Serena Feng must be cursed when it comes to the imperial harem. The first time she entered the palace to meet the Empress, a high-ranking palace maid died soon after. Now, meeting Noble Consort Helena, two more maids have died by her side.
The Empress never liked her, and it seems Noble Consort Helena doesn’t care for her either. But Helena is clearly better at pretending, and nowhere near as tough as the Empress.
After Serena entered, Noble Consort Helena didn’t mention the two dead maids at all. With perfect aristocratic grace, she chatted idly with Serena, asked a few questions about her recovery, then got straight to the point:
"I was quite close to Second Madam Hsieh before entering the palace. I heard you cured her longstanding illness, Serena, and I’m truly delighted. Who would have thought someone so young could possess such medical skill?"
"Your Grace flatters me—my skills are just minor tricks, hardly worth mentioning." Serena sat in the perfect posture of a noblewoman, back ramrod straight, occupying only half the seat so that her tailbone barely touched the chair. It was as uncomfortable as it looked.
After the earlier clash with Helena’s attendants, Serena didn’t want to give them any excuse to pick faults over such small matters.
"You’re too modest, Serena. Ethan often praises your medical skills to me, says you’re extraordinary. Back then, Second Master Hsieh was spared a grave injustice thanks to your intervention." Helena picked up her tea and sipped delicately, but Serena knew she was using the gesture to size her up.
After all, if she stared openly, Serena would notice and be ready. But these quiet glances were hard to guard against.
Unlike her usual brashness outside, Serena was extremely respectful as soon as she stepped into the inner hall: "Thank you for your praise, Your Grace. I dare not claim credit—Second Master Hsieh is truly blessed, and Ethan is very gracious."
Helena nodded in satisfaction. "Speaking of which, I haven’t been feeling well myself lately. Since you’re here, Serena, there’s no need to trouble the imperial physicians—why don’t you take a look at me?"
Helena placed her pale wrist on the table, giving Serena no chance to refuse. Serena already knew how this would go—after a token show of modesty, she stepped forward.
"Wenzhu, bring Serena a brocade stool." Helena was giving Serena face, not making her kneel for the pulse diagnosis.
"Thank you for granting me a seat, Your Grace." No matter what she felt inside, Serena kept up the proper formalities.
Serena knew how to take pulses, so while her Smart Med-Pack ran its scan, she also checked Helena’s pulse the traditional way. Unfortunately, whether it was her own technique lacking or Helena truly being healthy, she found nothing abnormal.
Serena frowned, but quickly let it go—gynecological problems aren’t so easily detected.
Serena’s shifting expressions—first a frown, then understanding—made Helena’s heart jump. Outwardly she remained elegant and inscrutable, but only she knew how anxious she felt beneath that calm smile.
When Serena finally withdrew her hand, Helena asked, "Serena, how is my health?" She slowed her speech to hide her urgency.
Now Serena understood the advantage of speaking slowly—no wonder Ninth Royal Uncle always spoke at a leisurely pace. When those in power take their time, it naturally creates pressure.
Serena remembered Ninth Royal Uncle’s subtle warning: don’t get involved in harem affairs, but it’s fine to stir the pot a little.
"Your Grace, this matter..." Serena stood with her hands at her sides, looking troubled.
Helena had her own suspicions, and hearing this only confirmed them. She shot Wenzhu a look, signaling her to clear everyone else out of the hall.
Serena wiped her brow, pretending to be nervous, while checking her Smart Med-Pack’s results—it showed everything as normal.
Huh?
Even the Smart Med-Pack couldn’t detect anything. Clearly, ancient people shouldn’t be underestimated. Looks like she’d have to use the method Ninth Royal Uncle taught her.
"Doctor Feng, there’s no one else here—go ahead and speak." In other words, whatever Serena said now wouldn’t leave this room. But...
Anyone paying attention would notice Serena had entered Radiant Hall, and if Helena became pregnant soon after, they’d put two and two together. But Serena didn’t care; she had no intention of getting directly involved in Helena’s affairs.
"Does Your Grace want the truth or a lie?" Serena kept her head down; if she hadn’t spoken, Helena might have wondered if she’d said anything at all.
"What’s the truth? What’s the lie?" Helena didn’t realize her breathing had changed; she was getting anxious.
Once the Emperor passes, the difference between a Dowager Consort and an Empress Dowager is enormous. She might not even become a Dowager Consort—she could end up buried with him.
Serena didn’t beat around the bush: "The truth is, Your Grace, your body is very healthy." It was the truth, but sadly, no one would believe it.
"And the lie?" Helena assumed Serena was just playing games, but pressed for the other possibility.
"The lie is that Your Grace has been poisoned, and I can’t detoxify it." That really was a lie—Helena definitely wasn’t poisoned. At most, someone had given her something that wouldn’t harm her but would keep her from conceiving.
Helena’s smile froze for a moment, then she acted as if nothing had happened. "You really are remarkable, Serena. No wonder Second Madam Hsieh is so fond of you—I like you myself. Someone, bring my new Southern Lyn gold-pearl headpiece for Serena."
"Thank you for Your Grace’s reward." Serena knelt and accepted the gift with composure.
The Hsieh clan wasn’t much, but they were certainly generous. Serena knew those golden pearls from Southern Lyn were tribute-grade—they’d fetch a fortune if sold. She made a note to ask Su Wenqing later if he’d buy them.
Helena stood and personally helped Serena up. Serena acted overwhelmed by the favor, which pleased Helena greatly. "I liked you from the moment I met you, Serena. Come visit me often when you have time." She gently patted Serena’s hand, looking gratified.
"I’m flattered, Your Grace. As long as you don’t mind my clumsy hands and awkward speech, I’ll gladly visit often." Serena looked so happy she seemed lost.
This attitude made Helena even more satisfied. After a few more kind words, she had a maid escort Serena out of the palace.
"Your Grace, that Serena really is shallow," Wenzhu said with disdain. Thinking of those two palace maids who’d died violently, she felt sick.
"She’s a bit brazen, but easy enough to handle. She’s just a weak woman looking for support. The eldest son of the Wang family is good, but he’s not her true match. He can protect her for now, but once he marries, he won’t be able to help her so freely.
Right now, she’s a young lady of the Loyal Marquis estate—she’d never agree to be a concubine. Our Hsieh family may not be as powerful as the Wang family, but not just anyone can rely on us. With our support, she should count herself lucky."
Helena’s face lost all warmth, her eyes turning cold and sinister. "Wenzhu, investigate thoroughly. Also, send someone to search—now that we’ve found the root of the problem, it’s best to resolve it quickly."
"Yes, Your Grace." Wenzhu withdrew gravely, glancing up at the starless sky with a long sigh.
Radiant Hall was about to be stained with blood again. Serena really was an ill-omened woman—ever since she entered the palace, bloodshed had followed...