Chapter 104:

The Emperor left with three concubines, and Layue resumed her life of indulgence in food and leisure. The spring breeze was pleasant, and Layue set up tea utensils in a pavilion not far from the lotus pond, enjoying the breeze and scenery with great delight.

Many in the palace believed Chun Zhaoyi was foolish for not seizing the opportunity to gain power, missing a golden chance. Yet, she chose not to involve herself, and others were naturally pleased.

Regardless of others’ opinions, Layue continued to enjoy her life immensely. She placed a rocking chair in the pavilion and lay there swaying, feeling very content.

“Madam, look, is that the eldest prince over there?”

Looking afar, Layue recognized the small figure standing by the pond as none other than the eldest prince, Yan Yu. The young boy stood there, accompanied by two palace maids in pink robes. Layue recognized them as the eldest prince’s senior attendants, known for their caution.

He kept picking up small stones from the ground, appearing quite bored. For some reason, Layue smiled and said, “Apricot, go invite the eldest prince to have some tea.”

Apricot ran over, and soon Yan Yu turned his gaze toward them. Then he followed Apricot’s steps to the pavilion.

According to etiquette, Layue should have bowed to Yan Yu in greeting. She slightly curtsied, but Yan Yu did not ask her to rise, instead staring at her expressionlessly.

Layue felt no annoyance, merely thinking that the child must have been in a sulk again.

After a while, Yan Yu seemed to finally notice her, looking at her with a complex expression.

With a childish, sweet voice, he said, “You may rise.”

Layue did not lie back on the rocking chair again but instead sat on a stone bench in the pavilion. Jin Xin, ever thoughtful, placed a cushion on the bench for her.

Yan Yu looked around and, after a moment’s thought, climbed onto Layue’s rocking chair himself. Yan Yu was five years old, but lying there, he still looked like a little boy.

Layue was used to indulging the child a bit when speaking with him. Even though she sensed he seemed troubled today, she still asked, “Why isn’t the eldest prince attending the study hall today?”

Yan Yu turned his face away, and one of the palace maids smiled slightly and explained, “Your Majesty, the eldest prince has been feeling unwell recently. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager said he should temporarily stop attending the study hall.”

Layue looked carefully at Yan Yu but saw no signs of illness, suspecting the child probably just didn’t want to go.

However, since the Empress Dowager had already made such a statement, she certainly wouldn’t interfere, considering her position.

The little prince clearly disliked the maid’s unsolicited explanation and frowned, “Since when did a servant have the right to speak out of turn?”

He sounded very authoritative.

The maid quickly knelt down to apologize.

Although the incident was triggered by her own question, Layue understood that it was not her place to interfere when a master reprimanded his servant. Such was the palace rule.

Fortunately, Yan Yu only said that one sentence. Seeing the maid kneeling, he soon told her to get up.

“You all may leave. I wish to chat with Lady Chun.”

Yan Yu was the son of Empress Hui Ci and the Emperor’s eldest legitimate son. Even though Layue had been elevated to the rank of concubine, her status still could not compare to Yan Yu’s. Therefore, it was perfectly normal for him to address her by name directly.

The palace maids exchanged glances, somewhat uncertain. However, seeing Yan Yu’s status, they had no choice but to comply. Although somewhat worried, they still curtsied and exited the pavilion, with Jin Xin and Apricot remaining by Layue’s side.

Then he said, “You all may leave too.”

The palace maids looked at Layue, and upon seeing her nod, they also left the pavilion.

Seeing Yan Yu’s behavior, Layue knew he must have something to say. In fact, Layue was also aware that being alone together like this was not good for either of them. Yan Yu’s frail health made him vulnerable to accusations. If it weren’t for the absence of Concubine Qi and Concubine De, Layue probably wouldn’t have allowed this.

“Is there something the eldest prince wishes to say?”

Seeing him staring blankly into the distance without saying a word, Layue took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

After glancing at Shen Layue, Yan Yu pouted, “How would you know? I just sent them away because I don’t like their noise.”

