Royal Conspiracies: Underlying Turmoil

The next morning, Murong woke up in high spirits. She thought to herself that if she could enjoy carefree days like this every day—calling on friends and laughing together—life would be truly wonderful. But this was the Forbidden City, where danger lurked in every corner. That thought quickly sobered her up. She got dressed promptly just as Xiaoyu came in, and the two headed out hand in hand for roll call. Today's lesson was once again palace etiquette.

Upon entering the main hall, Murong immediately felt the weight of several strange gazes. She frowned slightly, puzzled. Yaojia's expression held a mix of hostility and gloating, and even Mingxian looked like she was ready to watch a good show.

Moments later, the stern-faced elderly palace matrons from the Imperial Household Department entered—those who usually oversaw their training. Leading them was Madam Wang. She stepped forward and barked, "Fuca Murong, what exactly did you do last night?"

Murong immediately understood. Someone had tattled. No need to guess—Yaojia was the obvious culprit. Only she would stoop to such petty tricks.

Murong responded calmly and respectfully, "Reporting to Madam, last night I had the honor of meeting the Third Prince."

Yaojia snorted loudly and added mockingly, "And you got drunk while playing chess? Loud and rowdy too, weren't you?"

Murong looked up at her with a cool smile. "Sister, did you personally witness me acting drunk? My memory's a little hazy. If I truly misbehaved, I should go apologize to the Third Prince myself."

Madam Wang was about to speak when a young eunuch appeared at the doorway and gestured for her to come over. She left for a moment and returned looking slightly uncomfortable.

"We'll continue practicing posture and poise today. Everyone, back to your stations," she announced stiffly.

Yaojia's eyes nearly popped out of her head in frustration, clearly wanting to say more, but seeing everyone else silently return to their positions, she had no choice but to swallow her words.

Murong, meanwhile, was silently wondering about that eunuch. He didn't seem to be from Consort Virtue's palace. And knowing her aunt's character, it didn't seem likely she'd intervene in such a petty matter. Could it have been one of the princes? She guessed that if it were the Thirteenth or Fourteenth, they would've made a point to brag about it later. Putting the thought aside, she focused on her training.

On the way back, Yaojia shot Murong a withering look. "You fox! What are you so smug about?"

Before Murong could respond, Xiaoyu stepped in with an unimpressed glance. "So rude," she said plainly.

Yaojia stormed over, furious. "You shameless little toad! Do you even know who I am? My grandfather is Prince Anyue, and my father is Minister Mingshang! How dare you say I lack manners?"

Murong calmly stepped forward, shielding Xiaoyu behind her. "Ah, so you're Princess Guoluoluo. My apologies. We all know you were raised in a refined household—graceful and well-mannered, the perfect example for us to follow. Of course, a proper princess would never behave like a street brawler—crossing arms, glaring wildly. Nor would she block paths and shout insults like a fishwife. And as for spreading rumors behind people's backs—surely, a noble lady like you would find such behavior beneath her.

I'm fortunate to be taught by such a high-born lady. Truly, this trip has been worthwhile."

With that, she took Xiaoyu—who was giggling behind her hand—and strode away, leaving Yaojia standing dumbfounded, arms crossed, completely speechless.

Xiaoyu gave Murong a thumbs-up. "Murong, you're amazing. Not a single rude word, but such a powerful scolding! That's real class."

Murong replied with a straight face, "Yaojia may have a noble background, and although her character leaves much to be desired, she's destined for high status—probably a consort or empress someday. Better not provoke her too much."

—

Back at their residence, Murong spotted the same eunuch from that morning. She hurried over.

The eunuch bowed slightly. "Miss Murong, I arrived late today. I apologize for the trouble you endured."

Murong replied gratefully, "If not for your timely arrival, I might've truly been punished. I'm deeply grateful. Are you from Consort Virtue's palace?"

The eunuch smiled. "No, miss. My name is Xiaopingzi. I serve the Third Prince. This morning, His Highness was concerned you might be reprimanded, so he sent me to check on you. He also asked me to bring you this."

He handed her a small lacquered box.

Inside was a set of writing tools—the Four Treasures of the Study.

Murong accepted the gift with a slight bow and returned to her room. From her chest, she retrieved a set of imperial-quality ink paste and handed it to Xiaopingzi.

"Please thank the Third Prince on my behalf. This ink is a specialty from my family—it holds color without fading. A token of my appreciation." She also gave him ten silver taels as a tip.

After the Xiaopingzi left, Murong placed the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone neatly on her desk. They were indeed exquisite. Delighted, she ground the ink herself and began practicing calligraphy, letting the calm strokes wash away the tension of the day.