The Evil Emperor's Contest for Favor

Flowers are not flowers, mist is not mist.

They come at midnight, depart at dawn.

Coming like a fleeting spring dream,

going like morning clouds, nowhere to be found.

----(Bai Juyi, Tang Dynasty, "Flowers Are Not Flowers")

Mid-autumn, a cool, bright sun shines on the imperial palace, golden beams piercing the clouds, scattering brilliant dust across the ground. Before the Hall of Supreme Harmony, five stone bridges, sculpted like ice and jade, lie across the winding blue waters; on the jade-paved Golden Water Bridge, a slender woman stands in the center, slowly turning her head, a faint smile playing on her lips, gazing at the gates of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
She tilts her delicate face, her slender hand playing with a lock of black hair on her shoulder, her fingers twirling and entwining the fine black hair in her hand, smiling serenely, without uttering a word.

A faint smile played on her lips as she silently gazed at the steps leading to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, watching the emperor in his dragon robe slowly emerge, followed by his courtiers. They looked at her from afar, and in their eyes, she saw shock and astonishment.

The main bridge over the Golden Water River had always been reserved for emperors; even princes and high-ranking officials could only use the four side bridges. She, a mere woman, was out of the question. Yet, their astonishment seemed to stem from more than just that.

At that moment, the autumn wind gently lifted her soft, black hair, her snow-white robe billowing beautifully beneath her. A trace of sorrow lingered on her beautiful lips, and a blank, unknowing look floated in her clear, autumn-water-like eyes. Her slender, delicate hands and jet-black hair intertwined, inseparable.
A faint, innocent smile played on her soft lips as her fingers twirled a strand of hair around her cheek, much like the unwavering gaze of an emperor fixed upon her.

Only the heavens, and perhaps the very heart of Xuanyuan Wentian, truly understood that the sorrowful smile on her lips, and the empty innocence reflected in her watery eyes, were the cruelest punishment Heaven had inflicted upon him.

He stared at her intently, his expression cold and his gaze unfathomable, silent as she was, letting the wind whistle past their ears. The words they had once spoken seemed to echo in the wind…
"If you truly see that poor little girl, please tell her for me, don't come… It's not worth it. She'll lose herself too. She'll regret it forever…"

"Regret? Is it really not worth giving your life to me?"

"It's not worth it... Tell her not to come, please don't come. If you see her, Your Majesty, please tell her, okay? Don't come, please don't come, otherwise, she'll only end up losing herself too..."

The Evil Lord's Contest for Favor 1

Ai Jiao's smile was as beautiful

as a bright red begonia ... Chapter 1 "Let me out... Please, someone, let me out..." From the narrow, dark wooden house, came the sobbing voice of a girl. She kept crying and begging, her voice hoarse, but she still kept pleading and calling! Outside, a tall man stood in the shadows under the eaves, motionless. His features were deeply etched. Hearing the little girl's cries for help, he seemed unmoved, without the slightest reaction, his expression extremely cold. "Let me out... Mother... Xue'er won't kill anyone... Father has always been a good man, he won't like this... Xue'er doesn't want to be here... It's so dark..." "Mother, Xue'er will be good, will listen... Mother... Please let Xue'er out... Okay? It's so dark in here... So cold..." "Mother... Xue'er will be good, kill all those people, so you'll be happy... Let me out, okay? It's so cold in here... Mother... I want to go out... Let me out..." "Why... Mother..." The little girl cried and cried day and night, until her cries became hoarse, her breath weakened, and her heart turned cold! No more sounds came from the small wooden house until two days later, when an old man came to open the door and let her out. At the same time, the cold-hearted man's figure also disappeared without a trace. *** The Forbidden City, winding and mysterious, almost makes one lose their way within it. Countless golden palaces and imperial carriage roads, phoenix pavilions and dragon towers, adorned with gilded carvings and jade, stand serenely and solemnly, majestically atop the throne. Within these nine forbidden realms, the emperor surveys his subjects, who dare not disobey, and all are utterly subservient. However, far beyond the palace walls, hidden in a narrow alley, lies a secluded little stone house. Its gray and cold walls reek of a somber, pungent stench of blood, a pungent, unpleasant smell that deters strangers from approaching. Yet, everyone in the capital knows that this unassuming stone house is the place where palace eunuchs must undergo castration before entering the palace. Those aspiring to become palace servants must pay silver to officially recognized "butchers" to have their bodies castrated. The cost of a single castration is not cheap for ordinary people, so much so that even after entering the palace, their monthly salaries must be repaid to the butchers. Here, a gleaming white knife is always stained crimson, cleansing countless worldly sins, but also killing many boys who succumb to blood loss. They are all very young, with fair and delicate faces, watching in terror as blood flows continuously from their bodies. Whether they live or die, they must endure intense pain before they understand the fate bestowed upon them by heaven. "This child is probably not going to make it. Look, the place where we cut him is already festering like this. Men! Get him out of here as soon as possible, otherwise he'll stink in the house." At this command, the boy, slumped on the cloth, is carried out of the house by two burly men. Within a few hundred feet, they heartlessly abandon the boy on the side of the street, while they return to their hut. "Grandpa, help...help me...don't leave me...don't abandon me..." However, the boy's cries for help were like air, completely ignored by the two burly men. They went into the stone house, closed the two thick doors, and with a heavy slam, the alley returned to its somber silence, leaving only the boy's low sobs. "It hurts...it hurts so much...Dad, Mom, you lied to me...it hurts..." His childish voice, filled with sorrow, echoed throughout the alley, but no one paid him any attention. Everyone saw him dying, yet no one offered help. At this moment, an old man and a young boy walked into the alley. The old man had a full head of white hair and was already old; the little boy looked no more than twelve or thirteen years old, dressed in simple white clothes, with a delicate and exquisite face, clear and intelligent. "Help...please save me, save me..." Hearing the cries for help, the old man walked over expressionlessly, not even blinking. He simply spoke to the boy behind him, "Don't look, child. Someone will come to take him away when it gets dark. This trip will likely end badly; he won't come back alive." Hearing this, the boy in white looked strange, his eyes revealing a precocious depth. The cold wind blowing through the alley fluttered his clothes and black hair, his delicate face unusually pale, devoid of any color. Hearing the old man's words, he merely pursed his lips, coldly turning his head to stare at the panicked, helpless face behind him. The face was bluish-purple, cold sweat pouring down; death was imminent, yet his heart remained undying, kneeling on the ground, desperately hoping for salvation. "Save me...I want to go home...I don't want to die..." Hot tears and cold sweat mingled on his dirty little face as the boy cried out pitifully. The boy in white's eyes dimmed. He raised his thin arm, looked at the boy's tearful, unwilling face, and gently touched his heart twice with his fingertips. A smile crept onto his face, and he turned to follow the old man's footsteps towards a gloomy stone house. Watching the departing white figure, the boy kneeling on the ground was stunned for a long time. Tears suddenly welled up in his eyes, and for some reason, his heart felt as if it had been struck a heavy blow.

He had only attended school for a few days and knew very few characters before his parents sent him to the palace to become a eunuch, hoping to gain some wealth. However, he had too many brothers, and even if he died today, his body would likely be left exposed in the wilderness, and even his parents probably wouldn't remember that he had ever existed.

But that boy in white would remember him! The light touch on his chest and the beautiful smile told him one thing: he had remembered him!

Even though it was just a small gesture, for such a lowly person as him, it was salvation! It was an immense favor!