Such a little child, yet so stubborn.

Layue merely smiled without responding.

If he wanted to speak, he would eventually say it.

Sure enough, after a short while, he finally spoke, “You… are you going to have a daughter?”

Hearing his question, Layue was somewhat surprised, unsure of where he had heard this. However, she soon realized that it was not much of a secret within the palace and thus nodded.

No wonder Yan Yu hadn’t visited the Listening Rain Pavilion these past few days and had been acting strangely today. He must have found out?

After a brief pause, Layue nodded, “Yes, I would like to have a daughter. Don’t you like the idea of having a little sister?”

Yan Yu glared, “No, I don’t.”

Seeing his reaction, Layue chuckled, further confirming that his troubles were indeed related to this matter.

“Why don’t you like it? Isn’t a little sister nice? Soft and tender, wearing pretty dresses and following you around calling you ‘big brother’?”

“No,” he said, lowering his head slightly, as if thinking about something.

Layue had always felt that this child was not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

“So, why isn’t that nice? Or do you prefer a younger brother?” Layue asked tentatively.

He quickly looked up, “Even less so.” After thinking for a while, he seemed very conflicted but finally spoke, “Well… if there has to be one, then… then I guess a sister is better…”

Seeing the visible anxiety in Yan Yu’s eyes, Layue somewhat understood that Yan Yu must be worried the Emperor no longer loved him.

At that time, she had felt the same way when she was young. She had also been very worried that her mother would no longer love her once she had a new child.

If her mother hadn’t passed away early, she would have surely thrown a tantrum.

Thinking of those past days, Layue looked at Yan Yu with a softer gaze.

“I have an older brother and a younger sister,” she turned her head to look into the distance, not looking at Yan Yu, and continued, “I used to cry a lot when I was little and often followed my older brother around. If someone ever bullied me, my brother would be the first to rush to my defense. Later, my mother became pregnant. At that time, my mother said that I would soon have a younger brother or sister. Back then, I was extremely angry, thinking that my mother no longer loved me and that she must love the unborn child very much. So I acted out every day, even pretending to be sick, hoping my mother would pay more attention to me and love me more, and not love the new baby. I wanted everyone to dislike her.”

Yan Yu looked at her, his voice a little urgent, “Then what happened?”

Layue didn’t move, still looking away, but her tone became melancholic, “What happened next? My mother had complications during the birth of my sister and passed away. We became children without a mother. My aunt and others secretly laughed at us, saying we had no one to love us. My father felt that it was because of my sister’s birth that my mother was gone, and he didn’t like her at all. She was so small, so delicate, yet no one loved her. I was angry too, and I also felt she had killed my mother. But when I saw the children from my second and third uncles’ families bullying her, I was furious. When everyone disliked her, I wasn’t happy at all. She cried and called me ‘big sister,’ and from that day on, I vowed that I would protect my sister just like my brother protected me.”

Perhaps her words touched something deep within Yan Yu.

He slightly lowered his head, his voice somewhat desolate, “I don’t have a big brother or a big sister. I also killed my mother, and my father doesn’t like me.”

For some reason, Layue’s tears immediately fell, and she approached the rocking chair, pulling him into her arms.

“Your father loves you dearly. As an adult, he finds it awkward to express such emotions openly. With numerous official responsibilities to handle every day, he can’t often play with you, Yu’er. Deep down, he truly feels guilty about this.”

Yan Yu’s voice was somewhat hesitant, “Is… is that true?”

“Mm.”

Patting his small shoulder, Layue comforted him, “No matter what happens, everything has two sides. Don’t be self-pitying or underestimate yourself. Every child is the most precious treasure to their parents.”

Yan Yu lowered his head in thought for a moment before looking up at her, “You want me to be good to your child, right? You want me to be a good older brother?”

