Chapter 162:

Layue knew there must be something fishy about this incident, but she didn’t say much.

At the same time, she increased the supervision over the children. In her opinion, nine out of ten chances indicated someone had deliberately done this, though it remained unclear who the intended target was.

Although it seemed to be aimed at the second prince, Yanjia, it was also possible it was a case of collateral damage.

Therefore, regardless of which child it was, she felt particularly anxious about all of them.

Perhaps because Layue felt tense, time passed quickly, and before long, the first lunar month had already ended.

Fortunately, nothing else happened during that time.

Layue deeply understood that no matter who had tried to harm the children, the Emperor would never tolerate it. Therefore, she chose not to get involved in the matter herself and simply waited for developments.

Because Guo’er had saved Yanjia, Yanjia became especially attached to and fond of Guo’er. However, Guo’er remained as usual, showing no particular change.

Some perceptive individuals in the palace also harbored suspicions—not only about this incident but also regarding the death of Virtuous Consort.

Given Virtuous Consort’s character, from the time she was a concubine until her banishment to the cold palace, her fighting spirit had never diminished. Would she really take her own life over this matter?

But suspicions remained just that—suspicions, which could not prove anything. In the palace, self-preservation was the most practical approach.

“Your Majesty, Lady Li Bin requests an audience.”

Upon hearing that Zhu Yuning wished to see her, Layue glanced at the little one crawling on the bed.

She instructed, “Take the three young masters back to the side room.”

Jinxin slightly bowed and replied, “Yes.”

Zhu Yuning had not visited Shen Layue for quite some time. After sensing Shen Layue’s distance, she had stopped coming around frequently.

“Your Highness, this humble concubine greets you, Empress Shen.”

For some unknown reason, as Layue looked at Zhu Yuning this time, she noticed that the latter no longer possessed the same vibrancy she had upon entering the palace.

Looking at her now, she appeared rather tired.

“Lady Li Bin, please rise.” Zhu Yuning sat at the small table below.

Observing this, Layue suddenly recalled a distant time when they had still been close, sitting together on the heated brick bed, sipping YUQIAN LONGJING (Dragon Well tea made before the Qingming Festival).

Thinking of it now, it felt like a distant past.

“Sister Li Bin, please come sit here. Jinxin, go and change the tea to YUQIAN LONGJING. I remember, Sister Li Bin likes this tea the most.”

Zhu Yuning was momentarily taken aback, then gave a knowing smile.

She didn’t hesitate and moved to sit beside Layue.

“I suppose the best tea in the palace can only be tasted here with you.”

Her words carried a teasing tone.

If anyone else had said such words, Layue might have pondered their meaning, but coming from Zhu Yuning, there was no need for suspicion—her words were genuinely innocent.

“Sister Li Bin, you’re teasing me. The Emperor knows my temperament well. Even the finest tea sent to me would be wasted, like a cow chewing peonies. He wouldn’t want to part with it.”

Zhu Yuning laughed. “Even the finest tea, the Emperor would willingly give.”

Layue covered her mouth and laughed, pouting slightly like a child.

“Sister is making fun of me.”

Seeing her still so youthful, Zhu Yuning felt a pang of envy.

“Your personality remains as lively and adorable as ever. Compared to me, I truly deserve to be called your elder sister—I’ve aged.”

Zhu Yuning seemed to recall something and appeared somewhat melancholy.

Layue understood her worries all too well.

Sighing, she said, “Sister, why must you be so hard on yourself? Life is full of trials. Seeing you like this makes me feel confused. I remember I once advised you—why must you torment yourself so?”

Zhu Yuning knew this logic well, but while everyone understood it, putting it into practice was another matter entirely.

She gave a bitter smile and shook her head.

“If I could truly be so wise and control my thoughts, I wouldn’t be in so much pain.”

Realizing her somber expression might not be appropriate, Zhu Yuning switched to a smile.

“Enough, enough. Let’s not talk about me. Actually, life in the palace suits me just fine now.”

Seeing Zhu Yuning’s reluctance to discuss further, Layue naturally refrained from prying.

“Sister hasn’t visited Qing’an Palace in quite a while.”

“My dear, you are always so busy. I wouldn’t dare disturb you. I just happened to be free today and thought I’d drop by for a cup of tea.”

Looking at Zhu Yuning’s expression, Layue didn’t believe for a moment that she had only come for tea.

“Since you like it, you’re welcome to visit anytime. I’d be delighted.”

The two chatted casually, avoiding any serious topics. Although Layue knew Zhu Yuning must have something on her mind, she didn’t press her, waiting for her to speak up.

Sure enough, after some small talk, Zhu Yuning finally got to the point.

“Actually, there’s something I’d like to ask of you, dear sister.”

“Oh?” Layue raised her eyebrows.

“It’s like this. I’d like to ask you to help me find out something regarding the national temple.”

