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

Ning Shuyan gazed up at the sky. She hadn't noticed when it had turned gloomy, with dark clouds rolling in.

Granny Qing looked at Ning Shuyan's exquisitely beautiful face, tinged with a trace of melancholy, and gently said, "The year the Empress Dowager passed, His Majesty was only ten. A small child who had to grow up overnight... It hurt just to watch. I don't know which consort or lady you are, but I beg you—please stay by His Majesty's side today. Don't let him be so alone."

Ning Shuyan nodded. "I am Zhaojieyu of the Lanyue Pavilion. Don't worry, Granny. That is also what I wish."

After a while, Ning Shuyan finally saw Xiao Yu emerge.

She studied him carefully. There was nothing unusual about his expression, but his deep eyes seemed veiled by a layer of mist, unreadable.

He said nothing, and Ning Shuyan followed him out of the Palace of Cherished Beauty.

The dark clouds overhead seemed to press down, heavy and suffocating. Ning Shuyan glanced at his solemn face, noticing a faint gray shadow clouding his features.

She didn't ask anything. Instead, she reached out and clasped his broad hand, interlocking their fingers, pressing their palms tightly together.

A warm sense of security surged in Xiao Yu's heart. He turned to look at her. She also looked up, their eyes meeting. A soft, gentle smile bloomed on her lips.

"I will always be with Your Majesty."

Xiao Yu stared blankly at her warm and comforting smile. That single sentence warmed him to the core.

Holding her hand tightly, he said, "Yan'er, did you know... Among Father's sons, my archery is the best. But the truth is, I don't even like riding, shooting, or swordplay. I prefer playing the flute and painting."

He didn't like the shackles that bound him. Back then, his mother had schemed endlessly for status and to protect him, careful with every step. Before she died, she told him, 'If you want to live in peace, only power can guarantee it.'

So he pursued power. He wanted to control life and death—not for himself, but to fulfill her dying wish.

He had trained hard in riding, archery, and swordsmanship, cultivated powerful allies, and cozied up to influential ministers—all just for the dragon throne.

Ning Shuyan stopped and embraced him tightly. Her voice choked, "It pains me... to see Your Majesty like this."

Xiao Yu was slightly stunned. He gently patted her back. "I am the Son of Heaven, a man. I shouldn't need your pity."

Ning Shuyan shook her head. "The Emperor might not, but a husband does. As Emperor, your preferences and desires are restrained. There are too many things you're forced to do. I know... deep inside, you're lonely."

A smoky glimmer flickered in Xiao Yu's eyes—strange, complex. He gently stroked her head and, after a long pause, softly said, "I'm very fortunate... to have met you in this lifetime."

Just then, spring rain began falling silently from the sky, like countless silver threads, icy and delicate, landing softly on them. Their hair slowly grew damp.

Yang An rushed over to open an umbrella, shielding them from the rain.

Xiao Yu stretched out a hand into the fine drizzle as they walked, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "I remember... one year on my birthday, it rained like this too. My mother was still alive. I ran through the courtyard of this palace, splashing in puddles... The joys of childhood were always so pure."

Ning Shuyan mimicked him, reaching out to touch the cold droplets. With a smile, she said, "Rain is the purest of water. Rainy scenes bring peace to the heart, as if all troubles vanish. If Your Majesty is willing, I'll splash through the puddles with you—how about it?"

Xiao Yu was momentarily taken aback, staring at her stunning face. "Aren't you afraid your shoes will get soaked? That your makeup will smear?"

Ning Shuyan smiled sweetly. Her eyes reflected his face. "A woman's best and worst sides are meant to be seen by the one beside her pillow. I'm not afraid!"

She couldn't be like Lady Li of the Han Dynasty, who didn't let the Emperor see her as she lay dying, unwilling for him to witness her haggard face.

She didn't want to serve with beauty alone—because beauty fades, and love dies with it.

A warm joy filled Xiao Yu's chest. Among all his consorts, none would willingly mess up their looks, let alone accompany him in the rain. Most would probably try to stop him from getting wet.

He looked to Yang An and said, "Step back!"

Yang An was startled. He was about to protest, but swallowed his words under Xiao Yu's gaze.

The two walked hand in hand toward the Lanyue Pavilion. The ground had grown slick with rain. And all the sorrow and grief seemed to be washed away by the increasing downpour.

A white mist hung in the air. Their clothes—a blend of green and white—danced in the breeze. Rain splashed around them like petals, as if painting a serene, beautiful scene.

When they returned to the Lanyue Pavilion, Qiule saw them enter. Both were soaked, but their hands were tightly clasped. She was momentarily stunned, then quickly bowed and instructed Liuli to prepare ginger soup.

Xiao Yu's clean clothes had already been delivered to the pavilion. Ning Shuyan changed into a simple apricot-colored gown. Her long, damp hair draped down her back.

Taking a towel from Qiule to dry her face, her makeup had smudged slightly. Yet in Xiao Yu's eyes, there was a unique, chaotic beauty to it.

Once she had wiped it all away, in her plain gown with no makeup, she looked as ethereal and elegant as a fairy.

Just as they were about to sit, Ning Shuyan sneezed.

Qiule immediately brought over the ginger soup. "My Lady, please drink this ginger soup. You mustn't catch a chill."

Ning Shuyan wrinkled her nose at the pungent scent. "It's fine—I won't drink it."

"I drank it already. You're more delicate—you must drink it," Xiao Yu said with commanding firmness.

Ning Shuyan was puzzled. Delicate? She rarely got sick and was plenty sturdy.

Still, she shook her head, unwilling to drink.

Xiao Yu turned to Qiule. "Give it to me. All of you, leave."

He sat beside Ning Shuyan with the bowl and said gently, "Be good. I'll feed you."

Ning Shuyan smiled inwardly. This is exactly what I was waiting for.

She put on a reluctant look and said, "Alright then."

Xiao Yu lifted the spoon and fed her. It was his first time feeding a woman, so he was a little stiff. A bit of soup spilled, and he quickly reached out to wipe it from the corner of her lips.

Ning Shuyan's eyes sparkled. She stood up suddenly. "Your Majesty, wait just a moment—I have a surprise for you."

"Oh? What is it?" He never accepted birthday gifts, but hearing her say she had a surprise still made him a little curious.

Ning Shuyan smiled. "I'll be back shortly. Please wait a moment."