Chapter 147:

Today was Yue Feng’s second entry into the palace, but this time was different from the last. This time, she entered as a young lady. Yet, if one were to say it was different, there was still something similar—indeed, each time she came, she felt anxious and uneasy.

Even though she had dressed as a boy since childhood, it could not conceal the fact that she was a girl at heart.

Madame Shen, accompanied by two young female relatives and a little girl, instructed, “Yiyi, you’re no stranger to the palace, so there’s no need for your grandmother to say much. Behave yourself. Yunying and Yue Feng are older, so you must be especially cautious.”

They all nodded in unison.

Once they reached the Qing’an Palace, they knelt respectfully to pay their respects.

Layue hurried to help them up.

“Jinxin, quickly serve them tea in the inner chamber.”

Her tone was full of joy.

Since giving birth, no one had yet seen the three little babies.

Madame Shen was well aware that despite her promotion to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, Yue Feng’s sacrifices within the palace walls had largely gone unnoticed. She frequently admonished her sons not to take for granted the fortune Yue Feng had bestowed upon their family.

“Xing’er, bring the little princess and princes over.”

After seating them, Layue carefully observed the visitors.

Madame Shen hadn’t changed much; perhaps because things had been going smoothly lately, she looked even healthier than the Empress Dowager herself. Keep in mind, Madame Shen was actually sixteen or seventeen years older than the Empress Dowager.

Her gaze shifted to Shen Yi yi. The little girl looked at her sister and smiled, showing her little fangs—so innocent.

Next came her daughter-in-law, Min Yunying. Although this was technically their first meeting, Layue had secretly observed Min the day before. However, this was Min Yunying’s first time meeting her young sister-in-law—the most prestigious imperial consort in the court.

Min Yunying was two years older than Layue, with a full figure, not particularly slim. Her hair was styled in the proper manner typical of noble families. Looking at her face, although not exceptionally striking, she was still a graceful beauty, especially her eyes, which gave off a lively vibe.

Layue thought, many people’s beauty doesn’t lie in their facial features, but in their eyes. Indeed, this was true.

As for Yue Feng, although dressed in women’s attire, she still exuded a heroic aura. She was similar to the general’s daughter, Zhang Lan, but Zhang was more gentle. Yue Feng, having dressed as a boy since childhood, even in female clothing, showed no signs of feminine softness.

“How is everything at home?”

Madame Shen nodded. “Of course, thanks to Your Majesty’s blessings, everything at home is going smoothly.”

Layue smiled.

At that moment, the children were brought in.

“Place the children on the couch and you may leave.”

Since these were all family members, Layue didn’t want them to feel overly restrained due to the presence of others.

Everyone stepped aside. As expected, all their eyes were on the children.

The three little ones were placed on the couch, babbling and cooing.

“They’re so cute, my little brother and sister!” Yi yi couldn’t sit still and rushed to the couch.

They all chuckled.

“You silly girl, they’re not your younger brother and sister—they’re your little nieces!”

At home, Yi yi often played with her younger brother, Shen Shu’an, so she was used to this way of speaking. Teased by her grandmother, her face turned red.

Layue, however, continued teasing, “Oh! Little Yi yi actually blushed. That’s strange!”

“Jie jie—” Within moments, Yi yi returned to her usual, playful manner with her sister, pouting cutely.

“Yunying, Yi yi is still young and doesn’t understand many things. I hope you can take good care of her at home,” Layue said seriously.

Min Yunying was naturally quite nervous. No matter how composed she tried to be, the girl before her was not only her young sister-in-law but also the Imperial Noble Consort. She always felt uneasy.

“I know. Yi yi is very sensible,” Min replied.

Though nervous, Min still responded in this manner. Upon further reflection, she realized that although the Shen family had many children, the only ones who were truly blood-related to Noble Consort Shen Layue were Shen Shuping and Shen Yiyi.

Her approach to matters made it abundantly clear—just how meticulously the Imperial Consort attended to these two.

Despite her youth, Min had assumed control of all household matters as soon as she entered the family, managing the domestic affairs without encountering any resistance. This was undoubtedly due to the influence of the Imperial Consort.

Thinking this way, she felt reassured, and her nervousness eased somewhat.

“The children haven’t been named yet, right?” Madame Shen looked at the three little ones, lovingly unable to look away.

“Not yet. The Emperor said they would be named on their first birthday. But they do have little names. The girl is called Jiaojiao, and the two little boys are Xiao Si’er and Xiao Wu’er.”

As if responding to his name, Xiao Si’er giggled and clapped his hands.

Seeing this, the adults all laughed.

“How cute!” Shen Yi yi exclaimed.

Layue lifted Yi yi onto the couch. Yi yi felt shy—she was already so grown up, yet her sister still carried her.

