Chapter 42:

Time flies. It has already been a month. Previously, the Emperor rarely visited the harem, and the palace had been in a state of anxious waiting.

The concubines no longer had the heart to bicker or undermine each other. Now that Virtuous Consort had temporarily assumed control of the inner court, many of the concubines hurried to her, hoping she might persuade the Emperor. Yet Virtuous Consort was no one easily manipulated—her personality was cautious, partly because she had served Emperor Jing since childhood and thus understood his temperament better than most.

How could the Emperor remain entirely unbothered by the return of the Sixth Prince?

Eventually, it was Consort Fu who suffered a miscarriage scare, which summoned the Emperor back. Only then did the inner court regain its former vibrancy.

Yet even so, who in the palace truly felt grateful toward Consort Fu? Many secretly wished she had indeed miscarried.

These palace affairs had little effect on Layue’s mood. After all, if the Emperor avoided visiting the harem, it wasn’t only Layue’s quarters he avoided. She naturally had no need to worry excessively. Rather, she found herself more curious about the Emperor’s reaction toward the Sixth Prince—it was odd how obvious his displeasure was, even if he did dislike him.

In such circumstances, no court official dared to befriend the Sixth Prince.

Who would risk the Emperor’s disfavor for a prince without real power? No one failed to calculate the cost.

Though suspicious, Layue did not dwell too deeply on court matters—too much attention might displease the Emperor. Compared to politics, her thoughts were more focused on the Shen family outside the palace.

A few days ago, she had received news from outside the palace: her stepmother had given birth to a son, and her father was delighted, naming him Shen Shu’an.

Shen Shuping, Shen Shuan… the hopes a father places upon his children are always limited to just one wish—safety and peace.

When the Emperor summoned Layue to attend him that night, she petitioned him to send many gifts to the Shen household. Perhaps because of her obedient nature, the Emperor was also generous in his gifts.

Morning.

Last night had brought heavy snowfall, and though it had stopped by morning, the cold was unbearable.

“Your Majesty, Consort Fu has been unwell lately, often summoning the imperial physicians,” Xing’er chatted while brushing Layue’s hair.

Since they had become closer, Xing’er had become much more talkative than before.

“Consort Fu has always been delicate and frail; it’s only natural she sees the physicians often,” Layue replied, glancing sideways at the hairstyle Xing’er was creating. She nodded in approval.

Though she spoke thus, Layue couldn’t help but feel uneasy in her heart. She always felt things weren’t quite this simple.

“Come, accompany me to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.”

“Yes.”

Today was again the monthly day for paying respects. Last time, Consort Fu had appeared pale but still insisted on attending. Today’s situation remained uncertain.

Layue had not set out particularly early today. Unexpectedly, she encountered Chen Yulan. Seeing Layue, Yulan hesitated briefly before offering a bitter smile and bowing slightly: “Greetings, Lady Chun.”

Seeing her like this, Layue responded naturally: “Miss Chen, you’re out rather late today.”

Chen Yulan bit her lip: “I woke up late this morning. M-might I walk with Your Ladyship?”

Layue nodded.

To refuse would seem unkind. Yet no one could know the complex emotions stirring within her.

“Have you been well lately?” Layue asked coolly, still initiating conversation.

“What is there to say about good or bad? It’s just the same life as always. I never cared much for it anyway. Actually, I think this situation is fine now.

But, but…” Tears slid down Yulan’s cheeks.

Looking at Layue with pitiful eyes, she said, “Sister, I was framed. I was really framed…”

Layue disliked seeing her feign innocence like this: “Whether you were framed or not no longer matters. That sachet was indeed given to me by you, and it did contain musk. If you truly feel wronged, you can always approach the Empress Dowager or Virtuous Consort. Someone will surely help you.”

Her words, neither soft nor harsh, made it clear to Yulan that Layue did not believe her.

Seeing Layue’s reaction, Yulan bit her lip, said nothing, and silently followed behind Layue, appearing somewhat pitiable. Layue thought the whole situation rather amusing.

“Lady Chun, perhaps we should take this shortcut? It would be faster,” Yulan pointed to a small path.

The path from Layue’s Tingyu Pavilion to the Huici Palace wasn’t particularly close, but taking a shortcut could make it significantly shorter. However, Layue had never taken that route before—after all, in such a quiet, secluded path, any trouble could arise without warning.

At Yulan’s suggestion, Layue gave her a half-smile: “I don’t like dark, narrow paths. Even going this way, we won’t necessarily be late. If Miss Chen is in a hurry, we can part ways here.”

“Dear sister suspects me of intending harm?” Yulan maintained her “wronged” expression, but Layue disliked seeing her like this.

“Miss Chen misunderstands. I’m merely thinking of both our safety. It’s better to avoid unnecessary entanglements. After all, caution is never misplaced.”

