No one rises early without profit.

Any further worries would be futile; all I could do was wait for Long Zhan to send word. Hopefully, the person from earlier had merely passed by and seen nothing.

On my way back to the Palace of Emerald Shadows, I suddenly remembered that this path was not far from the Punishment Bureau. I wondered if Jiang Yun had gone to help Xiao Ruo, and whether Xiao Ruo was suffering greatly there.

After pondering for a moment, I decided to visit the Punishment Bureau. Even if I couldn't directly inquire about Xiao Ruo's safety, I could ask indirectly and ease my mind by learning about her situation.

Unexpectedly, as soon as I arrived at the Punishment Bureau, I saw Qiu Ronghai walking out, accompanied by Xiao Qingzi, whom I had not seen for a long time—the eunuch who had tried to harm me when we first met.

Today truly seemed ill-fated; to encounter both of them at this moment.

I hurried forward to pay my respects before Qiu Ronghai could speak. "Greetings to Lord Qiu," I said.

"Ah, it's little Xiao," Qiu Ronghai replied. "What's brought you to the Punishment Bureau today?"

Xiao Qingzi sneered coldly at my side, "Are you still nostalgic for this place? Such a lowly creature—if you really wish to return, it's not difficult!"

I remained silent as Qiu Ronghai continued, "Xiao Qingzi, be careful not to offend little Xiao. He's favored by Lady Tong now! I've heard that wherever she goes, she brings him along. If you have the ability, you'd have your master cling to you as well."

Xiao Qingzi bowed and said, "I fear I lack such talent. As long as I can serve Lord Qiu, that's enough for me. I know my origins and won't forget them—even if I gain favor in the future, I will always be one nurtured by Lord Qiu."

I recalled Dezi's advice to show filial respect to Qiu Ronghai. I had neither paid attention nor had anything suitable to offer, busy as I was in the Palace of Emerald Shadows. Thus, the matter had been delayed. Now, with Xiao Qingzi seizing the opportunity, Qiu Ronghai surely harbored some dissatisfaction with me.

I heard Qiu Ronghai say, "Your loyalty comforts me, Xiao Qingzi. But some people, I can't force. They're favored, and how could they take notice of the likes of us!"

"I wouldn't dare," I replied, kneeling. "I have long wanted to pay my respects to you, Lord Qiu, but you know my fate—often suspected by my own master of disloyalty. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been beaten or sent to the Punishment Bureau. It’s out of necessity that I serve diligently in the Palace of Emerald Shadows. If you doubt me, you can ask Xiao Lu, who entered the palace with me." As I spoke, I took some silver coins from my sleeve and offered them to Qiu Ronghai. "My family is poor, and I tread carefully in the palace. These are my wages for the past two months, unspent, all presented to you, Lord Qiu."

Qiu Ronghai glanced at the silver, weighed it in his hand, then returned it to me, clearly unimpressed. He said leisurely, "I see your sincerity. Clearly, you have a heart for it, and I don’t think you’d dare lie. Keep the silver for yourself. If I ever need you, serve me diligently."

I quickly replied, "Rest assured, Lord Qiu. At your command, I would go through fire and water without hesitation."

"Good. You're more astute than Lord He. Remember, the imperial harem is not only about the masters. Here, a servant’s identity is layered, and the intricacies are many! If you think relying solely on your master will let you thrive here, you're mistaken. Understand, little Xiao?"

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Lord Qiu."

"But, did you come to the Punishment Bureau today? What brings you here?"

I hadn’t expected Qiu Ronghai to remember; I hurriedly wondered how to answer when suddenly a eunuch rushed over, exclaiming, "Lord Qiu, something terrible has happened! Lady Feiyue is causing a commotion in the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace!"

"Is that so? This is chaos. Does His Majesty know?"

"His Majesty knows. That’s why I came to find you, Lord Qiu."

"My little ancestor! Hurry, come with me, and let’s hope no harm comes to anyone."

With that, Qiu Ronghai left, setting aside my matter. I was stunned—Han Feiyue truly was a formidable woman, daring to stir up trouble in the Eastern Palace. I wondered what had happened.

Yet, with such chaos, it would be easier for me to gather news about Xiao Ruo. With that in mind, I stepped into the Punishment Bureau.

The steward was still Madam Su, whom I had met during my previous visit.

"Greetings, Madam Su."

"Ah, little Xiao! How strange—those who’ve never been here avoid it, and those who’ve left wish never to hear its name again. Yet you’ve returned today—surely you aren’t being locked up again?"

