Trapped in the Forbidden Palace: Every Step is Perilous

Xiaoyu thought for a moment and said again, "Murong, once the selection process is over, you should be able to leave the palace. Isn't that wonderful?"

Murong only smiled without replying. She knew very well that such a thing was impossible. Her reputation had grown in the harem, and surely the Emperor must have heard of it. Just then, Eunuch Xiao Guizi from Consort De's palace entered and said, "Miss Murong, are you feeling better? Her Ladyship Consort De sent me to check on you."

Murong quickly replied, "I'm grateful for Her Ladyship's concern. Please tell her that I've recovered and was just about to pay my respects."

After Xiao Guizi left, Murong got up to wash and dress. Xiaoyu helped her comb her hair. After a period of recuperation, Murong's complexion had become rosy and fairer. As Xiaoyu braided her hair, she noticed how her skin was whiter than snow, her eyes clear and bright like rippling water, and her features full of unique charm. She couldn't help but marvel at her beauty.

"No wonder everyone in the palace says that someone's beauty outshines the entire harem and has several princes completely enchanted."

Murong said, "Don't say such nonsense."

Xiaoyu smiled carelessly, "Just look at all these tonics in the room. I bet you'll still have some left when you're eighty."

During Murong's illness, the servants of the Third, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Princes had been visiting daily, each time bringing heaps of gifts. Xiaoyu had long since gotten used to it.

After Murong had finished dressing, Xiaoyu hugged her shoulders and laughed, "Rujia was right — you're such a little enchantress."

Speak of the devil — Murong was just about to frown when Rujia herself arrived.

Murong and Xiaoyu looked at each other in surprise. Xiaoyu immediately asked, "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're here to try something sinister again?"

Rujia bit her lower lip and said, "I… I have something to say to her." She pointed timidly but firmly at Murong.

Murong signaled Xiaoyu to step out and smiled faintly at Rujia, "What is it?"

Rujia's face turned red, and after a long moment of silence, she suddenly burst into tears. "I wronged you. Neither of us will ever have him now. If I had known it would turn out like this, I would've just let you have him from the start."

Murong was confused by her out-of-the-blue words. Seeing her sobbing uncontrollably, Murong couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for her boldness in love and hate. She softened and tried to comfort her. Only after a while did Rujia choke out, "Yaohua has always been above me since we were young. I could never compare to her. The whole family favors her. Even the Emperor likes her. She didn't even need to go through the selection and still got a good husband. But why… why did she have to steal him from me too? I have nothing left, not even the one I love. What's the point of living like this?"

Murong sighed inwardly. She knew Rujia wasn't there to apologize — she just wanted someone to complain to. Apparently, she thought they were both unlucky in love. Thinking back, Murong realized she had indeed manipulated Rujia into wrongdoing, and though she knew Rujia wasn't the real culprit, she hadn't exposed the truth. Years of espionage training had made her cold-hearted toward enemies, but now, she genuinely wanted to comfort her.

Thinking this, Murong approached her, took her hand, and sat down. She poured two cups of tea and said slowly, "Let me say a few words. Just treat them as idle chatter, but please don't repeat them to anyone."

Seeing Rujia nod obediently, Murong continued, "You come from a noble family, so you must know that Eight Banner daughters rarely get to choose their own husbands. How many marriages are arranged purely for power and profit? I'm sure you've heard of plenty. Forget about marrying someone you love — even marrying a barbarian would still be fate, wouldn't it? The Eighth Prince is refined and noble — of course many young ladies wish to marry him. But tell me, when the engagement was arranged, did anyone ask Princess Yaohua for her opinion? Perhaps she already loved someone else. Even if she liked the Eighth Prince, can you be sure he truly loves her? If there's no mutual affection, do you really think their future will be happy?"

Murong took a sip of tea and, seeing that Rujia was deep in thought, continued, "Though you're a court lady now, if you work diligently, with your talents and looks, do you really think there won't be better men waiting for you? Perhaps, by chance, you'll be even happier than Princess Yaohua."

Rujia couldn't help but smile, but then her face clouded over again. "I can't forget the Eighth Prince. With Yaohua's temper, she'll never let me enter his residence."

Murong feigned surprise. "Haven't you looked in the mirror, dear sister? A beauty like you — waiting around for the Eighth Prince until old age? Heaven forbid! Among all the noble sons, how many have become monks, how many have ended their lives for love?"

Seeing Murong's serious face, Rujia couldn't help but burst out laughing. The gloom in her heart was swept away. She leaned on the chair and swung her legs. "Murong, you're two years younger than me, but so much more mature. I really shouldn't have treated you that way. Do you… hate me?"

Murong thought, This silly girl still doesn't know that I was a victim in that incident too. But she didn't say it aloud and simply said, "You are a noble lady, and it's natural to have some pride. Who doesn't make mistakes? Don't take it to heart. I actually like your bold and fiery spirit."

Rujia's eyes turned red. "No one has ever sincerely praised me since I was a child. Murong, you're so kind."