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

Ning Shuyan was a little confused. If Xiao Yu was angry because she had indulged herself and brought this upon herself, at most he would scold her a few times. But looking at him now... why did he seem genuinely mad?

This was the first time she couldn't figure out Xiao Yu's temper.

Ning Shuyan looked at his stiff expression. No matter what, acting spoiled always worked.

She reached out and gently tugged at Xiao Yu's sleeve, her voice soft and sweet: "Your Majesty, are you angry?"

Xiao Yu looked at her pitiful face gazing up at him, and his heart inevitably softened. Though his expression eased slightly, his tone remained cold: "You don't even know how to cherish your own body. Why should I be angry?"

Ning Shuyan tugged his sleeve again and swayed it lightly. Her head lowered, eyes downcast, long lashes trembling uneasily. "Your Majesty, this concubine knows she was wrong."

Her voice was weak, yet soft and timid, truly like an injured little fox.

Xiao Yu's heart couldn't harden no matter what. He took a deep breath, his large hand clasping her slightly cold one. In a gentler tone, he asked, "Does it hurt a lot?"

Ning Shuyan leaned into his arms and softly said, "It's already better."

Xiao Yu gently stroked her back. "You're already a grown woman, still greedy with food? Aren't you afraid you'll get some lingering illness?"

Ning Shuyan gave a weak smile. "Women often feel unwell during their monthly cycle—it's normal. It won't leave any lasting problems."

Imperial Physician Ji arrived. After checking Ning Shuyan's pulse, he confirmed what Qiu Le had already said and prescribed medicine to promote blood circulation and ease the pain.

Just as the physician was about to leave, Xiao Yu asked, "Is Zhaoxiu Yi's body fine? Will this episode leave any lingering effects?"

Physician Ji bowed and replied, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. The Consort is in good health. There won't be any lasting problems. With a couple days of rest, she'll be fine."

Xiao Yu nodded, then moved his lips as if to say something: "Since Zhaoxiu Yi is healthy... then why—"

He glanced at Ning Shuyan and said solemnly, "Why has she still not become pregnant?"

Ning Shuyan looked at him in astonishment. Then they heard Physician Ji say, "Pregnancy depends on fate. Rushing it only makes it harder. Both Your Majesty and the Consort are in good health. It's only a matter of time."

Xiao Yu frowned. That answer was basically useless. He waved his hand to dismiss him.

Ning Shuyan's lips curved slightly, her eyes lowered with a faint smile. Then she switched to a faint, sorrowful look and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, do you think this concubine might not be able to conceive?"

"Of course not!" Xiao Yu replied instinctively.

He pulled her into his embrace and comforted her, "The imperial physician just said it—you and I are both healthy. It's only a matter of time."

But Ning Shuyan's expression remained dim. "Then... why haven't I been pregnant since that miscarriage?"

She bit her lip tightly, her brows full of sorrow and regret.

Xiao Yu felt a pang of guilt. He held her close and said gently, "There will be children. I'll come to Lan Yue Pavilion more often these days. I... I'll try harder."

Ning Shuyan laughed inwardly. No matter how hard you try, I still won't get pregnant. But she was getting what she wanted—Xiao Yu was now genuinely hoping she'd conceive.