No! He couldn't die! He couldn't die in vain!

He would live! He would live to repay the favor!

***

The stench of blood, the astringency of herbs, and the sweat of butchers mingled together in the purification room. Shouts, screams, and cries echoed continuously in the small room, shaking the very core of the soul.

Those who witnessed such a scene for the first time were invariably terrified and either wept or fainted. However, the young man in white following behind the old man showed no surprise. He merely narrowed his clear eyes and coldly stared at the washing table in the center of the room, where the blood and grime were still wet, exuding a gruesome red stench.

"Uncle Fu, it's been a long time since I've seen you. How have you been?" An old man guarding the house quickly rose to greet the old man.

Seeing this, the old man smiled slowly and said, "Thanks to you, Eunuch Li, I didn't die. I'm still in very good health!"

"Is that so? That's good." Li Zhongxing's eyes shifted, staring at the white-clad boy behind Fu Lang. He shrewdly smiled, "This child is a rare gem! Eunuch Fu, where did you find this treasure?"

Fu Lang smiled modestly and shook his head, "I knew he was a treasure, that's why I wanted to get him into the palace. Eunuch Li, you know I've already left the palace, so I can't get any benefits. This child is clever and will surely please his master. I've given instructions that any good things he earns will belong to you, Eunuch Li. What do you say?" "

Really?" Li Zhongxing's eyes lit up with laughter. "Then I'll have to keep a close eye on him and make sure those roughnecks under him don't hurt this treasure. I'll have to be gentle!"

"Eunuch Li, don't rush. I've already cleaned the child's body. We're both experienced; that knife is full of filth. If we're not careful, our precious child, which we finally got our hands on, will die young. What good will that do us? Look at my child, he's already thirteen, and still so clean. If his manhood wasn't properly cleaned, how could it be acceptable?" Fu Lang said, chuckling.

"But the rules…" Li Zhongxing hesitated.

"Eunuch Li, the rules are for others to follow. If you don't believe me, Eunuch Li can check it yourself, and you'll know everything!" Fu Lang raised his white eyebrows and said with a smile.

"This..." Li Zhongxing hesitated for a moment, just about to speak, when he heard a report from afar, the voice unusually urgent:

"Eunuch Li, something terrible has happened! Steward Shou is already at the alley entrance!"

"What?"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhongxing's face immediately turned panicked, unsure how to greet this distinguished guest from the palace; Fu Lang, on the other hand, seemed calmer. He squinted his old eyes, turning to look down at the white-clad boy beside him, unsure whether disaster or fortune was approaching, his heart filled with unease.

Unexpectedly, he saw the white-clad boy raise his delicate and intelligent face, a bright smile playing on his lips, unexpectedly charming and captivating, glancing at the chaos at the door, as if all his calculations had already taken shape in his gleaming eyes, and he was determined to succeed.

"Wait, wait. I just came out for a walk to get some fresh air, but seeing your tense state only makes me more annoyed. Go away, stop wandering around in front of me, you're making my eyes water!" The Grand Eunuch Shou Jingfeng spoke in a cool tone, waving his hand and frowning at the pungent, putrid smell.

"Grand Eunuch Shou," Li Zhongxing bowed and followed Shou Jingfeng with a forced smile, "If you need anything, just say the word, why bother coming all this way?"

Shou Jingfeng glared at him irritably, his expression cold, "I'm in a bad mood and wanted to clear my head. Do I have to send someone to inform you?"

"I wouldn't dare," Li Zhongxing smiled, wiping away a bead of cold sweat.

"Have you seen anything good these days?" As soon as he asked the question, Shou Jingfeng's sharp old eyes caught sight of the white-clad boy beside Fu Lang, and his heart skipped a beat.

With a handsome and lively appearance, his face, though slightly pale and powdered, possessed exquisite features that seemed otherworldly. He appeared to be about twelve or thirteen years old. A pitiful smile played on his soft lips as he narrowed his clear, black-jade-like eyes, staring intently at him.

At this moment, Li Zhongxing, however, lacked the shrewdness to read further, continuing, "This subordinate has been keeping an eye out for the steward, but I don't know if I can catch his eye..."

"Shut up! You've already found one for me. This little boy is enough. Child, what's your name?" Shou Jingfeng asked unexpectedly softly.

A slow, delicate, composed, and pleasant voice rose from the boy's lips, each word carrying an almost eerie smile.

"Father-in-law, I've heard you're incredibly learned, having read countless books. Please bestow upon me a beautiful name!"

Hearing this, Fu Lang stared blankly at the boy in white, silently calling out to him.

Deliberately ignoring the astonished gaze of the old man beside him, the boy smiled sweetly to himself. Once, his own father had given him a beautiful name, but now he could no longer use it!

My son… his father loved to call him "my dear child"… my son… The boy smiled innocently, his smile radiant with boundless longing.

"Oh? And what was your original name?" Shou Jingfeng chuckled, playing with the smooth, round jade bead in his hand.

"The name you choose, Father-in-law, must be the most beautiful. How could my old, crude nickname compare?" The boy flashed a completely innocent smile.

"I've heard plenty of flattery, but it's your little mouth that can truly sweeten my heart. Alright, I'll name you He Xi. Do you like it?" Shou Jingfeng had been in the palace for decades and had never encountered such a charming child.

"Mmm!" His round, bright eyes crinkled into crescent moons with a smile, and the white-clad boy nodded immediately. "I knew the name you chose would be beautiful, Eunuch! He Xi thanks you for bestowing this name upon me!"

Like it? No! He didn't like it, but he could only nod and smile, unable to say... that he only ever loved it when his father called him by his childhood nickname... called him "my dear child"... but his father was gone, and for the rest of his life, he would never hear it again... my son...

"Good, good! He Xi, you've been castrated, haven't you?" Shou Jingfeng was almost impatient to bring this lovable child into the palace, thinking that after a few more years of training, He Xi would be more favored by the newly enthroned emperor than any of the concubines.

"Yes, I've been castrated, Eunuch, it really hurt! He Xi almost thought he wouldn't make it!" he said, sticking out his tender red tongue with a smile, cute and amusing.

"It'll be over soon. Come here, don't call me 'Eunuch,' call me 'Master' instead! I'll arrange for you to enter the palace right away, don't delay any longer! Don't worry, I'll first arrange for you to stay in the Imperial Household Department for a while to learn the court etiquette, and then I'll introduce you to the Emperor. Just follow me and learn well, understand?" Shou Jingfeng tenderly took his soft, white hand and walked towards the door.

Everyone said that Shou Jingfeng was clever all his life, which allowed him to rise to wealth and power as a eunuch. However, everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and Shou Jingfeng was no exception.

Perhaps it was because they clicked, or perhaps it was because he had gradually lost favor with the new emperor recently, Shou Jingfeng was hoping that the boy in front of her could win back the glory he had enjoyed when the late emperor was alive.

Fu Lang and Li Zhongxing, who were well-versed in the rules of the palace, were both taken aback upon hearing this. With Shou Jingfeng's guidance and support, how could He Xi's journey into the palace not be smooth sailing?

"He Xi understands, thank you, Master!" He Xi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Following Shou Jingfeng, he stepped out of the gate, unable to resist turning back to gaze at Fu Lang, who was seeing him off. A fleeting, bright smile betrayed a sorrowful reluctance, and his eyes nearly reddened. Looking back again, there was no trace of lingering affection in his eyes.

