mtl008 Chapter 257 The Queen's Test
Chapter 257 The Queen's Test
As evening fell, Xia Lian moved with light steps, following the palace maid into the side hall where they were temporarily staying. Everywhere she looked was exquisite: a bed carved from golden nanmu wood, silk curtains as thin as cicada wings fluttering in the breeze, and intricately embroidered Western Region carpets on the floor, warm to the touch.
Compared to the dark, damp prison cells of the Imperial Clan Court, which contained only a tattered quilt, it was like heaven and earth.
The head maid lowered her eyes and spoke in a soft, melodious voice as she introduced the furnishings in the room one by one, her words full of respect.
Shi Wanxia's gaze swept around, secretly marveling at the wealth and splendor of the palace, but she only nodded slightly on the surface.
The palace maids serving her were graceful and their movements were humble and orderly when they bowed. Occasionally, they would steal glances at her, their eyes full of speculation.
They were puzzled. Who exactly was this woman? His Majesty had brought her directly from the Imperial Clan Court to the depths of the palace without following any formalities. Judging from this, she would definitely hold a significant position in the palace in the future.
Shi Wanxia's attention was completely drawn to the decorations in the room. She gently stroked the warm jade ornaments on the table, her thoughts drifting away.
If she knew what the palace maids were thinking, she would surely laugh helplessly and wave her hands repeatedly: They really misunderstand. How could His Majesty take a liking to me? I was only imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court because I was mistakenly caught up in a court dispute. I'm afraid this situation is only temporary.
These red walls and golden tiles are beautiful, but I yearn for the freedom outside the palace and have never thought of stepping into this deep inner palace.
"Miss, hot water is ready. We will help you bathe and change."
The head maid's voice interrupted her thoughts. Shi Wanxia looked up and saw that several maids had already carried the bath tub behind the screen. Wisps of steam rose up, and fresh flower petals were scattered on the water, filling the air with a rich fragrance.
She frowned slightly, a blush rising to her face, and declined, saying, "Ladies, I can bathe myself. You may go ahead."
The palace maids looked at each other, unsure whether to put down the clean handkerchiefs and scented soap they were holding, and could only look to the head maid for help.
Seeing that Shi Wanxia was determined, the head maid did not dare to force her to stay. She bowed and replied, "Then, Miss, please take a bath first. We will wait outside the door. Please feel free to give us any instructions."
After the palace maids filed out, Shi Wanxia finally breathed a sigh of relief. She quickened her pace and pulled the screen shut. She slowly took off her clothes and stepped into the bathtub. The warm water enveloped her body, dispelling the fatigue and chill of the past few days.
She closed her eyes and leaned against the edge of the tub, but the scenes of the past few days kept replaying in her mind. She wasn't sure if she could get through this safely.
But how could she not feel Brother Cui's feelings? But this was a cannibalistic ancient society, and Brother Cui came from the most prestigious family in the world, the Cui family of Qinghe.
Even if all difficulties can be overcome, who can guarantee what the future holds? Feudal society valued having multiple wives and concubines.
She dared not accept Brother Cui's offer, and moreover, given her special status, if the emperor became wary of or took a liking to what she had said, then no ruler would allow her to have any connection with the Cui family of Qinghe.
After bathing, Shi Wanxia changed into a moon-white silk dress prepared by the palace maid. Her black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her face, unadorned, was beautiful and charming.
Just as she was about to call someone in to tidy up, she heard footsteps outside the palace. Startled, before she could react, the palace door was pushed open, and the person who entered was none other than the Empress.
In an instant, their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze. Shi Wanxia hurriedly curtsied, "This commoner greets Your Majesty the Empress," her voice trembling slightly.
The Empress's gaze lingered on her for a moment before she slowly asked, "Are you settling in comfortably here?" Her tone was unreadable.
Shi Wanxia lowered her head and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. The accommodations are very nice."
The Queen walked closer, reached out and gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look directly at her.
Shi Wanxia's heart pounded and her cheeks burned, but she saw a hint of a smile flash across the Empress's eyes: "Don't be reserved. Now that you've entered the palace, just relax and stay here."
