In the deep winter month of La Yue1La Yue (腊月) refers to the twelfth month of the lunar calendar in Chinese culture. This month is also known as the “twelfth lunar month” and typically falls in late December to early January of the Gregorian calendar., the north wind was bleak, and heavy snow fell to the ground and turned into ice, making the surroundings bitterly cold.
Ji Yuluo sat in the warm pavilion, holding a hand warmer. The fur collar of her small jacket covered half of her face, making her look fluffy and unusually approachable.
Her gaze wandered to the snow-covered branches outside the window. It had been almost half a month since Huo Xian last accompanied her for breakfast, as he had promised. Since then, he had completely disappeared, without a trace.
Ji Yuluo had been on alert every day, anticipating his sudden return and further testing, but he had vanished, leaving her heart, which had been strung high, to fall to the ground with a sense of disappointment.
It was said that the assassin hadn’t been found in the palace, and the timid Emperor Shun’an, convinced that the assassination attempt was targeted at him, had been so frightened that he couldn’t sleep at night. He insisted on having Huo Xian guard him closely, and the two of them had been living and eating together ever since.
During this time, Ji Yuluo found herself with ample free time. She contemplated finding an opportunity to enter the palace and took the chance to stroll through the streets of the capital, taking care of some secret affairs.
However, the temperature had dropped drastically in the past few days, with continuous heavy snow. She loathed snowy days and thus shut the doors and windows, deciding to stay indoors. She had Biwu prepare a bowl of ginger tea with brown sugar, intending to take a short nap—
“Madam!” A beautiful woman in a purple dress sat beside her, holding Ji Yuluo’s arm with both hands, crying pitifully. She said, “Madam, you must seek justice for Lady Wan.”
Ji Yuluo, holding her forehead, looked at a nearby zither. It was a fine zither, or rather, an exceptionally fine one, but now it was broken in half. Next to it was another woman, also in tears, holding an extremely luxurious dance dress that had been cut to pieces.
The two of them cried on Ji Yuluo’s left and right, while the other concubines in the room watched.
Where there are many women, there are many disputes. Even in Huo Xian’s absence, these people could still stir up drama every few days, mostly out of boredom.
But one had to admit, Huo Xian really knew how to fuel the fire.
The concubines in his mansion each had their own talents. Lady Wan was skilled in dancing, but Huo Xian had praised another concubine, Lady Weisan, for her rare dancing skills and publicly gifted her a dance dress in front of Lady Wan. Lady Weisan was good at playing the zither, yet he gave Lady Wan a fine zither, praising her music as the best in the mansion.
Although he rewarded both, it sowed seeds of resentment between them. Any trivial matter during their daily interactions could become a spark, igniting conflicts.
And such incidents were endless.
Thus, even if Huo Xian had been away from the mansion for a long time and hadn’t entered the back courtyard, it remained in a constant state of heated turmoil. Ji Yuluo even suspected he did it on purpose, but what benefit could there be besides causing chaos?
Listening to the two women’s harmonized cries, Ji Yuluo impatiently looked away. When she looked back, her expression had softened.
She helped the two women up, comforted them briefly, and then asked Nanny Liu, “Are there any other zithers and dance dresses in the mansion?”
Their master was lavish with rewards, giving out rare items, so Nanny Liu replied with difficulty, “This old servant will look for them.”
Lady Wan and Lady Weisan knew it was enough, glared at each other, and then bowed to Ji Yuluo, saying, “Thank you, Madam, for your decision.”
Just as Ji Yuluo thought the matter was settled, a voice, dripping with sarcasm, chimed in, “Lady Wan and Lady San, you should not trouble Madam over such trifles in the future. You are simply not favored enough by the master. Look at Sister Sheng, the master never hesitates to praise her, sending all good things to her room. If it were her, she wouldn’t quarrel with others over a zither or a dress, and she even has the key to the storeroom. If you want anything, you can ask her instead of bothering Madam, whose health is frail. Be careful not to burden her.”
As soon as the words fell, the inner room sank into a long silence.
Ji Yuluo looked over. The speaker was Ye Linlang, who, like Sheng Lanxin, had also come from the palace music hall.
People who came from the palace carried an inherent aura of grace and pride. Sheng Lanxin’s pride was a kind of quiet arrogance, deeply ingrained in her bones, while Ye Linlang’s pride, by contrast, seemed a bit crass.
