Chapter 97:

Yan Yu fell ill again. Looking at his frail appearance, Layue felt a tinge of sadness.

Like her younger sister, Yan Yu had lost his mother at birth, and their father never truly cared for them. They had both been raised by their grandmother. However, the difference was that her sister Yiyi had them around, while Yan Yu had only scheming palace consorts surrounding him.

Perhaps because Layue’s eyes held an unusual amount of tenderness, Yan Yu glanced at her again and hesitantly asked, “Why are you staring at me?”

Layue smiled. “You should take good care of yourself and recover.”

It was an answer that didn’t address his question.

Hearing their conversation, the Empress Dowager raised her head and looked at Layue.

The Empress Dowager naturally knew the Shen family inside out and quickly grasped the key point.

How much happier was royal family life compared to an ordinary household?

Layue, seeing Yan Yu’s awkward and somewhat childish expression, didn’t say much more. After Yan Yu fell asleep, the group returned to the main room.

After some thought, Layue spoke, “Children actually all hope for more care from their loved ones. They hope everyone cherishes and loves them.”

The Empress Dowager looked at Layue and smiled.

“You really understand. Is your younger sister the same?”

Layue shook her head.

“My sister is more obedient.”

The Empress Dowager’s smile faded slightly. “So you’re saying Prince Yu isn’t obedient?”

Certainly, no one would want others to speak ill of their child, even if it were true.

“No, of course not. How could the Crown Prince be compared to my sister? Just looking at their environments, there’s a world of difference. The Shen family structure isn’t complicated. My grandmother manages the inner household of the Shen family. My sister has her grandmother’s protection. Also, because my father dislikes Yiyi, her stepmother actually treats her quite well in order to appear virtuous. As for the second and third branches of the family, although there are minor disputes, they wouldn’t dare harm my sister because they respect my grandmother.”

Layue analyzed carefully, “But the Crown Prince’s environment is completely different. The palace environment is millions of times more complicated than the Shen household. The Empress Dowager also doesn’t have much time to accompany him. In this deep palace, he dares not trust others, inevitably overthinking things. Being young and already burdened with too many worries, his body naturally cannot withstand it.”

This was also Layue’s own opinion.

No matter what, she would never be unkind to a child.

The Empress Dowager pondered carefully and found some truth in her words. Sighing, she said, “You may leave now.”

This convalescence lasted several more days, and soon it was the Emperor’s birthday.

Because the Emperor had previously mentioned that the celebration should not be extravagant or wasteful.

It was merely a small banquet held within the inner palace.

Today, Layue wore a light blue gauze dress, her hair styled into an elegant serpent bun adorned with several golden floral hairpins, making her appear both charming and playful.

Naturally, today was all about showing off beauty, and upon arriving at the pavilion, it was indeed filled with women in their finest attire.

Even De Fei, usually dignified, wore a rose-red strapless dress with sheer gauze draped over her shoulders, exuding an alluring charm.

Layue smiled slightly and strode in confidently.

Seeing that Chun Guiyi had arrived, many people secretly relaxed. Looking around the pavilion, not a single person wore the same color as Layue’s dress.

Layue herself was unaware that many palace consorts had deliberately inquired about her attire beforehand and intentionally avoided wearing the same color.

Everyone knew that Chun Guiyi had the Emperor’s favor. In the past, some deliberately wore the same color, but they always ended up losing. Regardless of others’ opinions on who looked better, it was ultimately the Emperor’s opinion that mattered.

Now, even if Consorts like De Fei and Hui Fei wore the same color, they would never dare wear exactly the same shade as Chun Guiyi.

“Dear sister, your dress is so refreshing. Looking at it, I’ve fallen in love with it myself!” De Fei joyfully took Layue’s hand. “Everyone says the Emperor loves the color blue the most. Sister, you’ve chosen it perfectly to please him. The Emperor will surely be delighted when he sees you.”

Although these words sounded pleasant, they earned Layue many envious and resentful glances.

More than a few people in the crowd were probably cursing her inwardly.

Layue was already wary of these “sisters” by nature. Seeing De Fei deliberately drawing resentment toward her, she wasn’t angry at all.

