Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Rong sat in front of the mirror, gazing at her delicate face reflected there. Her makeup was flawless, yet it couldn't conceal a hint of worry in her eyes.

She sighed softly, her slender fingers unconsciously stroking the jade hairpin on the dressing table.

“Xiao Bai,” she murmured softly, a hint of helplessness in her voice, “since the last banquet, my relationship with Yang Guifei has improved somewhat, but I always feel like there’s a thin veil between us, I can’t see her clearly. Her smile is polite but distant, and the wariness in her eyes is obvious. How can I truly enter her heart?”

Zhu Rong recalled the scene of that banquet. In the magnificent palace, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air.

She had hoped to use this opportunity to get closer to Yang Guifei, but unexpectedly, a thoughtless joke caused Yang Guifei's expression to darken. Although Yang Guifei quickly recovered her smile, Zhu Rong knew that her impression of her had probably worsened.

Xiao Bai's voice echoed in her mind, tinged with a hint of slyness: "You idiot, how could you forget your 'special skill'? Remember the abilities you learned in the Imperial Medical Academy of Heaven."

Zhu Rong's eyes lit up, and a look of sudden realization appeared on her face: "You mean...my medical skills?"

“That’s right!” Xiao Bai affirmed. “Yang Guifei has been unwell recently, isn’t this the perfect opportunity for you to show your skills? Use your medical expertise to care for her health; perhaps she’ll look at you with new respect.”

Zhu Rong nodded gently, her eyes sparkling with hope. She stood up, straightened her clothes, and decided to go to the Imperial Hospital to inquire about Yang Guifei's condition.

Inside the Imperial Medical Academy, the air was filled with the rich aroma of medicine. Zhu Rong walked lightly to an elderly imperial physician with white hair and beard, and respectfully bowed: "Elder Physician, may I inquire about the Imperial Concubine's condition?"

The old physician stroked his long beard, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Consort Zhu shows considerable interest in medicine, that's excellent." He paused, then continued, "Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine has recently been irritable, unable to sleep at night, and has a poor appetite. In my opinion, this is due to excessive worry, coupled with the changing weather, leading to poor blood circulation and restlessness."

Zhu Rong listened attentively, nodding occasionally. A treatment plan was already forming in her mind.

Back in her palace, Zhu Rong immediately got to work. She carefully selected medicinal herbs and, following the old imperial physician's advice, personally brewed a calming soup.

She carefully selected precious medicinal herbs such as Ganoderma lucidum, lily bulbs, and jujube seeds, and then cleverly added some angelica and cypress seeds. After careful preparation, she finally developed a soup that was both gentle and effective.

"Xiaobai, do you think the Imperial Concubine will like this soup?" Zhu Rong asked softly while intently stirring the medicinal soup. "Silly girl, as long as you do it wholeheartedly, she will definitely feel your sincerity," Xiaobai encouraged. "Remember, a sincere heart can always touch others."

Zhu Rong smiled slightly. She carefully poured the brewed medicine into an exquisite porcelain bowl, then personally carried it, walking with light steps towards Yang Guifei's palace. Along the way, her heart pounded faster and faster, filled with anticipation and nervousness.

Yang Guifei's palace was incredibly luxurious, filled with the scent of precious sandalwood. Zhu Rong gently pushed open the door and saw Yang Guifei reclining on a soft couch, a faint sorrow on her brow, looking somewhat haggard.

"Your Highness," Zhu Rong called softly, approaching cautiously, "I have prepared a calming soup for you; please try it."

Consort Yang slightly raised her eyes and glanced at Zhu Rong indifferently. Her gaze held a hint of doubt and wariness, but more so, an unconcealed weariness. "Thank you for your trouble, Consort Zhu. Please leave it here." Her tone was cold, yet tinged with exhaustion.

Zhu Rong did not back down despite Yang Guifei's coldness. She gently placed the medicine on the table, then walked to Yang Guifei's side, her eyes full of concern: "Your Majesty, have you been unwell lately? I know a little about medicine; perhaps I can take your pulse."

Consort Yang initially wanted to refuse, but when she met Zhu Rong's sincere eyes, her heart stirred slightly. She had indeed been feeling unwell lately, and the medicine prescribed by the imperial physicians had been ineffective, leaving her quite distressed. She hesitated for a moment, then slowly extended her hand: "Then I'll have to trouble Consort Zhu."

Zhu Rong carefully placed her hand on Yang Guifei's pulse, closed her eyes, and focused intently on its quality. After a moment, she opened her eyes and said softly, "Your Majesty's pulse is somewhat weak and unstable, likely due to insufficient qi and blood, and restlessness. I can prescribe some remedies for Your Majesty, along with acupuncture treatment. I believe you will recover soon."

Consort Yang raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She hadn't expected Zhu Rong's medical skills to be so exquisite. "Then I'll trouble Consort Zhu," she said, her tone much gentler than before.

For the next few days, Zhu Rong visited Yang Guifei's palace daily to examine her pulse, perform acupuncture, and personally cook light and delicious medicinal meals for her. Her attentiveness and gentleness gradually melted the ice in Yang Guifei's heart.

One evening, Consort Yang leaned against a soft couch, watching the setting sun gradually sink in the west outside the window. Zhu Rong was preparing a medicinal meal beside her, and the room was filled with a faint aroma of herbs.

