Chapter 56:

Time passes swiftly. Before one realizes, it will soon be the Lunar New Year, and the air in the palace already carries the festive atmosphere.

All the palaces are extremely busy, but surprisingly, Layue has nothing much to do.

A few days ago, Consort Qi was ordered to assist in managing palace affairs, Layue smiled wryly. Is this a move toward tripartite balance of power?

Actually, a woman’s favor in the palace is closely tied to her family’s strength. A powerful family can provide a slight boost to a consort’s status, and conversely, a favored woman can bring honor and elevate the family’s standing.

Now, people in the palace are talking about how Consort Qi’s father has been smiling at everyone lately, which is quite unusual for him. However, Consort Qi herself doesn’t seem overly delighted, showing little difference in demeanor compared to usual.

Regardless of what others think, Layue has her own considerations. In her opinion, someone like Virtuous Consort, who becomes ostentatious once gaining slight influence, is easier to guard against. In contrast, someone like Consort Qi, who remains quiet and composed, is actually harder to understand.

With nothing to do, Layue trims flower branches with a pair of scissors. Recently, the Empress Dowager also suggested she help manage palace affairs, but Layue hastily declined. The Empress Dowager remained noncommittal.

Layue feels that even though she is currently favored, it is still inappropriate for her to get involved. She considers herself to have some understanding of Emperor Jing. She won’t take action until she is fully secure. After all, her status is not high, and if she were to lose Emperor Jing’s favor, palace affairs would have little to do with her.

As for the Empress Dowager, Layue suspects that her suggestion was merely a test.

Even though the Empress Dowager may no longer be keen on managing affairs, she certainly wouldn’t appreciate someone scheming for power.

Layue playfully claims she wants to spend all her time serving the emperor and making him happy, which causes the Empress Dowager to laugh.

Layue isn’t sure if it’s just her being sensitive, but she feels something off about Fu Jinyao after meeting her twice. She can’t quite pinpoint what exactly feels wrong, but something seems amiss. Layue senses that Fu Jinyao is not as calm as before, much more restless and quick to lose her temper.

When did this start? Layue ponders, tilting her head, and then glances toward the direction of Zhuxuan.

After thinking, she shakes her head and sighs.

The next day.

Today is the fifteenth, the day to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. With the New Year approaching, Layue is especially cautious. For reasons she can’t explain, she feels uneasy in her heart.

Arriving at the Empress Dowager’s Huici Palace, Layue sits composedly. Perhaps due to their recent walk together, Zhu Yuning smiles at her.

The two sit side by side.

Since their ranks are the same, it’s natural for them to sit together.

“Chunpin and Lipin seem to be getting along very well,” Yu Changzai giggles, covering her mouth as if she’s discovered something.

Layue also smiles, “Yu Changzai, your words are somewhat unkind. Aren’t we all sisters? We should naturally be affectionate and loving with each other. Should we quarrel and glare at each other when we meet? If that were the case, I’m sure the emperor would not want to see us anymore.”

Yu Changzai’s expression changes slightly. Her lips twitch, she bites her lip but says nothing.

Seeing this, Lady An chimes in, “Chunpin has always been sharp-witted. Look at Sister Yu, she’s too bashful to speak.”

Lady An has always had a somewhat adversarial relationship with Layue in public, which everyone is already aware of. Whenever someone targets Layue, Lady An always takes the opposing side and adds a few sharp remarks.

“An sister, you’re mistaken. It’s true that I’m known for being quick-witted, but I believe what I said was perfectly appropriate. Virtuous Consort is also here; you should ask her to judge fairly. Aren’t we sisters meant to live harmoniously together?” Layue opens her big eyes wide with an innocent look, waving her small handkerchief, appearing very charming.

Virtuous Consort looks at Shen Layue with a meaningful gaze and smiles gracefully, “What you said makes sense. You shouldn’t take it too hard on Yu Changzai. She has no ill intentions; she’s just straightforward by nature.”

Virtuous Consort appears to side with Layue, but her words carry an ambiguous undertone.

How could Layue not understand Virtuous Consort’s intentions?

As she had suspected, Virtuous Consort could very well be the one who harmed her. She had no intention of seeking justice from Virtuous Consort. She just wanted to drag her down into the mess.

It wouldn’t be fair for her to just sit back and watch the tigers fight.

“Virtuous Consort, I wasn’t taking it hard on Yu Changzai at all. But with what An sister said, both Yu Changzai and I must feel embarrassed. I’m afraid Yu Changzai might blame me in her heart.”

This statement entangles everyone in a web of confusion. Lipin smiles faintly, making her even more stunningly beautiful.

“If we’re talking about innocent and carefree, I think Chunpin is the one who fits that description the most.”

“The Dowager Empress has arrived!” a young eunuch announces in a thin voice.

Everyone falls silent.

