Chapter Six:The Garden Trap
637 Words
The imperial gardens were as beautiful as they were deceptive, filled with blooming flowers and winding paths that hid secrets in every corner. Lin Yue approached with care, her instincts alert.
Concubine Yao Liqing was waiting, her smile as sharp as a blade. She was dressed in a flowing red gown, her beauty as striking as her cunning.
“Lin Yue,” Yao Liqing said, her tone dripping with false warmth. “I was so worried about you after your… unfortunate accident. Please, sit. I had the servants prepare something special for you.”
Lin Yue inclined her head, her face serene as she took a seat. The tea was poured, the aroma fragrant. But Lin Yue didn’t touch it.
Yao Liqing’s smile faltered, just for a moment. “Is the tea not to your liking?”
Lin Yue met her gaze, her own smile unyielding. “Forgive me, Sister Yao. My physician advised against tea while I’m recovering. It’s such a shame—I’m sure it’s delightful.”
Yao Liqing’s eyes narrowed, but she recovered quickly, her voice laced with mock concern. “How tragic. I do hope you recover soon. After all, the emperor has little patience for the weak.”
Lin Yue didn’t rise to the bait. She simply sipped her water, her posture calm, her expression unbothered.
The encounter ended without incident, but Lin Yue’s instincts told her she had narrowly escaped another plot.
The next day, Lin Yue calm was shattered. She returned to her chambers to find Xiu’er trembling, the remains of a shattered vase on the floor.
“Mistress,” Xiu’er stammered, her voice shaking. “It was the maids from Concubine Yao’s quarters. They… they came here while you were away.”
Lin Yue knelt, placing a steady hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Tell me what happened.”
“They accused me of stealing one of Concubine Yao’s jewels,” Xiu’er whispered, tears in her eyes. “They said they’d report me to the steward unless I confessed.”
Lin Yue jaw tightened. It was a calculated move, designed to unsettle her by targeting her maid. She would have to respond carefully.
That evening, Lin Yue attended court. The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with unspoken rivalries. Emperor Zhao Ming sat on his throne, his cold gaze sweeping over the room like a hawk watching its prey.
Lin Yue kept her head low, avoiding drawing attention. But her senses were sharp, and she didn’t miss the brief glance Zhao Ming cast in her direction—a flicker of curiosity before his gaze moved on.
Concubine Yao, however, was not as subtle. She stepped forward, her voice sweet and innocent as she addressed the emperor.
“Your Majesty,” she began, her tone light but laced with venom, “I must commend Sister Lin Yue for her resilience. Despite her frail health, she’s managed to attend court. Truly, she is an inspiration to us all.”
Lin Yue remained silent, her face calm. But she caught the barbed meaning behind the words. Yao Liqing wasn’t praising her—she was mocking her weakness.
The emperor didn’t respond immediately, his gaze shifting to Yao Liqing. His expression was unreadable, his silence heavy.
Yao Liqing pressed on, emboldened by the lack of response. “It’s just a pity that some people bring… unnecessary trouble into the palace.”
This time, Zhao Ming’s eyes narrowed. The room grew silent, the tension palpable.
“Enough,” the emperor said, his voice cold and final.
Yao Liqing froze, her confidence evaporating under his sharp gaze. She bowed deeply, her face pale. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I spoke out of turn.”
Lin Yue hid her amusement behind a neutral expression. The emperor’s few words had been more effective than any elaborate speech.
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