Chapter Four: Wealth Stirs the Heart, and Discord Rises in the Court

The jewels bestowed by Concubine Xiao truly dazzled, each one like the brightest star in the night sky, filling my heart with joy. Returning to my humble little room, I happily opened the brocade box and admired the blinding treasures by candlelight.

This was undeniably a case of “fortune falling from the heavens while one sits at home.”

As I reveled in the bliss of sudden wealth, I suddenly heard faint footsteps outside the door, followed by a sharp, sarcastic voice: “Oh, isn’t this Lu Wan’er? What’s this, struck it rich?”

My heart skipped a beat. That voice was unmistakably Liu Changzai, the one who could never stand to see me prosper.

I quickly closed the brocade box and hid it beneath my quilt before opening the door.

Liu Changzai stood at the threshold, accompanied by a few haughty palace maids, her face dripping with disdain.

“Oh, Palace Maid Lu, you’ve gotten prosperous lately, haven’t you? Your room is much brighter than before!” She glanced sideways at my bed, her eyes like X-rays, seemingly trying to see through my quilt.

I inwardly sensed danger; this woman clearly meant ill. Yet I kept my expression calm and feigned ignorance. “Liu Changzai must be joking. How could I have had such opportunities? These are merely small gifts from Concubine Xiao to cheer me up.”

“Small gifts?” Liu Changzai sneered, pointing toward my bed. Her tone turned harsh. “Do you take me for a fool? What are you hiding under your bed? Bring it out!” The maids behind her echoed her, each pointing accusingly as if I were a thief.

I feigned panic and took a step back. “This… these are truly gifts from Concubine Xiao…”

“Nonsense!” Liu Changzai cut me off sharply, her eyes filled with malice. “These jewels clearly belong to me! They bear my special marks. Dare you say you didn’t steal them?”

I scoffed inwardly. Marks? What marks? Probably something she made up herself!

Just as I was about to retort, the maids began whispering among themselves, casting suspicious and contemptuous glances my way.

“I always thought she was sneaky; no wonder she actually stole something!”

“Exactly, who does she think she is, stealing from Changzai? She must have a death wish!”

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. Panic would only expose me.

Looking Liu Changzai in the eye, I spoke deliberately: “Liu Changzai, these jewels were indeed gifts from Concubine Xiao. If you doubt me, you can ask her yourself. I have nothing to hide.”

“Hmph, do you think I’d believe your lies?” Liu Changzai sneered, her eyes flashing dangerously. “Why would Concubine Xiao bestow so many jewels on you? You’re clearly lying!” She paused, then barked at the maids behind her, “Search her!”

Instinctively, I tried to shield my bed, but two maids shoved me to the ground with force.

“You—” I barely got the word out before hitting the floor hard, wincing in pain.

As those lackeys prepared to lift my quilt, my heart was in my throat! If they found anything, I wouldn’t be able to clear my name even by jumping into the river!

I needed a plan, and fast.

At that critical moment, a clear voice rang out from the doorway: “Stop!”

I looked up to see none other than my young protector, He Yunsheng!

Why was he here? He was my savior!

He strode over, helped me to my feet, and asked with concern, “Sister Wan’er, are you alright?”

I shook my head, but inside I was bursting with joy. This was a divine intervention!

He turned to Liu Changzai, his expression resolute and righteous. “Liu Changzai, what do you think you’re doing? Why are you troubling Sister Wan’er?”

Liu Changzai’s face immediately darkened, uglier than if she’d swallowed a fly.

She stammered, “I—I only suspected she stole my things…”

“Suspected?” He Yunsheng sneered. “I personally witnessed Concubine Xiao gifting these jewels to Sister Wan’er. How dare you slander her as a thief? I think you’ve outstayed your welcome in the palace!”

Being a young prince with high status, He Yunsheng’s words instantly deflated Liu Changzai’s arrogance. She glared at me fiercely before retreating with her entourage in disgrace.

I looked gratefully at He Yunsheng. This young man was surprisingly reliable when it mattered!

He blushed slightly, lowering his head and murmuring, “Sister Wan’er, I’m glad you’re alright…”

Watching him, a strange feeling stirred within me.

How to describe it? It was like a proud mother admiring her son’s success.

No, not quite that either…

I shook my head to clear these tangled thoughts. This was no time for distractions—I had to figure out how to safeguard my treasures!

Liu Changzai was only the beginning; who knew who would come after me next?

So many envied me in this palace!

Clearly, I needed a safer hiding place for my jewels…

Just then, a sharp voice interrupted: “Lu Wan’er, there’s a banquet in the palace tonight. You’re to help with preparations…”

My heart sank. This was hardly a good sign.

Instinctively, I clenched a small gold ingot hidden in my sleeve, cold sweat breaking out on my palm.