Seeing that he could still think of these things in his current state, Layue couldn’t help but laugh, and the somewhat somber atmosphere dissipated.

Seeing his serious little face, Layue pretended to tilt her head in thought, “Hmm… yes. If I have a little child in the future, I naturally hope that everyone will like her.”

Yan Yu pouted slightly, “If she listens to me, I’ll like her, but if she doesn’t, I won’t pay any attention to her. Just like Jia’er and Ning’er.”

The third prince was still very young. As for the eldest and second princes, what did children really understand?

But the two of them did not get along well with each other. The Empress Dowager would certainly not teach the eldest prince in this way, but what about Consort De?

The struggle for the throne had indeed begun from a young age.

“If she doesn’t listen to me, I will spank her. There’s a saying among the common people that says a small tree won’t grow straight if it isn’t pruned. I hope my child, whether a boy or a girl, will grow up to be upright and noble in the future.”

Looking at her like this, Yan Yu thought for a moment and nodded like a little adult, “Then, if she really misbehaves, can I spank her too?”

Layue couldn’t help but laugh and couldn’t resist stroking his little face, “Tsk, tsk, indeed a child, so tender.”

“Alright, if she truly does something wrong, bring her to your father or me. As long as she’s in the wrong, neither of us will tolerate it.”

This statement was indeed skillfully phrased, but little Yan Yu didn’t catch the subtlety.

He lifted the corners of his mouth and smiled.

“I will be a good older brother.”

He changed his mind rather quickly.

Years later, the mischievous little girl would fear only two people: her mother, Shen Layue, and her older brother, Yan Yu.

It seemed that from this day’s conversation onward, Layue and young Yan Yu’s relationship had become even better.

In the following period, he often sighed at her belly, asking why she hadn’t given birth yet, which made Layue both amused and helpless. Naturally, this is another story.

The days of sacrificial ceremonies always passed very quickly.

Before long, Emperor Jing and others returned.

Seeing that Yan Yu and Layue had become even closer, Emperor Jing was quite puzzled. However, Layue merely smiled without answering, deliberately teasing him. Eventually, after being playfully pressed, she reluctantly explained the situation.

Emperor Jing looked at her like this and joked, “You’re quite clever. Before the child is even conceived, you’ve already schemed for a good older brother for her.”

In fact, Layue was also afraid that Emperor Jing might misunderstand. He was always suspicious by nature. However, after careful observation later, he seemed not to have thought too much about it, so she finally felt relieved.

Emperor Jing naturally noticed Layue’s cautiousness, but he had his own thoughts. He was in his prime now, and there would likely be many more children in the future. Who among them would inherit the throne? It was impossible to say for sure at this point. Shen Layue was still young, and she might yet have a son of her own. Therefore, there was no need for her to be overly eager to gain favor with a son who was not favored by him.

Because of this, he did not show any special reaction to Layue’s friendly relationship with Yan Yu.

Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was already May. Layue thought about her brother’s upcoming wedding and recalled the Emperor’s promise, her heart filled with excitement. However, the Emperor remained silent, making Layue unsure of his intentions. Could it be that he no longer wanted her to go?

Layue was anxious in her heart but did not dare to ask the Emperor directly, feeling like an ant on a hot pan.

She was in such a state of anxiety, yet she did not know that the Emperor was actually finding it amusing and deliberately keeping quiet.

A quiet night.

Although Emperor Jing did not sleep in the Listening Rain Pavilion every day, he did rest there every two or three days. Now Layue had come to understand that aside from herself, the Emperor did not sleep with anyone else, which she suspected had some reason behind it. However, since he had no particular nocturnal habits, she suspected it must be because of her presence.

Although this thought might seem like she was flattering herself, Layue felt it was quite possible.

Perhaps the Emperor simply did not trust anyone else, so he always slept alone. But because of her brave act of saving him at the risk of her life, he had developed some trust in her, so now he felt comfortable sleeping with her.

In fact, Layue had already guessed the truth, but she found it hard to believe.

