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

Inside the Lan Yue Pavilion, Ning Shuyan sat on the couch reading a book.

Ziying returned from outside, her face adorned with a faint smile of joy.

Ning Shuyan couldn't help but smile. "What is it? You look so happy."

Ziying replied with a bright expression, "Your Ladyship, I have some good news."

Ning Shuyan put down the book and looked at her.

"Just now I went to the Imperial Medical Bureau and happened to run into Physician Ji, who was returning from Yi He Palace. He said that the pregnancy of Noble Lady Nangong will be very difficult. Right now, she vomits whatever she eats. Physician Ji said he barely recognized her."

Ning Shuyan remained calm. The Nangong family had collapsed, their entire clan implicated and punished. Nangong herself was confined in Yi He Palace and not allowed to leave. It was no surprise she was emotionally distressed—utterly heartbroken.

"What were you doing at the Imperial Medical Bureau?"

Ziying froze slightly and lowered her eyes. "I... I just wanted to borrow two books from Physician Ji."

Ning Shuyan stared at her, sensing something was off. Ziying had been frequently leaving the palace lately, and her repeated visits to the Medical Bureau seemed odd.

After a moment, she said, "Ziying, don't tell me you've taken a liking to Physician Ji."

Ziying's heart pounded like a deer in panic. She waved her hands. "N-no, not at all. I haven't!"

Seeing her flustered and evasive eyes, Ning Shuyan knew she was lying. Her tone turned a little more serious. "Ziying, you've been with me since you were eight. Do you think you can fool me?"

Ziying immediately knelt down. "Your Ladyship, I didn't mean to deceive you. I just... I just have a little fondness for him."

Ning Shuyan helped her up and gently held her hand. "I'm not blaming you. I just don't want you to get hurt. Does Physician Ji know how you feel?"

Ziying's cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her voice. "I don't know... I haven't asked him..."

Back in the estate, Ning Shuyan had never intended to keep Ziying by her side forever.

Ziying was cheerful and lively, not suited for the palace. Ning Shuyan had allowed her to follow into the palace because she intended to find a good match for her once she secured her own position—perhaps even as a noble consort. By then, Ziying, as a personal maid to a noble consort, would hold a prestigious status, making it easier to find a worthy husband.

Ning Shuyan had already looked into Physician Ji: he had only a gambling-addicted father at home—not the best match. But at least he was a decent man. When Ning Shuyan first tried to bribe him, she could tell.

He had said, "The emperor is my only master. As a physician, I cannot go against conscience for silver."

Ning Shuyan thought for a moment and said, "Very well. In a few days, when he comes to take my pulse, I'll ask about his thoughts. For now, don't go see him anymore. You're a palace maid—if someone with ill intent discovers this, they might use it against you."

Ziying immediately shook her head. "No! Please don't ask him, Your Ladyship."

"Why not?"

Ziying bit her lip softly. "If he doesn't like me, and the truth is revealed, I'm afraid he'll avoid me altogether..."

She added, "Your Ladyship, I've never done anything inappropriate with him. I only talk to him when we go ask for your pulse. The palace rules are strict—I understand that. Please give me some time. Let him get more familiar with me. Then it won't be too late for you to ask."