A small sedan chair awaited outside. Shou Jingfeng, attended by eunuchs, boarded the chair. As the chair rose, a strong gust of cold wind suddenly swept into the alleyway, ruffling He Xi's soft, black hair. He smiled into the wind, his peripheral vision catching sight of the boy lying on the ground, barely breathing. Suddenly, his bright eyes narrowed, and a sweet voice rose in his head:

"Master..."

***

Water is not valued for its depth, but for the dragon within; mountains are not valued for their height, but for the immortals dwelling there!

Green mountains and clear waters, drifting clouds—Longcang Mountain is perpetually shrouded in darkness. The dense foliage within the mountain, tinged with ink-like mist, creates a mesmerizing, almost eerie atmosphere.

The air is thick with moisture, and moss covers the rocks. Yet, a smooth, winding path leads directly to a cave. Inside, it is utterly silent. The sound of the Dragon Milk Spring dripping from the rocks onto a stone mortar is chillingly clear, its echoes reverberating endlessly within the cave.

Suddenly, a boy in a grey robe bursts into the cave, shattering the eerie silence with a startled scream.

"Master! Ghost Master! Something terrible has happened! The Xuan Tian Yi... the Xuan Tian Yi has tilted for no reason, a sign of impending doom! The Purple Realm is in danger!"

However, the old man sitting in meditation on the stone platform was like an ancient Buddha, completely ignoring the boy's alarm. His hair and eyebrows were as white as snow, and he could not be described as having a kind face, but his whole body was filled with an aura like that of an immortal. His gray robe was covered with dust and had not been moved for who knows how long!

Seeing that his master did not speak, the boy hesitated for a long time, and finally gritted his teeth and said, "Master, your disciple will go and straighten the Xuan Tian Yi right away!" After saying that, he turned around and was about to rush out.

At this moment, the Ghost Master spoke, his voice calm as water and gentle as the wind, "Don't try to straighten it. It's the will of Heaven. Straightening it won't help. The Three Palaces and Four Symbols... You said the Mysterious Celestial Instrument tilted for no reason. Is the Purple Pole about to collapse?"

"No, not at all. Although all the ominous signs point directly to the Purple Pole, it is the Four Symbols and Twenty-Eight Mansions that are in grave danger. Master, what exactly is going on?" The boy scratched the back of his head, puzzled, and asked.
"The Star of Destruction has entered Phoenix City. It is the will of Heaven. All of this is the will of Heaven!"

As the old man's calm and gentle voice rang out, the calamities of the human world had already begun. A finely crafted

white

jade arched bridge spans a long, verdant river. The banks are lined with the graceful scenery of a Jiangnan water town, lined with shops. Willows sway gently in the breeze, their branches brushing the water's surface. In the distance, the crimson and golden hues of maple leaves create a striking contrast, resembling a magnificent northern landscape. For a moment, one feels a sense of temporal displacement, unsure of one's place.
This once bustling water town, frequented by ordinary people, is now filled with people in elegant attire. It turns out this is not a Jiangnan water town at all, but rather the Yechi Garden, a private retreat reserved for the emperor and his concubines, specially designed to resemble a Suzhou water town for their enjoyment. Located on the outskirts of the capital, this vast and uniquely beautiful Yechi Garden boasts breathtaking scenery.

Beside the riverbank stood a tall pavilion, overlooking the enchanting scenery of the entire water town. Inside, incense wafted through the air, and the melodious sound of a zither filled the air. A tall and imposing man reclined on a brocade chair, dressed in a white robe with a majestic dragon embroidered in gold thread on his chest and collar, indicating his extraordinary status.

His cold, piercing eyes were lowered, and his large hands were clasped lazily in front of him. His left thumb seemed to casually caress the moonstone finger of his right hand, the bright cross-shaped mark against the dark, mysterious surface appearing particularly captivating.

Xuan Yuan Wentian remained silent, listening intently to the exquisite zither music played by the beautiful woman on the courtyard outside the pavilion. The atmosphere was utterly serene, as if all the worries of the mortal world had been abandoned. However, at this very moment, a young eunuch barged in, carrying a sealed memorial.

"Your Majesty, Vice Minister Zhang Hairui of the Ministry of War has brought back a confidential letter from Nantang, stating that it is of great importance and requesting Your Majesty's review!"

Disturbing the Emperor's pleasure—such reckless and impulsive behavior is something perhaps no one else in the world besides Zhang Hairui

would do. However, this privilege was personally granted by Emperor Xuanyuan Wentian, who feared that his ministers might delay due to concerns, thus hindering state affairs. However, apart from the Emperor and his eunuchs, no other men, such as ministers and military officers, were allowed to enter the Imperial Garden without permission. Therefore, Zhang Hairui was waiting outside the Imperial Garden for Emperor Xuanyuan Wentian's summons.

Emperor Xuanyuan Wentian raised a cold eyebrow, glanced at the newcomer, nodded indifferently, and subtly raised his long, folded fingers, silently issuing his command.

Immediately, the old eunuch attending him hurriedly stepped forward, took the memorial from the young eunuch's hand, slightly turned his body, and carefully presented it to Xuan Yuan Wentian, holding it to his brow. "Your Majesty."

Xuan Yuan Wentian took the sealed memorial, opened it, and slowly read it. His originally calm expression gradually turned sinister. His tall figure suddenly stood up, gripping the memorial, and coldly said, "Return to the palace immediately! Tell Minister Zhang that I will summon him to Yangxinzhai as soon as I return to the palace!"

Upon hearing this, the attendants on both sides immediately brought a dark black cloak and gently draped it over Xuan Yuan Wentian.
As if annoyed by the eunuchs, he dismissed them. Xuan Yuan Wentian calmly fastened the cloak, his cold face revealing a profound and unfathomable expression, as if deep in thought. His long fingers moved slowly and strangely.

Since ascending the throne, he had been plotting to abolish the long-criticized secret police system. Now he finally had a legitimate excuse to eliminate the power of the chief eunuch Zhang Jin in the court. For the past three years, the feeling of being constantly threatened had made him extremely uncomfortable.

Upon receiving the order, the old eunuch immediately relayed the decree word for word. The eunuchs, seemingly accustomed to their master's hands-on approach, stopped and retreated to their sides.

"Your Majesty..."

The stunningly beautiful woman stopped playing the zither, rose, and nestled into Xuan Yuan Wentian's proud embrace, saying sweetly, "Your Majesty, weren't we going to stay here a little longer? I really like it here!"

Xuan Yuan Wentian lowered his gaze, glancing down at the concubine's coquettish face, a wicked sneer suddenly appearing on his lips. He said, "You like it here? Very well, you can stay here a few more days. If I don't send someone to fetch you, you don't need to rush back to the palace!"

"Your Majesty!" The stunningly beautiful woman was taken aback, her watery eyes widening. She was led away from Xuan Yuan Wentian's side by her attendants, stunned. Before leaving, she heard the old eunuch's low sigh.

It wasn't a sigh of pity for her; she understood deeply that the heavy sigh contained a hint of mockery, laughing at her lack of understanding of romance, and even more so at her overestimation of her own abilities, her delusion to sway the emperor's will and determination.

However, Xuanyuan Wentian was an extremely self-disciplined and resolute emperor, exceptionally outstanding, focusing solely on national affairs and not subject to anyone's control. Moreover, she was merely a concubine in the harem, insignificant in his eyes.

If she were smart enough, she should have known!

