A five-year-old goddess, raised to become an emperor for all time through a bronze mirror.

Every year, she would slightly raise her head, her gaze fixed firmly on Consort Wan, and respectfully answer:

"Your Majesty, things are progressing smoothly. However, the Sixth Prince is still somewhat wary of me and has not kept me as his personal maid, so I went to the laundry department..."

After hearing this, Consort Wan nodded in satisfaction, gently fanning herself with her embroidered silk fan, as if she were deep in thought.

After a moment, she slowly spoke: "It's alright, I'm very satisfied with your performance."

But you must not be careless. The Sixth Prince is no ordinary man; his thoughts are unfathomable. You must act with utmost caution and not give yourself away.”

"This servant will remember Your Majesty's teachings."

Year after year, she kept her head down, her voice as soft as a breeze brushing against the strings of a zither, but the slight trembling in her voice could not hide the turbulent waves in her heart.

She knew all too well that every step she took into this palace was like walking on thin ice; the slightest misstep would send her plunging into an abyss from which she would never rise again.

Looking back, she was just a humble and pitiful little beggar on the street, making a living by begging.

That day, the sky was overcast, and the freezing rain poured down relentlessly.

She was huddled in a corner of the street, barely able to shelter herself from the wind and rain, shivering as she tried to escape the onslaught of the cold rain.

However, at that moment, several tall and burly men suddenly appeared. Without saying a word, they rushed over and stuffed Nian Nian into a dirty burlap sack.

At that moment, Nian Nian's heart sank to the bottom, and countless terrible thoughts floated into her mind—had she encountered the legendary "human traffickers"?

Perhaps soon they will be sold to some unknown, remote place, where they will live a life of utter darkness...

She had prepared for the worst, but to her utter surprise, when she emerged from the darkness into the light, she found herself in a magnificent palace.

The beautiful and noble woman standing before me was none other than Consort Wan.

Consort Wan's bright, watery eyes seemed to see through everything; she merely glanced at Nian Nian indifferently.

A faint smile played at the corners of her lips as she softly said:

"You don't need to be so worried. As long as you serve me wholeheartedly, I will certainly not treat you unfairly. After the matter is accomplished, I will reward you handsomely."

Every year, a warmth would well up in her heart. She knew Wanpin's methods and abilities, and gaining her favor would undoubtedly provide her with more security in the palace.

She bowed again and said gratefully, "This servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness and will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Consort Wan nodded slightly, signaling Niannian to get up.

She stood up, walked to the edge of the pavilion, gazed at the distant splendor of the palace, and said softly:

"In this palace, everyone lives for their own interests, and I am no exception. The struggle between the Sixth Prince and me is just one of countless struggles in this palace."

Since you have chosen to stand on my side, you must be prepared to stand with me through thick and thin.

Year after year, they followed closely behind, their gaze responding with unwavering resolve:

“This servant understands. Your Majesty’s enemies are this servant’s enemies. This servant is willing to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty.”

Consort Wan glanced back at Niannian, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes, then turned and said:

"Alright, I have other matters to attend to. You may return. Remember to maintain the Sixth Prince's trust and do not let him notice anything amiss."

"The slaves obey."

Each year, he bowed respectfully and slowly withdrew, only breathing a sigh of relief after leaving the pavilion.

She knew that she had to be even more careful with every step she took from now on, because in this palace, any small mistake could become a weapon in someone else's hands.

Every year, as she dragged her weary body back to the laundry department, she saw the last rays of sunlight on the horizon swallowed up by endless darkness...

From afar, she saw Chun Tao's petite figure standing at the entrance of the laundry department, pacing back and forth, her face full of anxiety.

When Chuntao saw Nian Nian return, she felt as if she had seen a savior and hurriedly ran to greet her.

“Niannian, you’re finally back! Aunt Zhao came looking for you in a huff just now, but luckily I was quick-witted and managed to get rid of her using the excuse you taught me before.”

As Chuntao spoke, she patted her chest, seemingly still shaken.

Upon hearing this, a hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes. She raised her head slightly and said softly:

"Thank you so much, Chun Tao. I really don't know what I would have done without your help this time."

I will be much more careful from now on, and I will never let you worry about me again.

Chuntao held Niannian's hand tightly, staring at her with a worried expression. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something.

But in the end, it all turned into a soft sigh, and he silently let go of her hand.

Afterwards, the two walked side by side into the laundry department and resumed their busy work.

However, at this moment, Niannian's thoughts had already flown to the ends of the earth.

She pondered to herself how to complete the task assigned to her by Consort Wan without anyone noticing, and at the same time, without arousing the suspicion of the Sixth Prince.

After all, in this seemingly calm but actually turbulent inner palace, a slight misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Thinking of this, Nian Nian couldn't help but feel a chill rise up her spine...

Night fell slowly, as dark as ink, shrouding the entire palace in darkness.

However, as time went by, one by one, exquisite lights began to illuminate the magnificent palace, transforming it into a dreamlike realm.

As the city lights begin to twinkle, Nian Nian sits quietly by the warm fireplace, her gaze somewhat vacant, her mind seemingly tangled with a thousand thoughts.

She held a thin, long poker in her hand, unconsciously stirring the embers in the fire.

The leaping flames, like playful sprites, danced merrily on her delicate face, clearly reflecting her complex and unpredictable emotions at that moment.

"Niannian, what's wrong? Is something bothering you? Seeing you like this really worries me."

Suddenly, Chun Tao's gentle and caring voice reached Nian Nian's ears, like a spring breeze sweeping across the lake, breaking the original tranquility of the surroundings.

Nian Nian suddenly snapped out of her daze, looked up at Chun Tao, forced a smile, and said softly:

"I...I'm fine, I'm probably just too tired lately."

Despite saying this, her smile seemed so forced that it couldn't hide the deep worry in her heart.

Chun Tao was not relieved by Niannian's answer. Her bright eyes were fixed on Niannian, and the worry in her eyes did not diminish at all.