If she were to get upset over such a small matter, she wouldn’t be Shen Layue.

She was extremely cautious around De Fei.

“A younger sister like me has nothing to do every day except think carefully about how to please the Emperor. Isn’t that exactly why we entered the palace—to serve the Emperor?”

Her underlying message was clear.

“You don’t think about how to properly serve the Emperor, yet you spend your days scheming against others. No wonder you don’t receive favor.”

This was the palace—there was no need to be too direct. Everyone wasn’t stupid; they understood each other’s meanings without needing explicit words.

Before De Fei could speak, An Shuyi smiled and said from the side, “Chun Guiyi is young and naturally wants to serve the Emperor well. De Fei is already the highest-ranking consort in the palace and has the Second Prince by her side. why would she care so much?”

This statement was less subtle than Layue’s words, blunt enough to draw sidelong glances.

De Fei’s expression changed slightly, but she still smiled, “Sister Shuyi, don’t speak nonsense. Serving the Emperor is our duty upon entering the palace.”

An Shuyi’s words directly shifted everyone’s resentment back onto De Fei. Moreover, just a few days ago, De Fei had caused An Shuyi to miscarry. Naturally, An Shuyi couldn’t easily argue with her now.

“Oh, look at me, always speaking out of turn. By the way, where is Lady Bai? She hasn’t arrived yet, has she? Being pregnant, she must be careful not to bump into anything. It’s truly difficult to give birth to a child in this palace.”

An Shuyi was clearly confronting De Fei, speaking without any restraint.

At this moment, De Fei couldn’t easily argue back with her, her face turning alternately red and pale.

Layue stood aside, smiling faintly, “Sister Shuyi, why don’t you find a seat first? Are you feeling better now? I visited you a few days ago, but you were asleep, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”

If someone wanted to make others unhappy, did she think she was the only one who could do it? She, Shen Layue, wouldn’t allow herself to be easily manipulated. If others wanted to make her the target of everyone’s hatred, she wouldn’t let it go so easily.

De Fei had wronged her more than once. Now, engaging in verbal sparring, she was more than capable.

However, unlike An Shuyi’s directness, her words were subtle, yet everyone could understand the implications.

Everyone knew that De Fei had caused An Shuyi’s miscarriage.

Chun Guiyi was speaking with An Shuyi, so De Fei had no opportunity to defend herself, feeling furious but unable to express it.

Layue took her small handkerchief and sat down with An Shuyi at one side.

The two didn’t exchange particularly intimate words, but they shared a common enmity toward De Fei at that moment.

Layue wore a smile on her face. “In this palace, it’s fine to target someone, but if you wear your anger on your face every day, I’m afraid the Emperor won’t be pleased.”

With that, she stood up.

An Shuyi didn’t speak, only watching Shen Layue’s back, seemingly lost in thought.

The crowd stood in small groups chatting idly, except for Zhu Yuning, who stood alone, looking rather desolate.

Seeing Layue approach, she smiled, truly breathtaking.

“Why are you alone here, sister?”

Zhu Yuning smiled at her. “You know as well as I do, who in this palace truly likes me?”

This was the truth, though she spoke of it as if it were a joke.

Layue covered her mouth and laughed. “How coincidental. I happen to be just as unlikable.”

Look at how she said it, with a hint of pride in her voice.

Zhu Yuning couldn’t help but laugh.

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard a childish voice say softly, “Shameless.”

Looking closer, it was none other than the three-year-old Yan Yu.

He stood in the shadow of a corner, unnoticed by anyone.

His sudden voice startled Layue and Zhu Yuning.

Seeing that he had no servant with him, Layue was certain he had sneaked here on his own.

She raised her eyebrows and looked at him. “How did the Crown Prince end up wandering around alone? The Empress Dowager will be worried.”

The little boy frowned slightly. Looking at his frown, Layue thought of Emperor Jing.

“Would you like to come with me? I’ll take you back.”

Obviously, this suggestion was not met with approval.

“I’m here to wish my father a happy birthday.” He didn’t want to go back, and his eyes held a hint of dislike toward Layue.

