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

Ning Shuyan noticed that his gaze had darkened slightly, carrying a hint of sorrow that was almost imperceptible.

So, even the lofty and seemingly indifferent emperor had worries he could not express?

She tightened her embrace around Xiao Yu. "No matter how cold it is up there, I will stay by Your Majesty's side—always."

After a brief pause, she added softly, "Even though I am insignificant..."

Xiao Yu was momentarily stunned. His deep gaze lingered on her, and under the flickering candlelight, his face was illuminated with warmth, though tinged with complexity.

Ning Shuyan saw her own faint reflection in his eyes, growing hazy and dreamlike.

After a long while, Xiao Yu gently stroked her head, his voice deep yet uncharacteristically soft. "Promise me, always stay this way. Never change."

"Yes, I won't change," Ning Shuyan answered seriously, her bright eyes locked onto his.

Throughout his life, Xiao Yu had encountered countless women. At first, they all appeared pure and kind, but over time, their ugly ambitions inevitably surfaced.

Yet, the woman before him seemed different. She could empathize with him, had intriguing thoughts, and a gentle temperament. He only hoped she would remain as she was. Though, as an emperor, he could not truly love a woman, he was willing to shower his favor upon one.

At Yihe Palace

Consort Zhuang reclined on her couch, a thin layer of peach blossom and pearl powder masking her face. Upon hearing Yulan's words, she abruptly sat up.

"What? You're saying His Majesty bestowed the pigeon's blood stone upon that wretched woman?" Even with the powder on her face, her expression was unmistakably furious.

Yulan, also displeased, confirmed, "It's absolutely true. The attendants from the imperial court told me personally."

Consort Zhuang slammed her hand onto the tea table beside her. The tea bowl shook violently, spilling its contents as a cold glint flashed in her eyes. "The Emperor truly favors that wench now. After so many years, he has never treated another consort like this! And he actually granted her something so precious?"

She gritted her teeth. "Does she even deserve it?"

She recalled how she had once requested the very same pigeon's blood stone from the Emperor, only for him to brush it off with vague excuses. Now, glancing at the screen Xiao Yu had sent her, she found it utterly worthless in comparison.

The screen was something she had requested, whereas the pigeon's blood stone was something he had willingly given to another woman—such a rare and valuable gift.

How could they possibly be the same? The intent behind them was entirely different!

Seething with frustration, Consort Zhuang picked up a teacup and hurled it toward the screen. But at the last moment, she held back just enough so that it shattered three feet away instead. The porcelain shards scattered, tea soaking into the floor.

Yulan gasped, startled. Thank goodness the screen had not been damaged—after all, it was an imperial gift!

"At first, he gave her the privilege of bathing in the Yaoqing Pool. Then, he started visiting her palace frequently. Just recently, he spent an entire afternoon in Zhaozhen Hall. And when I reprimanded that wretched woman, she dared to talk back to me!" Consort Zhuang's anger gradually turned into concern. "Now, he's even given her such a rare treasure. Yulan, do you think she will steal my favor?"