Chapter 30

The lakeside at the palace was filled with anxious residents, their faces painted with apprehension and curiosity. The previous night, they had witnessed the sudden descent of an overwhelming darkness unlike anything they had ever seen before. Most of the palace residents had never ventured beyond the palace walls, knowing only the sheltered life within its confines. Thus, when darkness enveloped them, it felt as though they had been cast into the depths of an infernal abyss.

As they stood by the lake, a stark realization washed over them—the bridge had vanished, leaving the lake exposed like any other body of water. That was the source of the light that had overwhelmed the darkness of the night over generations. This perplexed them, for they knew the bridge to be immovable, how then has it vanished? A question that plagued their thoughts.

This unforeseen event brought a great catastrophe to the palace. In a frenzy, they scurried about, desperately trying to unravel the mystery of what had transpired. Only if they knew it at the time, a young woman and a little boy had visited the bridge the previous night, before its disappearance.

Whispers circulated among the crowd as they continued to congregate around the lake, the epicenter of the mysterious phenomenon. Old men and women, children, and palace dignitaries—all expressed their fears and conjectures. Was it an omen? A curse? Or perhaps the work of a malevolent force?

One elderly man, leaning heavily on his cane, voiced what many were thinking. "In all my years, I've never seen such darkness. It was as if the stars themselves had been snuffed out."

A mother clutched her child close, her voice trembling. "My son cried all night. He said there were monsters in the darkness. And who could blame him? I felt them too."

Hidden distant away from the murmuring crowd, Meiling stood, her eyes scanning the worried faces around her. Beside her was Da Zihan, who looked at the crowd with a mix of guilt. He knew what had caused the darkness—the rainbow and the changes within his spiritual bead. However, explaining this to the scared residents was impossible without revealing secrets he was not ready to share.

Standing on a small elevation by the lake, the chancellor raised his hands, trying to command silence. "Everyone, please calm down. I assure you, we are investigating the cause of last night's events. There is no immediate danger to any of you."

Da Xia stepped forward with a heavyweight in her heart, her voice weak but still steady and firm. "What happened last night was extraordinary, but we must not let fear rule our hearts. Trust that measures are being taken to understand and protect us from any potential threats."

Several palace officials nodded in agreement, attempting to quell the rising panic. But the residents' fear was palpable, the memory of the inky darkness still fresh in their minds.

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Liling and Jiao embarked on a short journey, riding their magnificent horses swiftly towards the enchanting eastern palace. With each galloping stride, they could feel the anticipation building within them, knowing that their destination held the residence of Da Xia, where they could find their purpose of visit. As they reached the stately abode, the guards, clad in their regal attire, welcomed them with reverence, guiding them through the labyrinthine alleys and passages that seemed to be constructed with the utmost precision, using only the finest bricks and stones.

The news of Liling's arrival reached Da Xia, as the esteemed first wife of Zhou Mo; the former emperor, she couldn't help but feel a sense of perplexity. Her paths had never crossed intimately with this woman, Liling was a last wife, which created an inherent disparity between them. They were two remarkable women, each with their own allure, yet they had never found themselves drawn to each other. Da Xia's mind swirled with curiosity and intrigue as she settled into an ample chair in the exquisitely designed lobby of her opulent apartment.

In no time, Da Xia's trusted maid, Suwon; the other maid that always stayed by Da Xia's side along with Meiling, brought Liling and Jiao into the presence of their hostess. With a graceful bow, the maid excused herself, acknowledging her place and understanding that she had no right to remain in such esteemed company. Da Xia's eyes couldn't help but be captivated by the ethereal beauty that Liling emanated as she walked in. A twinge of jealousy stirred within Da Xia, though she herself was a vision of captivating charm. Liling possessed an elusive quality, an undeniable youthfulness that seemed to transcend time, igniting a fire of longing within Da Xia. For a fleeting moment, she felt an insatiable desire to unveil the secret behind Liling's fervent allure, but she quickly composed herself, maintaining her regal composure.

With a gesture as delicate as a swan's dance, Da Xia invited her guests to take their seats. Liling's eyes scanned the room, her gaze finally settling on the seat opposite Da Xia's, as she gracefully made her way to her chosen spot, while Jiao settled beside her, a loyal companion and confidante. Da Xia's smile, casual yet enchanting, revealed a perfect set of mesmerizing white teeth.

