The woman on the bed did not part her lips, did not look at the kneeling woman, remaining immersed in her own world, completely isolated from everything external.
Chun Xiu knelt by the bed, still holding the now-cold porridge, her eyes full of tears. She hated her own negligence, having failed her mistress’s instructions, unable to protect her. Having accompanied her mistress for years, she should have noticed something was wrong, but she was tragically unaware, committing an unforgivable mistake! Yang Feng Palace!
Her servant bows and greets, “Greetings, Noble Concubine Mei.” Chun Xiu wipes her tears while kneeling, somewhat shocked by Mei Siyu’s arrival.
“Is your mistress well?” Mei Siyu asks softly while walking.
“Reporting to Noble Concubine Mei, her life is not in danger, but she has not had water or food for a day and is quite weak,” Chun Xiu respectfully replies.
“How lively! Look who’s come to see our poor sister Wan’er!” a piercing, coquettish voice sounds from behind.
Mei Siyu turns, wanting to see who is so rude as to be loud in a sickroom. It’s the domineering Concubine Shu, wearing a fiery red off-shoulder narrow dress that highlights her tall figure, her delicate features lightly powdered, looking enchantingly beautiful – clearly her attire suggests she comes with ill intentions!
“Siyu pays respects to elder sister,” Mei Siyu says softly.
“Who could be so beautiful? Ah, it’s the famous Noble Concubine Mei,” she replies sharply.
“Elder sister’s complexion looks poor. Could it be the Emperor hasn’t visited you recently, leaving you dispirited?” Mei Siyu strikes directly, showing no mercy.
Concubine Shu, wanting to scold but not wanting to fall into the young girl’s trap, restrains herself and says, “Let’s go see Wan’er. We’ll discuss this another time.”
They walk to the bedside, appearing intimate yet each harboring private thoughts, Concubine Shu’s restraint preventing an open confrontation.
You are truly bad. That day when I revealed my identity, you pretended not to know,” Mei Siyu said with a light laugh.
“Because I was unwilling to admit it, so I didn’t tell the truth,” he said calmly.
“Oh, from now on, I’ll have to call you Third Imperial Brother, which feels a bit strange!” Mei Siyu tilted her head playfully.
