Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, musicians played the zither and sang on the platform, while Chu Qingwan kept glancing toward the entrance from time to time.

Why hasn’t Nong Qiu returned yet?

Song Xia comforted her softly, “Perhaps something delayed her, my lady. Please do not worry.”

Though she said this, Song Xia couldn’t help but feel anxious. Nong Qiu had gone to fetch an umbrella for her mistress; what could possibly have held her up?

Xu Yan Heng sat in the high seat. To his left were the Empress Dowager and Consort Zhou. It was noon, and today was a family banquet attended by imperial relatives. The happiest person in the harem was Lady Gu; she raised her cup in a toast toward the Princess Royal, her eyes curved in a gentle smile.

The Princess Royal shook her head in mild exasperation, scrutinizing Lady Gu carefully. Seeing no sign of melancholy, she gradually relaxed.

Chu Qingwan glanced at Lady Gu with a hint of envy. Once inside the palace, it felt as if an immense chasm separated her from her family; to see them again required the emperor’s favor.

Few could see their loved ones as often as Lady Gu.

Though Chu Qingwan sat some distance from Xu Yan Heng, he only had to turn his head slightly to catch sight of her, and naturally noticed her distracted demeanor.

Xu Yan Heng raised an eyebrow in surprise; earlier that day at noon, she had been so alert.

Chu Qingwan was completely unaware of his thoughts. When she saw Nong Qiu approaching the palace entrance, relief washed over her. But soon after, her brow furrowed again.

Nong Qiu was not wearing the clothes she had on when they left together.

As Nong Qiu drew closer, Chu Qingwan noticed the faint makeup on her face, adding a touch of rosy color. A twinge of confusion stirred within her—what had happened?

In a low voice, Chu Qingwan asked, “Why are you so late?”

Nong Qiu was on the verge of tears; she had already cried once. When she returned to Jade Qiong Garden to change clothes, she startled Chi Chun and couldn’t help but collapse into her arms, releasing her anguish.

Only in her teens, this was her first time witnessing such a scene, and the terror inside was beyond words.

Fortunately, Chi Chun helped her tidy up. Originally, Chi Chun intended to come with her to deliver the umbrella, but Nong Qiu had stopped her, worried Chi Chun might inadvertently reveal something to her mistress.

Nong Qiu poured a cup of fruit wine for Chu Qingwan. When their hands touched, the chill caused a flicker of alarm within Chu Qingwan.

Suddenly, Nong Qiu’s hand trembled, spilling the wine all over Chu Qingwan’s clothes. She gasped softly and hurriedly apologized, “Forgive me, my lady, it was my unsteady hand.”

At palace banquets like this, to prevent accidents, each lady prepared more than one set of clothing.

Lady Gu glanced their way and, with her kind heart, offered a gentle reminder:

“Lady Chu, you should change quickly. It would be improper to embarrass yourself before the hall, and it would not look good if anyone noticed.”

Chu Qingwan rubbed her temple, a little exasperated. “You’re so clumsy.”

Rising, she quietly left with Nong Qiu toward the side hall. Song Xia did not follow, as Chu Qingwan would return shortly; she needed to stay behind and watch over the happenings inside.

The main hall’s lively atmosphere only made the side hall feel more tranquil. Nong Qiu brought out the spare clothes, drew the curtains fully closed, and ensured no outsiders were near.

Chu Qingwan’s headache faded, replaced by a solemn calm. She frowned and asked quietly,

“What happened?”

Her heart weighed heavily as she spoke. What could have happened to make Nong Qiu alert her this way?

She knew Nong Qiu too well. Seeing her state as she entered, the light makeup was not to enhance beauty but to mask a pallor of fear.

Chu Qingwan trusted Nong Qiu’s loyalty; she would never cause her mistress to lose face in public without grave reason.

Nong Qiu’s tears brimmed, her voice trembling as she whispered,

“My lady, I saw someone murdered…”

Her voice was barely audible, disregarding the risk of speaking out in such a crowded place. She just wanted to warn her mistress as soon as possible, fearing that if trouble came later, Chu Qingwan would be caught unawares and fall victim to others’ schemes.

Nong Qiu recounted every detail of what she had witnessed.

Chu Qingwan’s eyes widened little by little. Her breathing slowed and softened until, after a long moment, she asked hoarsely,

“Who was killed?”

Nong Qiu quickly wiped her tears away.

“Eunuch Lu said the person thrown down was Zhang Yunu.”

Not a mere servant, but a proper palace lady. The palace hierarchy was clear; even at banquets and greetings, some had no place at the table.

Yunu’s rank was low, unqualified even to pay respects at court. At banquets like today’s, ladies like her and the palace maids could not attend. If they disappeared, aside from their own servants, no one would pay immediate attention.

No wonder everyone in the palace strove to climb higher; otherwise, death would come silently and unnoticed.

Chu Qingwan actually recognized Zhang Yunu; they had stayed in the Chu Xiu Palace together for a month. Zhang Yunu hailed from Zhang County in Wuzhou, a lowly background. She was quiet and cautious in the palace, fearful of causing trouble.

