Chapter 4: Confrontation In The Gardens

Yue thought a simple stroll through the garden would be just another quiet moment. But when she's caught picking up a missing bracelet, things quickly spiral out of control.

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The sun was starting to dip behind the palace walls, casting a soft, golden light over the stone paths.

The cool evening breeze of the imperial palace drifted through the open corridors as Yue and Consort Shu strolled slowly through the palace grounds, having just enjoyed a quiet walk in the imperial garden.

The air was fragrant with the scent of blossoming flowers, and the serene hum of distant servants added to the peaceful atmosphere.

Yue and Consort Shu walked side by side, slowly making their way back to their quarters.

There was a calmness in the air, the kind you could only find in places like this—away from the noise of court politics, at least for a moment.

She stretched her arms overhead, feeling the cool evening breeze tickle her skin.

"Feels good to get some exercise, doesn't it?" she said, glancing at Shu with a smile.

Consort Shu, trailing behind with a slight frown on her face, rubbed her swollen belly with a soft sigh. "Exercise... maybe... my body is growing heavier with each passing day."

"I feel like I'm carrying a small mountain around now."

Her tone was a mix of exhaustion and humor, though there was no hiding the weariness in her eyes.

Yue chuckled and shook her head. "You don't look it. The Emperor's a lucky man, having someone as radiant as you by his side."

Shu's lips curved into a slight smile at the compliment, though the flicker of worry in her eyes betrayed her thoughts.

"The emperor is always surrounded by so many others, especially lately. One can't help but wonder what's going on behind the scenes."

Yue raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. "Are you thinking of Consort Zhang?"

Shu snorted softly. "Who else?"

Her voice was filled with disdain, though she spoke as if it were a light-hearted comment.

"She's relentless. Every time the emperor looks her way, she's ready with her eager eyes and flattering words, seeking attention at every possible turn."

Yue nodded knowingly. "Don't even get me started on her." She lowered her voice, almost whispering.

"She's always lurking, hoping to be the first among the new arrivals to sleep with the emperor," said Consort Shu.

"I heard that she even pays eunuchs for information about the emperor's whereabouts," she continued.

"That is desperate of her. A lady of her status should know better," replied Yue.

"That's not all. Yesterday, I heard that she waited for the emperor outside the imperial court," said Consort Shu.

Yue raised an eyebrow. "Did she seriously do that?"

Shu's lips twisted into a smirk. "Oh, yes."

"Maybe she thought she could 'accidentally' bump into the emperor after the morning court."

"But guess what? The emperor wasn't having any of it. He barely acknowledged her."

"Poor Consort Zhang. Doesn't she realize that the emperor can't stand that kind of... well,

that pretentious behavior?"

Consort Shu said sarcastically.

Yue snorted, trying to keep the sound in check, then they both burst out laughing at the same time, the kind of laughter that comes from shared amusement and a little bit of mischief.

For a moment, it felt like everything else in the palace had disappeared.

But just as the laughter died down, Shu's hand flew to her wrist, her face falling into a worried frown. "Wait. My jade bracelet—it's gone."

Yue stopped in her tracks. "Are you sure, my Lady? Maybe it just slipped off."

Shu quickly glanced around, looking at the path, her eyes flicking nervously.

"I'm positive. I was wearing it when we left the garden. It must've fallen off somewhere."

Yue's expression softened, sensing the frustration in Shu's voice. "Don't worry. I'll find it for you."

"No, it's alright. One of the servants will go," says Shu calmly.

"I insist, my Lady. I know how much that bracelet meant to you," replied Yue.

"You go ahead to your chambers, and I'll take care of it."

Shu hesitated for a moment, a faint look of concern crossing her face. "Be careful, Yue."

"I will. I'll be back in no time," Yue said, offering a reassuring smile as she gestured for one of the nearby servants to escort Shu back.

Once Shu was safely on her way, Yue headed back toward the garden. The air was quieter now, the fading sunlight casting long shadows on the flower beds.

As she walked deeper into the garden, she spotted Lady Zhang. She was pacing back and forth, looking anxious, like a cat waiting for a mouse to appear.

Yue hesitated, trying not to make a sound, but then she spotted it—there, just by a bush—Shu's jade bracelet, glinting in the light.