The Dowager Empress sits at the head, looking at these vibrant faces: “I’ve told you not to come so early, but you don’t take it seriously. You’re young, getting up so early and showing no sign of fatigue.”

Though her words carry a tone of reprimand, her expression does not seem displeased.

It is evident that coming early to pay respects, even when the Dowager Empress is not yet awake, pleases her, knowing these people have good intentions.

Virtuous Consort quickly speaks up: “Of course, we all wish to see the Dowager Empress as soon as possible.”

Recently, the Dowager Empress has shown much disfavor towards her, and Virtuous Consort is well aware of the reason. She had thought she still had time, time to make arrangements, but who would have expected that besides Fu Jinyao, there is now another person, Consort Qi.

Moreover, it is evident that Consort Qi is not as physically limited as Fu Jinyao, who is pregnant and thus has limited energy.

Although the Dowager Empress rarely summons her now, Virtuous Consort still busies herself with trying to please her.

“Now that it’s the end of the year, have all the preparations been made adequately?”

This question is directed at Virtuous Consort.

“Your Majesty, with the help of Noble Consort Fu and Consort Qi, the three of us together will ensure everything is well taken care of,” Virtuous Consort replies with a smile, but Layue notices her hands clenched tightly at her sides beneath the skirt.

Resentful, isn’t she?

Layue smiles faintly.

Across from her, Fu Jinyao sees her smile and follows her line of sight. Despite the obstruction, she catches sight of Virtuous Consort’s clenched fists and her eyes cool slightly.

“Indeed, managing palace affairs is burdensome, and with Prince Er in your care, your energy is naturally limited. Noble Consort Fu is also with child and needs to be especially cautious. Therefore, Consort Qi, you must work harder and shoulder more responsibilities for your fellow consorts.”

Consort Qi sits there, smiling: “Yes, Your Majesty, I understand.”

The other consorts inwardly resent this sudden shift in favor. Just a few days ago, Consort Qi was quietly sitting aside, barely speaking. Now she is favored, even receiving the Empress Dowager’s trust?

After some casual conversation, generally, unless someone provokes Shen Layue, she remains silent, sitting obediently and obediently.

Although the Empress Dowager is not very old, her health is indeed not very good. After sitting for a while, she says she feels a bit tired.

Madam Gui naturally knows her mistress’s meaning and signals that it’s time for the guests to leave.

Everyone quickly stands up.

Fu Jinyao’s pregnancy is not yet very visible, and due to her status, she walks ahead.

Layue and others wait far behind.

As Fu Jinyao is about to leave, she naturally has to pass by these people. In a flash, seemingly unnoticed by everyone, Zhou Anying suddenly pulls out a gleaming knife and stabs straight at Fu Jinyao.

“Ahhh~~~” Everyone is startled.

“Master…” Fortunately, Yunque, who is by Fu Jinyao’s side, is alert. With a shove, she pushes Fu Jinyao aside. The knife veers off and plunges into Yunque’s arm.

If the knife had struck Fu Jinyao, it would have hit her directly in the chest.

Missing her target, Zhou Anying quickly raises the knife again, attempting to attack once more. Many of the surrounding consorts, in their haste to dodge, trip and fall, frightened into tears.

In an instant, Huici Palace descends into chaos. Because of Yunque’s push, Fu Jinyao is unharmed. As Zhou Anying raises the knife again, Fu Jinyao quickly steps back a large distance.

Failing to kill her, Zhou Anying glares furiously behind her and sees Shen Layue. Remembering that it was this woman who caused her demotion from a concubine to a servant and made the emperor dislike her, she rushes toward her.

Everything happens extremely quickly. Before she can get close to Shen Layue, she is subdued by the guards rushing in.

No one could have imagined that Zhou Anying would bring a knife into Huici Palace, and her first strike caught everyone off guard, leading to the chaos. In reality, the entire incident occurs in just a moment.

Zhou Anying is captured, and the Empress Dowager clutches her chest, seemingly also startled.

“Your Majesty, are you alright? Quickly call the imperial physician…” Madam Gui hurriedly calls out.

Meanwhile, Yunlan, another palace maid of Fu Jinyao, quickly goes to check on Yunque.

Fu Jinyao’s eyes well up with tears.

“Everyone, please don’t linger here. As for Zhou Anying, I will give you all an explanation. Quickly call the imperial physician to take this maid for treatment. Doctors will be sent to each palace for your examinations shortly,” the Empress Dowager remains relatively calm. After recovering slightly, she gives instructions with a bit more composure.

Several palace maids quickly carry Yunque out.

Others also tremble in fear, completely at a loss for what to do.

Who wouldn’t be shocked by this? Even Layue is no exception. She never expected Zhou Anying to take such a desperate action. This not only harms herself but also implicates her entire family.

Thinking back to the image of Zhou Anying charging at her with a knife, Layue feels a chill run through her.