Perhaps because she was from the south, her appearance was not outstanding, but her soft Wu dialect naturally elicited sympathy.

A chill ran through Chu Qingwan’s heart. She did not want to recall it further. Holding Nong Qiu’s hand tightly to steady herself, she wiped away her tears and asked softly,

“Were you frightened?”

She herself had never faced such a scene and felt shaken; how much more terrifying it must have been for Nong Qiu.

Nong Qiu shook her head hastily, “I’m fine.”

Her words were far from convincing, but she did not want her mistress to worry on her account.

Chu Qingwan recalled the little path Nong Qiu mentioned and frowned slightly. In a low voice, she said,

“Eunuch Lu spoke rightly. Since it wasn’t exposed then, the best course now is to hold still and wait for what unfolds.”

She was puzzled. Zhang Yunu was timid and unlikely to offend anyone intentionally. How could she be dealt such a fatal blow?

If not due to Zhang Yunu offending someone, then the only possibility remained—murder to silence.

What secret could be so important that someone would kill a palace lady outright?

Chu Qingwan gripped her handkerchief, steadying her trembling fingers. She had been in the palace two months, and the lack of major incidents had lulled her into a false sense of peace. Zhang Yunu’s death was a stark reminder—the palace was no place for rest and recovery. Danger lurked unseen everywhere.

She did not linger in the side hall. Together with Nong Qiu, she returned to the main hall. Lady Gu noticed Nong Qiu’s slightly reddened eyes but assumed she had been scolded by Lady Chu for a mistake.

After all, to cause one’s mistress to lose composure before the hall would usually invite harsher punishment.

As Chu Qingwan sat down, two plates of mooncakes were brought forward—one for her and one for Lady Gu. Just then, Consort Zhou’s voice sounded from the high seat:

“Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. The imperial kitchen specially prepared mooncakes. Everyone, please taste the kitchen’s craftsmanship.”

The mooncakes were exquisitely made, so delicate that one hesitated to break them. The only flaw was that, for convenience, they were cut into small pieces.

Chu Qingwan glanced around. Everyone else had begun tasting the mooncakes; she hesitated.

Unexpectedly, Consort Zhou noticed and smiled, asking, “Lady Chu, do you dislike mooncakes?”

Chu Qingwan paused, then blushed and shook her head. “No, Your Highness. I just find the mooncakes so exquisite that I hesitate to take a bite.”

The excuse sounded unconvincing.

Xu Yan Heng chuckled shortly.

Consort Zhou’s expression remained composed, though a faint amusement flickered in her eyes. She teased Chu Qingwan as before,

“If you like, I’ll have the kitchen send some to Jade Qiong Garden later.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Qingwan knew she could no longer delay. Feeling slightly embarrassed, she picked up a piece and took a small bite. The texture was soft and sweet; indeed, the taste was quite good.

Song Xia whispered reassurance, “My lady, please rest assured. Every year on Mid-Autumn Festival, there is this custom of sharing mooncakes.”

Chu Qingwan’s heart sank further. A fixed routine meant it was easiest to tamper with.

Though she felt a headache coming on, she had already eaten the mooncake and could not spit it out. She could only hope her suspicions were unfounded.

The Mid-Autumn banquet passed uneventfully. As the gathering began to disperse, the concubines’ attention turned to the key moment. Consort Yu tilted her head toward Xu Yan Heng, not bothering to conceal her meaning, smiling as she said,

“When I arrived, I had the palace prepare a sobering soup. You drank too much today. If you sleep now, you’ll feel unwell tomorrow.”

Her words left no doubt as to their implication.

Consort Zhou, rarely frowning, was unsettled. As the Empress, she felt the emperor should have visited the Palace of Harmony today as well.

He Xiurong watched this scene, angry but silent. She wanted to contest but lacked the courage.

Consort Yu did not regard He Xiurong at all, nor did she doubt Xu Yan Heng would not refuse her. After all, in past Mid-Autumn Festivals, Xu Yan Heng often returned to Ganquan Palace with her.

Xu Yan Heng said nothing, only lowering his gaze toward someone.

Chu Qingwan also lifted her eyes to look at him. She was not only watching Xu Yan Heng but also cast a glance at Consorts Yu and Zhou. Perhaps realizing her hopes were slim, she let her eyes droop wearily, fingers idly fiddling with her cup.

Xu Yan Heng withdrew his gaze and replied casually,

“Unfortunately, I already have an appointment with someone else today.”

Though he said “unfortunately,” there was no regret in his expression.

Consort Yu’s face shifted slightly. She quickly guessed who the “someone else” was—Xu Yan Heng had only been alone with one concubine today.

She suddenly turned to look at Chu Qingwan and caught the moment their eyes met. The young woman’s smile curved gently, her delicate brows charming, a stray lock of hair falling gracefully by her cheek, exuding a subtle allure. Even Consort Yu felt the effect, let alone Xu Yan Heng, who was directly enticed.

Xu Yan Heng leisurely twirled his finger ring, his gaze darkening slightly.

Consort Yu frowned involuntarily.