[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

English Translation:

The next day, when Xiao Yu arrived at Lan Yue Pavilion, Ning Shuyan was lying on the couch, reading a storybook.

"Does it still hurt?" Xiao Yu's first words upon entering.

Ning Shuyan sat up and nodded. "Yes."

She was honest, unlike others who would shyly smile and say it was nothing.

After the palace servants withdrew, Xiao Yu sat beside her and spoke gently. "I will be more careful in the future. Last night was my oversight."

Ning Shuyan let out a soft hum, tinged with a coquettish tone. "Don't do it like that again."

Xiao Yu glanced at the small tea table on the Luohan bed, recalling last night with a lingering sense of satisfaction. With a half-smile, he said, "I'll be more mindful next time."

Ning Shuyan pursed her lips—so he meant there would be a next time...

She suddenly wondered what it was about her that ignited this cold-faced emperor's passion, making him more indulgent each time. Was he the same with other women?

"What are you thinking about?" Xiao Yu asked when he saw her lost in thought.

Ning Shuyan lowered her thick eyelashes and murmured, "I... I may not be able to serve Your Majesty for a while."

Xiao Yu's lips curved into a faint smile. "No matter, when you're better, you can come to me."

Ning Shuyan thought to herself: Of course, it doesn't matter to you—you have plenty of other women.

Xiao Yu stayed until after lunch before returning to Zhaozhen Hall.

Though her injuries would take time to heal, by the third day, Ning Shuyan still went to pay her respects. Otherwise, people might think she was becoming arrogant due to favor and disregarding palace etiquette.

On the way, she encountered Lady Xue, who looked at her with concern. "Sister Ning, I heard you were injured. Are you alright?"

Since the other party was being kind, she couldn't respond coldly. Ning Shuyan offered a faint smile. "I'm fine now, just a minor injury."

Lady Xue was relieved and nodded. In a soft voice, she added, "That's good. I wanted to visit you, but I was afraid of disturbing you."

Lady Xue's voice was always delicate and frail, as if she were a weak woman needing protection.

In contrast, the usually gentle and demure Ning Shuyan seemed somewhat strong in comparison.

Then, Lady Xue asked, "Has His Majesty been visiting you often lately?"

Three sentences, and she was already talking about the emperor. That was just how she was...

Ning Shuyan smiled faintly. "Occasionally."

With that, she quickened her pace and soon arrived at Fengqi Palace.

After paying her respects, the Empress asked with concern, "Is Noble Lady Ning feeling better?"

Ning Shuyan bowed her head and replied humbly, "I've mostly recovered now. I'm sorry to have made Your Majesty worry."

Concubine Zhuang's enchanting eyes landed on Ning Shuyan, laced with a hint of frost. "How exactly did Noble Lady Ning get injured? His Majesty seems quite distressed, visiting Lan Yue Pavilion every day."

For the past three days, Xiao Yu had been going to Lan Yue Pavilion daily, even if he did not stay the night at Zhaozhen Hall. This made Concubine Zhuang suspicious—was Ning Shuyan's injury caused by the emperor? She knew that Xiao Yu was not one to dote on a woman over a mere minor injury.

Ning Shuyan lowered her voice. "I slipped while bathing. It was my own carelessness, but I apologize for making His Majesty and all the sisters worry."

The Empress smiled gracefully, though inwardly she didn't believe Ning Shuyan was someone careless enough to have such an accident. "What's done is done. Fortunately, it was only a minor injury. Just be more careful in the future."

Then she turned to another topic. "How is Concubine Xi's morning sickness?"

Hearing herself mentioned, Concubine Xi straightened up and gently stroked her abdomen, her face beaming with joy. "It has improved in recent days, but I still feel sore all over and have no energy."

Concubine Rong let out a cold chuckle. "You're already acting delicate when your pregnancy has just begun. I suppose by the later months, you won't even be able to get out of bed."

Concubine Xi's expression darkened, but before she could speak, the Empress interjected, "It's normal for pregnant women to feel unwell, and symptoms vary for everyone. Concubine Rong, don't you remember how you were when you were pregnant in the prince's manor?"

Concubine Rong forced a laugh, the corners of her lips curling. "That was too long ago—I've forgotten."

The Empress turned back to Concubine Xi with a gentle tone. "It's good to take walks—it helps with the pregnancy."

Concubine Xi smiled. "Yes, after paying my respects each day, I take a walk around Qianli Pond. I've heard that pregnant women who look at koi fish will have their wishes come true. I'm praying to give birth to a healthy prince for His Majesty."

The Empress continued to smile. "That's a good idea."

Concubine Rong and Concubine Zhuang exchanged a glance, both filled with disdain. Could she even be certain she'd give birth to a prince?

After leaving Fengqi Palace, Lady Xue trailed behind Ning Shuyan, acting as if they were close. Ning Shuyan subtly furrowed her brows.

Concubine Xi noticed Ning Shuyan walking quickly, clearly trying to shake off Lady Xue. She chuckled and said, "Noble Lady Ning, would you like to take a walk with me?"

After staying in Lan Yue Pavilion for several days, Ning Shuyan didn't mind taking a stroll. More importantly, it was a good excuse to get rid of Lady Xue.

She nodded. "Alright."

Since Concubine Xi was pregnant, Ning Shuyan kept her distance from her, intending to walk for a while before returning to her palace. Concubine Xi noticed this and teased, "Why are you staying so far away? I'm not afraid of you—why are you afraid of me?"

Then, she suddenly remembered how Ning Shuyan had been falsely accused by Lady Tang when she first entered the palace. Her tone softened. "Don't worry, my pregnancy is stable. Even if something happened, I wouldn't frame you. You and I have no enmity."

Ning Shuyan found it easier to be direct with someone so straightforward. She replied honestly, "I do believe you, but it's always wise to be cautious in the harem. You should be as well."

Concubine Xi didn't take offense. In fact, she was touched, especially by those last three words—you should be, too. Stroking her still-flat belly, she raised an eyebrow. "I know that already. I don't need you to remind me. Besides, I have His Majesty protecting me."

This wasn't the first time Ning Shuyan had seen Concubine Xi's unwavering trust in the emperor. She gently advised, "Your straightforward nature isn't a bad thing, but in the harem, now that you're pregnant, you should keep a lower profile. Even if His Majesty can protect you, he can't always be by your side."

Concubine Xi was momentarily taken aback. Under the morning sunlight, a rare softness appeared on her usually cold face, lending her an air of serene beauty. "Since entering the palace, no one has ever said these things to me before. Don't you dislike me?"

"Dislike?" Ning Shuyan chuckled lightly. "Why would I dislike you? As you said, we have no enmity."

Though Concubine Xi was bold and a little arrogant, her nature was simple—everything she thought was written on her face. There was no need to second-guess her motives.

Unlike the Empress, who always wore a poised and dignified smile. You could never tell whether her words were sincere or not.

Concubine Xi studied Ning Shuyan. She disliked all the women in the harem because she loved the emperor, and every woman favored by him was a rival for his affection.