Chapter 33:

The palace has always been like this: either the east wind prevails over the west wind, or the west wind suppresses the east wind.

Song Consort, within just a short period, became a prisoner confined to the cold palace. No one knows exactly what fate awaits her, but her actions have served as a warning to others in the palace—that the emperor is devoid of familial affection.

It is an unchanging rule that the imperial consorts must not interfere in political affairs.

Yet no one is foolish. The conclusive evidence, the swift handling of the Song family within such a short time—this could never have been planned in just a single day.

Shen Shuping, the eldest son of the Shen family, faced nothing more than minor difficulties; many of the plots against him had not even been enacted yet. However, despite this, the emperor, considering him innocent, promoted him one rank higher. Thus, a person once avoided by all has now become someone much sought after.

After all, although Shen Layue’s status is not high, she currently enjoys the emperor’s favor.

Yet even so, Shen Shuping remains as usual, not engaging in excessive socializing with others.

Layue secretly feels relieved upon hearing news from outside the palace.

The emperor is capricious and skilled in strategy; sometimes, a promotion is not necessarily a good thing.

Recently, the emperor has lingered often in her Tingyu Pavilion, appearing affectionate, but how much sincerity lies behind that? Layue naturally understands this.

“Your Highness, this morning Lady Fu had stomach discomfort during breakfast and summoned the imperial physician, who confirmed it was a pregnancy pulse,” Ta’er always brings timely news.

Layue looks at her in surprise and then smiles: “That truly is a great joy. Has the emperor been informed?”

Ta’er, seeing her mistress show no jealousy but instead a radiant smile, feels puzzled but doesn’t dwell on trying to understand.

“Of course he’s been informed. I heard the emperor and even the Empress Dowager have bestowed many precious gifts!” Thinking for a moment, Ta’er lowers her voice: “I overheard whispers that Lady Fu is going to have her status elevated.”

Layue nods—it is only natural, as there is such a rule in the harem of the Nan Qin Kingdom. However, the emperor allowing Fu Jinyao to become pregnant is indeed quite intriguing.

Upon reflection, it isn’t entirely unexpected. Just recently, Chancellor Fu brought down General Song, and now Fu Jinyao is pregnant—truly a timely complement to the political developments. Layue contemplates deeply.

“Go and inform everyone that no matter what happens outside, the people of Tingyu Pavilion must keep their distance from Lady Fu and behave properly.”

Ta’er immediately hurries off to deliver the orders. Once she leaves, only Layue and her maid Jin Xin remain in the room.

Seeing her mistress deep in thought, Jin Xin quietly withdraws as well.

Once everyone has left, Layue gently strokes her abdomen, smiling inwardly. Indeed, her child has not come yet.

That is excellent. Right now, she has no way of fully protecting her child, so it is not yet the right time.

As for Fu Jinyao, in her previous life she did not become pregnant, yet now she has. It does not take Layue long to understand the key point. With Virtuous Consort fallen, how could the emperor allow Virtuous Empress’s family to dominate alone?

Who could possibly rival the emperor at playing the game of mutual checks and balances?

In her previous life, the Song family did not fall so quickly, and Fu Jinyao had already risen to the rank she was destined for. But now, although Fu Jinyao holds the highest rank among the current cohort of concubines, she is merely a Noble Concubine of the fourth rank. Even with a significant promotion, she might only reach the rank of Honored Concubine.

But everything changes with a child. Layue sighs softly. How could the emperor allow Fu Jinyao to safely carry her child to term?

Others may not understand, but Layue sees this clearly.

After all, with each rise in rank, the stakes increase accordingly!

“Reporting, Your Majesty,” a voice calls from outside.

“Enter.”

Xing’er steps in: “Reporting, Your Majesty, the nursemaid Gui from the Dowager Empress’s quarters has arrived, saying the Dowager Empress summons you for an audience.”

This is something the palace inhabitants have become accustomed to, though they remain puzzled why Shen Liangyuan, in particular, has gained the Dowager Empress’s favor and is frequently summoned. There are whispered rumors in the palace that the Dowager Empress especially enjoys playing chess with Shen Liangyuan.

Those with deeper thoughts recall the incident involving the forbidden flowers. The chess match between the emperor and the Dowager Empress. Considering the Dowager Empress’s connections and strategic mind within the palace, many shudder involuntarily.

But gains and losses can occur in an instant. Those with more ambitions begin to study the art of chess, unaware that what the Dowager Empress truly desires has never been superior chess skills.

Layue changes into a new outfit and ties her hair into a simple maiden’s bun, stepping out fresh and unpretentious.

After all, being young allows one the pleasure of dressing casually. In a few years, even if she dresses this way again, it might seem inappropriate.

Layue has never been overly particular about her appearance. Nursemaid Gui glances at her attire and smirks slightly.

Although Shen Liangyuan’s attire is often somewhat unconventional, it does reflect her variety.

Men are most fond of novelty. The emperor is no exception. Thus, frequently changing appearances is quite fitting.

