A Mistaken Marriage Match: Mysteries in the Imperial Harem

Chapter 33: The Cold Arrow Behind

Choushi (modern timing: 1 – 3 am) has passed and it was deep in the night. The nights in the summer did not feel warm and it was the perfect weather to have a good night sleep. The Emperor did not come over this night thus there was only a red lantern in the entire Qing Feng Hall. The palace maid that was on night vigil was napping and the courtyard was so quiet that one can only hear the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

In the darkness of the night, a lone slim figure slowly opened the door and walked softly towards the side doors. When she walked out the door, another slender figure followed her out.

In the middle of the night on the palace road, there was only a lantern that was lit. Fu Ling watch the figure lightly running and her brows were knitted tightly. That day after she brought back that silk brocade bag, Mistress had her monitor for any suspicious activities from anyone in Qing Feng Hall. Lan-er and a few palace maids curiously asked a few question but only Xia Yin stay away and dare not look at all. She has monitored her for a few days and finally she moved tonight.

Xia Yin was being very careful and as she ran, she kept looking at her surrounding. Fu Ling was afraid that she would discover her and dare not follow her too closely. After following for a while, Fu Ling gradually found out the direction that Xia Yin was heading towards... Seemingly Ling Yun Palace?

Fu Ling conjecture was indeed correct, seeing Xia Yin stopping at the back door of Ling Yun Palace, she knocked softly twice before the door opened. Xia Yin immediately entered and the door closed again. As she was too far from her, Fu Ling could not see clearly who was it that opened the doors for Xia Yin and just as she wanted to get closer so that when Xia Yin leaves, she would be able to see who was meeting up with her, a sudden male voice sounded, "Who is it?"

The sudden fierce voice made Fu Ling jump in shock. Before she could respond, a sword has blocked her path. Although it was not removed from its scabbard, the killing intent by that person scared Fu Ling into not moving a muscle.

"Who are you? Which palace do you come from?" An indifferent male voice sounded again and Fu Ling looked up to see the owner of the sword. It was a man clad with the guard's uniform and that tall figure overshadowed her without her knowledge. His black eyes stared at her, without giving in to the dark black night.

This person... Seems familiar, but where did she see him? Fu Ling didn't seem to remember.

The male was impatient and glanced at the palace placard hanging on Fu Ling's waist. Fu Ling felt a sharp pain on her waist and the palace placard was pulled off.

Ming Ze looked at the delicate white jade palace placard in his hand, is this a placard for female officials? Upon taking a closer look at the carved words, it was indicated Qing Feng Hall and the back of it engraved with 'fifth grade – Fu Ling'.

Qing Feng Hall? She is the female official by her side? Ming Ze look once over at this female called Fu Ling, clean outlook, calm eyes and even facing his sword, her face only slightly change and did not lose her grace. Sheathing back his sword, Ming Ze coldly asked, "It is already so late, what are you doing here?"

Fu Ling secretly took a deep breath and calm herself down before faintly replying, "Was walking around as it was too hot to sleep."

Too hot? This excuse was clearly not smart at all but it also render one speechless. A normal palace maid or eunuch would not be able to walk around in the Palace after Xushi (modern timing: 7 – 9 pm) without their mistress instructions. But Fu Ling rank is higher than his fifth rank third class and for her to walk around to "enjoy the cool air", it is not for him to manage it. With a self-depreciating thought, Ming Ze handled the white jade placard back to her and said in a cold expression, "It is late, do return back."