This person, however, was very articulate. Her words seemed to praise Sheng Lanxin but ended up offending three people, easily shifting the focus of blame onto Sheng Lanxin.
Sure enough, Lady Wan and Lady Weisan glanced at Sheng Lanxin with complex expressions.
Ji Yuluo’s gaze also fell lightly on her.
A concubine had the key to the household treasury, yet as the official wife, Ji Yuluo had not received such a thing.
Indeed, Huo Xian didn’t regard her as his wife and would certainly not give it to her.
If Ji Yuluo were truly a petty and calculating woman of the inner chambers, she would probably be seething with jealousy towards Sheng Lanxin at this moment.
Facing these many gazes, Sheng Lanxin barely frowned and glanced at Ye Linlang out of the corner of her eye.
She was twenty-three years old, not exactly young among the young women of the inner courtyard. Her temperament was relatively steady, but this eldest daughter of the Ji family was only seventeen or eighteen, the most susceptible age to being influenced.
Sheng Lanxin knew the backstory of the Huo and Ji families’ marriage alliance and felt a sense of sympathy for “Ji Yuluo.” She didn’t want to add to her troubles. Just as she was about to speak, the person in the main seat suddenly coughed.
Hongshuang understood immediately and quickly offered tea.
Ji Yuluo held her chest, her face turning pale again, and sighed, “Yiniang Ye’s words make sense. My health is indeed inadequate… Yiniang Sheng is older than me and has been in the mansion longer. I’ve decided that henceforth, all matters of the West Courtyard will be fully entrusted to Yiniang Sheng. If there’s anything difficult, please ask NannybLiu for more help.”
The faces of several people changed. Even Nanny Liu took a moment to respond.
Anyone with eyes could see that the lord had deep feelings for Yiniang Sheng, often looking after her. Therefore, the people of the West Courtyard already respected Yiniang Sheng, although it was never explicitly stated. However, Ye Linlang’s words indirectly led to the official handover of the West Courtyard’s management rights to Yiniang Sheng.
The result was truly astonishing.
Everyone filed out of the main courtyard, with Sheng Lanxin always lagging behind. It was evident that she didn’t like to walk with others.
Ye Linlang walked beside her and said, “Our lady is really kind-hearted, no wonder the rumors say that the lord treats her with deep affection and respect.”
Sheng Lanxin clearly didn’t want to engage with her, replying perfunctorily, “Indeed.”
Ye Linlang’s efforts were met with indifference, and she stomped her foot in frustration.
Inside the hall, Ji Yuluo withdrew her gaze from the window, and Hongshuang closed the door and windows, sighing, “It turns out that managing the inner chambers of the wealthy and powerful is no easy task. These minor squabbles are even more tedious than those in our own place.”
Ji Yuluo deeply agreed with this.
Cuixue Tower, a large gang organization, naturally had its share of conflicts and competition. Open fights or covert schemes were all normal, but no one would lose and then run to cry for comfort in front of others.
Hongshuang added, “No wonder there are rumors outside that the inner courtyard of the Huo family is in turmoil, with a chaotic and unhappy household.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuluo raised her eyebrows slightly and tilted her head back a bit. “Don’t you find it strange?”
Hongshuang was puzzled and asked, “What does Miss mean?”
Ji Yuluo explained, “Nanny Liu is the housekeeper of the mansion, known for her strict and efficient management. She keeps the main courtyard in perfect order, so why does she leave the West Courtyard unmanaged?”
Hongshuang pondered, “The concubines are considered half-mistresses. It might not be appropriate for Nanny Liu, a servant, to intervene.”
Ji Yuluo leaned on the soft couch and said, “But Nanny Liu is Huo Xian’s wet nurse. Don’t you think… she might be doing it on purpose?”
Ji Yuluo fell into deep thought. Hongshuang couldn’t understand, so she wisely refrained from disturbing her. The charcoal fire was burning brightly, making the room warm and cozy. Just waiting like this didn’t feel dull at all. As dusk approached, Biwu from the front yard suddenly knocked and entered.
She walked in quickly and handed over a palace token, saying, “Miss, someone from the Jinyiwei has come. They said the master will stay in the palace for a few more days and asked you to pack some clothes for him to be sent to the palace.”
Ji Yuluo was slightly taken aback and agreed, “I’ll go right away.”
Huo Xian’s clothes were ultimately packed by Nanny Liu. Upon hearing that she was going to deliver the items to the palace, Nanny Liu also ordered some snacks to be prepared for her to take along.
