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The Empress slammed her hand on the table, the mahogany surface resonating with a dull thud that made the incense ash in the burner tremble slightly. "You bold servant! How dare you steal the treasures from the storeroom!" She glared at Cuiyu, who lay crumpled on the ground, her phoenix eyes wide open, the usual gentleness completely vanished.
Cuiyu prostrated herself on the floor, trembling like a leaf in the wind, tears streaming down her face as she repeatedly knocked her head against the ground. "Your Majesty, please spare me! I truly did not steal Jade Ruyi! I am wronged!" Her incoherent pleas only served to highlight her guilt.
Wei Yanwan knelt quietly to one side, her gaze fixed on the ground, seemingly detached from the situation while actually observing every change in expression of both the Empress and Cuiyu. She gently twisted the corner of her garment with her fingertips, a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth as she thought to herself: The Empress is still so easily flustered, and Cuiyu is such a fool to fall for my scheme so readily.
Taking a deep breath to suppress her rising anger, the Empress turned to Wei Yanwan. "Wei, tell me, when Cuiyu went to the storeroom for incense yesterday, did she appear flustered and carry a package?" The Empress's tone softened slightly but still held an edge of scrutiny.
Wei Yanwan cautiously lifted her head, feigning fear as she replied in a voice barely above a whisper, "Replying to Your Majesty, I… I would not dare deceive you; it was indeed so…" She paused as if gathering courage before continuing, "But… I did not dare to ask too much at that time… after all… after all, Sister Cuiyu is someone close to Your Majesty..."
Her words seemed timid and cautious but were laced with hidden sharpness. They not only emphasized Cuiyu's suspicious behavior but also cleverly distanced herself from any blame while flattering the Empress—a perfect threefold strategy.
Upon hearing this, the Empress's expression darkened further, her gaze toward Cuiyu filled with disgust and disappointment. "Guards! Drag this servant away, give her fifty lashes, and then expel her from the palace!" Her voice was cold and devoid of any compassion.
Cuiyu felt as if struck by lightning at these words; her cries grew even more desperate. "Your Majesty, please spare me! I am truly wronged! I beg Your Majesty for your discerning judgment!" She struggled desperately, trying to grasp onto something, but was ultimately dragged away by two eunuchs.
The hall fell silent; only Cuiyu's distant cries echoed in the air. Wei Yanwan quietly raised her head to observe the Empress's expression, secretly calculating her next move.
"Wei," the Empress suddenly spoke up, fatigue evident in her voice. "You may rise." She rubbed her temples, a hint of helplessness in her tone. "This palace is becoming increasingly unstable."
Wei Yanwan quickly stood up, lowering her gaze submissively as she replied softly, "Your Majesty should calm your anger; your health is of utmost importance."
The Empress looked at Wei Yanwan, a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes. This maid, though of humble origin, was meticulous and handled matters appropriately; she was someone worth cultivating. "Wei," the Empress paused, her tone gentle, "you have rendered great service and shown unwavering loyalty. I am truly gratified."
Wei Yanwan quickly knelt down and bowed her head, saying, "This servant does not dare to take credit. Protecting Your Majesty and the Empress is my duty."
The Empress nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. "Regarding Cuiyu, although the evidence is conclusive, considering she has served me for many years... let her receive thirty lashes and then be demoted to a rough maid in the Laundry Bureau."
A trace of surprise crossed Wei Yanwan's face, but she quickly regained her composure and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty is merciful." However, she secretly scoffed; thirty lashes were no different from fifty for someone like Cuiyu, who had been pampered all her life. Being sent to the Laundry Bureau would mean the end of her life as she knew it.
At that moment, a young eunuch hurriedly entered and knelt to report, "Your Majesty, the Emperor has come to see you."
Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on the Empress's face. "Quickly invite His Majesty in."
Wei Yanwan stepped aside, lowering her head as she awaited the Emperor's arrival. Emperor Qianlong strode into the chamber with an imposing presence and immediately broke into a smile upon seeing the Empress. "How is the Empress today?"
The Empress rose to greet him, softly replying, "I am well, Your Majesty. You are busy with state affairs yet still think of me; I am deeply grateful."
Emperor Qianlong helped the Empress sit down and glanced at Wei Yanwan, asking, "Who is this?"
The Empress smiled and introduced her. "This is Wei; she rendered great service in saving Your Majesty not long ago. Do you remember?"
Emperor Qianlong looked at Wei Yanwan and vaguely recalled the events of that day. He nodded appreciatively. "Ah, so it is Wei. I remember you; you were very brave."
Wei Yanwan quickly knelt again and bowed her head. "This servant does not dare to take credit; protecting Your Majesty is my duty."
The Emperor Qianlong looked at Wei Yanwan, a glimmer of appreciation flashing in his eyes. This palace maid was not only brave but also beautiful and graceful, which endeared her to him. He turned to the Empress and smiled, "Truly, there is an abundance of talent around you, Empress."
The Empress smiled and replied, "Your Majesty flatters me." She then turned to Wei Yanwan, saying, "You may leave now."
Wei Yanwan respectfully retreated, but a ripple stirred within her heart. The Emperor Qianlong's admiration was both a blessing and a curse. The blessing was that she could leverage his favor to achieve her own goals; the curse was that she had to be even more cautious, ensuring she revealed no flaws.
As she stepped out of Changchun Palace, she took a deep breath. The air in the palace was always thick with schemes and conspiracies. Yet, she felt no fear; she had long grown accustomed to such a life. She intended to climb step by step to the pinnacle of power, trampling all those who had ever humiliated her beneath her feet.
With that thought, she turned and left, her skirt brushing against the palace walls, leaving behind a shadow.
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