The old eunuch replied in a hushed tone, "You don't understand. The Imperial Consort Jones is showcasing the Emperor's affection for her."
"So this medicine is also a test for the Emperor?" the young eunuch asked.
The old eunuch smirked. "Of course."
"Her headaches have long been cured, and she pours the medicine away without even looking at it."
"The Imperial Consort Jones is too..."
The old eunuch tapped the young eunuch's hat. "Don't speak ill of her Highness."
The mooncakes had turned cold and greasy, making them nauseating to eat.
I returned home alone, trying to act normal.
But as soon as I reached our little shack, I vomited a mouthful of fresh blood, tears streaming down my face.
I curled up on the floor, gasping for air.
Is human life really so worthless?
But what about Her Highness' life?
At the empress' birthday banquet, Imperial Consort Jones stole the show.
She had been carried into the Eternal Joy Palace by the emperor himself that day.
After ten consecutive days of his favor, she made the other palace ladies green with envy.
During the hour of six, Imperial Consort Jones pointed to a small dish in the center and playfully said, "My dear emperor, the wolfberry and glutinous rice cake you adore was made early this morning under my watchful eye in the kitchen."
The emperor squinted his eyes and affectionately grasped her hand, saying, "Rosalyn, you've really outdone yourself."
I quietly entered, lighting the freshly prepared incense for the garments Imperial Consort Jones would wear in the coming days.
Then, I stood outside with my head bowed.
"It smells divine."
The emperor buried his face in Imperial Consort Jones' shoulder, taking a deep whiff. "Rosalyn, you smell absolutely heavenly."
Imperial Consort Jones beamed, replying, "Then Your Majesty must visit more often."
I stood outside, poker-faced, listening to their flirtatious banter inside.
In just ten days, I had become a favored presence beside Imperial Consort Jones, and everyone called me "Ms. Yuna."
However, this did not guarantee my safety forever.
As the emperor left, he casually glanced at me and then smiled at Imperial Consort Jones, saying, "Rosalyn is a beauty, and your maid is quite fetching too, especially her eyes, which somewhat resemble yours."
A chill ran down my spine as I met Imperial Consort Jones' shadowy gaze.
She had a domineering personality and an intense possessiveness over the emperor.