The emperor spent the night with Noble Consort Fu. Layue did not feel anything particularly significant, but Jin Xin and Xing’er looked worried, afraid their mistress might feel upset. Seeing their concern, Layue didn’t bother to explain.
She was quite happy to be free from pressure.
Today, she hadn’t even been silenced, so likely the entire palace already knew what happened between her and the emperor last night.
It wouldn’t be surprising if someone came to cause trouble tomorrow, but she wasn’t worried about it anyway.
Hearing Rain Pavilion wasn’t very large, but it was about twice the size of her former residence, Hall of Six Blessings. Its location and scenery were quite pleasant. The previous occupant had been a concubine who neither vied for power nor enjoyed favor. After the late emperor’s death, she quietly moved to where she belonged.
In her previous life, Layue had somewhat emulated that woman’s indifference and lack of desire.
She had once met Consort Zhu, who quietly remarked that in the palace, if one didn’t strive, in the end, one would have nothing.
Layue hadn’t taken it seriously at the time, but she hadn’t expected those words to prove prophetic.
Looking around the elegant and comfortable Hearing Rain Pavilion, Layue raised her eyebrows. As long as one made an effort, things could be different, right?
Layue especially loved sleeping on a thick, soft mattress, regardless of the season. This habit had never changed, and Jin Xin, who had followed her since childhood, understood her well. After bathing, she picked up a medical text and started reading it with great interest.
At that moment, she looked like an elf, wearing a white sleeping gown, curled up on the couch.
When Jin Xin entered, she saw this scene, lit the incense provided by the Imperial Household Department, and soon the room was filled with a faint, lingering fragrance that made one feel refreshed and relaxed.
Layue sniffed the air from the couch.
“What are you doing, Your Highness?” Jin Xin couldn’t help but laugh, becoming much more casual when they were alone.
Actually, she always felt she didn’t quite understand her young mistress—sometimes mature and wise, sometimes as innocent as a child.
“The incense from the Imperial Household Department smells nice,” Layue giggled, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. If it weren’t for Jin Xin, who had grown up with her since childhood, no one else would have noticed this difference.
Jin Xin’s expression changed: “Your Highness, is there something wrong with this incense?”
Although the emperor and the empress dowager always hoped for many heirs, the current harem was still controlled by Virtuous Consort Xian and Virtuous Consort De, who naturally wouldn’t want anyone else to bear the emperor’s child.
“Jin Xin, since we just moved in, go tell them to hang red lanterns outside the palace gate, for good luck and celebration,” Layue said calmly, then got up and put on her robe.
“Yes.”
In no time, Jin Xin returned.
Layue glanced again at the incense and continued reading.
“You may leave now. I know how to handle things myself. I’ll read for a while and then go to bed.”
Jin Xin left, still looking worried.
The next day.
After the previous day’s heavy rain, the early morning air was fresh.
Layue had gone to bed early, so she naturally woke up early as well. Having been reborn and learned some medical knowledge from Lady Wan, although she couldn’t claim mastery of medicine, she did understand some health and wellness principles.
Early to bed and early to rise was always good for one’s health. Besides, she was only thirteen now, with plenty of room to grow.
“Oh? At this time of year, there’s actually a dragonfly.” It was already the tenth lunar month, so seeing a dragonfly was indeed unusual.
“Come on, let’s see if it has any companions…” Layue looked quite innocent.
Seeing this, Tao’er and Guo’er hurriedly followed.
The dragonfly didn’t fly far, just fluttering around nearby. In the eyes of the two palace maids, it seemed to be nearly exhausted, flying slowly and weakly. But since their mistress didn’t want to catch it, they naturally wouldn’t interrupt her amusement.
Before they left the courtyard of Hearing Rain Pavilion, they saw the eunuch Xiao Yunzi approaching from the gate.
“Reporting to the mistress, Madam Gui from the Dowager’s side has come to visit.”
Layue was somewhat surprised, as Madam Gui was the dowager’s most trusted servant.
“Please invite her in quickly.”
Layue and the others entered the hall. Presumably from playing with the dragonfly earlier, her face was slightly flushed.
“Humble servant greets Noble Lady Shen. May Noble Lady Shen be well.”
“Please rise. Why has Madam come? Has the Dowager given any instructions?”
Layue sat at the main seat, holding a handkerchief, slightly leaning forward, appearing both affectionate and careful not to be impolite.
Madam Gui wasn’t meeting Noble Lady Shen for the first time. In her view, this Noble Lady Shen wasn’t particularly clever or cunning. Yet the emperor favored her, so the dowager might treat her specially in the future. However, it remained to be seen whether this Noble Lady was truly sensible.
“The Dowager summons Noble Lady Shen for an audience. Please come.”
Madam Gui didn’t mention the reason or the matter.
Layue naturally didn’t ask either.
