Chapter 16

Just three days later, Tong Baolin fell ill and was convalescing within the palace. The news of Consort Xu’s arrogance after gaining favor had spread to nearly every corner of the court.

Everyone said that after rising in status, she constantly guarded against Tong Baolin, not only shadowing her movements but also deliberately making things difficult for her at every turn—truly unworthy of her position. Worse still, rumors claimed she was ruthless and two-faced, having never gotten along with any of the palace maids since their time in the training court, privately berating and beating them, harshly treating her servants. The gossip grew louder and more detailed with each passing day.

Yet, on the day they quarreled on the Long Street over Sang Qingyun, while Consort Xu was at fault, Tong Baolin was not entirely blameless either. But the rumors that emerged exaggerated Consort Xu’s faults repeatedly, portraying the usually fiery Tong Baolin as a pure victim and winning her much sympathy.

When Sang Qingyun heard these rumors, she immediately suspected someone was orchestrating things behind the scenes.

Someone with the ability and connections to spread rumors to such an extent must hold a very high status and have no lack of wealth; otherwise, such influence would be impossible. Besides, Consort Xu’s reputation was already tarnished. Even if the Empress later punished those who slandered the sovereign, it would be futile.

Tong Baolin, coming from a commoner background, could hardly wield such power. After careful thought, the only one capable of this was the Noble Consort.

But the Noble Consort was not present that day; how could she have gone so far just because Tong Baolin was insulted?

Perhaps the Noble Consort had eyes and ears close to Tong Baolin—a blessing and a curse.

Sang Qingyun gathered her thoughts but decided not to share her suspicions with Tong Baolin.

Everyone has their fate. Saying a few extra words that day had already brought her trouble. More people than before were now secretly watching her.

At that moment, Man Ji brought in breakfast, smiling as she said, “Auntie, your morning meal has arrived. I must remind you, the chief eunuch urged me to hurry you along, saying don’t be late as His Majesty will finish court earlier than usual today.”

“I know, thank you,” Sang Qingyun said wearily, rubbing her temples as she opened the food box.

Today’s breakfast was a special rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, steamed and delivered early by Eunuch Tan through a special arrangement, something no one else had.

Sang Qingyun was from Taizhou, where it was customary to eat meat rice dumplings during the Dragon Boat Festival, but in Chang’an, people preferred sweet ones. With the grand festival approaching, the Imperial Kitchen was too busy to prepare dumplings for everyone. Thus, every year Eunuch Tan would find someone to prepare meat dumplings for her, fearing she would feel homesick.

Though the Imperial Kitchen’s dumplings never tasted quite like her mother’s, Eunuch Tan’s thoughtfulness warmed her heart.

Among all the endless duties and troubles, this small gesture of fatherly affection brought her some comfort.

Yet, just the thought of standing guard before the emperor made Sang Qingyun feel utterly exhausted.

Since Zhao Yuyan left the palace, she had been attending the emperor every time he reviewed memorials in the Diligent Governance Hall.

She had thought such days would not last long; after all, without enough attendants, no one could properly serve His Majesty. If His Majesty was displeased, it would be a grave fault of the subordinates.

So Sang Qingyun believed a new attendant would surely be appointed soon. But to this day, there was still no news.

Yesterday, she tentatively asked Dai Zheng, only to receive a troubled shake of the head—no suitable candidates.

But with so many palace maids in the vast Imperial City, how could there be no suitable choice?

After pondering, she concluded the emperor must be too picky; none of Dai Zheng’s picks satisfied him.

But if the emperor remained displeased, when would she regain her former life? Following him like this, she barely had time to see Eunuch Tan or Li Xixi.

Sang Qingyun quietly pushed open the door of the lower chamber, her steps heavier than usual.

When she arrived in the Diligent Governance Hall, His Majesty was already reviewing memorials.

It was earlier than she had expected.

She placed a cup of strong tea on the small table, then quietly stepped to one side.

The emperor’s gaze remained lowered, fully focused on the documents, unaware of her arrival. His brush moved fluidly between his fingers, the bamboo paper beneath catching the light like snow on mountain peaks.

He was handsome, flawless in appearance—cold and composed, yet diligent in governance, not a man to indulge in vain pleasures.

Thus, apart from attending court daily at the Xuanzheng Hall, he spent most of his time here, reviewing petitions.

As a lady-in-waiting at court, Sang Qingyun spent more time with the emperor than all the consorts combined; it was no wonder many eyes were on her.

Yet, while others saw only her polished exterior, who could understand the hardships behind it all?

Bitterness too painful to speak of.

She pulled back her gaze to the window, lost in thought, unaware how much time had passed.

Xie Yanheng, having finished reading the batch of memorials, picked up his porcelain cup but immediately sensed something amiss. The rim felt cool; the tea was nearly gone. Sang Qingyun, usually the most conscientious attendant, had unusually not replaced his tea today.

