A thousand years later…
***Ming Mansion***
~Residence of Ming family~
"The Fourth Miss is suffering from severe bellyache due to her monthly blood flow and cannot leave her chambers at present."
The maid's voice remained composed, her expression carefully neutral as she spoke, hoping her explanation would be convincing enough to persuade the Left Chancellor's servant to leave the entrance of Cui Hall—the Fourth Miss's chambers—and report back that she was genuinely indisposed.
"Oh. Very well. I shall report back to the Left Chancellor immediately," the servant replied, turning away and making his way swiftly toward Ziran Hall, the Left Chancellor's residence.
As soon as he departed, the maid exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. Her heart had pounded fiercely while speaking, praying he would press no further. Fortunately, he did not. Yet, she knew this reprieve was only temporary—the Left Chancellor would surely summon the Fourth Miss again. She only wished they might gain more time; the Fourth Miss must be returning soon, she hoped.
"Yu'er?" she whispered to the maid beside her—her partner in this delicate ruse.
"Mm?" Yu'er tilted her head, silently urging her to speak without raising her voice.
"Bring me a bowl of warm water and a small towel," she instructed, glancing around to ensure no one approached.
"For what purpose?" Yu'er frowned in confusion.
"If we are to maintain the pretense that the Fourth Miss is on her period, we must make it appear real," she whispered.
"Oh… okay," Yu'er nodded repeatedly and hurried off toward the kitchen to fetch the items.
While Yu'er was gone, A'bao slipped quietly into the Fourth Miss's chambers, pausing a moment to study the marked candle burning solemnly in its stand by the corner.
So much time had passed, and worry gnawed at her—had some misfortune delayed the Fourth Miss? She bit her lower lip anxiously before leaving the room, choosing to remain stationed at the entrance rather than pace nervously within and watch the candle burn down.
"A'bao?" Yu'er's voice called from the corridor as she approached, carrying the bowl half-filled with warm water and the small towel draped over her shoulder.
"Quickly, come," A'bao beckoned, stretching out her hand.
Yu'er handed her the bowl, and A'bao opened the door, slipping inside. She gestured for Yu'er to close it behind her.
Setting the bowl on the bedside table, A'bao reached out for the towel.
"…"
"What is it?" Yu'er whispered, puzzled.
A'bao could hardly blame her; Yu'er was new, having served the Fourth Miss for barely two months. Unlike Yu'er's nervousness, A'bao was composed—she and the Fourth Miss had grown up together. A'bao's mother had served the Left Chancellor's late wife and retired when the Fourth Miss turned sixteen, but A'bao had chosen to continue her service.
For two years now, the Fourth Miss had been sneaking out almost nightly—A'bao had grown accustomed to such nights, learning to remain calm, think clearly, and survive. But Yu'er was inexperienced, beads of nervous sweat tracing down her face betrayed her effort to stay composed. A'bao knew she must help carry the burden so their plan would not fail.
"The towel, Yu'er," she sighed.
"Oh, right." Yu'er quickly handed it over.
A'bao crouched by the bowl, soaking the towel in warm water before wringing it out carefully. Folding it neatly, she placed it on the bed and covered it with the sheets.
"Will that suffice?" Yu'er asked, hopeful.
"Not entirely," A'bao replied softly. "This is merely to warm the bed, signaling that the Fourth Miss needs it to ease her cramps. We must prepare for whatever comes next."
She rose, carrying the bowl to the opposite side of the room and set it upon a small table. Reaching up, she removed a hairpin from her hair and examined its sharp point with careful intent.
Yu'er watched her, uncertain but trusting.
"Just right…" A'bao murmured. Without hesitation, she removed the right shoe from her foot, peeled off her sock, and carefully pierced the sole with the hairpin's tip.
"A'bao?!" Yu'er gasped.
"It's alright, Yu'er," A'bao soothed calmly. She dipped her injured foot into the warm water, allowing the liquid to discolor faintly with blood. Once satisfied, she tore a strip from her inner skirt's hem and bound the wound before replacing her sock and shoe. She set her foot gently to the floor, masking any discomfort.
"Are you certain you're alright?" Yu'er asked, worry creasing her brow.
"I'm fine. This is necessary if our lie is to hold," A'bao said, nodding toward the blood-tinged water. "If I had cut my palm, the wound would be visible and raise suspicion. This way, the only plausible source of blood is the Fourth Miss's period."
"Now we wait for what comes next. I only hope it's the Fourth Miss's return, not the Left Chancellor himself," A'bao murmured, eyes darting anxiously as her mind raced for contingencies.
"Sit down; your foot will hurt more if you stand," Yu'er urged, moving to help.
Before A'bao could settle, they heard the Left Chancellor's voice echo from afar.
"Ling'er!?"
Their hearts pounded anew.
"Quick, take the bowl!" A'bao commanded, and Yu'er obeyed, clutching it as they hurried to compose themselves.
A'bao caught the anxious expression on Yu'er's face and warned firmly, "No matter what happens, do not lift your head or utter a word."
Yu'er nodded, relieved to do little more than stand silently with eyes lowered.
"Ling'er?!" The call came again, closer now—the Left Chancellor was but steps away.
A'bao opened the door and stepped aside for Yu'er to exit first, then followed, closing the door behind them.
"Ling'er?!" The Left Chancellor stood mere paces from the entrance, his brow furrowed deeply.
"My lord," they bowed deeply before he could speak further.
"Where is Ling'er?" His tone was calm, though edged with unease. He stood so close that she must surely hear him clearly. Yu'er's fingers twitched nervously.
A'bao took the moment to speak swiftly. "The Fourth Miss is inside, my lord." She bowed again. "Aiya!" She gasped suddenly. "Yu'er, quickly change the water—the Fourth Miss awaits."
Yu'er moved to leave but the Left Chancellor's sharp gaze halted her.
"Is the bowl so heavy that it makes you fidget?" he asked, scrutinizing her every movement.
Yu'er stood frozen, speechless.
"Yu'er has always been clumsy, my lord. Please do not take offense," A'bao interjected hastily.
"Xuyue!" The Left Chancellor called, summoning one of his servants who appeared immediately.
"Yes, my lord," Xuyue bowed, awaiting commands.
"Relieve the maid of the bowl's burden and dispose of the water yourself."
"No, my lord!" A'bao protested instantly, kowtowing. "The water is stained with the Fourth Miss's blood—it would be improper for a man to behold it."
"The water is stained?" The Left Chancellor's eyes narrowed in surprise.
"Yes, my lord," A'bao affirmed, rising to her feet.
"Xuyue," he called again, a new order forming. "Go to Yandan Hall and bring Concubine Yun here at once."
At the mention of Concubine Yun, A'bao's heart sank. The Fourth Miss and the Concubine were bitter rivals. Should Concubine Yun enter, their deception would surely unravel. The Left Chancellor would never have come himself or sent servants if he truly believed the Fourth Miss unwell. But with Concubine Yun summoned—the only maternal figure the Fourth Miss knew—the Left Chancellor granted her a freedom others lacked.
There was no stopping Concubine Yun now from exposing their lie.
Just then, her voice came, soft and endearing.
"My lord?"…