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

After leaving Fengxi Palace, Cheng Yin seemed at a loss, unsure what to do with her hands. She wasn't even holding her hand warmer and kept fidgeting with her handkerchief.

"Ning Shuyan, how did the Emperor really agree to this?" She was a mix of surprised, delighted, and nervous. Without waiting for Ning Shuyan's answer, she murmured, "Can I really be a good foster mother? Do you think the child won't like me?"

Ning Shuyan reached out to take her hand, noticing that her palm was damp with sweat. She spoke gently, "If you don't try, how will you ever know? The princess is still young, it's easy to form a bond. Cheng Yin, I believe you'll be a wonderful foster mother."

Cheng Yin's brows lifted slightly with joy. "I'll go back now and have the maids tidy up the sleeping quarters for the princess."

Ning Shuyan smiled warmly. "Why don't we go together and bring the princess ourselves?"

Cheng Yin's eyes lit up, a trace of delight on her curved lips. "Then... alright."

A cold breeze blew like blades, but Cheng Yin only felt warm and peaceful inside.

When they arrived at Le'an Palace, the nanny and wet nurse caring for the princess were busy packing things, preparing to move to Yushu Palace.

They hadn't expected the young lady herself to come. The palace attendants quickly bowed, "Greetings to Her Highness Xiuyi and Consort Xi."

"Rise," Cheng Yin said, then walked over to the bed where Jin Ning was playing.

The little girl was lying on the bed, playing with a rattle drum. Hearing footsteps, she slowly turned her head to look at Cheng Yin approaching.

Ning Shuyan followed behind with a gentle smile. "The princess is looking at you."

Just as she spoke, Jin Ning gave them a wide, toothless smile—adorably charming.

Cheng Yin smiled as well, warmth blooming in her heart. She gently took Jin Ning's hand. "Are you this happy because you know Consort Xi is here to take you?"

Beside her, Ning Shuyan gently corrected, "It should be 'Mother Consort.'"

"Mother Consort..." Cheng Yin repeated softly, gazing tenderly at Jin Ning.

Once, she had imagined what it would be like when her child called her mother consort, took their first steps... what she herself would be like as a mother. But sadly, that child had never come to be.

And wasn't Jin Ning much like herself? No mother consort. While she had no child. Both were pitiful souls in the deep palace.

She reached out and gently stroked Jin Ning's soft, pale cheek. "Don't worry. I will protect you well from now on."

A soft smile tugged at Ning Shuyan's lips. It seemed giving Jin Ning to Cheng Yin had been the right choice.

It wasn't just for the child's future support—being a mother would make Cheng Yin stronger. When a woman has someone to protect, when she gains a mother's kindness, she becomes more mature and composed.

Watching the tender interaction between the two, Ning Shuyan remembered something important.

The nursemaids and attendants in Le'an Palace had likely been assigned by various factions, or could be easily bribed later. They needed a warning.

She called over the wet nurse and two palace maids caring for the princess.

Seated, she studied the three and said, "From now on, you'll follow the princess to Yushu Palace and care for her just as carefully as you did here."

The wet nurse smiled broadly, "Of course. The princess is so lovable, this servant will take excellent care of her."

Ning Shuyan hummed in acknowledgment, tapping the armrest of her chair lightly, her gaze fixed on them. "You serve the princess—your most important duty is her wellbeing. From now on, your only masters are the princess and Consort Xi. The Emperor treasures the princess, which is why he entrusted her to Consort Xi. If anything happens to her, or if any of you harbor improper thoughts..."

She paused slightly here, noticing the tension in their expressions.

"...we will report directly to the Emperor, and you'll be sent to hard labor."

Her voice was calm, but full of authority. Today, she wore a deep orange brocade gown, trimmed with fine fox fur at the collar, her golden hair ornament swaying with each move, adding to her majesty.

The wet nurse trembled, immediately kneeling and kowtowing. "Yes... this servant will be utterly loyal to the princess and Consort Xi. I wouldn't dare harbor any disloyalty. Please rest assured, Your Highness Xiuyi."

Ning Shuyan nodded. "Good. As the saying goes, with rewards come punishments. If you do your jobs well, you'll be rewarded."

Then she turned to Cheng Yin. Cheng Yin caught the cue and quickly added, "Whatever Lady Xiuyi says represents my stance as well. If you're loyal to me, you will be well rewarded."

The attendants immediately chimed in, "We will serve the princess wholeheartedly, with unwavering loyalty."

After they stood, Ning Shuyan walked over to Jin Ning. The baby girl was chubby and adorable—not very much like Concubine Xue.

Ning Shuyan opened her arms with a gentle smile. "Shall this lady hold you?"

Jin Ning raised her arms slightly, and Ning Shuyan picked her up. Though she was a bit rusty from her previous life experience, her hand placement was correct.

Turning to Cheng Yin, she said, "Come, hold your daughter."

The phrase "your daughter" stirred something indescribable in Cheng Yin's heart. She mimicked Ning Shuyan's stance and reached out, her smile obvious. "Is this... is this the right way to hold her?"

She looked at Ning Shuyan, who nodded, and then Cheng Yin embraced Jin Ning tightly.

The little one neither cried nor fussed, her round eyes darting curiously—making Cheng Yin's heart melt.

At that moment, the wet nurse came forward and smiled. "The princess is five months old now. You can hold her upright—makes it easier on your arms, my lady."

She stepped forward to instruct Cheng Yin on how to hold the child, and Ning Shuyan couldn't help but smile. That's right, a three-month-old can already be held upright. After seven years in this place, her past life felt like a dream—she had forgotten so much.

Cheng Yin's face glowed with joy, like a first-time mother. Though she fumbled slightly, she earnestly learned how to hold the baby.

It was the first time Ning Shuyan had seen Cheng Yin smile so gently and warmly—like winter sunlight melting away the coldest snow.

She used to be like snow from a mountaintop—pure and cold—but every woman has a soft, motherly side.

On the way back to Lanyue Pavilion, Ning Shuyan felt weak all over.

She also felt a bit empty in her lower abdomen and quickly asked, "Is there still seafood porridge from this morning? I'm starving."

Ziying quickly replied with a smile, "Yes, I'll warm it for Your Highness right away."

Qiule poured her a cup of hot tea. "Your Highness has had quite an appetite lately."

Ning Shuyan accepted it with a smile. "Ever since winter began, I've been getting hungry more quickly. I just want warm things all the time."

She lifted the lid. The tea shimmered a beautiful green, steam curling into the air, releasing a fragrant aroma. Ning Shuyan took a small sip and furrowed her brow. "Maybe I've had too many tonics lately—this tea doesn't taste as fragrant."

Qiule smiled softly. "Those rich tonics build inner heat. Now that you've stopped drinking them for a few days, things should improve soon."