Chapter 125:

When Layue left confinement after the twelfth lunar month, the weather had already become warm. She had rested for more than forty days, and the three little beans had grown from weak and tiny to now being plump and healthy. In other families, baby boys and girls don’t differ much in appearance during infancy, but perhaps due to her delicate nature and poor appetite, the youngest daughter was noticeably smaller than her two younger brothers. Not only that, she also had the worst temper among the three children. However, strangely enough, Emperor Yan Yu and Prince Yan Jia liked her the most. Whenever they came to visit, they always called her “little sister” affectionately, while mentioning the fourth and fifth children, they would pout slightly, showing signs of dislike.

Layue pondered whether it was because before she gave birth, she had always told them stories about their little sister, and thus subconsciously, they came to favor Jiaojiao more. It was just like Emperor Jing, even though he never said it, Layue could clearly sense that among the three children, Emperor Jing also favored little Jiaojiao the most. Even the Empress Dowager would say, “Oh my, the fourth and fifth children are so pitiful.” Layue, as their mother, even though they were still small, could also feel the difference. Speaking of these two boys, they really weren’t pitiful at all! The fourth child could happily entertain himself just by moving his little hands around, quite content. The fifth child, on the other hand, was always deep in thought, never crying or fussing. Whether their father and elder brothers liked them or not had absolutely no impact on them.

But little Jiaojiao liked to be played with and held. Layue had been resting well during this period, although she was nourished every day, she had actually become a bit thinner. There was no way around it; the children were too small, and Jiaojiao would cry and fuss when separated from her. Layue had no choice but to keep all three children in the inner chamber. Although there were others around to help take care of them, Layue was still very exhausted. In the past, she had always been a light sleeper, waking up at the slightest sound, which was why she often noticed Emperor Jing’s arrival. But now, she couldn’t do that anymore; every day she would fall asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow, sleeping deeply. If no one woke her up, she wouldn’t wake up at all, and her sleep quality had improved a lot.

Sometimes Layue would think about this herself, concluding that it was due to the exhaustion of taking care of the three children, and with a helpless yet satisfied shake of her head, she accepted it. Because little Jiaojiao would get upset at the slightest noise, Emperor Jing no longer announced his arrival when entering now. However, Layue didn’t really mind. She wanted to mind, but in the past, the emperor had never been willing to announce his visits properly, often making surprise visits every few days. So she had gotten used to it.

“Your Majesty, the Emperor is coming,” Jin Xin was also a clever girl. However, before the words had even settled, Emperor Jing had already strode into the room. Layue hurriedly tried to rise and kneel in greeting, but was stopped by Emperor Jing. Now that she had left confinement, naturally things couldn’t be like before. Looking at her, Emperor Jing saw no sign of the usual feminine grace; she still looked like a delicate young girl, which made him happy. Her long hair was tied into a bun with a casually inserted green hairpin, yet it still carried a bit of youthful charm. Her light pink dress made her complexion even fairer, revealing the delicate skin on her neck. As for her chest area, perhaps due to childbirth, it had become slightly tighter. Originally, during her confinement, Layue wore looser clothes and naturally didn’t pay attention to these changes, but now that she had left confinement, she couldn’t afford to be so careless in appearance. However, when she changed into her new clothes, she realized her body had indeed changed somewhat. Although she had become a bit thinner, it wasn’t in her chest area.

Seeing her so charming, Emperor Jing suddenly thought of how long it had been since they had been intimate. With a sudden impulse, he pulled her into his arms. “I haven’t cherished you in such a long time.” He said, leaning closer to her. Layue naturally understood his meaning, wrapping her arms around his neck with a coy smile: “They say a woman becomes rough after giving birth. How can I possibly serve Your Majesty?” Layue herself felt that giving birth had changed her. In the past, even when she was favored, she felt like a delicate girl, but now she truly felt like a mature woman. Looking at her tender face and hearing her words, Emperor Jing chuckled. He pinched her cheek: “If I want you to serve me, you must. I don’t mind, so why do you look down on yourself? When have you ever acted like this, my little Layue?” Seeing her little hand drawing circles on his chest, Emperor Jing took hold of it and continued, “If you really look down on yourself, why are you still trying to seduce me like this?” His words were somewhat intimate, and Layue giggled. Leaning in to whisper in his ear: “But Nurse Zhou said that it’s best for a woman not to be intimate too soon after confinement, as it’s not good for her health.” Emperor Jing raised an eyebrow and tightened his arms: “So what are you trying to say, my lady? Are you trying to suggest that we should do something with our mouths instead?” Layue’s face flushed red. Although she kept telling herself that these were normal things, she still couldn’t help blushing.