Once Ji Yuluo was ready, she headed to the palace.
This was her third time entering the palace, and Ji Yuluo was already familiar with the route, losing interest in admiring the palace’s grandeur.
A young eunuch holding a lantern led the way, saying, “After passing the Nine Gates, the Jinyiwei and the Imperial Guard duty rooms are in the small courtyard next to Chonghua Palace. Madam Huo, please follow this old servant. Lord Huo is indeed fortunate, enjoying the emperor’s favor and having a considerate person at home. Truly enviable.”
Ji Yuluo lowered her eyes and smiled.
To reach Chonghua Palace, one had to pass through the Nine Gates, and passing the Nine Gates required going by Zhao Yong’s duty room. Hongshuang was becoming impatient and whispered, “Miss, if we miss this opportunity, who knows how long we’ll have to wait for the next one. Shall I distract this young eunuch?”
Ji Yuluo calmly pressed her hand and said, “We’re just probing. There are likely many hidden guards around. If we act rashly, we might not make it through this palace path.”
Hongshuang’s heart tightened, and she dared not move.
They passed through multiple palace gates and reached the residence beside Chonghua Palace. Nanyue came out to greet them and said, “Madam is here. The master just finished his shift and is inside.”
Upon entering, Huo Xian had indeed just finished his duties and was having dinner. Seeing Ji Yuluo, his eyes showed a faint smile, and he said, “Thank you for your effort.”
His tone was so calm, as if nothing had happened before.
Feigning ignorance—anyone can do that.
Ji Yuluo also replied warmly, “It’s my duty. It’s my husband who is working hard.”
Huo Xian signaled to Nanyue, who then brought out a tray with a tribute glass bottle. Huo Xian said, “I won this playing chess with the emperor at noon. There are too many people here, and I can’t afford to lose a royal gift. Please take it back to the mansion.”
Nanyue handed the item to Hongshuang, who handled it carefully as it was a royal gift.
It seemed Huo Xian had no intention of keeping Ji Yuluo for long. He stood up to see her off and said, “Give it to Nanny Liu for safekeeping when you get back.”
Ji Yuluo observed his natural demeanor, as if he truly just wanted her to deliver some clothes and conveniently take the emperor’s gift back to the mansion. However, she knew there had to be more to it; it couldn’t be that simple.
Ji Yuluo responded with a soft “hmm” and remained cautious, scanning her surroundings.
The sky had darkened, and the shadows of the trees swayed. To Ji Yuluo, every swaying branch seemed like a figure ready to attack at any moment.
Yet, nothing happened even as she approached the palace gates.
Huo Xian had stopped not far away, no longer accompanying her. Ji Yuluo frowned. Suddenly, a hurried palace maid appeared from a side path, bumping into Hongshuang, who was holding a tray with a glass bottle. The impact caused Hongshuang’s hand to tilt, and the glass bottle fell from the tray.
Glassware like this would surely shatter if it hit the ground.
Instinctively, Hongshuang reached out to catch it, but another hand, moving even faster, intervened. In the blink of an eye, Ji Yuluo swiftly and steadily caught the glass bottle.
The young palace maid was startled, her eyes reddening as she repeatedly apologized. Hongshuang waved her off, saying, “Luckily, it didn’t break. If this imperial gift were damaged in the palace, who knows if Lord Huo would seize the opportunity to make a fuss.”
However, Ji Yuluo remained in her position, holding the glass bottle without moving. After a moment, she stiffly straightened up, her lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s wrong.”
Hongshuang, confused by Ji Yuluo’s grim expression, asked, “Miss, what do you mean?”
Ji Yuluo tightened her grip on the narrow neck of the glass bottle, glancing at the two elongated shadows behind her in the snow. She felt a chill down her spine and closed her eyes briefly.
Wrong, she shouldn’t have reached out to catch the object.
She stood still, staring intently at the unmoving shadows. Hongshuang, noticing her behavior, was about to turn around, but Ji Yuluo urgently said, “Don’t turn around!”
After a long time, seeing that Huo Xian indeed made no further moves, Ji Yuluo forced herself to continue walking forward. She finally breathed a sigh of relief once inside the carriage.
As the carriage started moving, Huo Xian watched from a distance. He lowered his head with a smile, while Nanyue, bewildered, remarked, “Madam… such quick reflexes.”
