The candles in the corner of the room flickered very gently, their light reflecting on the cold surface of the jade floor. After the servants were dismissed some time ago, only four consorts and one secret attendant remained inside the room.
A woman in a dark hood stepped in from the side door after hearing the room's door close tightly. Her arrival was met with a slight nod from the Main Consort Han. The loyal attendant was named Yin Xi, a former female physician who had been banished from the palace kitchen years ago due to accusations of using forbidden potions.
"It's been a long time since we last met, Yin Xi," the voice of Consort Rui sounded a bit coquettish, yet still sharp. "You can still make potions... that leave no trace?" she continued.
Yin Xi chuckled softly, then produced a small bottle from beneath the sleeve of her robe. A clear, nearly colorless liquid, ordered directly by Main Consort Han. "This is not a poison that kills quickly. But it will slowly weaken anyone who drinks it. Dizziness, shortness of breath, fever... and eventually... unconsciousness. It might be mistaken for a common illness."
Consort An narrowed her eyes for a moment. "How long before the effects show?" she asked curiously.
"If added to tea or soup served in the morning," Yin Xi replied, "in two days the body will begin to reject food. After three days, the person won't be able to get out of bed," she explained briefly.
Main Consort Han stood up and slowly walked to the jade table where the poison bottle was placed. "Good then. Carry out this mission slowly. Let everyone think... it's the result of a night too passionate with the Emperor," she said in a mocking tone.
A cynical laugh burst among them, as if confirming Chief Consort Han's words.
Consort Yun spoke up as if to confirm, "Who will sneak into the kitchen or the Lotus Pavilion? It's not easy to touch Consort Mei Lin's food now. The Emperor has stationed strict guards there."
Consort An gave a slight smile in response. "It's not us who will sneak in. But her new servant—whom we will insert," she said with a sly smile.
Consort Rui nodded in agreement. "The old maid loyal to Han-jie could also pretend to be Mei Lin's new servant. Or... a palace female physician pretending to check her health. At that moment, the poison is dropped and no one will know."
All eyes turned to Main Consort Han. She stared at the poison in the small bottle, then smiled coldly. "Don't rush to kill her. Let her slowly perish on her own... like a withering flower no longer noticed by the Emperor."
Meanwhile, in the Lotus Pavilion, Mei Lin sat in front of a silver mirror, her black hair being gently combed by Xie Zhen. The trusted maid's hand movements were soft and steady, as usual. Outside, the night breeze slipped through the window lattice, carrying the scent of ylang-ylang flowers not yet fully bloomed. The pavilion's atmosphere was calm... almost too calm.
The golden yellow lantern light shimmered on the mirror's surface, reflecting the pale yet still captivating face of Mei Lin. In her eyes lay a restlessness she could not hide.
"Xie Zhen..." her voice was soft, almost a whisper, "do you believe that if someone is loved by the Emperor... then they will be safe?" she asked.
Xie Zhen's hand paused briefly, then slowly continued combing. She lowered her head a little, then answered quietly. "In this palace, love can raise someone as high as the stars. But even stars can fall... if pulled down by the desires of women who want to see them extinguished. So, I only believe... someone is safe only if their love is stronger than the hatred surrounding them."
Mei Lin looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were sad. The light makeup on her eyelids couldn't hide her fatigue. She seemed to be talking to her own shadow, not to Xie Zhen behind her.
"I'm not afraid of their hatred, but I fear... that love itself is not strong enough to keep me here."
Xie Zhen gently grasped the ends of Mei Lin's hair, gathering it into a night bun. Then she spoke, softer than before, "Then endure it with reason. Not just with feelings."
After her hair was simply styled, Mei Lin sat silently. The lantern's flame flickered, her shadow reflected on the silver mirror like a ghostly silhouette unwilling to give answers.
Xie Zhen took a thin blanket and draped it over the consort's shoulders. "The night wind is getting colder. Your body is susceptible to chills, Miss."
Mei Lin nodded slightly. But her mind was not on the cold night. She was still pondering her own answer. "If love is not enough to keep someone safe... then what?"
Xie Zhen did not answer. She knew, in this palace, love was the most fragile currency. Today someone is adored, tomorrow they are brought down.
That morning, the scent of jasmine wafted from a small pond in the inner garden. Little birds sang joyfully among the swaying branches. The pavilion looked peaceful, but inside... a new storm was just beginning to blow.
Qiu Lan, a young servant with a gentle and innocent face, walked with her head bowed carrying a cleaning tray. Her clothes were neat, her smile friendly, and her manner soft-spoken. She was introduced by one of the kitchen supervisors as a replacement servant who would help with cleaning and serving food for Consort Mei Lin.
"My name is Qiu Lan, Maid Xie. I come from the inner kitchen. Starting today, I have been ordered to assist with cleaning in the Lotus Pavilion," she said politely when meeting Xie Zhen.
Xie Zhen looked at her carefully, but because Mei Lin did not want too much interaction, she just nodded. "Help clean the back area and assist with food delivery from the main kitchen. But do not enter the private rooms without permission, understand?"
"Yes, Maid Xie." Qiu Lan bowed lower, but behind her bowed face, her eyes were sharp... full of calculation.
With light steps, Qiu Lan walked toward the back of the pavilion. Her footsteps were nearly silent, her movements agile and trained. She bowed deeply every time she met another servant. Her smile polite, her words humble. No one suspected her.
Approaching lunchtime, the air in the Lotus Pavilion began to feel warm. Xie Zhen was busy checking the silver plates that would be used to serve dishes to Mei Lin. She arranged everything in the outer room, while Mei Lin rested inside, sitting by the window reading a book of poetry.
Qiu Lan arrived carrying a wooden tray from the main kitchen, containing small bowls of clear soup, steamed vegetables, and a piece of boiled fish neatly garnished. She walked slowly, placing the tray on the table with perfect posture.
"Maid Xie, this is from the main kitchen. Everything matches the usual menu for Consort Mei Lin. Chrysanthemum flower soup and boiled fish without oil," she said with a gentle smile.