“You always like to tease me like this,” she whispered. “Uh, uh…” As the two were flirting, the eldest princess, little Jiaojiao, who had been sound asleep beside them, suddenly woke up and made her presence known by crying out, since her mother hadn’t come to comfort her immediately. Seeing that her little princess had woken up, Layue pushed Emperor Jing away in a hurry: “Jiaojiao is awake.” Emperor Jing naturally heard the sound too, and seeing Jiaojiao crying out, he said to Layue: “I’ll hold her.” Supporting Jiaojiao’s soft neck, he picked her up. Perhaps knowing that it was her father, Jiaojiao made a sound but didn’t cry. Seeing her little princess being taken away by Emperor Jing, Layue quickly checked on the other two children. The fourth child was softly waving his little hands, trying to put them in his mouth, while the fifth child continued to sleep. She quickly called for the wet nurse. Both children were taken to the small room to be fed. Knowing that it was time to feed, Jiaojiao didn’t cry. Layue glanced at Emperor Jing teasingly: “Your daughter must know it’s time to eat, otherwise she would have cried the roof down. I wonder who she takes after.” She looked at Emperor Jing suspiciously, as if implying it was definitely him. Emperor Jing naturally noticed her gaze and pinched her waist playfully: “What kind of look is that?” “I was very well-behaved when I was little,” Layue slightly lifted her head, clearly implying that she had been so obedient and clever as a child, unlike Jiaojiao, who must have taken after him. Emperor Jing understood Layue’s implication all too well. He bit her lips lightly: “Don’t think like that.” He was so wise and heroic, so naturally, the crying and temperamental behavior must have come from her. At this moment, both of them acted like children. The good traits were definitely from themselves, while the bad ones must have come from the other. The two were still blaming each other when the wet nurse brought the two younger children out. Feeling her parents’ presence, Jiaojiao made some sounds. Emperor Jing quickly took the child from the nurse. Naturally, Layue took the fourth child. The fourth child was a bit sturdier than his older sister. He also seemed more lively, constantly moving his little hands and not wanting to stay still. At this moment, Emperor Jing finally understood why Layue always tied her hair up high and didn’t wear any jewelry during these days, as he saw the fourth child’s little hands reaching out everywhere. “You’ve had a hard time,” he said sincerely. Layue didn’t understand what he meant and looked at him with a puzzled expression. Seeing her puzzled look and natural demeanor, Emperor Jing’s heart stirred. It seemed that this was exactly the kind of mother he had been hoping for his children. As the two were still blaming each other, the wet nurse brought the two younger children out. Feeling her parents’ presence, Jiaojiao made some sounds. Emperor Jing quickly took the child from the nurse. Naturally, Layue took the fourth child. The fourth child was a bit sturdier than his older sister. He also seemed more lively, constantly moving his little hands and not wanting to stay still. At this moment, Emperor Jing finally understood why Layue always tied her hair up high and didn’t wear any jewelry during these days, as he saw the fourth child’s little hands reaching out everywhere. “You’ve had a hard time,” he said sincerely. Layue didn’t understand what he meant and looked at him with a puzzled expression. Seeing her puzzled look and natural demeanor, Emperor Jing’s heart stirred. It seemed that this was exactly the kind of mother he had been hoping for his children.