However, it was all too late! The beautiful woman secretly resented him, watching in disbelief as the group departed with Xuanyuan Wentian. He stepped onto the white jade arched bridge without looking back, his tall figure disappearing in the blink of an eye among the vermilion torii gates. Palace maids and eunuchs followed their master in single file, their steps quick yet orderly.

At this moment, only a few servants remained in the imperial garden, guarding their posts. The initial tranquility vanished like smoke, swaying with the willows and disappearing in the wind, but the woman's desperate cries still echoed, trembling and pitiful.

"Your Majesty..."

Chapter Two

Children around ten years old, once sent to the palace, were usually called "child supervisors" or "child guards." These handsome and clever children often won the favor of the empress, concubines, and noble ladies, receiving rewards and treasures from them.

He Xi, however, did not covet the easy job, as that was not his purpose in entering the palace. Although he had only lived for thirteen years, his mind was more mature and sophisticated than most adults. People only saw his innocent and pretty face, completely unaware that he was planning something far more important than ever before.
It was something he would not give up even if it meant death, something he was determined to accomplish. Even if it cost him his life, as long as he could fulfill the mission entrusted to him by his mother, it would be worth it!

With Shou Jingfeng's recommendation, the palace eunuch, without even a glance, allowed him into the palace. However, he begged Shou Jingfeng not to assign him to serve the concubines in the harem, using his sweet tongue to persuade Shou Jingfeng to allow him to work in the Imperial Hospital.

Over the course of three months, while organizing his books, he devoured medical texts and secretly observed the imperial physicians distributing medicines, learning many methods of using medicine.

During this time, he also met many people. Some spoke with disdain because of his status as a palace servant, while others did not mind at all and became close friends with him.

"Xiao Xizi, are you there?" A young physician rushed into the outer room and saw He Xi sitting in the corner, engrossed in reading a medicine book. He exclaimed, "The palace has summoned several imperial physicians to make house calls. Weren't you curious? I told my master you can go along too. Just be good! Otherwise, you'll get me into big trouble."

"Okay!" He Xi looked up from the medicine book, a delighted smile spreading across his face. He nimbly jumped off the chair, tossed the book to the young physician, and rushed out. Before leaving, he turned back to thank him, "Brother Jiang, thank you!"

Hearing this, Jiang Tianshun rubbed the back of his head, a shy smile on his face. He felt an inexplicable fondness for the young He Xi, like a long-lost brother, and felt a deep connection to him. He especially admired He Xi's exceptional intelligence and wit.

Although his master often scolded him for being slow-witted and not very bright, he had a feeling that He Xi, despite being a palace servant, definitely had the ability to make a name for himself, unlike him, who would probably only ever be a half-baked physician...

***

Holding his breath and falling silent, He Xi, carrying the medicine box, stood guard beside the imperial physician, his bright eyes wide as he watched the head physician calmly and intently taking Consort Nian's pulse. A thin red line peeked out from behind the curtain, preventing those outside from seeing the emperor's beloved concubine's face. Because they couldn't see her sickly complexion, the physicians were extra careful during the diagnosis.

He Xi was equally cautious, afraid of making any mistakes. His eunuch's attire and belt indicated his identity, but it clashed with his elegant and serene demeanor, drawing curious glances from the palace maids beside Consort Nian, who marveled at the unusually handsome and refined young eunuch before them.

However, they dared not utter a sound, only staring intently at his slightly pale, handsome face, scrutinizing it closely; faintly, one could hear their sighs of regret.

He Xi paid them no heed; his clear eyes were fixed on Consort Nian's beautiful face hidden behind the curtain, which appeared weak and delicate, her breath faint.

He had heard from those in the palace that Consort Nian's frailty evoked both love and pity. Since entering the palace, she had always been deeply favored by the Emperor. Even though she had been bedridden these past few days, unable to serve him, the Emperor's affection for her remained undiminished, frequently sending messengers with imperial decrees to inquire after her well-being.

Thinking this, a cold smile crept onto his lips. Such favor…

"He Xi! What are you daydreaming about? Take the prescription and come with me to the Imperial Pharmacy to get the medicine!" Imperial Physician Du called out softly, his expression a mixture of amusement and anger.

Just as He Xi came to his senses, he noticed that several imperial physicians had already left through the door. He quickly caught up with Physician Du and whispered, "Going back so soon? Isn't Consort Nian's illness serious?"

At this moment, Physician Yang, a few steps away, turned around, glanced at him with a smile, and said in a hoarse, deep voice, "He Xi, you seem quite clever. As for Consort Nian's matter... I'll let you figure out the reasons yourself!"

"How?" He Xi smiled, tilting his head, eager for a challenge.

"Read the prescription in your hand. The riddle is in it. I'll come back later to ask you for the answer you've come up with." Physician Yang raised his white eyebrows playfully, chuckled, glanced at the prescription in He Xi's hand, and turned to leave with his colleagues.

Hearing this, He Xi picked up the prescription in his hand and began to read it aloud, head down, muttering to himself, "Ginseng, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeonia lactiflora, and Angelica sinensis..."

"He Xi, don't pay attention to them, they're just playing around! You haven't studied pharmacology, how could you possibly understand this prescription?" Imperial Physician Du shook his head and smiled at the stubborn look on his face.

Suddenly, He Xi stopped, looked up at Imperial Physician Du with a smile, and said, "Mr. Du, could you please go back to the medicine storehouse first and let me think about it here by myself? Imperial Physician Yang always likes to tease me, and this time I don't want him to look down on me! I'll definitely give him a satisfactory answer later!"

"Alright! It's up to you. Remember to come back early! Although you are a palace servant, the rules in the palace are not the same as outside, especially in the harem!" Imperial Physician Du picked up the other imperial physicians, and after a while, suddenly turned back and said, "Actually, this prescription isn't that difficult..."

"Mr. Du!" He Xi gave a childish laugh, shaking her head to refuse his offer to secretly reveal her secrets and help.

"Alright, alright, I'll go back to the medicine storeroom first. Remember to come back and help me prepare the medicine later!" Seeing that he didn't want to ask for help, Physician Du smiled and sighed, his figure disappearing around the corner of the small door at the east end.

A cold smile gradually appeared on He Xi's lips.

Not difficult at all! This prescription is indeed not difficult at all.

Consort Nian is not sick at all. If one had to give a name for it, it could only be that she suffers from a mental illness. He Xi couldn't help but secretly wonder if Xuan Yuan Wentian did not favor Consort Nian as much as rumored. Her feigned illness might just be a means to win favor!

Ha! Ginseng, Atractylodes macrocephala... Angelica sinensis, this prescription is truly wonderful!

Having drawn his conclusion, He Xi glanced at the sky; it was getting late. Just as he was about to steal a moment to stroll back to the medicine storehouse, he unexpectedly heard the sound of opera singing coming from the Shufangzhai at the north end. The singers' chanting, accompanied by the sounds of gongs and drums, drifted faintly into his ears, clear and melodious like a thread that might break at any moment, yet it had already easily captivated his soul.
Suddenly, He Xi stopped, no longer moving forward, lingering behind him, his soul drawn by the music, stunned and unable to move.

He remembered… he always remembered how his father loved to take him to see operas everywhere—"The Lament of Dou E," "The Ghost in the Basin," "Lu Zailang," "The Butterfly Dream"... those were all plays about officials judging cases. His father always liked to take him to see such plays, smiling and saying that as an official himself, he felt a deep connection.

He always missed his father so much… but he was gone… never again… From now on, even if he could still listen to operas, his father would be gone!

