Hours slipped by. After a period of quiet self-preparation, Yu Xiao rose gracefully, her fingers brushing through the long hair cascading over her shoulder. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror Han-Yun had gifted her, her eyes soft and contemplative.
Behind her, the maidservant moved with gentle precision, smoothing the flowing sleeves of Yu Xiao's purple hanfu. Her hair was swept up beneath a simple headdress, every lock in its place, and the faintest touch of makeup lent her a luminous glow. In that moment, she seemed ethereal—like a fairy stepped out of legend, her beauty striking yet serene.
"You're so beautiful, Your Highness," murmured the maidservant, her genuine smile lighting her face as she stepped back to admire her work.
A faint blush colored Yu Xiao's cheeks. She lowered her gaze, lips pressed together in shy embarrassment.
"You shouldn't say that," she whispered, her voice quiet and hesitant, still unable to meet the maidservant's eyes.
The maidservant gently took Yu Xiao's arms, her own eyes full of quiet sincerity. "If you stay here for a while, we'll make sure to care for you like this every day," she said softly. "Some guests visit and receive the same attention, but if they aren't pleased, we end up being scolded." Her words grew hushed, and Yu Xiao's expression softened with concern.
Moved, Yu Xiao turned and squeezed the maidservant's hand in reassurance.
"Who would scold you? Why would anyone do that?" she asked, tilting her head in genuine disbelief. "Your service is truly wonderful—I mean it."
After a moment, the maidservant smiled reassuringly. "Please don't worry, Your Highness. Being scolded is simply part of our duty. We can't blame the guests if they're not satisfied with our service," she said, her tone calm and accepting.
A faint, appreciative smile touched Yu Xiao's lips. She remained silent, but gave a small, grateful nod.
"My task is finished, so I'll take my leave now. Thank you for your appreciation, Your Highness." The maidservant bowed deeply and slipped quietly from the room.
Yu Xiao watched her go, then summoned her spatial ring and carefully placed the mirror inside. She absently rubbed her palm, her expression shifting to one of quiet concern as thoughtful silence settled over her.
Even in this cultivation world, there's such a thing as office politics. If a client isn't happy with your service, you can get a bad review—officially, at that. But her service is excellent. Why would anyone treat her so harshly? It feels so unfair—almost like manipulation. Poor thing. Some things really are the same everywhere.
Her mind went blank. The silence was shattered a moment later as Han-Yun burst into the chamber, his footsteps echoing sharply against the floor.
"My—" Han-Yun froze at the sight of Yu Xiao. His gaze locked onto her, his eyes wide and his lips parted in astonishment as he took in her appearance from head to toe.
Yu Xiao narrowed her eyes, striding toward him with perfect poise. She snapped her fingers in front of his face, jolting him from his reverie.
"Do I look like a ghost to you?" she asked, chin lifted in challenge.
Han-Yun blinked several times, then stepped back, quickly bowing in greeting to cover his embarrassment.
"I've come to remind you again, My Lady. Palace Lord Xue is still waiting for you. You may proceed to meet him now." He straightened, offering a tentative smile.
Yu Xiao cast her gaze downward and exited the chamber without a word. Han-Yun fell into step beside her, following her in silence as they wound their way through the palace corridors.
When they reached the main hall, Palace Lord Xue was seated in the distance, leisurely sipping tea, his hand thoughtfully stroking his white beard.
Han-Qing stood nearby, his gaze steady on Yu Xiao and Han-Yun as they entered.
When they reached the dais, Yu Xiao lifted her hands with practiced grace and offered a respectful bow.
"Forgive me for making you wait, Palace Lord Xue," she said gently.
Han-Qing watched her, wordless, his eyes full of quiet wonder.
Palace Lord Xue turned to her after a thoughtful sip of tea. "How was the maidservant's assistance? I worried you might not be pleased," he said, his tone calm and eyes attentive. He sipped again, then set the cup aside.
Yu Xiao's lips curved into a soft, graceful smile. She nodded. "They did more than please me—they were exceptional," she replied, calm confidence beneath her words.
"Hm..." He studied her for a moment. "Judging by your appearance, I can see that's true."
After a brief silence, Palace Lord Xue addressed the twins.
"I'd like to speak privately with your Master. May I ask you to leave us for now?" The twins nodded and withdrew immediately, bowing as they left the hall.
When the main hall was empty once more, Palace Lord Xue gestured for Yu Xiao to sit. She accepted, taking the seat across from him without hesitation.
"Have some tea—it's good for your health and will help calm your mind," Palace Lord Xue said, pouring tea into a waiting cup and offering it to her.
