Ah-Zhi accepted the envelope with hesitation, her heart still clouded with suspicion. Upon opening it, she found inside a sum of exchange notes so vast it could provide her with a life of comfort and abundance. Alongside it was a permit—official documentation allowing her safe passage out of the palace.
Her eyes lit up at the sight. The amount written on the notes was tantalizing beyond words. In all her life, she could never hope to earn such riches. To refuse it now would be pure folly. Yet despite her delight, something about Consort Hua's uncharacteristic gentleness made her wary. Doubt crept quietly into her heart.
She remembered Empress Li Hua's warning: If Consort Hua ever changed her tone or gifted her something overly generous, it could mean that her betrayal had been discovered. If she ever heard the words, "Take this and leave the palace quietly," she was to be on guard—such words would be the consort's way of offering death disguised as mercy.
"You're still young, with a future ahead of you," said Consort Hua softly, her eyes filled with what appeared to be genuine concern. "I do not wish for you to be buried with me. Take this, and escape through the rear gate. Someone will be there to guide you."
Those words echoed exactly what the Empress had foretold. Ah-Zhi knew then, without doubt, that Consort Hua had discovered her disloyalty and was plotting to remove her under the guise of kindness.
Hatred flared in Ah-Zhi's chest. Wretched harlot. Wretched harlot. Wretched harlot. The words echoed in her mind like a cursed mantra.
"You must go quickly," Consort Hua urged. "If you hesitate, it may be too late."
Recalling the Empress's instructions, Ah-Zhi feigned innocence. She smiled humbly and bowed low, her voice laced with feigned gratitude. "Thank you, Your Grace." Yet beneath her bowed head lay a venomous loathing—one Consort Hua never noticed.
Without another word, Consort Hua turned and walked back into the palace, never once looking back, leaving Ah-Zhi standing alone.
Ah-Zhi rose to her feet, dusted her knees, and turned to glance back at the Yang Palace with a scornful gaze. She spat upon the stone threshold with satisfaction and signaled the gate guards to let her through.
She slipped cautiously down the corridor until she reached a fork in the path. The right led to the rear gate—just as Consort Hua had instructed. The left, however, led to Empress Li Hua's quarters. She paused, then chose the left without hesitation.
On the way, she encountered Zhong Lin, the Empress's trusted maid, accompanied by palace guards sent to ensure Ah-Zhi's safe arrival. Upon seeing her unharmed, Zhong Lin quickly ushered her toward the Empress's residence.
Relief washed over Ah-Zhi. She had escaped Consort Hua's clutches. Tears welled in her eyes as gratitude surged within her for Empress Li Hua, who had not forsaken a lowly servant like her.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Consort Hua," she whispered, "I always thought you were the cleverest woman in the palace. Who would've thought you could be so utterly blind?" She clutched the exchange notes tightly. "Since you gave them to me… I'll be putting them to good use."
Zhong Lin led Ah-Zhi into the Empress's inner court just as the fourth watch neared. Ministers and officials were already beginning preparations for the imperial funeral procession. Without delay, Ah-Zhi and Zhong Lin quickened their steps, vanishing into the sanctuary of the Empress's palace.