Chapter 6: The Emperor Arrives

"Enough." Mingshu's voice cut through the hall.

Finally, all quiet.

"We're checking the records."

She turned to Nanny Xu. "Go get—"

Just then—

A eunuch's voice from outside.

"His Majesty has arrived."

The hall went silent.

Everyone stood up and turned toward the entrance.

Xiao Heng stepped inside.

Without sparing anyone else a glance, he walked straight to Su Qingyuan.

"Qingyuan."

She looked up and smiled. "You're early."

"I was worried about you.” He raised one hand to cup her cheek, thumb brushing lightly over.

His other hand reached for hers, then paused.

—his fingers brushed against something damp.

His gaze dropped immediately. see her sleeve.

His expression darkened: "What's this?"

"Nothing—"She instinctively tried to pull her hand back.

He caught her wrist before she could.

“Nothing?”His fingers traced the damp fabric, “You call this nothing?”

"I'm fine. Just a little splash."

"A splash?"His jaw tightened, "Boiling tea?"

His gaze swept across the hall for the first time: "Who?”

Zhao stepped forward. "Your Majesty, it was—"

"I wasn't talking to you."He didn't even look at her.

Zhao froze.

For the first time that day, she realized...His Majesty hadn't looked at her even once.

He’s eyes had already moved to her sleeve. Without a word, he took her wrist and pushed the damp fabric up, exposing her forearm.

"Xiao Heng…" She glanced around. "I’m okay."

"Hold still."

His thumb brushed lightly over her skin.

No redness, no burns. Only then did the tightness in his jaw ease.

He lowered her sleeve, took her hand, and walked her to the seat beside the Empress.

He sat down first, then gently tugged her toward the seat beside him.

She sat beside him. Close enough that their shoulders brushed.

She shifted slightly, like she might pull her hand back.

He didn't tighten his grip. Just held it steady.

"Stay."

One quiet word.

She met his eyes...

Then stopped trying to pull away.

He looked at the Empress. "Mingshu. Please go on."

Mingshu nodded. "Nanny Xu. The register."

Nanny Xu brought the heavy book and set it before the Empress.

Mingshu opened it. Flipped a few pages. Her finger stopped.

"Lanxin," she read. "Assigned to the Palace Service Bureau."

She looked up. "Not Chengqian Palace."

Dead quiet.

Lanxin's face went white. She was shaking, tears streaming—but she didn't speak. Just knelt there, crying.

Zhao's composure cracked. "That—that can't be right. The register must be old—"

"It's updated every month," Mingshu said flat. "This is the current one."

Zhao opened her mouth. Nothing came out.

Lanxin only wept harder. She said nothing.

Xiao Heng didn't move. Just sat there, holding Qingyuan's hand.

"Take her," he said quietly. "Question her."

Two imperial guards stepped forward and hauled Lanxin to her feet. She didn't refuse. Her sobs faded as they dragged her out.

The hall went quiet again.

Zhao remained where she was, every trace of color drained from her face.

Xiao Heng finally turned to Qingyuan. His gaze lingered briefly on the damp sleeve.

—Still wet.

He stood up. Only then did he release her hand.

Only to slip one arm beneath her knees.

"Xiao Heng..."She lowered her voice,"Everyone's watching."

"Good."He didn't even slow his pace, "Let them remember."

He reached the doorway, then stopped.

For the first time since he walked in, he turned and looked directly at Zhao.

"Imperial Concubine Zhao."

Zhao dropped to her knees. "Y-Your Majesty—"

"The Inner Palace answers to the Empress," he said quietly. "Wait for her judgment."

He turned and walked out.

The doors closed behind him.

Zhao stayed on her knees. Shaking. White as paper.

Empress Su Mingshu set down her teacup.

"The register has spoken."

She looked straight at Zhao.

"Imperial Concubine Zhao.”

Mingshu’s voice remained calm, “Without evidence, you accused Lady Su of a serious offense before the entire Inner Palace. You stirred confusion and disrupted this banquet.”

She paused, “As punishment, one month’s stipend will be withheld. As for the rest…”

Her gaze swept briefly toward the closed doors where Lanxin had been taken.

”…that will wait until the investigation is complete.”

Zhao pressed her forehead to the floor. "This concubine... understands."

Mingshu turned to the rest of the hall.

"We are done discussing this matter."

"Continue."

No one moved at first. Then slowly, conversations started back up. Teacups lifted. Fans opened. The afternoon resumed its rhythm.

Zhao remained on the floor.

No one told her to rise.

She lifted her head slowly. Her eyes drifted to the table where the tea had spilled. The shattered cup. The dark stain spreading across the cloth.

Her gaze followed the path the liquid had taken.

If it had gone just a little farther...

If it had struck her face...

Her fingers curled into her palms.

Why did she move?

She stared at the empty space where Su Qingyuan had been standing.

Why didn't it hit her?