The Purple Pavilion was as filled with ethereal beauty as it was with sinful decadence. Beautiful men and women fluttered about, some dancing at the center, some entertaining the customers, while others sat at corners playing instruments like the bards of the Heavens. The most noble of men, who touted and lorded their so-called nobility and virtue over others, threw away their masks of virtue and piety in this place.

  Evening was the time when most of the entertainment took place, allowing the courtesans to show off their beauty and talents, while customers took time to choose their companions of the night.

  Today was no different. Men of all ages ate and drank away merrily, groping at whichever courtesan was closest to them.

  One customer, however, was different. His eyes were trained on the woman front and centre, the main attraction of the Pavilion this evening - and most evenings. Midnight blue robes, encrusted with silver stones, with a transparent white veil over her face, she practically glowed like the moon.

  The past few weeks, this particular courtesan would send fluttering glances his way. It would last only a second, the crinkling of her eyes, the tilting of her head, before she would look away and continue her performance. If she had to serve him, she would display the inside of her wrist, her fingers would lightly brush against his and her gaze would meet his for but a moment before it would lower shyly. It was seduction, subtle in nature, and ignited a fire under the man’s belly the likes of which he had never felt before. He wanted to ravish this woman.

  And tonight was the night. He would have his prize tonight.

  He would have had her already. But yesterday, when he had demanded her, the woman had sent him a scented handkerchief, folded beautifully like a rose, a simple message written therein in beautiful calligraphy.

  Tomorrow, my lord. This lowly one needs to prepare herself to entertain one such as you.

  Usually, he would be enraged. But the demure and submissive words stroke his ego and he allowed the courtesan the time she asked for.

  The performances were slowly coming to an end and the customers were filtering out with their courtesans of choice.

  Bai Yue stood in front of her target and bowed her head, before gesturing towards the inside of the brothel.

  Kang Yanxin smirked and stood, wrapping an arm around the slender waist and walking inside, allowing the girl to lead the way, blissfully unaware that he was heading to his doom.

  Rumors tended to spread like wildfire in the harem. Therefore, it was no surprise that the story of her being carried by the Emperor was known to everyone in every corner of the harem, just like her screaming at the Emperor once had. It was evident in the giggles of the maid whenever she passed and the jealous glances some of the concubines sent her away. She noticed Kang Yanxin glaring daggers at her. Good. All the better for her.

  It did not help that the Empress took time to comment on the scar on her face during the morning tea.

  “Does it hurt? Your wound?”

  “No, Your Majesty. It is merely a scratch.”

  That would seem to be the end of it, except Han Wanyi spoke up,

  “Be careful, Lady Qing,” she spat the words out like they were poison. “You would not want to disfigure your face and lose the Emperor’s favor.”

  It was an immature attempt to provoke her. Samaya did nothing but give a small smile.

  “I am not worried about that.”

  Han Wanyi seemed like she would continue her tirade but the sudden, loud clack of the Empress putting down the tea on the saucer echoed across the room, quietening everyone down as they sensed her irritation. That was that and the rest of the tea was uneventful.

  Samaya had also taken to visiting the place where Rin and Su often met, along with Ren Siyun, Su, and Min. Sometimes, Fu Caiyi joined them. More often than not, they would sit in silence. Sometimes, they would share stories about Rin, trying to keep her memories alive. Su and Min would break down at times. Ren Siyun’s cries were rarer, quieter, but they were there. It was up to Samaya to comfort them.

  She felt a bit bad, using them for her plan. But they would not come to any harm and she was sure they would not mind.

  She waited patiently.

  So when the letter came with one word written on it - “Tonight” - she was ready.

  It took little to no effort for Ah-Liu to let the information of her rendezvous slip near a Kang maid and ensure that the girl would hurry off to tattle to her Mistress.

  Like most other times, Samaya and Ren Siyun sat together, Su and Min opposite to them, a small spread of some fruits in front of them. These were quiet moments, spent reminiscing about Rin and imagining she was there with them in spirit. It perhaps didn't lessen any of the pain they felt, but it did soothe it for a few moments.

  Tonight, however, these quiet blissful moments will be interrupted.

  Sure enough, the familiar footsteps reached her ears, followed by that irritating voice of Kang Yuxin.

  “What's this? The Emperor’s concubines, sitting on the floor with lowly maids?” A scoff. “Then again, I should not expect anything more from ill bred plebeians like you.”

  She turned around, blinking in surprise at the sight of Liao Huimei accompanying her. All the better.

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  “Lady Kang,” she greeted. “What an… unpleasant surprise.”

  Kang Yuxin’s lips curled into a smug sneer as she stood over the group. "How pathetic," she continued, her tone dripping with mockery. "Look at you. A failed concubine trying to play family with servants and scullery maids. I'd expect this from you, peasant, but you too, Lady Ren? Truly, the Emperor’s tastes have fallen.”

  Samaya kept her gaze steady, her hands folded in her lap. “Kang Yuxin,” she said evenly, “your insults would carry more weight if they weren’t so predictable.”

  Yuxin bristled, her painted lips twisting. “Predictable? I think not. But I suppose that’s all you can muster—a feeble retort. Just like your feeble attempts to keep the Emperor’s attention.”

  Samaya let out a soft, unbothered chuckle. “You seem awfully concerned with where the Emperor’s attention lies. One might think you’re insecure about your position.”

  The insult hit its mark, and Yuxin’s expression hardened. “You dare insinuate-”

  “I don’t have to insinuate. It is as clear as day,” Samaya interjected, her voice low but sharp. She leaned forward slightly. “Perhaps if you spent less time obsessing over others, you might find the peace you so desperately lack.”