The Emperor had not come to sleep for two consecutive days, so he would surely come tonight. Layue was eagerly looking forward to it, wondering whether she would be allowed to attend her brother’s wedding. Her heart was in a turmoil.

Originally, she hadn’t even thought about going out, so she had no expectations. But now that he had mentioned it, the idea had taken root in her mind and could not be suppressed. However, this person had stirred her hopes and then never mentioned it again. Layue was so frustrated she could hardly stand it.

Hearing the eunuch announce the Emperor’s arrival, Layue knew he had come. She quickly checked herself in the mirror. Yes, she was still a pretty little thing.

She thought to herself that she must be able to capture the Emperor’s heart.

Sometimes, the beauty strategy must be used when necessary.

As soon as Emperor Jing entered the door, he saw Layue fussing over him, asking if he was cold or warm, and serving him very attentively. He felt secretly a bit annoyed. But then he thought again, it was natural for the Shen siblings to be close to each other. After their mother’s death and their father’s coldness, the siblings had only each other to rely on.

“You’re quite attentive today,” the Emperor remarked deliberately without revealing any emotion on his face.

“Does the Emperor dislike my serving you this way?” she asked in return.

The Emperor burst into laughter, pulled her into his arms, and said, “Of course I like it. Even though I know you’re up to something and acting this way to ask a favor from me, I’m still delighted.”

Upon hearing his words, Layue realized that this man had indeed remembered the matter and that his recent behavior had been deliberately teasing her.

Mentally cursing him for being petty, Layue still managed a smile.

“How could the Emperor think so poorly of Layue? These past few days I’ve been anxious, yet the Emperor still mocks me.”

Without pretense, she brought up her concern directly.

The Emperor kissed her cheek and said, “Since I’ve promised to take you, I won’t break my word. Why are you so doubtful? In the past, have I ever failed to fulfill any of my promises to you?”

Indeed, he was quite heartless.

Layue pouted at his words: “But this situation is different. There’s no such precedent in the palace. I naturally feel worried.”

Seeing her expression, the Emperor chuckled: “I promised you, so I will definitely take you, but I think it’s better not to issue an official decree allowing you to return home so openly.”

Layue looked at him in confusion.

Seeing her puzzled expression, the Emperor explained, “Didn’t you think about it? You are the current Zhao Yi, the Emperor’s favored consort. When you return home, how should your family arrange the ceremony? Where should your father and grandmother sit?”

Layue thought about it and realized he was right. If she returned to attend her brother’s wedding as the Honored Consort, everyone would feel uncomfortable. Although it’s an honor, it’s unnecessary for such an occasion.

She was impressed by the Emperor’s thoughtfulness.

“You just need to serve me well. On the day your brother gets married, I will take you directly out of the palace. You can disguise yourself as my little pageboy.”

This suggestion surprised Layue.

Never had she expected the Emperor to come up with such an absurd idea, she blushed and hesitated, “Would that be acceptable?”

“Do you not want to go?” the Emperor countered.

“Of course I do,” Layue replied quickly, seeing the Emperor’s amused eyes, she knew he was teasing her again.

Playfully stomping her foot, Layue pouted and walked into the inner chamber.

Seeing her like this, the Emperor thought this little fox was about to charm people again, so he hurriedly followed her inside…

**

On the sixth day of the fifth lunar month.

Today was an auspicious day, suitable for weddings.

On the wide street, a wedding procession approached with music and celebration from afar. The crackling firecrackers were so loud that people covered their ears. The surrounding crowd laughed and chatted while watching the wedding procession.

Many children ran around, seemingly hoping to catch a glimpse of the bride inside the sedan chair.

Today was the wedding day of Shen Shuping, the eldest son of Shen Da, the current Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

If one were to speak of the Shen family in the capital, they were originally just an ordinary household, yet today’s wedding banquet attracted many high-ranking officials and nobles.

