A ghost?

Nighttime, Royal Palace, Heart Cultivation Courtyard

The Heart Cultivation Courtyard was secluded, rarely frequented by anyone. It was a simple compound, with a small two-story building standing in the yard. In front of the building lay a modest garden, its many flowers already withered. In truth, the Heart Cultivation Courtyard was designated for favored concubines to recuperate after contracting contagious illnesses. Years had passed since anyone entered; a glance inside revealed cobwebs. Qiqi shook her head and said, “Can people really live here?” Yet, it wasn’t so bad—the imperial physicians delivered medicine and food to the door, and Qiqi only needed to bring them inside. Generally, no one would come here; there was no need to worry about their secret being exposed.

Hu Yue’er, who had been carried in, grew spirited as soon as the others left. She immediately rose to walk around, inspecting the surroundings with satisfaction. She nodded and said, “It’s not bad at all. At least we’re not sent to the Cold Palace. That would be troublesome—too many people, and we’d always have to worry about being found out. Here, there’s nothing to fear; not a soul around, probably not even mice. Qiqi, you can stay here without worry!” Qiqi felt much more at ease after hearing Hu Yue’er’s words. The two tidied up the rooms for quite a while until they were clean. Looking at the neat quarters, Hu Yue’er asked, “Are you still afraid now?” She knew Qiqi had never lived alone and worried she might not cope, but it was also a chance for Qiqi to grow.

Qiqi nodded. “I’m not as scared as before. But am I really to stay here all by myself?” The thought of living alone still made her anxious; after all, she had never done so.

Hu Yue’er took Qiqi’s hand, comforting her. “Don’t be afraid. If anything happens, seek out Physician Chen—he’ll help you. Other than Physician Chen, never open the door for anyone, no matter who knocks. If someone tries to come in, pretend to cough. Let them believe you’re infected, and they’ll stay away!” This trip might last ten days or even half a month; she truly felt uneasy leaving Qiqi behind.

Qiqi smiled and nodded. “Sister Yue, I want to be a heroine like you, so I won’t be afraid. Sister Yue, you and the Prince must take care!” She truly admired Hu Yue’er.

Hu Yue’er embraced Qiqi. “You must take care of yourself, and be extra cautious, understand?” Qiqi smiled with tears in her eyes and nodded. As dusk settled, Yue’er helped Qiqi to her feet, gazed at her apple-cheeked face, and promised, “I’ll finish what I need to do and hurry back. Hold on for ten days, alright?” Qiqi smiled at her, and Hu Yue’er released her, changed into the eunuch’s attire that Physician Chen had prepared, quietly opened the gate, looked around, and only left once she was sure no one was nearby.

Qiqi watched her sister’s departing figure, anxious at heart. She looked up at the night sky, praying for her sister: “May Sister Yue and the Prince be safe and return soon!” Truly, she was a kind and loyal little girl.

Late night, Royal Palace, Imperial Garden

Hu Yue’er needed to pass through the Imperial Garden to reach the Office of Ceremonial Affairs. Suddenly, a female voice called out, “Little eunuch, pour me some tea!” It was her nemesis, Li Wanrong. Wanrong had returned to the Imperial Garden, hoping for a “chance encounter” with Xuan Yuanren. She hadn’t brought her maid, so she could pretend to be lost.

Hu Yue’er was stunned for a moment but kept her head down and replied, “Yes, miss, please wait a moment!” Li Wanrong nodded with authority, and Hu Yue’er briskly walked away, thinking as she went: Let her wait; she can wait ten days if she likes! Li Wanrong found the eunuch’s voice familiar and wanted to turn and look again, but the figure had vanished. Suddenly nervous, Li Wanrong hurried back to the Palace of Elegant Storage, fearing the eunuch Hu Yue’er had impersonated might be a ghost.

Ladies, gentlemen, elders, youths, and those neither old nor young—quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm rage ever fiercer!