Mei Lin slowly rose from her seat. She straightened her clothes slightly, then bowed respectfully. "My humble respects to Her Majesty, Main Consort Han."
Main Consort Han approached with a thin smile that barely reached her eyes. "Please, sit back down," she said, but her tone made clear who held the power between them. "A lovely morning for a stroll, isn't it?" she added, her voice sweet yet cold like frozen dew. "I thought this garden was only open to the senior consorts who have long resided in the palace. But it seems I was mistaken… now even a flower freshly picked last night feels entitled to bloom here."
Mei Lin kept her head bowed, but a small smile appeared at the corner of her lips. "I apologize if my presence disturbs Main Consort Han's peace. But this is by the direct permission of His Majesty, Emperor Li Xuan."
Main Consort Han narrowed her eyes. "Ah, of course, by Emperor Li Xuan's permission. You've quickly gained many things in a short time." She stepped closer, then spoke more quietly yet sharply, "But in the palace, Mei Lin… things that bloom quickly usually wither just as fast."
Xie Zhen was about to defend her lady, but Mei Lin gently touched his arm, signaling him to remain calm. She looked slowly at Main Consort Han, her head still bowed respectfully, but her voice calm.
"I am but a small flower that happened to grow by the roadside, Your Majesty. If someone happens to look upon me, it is not my fault… but rather the light that shines too brightly from an unexpected direction."
The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Several of Main Consort Han's maids held their breath upon hearing the reply. Meanwhile, Main Consort Han grinned. "Light can dazzle… but it can also burn. Let's see… how long you can survive under that light without being scorched."
Main Consort Han sat on the main chair and stared sharply at Mei Lin. "Breakfast is a fine time for sharing stories, isn't it? Perhaps you could tell us… how you stole the Emperor's heart in just one night," she said with a condescending smile.
Mei Lin's body froze instantly. Those gazes pierced like needles. But before she could answer, Xie Zhen stepped forward, bowing politely. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. Consort Mei Lin is still recovering. I request permission to take her back to the pavilion."
"Recovering?" Main Consort Han repeated, feigning concern. "Ah, of course. Last night's service must have been… exhausting," she added, shaking her head. Laughter burst out again among her maids as if confirming what Main Consort Han had said.
Main Consort Han slowly rose from her seat, sweeping her flowing silk robe with a grace that was sharp as a hidden blade. Her eyes still pierced Mei Lin, as if wanting to strip away the young woman's courage.
"Interesting," she said as she walked slowly, her footsteps barely audible, yet her presence echoed loudly. "You choose your words well, Consort Mei Lin. But the palace is no place for wordplay. This is where gentleness can turn into a dagger… and smiles can become deadly poison."
She paused near the chair Mei Lin had sat in, casting a meaningful last glance. "Enjoy your honeymoon while you still have time."
Then, without waiting for a reply, she turned away. Her maids quickly followed, skillfully lifting her robe. The small bell hanging from the sedan chair tinkled softly as they left the garden, like the closing scene of the morning's performance.
Mei Lin exhaled slowly. Her body may have remained still, but her spirit stirred. Every word spoken by Main Consort Han was a warning, yet also a challenge.
Xie Zhen whispered anxiously, "Miss, are you alright?"
Mei Lin looked toward the lotus pond, a faint smile returning to her lips. "This is just the beginning, Zhen. But I will not run away, even if faced with more complicated situations."
Xie Zhen gazed at her with worry. "Miss… she will not remain silent."
Mei Lin turned to look at her loyal servant's face. "That's exactly why I must stay calm. If I falter now… they will see me as a foolish girl who just happened to be favored by Emperor Li Xuan. But if I endure…" She smiled faintly, but there was a small spark starting to blaze in her eyes. "…they will begin to fear and feel their own existence threatened."
Xie Zhen bit her lower lip, then nodded softly. "If so, I will stay by your side, no matter what happens."
Mei Lin rose slowly, then stepped toward the lotus pond. She picked a white flower floating on the water's surface, turning it gently between her fingers.
"Look at this flower, Zhen… it looks fragile, but it grows from the mud. It doesn't demand a place, yet it still blooms. Just like me."
The sky began to turn orange, signaling the day's change was about to start. But inside the room decorated with golden dragon carvings, the atmosphere felt cold, filled with whispers and suspicious glances. Four consorts of Emperor Li Xuan, all richly dressed, sat in a semicircle, each accompanied by one or two trusted servants. Among them, Consort An — known as the most cunning among the senior consorts — slowly poured tea before speaking softly but piercingly.
"That village girl is really fast… not even a week yet, and she already has her own personal guard. Her private chambers are also heavily guarded. Do you think this is just a coincidence?" she asked, staring at the other consorts.
Consort Rui — whose face was beautiful but heart sharp — sneered while looking out the window. "Of course not. Since when does Emperor Li Xuan treat anyone like that after just one night?" She turned quickly. "Unless… he has big plans for Mei Lin."
Consort Yun leaned forward. "And if that's true, then all of us will lose our positions quickly. Even you, Han-jie." Her gaze pointed to one corner.
A thin curtain was drawn aside, revealing Main Consort Han standing silently since the meeting began, watching the swans swimming in the outer pond. Her hair was perfectly pinned, and the gleam of her necklace could not outshine the coldness in her eyes. She turned slowly. "She is indeed dangerous," she said flatly, silencing all the consorts. "Emperor Li Xuan is not only attracted to her… but has begun to protect her."
Consort An narrowed her eyes. "If we let her stay longer, she will rise to become Empress."
"And that," added Consort Yun sharply, "will be the end of all our existences," she said while tidying half of her long loose hair.
Consort Rui cleared her throat before speaking softly, "We must act quickly, before the Emperor truly falls for her. Before he removes us one by one."
Main Consort Han sat back down slowly, her fingers touching the rim of her teacup but not drinking. "I've sent orders to the head maid. We have eyes and ears around the Lotus Pavilion starting tonight. One small mistake from Mei Lin… will be the perfect weapon for us."
Consort An smiled slyly at hearing this. "If she doesn't make a mistake… what if we create one for her?"
The consorts exchanged glances, then laughed softly — a sound that echoed gently, yet venomously.
Main Consort Han gazed far toward the palace garden. "The game has begun. Let's make sure that little girl knows… wildflowers don't bloom long in the garden of queens."