“Mama,” Layue asks with concern, without a trace of insincerity, “has the Dowager Empress been feeling better lately? I heard her cough yesterday. Has she been properly attended to?” Nursemaid Gui is the most trusted and caring servant of the Dowager Empress. Hearing Shen Liangyuan’s words, she feels that the young lady is indeed considerate.

“The Imperial Physicians have already examined her. With the cold and dewy nights, she must rest well. Shen Liangyuan should also take good care of yourself. Only when you are well can you serve the emperor better.” Nursemaid Gui pats Shen Layue’s hand, speaking with warmth and familiarity.

Layue blushes slightly and murmurs, “Thank you, Mama, for your concern.”

It is not long before they arrive at Huici Palace. Layue sees the Dowager Empress sitting on the main seat, her expression calm and unreadable. Virtuous Consort sits to the left, while Noble Concubine Fu sits to the right. She quickly bows to each of the senior consorts.

“Rise.” Today, the Dowager Empress seems somewhat pleased, her tone much gentler. Layue glances at Fu Jinyao, noticing the barely concealed joy on her face. Her already exquisite beauty seems even more radiant.

Indeed, joy brings a glow to one’s spirit.

Virtuous Consort smiles warmly: “Liying, you probably haven’t heard yet. Noble Concubine Fu is with child.” Her tone carries genuine delight.

Layue slightly opens her mouth in feigned surprise, then turns to Fu Jinyao with a delighted expression: “That is truly wonderful news. Congratulations, Noble Concubine Fu.”

Fu Jinyao modestly smiles: “Sister should hurry too, so that we may both bear the emperor many heirs.”

Judging by her words alone, there is nothing amiss; they are pleasant to hear. But Layue is no fool. She naturally detects a hint of mockery in Fu Jinyao’s tone.

In the current palace, Layue has had the most intimate encounters with the emperor, yet she has not conceived. Fu Jinyao may appear gentle and virtuous, but in reality, she is not.

“Noble Concubine Jinyao, please don’t tease me,” she replies shyly, blushing and lowering her head.

Seeing her like this, the Dowager Empress smiles slightly, her lips curling with amusement.

She has never been so coy before—what a clever girl.

“I have summoned the Imperial Physicians. Although others have already examined you, this is my beloved grandson, and I can’t help but be concerned. Let Xu, the physician, examine you carefully. You must take good care of yourself and give the emperor a son soon,” the Dowager Empress says, showing great favor to Fu Jinyao.

“Your servant is deeply grateful for the Dowager Empress’s kindness,” Fu Jinyao attempts to rise and kneel in thanks.

Nursemaid Gui quickly steps forward to support her.

“Pregnancy is delicate in its early stages. You must not kneel so carelessly,” the Dowager Empress gently scolds, her words filled with genuine concern.

Virtuous Consort continues to gaze at Fu Jinyao with her gentle smile, while Layue inwardly scoffs. All of them are such fine actresses!

Before long, Physician Xu hurries in. Fu Jinyao has only been pregnant for a month, and this is a particularly unstable period. The physician repeatedly warns that she must be extremely cautious about anything that might cause a miscarriage, especially what she consumes.

The Dowager Empress nods in agreement, and Fu Jinyao listens attentively.

After the examination is complete, Physician Xu prepares to take his leave when the Dowager Empress calls him back.

“Also examine Shen Liangyuan. She has been in the palace for some time now and has served the emperor often, yet there has been no sign of pregnancy yet.” Her words are blunt, and Layue feels embarrassed, nearly wanting to hide her face with her handkerchief.

Virtuous Consort and Fu Jinyao watch her with smiles.

“Indeed,” Virtuous Consort chuckles, covering her mouth playfully. “Sister Shen is the emperor’s most beloved little darling.”

Fu Jinyao does not speak but remains composed and serene.

“Virtuous Consort, how can you tease me like this? If others hear, they will surely mock me. How can I compare to you and Noble Consort Fu?” Her face flushes red, as if increasingly embarrassed.

The Virtuous Consort laughed even more heartily and turned to the Dowager Empress, “No wonder both Your Majesty and you hold such affection for Sister Shen. Just look at her charming demeanor—I’ve grown quite fond of her myself!”

Layue, of course, understands that Virtuous Consort is using her to provoke Fu Jinyao.

As for why the Dowager Empress summoned her in the presence of these two and ordered a medical examination, Layue hasn’t yet grasped the full meaning. Could it truly be, as it appears, that the Dowager Empress is elevating and promoting her?

It seems the emperor is not satisfied with merely having these two factions check each other. Layue wonders what role she plays in their schemes.

“You may like her, but you must continue to love the emperor. I’m still waiting for you to give me another grandson!” The Dowager Empress feigns sternness, though her tone carries a smile.

Virtuous Consort giggles.

As they converse, Physician Xu has already placed the silk handkerchief on Shen Layue’s wrist and is gently feeling her pulse.

However, as time passes, he seems puzzled, and his brows gradually furrow.

Noticing his expression, the Dowager Empress asks, “Is something amiss?”