At this, Layue was genuinely surprised, though she quickly concealed her momentary shock.

“The national temple?”

“Exactly.” Zhu Yuning’s tone grew firmer as she looked at Shen Layue.

“Normally, I shouldn’t trouble you with such a matter, but I’ve been unable to speak with the Emperor. Rest assured, I have no intention of harming you. I simply wish to know how one might be sent to the national temple to become a nun. I only ask that you help me with this.”

The meaning was clear—Zhu Yuning hoped to find a way to become a nun at the national temple, or even more directly, she hoped Shen Layue could help her achieve this.

Layue scrutinized Zhu Yuning suspiciously. Was she truly willing to become a nun?

Frankly speaking, Layue couldn’t understand what was so special about the Sixth Prince that Zhu Yuning would love him so deeply.

Layue looked at her for a long time before replying, “Sister, please allow me some time to consider.”

Zhu Yuning did not press her. Seeing her agree to think about it, she smiled and nodded.

Having finally spoken her mind, Zhu Yuning seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

She didn’t stay long before rising to take her leave.

Layue did not try to stop her—she needed time to think about this matter.

Although she trusted Zhu Yuning’s character, after so many years in the palace, people could change, or even if they didn’t, they might be manipulated by others.

Zhu Yuning wanting to become a nun was something Layue had never imagined or understood.

Jinxin had always been by Layue’s side and overheard Zhu Yuning’s words. She was familiar with Layue and knew that Layue regarded Jinxin as a trusted confidante.

“Your Majesty, is Lady Li Bin out of her mind? Why would she give up a good life to become a nun?”

“She has her own reasons.”

If there were no external factors, Layue could only say that love was the most painful thing of all.

“No matter what, I think we shouldn’t help her,” Jinxin insisted.

Layue raised her eyebrows, signaling Jinxin to continue.

Jinxin thought for a moment before speaking.

“Exactly. Although we know she asked you, the Emperor doesn’t. If Lady Li Bin changes her mind later, we’ll be unable to defend ourselves. Even if the Emperor trusts you, what about others? Gossip might not harm you, but it’s still unpleasant. Plus, it could give you a reputation for jealousy. Although Lady Li Bin rarely sees the Emperor, she can still request an audience. Perhaps she’s hoping to harm you even after leaving the palace.”

After listening to Jinxin’s analysis, Layue nodded.

She had already considered many of these points, but she hesitated at the last one.

“Why would she do that to me? You know she only has feelings for the Sixth Prince. Since she doesn’t love the Emperor, I’m not really her rival.”

“But how can you be sure the Sixth Prince doesn’t resent you? He was deeply fond of his cousin. If you hadn’t told the Empress Dowager, perhaps his cousin would have married him. If the Sixth Prince holds a grudge against you, and Lady Li Bin loves him so much, maybe she’s trying to teach you a lesson?” Jinxin countered.

Layue didn’t want to think that way, but it wasn’t impossible.

“Alright, I understand. I’ll think carefully about this matter and won’t be easily manipulated by others.”

Layue, being thoughtful and cautious, would not hastily agree to Zhu Yuning’s request.

A concubine suddenly wanting to go to the national temple—this would naturally raise the Emperor’s suspicions. If the Emperor thought she was involved, or even just suspected her role in the matter, it would be extremely disadvantageous for her.

Though she wanted to believe Zhu Yuning, ultimately, she cared more about herself and her loved ones.

Layue quickly made up her mind—she would not help.

“Jinxin, go to Lady Li Bin and tell her I cannot assist with this matter. I will not help any of the Emperor’s concubines in such a way. Life in the harem is luxurious and comfortable—how could she have such thoughts? The Emperor would certainly not accept it.”

Jinxin nodded and left.

This was for the best. She had been afraid that her mistress might soften and help Lady Li Bin, which would bring endless troubles.

Layue and her maidservants thought deeply about the matter.

But Zhu Yuning hadn’t thought much of it. However, shortly after returning to her quarters, she considered many possibilities and gave a bitter smile.

She realized she had misunderstood the situation. Not long after, she saw Jinxin arrive.

As expected, Shen Layue had refused.

Thinking about it, if she were in Shen Layue’s position, she would have done the same.

She had merely recalled the imperial edict that had sent Virtuous Consort to the national temple, and her heart had become increasingly restless.

She hadn’t expected to oversimplify the matter.

Even if Shen Layue couldn’t help, she couldn’t give up on this idea.

Perhaps harming others would lead to demotion, but what of it? She was simply incapable of treating human life so lightly.

How then?

How could she become a nun?

Even if everyone looked down on her, she couldn’t bear to love one person while lying beside another.

As a palace concubine, she knew her place. Since she couldn’t leave, becoming a nun would be the best ending for her.

Looking at the bleak weather, Zhu Yuning shed tears.