Without waiting for Yulan’s response, Layue continued walking forward, ignoring the shortcut.

Yulan bit her lip, watching Layue’s back, clenched her fists, and after glancing back at the small path, eventually followed Layue.

Yet for the rest of the way, Layue didn’t speak to her or respond much to her attempts at conversation.

When the two arrived together, many people widened their eyes—everyone knew of the feud between Shen Layue and Chen Yulan.

And Lady Chun was clearly not a forgiving person. Looking at Yulan’s slightly red eyes, she must have been scolded.

There were always those who didn’t get along with Shen Layue.

“Though the morning is cold, it shouldn’t have made Miss Chen’s eyes so red,” someone remarked.

At this comment, some covered their mouths with their handkerchiefs, watching the two with amusement.

Chen Yulan replied gently: “Report to Lady An, my younger sister’s eyes were merely caught by the wind and dust. Thank you for your concern, dear sister.”

Though she explained thus, the grateful look in her eyes toward Lady An was unmistakable. Virtuous Consort sat aside, saying little, observing them with a slight smile. Fu Jinyao also maintained her usual composed demeanor.

Shen Layue said little in response, simply sitting down directly.

Her head slightly lowered, her expression unreadable. Soon, the Empress Dowager emerged from the inner chamber.

“These days are getting colder and colder. You young ones still come out so early. Your bodies can handle it, but mine certainly cannot. From now on, you may arrive an hour later for your morning greetings.”

“We understand,” all the concubines replied in unison.

The Empress Dowager surveyed the group, her gaze lingering briefly on Fu Jinyao before she asked with concern: “How have you been lately?”

Fu Jinyao replied gently: “Your Majesty, everything is fine.”

The Empress Dowager nodded: “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know. You can also tell Virtuous Consort—she’s temporarily in charge of the inner court, so you sisters shouldn’t be formal with her. Don’t neglect your health or the baby’s. The Emperor even spoke to me yesterday about names—if it’s a boy, what should we name him? If it’s a girl, what name should we choose? I haven’t seen him this excited in years.”

At the Empress Dowager’s warm words, Fu Jinyao’s smile grew brighter.

Though the other concubines felt displeasure inside, they still smiled and joined in praising her.

Layue also smiled brightly, but hers was because of the others’ hypocrisy—everyone secretly wished to tear Fu Jinyao apart, yet they still flattered her on the surface. It was quite amusing!

The Empress Dowager, with her many years of experience, could easily distinguish between sincerity and insincerity.

Amidst so many insincere smiles, she caught sight of Chunpin’s genuine one and was momentarily stunned. But she quickly averted her gaze as if nothing had occurred—this girl was truly no ordinary character.

She had grown old indeed. Year after year, these young women were all extraordinary.

Not like in her time anymore.

“Lady Dowager,” a senior palace maid entered with small, quick steps.

“What is it?”

“The Sixth Prince has arrived at the palace to pay his respects. He is now waiting at the entrance of Huici Palace.”

The Empress Dowager could not hide her excitement, calming herself after a while. Layue noticed her tightly gripping her handkerchief.

“Let him in.”

Layue kept her head lowered, though her eyes flickered with a hint of confusion. Given the Sixth Prince’s status and theirs, why would the Empress Dowager show no concern for propriety? It was highly unusual.

The maid left to summon him, and soon, a young man in blue robes, bearing a striking resemblance to Emperor Jing, entered the hall.

It must be said that the Yan family produced handsome men.

Describing them as “handsome as jade” would never be incorrect.

Compared to Emperor Jing’s gentle demeanor, this man seemed colder. His features also resembled the Empress Dowager’s more closely.

He entered the hall without glancing sideways.

As if already aware of the people inside, he showed no panic.

“Your son greets my mother and all the elder sisters. May my mother enjoy good health and happiness.”

He knelt down thus.

The Empress Dowager, who had just calmed herself, felt excitement rising again: “Quickly rise. A Gui, help the Sixth Prince up.”

Madam Gui hurried forward. The Sixth Prince, Yan Lie, did not make a show of modesty and stood up smoothly. As he rose, he quickly glanced toward Shen Layue.

Layue still kept her head down, yet she somehow felt the Sixth Prince’s gaze upon her.

She couldn’t be certain whether he had looked at her specifically, but memories from her past life always made her suspicious.

“Crash!” A teacup fell.

Layue looked up toward the sound and saw Zhu Yuning, the Lady Li seated beside her, had knocked over her teacup.

Realizing her own loss of composure, Zhu Yuning hastily knelt: “Your Majesty, forgive this concubine for my rudeness.”

The Empress Dowager looked at her deeply, then turned her gaze back to the Sixth Prince.

“Rise. Just be more careful in the future.”