Just a moment… He struggled, biting his rosy lips, and with his head down, Xi turned and ran like the wind towards the seductive Yin Si. He told himself that he only needed to steal a glance, just one glance before returning to the medicine storehouse, severing all hopeful longing!

He missed his father…

really, just a moment…

***

Life is like a play, unpredictable!

Xuan Yuan Wentian sat lazily in his chair, his cold gaze fixed on the performers on the stage, a bitter smile playing on his lips, looking utterly helpless.

If it weren't for the series of birthday celebrations for his mother and the need to please her, he wouldn't have bothered taking time out of his busy schedule to come to Shufangzhai to watch a play. However, he had already secretly found a reason to pay his respects to his mother

and take his leave. Just as he was about to get up and speak, a slight commotion came from behind the stage, almost inaudible, but not escaped his keen ears.

"No...don't...stop...I have to go back later..." A soft, sweet, and delicate voice came from behind the curtain, seemingly struggling.

But all the commotion was drowned out by the sounds of gongs and drums on both sides of the stage and the singing of the actors. Xuan Yuan Wentian was certain that no one except himself had noticed the mystery hidden behind the play. Perhaps it was because that voice strangely stirred his thoughts! He chuckled and listened carefully.

That childlike, low voice was like a sweet wine, not strong, but like silk, its sweetness gliding slowly down the throat. Though it wouldn't intoxicate, it was enough to make one's heart flutter.

A smile curved Xuan Yuan Wentian's lips. His tall figure, which had been about to rise, leaned back again, as languid as ever. Suddenly, he didn't mind staying a little longer.

He wanted to see that voice for himself!

"Your Majesty, that Wang Yueying is truly audacious and shrewish. Are all women in the marketplace like her? If so, it truly frightens me!" The Noble Lady Ru, who was attending to the Emperor, seemed greatly startled and leaned closer.

Xuan Yuan Wentian glanced at her with a cold smile, his long, powerful arm resting casually on the armrest of his chair. Suddenly, his smile deepened. Without turning back, a wicked glint flashed in his eyes, his sharp gaze seemingly piercing through the intricately carved walls behind the stage.

"...and thus committed the sin of promiscuity, secretly arranging a tryst, as the saying goes, 'Amorous affairs are best left unsaid...'" The commotion seemed to subside, and amidst the music of drums and gongs, a delicate voice hummed along.

At this moment, Xuan Yuan Wentian's deep, alluring eyes narrowed coldly, his long fingers resting on the handles tapping out the rhythm, mirroring the slight smile on his lips.

Just then, the female lead on stage reached this point, and the crowd, unaware of anything amiss, continued singing softly, line by line.

"An unmarried young woman should not engage in such conduct..." the official said sternly.

"...We were supposed to share a bed, but instead we're chained and shackled. This whole farcical affair is quite the bickering couple..."

"Guards!"

In an instant, the sweet, yet poisonous chanting echoed incessantly in his ears. Xuan Yuan Wentian's brow furrowed deeply. When he realized it, he found himself already raising his hand, ignoring the astonished faces of his mother and concubines, ordering the guards to rush into the back of the stage and arrest the person.

"Your Majesty..."

Xuan Yuan Wentian smiled but remained silent. He had never had such a strong desire to see for himself... what that poisonous chant really looked like!

***

Cold sweat poured down his back.

"What are you doing... let go, let me go!"

In the midst of the chaos, before he could even comprehend what was happening, He Xi felt himself lifted into the air, forcibly dragged out of the hall, followed by several young actors who had initially teased him but had later become his playmates.

What on earth was going on? He was just humming and singing backstage, how could he have gotten into trouble?

Even with his mind in turmoil, He Xi was far calmer than the others, his mind racing through every possible possibility. Suddenly, a deep male chuckle shattered his attempts to clear his thoughts. The next instant, he knelt with a thud, his lowered gaze only able to catch a glimpse of a pair of men's boots, exquisitely embroidered satin, exuding supreme elegance.

"Raise your head, I want to see you." A hint of wickedness flashed in Xuan Yuan Wentian's deep, unfathomable eyes. He was surprised by the boy's small stature; judging from his clothing, he should be a young eunuch.

A strange sense of disappointment washed over him. How could it be a young eunuch? He had expected a pretty little girl to appear!

"Your Majesty, why make things difficult for the servants? This isn't like you at all!" The Empress Dowager looked at the actors, who were trembling like leaves in the wind, and felt strange about her son's actions.

"No, Mother, they are guilty. They disturbed my enjoyment of the opera, they are criminals!" Xuan Yuan Wentian casually made up a charge and arbitrarily pinned it on them.

Hearing this, He Xi was furious. What kind of incompetent emperor was this? No wonder more than seven years ago, countless innocent people died under the executioner's blade, dying tragically in the East Market! Resentment... hatred! How could such a heart-wrenching resentment be known to this foolish emperor?

"Why don't you raise your head? Don't be afraid, I won't eat you." A deep, eerie voice contained a faint smile. Among the group of people kneeling before him, Xuan Yuan Wentian only noticed He Xi.

No matter how precocious and shrewd he was, He Xi couldn't help but feel flustered when facing the supreme authority of the Emperor. His hands were icy cold, his fingertips trembled slightly, and cold sweat poured down his back.

However, after taking a deep breath, a smile bloomed on He Xi's lips. He slowly raised his face, smiling to meet the Emperor's gaze.

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty... He Xi... He Xi dares not commit this again..." As soon as he finished speaking, He Xi's bright gaze met Xuan Yuan Wentian's sharp black eyes. Suddenly, he froze, his soul trembling, as if his soul had left his body, his mind blank.

Hearing the pitiful, trembling pleas for mercy, Xuan Yuan Wentian laughed, a wild and unrestrained laugh, mocking and arrogant. "Is this what caused your earlier commotion? What kind of face is that? A tragic female role, a martial arts role, or... a clown?"

"Your Majesty, it's... a clown," a young actor hiding behind He Xi whispered, for he was the one who had just teased He Xi. As he spoke, the young actor trembled even more violently, sweat pouring down his face.

However, everyone else joined in the laughter. The Empress Dowager, supported by her maids, leaned closer to take a look at He Xi's pale face and laughed heartily, exclaiming "Wonderful!" repeatedly.

The roaring laughter echoed in his ears. He Xi stared intently at Xuan Yuan Wentian's laughing face, but he couldn't laugh at all. He felt a sense of panic and confusion.

For some reason, the scenery before his eyes kept blurring and distorting. A sudden chill ran down his spine. The blinding light and shadows made him dizzy. The crimson crabapple blossoms and the red snow, stained with blood-like hue, made him feel nauseous and cold sweat pouring down his back.

It was a scene of cruelty he had never seen before, filled with the wails of ghosts and demons… In the pool of blood, a stunningly beautiful woman smiled coldly. Behind her, a tall man supported her, his gaze tender, indulgent, and unrestrained…

Heavens! Their appearances were so familiar; he and she…

Just as he was laughing, a crimson light suddenly flashed in Xuan Yuan Wentian's eyes, making him stop laughing. After a long silence, he slowly lowered his head, staring seriously at He Xi's ridiculous little face, and said, "Answer me, which branch of the family are you from?"

Xuan Yuan Wentian narrowed his eyes, as alluring as the night, carefully examining He Xi's ugly face. He was confident he was not mistaken; the face hidden beneath the grime should be incredibly delicate and refined. However, all of this paled in comparison to those clear, bright eyes, which faintly revealed a hint of demonic aura.

