
When she met Axin's eyes, she paused. In that half-smile, in those indulgent, warm eyes, she found only tolerance and kindness. The warmth wrapped around her so completely she lost speech. She lowered her gaze and held Axin's hand, stepping closer.
"Axin."
"What is it?"
"I…" Ning Zhiqing faltered. She had always spoken boldly and paid the price. Before this woman who had stolen her heart she could not find the words.
Axin's indulgence might not mean the same thing as Ning Zhiqing fancied — perhaps it was sisterhood, friendship, mutual trust. Did such loves exist between women in this world? She had never heard of them. Yet she knew exposure would be fatal. Still, every day her desire and possessiveness grew; she plotted how to make Axin truly hers.
But she feared rejection.
Axin read Ning Zhiqing's conflict and asked softly, "Zhiqing, are you troubled?"
"Yes." Ning Zhiqing met Axin's eyes and lowered her voice. "Axin, I face something I'm unsure about. I worry that if I take that step, the result won't be what I want." She feared loss — losing the person she held.
"I felt your fear," Axin replied.
Ning Zhiqing's mouth curved with a wistful loneliness. "Of course I'm afraid." She wasn't just afraid of losing status — she was afraid of losing Axin. "If I tell you I care… will you still be calm? Will you show disgust?"
"No matter what you decide," Axin said, warmth in her gaze, taking Ning Zhiqing's hands, a smile blooming like a high, pale flower — not gaudy, just noble and serene — "I will help you."
Ning Zhiqing trembled. She choked out, "You'll help me? You won't blame me, be disgusted, or leave me?"
"No matter what, I will help. I won't blame you, I won't despise you, I won't leave. Are you satisfied, Zhiqing?"
Ning Zhiqing's smile threatened to break free. She turned her face aside, eyes full of tears and laughter. Just those words melted her longing and made her greed seem small. How could she now harm Axin? Axin was here, by her side. Wasn't that enough?
Axin was willing to stay with her in the slow wasteland of the palace — what else could she ask? She could stop craving, stop scheming. Axin's company was reward enough.
Ning Zhiqing turned back and smiled at Axin with pure joy. In that clear gaze Axin saw her own reflection — alone in that look, nothing else in the world existed beyond her. Axin watched Ning Zhiqing long, feeling something press to the surface of her chest, something she could not yet seize.
Axin did not force the matter; she let the feeling sit. It would not fade. One day it would break through and tell her why it had come — and the key would be Ning Zhiqing.
Axin wondered whether some past tie connected them. It must be so; she would not have come here otherwise.
"Zhiqing, you haven't told me what you want to do," Axin asked.
Ning Zhiqing's eyes brightened. She led Axin into the pavilion and relaxed. "Not important now. Let's eat." She squeezed Axin's thin wrist. "You're too skinny. Eat more." She touched the scar at Axin's brow and added softly, "I've sent for a miracle doctor."
"By the way, Axin, why did you have someone cover Bai Xi up before?" Ning Zhiqing asked, vexed at the memory.
Axin answered plainly, "Those red marks — they look ugly."
"So you meant it was unpleasant to look at? It was ugly?" Ning Zhiqing asked, delighted.
Axin nodded at Ning Zhiqing's small glee. "Yes."
Ning Zhiqing laughed. So it wasn't sympathy — it was simply that it was too ugly to see.
Ugly, indeed. Better covered up.