Chapter 10: Awakening

It was nearly December when the snow finally fell again, bringing an even harsher cold.

In the rear garden of the Eastern Palace, a vast grove of plum trees stood. Originally the Left Consort Li’s prized plum trees, over time they had become a scenic spectacle, a place where one could sit leisurely and appreciate a unique elegance.

Having stayed indoors for many days, she now looked out at the snowy scene, feeling somewhat relieved and able to catch her breath.

Many servants working in the garden quietly glanced at Shen Quanyi, secretly admiring her beauty and wondering how someone so lovely could fail to win the Crown Prince’s favor.

Apricot Leaf furrowed her brows slightly. This was clearly the unruly behavior of someone accustomed to the outer courtyards, lacking proper decorum. She was about to reprimand her when Shen Quanyi waved her off. It was all happening right under their noses; if she fussed too much, it would never end.

“She’s always so weak and sickly, unable to serve the Crown Prince. What use is someone like her in the Eastern Palace?”

Though the voice came with a grand procession, Shen Quanyi recognized the speaker at a glance.

The plum grove was extensive. Turning toward the voice, Shen Quanyi caught the sudden halt in Wang Ling’s smile.

Their eyes met. The cold winter wind stirred a strand of Shen Quanyi’s hair, revealing her delicately arched eyebrows and bright, water-like eyes. She smiled gently, as if mildly reproaching someone’s infatuation.

Perhaps because of prolonged illness, her figure appeared fragile, her exquisite face bearing a pale, almost sickly hue. Yet the faint upward curve of her cherry-red lips resembled the last glow of sunset amid a cold winter—a mesmerizing, wistful beauty.

“Sister Wang,”

Shen Quanyi ignored Wang Ling’s opening words, maintaining a courteous composure.

Seeing that face, Wang Ling inwardly burned with jealousy. If only she possessed such beauty, would she still worry about winning Li Qian’s heart?

“What good is looking pretty if you’re useless?” Wang Ling sneered disdainfully.

“Peach Leaf, why are you here?” Apricot Leaf glanced uncomfortably at Peach Leaf standing beside Wang Ling. How had she so quickly aligned herself with a new mistress? Could there have been prior collusion?

Wang Ling raised an eyebrow with pride and laughed lightly at Shen Quanyi. “Oh, so this means you’re the maid who serves your sister? I wasn’t aware. These days, the Crown Prince often rests at my place. The Crown Princess, fearing the lower ranks might not attend properly, sent over a few clever maids.”

“When the lower servants catch wind, they all rush over, but you understand, not just anyone can come here. Peach Leaf knelt and begged me for days; I couldn’t bear to refuse.”

Wang Ling sighed twice. The lower ranks were adept at reading the winds of favor; now that Wang Ling was triumphant, her quarters had become the most sought-after place. Especially since Left Consort Li had arranged for Wang Ling to move into the Music Pavilion, a place just behind Li Qian’s study.

Left Consort Li spared no effort in elevating Wang Ling.

“That’s only fitting. Sister, you’re the Crown Prince’s favorite. Everyone in the manor knows your favor is unrivaled. My little corner here can’t blame others if they aspire to rise higher.”

Shen Quanyi spoke politely, bowing her head slightly—a clear sign of yielding to Wang Ling.

“It’s good you understand. But no matter how clever, a concubine without favor is truly lowly.”

Wang Ling clicked her tongue twice and strode off grandly toward the Nine-Curve Corridor.

“Auntie,” Apricot Leaf was worried. Though restraint was wise, being too soft invited bullying.

“What’s the rush? A quick tongue today won’t last long.”

Shen Quanyi’s smile stayed, lingering as she watched Wang Ling’s retreat.

“Where do you think Auntie Wang is headed?” Shen Quanyi asked lightly.

Apricot Leaf paused, then nodded toward the direction of the Chun Ya Courtyard. It was the finest part of the rear garden, surrounded by open space, bamboo groves, and a pond by the corridor—a perfect summer retreat.

Her thoughts drifted back.

In the Nine-Curve Corridor’s Rain Pavilion, on a stone bench thickly cushioned with lotus-patterned mats, Gu Tan wrapped in a pale blue brocade cloak embroidered with cranes sat quietly. The wind made her beautiful eyes narrow slightly as she gripped an incense burner tightly, her gaze fixed unwaveringly in one direction.

Soon, from the north, footsteps approached. Wang Ling, currently at the height of her triumph, wore exquisite makeup. She was flanked by numerous maids and elder women, clearly well surrounded.

“You’re Wang Shi,” Gu Tan said.

Surrounded by attendants, Wang Ling hadn’t noticed Gu Tan until hearing her voice. The servants quickly realized and hurried to bow. Wang Ling’s pride was slightly bruised; just as she was about to bask in her spotlight, it was interrupted.

She lazily bowed with casual grace.

“Side Consort, you’re truly elegant.”

Wang Ling’s attitude toward Gu Tan caused a brief pause among the crowd.

“So someone like you thinks you deserve to serve the Crown Prince? What a joke. Is there truly no one left in the mansion? Even the Crown Princess remembers you?”

“Your bow just now was crude at best—perhaps you learned from a village woman in a few days, but even that’s more proper than you.”

Gu Tan’s words were biting. Wang Ling clenched her fists, cheeks flushing red. Though she knew of Gu Tan’s fierce reputation, having just gained favor herself, and with the Crown Prince lodging in her quarters for days, Gu Tan’s favor was no match. With her own newfound favor, what was there to fear?

Emboldened, she pressed on.

“Side Consort, your lessons are clear, but I wonder—when you visit the Crown Princess, are your manners more proper than mine?”

At once, the atmosphere grew tense, like drawn swords. Zhu Lian, who had served Gu Tan for some time, was surprised; she had never seen anyone dare confront Gu Tan so boldly.

Gu Tan raised a disdainful brow and gave a low glance before beckoning Wang Ling forward.

Wang Ling hesitated, fearful.

“What? You’re favored by the Crown Princess—what can I do to you?” Gu Tan lifted her chin, looking down at the shrinking Wang Ling.

With no choice, Wang Ling forced herself forward.

Noticing the new fabric on Wang Ling’s garments, Gu Tan chuckled softly, reaching for a teacup on the table. Her wide sleeve accidentally knocked over the cup, spilling tea all over Wang Ling.

By the time Wang Ling reacted, half her body was soaked. The cold wind made her shiver as she covered her face and burst into tears. Her makeup ran, and she fixed a red, swollen gaze on Gu Tan.

“I think Auntie Wang is a bit faint-headed today. The weather’s chilly—perhaps you should kneel for an hour to sober up.”

Gu Tan rose, bending down to take a handkerchief. She wiped Wang Ling’s tears vigorously, smearing lipstick and rouge into a comical mask more suited to a theatrical clown.

Satisfied, Gu Tan smiled broadly. “Better to be clear-headed, don’t you agree?”

The kneeling maids and elder women dared not disagree and quickly voiced their approval.

Zhu Lian smiled, offering Gu Tan a fresh handkerchief before turning to Wang Ling. “My eyes are sharp—I’ve never been wrong about people. Auntie, your face is as lovely as the full moon; you’re blessed, with many days ahead.”

“Thanks to Side Consort’s tutelage in manners, you’re the first to learn.”

Zhu Lian’s words pleased Gu Tan even more. Looking at the now-cold tea, she said, “Such fine Pu’er tea—wasteful to let it go, so I’ll gift it to Auntie Wang.”

With that, Gu Tan rose and leisurely led her retinue away.

Those who had clustered around Wang Ling fled like rabbits, afraid of being implicated.