Entering the palace means entering a high position; I'm His Majesty's cousin, who am I afr

Midday on the moon.

Qi Ronghua waited anxiously in the palace.

About half an hour later, with a creak, the palace door was pushed open by Xuezhu.

She hurried into the palace and reported, "Ronghua, there has indeed been some movement from Consort Zhu's side."

Qi Ronghua was startled and quickly asked, "Really?"

Xuezhu leaned closer and lowered her voice: "According to our informants, as soon as Consort Zhu returned to the palace from the Imperial Garden, she summoned her confidants and had a private talk for a while before coming out. Afterwards, some people left the palace gates to secretly inquire about news from Yihua Palace."

Qi Ronghua pondered for a moment and said, "So, Zhu Yao is going to make a move?"

Xuezhu nodded: "Very likely."

Qi Ronghua smiled wickedly, "That's good. All my efforts haven't been in vain. It would be best if these two fought to the death, both severely injured."

If Zhu Yao and Consort Chen are both gone, no one will be able to rival His Majesty's favor.

Seeing her so happy, Xuezhu couldn't bear to dampen her spirits.

After thinking it over, she finally spoke up to remind her, "Ronghua, although Consort Zhu has this intention, Yihua Palace may not be so easy to deal with. I'm afraid it won't be so easy for her to succeed. However, as long as Consort Zhu makes a move, there will always be clues to follow. Perhaps this time she will suffer a big setback."

Qi Ronghua was fantasizing about the two of them dying together so that she could monopolize the emperor's favor when she heard these words, and her heart skipped a beat.

Yes, Yihua Palace is not so easy to deal with. I heard that most of the palace servants serving Consort Chen are former servants of Empress Dowager Shen.

Who was Empress Dowager Shen?

Although she now lives a vegetarian life and chants Buddhist prayers in Cining Palace, she used to be a ruthless character who fought her way out of Emperor Kangyuan's harem.

How could her old acquaintances be easily fooled?

Although Zhu Yao is somewhat shrewd and clever, and has been navigating the palace for many years, she may not be able to hide anything from these people.

However, now that things have come to this point, it would be a great pity if the plan to kill with a borrowed knife failed.

Qi Ronghua pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, let's secretly fan the flames."

Xuezhu suddenly realized: "Just like Ronghua did today, pushing Consort Zhu forward?"

Qi Ronghua acted decisively, instructing, "Tell all the spies we've planted in the palace to keep a close eye on Zhu Yao's every move, and to help her if necessary. Remember, be careful in everything you do, and don't give yourself away."

Xuezhu nodded: "This servant will give them a proper warning."

She accepted the order and left.

Qi Ronghua took a sip of hot tea and said slowly, "Zhu Yao, I've gone to so much trouble, so don't let me down. You must live up to expectations and get rid of Consort Chen as soon as possible."

After saying that, she chuckled softly, a chilling laugh that sent shivers down one's spine.

*

Shen Jiayu felt that there was no better way to solve the problem than to slap him across the face.

After she struck Consort Zhu, no one dared to mention her again during greetings.

Shen Jiayu sighed, "This is still the most effective and worry-free option."

Because of the deterrent effect of that slap, the greetings to the emperor in the days that followed consisted of nothing more than Consort Li and Consort Hui bickering, vying for power in the palace, and then some trivial matters, and soon it all came to an end.

Shen Jiayu was delighted with this.

After paying her respects and returning to the palace for a meal, she had someone bring Lin Shuang to the palace.

Although Pei Yan had instructed that the palace servants should only bring it over in the afternoon, Shen Jiayu couldn't resist, so she had it brought over once in the morning as well.

Lin Shuang's figure has changed a lot this month.

If it was the size of a raccoon dog before, it has now grown into the size of a small dog.

Now it walks steadily and even trots around the palace courtyard.

It listens to Shen Jiayu very well. When she beckons, it comes over and she feeds it milk. It sits there obediently and licks the milk clean.

Not to mention Shen Jiayu liked it, Hongling and Lü'e also liked it very much.

The people in the small kitchen even saved goat milk every day to feed it extra.

It was nearly noon that day, and as usual, Lin Shuang was playing in the yard.

Shen Jiayu sat on the chaise lounge under the eaves, resting, and casually said, "I'm tired of eating the same things every day. Tell the kitchen not to make those dishes for lunch, just make a shrimp hot pot."

Hongling smiled and replied, "Then I'll have them make a couple more kinds of pastries."

Shen Jiayu nodded: "Let's make some golden milk pastries and kidney bean rolls, it's been a long time since we've had these."

Hongling went to the small kitchen with a smile.

Shen Jiayu picked up the book and began reading, completely absorbed in it, when suddenly, the book was snatched from her hands.

Shen Jiayu thought it was Granny Meng who wouldn't let her lie down to read, and was about to speak up.

Upon closer inspection, they discovered that it was Pei Yan who had arrived.

She sat up in surprise: "His Majesty has arrived! Why didn't you send someone to announce his arrival?"

Pei Yan didn't answer her, and casually put the book down: "I think you should explain to me first."

Shen Jiayu was about to ask what was being explained.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Lin Shuang chasing the colorful ball. She realized what was happening and immediately felt a little guilty. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."

He stammered and didn't continue.

Pei Yan said coldly, "Shen Jiayu, you are always good at pretending to be compliant while actually being disobedient."

Shen Jiayu grabbed his sleeve and begged for mercy, "Lin Shuang is at a mischievous and playful age, it's good to let it get out and about more."

Pei Yan raised his eyebrows slightly: "So, these days, you haven't been going to the Emperor to look at palace affairs reports, and you've been focusing all your attention on this, haven't you?"

Shen Jiayu smiled awkwardly: "Can't I rest for a few days? I'm really tired, and all those documents are making my eyes dizzy."

Pei Yan's eyes sharpened, and he rebuked, "You're only putting in the effort for three days and then drying the nets for two! Shen Jiayu, who do you think you're doing this for? Am I the one doing it for?"

He had already explained the reasons to her.

At first, things were fine; she studied diligently for a while, looking up and asking for help when she didn't understand something.

But lately, my mind has been wandering, and I get distracted and sleepy whenever I see palace affairs reports.

In fact, I haven't gone at all these past few days.

After being scolded like this, Shen Jiayu was inevitably disheartened, and slowly lowered her head. "I will go tomorrow."

Pei Yan replied, "There's no need to force yourself. Since you don't want to be burdened, I won't pressure you. You don't need to attend to those palace affairs."

Shen Jiayu looked up, her eyes already red.

Pei Yan remained unmoved, coldly looking at her: "Not just those palace affairs, from now on, I will no longer concern myself with you. Do whatever you want, I will not interfere."

He turned and descended the steps.

Shen Jiayu became anxious and hurriedly chased after him.

Pei Yan was tall and had long strides, so Shen Jiayu had to jog to catch up. She finally managed to grab Pei Yan's hand and said in a tearful voice, "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong and I will definitely correct it."

Pei Yan wanted to teach her a lesson.

Otherwise, she will never learn her lesson.

So he brushed her hand away and continued walking outside.

As they crossed the palace gate, an unexpected turn of events occurred.

A muffled thud suddenly came from behind, followed by the gasps of the palace servants.

He instinctively turned his head to look back and saw Shen Jiayu lying on the ground, unconscious.