That night, Heliam indeed fulfilled his promise, but the news of his arrival left Tanya feeling anything but happy.

“Is it that you're worried about the Emperor’s visit, Your Highness?” Verdant, wise as she was, immediately picked up on Tanya's distress.

Tanya gazed at her reflection in the copper mirror, lightly made up with a touch of red on her forehead and a delicate hairpin of powder blue in her bun, looking quite charming.

She sighed deeply.

Verdant assumed her mistress was simply nervous. “You needn't be timid, the Emperor has always been gentle with you.”

As soon as Verdant finished speaking, Tanya's sharp gaze fell on her.

Verdant hesitated, shrinking her neck slightly. “Shall I tell Eunuch Belmont that you’re unwell, and perhaps arrange things before the Emperor arrives?”

Tanya lowered her head, her brows knitting. “Never mind, never mind.”

After all, this was someone she needed to confront, and now he was coming to her door, yet she wanted to avoid him.

How had it come to this?

Tanya propped her chin in her hand, lost in thought as her long hair flowed softly in the breeze, framing her delicate face, her porcelain skin glowing under the sunlight.

Based on her scant experience from just two livestreams, she had put all her effort into dealing with Alexander. Yet now, facing Heliam, her feelings were entirely different.

Tanya beckoned, “Come here.”

Verdant understood and leaned in close.

“Later, go to Twilight Palace and relay the news of the Emperor’s visit to a maid near Francois.”

Tanya spoke softly, her red lips and white teeth contrasting like orchids.

Verdant felt a tickle in her ear and tilted her head, smiling. “Are you trying to provoke Lady Francois?”

Tanya nodded in satisfaction. “A clever child can be taught.”

Verdant, who had never liked Francois, was thrilled at this rare opportunity, graciously curtsying before happily departing.

Tanya rhythmically tapped her fingers on the table, her large eyes sparkling with mischief and a playful smile lingering.

As expected, Verdant returned shortly, her face downcast.

“How did it go?” Tanya asked, her eyes crescent-shaped, the candlelight illuminating her flawless skin.

Verdant lowered her gaze. “I’m to blame.”

Even though she had anticipated this, Tanya feigned surprise, cautiously probing, “Do tell.”

“I went to Twilight Palace and spread the news about the Emperor coming to our Fragrance Hall. The maids there were all quite proud and argued with me.”

“The word eventually reached Lady Francois. She just stared at me without saying anything. But shortly after I left, I received word from Eunuch Belmont that the Emperor won’t be coming to Fragrance Hall tonight but has decided to go to Twilight Palace instead.”

Tears welled in Verdant’s eyes, her small face cast in shadow and light from the sun.

Tanya suppressed her guilt and softly comforted her, “It’s no matter, it’s just a delay. Fragrance Hall is so spacious, it won’t hurt to wait a bit longer for the Emperor.”

Perhaps Tanya’s words had a soothing effect, Verdant stopped crying but still sounded regretful. “You worked so hard to secure this opportunity, yet I ruined it, and you come to comfort me instead…”

Tanya couldn’t help but feel amused at how high Verdant thought of her. “After all, you’re my maid Vivienne, why cry like a little pot?”

Verdant chuckled at Tanya’s teasing, then remarked, “Since that time Lady Evelyn caused you trouble, you’ve seen very little of the Emperor.”

“I still vividly recall that day.” After all, it was the first time Tanya had witnessed a murder, she paused. “Do you know what happened to Daisy’s body in the end?”

Verdant’s fingers stiffened as she recalled that day, chills running down her spine. “I heard it was found with a blade in its chest, tossed into a graveyard.”

“There are rumors that a steward, curious about the graveyard, went to check but couldn’t find her body. Everyone’s saying that Daisy’s restless spirit is haunting Evelyn, seeking revenge, the implications are intriguing.”

Verdant spoke earnestly, her delicate face betraying a hint of fear, which made Tanya chuckle.

“It’s just hearsay, only you would take it seriously.”

Tanya smiled, her lips forming a gentle curve that drew glances.

“I only dared to mention it because the stories are so fantastical.”

Rumors in the palace often spread quickly and faded just as fast, but this time it was different regarding Daisy’s death.

Tanya had only heard about it from Verdant, and after a few days, the tales circulating in the palace had grown even more outlandish.

“Are there any new rumors?” Tanya asked as she brushed her hair in the mirror, her peach blossom eyes sparkling.

Verdant sighed, her voice trembling slightly. “The palace is saying that after Daisy’s death, her body turned into a ghost seeking to slaughter the harem, causing panic. Anyone connected to her in life is afraid of being implicated.”

