Chapter Eleven: A Former Ally's Betrayal, the Path Ahead Shrouded in Dense Fog

The sounds outside the window put me on alert.

I quietly got out of bed and walked over to the window, peering through the gap.

A shadow flickered past, and my heart suddenly sank.

This is bad—someone has their eyes on me!

There are more than a few people in this palace who wish me dead.

After the crisis at the banquet, I thought I could finally feel a bit safer.

After all, the Emperor had spoken; surely Eunuch Li and Noble Consort Zhou would restrain themselves, right?

I was too naive!

Beneath the calm surface of this palace, who knows how many undercurrents are swirling.

One day, Advisor Sun suddenly came to me, speaking in whispers: "Wan’er, I have a plan that will guarantee you a fortune!" My eyes lit up at once, and I hurriedly asked what the plan was.

You see, Advisor Sun was my strategist; he had helped me avoid many hidden dangers before, and his ideas were always reliable.

He led me to a secluded palace, saying it was to avoid prying eyes.

I didn’t think much of it at the time—after all, when it comes to “rolling wealth,” caution is necessary.

But as soon as he stepped inside, his expression changed.

“Lu Wan’er, you never expected this, did you? That you would fall into my hands!” Advisor Sun smiled sinisterly—a look I will never forget.

I was stunned. What was going on?

We were supposed to be allies!

“What... what do you mean?” I asked, forcing calm, though my heart was pounding.

Advisor Sun sneered, “Meaning? I’ve leaked your whereabouts to Eunuch Li and Noble Consort Zhou. They promised me a large sum of gold, silver, and jewels—and even an official position once this is done! Who in the harem doesn’t want to climb higher? Do you think you're the only clever one here?”

I shook with fury, pointing at his nose and yelling, “Advisor Sun, you ungrateful villain! I trusted you so much, and you actually...”

Before I could finish, footsteps approached. Eunuch Li and Noble Consort Zhou appeared, surrounded by a group. Both wore triumphant smiles.

Eunuch Li’s voice was sharp, “Lu Wan’er, today is your day! Let’s see how you escape this time!” Noble Consort Zhou sneered mockingly, “Oh, isn’t this our Lu, the palace maid? How the mighty have fallen!”

I looked around and realized I was surrounded!

And He Yunsheng...

He wasn’t by my side today.

What was I to do?

“Hmph, you want to catch me? Not that easy!” I gritted my teeth, ready to fight to the death...

Clenching my fists, I prepared for a life-or-death struggle!

A tiger does not show its claws for nothing—don’t think I’m an easy target!

I kicked out, hitting a lackey squarely in the face. He yelped and fell, clutching his nose.

Goodness, blood sprayed like a fountain!

Seizing the chaos, I took down a few more, but outnumbered, I was quickly subdued.

Eunuch Li curled his fingers mockingly and sneered, “Oh, Palace Maid Lu, your 'skills' are nothing but flashy tricks! Better surrender quietly!” Noble Consort Zhou covered her mouth, laughing hard, “Oh my, this three-kick wonder still dares to resist? Such arrogance!”

The surrounding eunuchs and maids joined in, their laughter rising—a complete social death.

Just when I was utterly hopeless, thinking this was the end, a small figure suddenly rushed out and stood before me.

It was Little Shunzi!

The smallest eunuch, usually bullied by Eunuch Li the worst!

He trembled as he pointed at Eunuch Li, shouting, “Don’t... don’t bully Sister Wan’er! You... you bad people!”

I was stunned!

This timid little Shunzi turned out to have some backbone when it mattered!

Though his fighting ability was practically zero, that courage was admirable!

Eunuch Li’s face turned green with anger. He kicked Shunzi to the ground. “Where did this little brat come from, daring to ruin my plans?”

At that moment, the sound of galloping hooves drew near, followed by a familiar voice: “Stop!”

I looked up to see He Yunsheng!

He rode a tall horse, followed by a squad of guards, charging fiercely like my gallant hero!

He dismounted swiftly, strode to me, and seeing me bound, his expression darkened instantly.

His cold gaze swept over Eunuch Li and Noble Consort Zhou, sharp as a knife: “Who gave you the nerve to lay a hand on her?”

Eunuch Li and Noble Consort Zhou turned pale, trembling as they knelt speechless.

He Yunsheng’s guards swarmed in, quickly regaining control.

Advisor Sun was dragged over, bound hand and foot, his face ashen like a frostbitten eggplant.

He Yunsheng glared at him coldly, “Take him away for severe interrogation!” Then he turned to me, concern flooding his eyes. “Wan’er, are you alright?”

I shook my head to signal I was unharmed.

Though I had escaped this crisis, my heart was far from relieved.

This time it was Advisor Sun’s betrayal. What about next time?

In this deep palace, hearts are treacherous—who can I still trust?

I watched He Yunsheng’s retreating figure, a strange unease rising within me...

It felt as though I had touched upon something...

“This jade pendant...”