He looked up to find her staring blankly ahead, daydreaming for the first time in his presence.

Ordinarily, such negligence from a subordinate would anger Xie Yanheng, but seeing Sang Qingyun like this, he did not frown. Instead, a faint, almost imperceptible smile flickered in his eyes, tinged with amusement.

Still, he spoke lightly: “Sang Qingyun.”

Her full name, uttered softly, struck her ears like a thunderclap.

She snapped back to reality, kneeling immediately. “Your servant has failed in her duties. I beg Your Majesty’s punishment.”

“In my presence, yet distracted,” he said, idly turning the porcelain cup. His tone was measured, unhurried. “What were you thinking?”

“This month, your allowance has been doubled. Why would you purposely let me thirst?”

Sang Qingyun was momentarily speechless. After a pause, she replied respectfully and gently, “Your Majesty is kind. I am deeply grateful, but I did not intend to cause you thirst, nor would I dare to.”

She stepped forward to take the cup. “I shall change your tea immediately.”

But Xie Yanheng waited, not releasing the cup.

The instant her fingertips touched the porcelain, he raised his ring finger to press against her index finger, lightly restraining it.

His voice remained calm, but his action was deliberate.

That single finger’s restraint sent a shiver of heat from her fingertips throughout her entire body.

To Xie Yanheng, the Sang Qingyun he usually saw was flawless.

Diligent, meticulous, intelligent, never complaining; no matter the occasion or person, she executed her duties perfectly, even when facing him, always composed.

Yet today, she was distracted.

He couldn’t help but wonder if, having spent so much time by his side, she felt more at ease—or perhaps, since Zhao Yuyan’s departure, she was less burdened.

Either way, it brought him a flicker of joy.

Sang Qingyun, having erred, dared not retreat as boldly as before to avoid displeasing the emperor; she endured, maintaining her posture and turning her head slightly. “It was my negligence, I accept punishment.”

The warm touch lingered longer than before, deepening his pleasure.

Her long lashes trembled softly, like a butterfly descending in the sunlight.

Certain his guess was correct, he magnanimously refrained from pressing further, instead setting down the cup and tapping the table, showing unexpected kindness.

“You seem thinner than before.”

“Is the kitchen’s fare not to your liking?”

“If you dislike it, I shall order Dai Zheng to change it.”

...

After a moment of silence, Sang Qingyun knelt respectfully and asked delicately, “Your Majesty’s kindness is overwhelming. The kitchen’s meals are excellent, and those who tend to me are very attentive—”

“Only your humble servant dares to ask,” she continued cautiously, “When will the vacant position of tea-serving lady-in-waiting be filled again?”

“I have had no one to take shifts with me, and have barely slept these past days.”

The smile in Xie Yanheng’s eyes vanished completely.

He stopped tapping the table, as if the surrounding warmth had drained away.

After a long silence, he said coolly, “Such matters you should ask Dai Zheng. I am not so free.”

“Withdraw and bring fresh tea.”

With no answer forthcoming, Sang Qingyun resigned herself.

Though she desperately hoped someone would come to share the duty, the emperor was clearly displeased once more.

Unable to fathom the cause of his displeasure, she had enough tact not to press further and quietly left with the cup.

Elsewhere, even after Sang Qingyun had fully exited the hall, Xie Yanheng remained motionless in the same pose.

In recent days, he increasingly felt his concern for Sang Qingyun spiraling beyond control—far beyond the mere interest he had initially thought.

He had believed she was simply a woman who intrigued him: beautiful, independent, never following the crowd or flattering anyone.

Willing or not, she was merely a capable assistant serving him at court.

He never forced anything in this regard, nor cared to; no matter what, it would never affect him in the slightest.

Yet for the first time, he found himself feeling ridiculous.

This excessive attention brought with it a certain vexation.

Xie Yanheng detested this feeling.

It surged violently and was utterly uncontrollable.

He loathed anything that could not be controlled.

A quarter of an hour later, Sang Qingyun prepared tea to reenter the hall just as Dai Zheng arrived with a message.

She paused at the door, not entering.

Dai Zheng hurried inside to report, “Your Majesty, Consort Xu of Chonghua Palace has sent over lily soup. Shall we have it brought in?”

“Though Consort Xu erred, the Empress has already reprimanded her today. I am uncertain and come to Your Majesty for guidance.”

Xie Yanheng cast a cold glance. “What matter?”

Bowing respectfully, Dai Zheng replied, “From what I know, Consort Xu publicly humiliated Tong Baolin on the palace path. Tong Baolin has been heartbroken and bedridden these past days.”

Hearing this, Xie Yanheng’s icy patience snapped completely.

“Leave.”

“Strip her of her palace title. Do not let her show her face before me again.”