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

Ning Shuyan no longer had the strength to move.

The ambiguous red marks on her fair skin stood out starkly—impossible to hide.

It was her own fault too. Just one little tease, and she hadn't expected Xiao Yu to be so...

Xiao Yu stepped out of the bathtub, dried himself, and dressed. Seeing Ning Shuyan still sitting in the tub, her hair had long since come undone and was floating in the water. It was hard to tell whether the moisture on her forehead was sweat or bathwater.

"Shall I carry you out?" he asked.

Ning Shuyan shook her head. "Let Qiule serve me instead."

Her voice was a bit hoarse but soft and sweet.

Xiao Yu smiled faintly. Usually, he was the one who carried her to bed. Now she just sat there not getting up—it seemed she really was exhausted.

He said nothing more and left the room.

When Qiule came in, Ning Shuyan was already wrapped in a towel, drying herself.

Qiule moved behind her and pressed firmly on an acupuncture point near her hip...

After dressing, Ning Shuyan sat in the inner chamber, quietly drying her hair with a cloth.

Xiao Yu, nearby, was seated on a couch with a book in hand. Hearing soft rustling sounds, he looked up and saw Ning Shuyan sitting in front of a bronze mirror, gently wiping her half-dry hair.

The candlelight reflected on her serene face, as if casting a warm and peaceful glow upon her.

Xiao Yu stood and walked over to her, taking her hand from her hair and speaking softly, "Let me."

His palm was still warm, almost hot. Ning Shuyan smiled gently. "I really didn't want to move anymore. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Her long black hair was still slightly damp, making it even shinier—thick, soft, and carrying a faint fragrance.

Strands of it brushed gently against her white jade-like neck as Xiao Yu dried it. Ning Shuyan, feeling utterly relaxed, leaned into him.

Xiao Yu patted her head gently. "I'm just drying your hair and you're already flopping over."

"I'm just tired," she said in a soft voice, as if she had no energy left.

Once her hair was mostly dry, Xiao Yu put down the cloth. His normally cool lips curved into a gentle smile. "Alright, if you're tired, go to sleep."

But Ning Shuyan didn't get up. She turned and opened her arms, smiling brightly at Xiao Yu.

How could Xiao Yu not understand? She was acting spoiled, clearly refusing to walk.

He reached out and scooped her up into his arms. His eyes were filled with affection, though his tone was teasing: "So delicate."

Ning Shuyan rolled her eyes at him and hooked her arms around his neck. "My chest hurts."

Xiao Yu recalled how her chest had been pressed earlier by the jade beads and smirked. "You once said—some things can only be understood, not spoken of."

Ning Shuyan let out a soft little hum of protest. "And you're still clinging to those words? You don't even feel sorry for me."

Xiao Yu laid her on the bed and gave her a mischievous smile. "Then let me give you a massage."

Upon hearing that, Ning Shuyan quickly shook her head. If he started massaging her, she feared she wouldn't be able to sleep at all afterward.

She clutched her chest. "Forget it... I'm fine now."

Xiao Yu playfully flicked the tip of her dainty nose. His gaze was gentle like jade. "I was teasing. Just sleep."

With that, he extinguished the candles nearby.

The brightly lit chamber was instantly plunged into darkness, leaving only faint silhouettes in the bed curtains.

—

On the morning of March 18, Ning Shuyan searched the storeroom for a while, finally picking out a jade bracelet and a hairpin.

The hairpin was one Xiao Yu had given her before. Just yesterday, he had joked that since it was Cheng Yin's birthday, all the best gifts she'd receive were from him anyway. So lending it as a gift from another wouldn't be too bad.

In the end, she found a hairpin that suited Cheng Yin—it was adorned with begonia blossoms, butterflies, and rosy pearls of varying lengths. The color was exquisite, glowing with a soft radiance like liquid light. It was truly dazzling.

Cheng Yin often liked to wear more vibrant clothing, and this piece would surely suit her well.

The jade bracelet, though not overly eye-catching, was still elegant and valuable—intended for Qiule. For a palace maid, it was quite the luxurious gift.

"What a coincidence," Ning Shuyan said. "I hadn't realized you and Cheng Yin share the same birthday."

She pulled out the bracelet and personally helped Qiule put it on. "Take the day off today. Do you have any wishes? If I can grant them, I will."

Qiule was overwhelmed as she looked at the high-quality jade bracelet. She was about to kneel in gratitude when Ning Shuyan quickly grabbed her hand.

"There's no need for formality between us," Ning Shuyan said firmly.

Qiule's heart swelled with emotion, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Your grace is more than I deserve. I have no family. My only wish is for you to live a safe and happy life."

Ning Shuyan felt a warmth in her eyes. For a moment, she didn't know what to say. All she could do was hold Qiule's hand tightly.

—

After paying respects at Fengqi Palace, Ning Shuyan and Cheng Yin went to the imperial garden.

Though it was close to both Zhaochan Hall and Fengqi Palace, Ning Shuyan had rarely visited it in her year at court, as it was often a place of gossip and intrigue.

In March, the imperial garden was bursting with color and vitality.

The peonies, in particular, were breathtaking—lush and vibrant, blooming in the sunlight with seductive brilliance.

Butterflies fluttered in, drawn by the scent, sipping nectar from golden stamens and locking the fragrance tightly within their embrace.

"The sun's been so harsh lately—my face actually aches from it," Cheng Yin said, gently touching her fair cheek.

She had been diligently caring for her skin lately and was indeed fairer and more delicate than ever, but now couldn't stand direct sunlight for long.

Ning Shuyan chuckled. "I have something for you."

She pulled out the hairpin. Under the sun, the rosy pearls gleamed even more beautifully, shimmering like rainbow light with every movement—stunning to behold.

"Do you like it?" Ning Shuyan asked, her dimples deepening as she smiled.

Cheng Yin lit up like a blooming rose and nodded eagerly. "I love it!"

Ning Shuyan's smile grew. "Let me put it on for you."

She lifted her hand and found a suitable spot in Cheng Yin's bun, sliding the hairpin in at a slant.

Cheng Yin wore a crimson gauze dress today. Already beautiful, the hairpin made her shine even more brightly.

She touched the hairpin and grinned as Ning Shuyan nodded approvingly. "Mhm, you look amazing."

Cheng Yin raised her brows. "I've always known I'm beautiful. With this hairpin, I'm even more dazzling."

Ning Shuyan laughed. "You're not humble at all!"

Cheng Yin proudly brushed her bangs aside with a grin.

"Happy birthday, Cheng Yin. I wish you peace and joy all your life," Ning Shuyan said with rare solemnity.

Cheng Yin blinked at her, moved by the sincere smile in Ning Shuyan's bright eyes. She smiled radiantly, showing her white teeth. "Thank you."