The empress is both charming and seductive, rising through the ranks of palace intrigue.

After leaving Fengqi Palace, Ning Shuyan said to Consort Xi in a gentle voice, "Thank you for what you did earlier."

Xi Jieyu smiled faintly, a slight ripple appearing on her face: "No need to thank me, you've helped me a lot before."

For example, on that occasion at the Thousand Carp Pond, she did her best to save herself from the water.

As she thought of something, a deep sorrow welled up in her eyes, gradually tinged with the haze of the twilight sky: "Unfortunately, that child escaped once, but not a second time."

Seeing her sorrowful face, Ning Shuyan advised, "Don't think too much about it. You have to keep moving forward."

Xi Jieyu shook her head, the tassels at her temples rustling against her face: "You make it sound so easy. You don't understand my expectations for this child, and you can't comprehend the pain I feel from losing my child."

Her vision blurred, and she murmured, "He was so small. Just a few days ago, I could feel him moving inside me. I could feel that he was a living being, and he longed for this world. But he didn't even have the chance to come out and see it."

Ning Shuyan lowered her eyes. Indeed, she was not pregnant and could not understand the pain of losing a child.

She said softly, "I know you're sad, but how can your child be at peace in heaven if you live in such pain every day? Take good care of yourself, and he will come back to you next time."

Consort Xi gave a bitter smile: "There are very few children in this palace who can be born safely. If we had known from the beginning that this would be the case, it would have been better if she had never come into this world."

Ning Shuyan's gaze fell on the golden-orange ginkgo tree in front of her, its fan-like leaves fluttering down in the autumn wind.

Xi Jieyu continued, "Two little lives, all because of one oversight..."

"Do you really think it's the embroiderer's responsibility?" Ning Shuyan blurted out.

Xi Jieyu was shocked, her heart pounding wildly: "You mean, the real culprit is someone else?"

"Who is it!" A raging fire instantly ignited in her wide eyes.

Ning Shuyan narrowed her eyes slightly: "Whoever least wants you or me to give birth to imperial offspring is the one. Among the new concubines, you and I are the most favored. Whoever's position is threatened is the one who will be the one."

Consort Xi's mind raced this time. She gritted her teeth and said, "Consort Zhuang! It's her?"

Ning Shuyan nodded slowly: "However, since neither you nor I have any evidence, there's nothing we can do to her."

Consort Xi clenched her fists tightly, the veins on the back of her fair hands bulging, her eyes blazing with hatred: "I refuse to believe she'll be glamorous forever? That she'll never reveal a flaw? The Nangong family will fall one day, just you wait and see. When that day comes, I'll make Consort Zhuang wish she were dead!"

Every word she uttered was filled with icy hatred.

Seeing how seriously Consort Xi spoke, Ning Shuyan wondered if she knew something. Could it be that the Emperor had designs on the Nangong family...?

Yes... No emperor is unafraid of a minister who holds military power and wields great authority, but if the Nangong family has not committed any wrongdoing, Xiao Yu would not punish them without cause.

It seems that Consort Xi knows something...

"By the way, I have a question for you." Xi Jieyu suddenly changed the subject.

"That day, the Emperor accompanied you back to Lan Yue Pavilion. Did he hug you and comfort you?"

The unexpected question startled Ning Shuyan slightly. Seeing the girl's expectant gaze, Ning Shuyan slowly said, "I offered a few words of comfort. What's wrong?"

A bitter smile appeared on Consort Xi's lips: "So he did hug you. The Emperor must be heartbroken for you, right? He must be grieving with you, right?"

"The Emperor will surely be heartbroken if the child is gone. He was also deeply saddened when he heard that your child was gone." Ning Shuyan looked at her and probably understood something.

Consort Xi took a deep breath and chuckled softly, "I know the Emperor is good to me, but it's not the kind of good I want. I'm actually a little envious of you; the Emperor truly treats you differently."

Ning Shuyan smiled gently: "How is it any different? I advise you to think more positively and not let yourself get into a dead end."

Xi Jieyu frowned briefly, then said calmly, "I know, you don't need to tell me."

After saying that, she turned and left as usual, a light green shawl fluttering past Ning Shuyan, leaving a cold, clear trail.

Ning Shuyan watched her strong-willed back and shook her head with a smile.

No matter how strong and proud a woman is, she can't escape the allure of love in the end.

During dinner, Xiao Yu had given prior notice that he would be coming over for a meal. Ning Shuyan specially prepared several cold dishes that Xiao Yu liked.

When Xiao Yu entered, he saw Ning Shuyan waiting at the door. She gave a slight curtsy and said, "Your Majesty has arrived."

Xiao Yu smiled and helped her up: "How long have you been standing here? Why are your hands a little cold?"

Ning Shuyan felt the warmth of his palm and smiled, "Winter is approaching, so my hands and feet are a little cold, but I'm not cold."

"You don't need to wait for me outside anymore," Xiao Yu said as he sat down.

Ning Shuyan smiled gracefully: "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand."

At the dinner, Ning Shuyan ate a few bites of food and then put down her chopsticks.

Seeing this, Xiao Yu couldn't help but ask, "Why did you stop eating after only a few bites?"

"I'm full." Her gaze lingered on the table, her expression still showing a hint of unfinished business.

"Are you feeling unwell? You usually don't eat so little."

Upon hearing this, Ning Shuyan quickly raised her eyes and said in a low voice, "Did I eat a lot before? Then I'll have to eat less in the future."

"Why?" Xiao Yu also put down his chopsticks.

Hearing this, Ning Shuyan lowered her head, gently twisting her handkerchief, and bit her lip: "It's nothing, I just feel I should eat less in the future."

Over the past few months, Xiao Yu had come to know her a little better. Seeing her expression, he knew she must have some unspeakable trouble. He said gently, "I don't mind if you eat more. Why are you restricting your diet? Tell me."

Ning Shuyan glanced at Xiao Yu, then quickly lowered her eyes, a thin layer of sorrow shrouding her brows: "Your Majesty shouldn't have made me eat so many tonics. They say I've gained weight."

" who?"

Ning Shuyan was stunned for a moment before saying, "It was... Consort Zhuang who said it."

Xiao Yu listened to Consort Zhuang and roughly understood what was going on. After all these years, didn't he know Consort Zhuang well enough?

His eyes darkened slightly, and he felt a surge of displeasure as he recalled Consort Zhuang. He spoke gently to Ning Shuyan, "Did she embarrass you?"

Ning Shuyan moved her lips slightly, but did not speak. Instead, she gently shook her head.

Xiao Yu understood that Ning Shuyan was like this, often keeping her grievances to herself. He knew that it must have been when Consort Zhuang spoke so harshly and cruelly to Ning Shuyan during their morning greetings.

"Yan'er, you don't need to pay attention to Consort Zhuang. I would like her even if she were a little plump."

Ning Shuyan looked up, a hint of joy in her eyes: "Really?"

Xiao Yu chuckled and nodded, "Come here, let me take a good look and see where you've gotten fat?"

Upon hearing this, the palace servants all consciously withdrew from the main hall.