Chapter 107: He Yu's Bet

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The scent of early autumn resembles warm, gentle sunlight, pale, thin morning mist, and delicately fragrant flowers... all merging together. With these impressions, half of the earthly seasons have already passed.

At the Northern Hua Imperial Palace, the courtyard walls stand tall, pavilions pierce the sky, and the gardens are deep and secluded. He Yu sat quietly in the Autumn Trimming Pavilion, watching the flowers bloom, softly smiling as she spoke of farewells.

The Empress Dowager had detained He Yu, employing certain means to do so, making He Yu fully aware of the woman’s formidable nature. She restrained her sharpness not only because her beloved was here but also due to the unfamiliar and uneasy atmosphere of this distant place.

Indeed, Yu Qixian’s words were correct: there were no longer sincere hearts elsewhere. Within the palace, none were easy to get along with. Those who appeared gentle were by no means harmless, and this place was far from a realm of freedom and wanton indulgence.

Apart from home, everywhere was foreign land; everywhere was wandering.

From the pavilion, He Yu could see the courtyard and the outer gardens, sparing her the dullness and gloom.

The Autumn Trimming Pavilion was a gift from Liu Li, carefully chosen in a quiet spot, and a newly arrived palace maid had been assigned to He Yu. Though everything was arranged meticulously by him, He Yu remained uneasy and unhappy, unless she saw Liu Li.

Sure enough, the next day, Liu Li arrived, having come alone in response to a letter from He Yu. He simply sat with her in the pavilion, drinking tea and feeling the breeze.

Though pleasant, the mood was heavy.

He Yu’s expression was joyful and pure, yet lacked the lively sparkle it once held—a detail Liu Li observed keenly.

“The palace is somber and complicated, not suitable for you. If you are willing, I can arrange for you to leave the palace.”

He Yu smiled softly upon hearing this.

In her eyes, Liu Li remained the same handsome, courteous, humble, and gentle man—a rare good soul—but now shadowed by many sorrows. This saddened and worried her deeply.

“Weren’t you here to discuss the letter? Since I spoke, I naturally have the ability and means. The late emperor’s old case, though sealed for twenty years, won’t remain hidden if one is determined. Don’t you trust me?”

“How could I not? Investigating the case is important, but I don’t want to drag you into it. The Empress Dowager has taken a keen interest in you, which is not good. It’s better you don’t stay in the palace.”

He Yu smiled kindly and replied, “Your concern is enough; I care little for the rest. The Empress Dowager noticed me because of that night. The poison was given by me on behalf of the main palace to the Second Prince; the musician was invited by the Empress Dowager—you can understand the meaning behind this. This matter involves not only the royal family but also the West Sea Mansion, and I have long been involved.”

Liu Li sighed; these days he had also uncovered the Empress Dowager’s connection with the West Sea Mansion. The reasons behind it were clear. Aside from the old grievance between the Empress Dowager and the Music Fairy, he understood everything thoroughly.

“I know you wonder why the West Sea Mansion is openly involved with the royal family. The more blatant it is, the darker and more complicated the matter behind it must be. You bear responsibility but lack the power to resist—best to fulfill your own duties.”

“You know well that the Empress Dowager’s faction is malicious, yet you insist on risking it alone. Returning to the West Sea Mansion is no different from being here. I’d rather stay and help you! If I hadn’t sensed things ahead last time, who knows what might have happened...”

“I haven’t even properly thanked you for last time...” Liu Li looked at He Yu. Seeing her shy expression, he swallowed the words of gratitude.

An inexplicable quiet fell. Liu Li averted his gaze, struggling to find words, feeling a faint warmth and unease on his face—born from He Yu’s gentle gaze.

“That day...” Liu Li pondered, then said, “You control the situation and even manipulate the Virtuous Consort. I thought you understood the palace’s complexities but never expected you to be unwilling to leave. Is there something here that you cannot part from?”

He Yu smiled faintly. “That’s something I don’t understand myself.”

“You are not only skilled in medicine and pharmacology but can also influence the usually straightforward Virtuous Consort. The High Priest aided me greatly that day. What seemed certain was overturned by you—it was truly grateful and enlightening. But I’ve long distinguished right from wrong, so don’t worry! If you stayed because of unease over the medicine delivery, it’s unnecessary. I still think the palace isn’t fit for you.”

“Setting aside leaving the palace, your words have made me think deeply...” He Yu was puzzled and thoughtful. “I fully understand your wine cup. But since my silver chopsticks didn’t detect any problem, there must have been no poison—not even Crane’s Crown. According to the Second Prince and Empress Dowager’s design, it was probably aimed only at you, not everyone. The crowd was present—how did the Second Prince ignite their anger?”