“He’s too lively,” Emperor Jing said, looking at the fourth child. Then he looked down at his little Jiaojiao. The little girl snuggled in her father’s arms, seeming to find it a novel experience, softly leaning against him without crying, blinking her big eyes. This made Emperor Jing smile happily. Sure enough, his little girl was smart. Everyone said that children were hard to please, but look, when he held her, there were no such problems. Crying? That never happened. Layue understood Emperor Jing’s meaning and smiled: “The fourth child is more lively. A couple of days ago, when he just started grabbing things, he grabbed my hair with quite a bit of strength. I thought, it might be better this way, so I could keep my hair neat and the child wouldn’t be able to grab it.” Emperor Jing nodded: “That looks good too.” Indeed, before this, he had always thought that the kind of beauty that came with worldly wealth and splendor was the most captivating. But now, he saw that simplicity and cleanliness, a natural and pretty look, had its own unique charm. Hearing his words, Layue’s lips curved slightly, revealing a small dimple. Unable to resist, Emperor Jing placed a kiss on the corner of her lips. Layue playfully protested: “Your Majesty, how can you do this? It’s embarrassing if the children see.” Emperor Jing raised an eyebrow: “They’re just babies, what do they understand?” Layue argued: “Even though they’re children, we are adults, and we should feel shy.” Seeing her like this, Emperor Jing looked at the three children. The youngest, the fifth child, was still sleeping comfortably. Among the three children, he was actually the easiest to take care of. After watching for a while, Emperor Jing was somewhat surprised and said: “Layue, do you think the three children are becoming less and less alike as they grow?” Layue, who had been constantly taking care of the children every day, nodded in agreement. “Yes. Although they are not yet two months old, the three children are indeed becoming more and more different. When I was young, my neighbor had twin sisters who looked exactly the same. At that time, we couldn’t tell who was who. But look at our three children, you can easily distinguish them at a glance.” Emperor Jing looked at Layue with a smile and said: “That’s better. It’s not a good thing if the three of them look too much alike. If it’s not my little Jiaojiao looking like a boy, then it’s the fourth and fifth children looking like girls, how can they go out in public like that? Boys should look like boys, and girls should look like girls.” Layue listened and thought it made sense. Pouting her lips, she said: “I was thinking, when they grow up a bit, I would dress them in the same clothes and take them out, letting others try to tell them apart.” This playful idea amused Emperor Jing. “You, even though you’re a mother now, are still so mischievous.” ***

Lady Shen observed the traditional confinement period for a full forty days after childbirth. Following this, she seldom ventured out—understandably so, as her children were still young and she had numerous concerns. Though the other consorts in the palace envied her for bearing a young prince, her prolonged confinement afforded them more opportunities to vie for the emperor’s favor. Yet, despite this, no joyful tidings emerged from the palace. How could there be? While Emperor Jing could not visit Lady Shen during her confinement, he summoned only Consort Hui and Consort Qi daily. It was common knowledge that Consort Qi was barren, but no one knew what ailed Consort Hui.

It must be said that Emperor Jing had already shown Consort Hui great favor. Before Lady Shen rose to prominence with her pregnancy, it was Consort Hui who monopolized the emperor’s attention. Even after Lady Shen’s child was born, Consort Hui remained the most favored. Yet, there was still no sign of a child. It wasn’t that Consort Hui was incapable of conceiving—she had been the first in the harem to become pregnant. Had it not been for that tragic incident, her child would already be toddling by now.

Fu Jinyao herself was deeply anxious. She even suspected that the emperor’s exclusive attention to her during this time was solely for the purpose of conceiving an heir. Yet, why was her body so uncooperative? Frustrated, she crushed the osmanthus cake in her hand. Yunlan quickly fetched a handkerchief to clean her mistress’s fingers. Recently, her mistress’s temper had grown particularly volatile. As Yunlan carefully wiped her hands, she ventured, “Your Highness, why trouble yourself with those petty consorts? They only seek to provoke you.”

The words only stoked Fu Jinyao’s fury. She glared at Yunlan. “You always know just how to infuriate me! With Shen Layue now elevated to the rank of Noble Consort, how can I remain composed?”

Chastened, Yunlan fell silent.

“Now that Shen Layue has been promoted, everyone scrambles to flatter her. You didn’t see how Xu Xiaoyi behaved—she was practically clinging to her skirts!” Though palace affairs were now under her management, Fu Jinyao was certain everyone mocked her behind her back. What use was holding onto these responsibilities? She could never surpass the Empress Dowager, and her rank was now beneath Shen Layue’s.

What infuriated her even more was Fu Jinyan. That wretched girl actually dared to scheme her way into the palace! If her family cared so little for her well-being as to send her here, then Fu Jinyao would ensure she never knew a moment of happiness. When the time came, let no one blame her for being merciless.

“Your Highness, why waste anger on such insignificant figures?” Yunsue interjected calmly. “No matter what, she is but a minor sixth-rank consort. Even if the third young lady enters the palace, she must start from the lowest rank. In our Nangin Kingdom, regardless of one’s noble lineage, all begin at the bottom upon entering the palace. Why should Your Highness fret? You are a first-rank consort, far above them.”