At that, Tanya noticed a tremor in Verdant’s voice.

“It's just a rumor, why are you so afraid?”

Tanya stroked her brow, her delicate eyebrows furrowed tightly, her skin as soft as the finest silk.

Verdant's eyes flickered with panic for a moment. “I… I’ve seen the vengeful spirit that Daisy turned into…”

Tanya raised an eyebrow in surprise, her long, jade-like fingers rhythmically tapping on the golden nanmu table, letting out a long sigh from her crimson lips.

“What happened?”

Verdant bent slightly, “A few nights ago, I recalled that the incense in the queen's chamber needed changing, but there weren’t enough supplies in the palace. I went to the imperial garden to gather fresh petals and unexpectedly encountered the rumored vengeful spirit…”

Tanya raised her brow. “How did you identify it as a vengeful spirit?”

“She was dressed in black, and her figure resembled Daisy's closely. Most importantly, she was holding a dagger! This is the harem! Dressed in black and wielding a dagger, I even saw her stab Mia, the maid from Luna Palace, in the back!”

“But Mia was completely unaware, the next day, she had a scar on her back. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.”

Verdant's pupils dilated, looking genuinely frightened.

But Tanya, an outstanding woman of the twenty-fourth century, could not be swayed by mere ghosts!

Especially not while live-streaming…

“If the Emperor hears about this, he might want to clean up the malfeasance around here.”

Tanya smiled, her thoughts drifting far away.

I wonder what Alexander thinks about this.

As someone else with modern memories, it was only natural for Tanya to think of him.

Never mind.

“Tonight, His Majesty is hosting a banquet at Harmonious Hall, you must not mention this matter.”

Verdant nodded, then began to help Tanya get ready.

The night enveloped Harmonious Hall, the candlelight flickering in layers, dazzling Tanya's eyes, while the aroma of wine filled the air, bringing a smile to her face.

Verdant was careful behind her, Tanya knew she was scared and raised her smile in reassurance.

“If Daisy seeks revenge, she should first go after Evelyn, who survived, you’re in no danger.”

Verdant was captivated by Tanya's smile, her eyes glistening. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your comforting words.”

A gentle breeze stirred, and Tanya donned an orange-red dress that trailed on the ground. Her makeup was formal, with a bright red hairpin tinkling softly, her lips alluringly red, exuding a regal charm.

Heliam seemed to treat the palace banquets as a tradition, holding one every month.

Francois had long been at the center of the hall, having recently won Heliam's favor, usually so reserved, she was rare to see smiling.

“It’s been a while, Sister Vivienne, you’ve become even more beautiful.”

A soft voice came from behind, and Tanya turned to see Evelyn gracefully curtsying. “Evelyn greets Sister Vivienne.”

Tanya's gaze lingered on her for a moment before shifting away. “Sister Evelyn, you look like a freshly bloomed lotus, making it hard to look away.”

Tanya nodded indifferently and returned to her seat.

The harem's consorts entered one after another, Tanya casually scanned the crowd until she spotted someone in silver armor.

It was him.

Alexander's face was cold, his thin lips pressed tightly together, his proud expression rarely breaking into a smile.

It seemed that only when he teased her as a little maid would a hint of disdain appear at the corner of his mouth.

What a… detestable man…

Tanya lowered her eyes, her gaze shining brightly. After not seeing him for a while, Alexander still stood tall, his ambiguous features carrying the same icy demeanor that kept others at a distance.

“Alexander truly has a handsome face,” Evelyn remarked from behind.

Tanya turned, locking her gaze on her for a moment. “What do you want?”

Evelyn wore a faint smile that, to Tanya, felt more like mockery.

Alexander seemed distracted, but after a moment, he found Tanya seated among the consorts. Her long hair was neatly tied up, her forehead smooth, and her captivating red lips drew the eye.

This woman always entered with a spotlight.

Alexander lifted his lips slightly but ultimately did not divert his gaze.

Heliam's arrival raised the atmosphere in Harmonious Hall another notch, Eunuch Belmont raised his voice to announce him, and everyone's eyes fixed on his figure as he walked to the throne.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Heliam waved his hand dismissively, signaling the end of formalities.

As he took his seat, Tanya watched Heliam’s handsome face from a distance, a faint smile playing at his lips, seemingly in good spirits.

Tanya frowned slightly, everything appeared peaceful, yet she sensed that something significant was about to happen.

The Harmonious Hall was adorned with candles of varying heights, illuminating the room brightly, while the cool night breeze drifted in, wrapping around the space.

It carried a hint of something eerie.