Chapter 6: Summoned

Chapter 6: An Audience

The door swung open from the outside, letting in a blast of heat.

Sun Ren looked up angrily and saw Dan Ying, the chief maid serving the Empress, standing coldly at the doorway.

His expression changed abruptly, his rage vanishing instantly as cold sweat beaded on his forehead. "Auntie Dan Ying, with your busy schedule, you could have just sent someone with your orders. Why trouble yourself to come in person?"

Dan Ying glanced at Wu Wenxiu lying on the floor and let out a cold laugh. "If I hadn’t come myself, how would I have known that you, Sun Ren, would be so audacious as to harm someone Her Majesty has asked for?"

Sun Ren’s face turned deathly pale. He dropped to his knees with a thud. "This lowly one deserves death! I truly had no idea that Miss Wenxiu was someone the Empress wanted. Had I known, even a hundred guts wouldn’t have been enough for me to dare mistreat her!"

Dan Ying ignored him completely and walked straight to Wu Wenxiu, helping her up. "Sister Wenxiu, are you alright?"

Seeing Dan Ying suddenly appear, Wu Wenxiu could hardly believe it. Was the Empress… really summoning her? The hatred in her heart instantly turned into wild joy.

She gripped Dan Ying’s hand tightly, tears welling in her eyes, though a faint smile touched her lips. "Sister Dan Ying, I knew you wouldn’t forget me."

Just as Dan Ying was about to speak, she noticed Wu Wenxiu’s fingers were bleeding, her nails cracked. She quickly took her hand, pulled out a handkerchief, and gently wrapped the injured fingers. "It's my fault for being late, making you suffer, sister." Her voice was full of guilt and tenderness.

Wu Wenxiu shook her head. "It’s not your fault. It’s Sun Ren—he’s despicable. He beat me because I refused to write a poem for him."

"So that’s how it is. Then he truly deserves to die. Come, let’s go see Her Majesty first. We’ll settle accounts with him later."

Dan Ying led Wu Wenxiu out. Outside, the young eunuch was already terrified, kneeling on the scorching stone bricks, forehead pressed to the ground, not daring to move a muscle.

Hearing the words "settle accounts," Sun Ren immediately recalled the Empress’s ruthless methods. His vision went black, and he fainted on the spot.

A short while later, he was awakened by sobbing cries of "Godfather." Opening his eyes, he saw his rootless godson clutching his arm, shaking him, tears and snot covering his face.

Sun Ren grabbed him and asked in a trembling voice, "That Stable Official who was whipped by the Empress—what happened to him afterwards?"

The young eunuch paused before answering, "He died that very night."

A chill ran down Sun Ren’s spine, his head buzzing loudly. He nearly fainted again.

Trembling, he struggled to his feet. "Quick, help me to the Empress’s palace. I must go personally to beg for forgiveness."

The young eunuch immediately supported him, and they walked out.

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the Empress’s palace, though, of course, they couldn’t enter.

Sun Ren took off his outer robe, baring his upper body, and knelt on the long street in front of the palace gate. Under the blazing sun, he grew dizzy, his legs shaking uncontrollably, but he could only grit his teeth and endure.

————

Wu Wenxiu followed Dan Ying through the dappled sunlight of the corridor and arrived at the main hall.

The thought of soon seeing Empress Chi in person—this woman who single-handedly manipulated court politics, this woman who could change her destiny—filled her with excitement.

She took deep breaths, barely managing to calm herself.

Entering the hall, she felt a cool breeze. Fine white mist drifted from a crystal-clear ice mountain, instantly dispelling the heat from her body.

The room was filled with people, yet not a sound could be heard. The only thing audible was Dan Ying’s voice as she announced, "Your Majesty, Miss Wenxiu is here."

Wu Wenxiu bowed her head even lower. From the corner of her eye, she could only see the hem of dark, sky-colored robes on the elevated seat.

She immediately prostrated herself, pressing her forehead to the floor. "Your maid, Wu Wenxiu, pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress."

Chi Jing was slightly surprised to see Wu Wenxiu performing such a deep bow. In a gentle tone, she said, "Rise. A seat for her."

Dan Ying brought a stool and let Wu Wenxiu sit. Wu Wenxiu thanked her and perched on the edge of the stool, then lowered her eyes and waited quietly for the inquiry.

Chi Jing had been busy dealing with that old fool, the Emperor. Had Dan Ying not reminded her, she would have truly forgotten about this matter.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, studying Wu Wenxiu. On the surface, she seemed like a meek, timid young girl, yet her poetry was nothing like that—on the contrary, it was untamed and sharp.

Chi Jing spoke softly, "Your poetry is indeed impressive, brilliantly composed. I happen to need someone knowledgeable by my side. However, rather than testing your scholarship, I’d prefer to know—"

She paused, then continued, her voice suddenly turning cold, "Wu Wenxiu, what is it that you want?"

Wu Wenxiu looked up, meeting Chi Jing’s gaze directly. In that instant, she felt the dangerous sensation of being targeted by a hunter, her heart racing.

It took her a moment to collect herself and calmly consider how to answer this question.

What did she want?

She was confident in her literary talent and wanted to showcase her abilities, not bury herself in the palace and live a wretched life. She had grand ambitions; she wanted to wield her brush like a blade, not fade into obscurity, forgotten by history.

But the key wasn’t what she wanted—it was what Empress Chi wanted to hear.