After saying that, he turned and left without waiting for her response, leaving the room quiet.
Shi Wanxia stood there, stunned, for a long time before she came to her senses. She knew that there were undercurrents in the palace, and since she had been drawn into the game against her will, her future days would probably be anything but peaceful.
But what was the meaning behind the Empress's sudden visit and her seemingly random question?
The candlelight flickered, and a warm fragrance filled the Kunning Palace. Empress Wang Xiruo sat before the carved dressing table, her hair held up with a gold hairpin and her forehead adorned with jade. Her phoenix robe was dignified and luxurious. Reflected in the candlelight, her eyes seemed to hold the wisdom and forbearance that had been hidden in the deep palace for decades.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty has returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. Only Eunuch Yu is serving you inside now!" the personal maidservant reported softly, her voice as light as a feather in the quiet inner hall.
Wang Xiruo raised her phoenix eyebrows almost imperceptibly, and her red lips parted slightly: "In that case, take the soup I made for His Majesty and go to the Imperial Study." Her tone was gentle, but it revealed an unquestionable determination.
The maids moved swiftly and gracefully to help her to her feet. The group, their robes fluttering, passed through the palace corridors.
The palace lanterns flickered in the night wind, as if spying on the ceaseless undercurrents surging within the deep palace.
"The Queen is here!"
Outside the Imperial Study, Yu Heng led the eunuchs and palace maids in kneeling to pay their respects. Wang Xiruo stepped forward gracefully, raising her jade-like hand slightly before the others dared to rise.
"Your Excellency, I have come to visit His Majesty."
She smiled and chatted, but her eyes held a searching look. Yu Heng inwardly groaned, and just as he was about to speak, Shen Yuxi's voice came from inside: "Yu Heng, why aren't you letting the Empress in?"
Upon entering the study, Wang Xiruo gracefully bowed and softly greeted Your Majesty, "Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects. Your Majesty is busy with state affairs, so I have specially ordered someone to prepare a nourishing and invigorating soup."
Shen Yuxi put down his vermilion brush, stood up and walked quickly over, pulling her into his arms and saying softly, "Your Majesty is so kind."
The soup was served, and Shen Yuxi took a few sips, his expression softening slightly. Wang Xiruo seized the opportunity and asked softly, "Your Majesty, the young lady who entered the palace today, I have arranged for her to stay in the Laiwu Courtyard. I wonder if Your Majesty has decided what rank to give her, so that I can instruct people to make all the necessary arrangements." She seemed nonchalant, but her gaze was actually fixed on Shen Yuxi.
Shen Yuxi's hand holding the spoon paused slightly, but she finished drinking it as if nothing had happened. She took the handkerchief to wipe her mouth, raised her eyes, and asked with a half-smile, "What's wrong? Is the Empress jealous?"
Wang Xiruo's cheeks flushed red, and she said reproachfully, "Your Majesty, please don't make fun of me. That girl seems to have a kind and gentle nature. Although she is a bit awkward with manners, I still like her very much."
This statement was half true and half false; it contained some genuine affection and some testing the waters.
Shen Yuxi affectionately pinched the tip of her nose and sighed softly, "You're overthinking it. That girl is not my bedmate. There's a deeper reason why I kept her in the palace."
Wang Xiruo's heart skipped a beat, her delicate body trembled slightly, but she still maintained a gentle smile on her face.
Stepping out of the imperial study, the night breeze sobered Wang Xiruo up somewhat. On her way back to the palace, she recalled Shen Yuxi's eyes, deep and unfathomable, as if they held a universe beyond the palace walls.
The girl's appearance was by no means accidental. As the empress, she was in a turbulent palace where undercurrents were swirling. One wrong step and her position would be in jeopardy.
Thinking of this, she clenched the silk handkerchief in her hand and secretly made up her mind that no matter what storms might rage, she would protect the honor of Kunning Palace! Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study, Shen Yuxi stood with his hands behind his back, looking in the direction the Empress had left, his expression solemn.