"He Xi... works in the Imperial Hospital. Your Majesty... Your Majesty wouldn't want to punish them all, would you? Please, Your Majesty, have mercy! They didn't know I was here. Please don't punish the people in the Imperial Hospital!" He Xi pleaded anxiously without thinking, knowing only that his recklessness today might kill many innocent people.

"Could it be that in your eyes I am truly such a heinous villain?" Xuan Yuan Wentian looked at the little man before him, inwardly laughing at his own overthinking. However, the murderous aura hidden within the crimson light lingered in his mind, making it difficult for him to shake off the feeling.

"No!" A fleeting glint of light flashed in He Xi's eyes. He smiled, his face, painted with flowers, looking even more comical. His tone was sweet as he said, "Of course Your Majesty is a good emperor. If you can spare our lives today, then you are an even more perfect emperor!"

Hearing the flattering words, Xuan Yuan Wentian merely curled a cold smile and said indifferently, "I have never liked flattery, you know that, He Xi?" Little did he

know... Oh no! He Xi's heart skipped a beat.

"If... telling the truth is flattery, then He Xi... He Xi has decided to lie from now on!" Even as he said this, He Xi felt his heart pounding so hard it almost jumped out of his mouth. His bright eyes widened, as if he were walking on thin ice, and he was almost resigned to his fate.

Seeing the emperor's face suddenly darken, everyone stopped laughing. Instantly, the atmosphere in Shufangzhai became incredibly tense and silent. Even the Empress Dowager dared not utter a sound, frowning and shaking her head.

Suddenly, the Empress Dowager felt a tightness in her chest. Although she was puzzled by her son's unusual behavior today, she had no mood to care.

The air in the Shufangzhai seemed to slowly dry up, and the Empress Dowager gradually weakened, almost

unable to catch her breath. She trembled as she reached out and tightly grasped the sleeve of the palace maid beside her, a subtle movement she didn't want anyone to notice. "Just because of one sentence from me, you've decided to lie from now on? And those lies… will you even survive to tell them?" Xuanyuan Wentian chuckled, finding himself actually enjoying seeing the little girl's bewildered expression. He deliberately hesitated for a while before continuing, "Don't rush, I haven't finished speaking yet! It's strange, I just love hearing your flattery. Hexi, stop working at the Imperial Hospital, I'll issue the order…"

"Your Majesty! The Empress Dowager is in trouble!" Consort Ru turned her head and inadvertently saw the Empress Dowager's pained expression, her delicate voice trembling with alarm, abruptly interrupting Xuanyuan Wentian's words.

"Empress Dowager!"

With a hurried shout from Xuanyuan Wentian, the Empress Dowager fainted weakly. Chaos erupted immediately in the Shufangzhai Palace, ministers and concubines alike scrambling to make arrangements.

He Xi knelt in shock, the chaotic scene reflected in his bright eyes. He saw the woman known as the Empress Dowager being fawned over, and Xuanyuan Wentian ordering the immediate summons of the imperial physicians.

Having read many medical books and learned numerous methods of emergency treatment, He Xi understood that the Empress Dowager's condition was acute; with immediate treatment, her life could be saved.

He Xi knew what he could do for her, yet he simply knelt, his legs trembling. Seeing Xuan Yuan Wentian's solemn expression and furrowed brows, for some reason, the image of Consort Nian, her face hidden behind the curtain, floated into his mind—weak, haggard, and pathetically scheming…

He didn't want to save her… Even though He Xi knew that saving the Empress Dowager would allow him to rise rapidly in rank and gain the Emperor's favor and trust, he still didn't want to save her…

Was he crazy?! In that instant, He Xi only wanted to see Xuan Yuan Wentian—that tall man who made his heart tremble—and experience the pain of losing a loved one. It would happen! He knew it would happen in the near future…

***

"From the first moment I saw you, I knew this day would come!" Shou Jingfeng leaned back in the grand chair in the hall, twirling the gleaming gold on the brocade stand, and said with a smile.

Hearing this, He Xi smiled brightly, cleverly concealing the coldness in his eyes. Standing before Shou Jingfeng, he said in a coquettish tone, "Master, it's just a hundred taels of gold, there's no need to be so happy!"

Shou Jingfeng smiled and shook his head, seemingly laughing at He Xi's naivety, and explained, "A hundred taels of gold may not be much, but because you saved the Empress Dowager's life, the Emperor bestowed upon you the title of Imperial Disciple. From now on, when you travel in the palace, your status will be far beyond that of ordinary eunuchs." Remembering

that he had ultimately saved the Empress Dowager's life, He Xi almost hated himself! He shouldn't have… He gritted his teeth in silent resentment, almost unable to understand his own thoughts. He only remembered that his mind was blank at the time, and he couldn't recall anything that happened afterward.

"Did the Emperor… say anything else?" He Xi asked casually, as if it were nothing.

"The timing is wrong. His Majesty has been busy with state affairs lately. I heard that heretical sects are rampant in the Jiangnan and Zhejiang areas, and their influence is huge, causing unrest among the local people. His Majesty has issued an edict that all local officials, regardless of whether they are leaders or followers, should be severely punished without exception... That's all I know! He Xi, you are only thirteen years old. You have a long future ahead of you. As long as you follow me and study hard, with your intelligence and eloquence, one day you will definitely gain the Emperor's attention!" Shou Jingfeng said decisively, clearly delighted with the one hundred taels of gold that Xuan Yuanwentian had given to He Xi.

"Is that so?" A cold smile flashed deep in He Xi's clear, bright eyes. He shrugged his thin shoulders, amused by Shou Jingfeng's greed. "He Xi's success today is all thanks to Master. As long as I continue to stay by Master's side, will I have to worry about food and clothing? As for this hundred taels of gold, consider it a small token of He Xi's appreciation to Master. Please accept it!"

"This...this...since it's such a kind gesture, then I have no choice but to accept it!" Shou Jingfeng was about to hint when He Xi spoke first. Heaven had truly been kind to him, letting him find a treasure!
He Xi looked at Shou Jingfeng's beaming smile and couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Having been in the palace for several months, he had already heard that since the Chief Eunuch Zhang Jin had been deliberately distanced, Shou Jingfeng and his group of leading eunuchs had also lost the Emperor's trust, their former glory greatly diminished. However, the connections they had cultivated in the palace over the years were not to be underestimated.

To curry favor? Yes! He Xi knew he would do everything in his power to please Shou Jingfeng, to lower his guard and thus gain control of the palace.

Just as Uncle Fu, who had previously served in the palace, had said, in the palace, a head eunuch, if fortunate enough to gain the emperor's complete favor and trust, truly held a position second only to the emperor, a position of unparalleled prestige!

A fleeting smile spread across his beautiful eyes. He Xi turned his head to look out the window at the gradually darkening sky. The weak afterglow cast a beautiful, slender silhouette on him, the somber color of his robes not diminishing his captivating charm.

At this moment, the smile on his lips seemed somewhat smug, mixed with an almost bewitching childlike quality. Who would know that he was actually her…

***

Deep in the night, under the faint starlight, the Hall of Mental Cultivation was still brightly lit.

After reviewing the last memorial, Xuanyuan Wentian casually tossed it aside. His tall, slender frame leaned back in his chair, his deep eyes narrowing, a faint smile playing on his thin lips. Despite the late hour, he remained energetic and showed no signs of fatigue.

"Your Majesty, it's getting late. Shouldn't you rest?" A court attendant, noticing the time, stepped forward respectfully, bowing deeply.

