Speak with caution and act prudently, lest you invite mortal danger.

The medicinal soup Jiang Xuan drank proved remarkably effective. That night, a heavy sweat broke out, and by morning, he felt completely refreshed. As expected of a prince, the imperial physicians became even more attentive in their care.

Xiao Luzi had been grumbling about me for some time. Thanks to the favor I’d received from Zhang Bitong, I was allowed to rest in bed, leaving most of the tasks in Cuiwei Palace to Xiao Luzi. Though he had never been friendly toward me, I knew I had to fulfill my duties properly to avoid gossip.

I rose early at dawn, allowing Xiao Luzi a short rest while I began tending to chores in the courtyard. His complexion improved a little, and he went off to the small kitchen for breakfast.

Jiang Xuan was up already, and with Zhang Bitong’s renewed favor, Cuiwei Palace was once again bustling with activity.

Before the midday meal, Yunqing supported Zhang Bitong on a stroll through the imperial gardens. Zhang Bitong had originally asked me to accompany her, but I pleaded ill health and sent Xiao Luzi in my place. Though surprised, Xiao Luzi was more than happy to go and followed Zhang Bitong to the gardens.

As I was wiping down the two pillars in front of the house, I noticed a head peeking around the palace gate, waving at me. It was Ping’er.

Seeing no one else around, I hurried over, delighted. “Sister Ping’er, what brings you here?”

“I brought you something to eat. These are pastries made by the imperial kitchen, a gift from His Majesty. I’ve brought some for you—you’ve likely never even seen these before.”

If I hadn’t seen them, Ping’er probably hadn’t either. She’d wrapped a few pastries in a handkerchief just for me. “Sister Ping’er, I’m a man—sweet things don’t suit my appetite. You keep them for yourself.”

“Little Xiaozi!” Ping’er’s face clouded. “Are you looking down on what I brought you?”

“Sister Ping’er,” I replied quickly, “it would be a waste for me to eat them. You should keep them. You’ve been so kind to me, and I am deeply grateful for your help last time. I suspect you said a good word for me to the Emperor; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made such a swift decision and elevated Her Grace. You’re my benefactor—how could I look down on your gift?”

Her mood brightened. She grabbed my hand and forced the pastries into it. “I have plenty of chances to eat these with the Emperor. Just take them—don’t be polite with me. Is your injury healing well?”

I nodded and smiled lightly. “I’m thick-skinned—it healed in no time.”

Ping’er looked at my face with concern. “I still see some scars. It’s a pity to mar such a good face. All because of that Concubine Tan—oh, she’s just a palace maid now.”

“It’s better this way. I always thought my face was too fair. Now, with a scar or two, perhaps people will be less suspicious.”

“Nonsense. I like your fair skin,” Ping’er blurted out, then blushed at her own boldness and added shyly, “I mean, there’s nothing wrong with looking fair.”

“Sister Ping’er, actually I—” I wanted to explain, not wanting her sincere affection to be misplaced. But before I could finish, Xiao Ruo appeared, carrying clothes.

Judging by her arrival, she was here for Cuiwei Palace. Because of Zhang Bitong’s high status, the laundry was never delivered by ordinary maids, but by trusted attendants. For Xiao Ruo to come herself must have cost her some effort.

“I have come to deliver garments for Her Grace.”

“This isn’t your usual duty, is it?” Ping’er’s tone was less than pleasant upon seeing Xiao Ruo.

With her head bowed, Xiao Ruo replied respectfully, “The attendant assigned to deliver clothes today was feeling unwell, so I was sent instead.”

“I think you have another reason,” Ping’er stated bluntly.

“Sister Ping’er—” Knowing why Xiao Ruo had come, I couldn’t bear to see Ping’er treat her so, and said, “I’ll take these. We mustn’t delay matters for Her Grace; she instructed that these clothes must be changed tonight. Sister Ping’er, I won’t keep you. Xiao Ruo, come inside with me.”

“Yes.”

“Little Xiaozi!” Ping’er’s voice trembled with frustration. “Do you dislike me and favor her instead?”

I was caught between laughter and tears. One was my sister, the other my benefactor. As a woman myself, I could hardly be fond of either in that way.

This I would have to explain to Ping’er another time. For now, I said, “Don’t misunderstand, Sister Ping’er. I have to tend to Her Grace’s garments. I’ll visit you at the Hall of Mental Cultivation when I have time.”

“Hmph, you’d better not come at all!” She stamped her foot, snatched the pastries from my hand, and stormed off.

I shook my head helplessly—truly, one should never offend a woman.

“Xiao Ruo, come inside with me.”

I led her into the room. Once we were alone, Xiao Ruo set down the clothes and, unable to hold back, called softly, “A Zhi.”

