Early the next morning, a squad of imperial guards appeared outside Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
The leader held an imperial edict and announced in an even tone, “By order of the Empress, the proprietor of Myriad Treasures Pavilion is summoned to the palace to participate in the beauty-products auction for the imperial harem.”
Every customer in the shop fell silent at once.
Everyone knew that being summoned to the palace was an honor—but it could also be a trap.
Wan Yuting accepted the edict, glanced at the red seal on it, and asked, “Do I have to go?”
The guard froze.
“This is the Empress’s decree.”
“I know. I just want to know how much I’ll be fined if I don’t go.”
Ta Lam, whom the Night Prince had sent to protect her, nearly choked on his tea.
Wan Yuting went to the palace in a carriage after all. Before leaving, she instructed the shop assistants to pack three chests of special merchandise.
“Bring only the things people won’t be able to put down.”
The imperial palace was more magnificent than anywhere she had ever seen. But beneath all that splendor lay countless scrutinizing eyes.
The palace maids looked her up and down. The noblewomen invited to attend whispered among themselves.
“Is that the girl who sells magical mirrors?”
“I heard the Crown Prince once annulled his engagement to her.”
“Someone like that was summoned to the palace?”
Wan Yuting heard every word, but pretended not to.
Inside the Imperial Hall, Lu Ruowei stood beside a jade powder box. She wore a pale pink dress, her face gentle and demure—as if she had never joined Chu Jing in driving someone else to the brink of death.
The moment she saw Wan Yuting, she immediately walked over.
“Big Sister, it’s been a long time.”
Wan Yuting looked at the hand she extended but didn’t take it.
“Are we close enough for you to miss me?”
Lu Ruowei’s smile stiffened.
Standing behind her, Chu Jing frowned. “Wan Yuting, this is the imperial palace. Don’t disgrace the Lu Estate.”
“The Lu Estate lost its dignity the moment you locked me in the woodshed.”
Several noblewomen let out quiet laughs.
Chu Jing’s expression darkened.
Just then, the pearl curtain above the hall was lifted. The Empress stepped out, followed by palace maids carrying trays of cosmetics.
Everyone dropped to their knees in unison.
Wan Yuting merely dipped into a slight bow.
The Empress looked at her. “You’re not kneeling?”
“I’m carrying precious goods, Your Majesty. I’m afraid kneeling might break them.”
Her answer was both reasonable and brazen.
The Empress didn’t get angry. She only looked at the wooden chest behind Wan Yuting.
“Then let me see what makes you so confident.”
Lu Ruowei immediately opened her powder box. Inside was finely ground rose powder with an elegant fragrance.
“This year, the Lu Estate’s rose powder is made from petals grown in our private garden. It’s fine, fragrant, and nourishes the skin.”
The noblewomen around them nodded approvingly.
Wan Yuting didn’t rush to open her chest. Instead, she took out a small silver-white bottle.
“Rose powder can make you beautiful for a day. My product can make your skin more beautiful every day.”
The Empress signaled for a palace maid to take it.
Wan Yuting said, “Please don’t apply it to your face right away. Test it on the back of your hand first.”
The palace maid did as instructed. The thin cream quickly absorbed into her skin, leaving behind a smooth, luminous finish.
The noblewomen immediately erupted into excited chatter.
Lu Ruowei clenched her handkerchief.
The Empress looked at the back of her own hand, then at Wan Yuting.
“The official auction is tomorrow. If your product is truly as good as you claim, I won’t allow a talented person to go to waste.”
Wan Yuting smiled.
“I’m only afraid others won’t be able to handle seeing the real thing.”
Outside the hall, Chu Jing watched her retreating figure. For the first time, a sense of unease stirred in his heart.
As for Lu Ruowei, she had already lowered her head and whispered to a trusted palace maid.
“Tonight, replace all the water in her testing room.”