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

Liuli rarely came into the main hall. She knew that Ning Shuyan was used to being served by Qiule and Ziying and didn't like outsiders coming in, so she behaved herself and usually did odd jobs outside. This was one of the things Ning Shuyan valued about her.

When Liuli came in, she thought she must have done something wrong and felt nervous. "My lady, did you summon me?"

Ning Shuyan looked up at her with a gentle smile. "Don't be nervous. I want to ask you to do something for me."

Hearing this, Liuli quickly replied, "What would my lady like me to do? I will do my best."

Ning Shuyan said warmly, "It's not a big thing. I want you to get close to Lvrui and pretend to be friendly with her. Help me figure out what she's thinking. If she does anything suspicious, I want you to keep an eye on her."

Liuli was puzzled. "Does my lady suspect Lvrui of having ill intentions?"

Ning Shuyan gently stroked the smooth, cool jade hairpin in her hand, and a faint smile curled on her lips. "She was planted here by someone else."

Liuli was startled and gasped in disbelief.

"I trust you, that's why I'm giving this task to you. Otherwise, I'd have asked Ziying or Qiule. You've never let me down in the months you've been here at Lanyue Pavilion. I have high hopes for you and hope you'll handle this well too."

Hearing how much Ning Shuyan trusted her, Liuli immediately knelt down and said, "Yes, my lady. I will do this well and live up to your trust."

Ning Shuyan smiled softly and personally helped her up. "Get up now."

Looking at her mistress's beautiful face—already lovely to begin with, now smiling gently—Liuli was instantly touched and felt that this was truly a good master.

"If you help me with this, I won't treat you unfairly. When you turn twenty-five and leave the palace, I'll prepare some silver for you. You can open a small shop after you leave. If you want to marry, I'll make sure you have a generous dowry."

Liuli was stunned for a moment, staring at Ning Shuyan in a daze before tears of gratitude welled up in her eyes. "Thank you, my lady. I will definitely do as you ask and not disappoint your trust."

Ning Shuyan nodded. After Liuli left, Qiule quietly asked, "My lady, do you really think Liuli is trustworthy?"

Ning Shuyan took a sip of tea and said calmly, "If you suspect someone, don't use them. If you use them, don't suspect them. She is the most suitable to get close to Lvrui—after all, you and Ziying are my confidants, and Lvrui is always wary of you."

Qiule nodded in agreement.

If Lvrui could help Ning Shuyan uncover something on the people behind her—or even just give them some trouble—it wouldn't be a bad move.

After dinner and a bath, Ning Shuyan picked up the book she hadn't finished reading earlier. In the dim yellow light, the pages looked a little more aged, but still carried a soft glow.

Suddenly, the book in her hand was snatched away. She looked up to see Xiao Yu standing before her with a faint smile, shaking the book in his hand. "You're reading so intently—aren't you afraid it'll hurt your eyes?"

It had been three days since she last saw him. Smiling sweetly, she grabbed his arm and said coquettishly, "I slept too long during the day, and now I can't sleep, so I thought I'd read a little."

"But now that Your Majesty is here to accompany me, I won't be bored anymore."

Xiao Yu took her hand in his, and seeing the smile on her face, he felt relieved—at least she hadn't fallen into despair like Consort Xi after the loss of their child.

"I've been busy with government affairs lately and haven't had time to visit you. You look much better now."

As he spoke, he got into bed and pulled Ning Shuyan into his arms. She leaned against his chest, the scent of dragon musk lingering faintly in the air. "Your Majesty gave me so many tonics. If I still didn't look well after taking them, wouldn't that just waste your efforts?"

Xiao Yu smiled and gently caressed her soft, smooth cheek, yawning from fatigue.

"Is Your Majesty sleepy? If so, go ahead and rest."

He rubbed his temples lightly. "The war with Rong Kingdom has had both victories and defeats. There's much to deal with at court. It's troubling... Only here with you can I get a decent rest."

Ning Shuyan gave a small smile. So he came here for peace and quiet? Well, she didn't mind. Her body wasn't well enough to serve him anyway, but the fact that he still came made her feel content.

"Then rest, Your Majesty," she said, wrapping her arm gently around him.

Xiao Yu looked down at her hand. Most of the imperial concubines were reserved, rarely embracing him so directly. But he didn't mind—on the contrary, it gave him peace of mind. He gently lifted her hand and held it in his, closing his eyes.

For a minor miscarriage, half a month of postpartum recovery was enough. After that, she would have to go to Fengqi Palace to pay respects to the Empress.

On the third of October, the day of her return to court, Ning Shuyan wore a light blush-colored inner robe with a pink brocade outer dress. Having been nourished with tonics and fresh fruits for days—along with rich meats—she had become a bit plumper, but her face was more radiant than ever, glowing like polished jade under the sunlight.

In contrast, Consort Xi looked far less radiant than before. Her eyes were dull, and she sat aloof and silent as usual.

The Empress, ever dignified and kind-looking, looked at Consort Xi with concern. "Consort Xi, you don't look well. Are you still unwell?"

Consort Xi lifted her beautiful eyes slightly, brows faintly furrowed. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Zhuang Fei glanced at Ning Shuyan and sneered, her smile blooming like a poisonous flower. "Beauty Ning had a miscarriage, but instead looks even better. She must have a truly carefree heart."

Ning Shuyan lightly ran her fingers over the jade bracelet on her wrist, a chill flashing in her eyes. A faint smile rose on her lips. "That must be thanks to the tonics gifted by the Empress and the Emperor. Although I'm heartbroken, I still have to take care of my health. Surely Consort Zhuang wouldn't prefer to see me sickly and miserable, would you?"

Zhuang Fei's eyes narrowed—she hadn't expected Ning Shuyan to talk back. So her usual meekness had all been an act?

She gave her a cold once-over and said icily, "True, they must've worked wonders. I see you've even gained a bit of weight."

After saying that, she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed softly. A few other concubines joined in with hushed laughter.

Ning Shuyan had indeed gained a little weight, but it wasn't obvious unless one looked closely. Still, after Zhuang Fei's comment, all eyes turned toward her.

Ning Shuyan's expression stiffened slightly. She clenched her handkerchief tightly, suppressing her anger. She already had a plan.

"I think Beauty Ning looks just fine. Actually, Consort Zhuang seems even fuller than she does."

It was Consort Xi who spoke. Ning Shuyan was stunned—she didn't expect her to speak in her defense. She looked at her in surprise.

Not only Ning Shuyan, but all the concubines were shocked. Consort Xi was usually cold and distant, yet she had stood up for Ning Shuyan?

Zhuang Fei's eyes turned icy, and she sneered at Consort Xi. "Who are you to comment on me?"

"All right, enough arguing. What kind of example are you all setting?" the Empress interrupted, stopping the bickering.

"The Emperor is already distressed after losing two heirs. It's good that Consort Xi and Beauty Ning are recovering well. It brings both the Emperor and me some comfort."

Zhuang Fei didn't respond to the Empress, instead rolling her eyes in disdain and idly fiddling with the pearls on her sleeve.