Now, Master Shen had already attained the rank of third-grade official, and his eldest daughter was the Emperor’s favored Honored Consort. Naturally, the Shen family had become a place where guests flocked like birds.

Seeing the flower-decked sedan chair blown and played its way into the Shen family’s gate.

Layue tugged at the Emperor’s sleeve.

“Master, shall we go in now?”

The Emperor glanced at her with a smile. She was indeed perceptive; ever since they left the palace, she hadn’t once slipped up with her address.

“What’s the rush?”

Layue thought to herself that it was her own brother’s wedding, so naturally she was anxious while the Emperor was not. But she couldn’t be so impolite to him, so she looked at him pitifully: “Master, if we go in too late, there won’t be good seats left.”

The way she said it made it sound as if she were greedy for a bit of food.

Sure enough.

“I don’t care about a few bites of food, so I’m not in a hurry to go in.”

Layue looked at his leisurely manner and wanted to bite him, so she softened her tone again: “Master, I just want to go have a look.”

Seeing her plead so sweetly, the Emperor smiled: “Since you’re so greedy for food, let’s go in then.”

These words were meant as a joke between them, but those nearby might have interpreted it differently.

Although the Emperor had brought some people along, the entrance was crowded. Those nearby overheard their conversation and couldn’t help but think of male prostitutes. Looking at the pageboy, wasn’t he indeed charming and bright-toothed?

Rubbing their arms, they felt goosebumps all over.

Indeed, the nobility was truly absurd.

However, the Emperor and Layue were unaware that they had already become people others considered extremely absurd.

Today, the Shen family’s house was bustling with guests, and the entrance was filled with festive joy.

Seeing the elegantly dressed young master enter with a few people, the servants at the door did not stop them but instead smiled politely.

Layue had no intention of disturbing others or appearing at the wedding banquet, so as not to be seen by other court officials, which might lead to rumors that could harm the Emperor’s reputation.

Seeing how considerate the girl was, the Emperor felt even more pleased.

In fact, he didn’t really care about such things, but he found it amusing to see her so anxious.

Layue was very familiar with the Shen family, so soon the group arrived at the backyard.

There were many maids and servants busy in the backyard.

Suddenly, a clear voice came from somewhere. They were all standing in the shadows, and Layue peeked her head from behind the Emperor: “Jinling…”

Jinling was busy, but she seemed to hear her mistress’s voice. Shaking her head, she thought she must have missed her mistress too much, yet she still looked in that direction.

This time she was indeed startled.

Wasn’t that her mistress?

In no time, Layue and her group had already entered the house.

When the Shen family heard that the Emperor had arrived, their hearts were shaken with great surprise.

They respectfully greeted the Emperor and the Honored Consort, and the Emperor waved his hand, allowing them to rise.

Layue did not meet everyone, for although she trusted her father and brothers, she did not trust others.

Shen’s father never expected that his daughter would be so favored in the palace. He had only heard rumors about her in the palace before, but now he saw that the reality was even more than the rumors.

This made him both pleased and worried.

He was pleased that she was doing well, but worried that she might be too conspicuous.

But Layue didn’t care about those things. She met her relatives, warmed up with greetings, and then went to the bridal chamber to take a quick peek at the bride. Naturally, this would not be known by Min Yunying.

At present, she wasn’t completely at ease with her new sister-in-law.

Seeing her excited expression, the Emperor didn’t say much, sitting there expressionlessly. When Layue had seen everyone and finished giving instructions, the Emperor took her hand.

Layue also knew that they couldn’t stay outside the palace for long.

Though she was reluctant to leave, she still followed the Emperor away with firm steps.

This trip outside the palace had been very rushed, but Layue was extremely happy. Deep down, she had many anxieties about the Shen family.

She had not expected that the Emperor would accompany her to the Shen family and experience it so concretely.

But she also hoped that today would allow the Emperor to get to know the Shen family, understand what kind of people they were, and realize that they truly did not deserve to die.