Liu Li nodded calmly. “I’ve always been puzzled. There must have been a master helping secretly, turning the tide and saving my reputation. Now the Second Prince and Empress Dowager appear reconciled on the surface—it’s hard to deal with.”

“Forgive my bluntness, but I think the Empress Dowager might not be your biological mother!”

Liu Li was startled, looking at He Yu in surprise. “Why do you think so?”

“Judging by her words and deeds—pushing you to the brink—what mother could be so cruel and heartless? Even if it’s her nature, she favors the Eldest Prince, which you must have realized. You don’t dare suspect because you fear the truth. Many may have said this, but you only see her as a political rival. I say this not to hurt you, but to make a wager!”

“A wager?” Liu Li was taken aback. “You want to bet on my identity?”

He Yu’s heart tightened as she sighed. “I don’t wish it, but... the truth is always the truth.”

“What do you mean?”

He Yu looked at Liu Li, her sorrow surging: You seem not to believe me, so I’ll tell you why.

“Do you know? I’m an orphan, abandoned by my parents since childhood. That’s why I’m sensitive about parentage! All these years, I’ve never stopped searching—not to find my birth parents, but to know who abandoned me...”

Liu Li, moved by her tearful sorrow, softened and handed her a handkerchief. “I understand. Think openly! As long as your parents are alive, you will find them.”

He Yu nodded resolutely. “Yes, I will! I’ve searched through thousands; perhaps I’m close now!”

Liu Li wanted to speak but hesitated, finally thinking silently: She’s a healer; verifying blood ties isn’t surprising. But... what about me? And the Empress Dowager?

“Enough of that. My point is to help you!” He Yu wiped her tears and looked directly at Liu Li. “What do you think of my proposal? Will you bet?”

“How do we bet?”

“If I’m overthinking, I’ll leave the palace without hesitation. If I’m right, you’ll let me stay and help you. I’ll stay out of other affairs and only help investigate the late emperor’s death. I believe the West Sea Mansion’s collusion with the Empress Dowager relates to the unrest two decades ago. I’ve already asked people at the Orchid Heart Pavilion privately—you can trust me!”

Liu Li’s heart surged like blazing fire.

“I know it’s difficult for you. Rest assured, I won’t force you. I will judge right and wrong myself. When the time comes, if I learn the truth, you only need to decide whether to know it.”

“These matters should be handled by us men. You’re not a military or political specialist; investigating would be difficult. Don’t trouble yourself—wait for us to find the truth and then inform you.”

“Don’t decline. I, He Yu, am not a delicate flower nor ungrateful!”

“You?” Liu Li asked skeptically. “What favor do you want to repay?”

“Trust... the favor of trust!”

He Yu sipped her tea and gazed out the window, thinking: Since you don’t remember me, what else is there to say? Likely, you’ll say “It’s insignificant” again, chilling my heart. No matter your thoughts, my decision won’t change!

“If you insist, I won’t stop you. But the palace is full of dark tides and dangers; be cautious and watch every leaf and blade of grass.”

“Thank you for the warning!”

“Are you settled here? If you need anything, ask the servants. The Second Prince is currently in the palace—stay away from him to avoid their ill intentions.”

“No worries. Though I lack martial skills, I always carry medicine! Though the Empress Dowager granted me the title ‘Noble Lady of the West Sea,’ it holds no real power, but I can move freely in the harem. Everyone fears my identity as a healer and won’t act recklessly. I’m not a consort, so no one in the harem bothers me—this spares me much trouble!”

Liu Li knew He Yu was blaming him for not making her a consort, but he knew his choice was right.

Better a short pain than a long one; better to bear a moment’s guilt than a lifetime’s burden.

“The harem is no good place. You should find a peaceful place soon! With your talents, you can thrive anywhere!”

“But youth is fleeting; I cannot slowly seek a good partner!”

“Matters of the heart are fated; do not force them!”

He Yu smiled with bitterness, no longer meeting Liu Li’s gaze. Only after seeing him depart did she allow herself to weep fully.

“Who claims there’s no room in the heart for love? You just haven’t met the right person. Though you don’t like me, I’ll stay to help you through the hardships—until you send me away or I give up on you.”

The one she awaited came, yet seemed to leave.

He Yu leaned against the wall, watching Liu Li’s receding figure, then looked around the vast, solemn palace. Her heart felt empty, with no sense of belonging.

Away from home, unknown to old friends, life alone was naturally hard.

Upon reflection, she realized she never truly had a home. In this world, who are her parents? Why was she never given a home?