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

By mid-September, the autumn wind was bleak yet the scenery magnificent, golden yellow leaves covering the trees.

Ning Shuyan had gotten her period, and this time, she actually felt a slight ache in her lower abdomen. She was sitting upright in the courtyard, basking in the sun and sipping tea. The sunlight after the rain was especially comfortable and gentle, making one feel drowsy. The discomfort in her belly had somewhat eased.

Suddenly, she heard hurried footsteps outside. Sitting up, she saw a palace maid rush in with a panicked expression. Ning Shuyan recognized her—it was Ziwu, a maid from Yushu Palace.

As soon as she entered, she dropped to her knees with a thud before Ning Shuyan. Startled, Ning Shuyan heard her plead, "My Lady Xiuyi, please save my mistress!"

Ning Shuyan immediately stood up. "What happened? Speak clearly."

Ziwu replied, "Someone poured oil at the entrance of Palace Lady Nangong's quarters, nearly causing her to fall. A servant saw Ziyi take something out from her sleeve. The Empress suspects it was my mistress who ordered it. She was just taken to Fengqi Palace. You and my mistress have always been close, please help her."

As she spoke, she desperately knocked her head on the floor in a kowtow.

Ning Shuyan's heart trembled. Cheng Yin had warned her before—Consort Zhuang must not be allowed to stay...

She fixed her gaze on Ziwu. "Tell me truthfully—was your mistress involved in this or not? Only then can I help her."

Ziwu froze slightly, struggling to speak.

Ning Shuyan urged, "If you want to save your mistress, then tell me everything."

Ziwu hesitated, but at this point, she had no better option. She had to try something—anything.

She quickly said, "Yes, it was my mistress. Palace Lady Nangong caused her to miscarry before. My mistress said this was only returning the favor in kind. She truly didn't expect to be seen. Now His Majesty and the Empress are already at Fengqi Palace, and the witness is there too. My mistress likely won't escape punishment. I had no choice but to come beg you, my lady."

Ning Shuyan frowned tightly, filled with both anger and worry. "Cheng Yin is so reckless!"

Ziwu was panicking. "My mistress was very discreet. She never thought anyone would notice."

But what was done was done—there was no use regretting it now.

Ning Shuyan silently twisted the silk handkerchief in her hand, her mind churning like a whirlwind.

After a moment, her hands stilled, and a spark lit up in her eyes.

After instructing Ziwu and Qiu Le, Ning Shuyan brought Ziying and set off for Fengqi Palace.

She didn't take a sedan but chose to walk, using a shortcut.

By the time she arrived, she was covered in sweat. Maybe because of her period, she felt weak and sore all over.

But she couldn't care about that now. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with her handkerchief, straightened her clothes and appearance, and calmed her anxious heart as she slowly approached Fengqi Palace.

"Since you claim you didn't pour the oil, then tell me—what were you hiding in your sleeve at the time? Why did you look so flustered and refuse to show it?"

Ning Shuyan heard the Empress questioning sharply just as she reached the door. Before the kneeling Ziyi could answer, she stepped into the hall.

Inside were also Noble Lady Ying and Noble Consort Lin. Among the higher-ranked consorts, only she hadn't arrived—it was unclear whether it was intentional or if the Empress had simply not summoned her.