I quickly reminded her, “Sister, here I am only Little Xiaozi, not A Zhi. From now on, you are only Xiao Ruo. I can’t call you sister anymore—remember that.”

She nodded.

I raised my voice deliberately, “Your delivery is just in time; Her Grace was anxious for these!”

Xiao Ruo caught on and replied, “It is my duty as a servant. Thank you for your praise, sir.”

Then, in a lower voice, I asked, “Did you come here to see me? I’ve been ill these days and unable to visit you as I wished.”

Suddenly, Xiao Ruo’s voice broke and tears shimmered in her eyes, making her look heartbreakingly vulnerable.

“Don’t cry. You mustn’t, Sister,” I whispered, lightly patting her hand before quickly pulling away.

She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and said, “I was frightened and wanted to see you. Knowing you’re in the palace too calms me. When I can talk to you, I’m not afraid anymore.”

“I know it’s been hard for you in the laundry quarters.”

“They beat me often. There’s never an end to the laundry. I just want to go home—I don’t want to stay here. A Zhi, I want to go home.”

Her words made my nose sting. At least Xiao Ruo had a home to long for. Where was mine? Aside from my mother’s lonely spirit, there was nothing left.

I said in a low voice, “Now that you’re in the palace, leaving won’t be easy. You must be prepared for that.”

“But what am I to do? A Zhi, I know you’re clever—can you get me out of the laundry quarters? I don’t want to wash clothes anymore or stay with those people. A Zhi, help me. Let me come to your palace. Her Grace seems to treat you well.”

Since learning of Xiao Ruo’s hardships, I had considered this. But I held no true power here; my own position was tenuous—how could I help her?

Moreover, Xiao Ruo’s status was awkward. She had been demoted from a favored attendant to a palace maid; it would be difficult to place her in any lady’s household. If she came to Cuiwei Palace, our connection would surely be revealed sooner or later, and then neither of us would survive.

“A Zhi, is it that you won’t help me? I know it’s hard for you. When Father sent you away with that eunuch, I sensed something wasn’t right. But then I lost track of you, and before I knew it, you’d turned into a—”

I quickly covered her mouth. “Sister, not a single one of those words must ever be spoken. If they are, I’m as good as dead.”

She nodded, eyes wide with fright.

Only then did I release her. “I haven’t suffered much—I’ve always been like this. We must think carefully about this. The palace is far more dangerous than the outside world; a single misstep can be fatal. You must have seen enough these days to know that.”

Xiao Ruo nodded, but her worry remained. “I’ll listen and stay put for now. But A Zhi, I have to find a way out. If I can’t leave the palace, I can’t remain a lowly maid either. What about Father and Mother? Don’t you agree?”

“For now, stay where you are. I’ll think of something as soon as possible.”

“A Zhi, you’re the only one I can rely on here. We must look out for each other, just as Father said.”

Was that truly what Father meant by looking out for each other?

As we spoke, I heard footsteps approaching and quickly changed my tone. “Yes, these garments Her Grace favors are all cleaned perfectly.”

“So it’s you, Little Xiaozi, not Her Grace returning,” said Lanyan as she entered.

“Ah, Sister Lanyan. Xiao Ruo, this is Sister Lanyan, Her Grace’s most trusted attendant.”

“Greetings, Sister Lanyan,” said Xiao Ruo softly.

“What a lovely little maid—are you from the laundry quarters?” Lanyan looked Xiao Ruo up and down.

“Yes,” she replied quietly.

“What are you two talking about? I saw you chatting for quite a while just now.”

“Her Grace’s affairs are not to be taken lightly,” I replied. “When the clothes were delivered, I helped Miss Xiao Ruo inspect them for any damage or stains.”

“Little Xiaozi, you’re always so thorough. No wonder Her Grace values you so highly.”

I quickly added, “I’m nowhere near as capable as Sister Lanyan, who has served Her Grace for many years. There’s still much I must learn from you.”

Lanyan’s face softened into a smile. “You really know how to please, Little Xiaozi. These tasks should be mine—look at you, taking them on.”

“It’s my good fortune to help you, Sister Lanyan.”

“Still, what should be mine must remain so. If something goes wrong, who would be to blame—me or you, Little Xiaozi?”

Her words were gentle yet carried a hint of warning. Unsure if she meant more, I nodded quickly. “You’re right, Sister Lanyan. I should have called you over and let you guide me in these tasks.”

“Good. You’re quick to understand. This time, I trust you. Are the clothes all checked?”

“Yes, they’re in good order. Would you like to look again?”

“No need. I trust you—and this Miss Xiao, the former attendant—”

Lanyan’s sudden address startled me. Though she rarely left Cuiwei Palace, she recognized Xiao Ruo at a glance.