Chapter 102:

Time flies; it feels like only yesterday when things were different, and now more than a month has passed.

Many events have occurred in the palace during this time.

Layue’s arm has improved greatly, although it is still bandaged, it is no longer as bad as it initially was. Another significant event was the case of Concubine Jing. Everyone in the palace was aware that Concubine Jing could no longer serve the emperor. Fortunately, the emperor and the empress dowager were merciful enough to allow her to raise her child herself, which was considered a tremendous grace.

During her postpartum period, Emperor Jing had not bestowed many honors upon Concubine Jing, which caused people to raise eyebrows and speculate that even though she had risked her life to give birth, she had ultimately lost the emperor’s favor.

However, Concubine Jing remained composed and indifferent to others’ opinions, steadfastly continuing her postpartum recovery quietly in her quarters.

Perhaps the emperor admired her demeanor, or perhaps he genuinely felt she deserved credit for giving birth to a son. On the day she completed her postpartum period, an imperial edict was delivered to Bai Youran’s quarters by the grand eunuch supervisor, Laixi.

Bai Youran was elevated from the rank of Concubine Jing at the sixth junior grade to the rank of Noble Concubine Jing at the third junior grade, a move that drew much attention. Indeed, only those of the third junior grade or above were permitted to raise their children personally, and it was evident that the emperor had considered this.

Therefore, even though Bai Youran raised the Third Prince herself, it did not violate palace regulations.

Moreover, everyone knew that Concubine Jing’s status would remain as such from now on.

Without the emperor’s favor, how could she expect further promotions? It was generally believed that unless there was a grand promotion across the six palaces, she would not advance any further.

Her injuries remained, and even with the palace’s secret remedies, these were not omnipotent.

On the same day of the child’s full moon celebration, Emperor Jing bestowed the name “Ning” upon the Third Prince.

Layue learned of this while at Tingyu Pavilion and sighed inwardly. Bai Youran had finally given birth safely. What the future held was uncertain. Reflecting further, if it were herself, she would likely do everything in her power to protect her child.

Regardless of Bai Youran’s character, Layue firmly believed she would be a good mother.

The days grew colder seemingly in an instant, as if only a blink of an eye had passed.

Outside the palace, news gradually trickled in. Previously, she had asked Qiaoning to convey a message to her uncle, inquiring whether the Shen and Yue families were connected to Prince Six. Her uncle had simply replied with two words: “No.”

She trusted her uncle’s integrity; if he said there was no connection, then there must be none.

Yet, in her past life, there must have been some connection. Layue pondered this silently, vowing to observe carefully.

This winter was not as bitterly cold as the previous one; it was more typical. Although chilly, it was bearable.

Nowadays, Layue visited only the empress dowager’s quarters and nowhere else. Her arm, having healed over several months, was mostly recovered, though not yet fully nimble.

The physician had said six months, and indeed, it would take six months.

Occasionally, she was mischievous, but Cuiwen kept a tight watch on her. Sometimes Layue thought that Cuiwen not entering the Imperial Medical Academy was a pity. Yet, she also realized that no woman ever entered the academy, nor could they practice medicine openly.

It was common knowledge that women should not appear in public.

Layue sighed, thinking how unfair this era was to women.

Still, it was fine, as Cuiwen herself didn’t mind and lived happily every day. Although somewhat dull and unable to speak cleverly, she didn’t need such skills at Tingyu Pavilion. Occasionally, the two would exchange a few words about Lady Wan.

Both held Lady Wan in great reverence, for without her, Cuiwen would not be who she was today.

Time passed quickly, and before long, a new year had arrived. During the New Year celebrations, the Shen family paid a visit to Layue. Seeing her younger sister had grown taller, Layue playfully teased that it was time for her to start learning proper etiquette.

Her younger sister Yiyi had indeed become more composed than before.

The Shen family was doing well. Layue knew that her older brother would marry after the New Year, with the wedding set for May.

It would be springtime, with flowers in bloom.

Since the engagement had been settled, there was some interaction between the two families. The Shen family had discreetly observed Min Yunying, finding her as unassuming and unflappable as ever, with her affairs well-organized, which made them even more delighted.

Since the emperor’s return to the capital, the palace had been relatively peaceful, perhaps because Layue seldom went out and was unaware of the actual situation; the power struggles still existed. In any case, Layue paid no attention to such matters.

Day after day, leisurely and unhurried, it was already April again.

Recalling the autumn ceremony to worship heaven, it felt like yesterday.

“My Lady, the list of people attending the ceremony to worship heaven has been announced, and we are not on it!” Tao’er pouted.

