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

Yang An carefully followed behind Xiao Yu. He had been by Xiao Yu's side all along and naturally had heard everything.

But this was the first time he couldn't figure out what his master was thinking. Looking at his expression—was he angry? Not quite. Happy? Not that either. There was something unspeakable on his face.

In truth, what Zhaojieyu had said made sense. As the emperor, the Son of Heaven, it was only natural that his harem was filled with women. To put it bluntly, having even a bit of the emperor's favor was already a great blessing. As for love and trust—those were impossible for someone in his position.

And even more impossible to give fully to just one woman. Zhaojieyu's infatuation with the emperor was both understandable... and foolish.

This master of his had favored many women before, but had he ever truly cared about any of them?

As Yang An thought, Xiao Yu suddenly stopped walking, nearly causing him to bump into him. He quickly steadied himself.

Xiao Yu looked up at the dark jade-like sky. A faint crescent moon hung hazily in the air, without a single starlight in sight. Only the somber moonlight and layers of cold mist filled the night.

"She blames me," Xiao Yu said softly.

Today, when she asked whether he trusted her—he actually did. But deep down, a small seed of doubt still lingered.

If there was nothing shameful about it, why would it be hidden in the bracelet? So yes, he had harbored suspicion. And along with that suspicion came fear—fear that it might really have been her.

When it came to women, the affection he gave was always based on his mood or intention—he was used to doing as he pleased. But seeing her cry so heartbreakingly today, he felt, for the first time, that maybe he had truly hurt a woman.

Yang An opened his mouth nervously, but in the end didn't say a word. He didn't know what to say—and didn't dare say anything at all.

After returning to the palace, Xiao Yu immediately ordered an investigation into the bracelet and Xue Yunu's involvement.

Although he had left the matter in the Empress's hands, it was really just a warning. There had been endless strife in the harem, and she had proven herself an unfit Empress.

Moreover, he didn't fully trust the Empress either.

Yan'er was right. Ever since she entered the palace, the schemes had all been directed at her. She was alone in this palace—with no one to rely on except him.

No wonder she had been so heartbroken.

In the Lanyue Pavilion, Ning Shuyan sat staring at the remaining pills in her hand. She hadn't expected that, even after hiding them so well, Shen Changzhi would still discover them.

She threw the pills into the brazier. As the charcoal burned, a rich and fragrant scent began to fill the air, so strong it was dizzying.

Qiu Le quickly opened the windows to let the scent out.

After the initial shock, she nodded in agreement. "This is for the best. That thing staying here would've brought trouble sooner or later."

"Actually, My Lady, you could consider bearing a child now. If you gave birth, you'd surely be promoted to one of the Nine Pin Consorts, and you could keep the child by your side."

Ning Shuyan shook her head. "No. After today, I've become even more certain of what I truly want."

She absentmindedly drew circles on the table with her long, pearl-polished nails.