Chapter 22: The Beauty Zhao

Half a year later.

Wang Zhonghai arrived at the Chenxiang Hall within Xingqing Palace, bearing the imperial decree.

The mistress of Chenxiang Hall, Lady Cicada, led more than ten graceful maidens to greet him outside.

"By order of the Grand Emperor, all beauties are to receive the decree!"

"We humbly receive the decree!"

The maidens immediately knelt, eyes ablaze with anticipation.

Wang Zhonghai unfurled the decree and announced in a clear voice:

"By order of the Grand Emperor:

'In praise of the palace, its prosperity flourishes. You, Zhao Zhemei, are distinguished by your virtue, prudent in conduct, gentle by nature, and renowned for your goodness within the Jade Palace. In accordance with the Grand Emperor’s edict, you are hereby bestowed the title of Zhao Beauty.'

So let it be."

All the maidens instinctively lifted their heads, gazing toward the farthest left end of the group.

There knelt a girl, no more than eighteen or nineteen years old, dressed in a faded pink and white palace gown. Her family background was perhaps less fortunate, for her attire looked worn and washed out, and she had not received new garments. Even the hairpin adorning her head was a simple bronze ornament rather than gold, silver, or jade.

"Zhao Zhemei is actually granted the title of Beauty by His Majesty? How is that possible!"

"She’s just an ordinary girl from a common family—whose influence did she rely on?"

"I attended His Majesty last month—why is she the one to be bestowed the title?"

"What is the Grand Emperor thinking? Over the past six months, more than ten beauties have been granted titles, yet not me!"

"I have only served the Grand Emperor once..."

"So have I..."

"Zhao Zhemei must have incredible luck..."

The kneeling maidens, shocked, began murmuring among themselves, voices full of jealousy and envy.

"Zhao Beauty, why do you not accept the decree and give thanks?"

Startled, especially Zhao Zhemei who had just attended His Majesty the previous night, she hurriedly bowed her head and said, "The—this humble girl accepts the decree and gives thanks!"

Wang Zhonghai replied, "Zhao Beauty, from today onwards, you are a Beauty of the Grand Emperor. You must no longer refer to yourself as 'humble girl,' but as 'servant.'"

"Yes, I—the servant accepts the decree and gives thanks."

"Come, the Grand Emperor has granted you the Autumn Fragrance Hall. Zhao Beauty, I have brought eunuchs and maids assigned to you. Let them help you move."

Zhao Zhemei finally understood, her delicate face radiant with joy. She hurriedly nodded, "Many—many thanks, Lord Wang!"

"Go on."

"Yes!"

Behind her, two palace maids and two eunuchs quickly came to Zhao Beauty’s side, and under her guidance, began to move her belongings.

Soon, the delighted Zhao Zhemei, led by Wang Zhonghai, moved into Autumn Fragrance Hall.

"Zhao Beauty, this old servant will take his leave now," Wang Zhonghai said. "By custom, in the next three days, the Grand Emperor will visit nightly. Please arrange Autumn Fragrance Hall swiftly; tonight, around dusk, His Majesty will arrive here."

---

Zhao Zhemei quickly replied, "Thank you, Lord Wang."

"Zhao Beauty, attend to yourself; this old servant has other matters."

With that, Wang Zhonghai nodded and withdrew.

Only Zhao Zhemei and her two eunuchs, two maids remained in the spacious, bright Autumn Fragrance Hall.

Gazing at her new home, Zhao Zhemei’s eyes brimmed with joy and disbelief.

She held no power nor status in the palace, merely an invisible presence. Since entering Xingqing Palace, the other maidens had all sought ways to win the Grand Emperor’s favor—bribing, forging connections, stirring up plenty of intrigue and trouble.

Yet the Grand Emperor’s favor showed no pattern. Some maidens, after serving for just one night, were sent back to their quarters with no further summons. Others, more than ten, were graced once and then immediately granted the title of Beauty and a private hall—just as she was.

