Chapter 93:

After Grandmother left the palace, Layue stood by the window, pondering her grandmother’s words. Indeed, many of her grandmother’s previous remarks were not without merit.

As for this “future sister-in-law,” Layue couldn’t quite judge whether she was good or not, since she had never met Min Yunying. However, since Grandmother, Father, and Uncle all approved of her, she must be a suitable match.

Relaxing her mind, Layue thought this was actually a good thing—after all, her older brother would not again choose someone like Bai Xiaodie.

Therefore, her brother’s life could take a different path, and the Shen family would also embark on a different road.

Reflecting on her rebirth so far, she hadn’t really done much for the Shen family. Yet, everyone’s destiny was ultimately different. Perhaps this was also for the better! In this life, the Lian family still spread rumors about her family, but she was now enjoying the Emperor’s favor, so they could do little to harm them.

How could the fickle villains from the Lian family dare to provoke the Shen family now?

Yet Layue understood clearly that if one day she lost the Emperor’s favor or clashed with someone more powerful, the Lian family would certainly seize the opportunity to crush her family.

She might not be familiar with others, but she knew the Lian family, Lian Xiuyun, Chen Yulan, and Bai Xiaodie very well.

Therefore, she still needed to keep striving.

Strive to please the Emperor. If she wanted power, she must stand at the pinnacle herself, so no one would have the chance to trample her.

The Empress’s position remained vacant.

The cunning Qi Concubine, the prestigious Hui Concubine, and the De Concubine who had borne a prince.

Everyone must desire that position.

And she, too, desired it.

After some thought, Layue summoned Xing’er and ordered her to bring the silk fabric stored in the warehouse. This silk fabric usually came in darker colors, which were generally unflattering on women. Even older women wearing it wouldn’t appear particularly dignified.

Layue didn’t understand why Emperor Jing had bestowed several batches of this fabric upon her. Previously, she had simply stored it away in the warehouse.

Today, she suddenly thought of it and decided to retrieve it.

“My lady,” Xing’er was quick in her actions and soon returned from the warehouse.

“In a few days, it will be the Emperor’s birthday. I will personally make him a robe.”

Though it might not look good on women, it wouldn’t matter for men, especially a man as handsome as Emperor Jing. The dark colors would make him appear more dignified.

Coincidentally, the Emperor’s birthday was the month before the selection of concubines, so there was still about a month left. Layue knew that even if her sewing skills weren’t refined, a month would still be enough time.

“I’m sure the Emperor will be very pleased with this gift.”

Layue smiled faintly. Whether the Emperor would be pleased or not, she couldn’t be sure. But she knew this would make the Emperor feel comfortable. A handmade gift could better express her feelings. Even if the gift wasn’t impressive, it would surely leave a deep impression on the Emperor.

Making clothes wasn’t difficult. All palace women had learned needlework and naturally knew how. However, very few did it, mainly because it consumed too much energy. Moreover, the Emperor wouldn’t wear them often. Even if their needlework was excellent, it couldn’t rival the embroidery workshop in the palace. Besides the dragon robe, even the casual clothes had faint dragon patterns or similarly luxurious peonies.

The Emperor’s clothing was naturally incomparable.

Giving clothes might move the Emperor momentarily, but afterward, the likelihood of the clothes being put away and forgotten was great. If he didn’t wear them, how could he think of the person who made them?

Therefore, very few people gave clothes as gifts.

Indeed, Jin Xin thought further and reminded her mistress: “My lady, even if you make this robe, with such a color, the Emperor probably won’t wear it often.”

It would be a pity for her mistress to spend so much time on something that wouldn’t be appreciated.

Layue smiled indifferently: “Regardless of whether he wears it or not, it’s my heartfelt gesture. Let’s proceed. Otherwise, what else should I give? Everything under heaven already belongs to him; nothing I give will seem valuable.”

She understood what others might think. However, she believed that success couldn’t be achieved overnight. She didn’t expect the Emperor to find her perfect in just one act.

Starting with small things—Emperor Jing was right. He had everything under heaven. She couldn’t do much for him, but starting with small things, over time, the Emperor was still a human, not a god.