Without even mentioning the need to prepare her makeup first, she immediately stood up and followed Madam Gui.
Seeing this, Madam Gui silently nodded in approval in her heart. This girl was indeed straightforward.
In the past, when visiting Hui Ci Palace, there were always many people in the room. Layue, with her low status, would just quietly stay aside and watch others perform. Today, being summoned alone made her somewhat nervous, especially after what had happened yesterday.
If the dowager harbored ill intentions toward her, she would be helpless.
The other senior palace maids likely shared this concern, looking worried. However, Layue herself wore an innocent expression.
From her understanding of the dowager, even if she wanted to target a concubine, she wouldn’t do it so openly by summoning her directly. After all, the dowager was famously kind and generous.
Moreover, she could see that someone was trying to play a double game. Regardless of whether the dowager knew about the emperor’s scheme, it showed her own innocence.
As these thoughts passed through her mind, Layue arrived at Hui Ci Palace and knelt down respectfully: “May the Dowager be well.”
The dowager observed Shen Layue. Unlike usual, she wasn’t dressed extravagantly. She wore a clean, simple narrow-sleeved yellow dress, with light makeup, a thin fringe, and the rest of her hair pinned up with a green jade hairpin, making her delicate face even more charming.
“Although still young, she’s already showing signs of beauty.”
“Thank you for the Dowager’s compliment.” She didn’t address her as “Mother,” although that would have sounded more intimate. But since she couldn’t yet discern the dowager’s intentions, she thought it better to remain formal.
“Stand up.”
“Yes.” She stood there obediently.
Observing her slightly reserved manner, the dowager didn’t smile.
“Have you studied any books?”
“I enjoy reading medical texts,” Layue answered obediently. She had never intended to hide this.
This answer made the dowager smile: “Among daughters of noble families, virtuous and gentle girls usually read ‘Nüjie (Lessons for Women),’ ‘Neixun (Instructions for the Inner Court),’ or ‘Nü Lunyu (Women’s Analects of Confucius).’ Those who value talent might read poetry and prose. I wonder why you’ve chosen medical books instead? Could it be that you fear someone might harm you?”
The last sentence was spoken casually, yet it sent a chill down one’s spine.
However, Layue remained calm: “I’ve only been reading them for about half a year. As for medical skills, I probably can’t even distinguish simple herbs. It’s just a way to pass the time.”
Seeing her composed and respectful demeanor, the dowager continued: “If it’s just to pass time, wouldn’t ‘Nüjie’ and ‘Neixun’ be better?”
At this, Layue showed some embarrassment, her eyelashes fluttering as if somewhat reluctant to speak. However, she finally seemed to gather her courage: “I do have ‘Nüjie’ and ‘Neixun.’ My family prepared them for me when I entered the palace. But… but…” she stole a glance at the dowager and continued, “I only read them before going to sleep.”
The dowager was momentarily stunned by her words but soon understood and burst into laughter.
“You mischievous girl! Are you using them as a sleep aid?”
Layue bit her lip, standing there as if unsure how to respond.
“Do you play chess?”
Layue nodded: “Yes.”
“How skilled are you?”
She nodded again: “Pretty good.”
Seeing her lack of modesty, the dowager’s face turned serious: “Ah Gui, bring the chessboard. I shall play a game with Noble Lady Shen.”
Layue hadn’t expected the dowager to challenge her to a chess match. In that brief moment, her mind raced through countless possibilities. Her chess skills weren’t exceptional, but she didn’t know how skilled the dowager was. Should she deliberately lose or give her best effort?
“Come and sit over here,” the dowager said in a clear, cold voice.
Although the voice was cold, Layue still felt that Emperor Jing was more like his late father in this aspect. Emperor Jing’s coldness came from the heart, while the dowager’s wasn’t quite like that.
Layue bowed and sat properly across from the dowager.
In that brief moment of thought, she quickly made a decision—to give her best effort.
Although it might displease the dowager, it was better than pretending. At this moment, Layue hoped the dowager’s chess skills were good, so she could lose naturally.
The chessboard was set, and the game began.
It seemed that heaven hadn’t heard Layue’s prayer, but it wasn’t making things worse either.
Layue and the dowager were evenly matched. Their intense back-and-forth moves were quite fierce, unlike the previous lopsided matches between the emperor and the dowager.
Actually, the dowager didn’t know that even in those cases, Emperor Jing had been deliberately yielding.
Watching Noble Lady Shen frowning deeply, concentrating hard, Ah Gui nodded approvingly again in her heart. Looking at the dowager, she saw the same expression. The two were locked in a standoff.
After a long while, Noble Lady Shen narrowly won by just one move.
Seeing her bright, joyful smile after winning, the dowager snorted coldly: “Another round. You barely won.”
Seeing the dowager’s reaction, Layue didn’t back down and nodded enthusiastically.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage