Chapter 16: Reluctant to Engage with That Young Eunuch

Chapter 16: Unwilling to Entertain That Little Eunuch

The words were spoken politely, the demeanor respectful, yet beneath this facade lay a firm, unyielding attitude that brooked no refusal.

This man was the emperor’s most favored confidant, even the Empress Dowager treated him with deference. Ye Wanwan, merely a concubine relying on the Empress Dowager’s influence, was hardly worth his notice.

Yet Ye Wanwan would not allow him to manipulate her.

Tilting her head slightly, she smiled faintly, appearing harmless. “Eunuch Yuan, I am truly moved by your concern for me. However, in the end, you have no proof he is guilty; it is only your suspicion.”

Ye Wanwan met Yuan De’s sharp gaze unwaveringly, showing no hint of weakness.

She rose slowly; though petite, her presence grew imposing with this simple motion.

“I cannot interfere if you have personal grudges against him, but he is under my care here in Guan Ju Palace. What I say goes.”

Yuan pursed his lips, his expression sour. “He’s just a mere servant. Is he worth the Noble Consort’s ire?”

Ye Wanwan glanced coldly at him. “A mere servant is indeed unworthy, but my dignity cannot be trampled upon.”

Having spoken so plainly, what more could Yuan say? He might disdain Ye Wanwan, but he could not deny she was the mistress and he a servant.

“If the Noble Consort insists on protecting this servant, I dare not oppose you. For your sake, I will let this matter drop. But I must warn you—do not nurture a tiger and invite disaster.”

With that, he flicked his whisk and bowed, “Your servant takes his leave.”

Yuan's departure did not mean the matter was settled.

Ordinary people held grudges; these twisted eunuchs all the more so. Yuan De’s high status commanded respect in the palace. Being openly rebuked by Ye Wanwan was intolerable to him.

Though he dared not defy her openly, he would find ways to retaliate privately. Serving close to Emperor Yang, a few words from him could bring Ye Wanwan great trouble.

Aunt Lin frowned. “Your Highness, offending Eunuch Yuan will surely bring difficulties in the future.”

“Let them come,” Ye Wanwan said defiantly. “I do not rely on him for my livelihood.” She welcomed the challenge; any trouble against her was trouble against the Empress Dowager. When the conflict erupted, she was curious whether Zhao Yi would side with this eunuch or with his own mother.

Aunt Lin had not expected Yuan De to be involved. Had she known earlier, she would have tried to intervene.

Ye Wanwan read her thoughts. “It is what it is. Aunt Lin, do not overthink. I have few trustworthy people around me. If you have the time, cultivate loyal hands. In this palace of deceit and betrayal, prevention is always better.”

Aunt Lin nodded repeatedly. “I was negligent. I will begin selecting candidates tomorrow.”

Ye Wanwan wished Aunt Lin would use this chance to weed out certain individuals, but considering their connections, it was not yet the time.

Nothing escaped notice in the palace, especially a matter serious enough for Yuan De to act. Soon the entire harem knew, and word reached Zhao Yi’s ears.

He was furious to hear Noble Consort Ye had allowed a servant to be harmed and demanded a thorough investigation with no mercy. Only after Yuan De’s repeated intercession did Emperor Yang relent, but still sent a warning to Ye Wanwan and ordered a three-month confinement. Yan Chen, for assaulting a servant, was punished with twenty strokes.

“Is there nothing else?” Ye Wanwan grumbled. “Confinement again.”

Month after month, it seemed they intended to keep her locked away until the new year.

The prospect sapped her spirits. That night she barely ate, and the next day she was listless, even the delicacies outside the palace failing to tempt her.

After writing for a while, she lost all energy, propping her head on the table and dozing.

Suddenly, a gentle fragrance wafted to her nose—jasmine.

Raising her eyes, she scanned the room and saw a pot of blooming jasmine on the windowsill by the breeze. No doubt, it was a gift.

Her gaze shifted toward the palace door, catching only the hem of a dark blue robe. The only eunuch allowed to stand at her door was that very one—already recovered from twenty strokes so quickly?

Noble Consort Ye was in no mood to acknowledge that little eunuch.

The two seemed locked in this silent standoff. Yet the flowers by the window appeared daily without fail.

Jasmine, Yingtang, Purple Chrysanthemum, Peony, Osmanthus, Lotus, Jade Tea.

Each day brought a different bloom, all in full, radiant splendor, each glance more stunning than the last.

Though still displeased, Ye Wanwan could not help but wonder how he managed to cultivate such flowers blooming in this season.

But her mood was sour, and her curiosity shallow; she would not be placated by a few pots of flowers.

(End of Chapter)