He would eventually feel something.

Though gradual influence was a long-term strategy, in her opinion, it was also very effective.

Since it was a gift, naturally, she couldn’t let him know in advance. Layue diligently played the role of a loving woman. Only her four personal maids knew about this.

Actually, Layue was well aware that there were spies in Tingyu Pavilion, and every whisper would reach the Emperor’s ears. However, previously, she had been very cautious, saying it was an important birthday gift and a surprise.

Even if the Emperor knew, he wouldn’t say much.

Layue was fully devoted to preparing the Emperor’s birthday gift, just like everyone else. Naturally, no one wanted their gift to be the same as others’. Therefore, every palace was on high alert.

Everyone tried their best to keep their gift a secret while trying to discover others’.

Layue didn’t care about others. After all, others’ actions had nothing to do with her, right? She wouldn’t change her plans because of them.

Of course, she naturally understood others’ intentions and kept her plans well hidden.

Morning.

Outside, a drizzle brought a slight coolness to the hot summer day.

Fortunately, the southern country of Nan Qin had many summer rains. Otherwise, the summer heat would feel unbearable.

Jin Xin entered with a delicate bowl of wonton soup. She saw her mistress freshly groomed, with Xing’er tidying up the dressing table.

“My lady, last night you said you had no appetite and wanted to eat some wontons. This morning, Qiaoning got up early and prepared them. Please taste them—they’re truly delicious!”

Last night, her mistress had expressed a desire for wontons, but later decided against it, thinking it was too late and might cause indigestion. Qiaoning was considerate and prepared the meal early in the morning, hoping to please her mistress.

Layue looked at the eight translucent dumplings floating in the Jingtailan porcelain bowl. The wrappers were thin, revealing the reddish filling inside, likely containing shrimp. The soup was garnished with finely chopped scallions, mushrooms, black fungus, and thin strips of red carrot. The red and green colors blended beautifully, making it visually appealing and appetizing.

Layue smiled behind her handkerchief: “Qiaoning is indeed thoughtful.”

It wasn’t just because of Qiaoning’s culinary skills. Another reason was her habits from her past life. In her previous life, Qiaoning had always served her, so she had grown accustomed to her cooking and naturally found it the best.

Soon, she finished all the dumplings Qiaoning had made.

Seeing her mistress eat heartily, Jin Xin was delighted: “My lady, is that enough? There’s still more in the kitchen. I considered your appetite and brought only eight.”

Layue rinsed her mouth with the cup Jin Xin offered and then shook her head.

“That’s about my usual portion. I don’t eat much.”

After tidying up, she diligently began sewing the Emperor’s clothes.

Since Grandmother’s visit a few days ago, her mood had improved. Now she had heard that the family had already proposed to the Min family, and the Min family had accepted. According to the usual schedule, her brother would marry next spring.

Layue thought a lot about this future sister-in-law, but she still trusted her grandmother’s judgment. Back then, when she visited the Chen household and met Bai Xiaodie, her brother had also taken a liking to the girl when he came to pick her up.

Later, with her help, her brother and Bai Xiaodie had developed feelings for each other. However, at that time, Grandmother had been quite worried but eventually gave in to her brother’s wishes. What had Grandmother said then?

Layue carefully recalled the past events. It seemed Grandmother had said that Bai Xiaodie might not be capable of shouldering the responsibilities of the family’s matriarch. Her expressions were too frivolous. At that time, she thought Grandmother underestimated Bai Xiaodie, but now she realized Grandmother’s words had come true.

Therefore, this Min Yunying must have unique qualities.

Soon, Jin Xin said that Qiaoning had come to collect the plate.

Inside the room, aside from Jin Xin and Xing’er, there was no one else. Layue knew that Qiaoning must have something to report.

She nodded at the two, and they obediently stepped outside. Jin Xin stood guard at the door while Xing’er returned to her room.

Remembering her recent instructions to Qiaoning regarding Uncle, she suspected there must be news.

She was not confident about Min Yunying and naturally wanted to inquire thoroughly from Uncle.