  Yuxin laughed, a brittle sound devoid of humor. “Peace? From what? Watching a commoner like you stumble her way through the palace? Don’t make me laugh. Even that little maid of yours-what was her name? Oh, yes, Rin. A perfect example of why filth should stay where it belongs.”

  The words hit like a slap, but Samaya’s composure didn’t falter. Not yet. “Careful, Kang Yuxin,” she warned, her voice dangerously quiet. “You’re treading on thin ice.”

  “Thin ice?” Yuxin’s laugh turned cruel. “That little whore got exactly what was coming to her. She was nothing but a-”

  Samaya moved before she thought. One moment she was seated, the next she was standing over Yuxin, her hands wrapped tightly around the other woman’s neck. The force of her movement sent Yuxin stumbling back, her eyes wide with shock before turning to panic.

  “You dare!” Samaya snarled, her grip tightening. “Say her name again, I dare you!”

  Yuxin clawed at Samaya’s hands, her voice choking out in strangled gasps. Around them, Su and Min scrambled to intervene, but neither dared get too close. Ren Siyun and Liao Huimei stood frozen, their faces pale with shock. The few maids that accompanied Kang Yuxin screamed in panic.

  “Lady Qing!” A deep, commanding voice cut through the chaos. A Shadow Guard appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his hand gripping Samaya’s shoulder firmly as he pulled her back.

  She resisted for a moment, her rage still burning, but the strength of the guard was unyielding. Slowly, she released Yuxin, who collapsed to the ground, gasping and clutching at her throat.

  “This isn’t over,” Yuxin croaked, her voice hoarse but filled with venom. She staggered to her feet, her eyes blazing with fury. “You’ll pay for this!”

  Samaya said nothing, her chest heaving as she fought to rein in her temper. The guard gave her a pointed look before stepping back into the shadows, vanishing as quickly as he had appeared.

  Yuxin clearly wasted no time in storming to the Empress’s quarters, her crocodile tears on full display as she relayed her version of events, because the summons came merely half an hour later. By the time the summons came for Samaya, Yuxin’s voice was already echoing through the halls, painting herself as the victim.

  Samaya reassured Lady Ren and her maids, taking only Min with her to accompany her to the Empress’s residence. She had to go to the private parlour, as the Empress was in no state to hold a trial, especially for a trivial matter like this.

  The Empress sat serenely as Samaya entered, her face calm but her eyes sharp. Samaya knelt and bowed. “Your Majesty.”

  “Lady Qing,” she began, her tone clipped, “I dislike discord in my harem.”

  Samaya kept her head bowed. She could practically feel the smug gaze of Kang Yuxin on her. “Apologies. The pain of losing someone I held dear is at times too much to bear. I couldn't tolerate an insult against her. I … lost myself for a moment.”

  “You liar-”

  The Empress raised a hand to stop Kang Yuxin.

  “I have heard what transpired,” the Empress continued. Her gaze flickered briefly to Yuxin, who sat with an air of triumph. “While I may understand your reasons, your behavior was unbecoming of a concubine.”

  Samaya remained silent, her face expressionless.

  “As punishment,” the Empress said, her voice firm, “you will be confined to your residence for a week. During that time, you will write a hundred scriptures to reflect on your actions.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” Samaya replied evenly. There was no protest, no hint of regret in her tone. The Empress sighed and waved her hand in dismissal. She bowed again before rising and leaving the room without sparing Yuxin a glance.

  Back in her residence, Samaya pushed the door open to find Manu waiting for her. The boy ran to her immediately, his small arms wrapping around her legs.

  “Mama,” he said softly, looking up at her with wide eyes. “You look tired.”

  Samaya’s anger and frustration melted away as she knelt to his level, cupping his face gently. “I’m fine, Manu. Just a little tired, that’s all.”

  He frowned, his little brows furrowing in concern. “Did someone hurt you?”

  Samaya smiled faintly and shook her head. “No one hurt me. I just need some rest.”

  Manu nodded solemnly, his small hand reaching up to touch her cheek. “You can rest now. I’ll stay with you.”

  Her heart ached at his words, and she pulled him into a tight embrace. “Thank you, my little one.”

  She carried him to his bed, humming softly as she tucked him in. His eyes fluttered shut as she stroked his hair, and soon his breathing evened out. Sitting by his bedside, Samaya felt the weight of the day settle over her.

  She sighed softly and stretched. That went better than expected. She had only needed witnesses of her presence in the harem for the night. But now she had an airtight alibi. She hadn't expected to lose her temper so much but it all turned out for the better.

  “Ah-Liu.” The boy immediately appeared by her side. “Is it done?”

  The boy nodded.

  Samaya smirked.

  It was time.

  Meanwhile

  An hour or so after Kang Yanxin followed Bai Yue, he came out, drunk and clearly flushed, a pleased grin on his face as he swayed, clearly having had the best time of his life.

  He hummed happily as he walked out of the brothel, not caring much about his “friends”. Not that he needed to, they were busy indulging themselves.

  Customers and courtesans alike saw the young master Kang leave.

  The man walked out and turned a few corners, finding a dark alley before undoing the illusion, revealing the youthful face of the young boy Samaya lovingly called Ah-Liu.

  The real Kang Yanxin had long since disappeared from Bai Yue's chambers.

  Author's Note: Well, I wasn't able to update the very next day but I did manage to get another update out after two days so yay me lol. And here we have the beginning of the end for Kang! I am SO excited for you guys to read the next chapter hehe.

  If you want to read ahead, you can head over to my Patreon! You can read upto two months ahead over there!