Their conversation naturally caught the attention of others. Looking closely at the child, they realized it was indeed the Crown Prince. However, no one dared to get involved. Even Hui Fei had been scolded and fallen out of the Emperor’s favor because of him.

Would associating with this child bring anyone good fortune? Moreover, seeing that he wasn’t particularly polite toward Chun Guiyi, others pretended not to see, acting as if nothing happened and walking away without approaching.

Layue naturally sensed their actions. Looking at Yan Yu again, she saw that he was lightly biting his lower lip, seemingly aware of it too.

That little face bore a hint of grievance, yet remained stubborn.

What a sensitive child.

Layue changed her expression to a smile. “Of course, you can wish your father a happy birthday. But I’m sure you sneaked here. The Empress Dowager loves you so much; she must be worried. Shall I send Apricot to inform the Empress Dowager?”

Yan Yu looked up at her, seemingly thinking for a moment, then nodded.

Layue gave a signal with her eyes. Apricot slightly bowed and quickly headed toward Huici Palace. Soon the Empress Dowager would come as well. However, since they had arrived early, it was better to remind her in advance. Presumably, the Empress Dowager didn’t want the Crown Prince to attend this banquet.

Layue understood that Yan Yu had always been weak, and the Empress Dowager’s actions were for his own good. However, the child obviously didn’t think so.

In fact, without mentioning others, looking at her own younger sister Yiyi was enough. Although she outwardly seemed indifferent to her father’s dislike, whenever she was sick or anxious, she would unconsciously call for “Father.” If even a girl was like this, how much more so for a boy?

Wouldn’t a boy naturally take his father as his role model?

Layue bent down and picked up Yan Yu, sitting together on the banquet chair. Yan Yu didn’t resist. Although Layue wasn’t particularly strong, Yan Yu was light as a feather. Looking at his thin face, Layue sighed inwardly.

Seeing Layue and Zhu Yuning sitting aside, Yan Yu looked at Layue and said, “Others don’t like you, yet you’re proud. How stupid.”

Layue hadn’t expected him to remember that incident. She laughed, “Why? Should I cry because they don’t like me?”

“That’s not right either. But… but shouldn’t you be sad?”

He asked, twisting his hem.

Layue noticed his small movements.

Still smiling playfully, she said, “Then, are these people who don’t like me really that important to me?”

Everyone around them were listening intently to their conversation. Even Yan Yu’s aunt, Consort Hui, didn’t approach, standing at a distance with a cold expression.

Yan Yu thought for a moment, his voice very soft, “No.”

That was a definite answer.

Layue nodded, “Since they’re not important.”

She lifted her head and looked at everyone, smiling radiantly, “Why should I be sad? The people I care about the most like me. That’s the most important thing.”

Her words were full of provocation, but Layue didn’t mind being the one to provoke. Even if she acted meekly, as long as the Emperor favored her, others would inevitably resent her. Since that was the case, she might as well let everyone know she was not someone to be easily bullied.

Yan Yu didn’t say anything, just watching her for a long time before looking away, seemingly lost in thought.

“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”

Hearing the announcement of the Emperor’s arrival, everyone quickly bowed in greeting.

As they bowed, it became obvious to see Yan Yu sitting on a chair not far away.

Emperor Jing slightly furrowed his brow. Layue caught this from the corner of her eye and inwardly sighed, thinking how alike father and son were, even in their small gestures.

She wondered if the Crown Prince also tapped his fingers on the table when deep in thought.

“Rise. Why is Yu here?”

Consort Qi smiled and spoke up, “We just noticed the Crown Prince had come by himself. He must have come to wish you a happy birthday. What a filial child! Look, Lady Shen is accompanying him.”

Consort Qi’s words were well-spoken.

Emperor Jing came to Yan Yu’s side. The little boy obediently bowed, “Yu greets my father, the Emperor.”

His voice trembled slightly.

Layue, being closest to them, naturally felt it.

For some reason, whenever she saw Yan Yu like this, she thought of her own younger sister, Yiyi.

Looking at Emperor Jing, who had a stern expression, seemingly showing dislike.

