I Transmigrated Back To Become The Empress

Chapter Three: Healing the Body

Lin Yue summoned Xiu’er, her maid, who arrived promptly, her small frame still trembling from the trauma of recent events.

“Mistress,” Xiu’er began, bowing low. “You called for me?”

Lin Yue studied the girl closely. Though timid, Xiu’er had proven herself loyal during the poisoning incident. She would have to start somewhere. “Yes, Xiu’er. I need you to bring me everything you know about the palace physician—the one who treated me. Who is he? What are his skills?”

“The imperial physician, Doctor Wen, is highly regarded,” Xiu’er explained, her voice barely above a whisper. “But Mistress, he’s difficult to summon without the emperor’s direct approval. Only the higher-ranked concubines or the Dowager Empress can—”

“Then we’ll find another way,” Lin Yue interrupted, her tone firm. “There must be remedies in the palace, herbs I can use to strengthen myself. I refuse to remain like this.”

Xiu’er hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll speak to the other servants discreetly, Mistress. There are rumors of herbalists among the lower staff who might have what you need.”

Lin Yue allowed herself a small smile. “Good. Be cautious. And Xiu’er,” she added, her voice softening, “thank you.”

The girl’s eyes widened, and she bowed again. “I will do my best, Mistress.”

Once Xiu’er left, Lin Yue began to map out a strategy. Her former life as an assassin had taught her the value of building a network of reliable allies. Here, in the palace, trust was a rare commodity, but she would have to find it if she wanted to survive.

First, the guards. They were the eyes and ears of the palace, privy to information no concubine could access. Winning their favor—or at least ensuring their neutrality—would be critical.

Second, the servants. Palace servants knew the secrets of the imperial family better than anyone else. She needed loyal informants among them, those who would keep her apprised of the shifting tides of power.

Finally, the women of the harem. Most of them were enemies by default, but there might be one or two she could manipulate into an uneasy alliance.

Lin Yue resolved to approach this carefully. Her survival depended on discretion.Once Xiu’er left, Lin Yue began to map out a strategy. Her former life as an assassin had taught her the value of building a network of reliable allies. Here, in the palace, trust was a rare commodity, but she would have to find it if she wanted to survive.

First, the guards. They were the eyes and ears of the palace, privy to information no concubine could access. Winning their favor—or at least ensuring their neutrality—would be critical.

Second, the servants. Palace servants knew the secrets of the imperial family better than anyone else. She needed loyal informants among them, those who would keep her apprised of the shifting tides of power.

Finally, the women of the harem. Most of them were enemies by default, but there might be one or two she could manipulate into an uneasy alliance.

Lin Yue resolved to approach this carefully. Her survival depended on discretion.Once Xiu’er left, Lin Yue began to map out a strategy. Her former life as an assassin had taught her the value of building a network of reliable allies. Here, in the palace, trust was a rare commodity, but she would have to find it if she wanted to survive.

First, the guards. They were the eyes and ears of the palace, privy to information no concubine could access. Winning their favor—or at least ensuring their neutrality—would be critical.

Second, the servants. Palace servants knew the secrets of the imperial family better than anyone else. She needed loyal informants among them, those who would keep her apprised of the shifting tides of power.

Finally, the women of the harem. Most of them were enemies by default, but there might be one or two she could manipulate into an uneasy alliance.

Lin Yue resolved to approach this carefully. Her survival depended on discretion.Word came a few days later that the emperor would hold court, and the concubines were to attend.

Lin Yue’s heart pounded—not with excitement, but with apprehension. From the memories she had inherited, she knew Emperor Zhao Ming was a man of unparalleled power, feared even by his closest advisors. He ruled with an iron fist, his justice swift and merciless.

The night before the court, Lin Yue overheard the servants gossiping.

“Did you hear? His Majesty executed Minister Wu last week. The poor man barely had time to beg for mercy!”