“You can play with Jiaojiao, Xiao Si’er, and Xiao Wu’er for a while. They really enjoy playing with others.”

Yi yi nodded quickly.

Each of the three little ones had their own charm. Jiaojiao loved being held the most, babbling and pouting her little lips. Layue placed her directly into Yi yi’s arms.

Yi yi whispered softly, “Jiaojiao, I’m your little auntie. I’m your little auntie!”

Seeing his sister being held, Xiao Si’er rolled over like a little turtle, stretching his neck and staring with wide eyes. Xiao Wu’er, on the other hand, entertained himself by waving his two chubby hands around, babbling happily.

Madame Shen looked at the three children, occasionally touching one, then another.

Her heart was filled with excitement.

“Grandmother, please sit for a while. I have something to say to my cousin.”

Madame Shen knew that their visit today was mainly because of Yue Feng, though she didn’t know the exact reason.

Yue Feng naturally understood Shen Layue’s intention and followed her into another room.

“Have you been well these days, cousin?”

Seeing Shen Layue’s somewhat anxious expression, Yue Feng smiled.

“Your Majesty need not worry about me. Everything will take its natural course. I understand some things.”

In truth, Yue Feng was very clever. She herself understood that continuing to be entangled with the Sixth Prince might not be a good thing—for herself or her family. One thing they saw clearly was the Emperor’s dislike of the Sixth Prince. And if the Empress Dowager were no longer around, would the Sixth Prince still be the same as he was now?

They wanted to live quietly and peacefully, without being dragged into court politics.

The Emperor had chosen Fu Jinyu for her. In a way, that was not a bad thing.

Thinking of that pale-faced young man, Yue Feng blushed slightly.

“The Fu family is also a prestigious one. You know me—I always speak my mind. Although my maternal uncle’s family is wealthy, their merchant background might bring you some hardship. But don’t worry—since Fu Jinyu has asked for you, he must truly like you. Later, the Empress Dowager will also give you some dignity. Although I cannot stop what is to come, whatever you ask of me, I will do my best.”

Yue Feng nodded with a smile.

Thinking for a moment, she ruffled Layue’s hair.

“You may be younger than me, but you always act so serious. My father said you have a heavy heart, and indeed you do. Actually, don’t feel guilty or think too much about it. It’s not your fault. Many things are just fate, and only through each step did we arrive at this situation. But looking at it now, isn’t this quite good? Anyway, marriage is the best solution. And marrying Fu Jinyu is not a bad thing at all. The most handsome man in court—actually, I’m the one who benefits.”

Layue hadn’t expected Yue Feng to be so open-minded. Looking at her carefree expression, she smiled slightly. Perhaps she had indeed thought too much.

“Later, the Empress Dowager will see you. Actually, she’s not that scary. But I think she probably won’t like you very much, considering the matter with the Sixth Prince. Cousin, don’t think too much about it. It’s just a single meeting.”

At first, Yue Feng had felt nervous entering the palace, but seeing Layue’s anxious little face, all her tension disappeared. She laughed and said, “Alright, alright, my dear cousin, you’re the one who’s really nervous. Talking nonstop like this. I’ll be careful and cautious, and I won’t make any mistakes. You don’t need to worry about me. You yourself said Fu Jinyu asked for me. If he likes me more, naturally he won’t let me suffer any hardship.”

Even if he did let her suffer, she silently added in her heart, she wouldn’t easily forgive him. But she didn’t say that out loud.

Layue carefully observed Yue Feng and finally felt reassured when she saw that she truly wasn’t very sad.

Thinking back to her own recent anxieties, she smiled slightly.

Putting aside all the complicated factors, the two were actually quite well-matched.

“Your Majesty—” Jinxin spoke from outside the curtain.

“Is there something?”

“Madam Gui has arrived. The Empress Dowager heard that your family members are here and has sent her over to meet them.”

Layue nodded. She had known this would happen.

Stepping out, she saw that her relatives were somewhat nervous. Layue reassured them, “It’s nothing. Don’t worry. This meeting with the Empress Dowager is simply regarding my cousin’s marriage.”

Although they didn’t know the exact details, Madame Shen and Min Yunying were both intelligent women who naturally guessed there must be some hidden circumstances unknown to them. But since Layue didn’t explain, they wouldn’t ask.

If it were something they weren’t meant to know, it was better not to ask.

Thinking of Wanru’s recent matchmaking, Layue added carefully, “Grandmother, my cousin is different from Wanru. My second aunt is unreliable. Grandmother must manage the household affairs more carefully.”

Layue knew the character of Lady Shen, the second madame. She feared that upon hearing of Yue Feng’s good marriage, she would only raise her expectations higher.

Yue Feng and Wanru were simply not the same.

Madame Shen nodded and replied, “Your servant understands. Your Majesty may rest assured.”