Compared to Yunlan, Yunsue was far more measured and thoughtful. In the past, her counsel had often soothed Fu Jinyao. This time, too, her words eased some of the tension from her mistress’s expression. Yet, despite this, a lingering displeasure gnawed at Fu Jinyao’s heart.

Who didn’t understand these principles? But who could truly remain indifferent? “Even with such a vast gap, there’s no guarantee she won’t rise in the future. Need I mention others? Look at Shen Layue—she climbed all the way to Noble Consort. A minor official’s daughter, yet she ascended to such heights!”

At the mention of it, Yunxue hurried to stop her, saying, “My lady, please don’t speak like this. Regardless of whether the Shen family’s official position is big or small, it has nothing to do with the harem. The Emperor dislikes it most when others bring this up. Has my lady forgotten what happened to Consort Song?”

Fu Jinyao suddenly became alert, pursing her lips slightly.

Yunxue sighed quietly.

“My lady, the more situations like this arise, the more cautious we must be. Now that you already hold a high position, and not only that, you also have great power within the palace. Although you often complain about the Empress Dowager’s excessive involvement, think about it differently—you have this opportunity, which others don’t. Isn’t Consort Shen lacking in this aspect as well? Even if we temporarily don’t have a young prince, and even if your rank isn’t the highest, you are still unique in this palace. The Emperor’s favor toward you, your authority within the palace, and your prestigious family background are undeniable. As long as you don’t commit any grave mistakes, you will surely enjoy honor and prominence throughout your life.”

Yunlan nodded in agreement after hearing Yunxue’s words—indeed, that made sense.

“But what I’ve always wanted was never a high position or easily attainable power. What I truly desire is the Emperor’s genuine love—not just his favor. I want him to love me. I just want him to love me!”

The fact that the Emperor refused to sleep with anyone else besides Shen Layue made her extremely distressed.

How she wished she could be the special exception.

Yunxue and Yunlan exchanged glances, both showing helplessness in their eyes. Their mistress was just like this—if she had truly strived for a high position step by step, everything would have been easier to discuss. But what she desired was precisely the love of an emperor.

Even the maids, let alone others, knew clearly that this was simply impossible.

The two maids fell silent.

Fu Jinyao bit her lip and stood by the window, her beautiful face filled with sorrow.

Even if she was favored daily, in the end, she wasn’t the most special one.

Her child, her child…

Was it because she had harmed her own child that he no longer came to her?

But even someone as wicked as Consort De could have a son—why couldn’t she? Why?

Fu Jinyao clenched her hands tightly. The two maids beside her could only feel helpless.

No matter what they said, their mistress simply wouldn’t listen.

***

After the court session, Emperor Jing headed directly to Qing’an Palace.

During the session, he had just promoted Shen Layue’s elder brother, Shen Shuping. Everyone knew that the eldest daughter of the Shen family had now become the most prestigious woman in the harem.

The Emperor had always struggled with offspring. This time, Consort Shen had given birth to triplets, including two young princes, naturally bringing great joy to the imperial clan.

Since the Emperor always kept matters of the harem separate from those of the court, no one dared to say much.

They also understood that even if they did speak up, it might not make a difference. In the early days after his ascension, he might have listened to their opinions, but now it was absolutely impossible.

Though seemingly gentle, once he made a decision, he rarely changed it.

Looking at how he treated his sixth brother, everyone understood even better—how much better could others fare?

The Emperor felt completely at ease in court, and thinking about the little fox and the three infants in Qing’an Palace made him particularly cheerful.

“Consort Li greets Your Majesty—” Consort Li, Zhu Yuning, had just left Shen Layue’s quarters when she encountered the Emperor.

She quickly bowed slightly.

The Emperor glanced at Zhu Yuning, “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Zhu Yuning was indeed quite a transparent figure in the palace. Despite holding the title of “First Beauty,” she had never received the Emperor’s favor and had remained merely a concubine until now.

The Emperor’s gaze toward Zhu Yuning was ambiguous.

Just as Zhu Yuning was feeling anxious inside, he smiled slightly.

“It’s been quite a while since I last visited Consort Li’s quarters.”

Zhu Yuning lifted her head in surprise.

Seeing the Emperor’s expression, she felt even more uneasy.

“It seems Consort Li deliberately waited here for me. Let me take a look—indeed, you’ve become even more beautiful.”