She exhaled in relief and stepped forward, but as she reached down to pick it up, a twig snapped under her foot

.

"Who's there?" Lady Zhang's voice rang out, sharp and alert.

Yue froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Before she could pull away, one of Zhang's attendants spotted her.

"There!" The servant pointed directly at Yue.

Zhang's sharp gaze turned in her direction. She stared for a long moment, and then recognition flashed in her eyes.

"Bring her to me!" commanded Zhang.

A sly smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Ah yes, if it isn't Lady Yue, the infamous maid who became a concubine,"

She sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "How low can you go, really? From nothing to something, just because you got lucky."

Yue's face tightened. Her fists clenched at her sides, but she didn't respond.

Zhang stepped closer, her eyes flicking over Yue with that usual air of superiority.

"Your former master, Consort Shu, came from humble beginnings. She only got this far because of that little life growing inside her."

"Don't worry about your master. She will lose her figure once the baby is born. Or maybe the baby won't be born at all..." Zhang said in a malicious tone.

"Soon, I'll be the most favored concubine in the harem."

"And you? You're nothing but her dog."

Yue filled with rage after hearing the words come out of Zhang's mouth. She could accept the insults to herself, but she couldn't take it when Zhang insulted Shu.

"How dare you curse Consort Shu!?" said Yue defiantly.

As she spoke her words, Zhang's hand lashed out, slapping her across the face with a force that left her head spinning.

The sting of the slap made Yue's vision blur for a moment. She flinched, her heart racing, but she refused to let herself fall to the ground.

Zhang sneered down at her, a cruel smile spreading across her face.

"How dare you talk back to me? You are nothing but a servant!!"Her voice was like a whip.

Yue touched her cheek, the pain still fresh. Her heart beat fast, but she didn't falter. She wouldn't give Zhang the satisfaction of seeing her crumble.

Then, as if the insult wasn't enough, Zhang added, "I heard the emperor rejected you on your first night."

"Such desperation for her to send her maid to seduce the Emperor. Is she not worried that you will dirty his beds?" Consort Zhang spoke as she moved closer to Yue.

She leaned in, her voice mocking. "Too bad her plan has failed."

Yue's breath caught in her throat, and she kept her chin high. She wouldn't let Zhang break her.

She stared at Zhang with a look of defiance and hatred.

"Teach her a lesson," Zhang ordered, turning away as if she were done with Yue. "Slap her hard, ruin that pretty face of hers."

"After this, the emperor will never want to see her again."

Two of Zhang's attendants moved in, grabbing Yue roughly by the arms.

Without hesitation, one of them slapped her hard, the sound of the blow echoing through the garden. Yue's vision blurred, but she gritted her teeth and didn't cry out.

Another slap. The sting spread through her face, but she didn't falter.

But then, just as the next blow was about to land, a voice rang out,

commanding and sharp.

"Enough!"

The air went still.

Yue's heart skipped a beat. She knew that voice.

The emperor.

He stepped into view, his gaze cool and unwavering. He looked at Zhang first, his eyes narrowing with cold authority.

"Consort Zhang, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhang froze, her face pale as she quickly bowed. "Your Majesty, it was this brat who disrespected me first."

"I'm just teaching her a lesson, that's all." She murmured, her voice tight with anger and embarrassment.

"I've heard everything, Consort Zhang," he said, his voice like ice.

"Who do you think you are, to raise your hand to my concubine?" said the Emperor, in a firm voice.

"Your Majesty… I…" Consort Zhang was speechless. She didn't know what else to say.

"Escort Consort Zhang back to her quarters, she is forbidden to leave for a month, until she learns her lesson," he commanded the head eunuch.

"As for Lady Yue, bring her to my chamber and call for a royal physician to tend to her."

Without another word, Consort Zhang turned and hurried off with her attendants, her pride clearly shattered, and her heart filled with jealousy.

The emperor's attention shifted to Yue, and for a moment, the world felt like it had paused.

He looked at her closely, his expression unreadable. His eyes softened just a fraction as he asked.

"Are you hurt?"

Yue's breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could barely speak.

The emperor's presence was overwhelming, suffocating even. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

And then, before she could react, the emperor's voice rang out again, low and commanding.

"Come with me."