"Thank you, Palace Lord Xue," she said politely, lifting the cup in gratitude before taking a delicate sip.
Setting the cup down, she fixed her gaze on the table before her—composed in appearance, yet with an undercurrent of emotional turmoil flickering in her eyes.
Palace Lord Xue, ever observant, sensed the subtle unrest beneath her composed exterior.
Her awareness returned as he gently slid a freshly filled teacup toward her, the aroma grounding her in the moment.
She blinked, her tired eyes resting on him. A faint smile touched Palace Lord Xue's lips as he observed the quiet aura surrounding her.
"I'm just wondering—how does a Lunar Aether Wisp or an Aetherial Essence Orb absorb you?" Palace Lord Xue's voice was low and serious. At his words, Yu Xiao immediately looked up, meeting his gaze.
Her mind drifted as his words echoed in the quiet hall.
Lunar Aether Wisp? Aetherial Essence Orb? The terms sounded familiar, yet distant—what could he possibly mean?
Palace Lord Xue's gaze remained steady. "Last time I asked who you were, you explained, but your words were shrouded in mystery. Where do such phrases come from? After witnessing the phenomenon last night, I must conclude you possess a celestial affinity. You entered my manor, and yet you still conceal your true identity. Why?"
Yu Xiao was stunned. A cold shiver traced her spine, doubt and shock tangling inside her.
Phenomenon last night? No way... Is he saying he saw me in the courtyard? He's terrifying. All this time, I thought I was moving unnoticed—yet someone watched in silence.
Did Xue Wuya see what happened, too? If so, just how much did he witness—and what does he truly know about me?
After a brief moment, Yu Xiao composed herself. Beneath the table, her hands fidgeted restlessly, rubbing together as she struggled to maintain her calm in the midst of the mounting tension.
"Palace Lord Xue, I can't help it—I'm confused as well. Truly, I am," she said, lowering her gaze. "As for what you mentioned earlier, those things aren't familiar to me. But since you've brought them up, there's something I'd like to ask you, too."
At that, Palace Lord Xue turned his seat to face her directly.
"Speak," he said, his tone calm but expectant.
"During my visit to your courtyard last night, an unusual event occurred—one which, you claim, you witnessed. May I ask why such things were drawn to me? Why did they become absorbed into my body, and yet leave me unharmed? What is the meaning behind this?"
Palace Lord Xue paused mid-sip, his eyes never leaving Yu Xiao. He set his teacup down with deliberate care, his gaze settling on her.
"The Lunar Aether Wisp, also known as an Aetherial Essence Orb, is a rare treasure. Among commoners, it is called the Moonwoven Spirit. In times past, these wisps thrived on the spiritual energy preserved in the Southern Domain. What sets those trees apart is their ability to recognize and bond with their caretaker. Beyond that, such spiritual wisps are exceedingly rare—they reveal themselves only to those they choose."
His explanation was brief, but Yu Xiao listened intently, hope flickering in her eyes as she yearned to uncover the truth behind his words.
"Only to those they choose? But I know myself—I never touched them, not even once. This is the first time I've ever seen such mysterious trees. After what happened last night, I'm completely baffled. Why would those wisps come to me? It must be a mistake—surely, that's all it is."
"I wonder too," Palace Lord Xue replied, his gaze deep yet tinged with doubt. "The fact that the Aetherbloom trees bestowed such a profound gift upon you means you are far from ordinary. They recognize you in a way they have never recognized anyone else. I have lived for millennia, nurturing these trees from the pearl bone gifted to me by the former Southern Domain Sovereign. My ancestors and I have tended them with utmost care, yet I have never once been chosen to receive their spiritual wisps."
For a moment, the atmosphere shifted; sadness flickered across Yu Xiao's face. It felt as if she had taken someone else's treasure—something that was never meant for her. Her gaze lingered on Palace Lord Xue, who continued to sip his tea in silence.
She lowered her head, her thumb unconsciously brushing over her fingers. After a moment, she managed a faint, tentative smile and gathered the courage to speak.
"Palace Lord Xue," she began, her voice soft and gentle. The Palace Lord paused mid-sip, his gaze flicking to Yu Xiao.
"Forgive me for all of this. None of these occurrences is familiar to me, and I never meant to take something that wasn't mine. I don't even possess a spiritual vein to return what I've accidentally taken from you."
Guilt tightened her voice.
"You scanned me recently, didn't you? I can only say that everything that happened was unintentional. I had no desire to cause trouble. If you believe I deserve punishment for my intrusion, I will accept it. Please, forgive me."