"In all my imaginings, I could never have fathomed a visitor from the western palace gracing my humble residence. Pray, tell me, is there a matter of great importance that has brought you here?" Da Xia inquired, her voice carrying a melodic tone that resonated through the room. As she spoke, her hands moved gracefully, pouring tea into delicate cups placed on the table before them.

Liling met Da Xia's gaze with unwavering determination, her words spoken with a sincerity that touched the depths of her soul. "I have traveled this great distance to see the little emperor, for I have heard that he resides within these walls," she revealed, her intention laid bare.

Da Xia's hand momentarily paused mid-air, the teapot suspended in motion, as her expression shifted to one of seriousness. "You speak of my son?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Liling nodded, her eyes brimming with unwavering determination. "Indeed, I seek an audience with the little emperor," she affirmed.

Curiosity danced in Da Xia's eyes as she probed further, her tone laced with a hint of uncertainty. "Pray tell, why do you wish to see him? If there is a matter of great importance that requires his attention, I, as his mother and regent, am the ideal person to handle such affairs. As you are well aware, I preside over the court matters on his behalf, given his tender age."

"I am well aware of your role, Your Highness. It is not court matters that bring me here, but rather a deep-seated desire to see the young emperor since his coronation months ago. I've felt remorseful about my behaviour and have tried to schedule a visit to apologize, but the timing never seemed right. Now that I'm here, I hope Her Highness won't deny me the opportunity to meet him." Liling's voice carried a weight of sincerity and remorse as she explained, her face filled with sympathy, attempting to sound more convincing and downplay any suspicions, as she knew her excuse was transparent and she didn't want to arouse Da Xia's skepticism about her true intentions for visiting.

Liling's face was etched with a sympathetic expression. Da Xia regarded her with a calculating gaze, seeming to weigh her options. "Hm," she murmured, before nodding curtly. "Very well, I'll instruct my maid to escort you to him."

Liling's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, thank you so much!" she exclaimed, attempting to appear more pitiful. Da Xia's expression turned stern. "No need to thank me, just ensure you conduct yourself appropriately this time around." Jioa's mouth twitched with disdain as she watched the exchange, clearly unimpressed by Liling's display.

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Da Zihan's residence still stood on the edge of decay, the surrounding structures wore a layer of black chars and old bricks, the wall patterns a testament to their age. Liling's face furrowed in disapproval, surprised that a child was left to reside in such a desolate environment. Though she was only here for a brief visit, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dismay. She and Jiao exchanged a stern glance, their disbelief in the state of the surroundings evident.

"Does the young emperor reside here? Why is it so desolate and no guards stationed for proper security? Does his safety and convenience not matter?" Liling asked.

Suwon, noticing their reaction, awkwardly replied, "The young emperor preferred a secluded location, and my mistress thought this place suited his interests. He is also not alone as he had always been attended and protected by my master's other personal servant, she has always being with him." Her words were laced with a hint of deception, attempting to cover for Da Xia's neglegence. Liling paid little heed to Suwon's explanation, following her along with Jiao until they reached a partially restored building, likely the young emperor's residence. Liling sighed.

As Suwon led the two visitors, Liling and Jiao, through the spacious alley connecting to the courtyard, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unfamiliarity. Her master had entrusted Meiling with the sole responsibility of overseeing Da Zihan's care, and Suwon's presence was a rare occurrence. She halted at the entrance, her duty fulfilled, and Meiling emerged from her room, her timing impeccable.

Suwon briefed Meiling on the purpose of their visit, and with a nod, Meiling took charge, escorting the visitors inside as Suwon departed. Da Zihan, engrossed in meditation within his room, was startled by a knock on the door. Recognizing Meiling's presence, he granted permission to enter, assuming she required something. Meiling's expression hinted at annoyance as she partially opened the door, her voice laced with a sharp tone. "You value your privacy, and I shall respect that by admitting your visitors."

Da Zihan comprehended her words, aware of a visitor's presence, though their identity he could not discern. As he descended from his bed, Liling's voice resonated from outside, "I shall speak with him inside his room." Meiling's gaze flickered, her thoughts questioning the intrusion into Da Zihan's private space. Before she could articulate her concerns, Liling had already entered and closed the door behind her, leaving Meiling and Jiao outside. Jiao's shrug reflected her own uncertainty, and Meiling's eyes lingered on the closed door, her thoughts consumed by the unexpected turn of events.