Although she had been frightened last time, she still loved the imperial retreat.

By now, Layue’s arm had completely healed, thanks to Cuiwen’s constant vigilance. Otherwise, with Layue’s playful nature, it would be hard to feel at ease.

“Who’s going this time?” Layue asked, stroking her jade thumb ring.

This was a recent gift from Emperor Jing, and Layue was particularly fond of it, wearing it often recently.

“Strangely enough, this time there are three people: Consort De, Consort Hui, and Consort Qi will all be going.” Tao’er was initially quite puzzled by this selection but later understood after hearing the rumors circulating in the palace.

“Oh?” Layue became curious. All three consorts of the palace were accompanying the emperor?

Tao’er nodded and said, “I heard there has been less rainfall this year. The Emperor mentioned that since the Empress is absent, the three Consorts, being of the rank of Fei, should go to pray for blessings for the people.”

Layue did not believe this explanation at all.

Besides these three, she was the highest-ranking among the remaining concubines, and she found the situation quite amusing.

“No one dares to challenge me anymore, and I hold the highest rank in the palace, which feels really strange.” Layue playfully pouted.

Jinxin, standing nearby, disliked hearing this: “My Lady, how can you say such a thing? There are quite a few people in the harem. More than thirty, in fact. My Lady just rose in rank quickly, but you have always been sincere towards the emperor, so it’s only natural that you are treated this way.”

Of course, she would never dare to say this in front of outsiders, only in Layue’s presence.

Actually, upon closer listening, this statement could easily provide others with grounds for accusation.

However, everyone in the room was reliable, so Jinxin naturally knew how to be discreet.

After a year and a half of palace life, Jinxin had transformed from an innocent maid into someone more astute.

Everyone assumed that with the three consorts accompanying the emperor, this would be a great opportunity for Lady Chun. She might even take charge of palace affairs. Everyone knew that although she couldn’t go herself, it was still a great advantage for Lady Chun.

From any perspective, this situation was most favorable to Lady Chun.

By now, everyone had become accustomed to the emperor’s special treatment of Lady Chun, and secretly resented not having such a good opportunity themselves.

Seeing Layue lost in thought, Jinxin exchanged a glance with the others, who then tidied up and left the room. Only Jinxin remained.

“My Lady, is there something troubling you?” Jinxin asked, noticing Layue didn’t seem happy.

Layue looked at the lush greenery of a tree, then turned to Jinxin: “I never believed the emperor has been entirely devoted to me.”

Jinxin was startled, not expecting her mistress to say such a thing: “But with the three consorts leaving the palace this time, isn’t it giving my lady a chance to take charge of palace affairs?”

Everyone in the palace was speculating this way.

Layue shook her head; she didn’t think so.

As the two were just beginning their conversation, a young eunuch came to deliver a message.

It said that the empress dowager had summoned Lady Chun to Huici Palace for a chat.

Smiling slightly, Layue looked at Jinxin: “Come on, accompany me for a walk.”

Recently, the emperor had been very affectionate towards Layue, but she had not lost her sense of proportion. She had given much thought to certain matters, always prepared for potential dangers. There were many people waiting to scheme against her, and even if the emperor did not suspect her, others might still play some role in causing trouble.

When they arrived at the entrance of Huici Palace, they could hear laughter coming from inside.

It seemed the conversation was going well.

“Consort Chun has arrived. Please come in quickly; the empress dowager has mentioned you several times,” an elderly maid greeted her at the door, though it wasn’t the usual maid, Auntie Gui.

However, this remark displeased Layue somewhat. She had come immediately upon receiving the summons, yet this made it seem as if she had deliberately delayed.

Her tone was just loud enough for those inside to hear.

She knew this elderly maid; she was from Consort De’s quarters.

She had not seen much of her before and did not know why Consort De had brought this maid along today. Presumably, she was here, so Consort De must be inside.

This maid was of a different status than Auntie Gui, and being from Consort De’s quarters, her warm greeting was met with indifference from Layue, who simply lifted the curtain and entered with a smile.

Seeing that Consort Chun did not acknowledge her, the elderly maid was not angry but remained at the door with a seemingly loyal expression.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Consort De, Consort Qi, Consort Hui.” The high-ranking people in the palace were all gathered here.

No wonder they were laughing and chatting so happily! With the emperor present, even the most dissatisfied feelings had to be transformed into gentle smiles.

“Yue’er has arrived. Come quickly and sit down.” The empress dowager was fond of Layue.

Layue obediently sat at the lowest seat.

“Has Consort Chun’s arm recovered completely?” Consort Qi asked with concern.

