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

Consort Rong's face darkened abruptly, rage swelling between her brows. "Insolence! You dare lecture me—and even refer to yourself as 'I' before me?"

Jieyu Xi let out a cold snort and rolled her eyes.

All the other consorts were shocked, clearly ready to enjoy the spectacle.

Consort Rong glared at her with a murderous gaze, as though she might bite her. Fueled by anger, she rose to her feet.

Ning Shuyan quickly stood and said, "Jieyu Xi only spoke out of concern for Your Grace and got carried away in the moment. I hope Consort Rong will not take offense."

Consort Rong gritted her teeth, glaring sharply at Ning Shuyan. "I was speaking to Jieyu Xi—what right do you have to interrupt?"

"A noisy quarrel so early in the morning?" a man's deep voice cut in. Consort Rong was startled. Why was the Emperor in Fengqi Palace?

Could it be... he stayed here last night?

"We pay our respects to Your Majesty and the Empress," all the consorts greeted in unison.

The Empress followed behind Xiao Yu and slowly took her seat.

Xiao Yu waved his hand. "You may rise."

His gaze swept briefly over Ning Shuyan, then lingered on Jieyu Xi, and finally settled on Consort Rong. "What happened just now to make Consort Rong so angry first thing in the morning?"

Consort Rong lifted her eyes slightly. "Jieyu Xi and Beauty Ning spoke rudely. I merely gave them a small scolding."

Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Oh? They spoke rudely? Are you sure you mean Beauty Ning, Consort Rong?"

Consort Rong's beautiful face froze. Xiao Yu's deep and unreadable gaze sent a chill through her. In truth, Ning Shuyan had not spoken rudely.

She lowered her voice, "It... it was Jieyu Xi. She was the one who spoke out of line."

Xiao Yu smiled lazily. "Jieyu Xi is grieving the loss of her child. Is there really a need for Consort Rong to make an issue of it?"

Jieyu Xi lowered her eyes sadly at the mention of her child.

Consort Rong shivered slightly inside and forced a smile. "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand. I was only making a passing remark."

Her tone was gentle, but her face was anything but pleasant.

It was obvious to everyone: the Emperor was defending Jieyu Xi and Beauty Ning.

As Ning Shuyan looked up, she met Xiao Yu's deep, tranquil gaze. It seemed to say, "Don't worry." She quickly lowered her eyes with a soft smile.

The Empress glanced at the lower seats and said with a warm smile, "Is Consort Zhuang unwell today?"

Du Ruo bowed. "There was no request for leave from Yi He Palace."

Just as she finished speaking, a gentle, graceful female voice rang out. "Your Grace, forgive my tardiness."

All eyes turned toward the back.

Consort Zhuang entered with elegant steps and bowed softly. "Greetings to Your Majesty and Your Highness the Empress."

Ning Shuyan almost laughed. This must be the first time Consort Zhuang had ever bowed so properly and spoken so sweetly.

The Empress smiled. "Please rise. I thought you might be unwell and wouldn't be coming today."

Consort Zhuang gazed longingly at Xiao Yu and replied gently, "I was making longan and lotus seed porridge this morning and lost track of time. I ask Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Longan and lotus seed porridge?"

Consort Zhuang smiled brightly. "Yes. I know it's Your Majesty's favorite, so I got up early to make it."

Hearing this, Xiao Yu's handsome face gradually softened into a smile. "You've been thoughtful."

Consort Zhuang's smile deepened. "I even planned to bring it to you myself, forgetting today was Your Majesty's day off. Would you join me at Yi He Palace later to enjoy it?"

Her charming eyes stared straight at him.

Ning Shuyan couldn't help but tug at the corner of her mouth—so Consort Zhuang had come here to steal attention. Everything she did was soft, flirtatious, and nothing like her usual arrogance. She was so fake in front of men.

The Empress, meanwhile, maintained her graceful smile and serene composure.

Xiao Yu answered gently, "Very well."

Consort Zhuang's smile grew even brighter. The Emperor hadn't visited her in days. That he would now—how could she not be pleased?

Zhaoyi Lin covered her mouth and said teasingly, "Consort Zhuang is truly attentive to His Majesty." Her tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

Consort Zhuang stroked her golden peacock bracelet and looked at Xiao Yu. "For His Majesty, I must be."

Xiao Yu lifted his tea cup and nodded with a smile. "Consort Zhuang has always been meticulous."

She smiled back affectionately.

Jieyu Xi cast a contemptuous glance at her, then set her tea cup down on the tray with a crisp click—not loud, but everyone in the hall heard it.

Xiao Yu, seated above, acted as though he hadn't heard a thing, his expression calm.

But Ning Shuyan knew Jieyu Xi was letting her anger out. From the look in her eyes, Ning Shuyan could read the word: disgusting.

She found Consort Zhuang disgusting.

The next evening, during dinner, Xiao Yu sent over several delicate ornaments through Yang An, saying they were for Ning Shuyan to admire. He would join her shortly for dinner.

When he arrived, Ning Shuyan was admiring the porcelain pieces. The soft candlelight in the corner added a warm glow. Under the light, the beauty appeared even more radiant, her presence irresistible.

Ning Shuyan turned around and saw Xiao Yu standing nearby, his brows slightly raised with a hint of a smile. She pouted and teased, "You always sneak up on me, Your Majesty—it scares me every time."

Xiao Yu chuckled. "That scene just now—like a painting of Jiangnan in March, misty and dreamlike—I didn't want to disturb such beauty."

Ning Shuyan laughed softly, the dimples at her lips making her all the more enchanting. "Your Majesty always says I have a sweet mouth. But you, you're even smoother at sweet-talking women."

Xiao Yu pulled her into his arms and said with a low voice, "Smooth talker? Hmm... I rarely praise anyone. Are you mocking me?"

His tone turned stern, eyes narrowing as if displeased—but there was amusement behind it, and Ning Shuyan knew he was joking.

She pouted playfully. "That's not what I meant. Please don't scare me, Your Majesty." Her lips, tinged red, formed a soft pout.

Xiao Yu laughed heartily and pinched her waist. "I remember when we first met, you were terrified of me. Now you're not afraid at all. You even dare to tease me!"

Ning Shuyan wrapped her arms around his neck and looked at him with clear, almond-shaped eyes. "Because after spending time with Your Majesty, I find you approachable and gentle. You're not scary at all."

She bit her lower lip and said softly, "Besides, Your Majesty is my husband—my companion. Why should I be afraid?"

Xiao Yu hadn't expected her to come up with such eloquent answers every time—each word pleasing to hear and genuinely moving.