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

Cheng Yin stood frozen for a moment, dazed. "I... I can raise the princess?"

Ning Shuyan replied, "Why not? Your father has military achievements and will be promoted sooner or later. When the time comes, I'll speak with His Majesty as well."

Cheng Yin rubbed the hand warmer nervously. "His Majesty did say after the new year he would raise my rank, but... I've never been a mother. I don't know how to care for a princess, or if I'd even do a good job."

As she spoke, a hint of anxiety crept into her voice.

Ning Shuyan smiled gently. "You've never been one to worry about everything. Just tell me—if the princess were entrusted to you, would you be willing?"

Cheng Yin thought for a moment. A soft smile tugged at her lips. "The child is rather adorable..."

Ning Shuyan grasped her wrist. "Then it's settled. His Majesty will be at Lanyue Pavilion later; I'll probe his thoughts on it."

Cheng Yin felt a complex rush of emotions—she couldn't quite tell if she was happy or nervous. She reached up to adjust the silver tassel by her temple, which shimmered gently in the light.

She slowly nodded. "Alright... but if His Majesty isn't willing, then just forget it."

As they spoke, they arrived at the plum garden. Ning Shuyan picked several wintersweet blossoms to bring back to the palace.

After trimming them and placing them in a white jade vase, the golden-hued blossoms looked especially pleasing to the eye.

With the brazier nearby, the fragrant warmth of the flowers filled the room.

At that moment, Ziying came in from outside, her expression full of joy, though she hesitated to speak.

Qiule, seeing this, smiled and excused herself, knowing Ziying clearly had something to say.

Ning Shuyan smiled lightly. "What's the matter? You look so happy."

A faint blush colored Ziying's fair face. She lowered her head, shy like a young girl in love. "I embroidered a sachet for Physician Ji... and he accepted it."

She bit her lip in joy, looking more charming than usual.

Ning Shuyan laughed. "Is that so? It sounds like Physician Ji has feelings for you too—otherwise, he wouldn't have accepted a sachet you made yourself."

Ziying's smile faltered slightly. "At first, he didn't want it. I... I put it directly into his hand, and he didn't reject it again. I don't know what he truly feels."

Ning Shuyan gently touched the lid of her teacup and said warmly, "In a few days, I'll test him discreetly. If he really likes you, I won't keep you by my side any longer."

Ziying suddenly felt a twinge of sorrow. If she truly left the palace to marry, she could no longer be by her lady's side.

To her, Ning Shuyan wasn't just a mistress, but also family.

"I... I actually want to stay with Your Ladyship a few more years. In the harem, only Qiule and I are truly trustworthy. If I leave, I'll worry..."

Ning Shuyan curved her lips into a soft, crescent smile. "Liuli is trustworthy too, you know. Don't worry. If you can marry and leave the palace, that's wonderful. If not, I'll just tie you to my side forever." She said it half in jest.

Seeing Ziying like this, she knew the girl had already started imagining that Physician Ji liked her. Love is the most difficult thing in the world. If he didn't share those feelings, she'd be heartbroken.

That night, when the hour of the dog arrived, Emperor Xiao Yu had yet to come. Ning Shuyan sat by the couch, sipping tea and reading.

It wasn't until she heard some noise that she rose quickly and walked to the corridor—just in time to see Xiao Yu approaching.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," she curtsied gracefully, but before she could finish the formal salute, he helped her up.

He had already passed his hand warmer to Yang An, and took her hand gently. "It's cold and windy. Why come out to greet me?"

She let him lead her back inside, smiling as she replied, "I just hoped that the first thing Your Majesty would see would be me."

Xiao Yu was momentarily stunned, his eyes filling with warmth as he gazed at her delicate face. He remembered the last time she'd said something like this—it was not long after she first entered the palace.

She hadn't come out to greet him like this in a long time. A hint of satisfaction bloomed in his heart.

He reached out to pinch her cheek, the corners of his mouth lifting with tenderness.

Ning Shuyan poured a cup of tea and held it to his lips. "I brewed this myself. You just came from the cold; have some warm tea."

Xiao Yu took the tea from her hand and drank it. The moment it went down, he realized it was his favorite—Biluochun.

"Why did Your Majesty arrive later today? Was the court busy?" she asked sweetly as she set the cup down.

"Mm. Did you wait long?"

She quickly shook her head. "Not at all. Waiting for Your Majesty is sweet to me. You must be exhausted. Let me massage your shoulders."

Xiao Yu looked at her standing there, gazing up at him with eyes like stars, reflecting his image in their dark depths. Her smile was radiant, her teeth bright white—almost too obedient, too affectionate.

She seemed like she was trying to curry favor. Yet, he couldn't help but feel delighted, even if he kept a composed expression.

He pulled her into his arms, and she leaned back against his chest.

Staring into her expressive almond eyes, Xiao Yu murmured, "Yan'er, something's not right."

Ning Shuyan lowered her lashes bashfully and said softly, "So Your Majesty noticed..."

She looped her arms around his neck and sat up straight, her voice gentle. "I wanted to ask something of Your Majesty."

"Say it."

She lightly caressed the hair near his temple. "Who does Your Majesty plan to entrust the princess to?"

Xiao Yu smiled as he held her waist. "My top choice is Yan'er. But I've told you—I'd much rather see you raise your own child."

Her eyes glimmered as she shifted her gaze to him. "Actually, I have someone in mind. I wonder what Your Majesty thinks."

"Who?"

"What about Cheng Yin?"

Xiao Yu was surprised. He hadn't considered her.

Cheng Yin did hold a special place in his heart, and he did treat her well. But she was too flamboyant and careless—raising a child required attentiveness. She didn't seem suited.

He mused, "Cheng Yin's temperament... may not be ideal for raising Jin Ning."

Ning Shuyan pouted, taking her hand from his face and lightly scolding, "Why not? Don't forget—if Cheng Yin's child had lived, he'd probably be calling you Father by now. She suffered a miscarriage and may not be able to conceive again. Doesn't Your Majesty want to make it up to her? She was a mother once, and she truly loves children."

Yes, Xiao Yu thought, if that child had survived, he'd probably be walking and talking now. In that regard, he did owe Cheng Yin.

Seeing him deep in thought, Ning Shuyan wrapped her arms around his neck again and said sweetly, "She's still mourning that child. She hasn't moved on. Unlike me—I have Your Majesty beside me, pampering and loving me, which is how I've recovered so quickly. Besides, I think once Cheng Yin becomes a mother again, she'll definitely become gentler."

Xiao Yu exhaled deeply and flicked her forehead with a warm smile. "You've said so many nice things—if I don't agree, you'll pout again, won't you?"