Indeed, Qiaoning had come for this very reason.

After bowing respectfully, Qiaoning proceeded to relay the message entrusted by the master.

Layue knew that Uncle must have great trust in Qiaoning to send her with such a message, otherwise, all secrets would be conveyed orally.

Actually, oral messages were both the safest and the least safe in some ways.

The safety lay in the fact that others couldn’t eavesdrop, and there would be no evidence. The danger lay in the messenger herself.

Since Qiaoning had been chosen, there must have been very sound reasons. In her previous life, Layue hadn’t inquired, and in this life, she also refrained from doing so.

“Has Uncle sent any message?”

“Yes. My lady, the master said he has thoroughly investigated Miss Min and observed her secretly. He instructed me to inform you that you can rest assured. Min Yunying’s character is absolutely impeccable. Although she appears gentle on the outside, she has her own opinions and is very capable, making her a very suitable match for the young master. Their personalities complement each other well.”

Upon hearing these words, Layue nodded.

It seemed this was indeed a good match. Her brother appeared strong on the outside but was somewhat indecisive inside. Min Yunying’s personality would complement him perfectly.

As Grandmother had said, neither the stepmothers nor the aunts could shoulder the full responsibility for the Shen family. Since they were incapable, the Shen family would certainly need a capable mistress.

If Min Yunying was indeed suitable, she would likely provide some support in her brother’s official duties. Thinking of this, Layue finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She had thought that was all, but unexpectedly, Qiaoning continued speaking.

“My lady, the master said there is some progress regarding the matter you previously inquired about.”

Layue was startled, recalling the previous matter, and asked, “Is it about Zhu Yuning?”

Qiaoning nodded: “Precisely.”

Layue straightened her posture, fixing her gaze on Qiaoning. Although she had some vague suspicions in her heart, she still needed confirmation.

“The master said that Lady Li has feelings for the Sixth Prince.”

A tremor passed through Layue’s heart. Indeed, even though she had suspected this, knowing the truth still sent ripples through her.

“Then why did she enter the palace?”

Layue knew that if Uncle hadn’t investigated thoroughly, he wouldn’t have sent Qiaoning to inform her of these matters.

“There’s affection on one side but not the other. The Sixth Prince does not favor Zhu Yunying, and the Zhu family cannot afford the scandal of a candidate concubine making a mistake. Zhu Yunying’s mother is weak-willed, and Zhu Yunying is extremely filial toward her. With the reputation of being the most beautiful woman, she had no choice but to enter the palace.

Emperor Jing did not get along well with the Sixth Prince. Could Zhu Yunying’s entry into the palace have been instigated by the Sixth Prince? Would she do anything?

Layue thought deeply. Although these events hadn’t occurred in her previous life, there were still traces to be found.

Moreover, the Sixth Prince’s gaze and Zhu Yunying’s closeness.

Layue calmed herself and looked at Qiaoning: “Did Uncle mention whether the Sixth Prince has any connection with the Shen or Yue families?”

Qiaoning was rarely surprised, but she looked at her mistress seriously and shook her head.

“Convey my words to Uncle. I need to know everything.”

If there was a connection, wouldn’t that be the real reason for the Shen family’s downfall?

Although she didn’t show it on her face, her mind was already in turmoil.

It wasn’t surprising that Layue thought deeply. With so many real and imagined complications, if she wasn’t careful and cautious, she might be manipulated again.

Thinking of this, Layue’s expression became even more serious.

“Qiaoning, although you’ve followed me for a short time, you should already understand my nature.”

Qiaoning replied: “I know.”

Seeing that Qiaoning understood her meaning, Layue felt satisfied: “I don’t act without reason or waste effort. Tell Uncle that I need to know everything. If the Shen or Yue families indeed have any connection with the Sixth Prince, then it would be playing with everyone’s lives. He knows what needs to be done. Even if he doesn’t take it seriously, I will not allow it. Qiaoning, others may not know me, but I believe we are of the same kind. You should know what I am capable of.”

She hadn’t done ruthless or cruel things, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t. In this life, she would never allow the Shen family’s dozens of members to meet a tragic end again.