I smiled and replied, "Madam Su, you jest. Seeing me here alone, do I look like I’ve been imprisoned?"

Madam Su looked me over and shook her head. "No, you don’t. So, what brings you here today?"

"What if I simply came to visit? Would you believe it?"

Madam Su laughed heartily. "Of course not. No one returns to the Punishment Bureau for family visits. If you have something to say, best say it outright. I haven’t the time for riddles."

As a seasoned matron in such a place, she surely saw more than most. So I spoke honestly, "To be frank, I’m here today on behalf of the Crown Prince to inquire about someone."

"You mean Xiao Ruo?" Madam Su replied swiftly, immediately naming her.

I nodded. "Madam Su, you are indeed sharp."

"The Crown Prince specifically instructed me, so naturally I remember her well."

With that, I understood—Jiang Yun had indeed come to speak with her.

Madam Su continued, "Is the Crown Prince uneasy with my stewardship, sending you to ask again? But as I recall, you belong to the Palace of Emerald Shadows, not the Eastern Palace."

I replied quickly, "You overthink, Madam Su. The Crown Prince trusts you, but you must understand—the Punishment Bureau is unlike anywhere else. Everyone here suffers, the lucky ones escape, the unlucky ones… The Crown Prince is compassionate and worries for Xiao Ruo, so he sent me to check on her. It’s easier for me, as I’m from the Palace of Emerald Shadows—no one will suspect the Crown Prince. He’s busy preparing for the selection of the Crown Princess, and such matters must not be exposed, lest his reputation suffer. You see, Madam Su? As servants, we know our masters’ secrets, but must never speak them aloud."

Madam Su nodded and looked at me with a meaningful gaze. "Little Xiao, you have quite the talent. On the day Lord Long visited you, three noble ladies came to request you, including the Empress herself. And now, you’ve gained the Crown Prince’s trust. You’ve only been in the palace two months, yet you’ve accomplished so much—remarkable."

"Madam Su, you overpraise me. Perhaps I have a pleasing face, and the masters take a liking to it. We are all servants—my only duty is to serve the masters well."

Madam Su’s gaze held a hint of approval. She then said, "Xiao Ruo is inside. Since the Crown Prince instructed me, I only assign her lighter tasks. If you’re worried, you may go and see for yourself."

"I wouldn’t dare, Madam Su. I’ll just glance from afar and then report back to the Crown Prince."

"Go ahead."

I walked to a vantage point and looked toward Xiao Ruo. She was bent over, washing fruit. Though the work wasn’t heavy, it was winter, and the cold was hard to bear.

But Jiang Yun could only help her so much.

Xiao Ruo happened to look up and saw me. Startled, she dropped the fruit into the water, and the icy splash made her cry out in cold.

A matron nearby immediately scolded her, "You little wretch, are you doing this on purpose? You’ve washed so little after all this time—are you trying to delay? Everything must be washed, or you won’t sleep tonight."

"Yes, yes, Madam, I understand," Xiao Ruo replied, shielding her face as if afraid of being struck.

Even with Jiang Yun’s protection, the Punishment Bureau was a place where masters never tread, and the stewards did as they pleased. After all, the lives of servants were worth nothing.

Though my heart ached, I withdrew my gaze and said to Madam Su, "Thank you for your trouble, Madam Su. I will report honestly to the Crown Prince."

"Little Xiao, I have a word for you."

"Please, Madam Su, instruct me."

"Xiao Ruo is graceful and seems to possess some talent. She’s not suited to be a palace maid—keeping her here is a waste. Currently, the Wardrobe Bureau is short-staffed. If the Crown Prince could intervene, it would be a blessing for Xiao Ruo. The Wardrobe Bureau is far better than here."

I thanked her, "Thank you for your advice, Madam Su."

"Let’s hope the Crown Prince remembers my kindness."

"Rest assured, Madam Su, I will deliver your words. This is your merit, and I won’t claim any credit."

"Then I’ll rely on you, little Xiao."

"I take my leave."

"Go safely!"

Madam Su was clearly motivated by self-interest; her kindness surely meant she would ask Jiang Yun for help in the future. That, however, was a matter for another day. For Xiao Ruo, the Wardrobe Bureau would be like paradise compared to here.

Last time, Xiao Ruo’s troubles had already implicated Jiang Yun. If I asked him for help again, would it be wise?

Jiang Yun was a man of compassion, so it was likely he would agree. But if this matter were exposed again, would it not bring trouble upon him? Especially now, when he had troubles of his own—would he have the heart to help?