The Emperor’s words unsettled Zhu Yuning further. She forced a faint smile, trying to appear more natural.

She curtsied slightly, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s praise. Consort Li respectfully invites Your Majesty—”

At this point, she had to respond this way. The Emperor’s intentions were clear. If she didn’t comply, it would be like slapping his face.

But…

There was no “but!”

Looking up again, Zhu Yuning’s smile appeared distant.

The Emperor’s expression was half-amused, half-serious.

“Since Consort Li has specially waited for Us here, We cannot disappoint the beauty’s kindness. Let us proceed.”

(Note: “朕” is the imperial first-person pronoun used exclusively by Chinese emperors, here translated as “We” in the royal plural sense. “Consort Li” is rendered directly as a title since it follows Chinese naming conventions for imperial concubines.)

Unusually, the Emperor wrapped his arm around Zhu Yuning’s waist.

No one could tell what he was truly thinking.

Regardless of her inner feelings, Zhu Yuning still wore a smiling expression and followed the Emperor away.

Before long, the news spread to various palaces, especially Qing’an Palace.

Looking at her mistress playing with the young master, Ta’er was furious, “How could Consort Li do such a thing? I thought she was a good person, but it turns out she’s just trying to attract the Emperor’s attention through you. Who would have thought she’d steal the Emperor right from our doorstep while pretending to be aloof all this time.”

Shen Layue’s expression didn’t change much.

She merely snorted coldly, “The Emperor isn’t mine alone. What’s all this about ‘stealing’? If he didn’t want to go, could Consort Li even rope him away with a rope?”

Madame Zhou, standing nearby, smiled and tried to soothe her, “My lady, please don’t be upset. If your mood is bad, the young master will sense it.”

Layue wouldn’t listen and scolded, “Of course I won’t be upset in front of the child.”

Hearing her mistress’s childish words, Madame Zhou smiled and shook her head.

“You all may leave now. I want to accompany the children for a nap.”

Seeing that their mistress seemed to be in a bad mood, everyone quietly left.

Once everyone had exited, Layue smiled slightly. In truth, she wasn’t really jealous at all!

She had long known that the Emperor would never be hers alone or devoted solely to her.

As for Zhu Yuning, her eyes darkened slightly. She found it hard to believe that Zhu Yuning could have intercepted the Emperor right at her doorstep—it was just too abnormal.

She rather liked Zhu Yuning, but she never dared to get too close. She had never ignored the feelings a woman might have for someone she loved.

Zhu Yuning loved the Sixth Prince—that was beyond doubt, whether it was the truth uncovered earlier by her uncle or the vague knowledge she had while unconscious.

She clearly remembered the Empress Dowager’s words: “You sent that little vixen to say something to the Emperor.”

That “little vixen” must have been Zhu Yuning.

At the time, it was Zhu Yuning who pleaded for mercy, and she was well aware of that.

Originally, she had planned to use Zhu Yuning to make the Emperor completely despise the Sixth Prince, but she also realized that the Emperor might already know everything.

If he knew yet chose to remain silent, there must be a reason.

If today’s incident could be called Zhu Yuning’s seduction, Layue thought it was equally possible that the Emperor had done something.

Rationally, Layue naturally understood that the deeper Zhu Yuning got involved, the more beneficial it would be for her.

Yet emotionally, she felt some discomfort.

If there was a friend in the palace, Zhu Yuning would be her only one.

Would she even lose her only friend from now on?

Little Wu grunted, and Layue quickly looked down, seeing that he had formed a smile.

Seeing his silly grin, Layue also smiled.

She picked up the child and kissed him.

“Little Wu, was Mama being overly sentimental?”

Seeing how adorable her child was, Layue felt that she had indeed been overly sentimental just now.

In fact, many things weren’t within her control. Even if she knew some truths, she hadn’t done anything to harm others. Everyone had their own karma. Let it be like this.

Looking at her child again.

“Hmm…” Little Wu waved his little arms around, and the more Layue looked at him, the more she loved him. She kissed his face again.

Lazy as Little Wu usually was, he was unusually energetic today.

Caressing his little face, Layue murmured, “Little Wu, did you sense your mother’s troubled and distressed mood? Are you trying to cheer Mama up? Mama’s good baby, you are the most important. No matter for you or for the Shen family, Mama will keep striving.”