She smiled slightly and tugged at Emperor Jing’s sleeve.

Noticing her small gesture, both Emperor Jing and Yan Yu looked at her.

“Your Majesty mentioned yesterday how you missed the Crown Prince and wanted to visit him. Today he came on his own. Father and son truly share a deep connection.”

Indeed, the little boy’s eyes sparkled with joy as he looked at Emperor Jing.

Emperor Jing quickly understood Layue’s intention and, seeing his son’s bright eyes, swallowed back the scolding words he had intended to say.

“Did Yu come here by himself?”

“Yes.” He lowered his head, somewhat worried about his father’s reprimand.

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is very capable, isn’t he? He didn’t get lost in such a large palace and successfully made his way here.

When I first entered the palace, despite being an adult, I was too afraid to wander around freely, fearing I would get lost,” Layue interjected again.

This time, Emperor Jing understood perfectly and gave her a sidelong glance.

He picked up Yan Yu, “Did you feel scared coming here by yourself?”

His tone was much gentler now.

Being picked up by his father, Yan Yu’s eyes sparkled with even more joy.

“No, I’m a real man.”

Giving Layue a meaningful look, Emperor Jing carried Yan Yu to the upper seat. At that moment, the announcement “The Empress Dowager has arrived!” once again drew everyone’s attention.

Seeing the harmonious interaction between father and son, the Empress Dowager exhaled in relief. Seeing the joy on Yan Yu’s face, she paused for a moment, then smiled sincerely.

With the two main figures of the palace now present, everyone naturally sat down properly. Next came the talent performances from each palace. This time, no external troupes or outsiders were invited; all performances were by the palace consorts themselves. After the performances, each consort would present their gifts.

The performances were arranged according to rank.

First to perform was De Fei. She played the “Qingping Tune” beautifully and melodiously. As for her gift, it was a rare inkstone, quite in line with the Emperor’s tastes.

Next was Hui Fei. Although she was also a concubine, she had been granted a title by the Emperor, making her different from Qi Fei.

Coincidentally, she also played the zither. This was a common talent, besides dancing or singing. Other skills were rarely displayed, and it was difficult to stand out, so she hoped her gift would please the Emperor.

Hui Fei also played the zither, performing the “Feng Qiu Huang” tune. Her skill was on par with De Fei’s. Her gift was a sachet she had embroidered herself.

Eventually, it was Layue’s turn. She chose to play the xiao flute.

In this dynasty, the xiao flute was generally used as an accompaniment rather than the main melody.

Moreover, playing the xiao flute sometimes carried certain implications, making it somewhat unsuitable for formal occasions.

However, Layue didn’t care about such things. She selected a light and lively tune, which, although her technique wasn’t exceptionally skilled, still brought a sense of joy to the audience.

Emperor Jing watched her performance, his eyes darkening slightly.

Layue naturally noticed the Emperor’s expression and inwardly muttered, this man always had such inappropriate thoughts.

Sure enough, as soon as Layue finished her performance, Emperor Jing took the lead in applauding.

Everyone wore smiles, but their inner thoughts were filled with seething anger, which was completely hidden from view.

“I wonder what gift Chun Guiyi has prepared for me?”

Jin Xin, who was by Layue’s side, took out a box she had been carrying. Many people had noticed this box when they entered, but no one knew what was inside.

“Yue has sewn an outer robe for Your Majesty. I hope you will like it.”

The Emperor smiled. He didn’t know what Layue’s gift would be. Indeed, it was a surprise.

Previously, Lifu had mentioned the gifts, but Emperor Jing had interrupted him. He didn’t like knowing everything in advance; it was more interesting to find out on the day.

Indeed, it was truly interesting.

“Bring it here.”

Lixi opened the box, revealing a dark-colored male robe inside. The Emperor smiled.

“You must have spent a long time embroidering this.” It seemed she had started about a month ago.

Layue’s face slightly reddened. “Yue’s hands are clumsy, which made the process take longer.”

“It’s fine if your hands are clumsy. What matters is your thoughtfulness. Although your hands may be clumsy, your heart is clever!” Although he seemed to like it very much, the Emperor did not mention giving a reward.