In the past few months, the empress dowager had not been very fond of Consort Qi, but fortunately, Consort Qi had a gentle disposition. After a long period of good behavior, she had managed to regain the empress dowager’s favor.

Although the empress dowager did not favor Consort Qi as much as she did Consort Chun, she treated her much better compared to Consort Hui and Consort De.

Among the three consorts, Consort Qi was the one who had managed to win the empress dowager’s favor the most.

Layue smiled and nodded: “Thank you for your concern, Sister Qi. My younger sister has fully recovered.”

Over the past six months, she had gained much attention. The emperor had not shared a bed with anyone else except her, a fact that others could only envy.

“That’s the best news indeed.”

Consort Qi looked at Layue with tender eyes, like the soft glow of the moon, though Layue felt a chill inside.

After all, wasn’t the palace filled with people pretending?

The empress dowager glanced at everyone and spoke: “I suppose Yue’er has heard the news. In a few days, the emperor will be going to the imperial retreat with your sisters to worship heaven. Since I am getting old, I find it difficult to manage palace affairs, so I was thinking of asking you to help out a bit. Do you think that would be alright?”

Layue paused for just a moment, her eyebrows slightly furrowing.

Then she smiled sweetly: “Your Majesty, I would never dare to refuse the task of managing palace affairs.”

But since the emperor had been with her for so long, he understood her way of speaking and knew she must have a ‘but.’ Indeed, Layue continued: “However, although my body has recovered, due to my youth, I am often rash and not meticulous enough. If I were to take charge of palace affairs rashly, I would surely be in a mess. By the time I start, my sisters would have already returned, and they would have to clean up the mess I made. I would feel guilty for causing such trouble. I beg Your Majesty to think carefully about this matter, as I truly feel unworthy of such a great responsibility.”

Consort De visibly relaxed, and although Consort Qi and Consort Hui said nothing, Layue could clearly sense their underlying joy.

“You little girl, you don’t even care about my well-being,” the empress dowager showed no emotion, though she complained.

Layue smiled apologetically: “Of course I care about Your Majesty, but this task is simply beyond my capabilities. Moreover, Your Majesty is in excellent health and still in her prime. You’re not old at all. Since Your Majesty cares so much about me, please let me off this time.”

Although these words were somewhat disrespectful, they pleased the empress dowager.

The empress dowager smiled and gave Layue a disapproving look: “You lazy girl. I had already planned everything, but you messed it all up.”

Layue smiled and clasped her hands in a gesture of apology, looking like a young scholar making amends.

The empress dowager laughed even more heartily.

“Since that’s the case, so be it. Since Yue’er believes she is too young to take on this responsibility, I have no choice but to hold on for a few more days. You, in the future, must not refuse like this anymore.” She gave Layue another disapproving look.

Layue giggled.

The emperor sat aside, observing everyone’s expressions and actions without much reaction. This time, seeing Layue’s behavior, he couldn’t help but smile slightly.

“This girl is always so childish. If she doesn’t want to take charge, then let her be. She should focus on taking care of her health and prepare to give birth to a princess for me.”

At his words, everyone was momentarily stunned. The emperor rarely spoke like this, showing little warmth towards his two sons. Now, he was expressing a hope for a princess from Shen Layue.

Looking at Shen Layue’s expression, her face was flushed and she looked shy.

Everyone felt a pang of anxiety. Yet, they thought again, what difference did it make if the emperor said so? A princess could never be compared to a prince. Moreover, since he didn’t mention wanting Shen Layue to give birth to a prince, perhaps this was a subtle hint from the emperor.

Even the empress dowager thought the same.

The others felt a bit happier again. Although princesses were fewer, they were still considered someone else’s family. Giving birth to a prince was the real deal.

In fact, these people misunderstood the emperor’s intentions, thinking he did not want Shen Layue to give birth to a son. They did not consider that the two had already discussed this, and Layue had always wanted to have a daughter first.

There is a saying among the common people that daughters are like a mother’s warm little cotton vest, showing that having a considerate little daughter was also Layue’s hope.

The people in the palace were obsessed with the matter of offspring and only viewed it according to traditional perspectives, failing to consider that some people might have different thoughts.

“Alright, alright, since the emperor has spoken, let’s settle this matter. Before you three leave, make sure to handle all the necessary affairs so that I have less to worry about. As for Yue’er, since the emperor has spoken, she should focus on taking care of herself. I don’t have a daughter of my own, so I am also looking forward to Yue’er giving me a granddaughter.”

Layue covered her face with her handkerchief, seemingly very shy.

No one noticed the small figure standing by the door of the inner room not far away. Yan Yu watched Layue with an expressionless face, his little face resembling his father’s.