Battle of Palaces

"Right!?... wouldn't it be better if I was a Concubine"..Ru Lingyi replied completely oblivious of the fact that she was no longer alone

"Yes, it will be much better".. The same voice replied again.

Ru Lingyi reluctantly continued.."I know but--" she paused immediately, it was then it dawned on her that this was no longer a monologue but rather a dialogue between between she and an unknown person who happened be standing behind her.

She blinked twice, rolled her eyeballs to the right and left, then immediately let go of her waist and index finger that has been on her lips all these while .

Curious and afraid, Ru Lingyi slowly turned around only to find a tall male figure dressed in a dashing apparel that looked like be a uniform or an official wear but he neither looked like an imperial guard or an imperial physician.

Surprised by her eyes, Ru Lingyi couldn't help but glance through this figure in front of her from head to toe in an attempt to guess who he might or might not be . Meanwhile, the mystery man was not all that indifferent, he didn't move a muscle talk more of an inch and just stood still with both hands behind his back, face without any expression and indulged Ru Lingyi in what looked like a staring contest, waiting for her to finish the investigations she was carrying out with her eyes and for her to finally ask the question 'Who Are You'.

However, lots of silly thoughts and mixed feelings were already going through Ru Lingyi's mind as they continued this staring competition, the only difference was that this man was calm while Ru Lingyi was rather afraid and surprised, which from her look you could tell.

"..is he one of that angry concubine's men?..or just an Eunuch? , Or the Emperor!?..oh no he can't be, how stupid can I be again, the emperor walks with tons of entourage"...these were the thoughts running wild in Ru Lingyi's mind.

And then all of a sudden her eyes and mouth went wide open as if she saw a ghost.."He must be an assassin like in the movies...she thought. "Haaaaaaaaa!!!...she screamed waving both hands up in the air which caused the man before her to shout even before he could realize. Ru Lingyi immediately ran with her wooden bowl like someone mad chased by a grim reaper.

Upon getting to Chengqian gate Ru Lingyi halted, panting for air,dragging her feet on the ground as she tried crossing the gate while supporting herself with the walls .

Successfully inside the walls of Chengqian palace, Ru Lingyi then thought of going back to check if the mystery assassin man chased after her to Chengqian palace . Slowly, she cautiously approached the gate again, her body trembling as she peered through the narrow opening, straining to see if the supposed mysterious assassin had pursued her. Her eyes darted back and forth, searching the shadows for any sign of movement.

Surprisingly, she didn't see any ,but all of a sudden without warning, a forceful kick struck her from behind, sending Ru Lingyi sprawling straight onto the ground . Ru Lingyi immediately let out a shrill scream, "Do not kill me please!" with her voice echoing through the corridor, filled with desperation and fear.

As Ru Lingyi lay there, consumed by fear with her eyes tightly closed in terror ,she then decided to finally open them but only for Ru Lingyi to look up and see Wanying, standing over her, hands on her hips and eyes blazing with anger.

Wanying usually composed demeanor was replaced by a rare display of fury, her brows furrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line. The anger in Wanying's eyes was unmistakable, fueled not just by Ru Lingyi's sudden and unexplained disappearance, but by a deep-seated disdain which was clear to Ru Lingyi.

Ru Lingyi struggled to her feet, although relieved that it was not the supposed assassin, yet her voice was shaking as she tried to explain her self and whereabout "I...I was being chased by an assassin. I had to run to save myself."

A'rou's expression did not soften instead, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "An assassin, in forbidden city?" she scoffed.

"What nonsense are you spouting now, Ru Lingyi? Do you think I'm foolish enough to believe your tales?"

Ru Lingyi's heart sank not like she expects Wanying to believe her but at least give her the benefit of doubt.

"It's the truth, Wanying jie jie. I swear it."..Ru Lingyi pleaded.

Wanying stepped closer, her voice low and cutting. "You lowly wench, You're nothing but trouble since you arrived Chengqian Palace, always causing chaos wherever you go. If you think you can cover your incompetence with such ridiculous stories, you are sorely mistaken."

Ru Lingyi's eyes filled with tears, but she stood her ground. "I'm not lying. Please, you must believe me."

Wanying let out a derisive laugh. "Believe you? Why should I? ...now listen to me, your actions have consequences, and your disappearance caused niang niang great concern. Do not think you can evade responsibility with your far-fetched tales?"

Ru Lingyi nodded, still trembling from her ordeal. "I'm sorry, Wanying jie jie...I was so scared. I didn't know what else to do."

"You didn't know what else to do".. Wanying scoffed

"Who knows if you went to see your secret lover and you are back trying to cook up this cock and bull story of yours"... Wanying sighed, her anger giving way to cold disdain.

"Let's get you inside, but mark my words Ru Lingyi .. Wanying turned to face Ru Lingyi how was trailing behind like a guilty prisoner.

"I will be watching you closely. One more misstep, and there will be no more forgiveness.. not even Xian fei niang niang can..." Wanying paused.

"Wait.. Wanying suddenly remembered that Ru Lingyi has not delivered the milk. She looked at Ru Lingyi closely and discovered the wooden bowl still empty and dry.

"Where is the milk?" Wanying asked with arising anger looking straight into Ru Lingyi's eyes.

"I..could ...I -I did not" Ru Lingyi stammered in search of the best word to say.

"Ru Lingyi..Ru Lingyi, speak !..where is the milk?"...at this moment, Wanying's patient has worn out.

Ru Lingyi then decided to tell the truth and await her punishment..."Wanying jie jie, this was what happened, I was searching for the imperial household department when I mistakenly...no" I should say the concubine bumped into me" Lingyi thought...

"..when a Concubine mistakenly bumped into me and punished me to kneel down until dawn before the assassin started chasing me".. Ru Lingyi concluded nervously biting her lower lip knowing well that what she just said made no sense.

Utterly disappointed, Wanying's expression hardened as she listened to the implausible story. After a moment of silence, she spoke in a stern and disbelieving tone.

"Ru Lingyi," Wanying began, "such tales are beyond belief. You expect me to accept that a concubine punished you, then an assassin started chasing after you? Your excuses are becoming more outlandish by the day."

Ru Lingyi's heart sank further at Wanying's harsh words. She knew her credibility with Wanying was already fragile, and her feeble explanation only made matters worse.

"I...I swear it's the truth, Wanying," Ru Lingyi pleaded, her voice wavering. "I was truly in danger."

Wanying's expression remained unyielding. "Enough," she snapped. "Your theatrics won't fool anyone here, definitely not me, go to your quarters and reflect on your mistake " Wanying Concluded.

Ru Lingyi nodded silently, fighting back tears of frustration and shame. She turned away without another word, feeling the weight of Wanying's disapproval heavy on her shoulders.

As Ru Lingyi hurried off, Wanying watched her with a mix of irritation and suspicion. She knew there was more to this story than what she just heard. She sighed and turned to go tend to her mistress.