Xuanyuan Wentian initially smiled without speaking, glancing sideways at a red candle beside his desk. The vibrant flame reflected in his dark eyes, as if a crimson tide was surging within him, transforming into two pale red flames. After a long while, he shook his head and chuckled softly, a strange feeling creeping over him.

"Do you know? I've been thinking about this for the past few days, but I just can't figure out why... It's just that there's this inexplicable lingering feeling in my heart, like something is constantly on my mind..." Xuan Yuan Wentian paused, then suddenly seemed to remember something. He gave a cold laugh, stood up with a sinister expression, turned and walked towards the western pavilion, calmly ordering, "Someone, change my clothes! I need to rest!" "

Yes!"

Several palace maids on night duty hurriedly stepped forward to undress Xuan Yuan Wentian. Their movements were skilled and gentle, as if afraid of offending the emperor's noble body, they were trembling with fear.

Xuan Yuan Wentian's face was cold as he allowed the palace maids to skillfully undress him and change his robes. His deep, captivating eyes stared straight ahead, unblinking.

For the first time in his life, he felt a pang of regret. His own parents were like family to him, yet he had never cared about them. He had always been very self-disciplined, cold and indifferent to love, so he didn't know where this longing in his heart came from.
Yet, longing, subtle and persistent, crept over him. He hadn't expected that several years would pass before he finally found an answer…

Chapter Three:

It was almost snowing again…

The bleak autumn colors filled half the sky, the season was gradually entering early winter, the weather was incredibly cold, golden ginkgo leaves fell to the ground, mingled with bright red maple leaves.

The north wind rose coldly, stirring up the fallen petals, the breathtaking scenery almost making one forget the approaching winter's harshness.

The biting wind swept mercilessly, the cold almost instilling despair, an uncontrollable chill penetrating straight to the heart, leaving limbs stiff and immobile.

"Are you cold, child?"

The speaker was a woman, her voice slightly hoarse, her true age impossible to discern. A trace of her youthful gentleness and beauty could still be found on her face, however, her hair was frighteningly white, flying wildly in the cold wind, like an evil spirit, exuding a sinister aura. She laughed coldly, a laugh that almost suffocated anyone who saw it.

As soon as she finished speaking, the small, thin body kneeling trembled involuntarily. Her slender arms hugged herself tightly, and she raised her small face to look at the woman who had spoken. Her body, clad only in thin, damp clothes, involuntarily curled up. The chilling wind relentlessly stole the last remaining warmth from the little girl's body; the last trace of warmth turned into white smoke, exhaled from her small mouth, and carried away by the north wind, never to be seen again.

"Cold…" she managed to utter a weak sound from her dry throat, raising her pitiful eyes to look up at the white-haired woman before her, who looked down at her with disdain.

Before she could finish, the woman raised her arm and slapped the little girl hard, shattering her naivety. A cruel smile curled her lips, a hint of deep sorrow visible in her laughter. Tears welled up in her eyes, rolling down her cheeks, unexpectedly clear and bright.

"Are you cold, child? The world inside is a hundred times, a thousand times colder than it is now, do you know that? How about it? Did you remember everything I said last night?"

The burning handprint on the little girl's cheek seemed to shatter the last vestige of hope in her young heart. Without reaching out to soothe the sore spot, she simply blinked her empty eyes, her voice choked with emotion, and murmured, "When you are capable, pretend you are not; when you are close, make them seem distant; when they are distant, make them seem near; lure them with profit; seize them when they are in disarray; prepare against them when they are strong; avoid them when they are powerful; humble them when they are arrogant; exhaust them when they are at ease; alienate them when they are close; attack when they are unprepared; strike when they are not expected..."

"Very good. Listen, you are not allowed to forget a single thing I have taught you these past few days!" The white-haired woman turned around and walked away. Before leaving, she coldly uttered two sentences, "Go back to your room and change into clean clothes. You have a lot more to do next!"

A bright red handprint was branded on the little girl's face. The burning pain contrasted sharply with the coldness surrounding her. A wave of dizziness washed over her, and she felt hot and cold. She tried to prop herself up and keep up with the white-haired woman's heartless departure, but she stumbled and fainted, falling onto the withered grass. Golden apricot leaves covered her, and her purplish-blue lips murmured something, but the sound was so faint that it was almost inaudible.

"Mother, don't go... Look back at Xue'er... It's so cold, Mother... Xue'er, so cold..."

***

Suddenly awoke, her soft, beautiful eyes brimming with tears. She opened them groggily, staring blankly at the dark, gloomy tent ceiling. Cold sweat beaded on her body, and she shivered uncontrollably.

The woman's delicate face looked weak and pale. She lay motionless on the kang (heated brick bed), her slender hands clutching the blanket tightly. She bit her tender lips helplessly, letting bright tears roll down her cheeks. Her red-rimmed eyes narrowed slightly, filled with a pitiful sorrow.

The sky was still dim, the time still early, yet she could no longer sleep. A self-deprecating smile played on Ji Jiangxue's lips as she slowly rose from the kang (heated brick bed). Her thin clothes, soaked with cold sweat, clung to her slender frame, accentuating her beautifully shaped collarbones and small, full breasts.

No one knew that he was actually her…

"He Xi… He Xi! Are you awake?"

A call came from outside, growing louder as it approached. Ji Jiangxue slowly turned her reddened eyes to look at the slightly plump, dark figure reflected in the window paper. Then came a few knocks on the door, followed by another call, this time in a gentle, kind voice…

"He Xi, it's getting late! Eunuch Zhang has given instructions that the palace will be selecting new concubines these days, and he told us to be careful and serve them attentively... He Xi, are you awake?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Jiangxue, inside the door, smiled charmingly, tilting her delicate face slightly. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, forming a soft, lustrous waterfall. Just like her gentle tone, she said softly, "I've been awake for a while, Xiao Fu. Thank you for reminding me, but I'm not on duty today. I already asked Eunuch Shou about this yesterday, and he agreed to let Xiao Jizi cover for me."

In the palace, the person she was closest to was Xiao Jizi. He was the little boy who was abandoned in Zhihu Alley and almost died. Just because she begged Shou Jingfeng to save his life, Xiao Jizi, who was about the same age as her, became loyal to her ever since.

"Oh! That's good, but... He Xi, wouldn't it be better to take this opportunity to serve those young ladies? If we win their favor, they'll be favored by the emperor in the future, and we'll benefit from it too!" Xiao Fu said, scratching his head in confusion outside the door.

Ji Jiangxue casually tugged at a strand of hair near her cheek, chuckled softly, and said, "Xiao Fu, let's not talk about that! Tell me, what do you think of the looks of these young ladies?"

Xiao Fu thought seriously for a long time, then slowly shook her head and said, "To be honest, He Xi, all of us servants think you're the most beautiful. I just don't know why you've stayed in the Imperial Hospital all these years and refused to serve the concubines. If the Emperor had seen you by chance, you'd probably be a big shot in our palace by now!"
"The Emperor... has seen me. Maybe next time! Eunuch Shou has given instructions that I can't go to the Imperial Hospital anymore in a while, otherwise he'll blame me!"

"But... He Xi, are you still afraid of Eunuch Shou? The people who used to work under him no longer listen to him, they only trust you! If I hadn't been assigned to work under Eunuch Zhang as soon as I entered the palace, I would have listened to you too. You're a good person, meticulous. If I were to fall ill one day, you could definitely save me!"