She might even have been the last maiden to be favored by the Grand Emperor.

To her surprise, she too was granted the title!

A palace maid on her left spoke, "Beauty, please prepare and freshen up. His Majesty has also bestowed many jewels and garments; let me show you."

"Alright," Zhao Zhemei answered, bubbling with delight. "By the way, what are your names?"

"Servant Qing’er."

"Servant Yan’er."

"Eunuch Little Stool."

"Eunuch Little Mirror."

"Very well, let’s tidy up quickly~"

"Yes!"

---

Chenxiang Hall.

Lady Cicada, burdened with thoughts, dismissed the other maidens. Her gaze grew cold.

Over the past six months, she had already discerned the Grand Emperor’s patterns.

Over two hundred maidens had passed through his favor. Yet, for reasons unknown, only a select few were chosen, granted the title of Beauty, their own halls, and servants.

Once bestowed the title, they received three days of exclusive attendance.

The others, until now, had not received a second summons.

Clearly, the Grand Emperor had his preferences in choosing Beauties.

Otherwise, the pattern of his selection over the past half year could not be explained.

Aside from these Beauties, one in particular was highly favored.

Qin Yuyao!

She had been chosen specifically on the day of the Grand Emperor’s selection, and was especially cherished. She was, in essence, the foremost among the Beauties of Xingqing Palace.

---

But none of this concerned Lady Cicada.

She entered her private chamber, where her aunt, who had appeared half a year ago, had long been waiting.

"Greetings, Holy Maiden."

"What matter brings you to me with such urgency?"

"Holy Maiden, the location of Xingqing Palace’s secret treasury is likely confirmed."

"Oh? Where is it?"

"Hua’e... Xianghui Tower!"

"Hua’e Xianghui Tower!" Lady Cicada exclaimed. "That is the Grand Emperor’s sleeping quarters. How did you discover it?"

Her aunt forced a bitter smile. "This old servant has had people search the entire Xingqing Palace; no signs of the secret treasury could be found. Only Hua’e Xianghui Tower, being His Majesty’s quarters and heavily guarded by the Divine Martial Army, could be inspected only superficially inside and out.

As for the core area and underground, they could not be examined at all."

Lady Cicada frowned. "So you want me to investigate Hua’e Xianghui Tower?"

"Yes..."

Lady Cicada shook her head, then smiled wryly. "With so many newcomers these past months, my chances to attend the Grand Emperor have been few. I’ve only entered Hua’e Xianghui Tower two or three times. If..."

"Holy Maiden need not worry," her aunt quickly replied. "The Holy Mother has sent the secret treasury key found among that cultivator’s relics into the palace. Once you carry it into Hua’e Xianghui Tower and approach within ten feet of the treasury, the key will signal and reveal its location.

Aside from the treasury key, our sect’s holy medicine, ‘Merciful Mind-Confounding Powder,’ is also at your disposal.

This holy medicine is colorless and tasteless; inhaled by mortals, it bewilders their senses and leaves them at your mercy.

Even a martial artist, unless they have reached the innate realm, will be confused for several hours.

With this, you may confuse the Grand Emperor and seize the opportunity to search for the treasury!"

Her aunt finished, gazing earnestly at Lady Cicada.

Lady Cicada fell into deep thought, pacing back and forth.

"Once the treasury is found, are you confident you can retrieve its treasures without alerting the Grand Emperor or the Divine Martial Army?"

"Holy Maiden, rest assured. With the treasury key and the cultivator’s identity token, we can enter the treasury safely."

"How many will come?"

"The four Holy Attendants, and the sect’s sole cultivator, Elder Red Lotus."

"Four martial artists of the Refined Aperture Realm, and Elder Red Lotus?"

Lady Cicada nodded. "Very well, I agree to this.

But hand the treasury key to me first. Once I confirm the treasury’s location, I’ll bring your people into Xingqing Palace."

Her aunt was overjoyed. "Excellent, I will send word to the Holy Mother at once!"