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

After speaking, she lifted her foot and left the inner hall. Feeling bored, Xiao Yu walked to the bookshelf, pulled out a book with some creases—clearly one she often read.

He casually flipped it open and stopped at a page that had been folded. There, on a spot stained by a teardrop, a sentence caught his eye:

"From now on, you and I are one. Even if time becomes chaotic and the heavens collapse, I will never betray you. In this life, it will only ever be you, until the end."

Xiao Yu's gaze slowly grew distant as he murmured, "Only you, until the end..."

After a moment, he smiled and shook his head. His life could never belong to just one person.

He reached out and gently touched the water stain—most likely her tear. It must've been her heartfelt wish, a dream she knew couldn't come true, which moved her to tears.

What a pity. He was destined to let down her deep affection...

These thoughts left him with a swirl of emotions.

In the small kitchen, the noodles were already prepared and only needed cooking. After finishing the final step, Ning Shuyan looked at the flour on the table, dipped her fingers in it, and dabbed some onto her cheeks before heading out.

Xiao Yu, hearing footsteps, casually set the book aside, his expression calm.

He saw Ning Shuyan carrying a tray, on which sat a single steaming bowl. Once she set it down, he realized it was a bowl of noodles—fragrant and still warm.

What caught his eye was the egg on top, shaped like a peach. He had never seen such a beautifully crafted egg before.

Ning Shuyan bowed deeply. "This concubine wishes Your Majesty all the best, with endless longevity."

After a pause, she added, "I know Your Majesty doesn't like celebrating birthdays. This is just a small bowl of noodles, a token of my sincerity, meant to bring good fortune. You can treat it as an ordinary bowl of noodles."

She looked up at him, her brows and eyes soft like water, gazing at him with tender affection. Still, a hint of fear lingered—afraid he might reject her.

Xiao Yu felt a gentle wave ripple through his heart, as if something soft had brushed against it.

He looked at the flour still dusted on her fair cheek—adorable and charming. With a small smile, he reached out and gently wiped it away, his eyes especially gentle. "Look at you—got flour on your face and didn't even notice."

Ning Shuyan smiled shyly, lowering her gaze.

This wasn't the first time Xiao Yu had tasted food made by a woman, but this bowl of noodles felt entirely different. It warmed him and brought him comfort, filled with her feelings and care.

To him, this bowl of longevity noodles was far more touching than any luxurious gift. He ate every bite, even drank all the broth. Though it looked simple, it was exceptionally delicious.

Ning Shuyan rested her chin in her hand, watching him with a soft smile. "Does Your Majesty think it's good?"

Xiao Yu's lips lifted in a faint smile. "What I cherish is your heart and sincerity."

He opened his arms, and Ning Shuyan sat on his lap. His gaze held more warmth and softness than usual. "From now on, will you make me a bowl like this every birthday?"

Startled, she looked up after a moment, eyes bright with joy. "Yes, this concubine will make it for Your Majesty every year!"

That night, they did nothing else—just slept in each other's arms. Xiao Yu watched her as she slept, her face so peaceful and gentle that even just lying there made his heart calm.

He smiled faintly and gently stroked her soft hair as he gradually fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, as he entered deep sleep, a murmur reached his ears: "Water... I want water..."

Xiao Yu, always a light sleeper, opened his eyes to find her face flushed red, murmuring about thirst. Alarmed, he threw off the covers and fetched her water.

Sitting by the bed, he softly said, "Here's water, Yan'er, drink."

Ning Shuyan weakly lifted her head, and Xiao Yu personally fed her the water. She only managed a few sips before her strength faded again, her eyes too heavy to stay open.

"My head hurts so much..."

Xiao Yu touched her forehead and was startled by how hot it was.

"Summon the imperial physician!"

Outside, Yang An had been dozing off. Startled by the thunderous shout, he leapt to his feet.

Qiu Le also rushed in, startled by the commotion. Seeing Xiao Yu standing by and Ning Shuyan flushed and lying on the bed, she quickly bowed. "May I ask, Your Majesty—is the young mistress unwell?"

He nodded stiffly. Qiu Le walked to the bed and touched her forehead, confirming it was a fever.

Xiao Yu felt a wave of regret—she had gotten sick because of the rain they played in earlier, trying to make him happy. He had ignored her health.

Ning Shuyan lay in a haze, half-aware of voices and someone holding her, something bitter being poured into her mouth.

After who knows how long, the heaviness in her head eased. She forced open her heavy eyelids, and before she could speak, a joyful voice reached her ears: "My lady, you're awake!"

The light stung a little. Ning Shuyan squinted and croaked, "What time is it? What happened to me?"

"It's around 7 a.m. now. You don't know, but you had a fever last night, your whole body burning up! You scared all of us—and His Majesty too. He stayed up all night beside you."

Ning Shuyan was surprised. Did Xiao Yu really stay up all night for her?

Seeing her confusion, Qiu Le smiled and said, "Zi Ying wasn't lying. His Majesty was truly very worried."

She brought over a bowl of medicine. "Drink this, my lady. The imperial physician said you must take it on time if you want to recover quickly."

Frowning at the bitter brown medicine, Ning Shuyan still drank it in big gulps and immediately popped a candied fruit into her mouth to wash away the taste.

"Yesterday I said I was healthy, and now I've made a fool of myself. Just one rainstorm and I got sick."

Qiu Le chuckled. "Everyone gets sick now and then. But yes, you did overdo it yesterday. It's not wise to risk your health like that."

But Ning Shuyan thought it was worth it. If it meant Xiao Yu would care more for her, then a fever was a small price to pay.

Just as she was thinking this, she heard footsteps approaching fast—it had to be Xiao Yu. He rushed in, still in his court robes. She was about to get up, but he quickly stopped her. "Don't move. Just sit."

He sat by the bed and touched her forehead. "Good, your fever's gone. Is there anywhere else that feels bad? Are you hungry?"

Ning Shuyan smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine now—just feel a little weak."

Xiao Yu's gaze softened with pain. He held her hand and gently rubbed it. "It's all my fault..."

"No, Your Majesty. It's not your fault—it's this concubine's body that's weak. And because of me, you stayed up all night."

At that moment, Zi Ying brought over a bowl of porridge. Ning Shuyan, feeling hungry, quickly finished it in a few bites.