“Consort Zhu,” Consort Yang suddenly spoke, her voice much gentler, “I’m feeling much better these past few days thanks to your care.”

Zhu Rong turned around, a joyful smile blooming on her face: "It is my honor to serve Your Majesty."

Yang Guifei gazed at Zhu Rong, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She realized that this young woman was not, as she had imagined, merely approaching her to vie for favor. Zhu Rong's care and concern were genuine.

However, not everyone in the harem was happy to see the relationship between the two improve. Seeing Zhu Rong increasingly favored by the emperor, Gao Lishi felt a surge of jealousy. He began to worry that his own position was threatened, so he devised a plan: to speak ill of Zhu Rong to the emperor, attempting to sow discord between them.

One day, while the emperor was strolling alone in the imperial garden, Gao Lishi seized the opportunity and quietly approached him. He lowered his head and said in a seemingly respectful manner, "Your Majesty, this servant has something to report." The emperor stopped and looked at him with suspicion.

Gao Lishi cautiously raised his head, lowered his voice, and a sinister glint flashed in his eyes: "Your Majesty, you must be careful of Consort Zhu." The Emperor frowned and asked, puzzled, "Oh? Why should I be careful of her?"

Gao Lishi looked worried and continued, "She's been getting very close to the Imperial Concubine lately, and I'm worried... I'm worried she has ulterior motives." The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, thought for a moment, and then asked calmly, "What evidence do you have to prove she has ulterior motives?"

Gao Lishi hurriedly shook his head and waved his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, this servant has no conclusive evidence, but the women in the harem have complicated thoughts, and we must be on guard!" The emperor was silent for a while, and then said that he would observe personally.

Gao Lishi was secretly pleased with himself, feeling that he had successfully sown the seeds of suspicion. Meanwhile, Zhu Rong was completely unaware of Gao Lishi's conspiracy and remained immersed in her friendship with Yang Guifei.

Upon hearing this, the emperor frowned slightly. Although he favored Zhu Rong, his love for Yang Guifei ran even deeper, and naturally he did not want to see any conflict between them. "Gao Lishi, what do you mean by that?" the emperor asked, his tone somewhat displeased.

Seeing this, Gao Lishi quickly explained, "Your Majesty, I am only worried that the Imperial Concubine is being blinded. Consort Zhu comes from a humble background, how could she possibly be genuinely kind to the Imperial Concubine? She must be trying to use the Imperial Concubine to achieve her own goals!"

The emperor pondered for a moment, then waved his hand: "I understand. You may leave."

Gao Lishi was somewhat disappointed that the emperor did not immediately believe him. However, he did not give up and decided to continue observing Zhu Rong, looking for an opportunity to bring her down.

A few days later, Consort Yang was enjoying the flowers alone in the Imperial Garden. Her mood seemed much better, but a trace of melancholy remained. She strolled along the lake, gazing at the shimmering surface, lost in thought.

"Your Highness, please be careful!" Chun Tao reminded Yang Guifei, following behind her. But Yang Guifei seemed not to hear, continuing to be lost in her own thoughts.

Suddenly, Yang Guifei slipped, lost her balance, and fell into the lake.

"Your Majesty!" Chun Tao exclaimed and rushed over, but the lake was too deep and she couldn't swim at all, so she could only watch helplessly as Yang Guifei struggled in the water.

"Help! Help!" Yang Guifei struggled desperately in the water, but she couldn't swim and soon began to sink.

At this critical moment, a figure rushed over and leaped into the lake.

"It's Consort Zhu!" Chun Tao exclaimed upon recognizing the figure.

When Zhu Rong saw Yang Guifei fall into the water, she jumped in without thinking. Although she couldn't swim, Xiao Bai reminded her in time that she could use the "water-repelling magic" of the nine-bead bracelet.

Zhu Rong quickly swam to Yang Guifei's side, embraced her, and then, using the power of her "water-avoiding magic," brought her to the surface.

Chuntao quickly found someone to carry Yang Guifei back to her palace. Although Yang Guifei had choked on some water, she was not seriously injured. Lying in bed, she looked at Zhu Rong's concerned eyes and was filled with gratitude.

"Consort Zhu, thank you for saving me," Consort Yang said sincerely, tears glistening in her eyes.

Zhu Rong knelt by the bedside, holding Yang Guifei's hand, her voice choked with emotion: "Your Majesty, there's no need for such formalities. This is all I should do. Seeing that you are safe and sound puts my mind at ease."

Yang Guifei stared intently at Zhu Rong, her wariness completely gone, replaced by deep gratitude. She solemnly said, "No, you saved my life; I will repay this kindness."

From then on, Yang Guifei completely let down her guard against Zhu Rong and began to genuinely accept Zhu Rong's care and help. The relationship between the two became increasingly intimate, like that of sisters.

Zhu Rong's plan succeeded; with her sincerity and kindness, she ultimately won Yang Guifei's trust. They often enjoyed flowers and tea together, chatting about everything under the sun. Yang Guifei even began to consult Zhu Rong about medical skills, and the two had more exchanges in this area.

However, Zhu Rong did not lower her guard. She knew that beneath the seemingly calm surface, undercurrents were surging. Gao Lishi's conspiracy continued, and an even greater storm was quietly brewing.