"Don't talk nonsense. Eunuch Shou is the one who brought me into the palace. Don't let anyone hear what you just said, or they'll think I'm a heartless wretch!" Ji Jiangxue said softly, her tone slightly reproachful.

As a "eunuch," she wasn't afraid of revealing her feminine side. Even though her figure had become slightly more slender with age, she could still cleverly avoid questioning under the guise of a palace maid.

Moreover, she should thank Shou Jingfeng. He had secured her an independent residence outside the palace walls, and she had also benefited greatly from his connections within the palace. Even the annual purification procedures had been waived thanks to his influence, allowing her to get away with it until today.

"Yes, yes! I didn't think of that. He Xi, I won't dare say such things again! Ah! It's getting late, I should go! Otherwise, if I'm delayed, I'll definitely get a scolding from above!" With that, Xiao Fu's slightly plump figure moved away from the door, gradually fading until it disappeared.

Only then did Ji Jiangxue realize that the sky was already bright, a cool morning breeze filled the air, and the occasional chirping of birds drifted in from outside the window. In an instant, the shifting light and shadows made the room feel even more dim and eerily gloomy.

She stood alone in the darkness, tears streaming down her cheeks, making her appear even more pitiful. She raised her long eyelashes, turned her head, and gazed at the light filtering through the window paper with bright, clear eyes, her mind churning with complex emotions.

*Xue'er… this blood-soaked hatred, you must never forget…

never forget!* She calmly told herself, a faint smile playing on her lips, an almost childlike innocence that accentuated her captivating beauty. She habitually tugged at a lock of hair by her cheek, her expression cold.

Perhaps she had long forgotten what the cold felt like, but she would never forget the words etched deeply into her heart like a brand: "

To catch a thief, first catch the king!"

***

In the distance, a commotion erupted. Two groups were arguing fiercely. It seemed someone wanted to send something into the palace, but the guards on duty wouldn't let them in, expressing their frustration.

At this moment, Ji Jiangxue, though not on duty, had been summoned to the Imperial Pharmacy by Physician Yang, who said he had important matters to discuss. Coincidentally passing by, she stopped to investigate.

"What's going on?" Ji Jiangxue asked softly, approaching him casually.

"He Xi, you've come at the right time! These people from the Li family are really strange. They say they want to send some important items to their young ladies for the palace selection, but they refuse to open them for us to inspect. If we don't keep a close eye on this, we'll be in big trouble!" Xiao Guizi, the leader, couldn't help but complain as soon as he saw Ji Jiangxue.

"That's right, the palace is different from the outside world, that's the rule." Ji Jiangxue glanced at the servants sent by Prime Minister Li and said with a light smile, "We are all his servants, sir, please don't make things difficult for us! What exactly is in this box? Why don't you tell us?"

The servants stared at Ji Jiangxue's handsome face, stunned for a moment, speechless. They couldn't help but think that this little eunuch was a hundred times more beautiful than their young lady. The emperor himself had such a beautiful woman in his palace, so even if they were homosexual, it would be understandable.

"This... these are some clothes and jewelry. Our young lady was worried that she wouldn't be able to win the Emperor's favor in this selection, so she specially sent someone to Suzhou to have a famous craftsman make several sets of clothes. Unexpectedly, the journey was too long, and these clothes didn't have time to be sent back to the capital. We hope that you, young sir, can do us a favor and let us send this box of things into the palace, otherwise our young lady..." Liu Yuan, the leader, looked slightly embarrassed, knowing in his heart that they were all servants and had no choice.

"It's just a few clothes, why is it so difficult to talk about? There must be another reason why you don't want people to know! Could it be... that there's something strange and dangerous hidden inside?" Ji Jiangxue stroked the exquisite carvings on the box with her slender hand, secretly giving Xiao Guizi a look, telling him to make things difficult for her.

"Yes!" Xiao Guizi, naturally quick-witted and on good terms with Ji Jiangxue, immediately waved for someone to open the box. "Check it!"

"This...this..." Liu Yuan understood that although it was Xiao Guizi who gave the order, the one who instigated it was the clever and beautiful He Xi. He quickly flattered her, "To be honest, our young lady is afraid that others will follow suit and send their treasures into the palace as well. If that happens, her chances of winning are slim, so she told us not to let anyone know. Young man, I'm begging you..."

Just as Liu Yuan was pleading, the rosewood box had already been pried open. The sound of the lock being opened was "click," accompanied by Liu Yuan's scream.

Instantly, the delicate and exquisite Suzhou embroidery came into Ji Jiangxue's view. She smiled slowly, picked up one of the pale yellow skirts with her slender hand, and a thoughtful light flashed in her eyes. Suddenly, she laughed childishly and said, "That's right, he really only packed a few clothes! Xiao Guizi, let's help him this once! How about it? I'm begging you on his behalf."

"He Xi, don't be so formal with us. A few months ago, you gave me all your salary and even went around asking people to help me get a month's leave from the palace to take care of my sick mother. I don't know how to repay such a huge kindness!" Xiao Guizi still couldn't help but have tears in his eyes when he thought of this. He was a filial son by nature, and he entered the palace in the first place so that his mother and younger siblings could have a better life.

Ji Jiangxue smiled sweetly, glancing at Liu Yuan and saying, "Give me this box! Didn't you say your young lady doesn't want anyone to know about this? Luckily, there's someone I know inside. Since it's late, I'll ask him to deliver it for your young lady, without anyone noticing. How about that?"

Hearing this, Liu Yuan was overjoyed and quickly nodded, "That would be perfect! I thank you so much for your help, young man!"

"Don't thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank Xiao Gui for his generosity and willingness to help!" Ji Jiangxue carefully reminded Liu Yuan not to thank the wrong person. A childlike smile appeared on her lips as her fingertips lightly stroked the soft silk, seemingly reluctant to part with it, but a deeper, more sinister glint appeared in her eyes.

The best opportunity heaven had given her was laid out before her; she shouldn't let it slip away. She needed to borrow these clothes for a moment!

***

"He Xi, you're late!"

"I ran into some things on the way and was delayed! Physician Yang, what can I do for you?" Ji Jiangxue walked into the Imperial Pharmacy, seemingly unconcerned by the slightly reproachful tone in the other's voice.

"It's nothing much, but I'm getting old and my eyesight is failing, so I can't write prescriptions anymore. I'd like to ask you to copy one for me; I need to send it up later!" Physician Yang's face was now obsequious, a far cry from his previous difficult demeanor, as if he had ulterior motives.

"Who is this person, and what are their symptoms? You'd better be clear, otherwise the prescription might be written incorrectly, and that would be terrible." Ji Jiangxue casually picked up a stool and sat down, taking the form from Physician Yang's hand. The paper was blank, waiting for her to write the prescription.

"Sit down, sit down! He Xi, why don't you stay by my side from now on, just like back then? You can give me suggestions casually. If you are appreciated by the Emperor..."

Ji Jiangxue interrupted him coldly with displeasure, "Imperial Physician Yang, the reason I was able to prescribe medicine for you accurately today is not only because of my skills, but also because of my inside connections. That's how I know the eating habits and lifestyles of those concubines and ministers, and find the cause of their illnesses... Therefore, you are not allowed to mention me in front of the Emperor. This is the rule, a rule that everyone knows!"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Upon hearing this, Imperial Physician Yang broke out in a cold sweat, but he couldn't help but become suspicious, and his curiosity about Ji Jiangxue deepened.

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The Evil Emperor's Contest for Favor

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