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

Ning Shuyan hadn't expected that Imperial Physician Ji would turn out to be such an upright and honest man. Though it meant he wouldn't be of use in scheming against others, his integrity made him more trustworthy in her eyes.

She lifted her beautiful eyes and smiled. "When did I ever say I wanted you to do something wicked? I simply hope that if I ever fall ill, I will have a physician I can trust. Otherwise, in this palace, you wouldn't even know how you'd been harmed."

Imperial Physician Ji looked up at Ning Shuyan. Seeing the soft smile at the corners of her lips and her gentle expression, she didn't seem to be a scheming and ruthless woman.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, "If it is truly as Your Ladyship says, then even without the silver, it is my duty to care for you."

Ning Shuyan's smile was warm. "Since that is the case, then take the silver. In the future, if I need help, I hope you will assist me, but I will never ask you to harm others. You have my word on that. And I will never force you to do anything against your principles."

"Is Your Ladyship truly sincere?"

Ning Shuyan nodded gently in confirmation.

Imperial Physician Ji looked at the silver in Ziying's hands. After a brief moment of silence, he finally said, "Very well. I thank Your Ladyship."

Holding the silver, he realized it was worth more than ten times his annual salary. He understood that from now on, he would have to be loyal to Ning Shuyan. After all, one must repay kindness, but if she ever asked him to cross the line, he would refuse.

Ning Shuyan picked up her tea and said softly, "Ziying, see Imperial Physician Ji out properly."

When Ziying returned, she said with curiosity, "I didn't expect Imperial Physician Ji to refuse the silver at first."

Indeed, such a noble and principled physician was rare.

Thinking of the gleaming silver, Ziying sighed and said with a trace of regret, "Miss, you gave him so much silver. Now, there isn't much left."

Ning Shuyan smiled. "You must be willing to sacrifice something to gain something greater. Silver can always be earned again, but a reliable physician is hard to find in the palace. Besides, my supply of that thing is running low—I need to think of a way to replenish it."

Although Qiule was skilled in medicine, she could only handle minor ailments. The imperial pharmacy had access to better medicinal ingredients, which only the imperial physicians could use.

"What is running low?" A familiar male voice suddenly interrupted.

Startled, Ning Shuyan tilted her teacup, spilling some tea.

Ziying reacted swiftly, catching the cup before it could fall.

Ning Shuyan hurriedly wiped her hands with a silk handkerchief and was about to kneel in greeting when Xiao Yu had already reached her and gently lifted her up. "No need for formalities."

Xiao Yu grasped her slightly damp hands and chuckled. "Look at you, so frightened. Am I that scary?"

Ning Shuyan's heart was still unsettled. Seeing Xiao Yu's smiling face, she realized he must have only overheard the last part of her conversation. Lately, he had been coming in unannounced more and more often—fortunately, she had been cautious with her words. She needed to be even more careful in the future.

With a radiant smile, she said, "Your Majesty came so suddenly that I was startled. I wasn't expecting you at this hour."

Xiao Yu smiled. "I've been busy with state affairs lately. I realized I hadn't visited you in a while, so I came to have lunch with you today."

Ning Shuyan's smile deepened, and she said sweetly, "I've missed Your Majesty too. I was just thinking about how long it's been since I last saw you. Wouldn't you call that a sign of our deep connection?"

She beamed, revealing pearly white teeth, looking as charming and adorable as ever.

Xiao Yu had been exhausted from dealing with state matters and military affairs, but at this moment, looking at her lively and enchanting face, he felt his heart soften. His lips curled into a smile, and he reached out to gently tap her nose. "Yes, Shuyan is absolutely right."

Ning Shuyan's eyes sparkled with laughter. "Then I shall have the meal prepared."

"You still haven't told me—what is running low?"

She had thought Xiao Yu wouldn't ask again, but he brought the topic back up.

Ning Shuyan answered smoothly, "It's the scented dew I brought from home. I've grown used to it, and now that I've run out, I feel a bit uncomfortable without it."

Xiao Yu rubbed her soft hands and said gently, "Oh, that. I believe there's a bottle of tribute-perfumed dew in the royal treasury. It should be of excellent quality. I'll have someone send it to you."

Ning Shuyan's eyes lit up slightly, her gaze growing even more bright and alluring. She smiled playfully. "Your Majesty is the best—you always give me the most precious things."

Her voice was sweet and soft, like warm sunlight. Xiao Yu felt utterly charmed. "With a sweet mouth like that, of course, I'll always remember to set aside the best things for you."

At the entrance of the hall, Yang An sneaked a glance inside, thinking to himself: Isn't that the truth? These days, His Majesty always remembers to send the finest things to Lanyue Pavilion. This Ning Meiren truly knows how to win His Majesty's favor!

At the dining table, Xiao Yu had little appetite. After eating some cold dishes, he already felt full. He watched as Ning Shuyan carefully picked the bones out of a fish.

"I've noticed you really like eating fish," he commented.

Ning Shuyan nodded with a smile. "Yes, but the bones are troublesome to deal with." She carefully removed the bones before placing a piece of fish into her mouth.

"Your Majesty doesn't seem to enjoy it as much?" She had observed that Xiao Yu rarely ate fish.

Xiao Yu hesitated, as if wanting to say something but stopping himself.

Ning Shuyan immediately understood. As emperor, he had to observe the rule of moderation in all things—even if he liked a dish, he could not indulge in it.

Her eyes gleamed with understanding. She picked up a clean pair of chopsticks and placed a piece of fish belly near Xiao Yu's lips. "Your Majesty should have some too."

Xiao Yu was suddenly reminded of a distant memory—when he was a child, his mother would carefully remove the bones from a fish and feed it to him the same way.

Ning Shuyan noticed his momentary daze. His deep eyes seemed to hold a trace of sorrow. She asked gently, "What is Your Majesty thinking about?"

Xiao Yu's gaze flickered, and the sadness in his eyes disappeared. He smiled faintly, then opened his mouth and ate the fish she offered. "Nothing, just recalling someone."

"Who?" she asked curiously.

Xiao Yu hesitated for a moment but didn't answer.

It wasn't that he was unwilling—he simply didn't want to talk about his mother in front of others. What was the point? Others could only offer meaningless comfort; they could never truly understand the pain of his longing.

Realizing he didn't wish to discuss it, Ning Shuyan tactfully changed the subject.