Perhaps the correct answer was to serve Her Majesty wholeheartedly, with unwavering loyalty.

But that wasn’t her true intention.

Wu Wenxiu looked directly at Chi Jing, her dark eyes resolute. "I want power."

Chi Jing smiled. "Power? If you wanted to be a talented woman, you should pretend to be indifferent to fame and fortune. After all, a woman who desires power will be condemned by all."

Wu Wenxiu shed her earlier meek demeanor and said firmly, "If a woman can only gain a good reputation by remaining poor and helpless, at the mercy of others, then I would rather be infamous. As long as Your Majesty is willing to use me, I will do anything for you, even if it means bearing infamy."

She looked at Chi Jing, her expression calm and open. But only she knew how violently her heart was beating. Would Empress Chi appreciate her? Or would she find her despicable?

But she had suffered enough in the Labor Camp. She wanted money, power, a better life for her mother, and to take revenge on those who had bullied her.

She took a deep breath, waiting for the Empress to pass judgment. Her fate would change because of this verdict—ascending to great heights or plunging into the abyss.

Chi Jing’s expression was stern. "You are very honest."

Wu Wenxiu’s breath hitched. Her curled fingers touched her palms, now slick with sweat. Was she really unacceptable? She felt a pang of sorrow.

Chi Jing continued, "I appreciate your honesty. Those who can face their own desires are more worthy of my trust."

She reached down, unfastened a golden token from her waist, and held it out. "I hereby appoint you as my Scribe. From now on, you will stay by my side and assist me in organizing memorials and documents."

Dan Ying whispered a reminder, "Your Majesty, there is no official position of Scribe in the palace."

Chi Jing glanced at her sideways. "Starting today, there is."

Dan Ying, ever perceptive, immediately fell silent.

As for Wu Wenxiu, being granted an official position felt like being struck by a heavenly pie. She was utterly stunned. It took her a long moment to regain her senses. She hurriedly stood and stepped forward, but before she could walk, her left foot tripped over her right, and she nearly fell.

Stumbling, she finally made her way to Chi Jing, accepted the token with both hands, raised it above her head, and knelt to express gratitude. "Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace." Her voice trembled.

Chi Jing was about to tell her to rise when she noticed the handkerchief wrapped around her hand. Upon asking, she learned about Sun Ren’s assault.

"Hmm?" Chi Jing’s eyes darkened. How dare he lay a hand on someone under her protection? He must be tired of living.

He even stepped on the hand that holds the brush. If her hand were truly injured, who would copy documents, draft edicts, and review memorials for her?

Pressing her fingers against the bridge of her nose, Chi Jing closed her eyes and pondered for a few seconds before barely suppressing the urge to kill in her heart. Such trash wasn't worth her effort.

"I don't think he needs to keep his position at the Labor Camp anymore. Secretary Wu, I'll leave this person to you. Handle him as you see fit."

"Yes," Wu Wenxiu replied respectfully, then lowered her gaze to conceal the deep-seated hatred rising in her eyes before exiting the room.

Dan Ying accompanied her out, holding her hand with a cheerful smile and teasing, "Secretary Wu, now that you've gained the Empress's favor, your future is bound to be limitless. Don't forget about me, your little sister."

Seeing her gentle smile, Wu Wenxiu was stunned for a moment before understanding the meaning behind her words, sending a chill down her spine.

It was well-known throughout the palace that Dan Ying loved wealth above all else and never refused anyone who offered money in exchange for her services.

But it was precisely because of her willingness to accept such offers that someone with Wu Wenxiu's background could connect with the Empress's senior maid.

Now that the matter was settled, it was only natural to show gratitude. Dan Ying's words, while seemingly complimentary, were actually a reminder to repay the favor.

Wu Wenxiu was not an ungrateful person and knew she would need Dan Ying's support in the future. She hurriedly said, "Sister, I am endlessly grateful for your recommendation. I only regret that I am currently without means and unable to repay your kindness. I will surely thank you with generous gifts in the future."

Dan Ying shook her head with a smile. "Why wait for the future? There's a substantial reward right at hand. If you're truly sincere, why not use it to thank me?"

"What?" Wu Wenxiu was confused.

Dan Ying's smile widened, and she chided playfully, "Oh, are you so naive that you still don't get it? Her Majesty has already given you permission to deal with Sun Ren. As a chief eunuch all these years, he must have embezzled plenty of silver. If we make him swallow it all, wouldn't that be a substantial reward?"

Wu Wenxiu's eyes widened in shock. Was this even allowed?

She did want revenge on Sun Ren, but she had only intended to make him suffer some physical pain. If, right after becoming a Scribe, she went around confiscating his assets and lining her own pockets, it would seem too eager and greedy.

Just as Wu Wenxiu was about to refuse, she saw a palace maid hurrying over from the palace gate, looking distressed as if something major had happened.

Before she even got close, the maid shouted, "Sister Dan Ying, Eunuch Sun from the Labor Camp is kneeling in apology outside the palace gate and has fainted. It looks like his life might potentially be in danger. Please go check on him quickly!"

Wu Wenxiu was taken aback. Sun Ren had actually come to kneel before the Empress's hall and plead for mercy? Her heart sank as she thought, This is bad. If he's using this self-punishment ploy and I still punish him severely, won't it invite even more public criticism?

If outsiders started to think the Empress had poor judgment in appointing her, the position she had just gained might not last long.