Chapter 298: Volume 1 Chapter 298 – Feigning Surrender to Set a Trap

Gou Jing heard the Empress's words, her face showing a hint of embarrassment, and after a moment she said, "Your Majesty, I only wish to live well for myself from now on."

Rong Luoge fixed her gaze on Gou Jing upon hearing this, and frankly speaking, she was somewhat surprised, yet not entirely surprised; when Gou Jing had previously recounted those events, she had faintly felt that Gou Jing intended to defect.

"What's the reason? Nothing happens without cause; I, the Empress, need to know a reason." Rong Luoge smiled and spoke slowly.

Gou Jing gave a bitter smile, knowing that without a sincere explanation the Empress would not believe her, and she spoke solemnly: "Your Majesty, don't laugh at me; I envy Consort Xian and Lady Qiongzhang, and I wish to live as carefree as they do."

"Have you considered the consequences of doing this? If I am not mistaken, should you do this, your family would likely regard you as a discarded pawn."

"I know that, but even if I didn't do this, they wouldn't value me; from the start they let me enter the palace merely to escort Consort Su, yet I lack such ability. After thinking it over, if I continue like this, I fear I will end up in a miserable state. I don't want to end up like that; I wish to live well, so I come to beg Your Majesty for a chance."

Rong Luoge saw that Gou Jing's expression was sincere, yet she could not immediately gauge the extent of her sincerity; after a moment of silence she said, "I have noted your words. For now, return first; if anyone asks, say I summoned you. I recall your needlework is outstanding, among the capital's young ladies it is second to none, is it not?"

Gou Jing rarely showed a genuine smile: "I do enjoy these things; I dare not say I am second to none, but I have indeed put in earnest effort to learn them. If Your Majesty wishes something embroidered, perhaps I can be of some help."

"Very well, if anyone asks you, say I know your embroidery skill is good and have you help me embroider something." Rong Luoge looked at Gou Jing and instantly formed a plan in her mind; perhaps she could give it a try.

However, we cannot yet confirm whether Gou Jing's defection is genuine; it happens to be a good opportunity to test her—if she is sincere, that would be splendid, as if heaven itself were aiding her.

Gou Jing immediately rose and bowed low before the Empress, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for even thinking of this small matter for me; I am truly deeply grateful."

"I know you get along well with Ruan Shurong; for now, do not tell her about this." Rong Luoge looked at Gou Jing and said.

Gou Jing hesitated a moment, then nodded, and looking earnestly at the Empress she said, "Your Majesty, Elder Sister Shen actually does not wish to do this either; she too was instructed by her family before entering the palace, but after entering, just like me, she has in fact done nothing substantial for them; I beg Your Majesty to show leniency."

Rong Luoge immediately broke into a smile, looking at Gou Jing she said, "I know, but for now there are still some matters that ought not be known to too many; keep it secret, and if one day Ruan Shurong also turns over a new leaf like you, I will not blame her."

Gou Jing's eyes lit up: "Thank you, Your Majesty; I will persuade Elder Sister Shen, for she is merely reluctant to leave her family."

"Her family raised her, and deep affection is understandable; situations like yours are ultimately few, I am clear in my heart: as long as Ruan Shurong does no evil, I can treat her leniently, but if she… then, you too must not blame me."

Gou Jing understood the Empress's meaning: should Elder Sister Shen persist down a dark path, the Empress would naturally not show mercy to an enemy.

She took a deep breath, looked earnestly at the Empress, and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly do my best to persuade Elder Sister Shen."

"Then that's settled; you may return for now, and later I will have someone send you an embroidery frame, thread, and pattern. During this period, hurry to finish the embroidery. If anyone asks you, simply say I had you do it, and as for its purpose, say you do not know." Rong Luoge instructed.

Gou Jing immediately nodded in assent: "Yes, I will remember, Your Majesty."

Having left Phoenix Ritual Palace, Gou Jing pondered, wondering whether the Empress had accepted her defection.

Her mood and steps lightened involuntarily; although she did not yet know what lay ahead, she felt this was a good beginning.

Perhaps she is selfish, but she truly does not wish to be a discarded pawn.

Having once agreed to enter the palace at her family's behest, she has already done that; as for how to live after entering the palace, ought she not also consider her own interests?

Gou Jing returned to the Hall of Eternal Extension; before she could even sit down to catch her breath, a servant from the Palace of Eternal Blessing came to summon her.

Gou Jing felt somewhat annoyed; the news from Consort Su came quickly, and recalling the Empress's warning not to divulge secrets for the time being, she agreed, saying she would merely tidy up before going over.

After that servant left, she went inside to change into light-colored clothing, simply coiled her hair, pinned only a pair of silver hairpins, then rose and headed for the Palace of Eternal Blessing.

Upon arriving at the Palace of Eternal Blessing, she sensed the atmosphere was off; feigning ignorance, she followed the attendant into the main hall and saw Consort Su seated on the warm couch by the window, with an unfinished game of chess set on the table before her.

She stepped forward and paid her respects: "I, your humble servant, pay my respects to Virtuous Consort."

"Gou Shuyi, rise and sit; would you like to play a round with me?" Su Ying spoke without lifting her head.

Gou Jing's heart tightened, yet she said, "Virtuous Consort does not disdain my clumsiness; then I shall accompany you in a game."

Only then did Su Ying lift her head, looking at Gou Jing as ever respectful, her smile somewhat genuine, she placed a white stone and asked, "I heard you went to Phoenix Ritual Palace today?"

Gou Jing thought, "Surely it's for this matter," and nodded: "Yes, Phoenix Ritual Palace summoned me for a visit; the Empress's command, I dare not disobey, so I naturally went."

"Oh? What did the Empress want you to do?" Su Ying slightly raised her eyelids, fixed her gaze on Gou Jing, and asked.

Gou Jing placed a stone, striving to keep her usual composure, feigning ignorance, and spoke with a hint of complaint: "The Empress heard I am skilled at embroidery and ordered me to embroider a picture; I dared not refuse, so I agreed."

"An embroidery pattern?" Su Ying exclaimed in surprise, "Why would the Empress have you embroider a picture at all?"

"I don't know either." Gou Jing shook her head, "but from the Empress's demeanor it seems she attaches great importance to it; I am somewhat anxious, fearing that if I embroider it poorly the Empress will blame me—if that happens, I will have to ask Virtuous Consort to speak a few kind words on my behalf."

Su Ying's eyes flashed: "Do you know what picture the Empress wants you to embroider?"

Gou Jing recalled the Empress's earlier instruction and replied, "It seems to be the Ten Thousand Li Rivers and Mountains Map."

Ten Thousand Li Rivers and Mountains Map!

Su Ying suddenly understood; back then, Song Huihe had also embroidered such a picture!

It appears the Empress is aiming her sword at Song Huihe.